Monotropein Induced Apoptosis and Suppressed Cell Cycle Progression in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Objective: To determine whether monotropein has an anticancer effect and explore its potential mechanisms against colorectal cancer (CRC) through network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental verification.

Methods: Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict potential targets of monotropein against CRC. Cell counting kit assay, plate monoclonal assay and microscopic observation were used to investigate the antiproliferative effects of monotropein on CRC cells HCT116, HT29 and LoVo.

Unfavourable intrauterine environment contributes to abnormal gut microbiome and metabolome in twins.

Objective: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a devastating pregnancy complication that increases the risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. This study aims to determine the combined and relative effects of genetic and intrauterine environments on neonatal microbial communities and to explore selective FGR-induced gut microbiota disruption, metabolic profile disturbances and possible outcomes.

Design: We profiled and compared the gut microbial colonisation of 150 pairs of twin neonates who were classified into four groups based on their chorionicity and discordance of fetal birth weight.