Mevastatin-Induced HO-1 Expression in Cardiac Fibroblasts: A Strategy to Combat Cardiovascular Inflammation and Fibrosis.

Mevastatin (MVS) is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, potentially achieved by upregulating heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme involved in cytoprotection against oxidative injury. Nonetheless, the specific processes by which MVS stimulates HO-1 expression in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) are not yet fully understood. In this study, we found that MVS treatment increased HO-1 mRNA and protein levels in HCFs.

Bufalin induces ferroptosis by modulating the 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase (DECR1)-SLC7A11 axis in breast cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase (DECR1), an auxiliary component of beta-oxidation, has been recognized for its role in enhancing lipid peroxidation and inducing ferroptosis in prostate cancer. However, its involvement in breast cancer remains largely unexplored.

Incidence of Congenital Posterior Arch Defects of the Atlas in Chinese Population.

Objective: To study the incidence of congenital posterior arch defects of the atlas and in combination with other congenital variations in the Chinese population.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1405 images of cervical 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) and 1284 images of head and cervical 3-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D CTA), including images of 1539 male and 1150 female individuals. These images of cervical 3D CT and head and cervical 3D CTA were obtained in the Department of Radiology of 2 hospitals, Second and Third People's Hospital of Jingzhou, China, from January 2020 to October 2023.

The roles of lncRNAs in the development of drug resistance of oral cancers.

Oral cancers are a significant global health concern, with a high incidence of treatment failure primarily due to the development of drug resistance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression, playing pivotal roles in various cellular processes, including tumor progression and response to therapy. This review explores the multifaceted roles of lncRNAs in the development of drug resistance in oral cancers.

Multi-Target Mechanisms of Si-Ni-San on Anxious Insomnia: An Example of Network-pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis.

Background And Objective: Based on comprehensive network-pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, this study was intended to unveil the multiple mechanisms of Si-Ni-San (SNS) in treating anxious insomnia.

Methods: The compounds of SNS were meticulously analyzed, selected and standardized with references to their pharmacological attributes. The components included chaihu (Bupleurum chinense DC.

Association between dietary -carotene intake with Parkinson's disease and all-cause mortality among American adults aged 40 and older (NHANES 2001-2018).

Background: The existing evidence concerning the correlation between dietary -carotene intake and Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently deemed insufficient. Thus, this research aims to investigate the relationship between dietary -carotene intake and both the prevalence of PD and all-cause mortality within the US (United States) population.

Methods: The research employed cross-sectional analysis and cohort studies utilizing data from 16,852 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2001 to 2018.

Acupuncture treatment is associated with a decreased risk of dementia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Taiwan: A propensity-score matched cohort study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to understand whether acupuncture can decrease the risk of dementia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Using the registry from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, we carried out a 1:1 propensity-score matched cohort study to analyze patients with RA diagnosed between 2000 and 2010. The patients who received acupuncture therapy were grouped as acupuncture users ( = 9,919), while the others were grouped as non-acupuncture users ( = 19,331).

Psychological problems and their impact on oral mucosal disease patients' quality of life: A cross-sectional study in the Chinese population.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the presence of common psychological factors (i.e., stress, depression, anxiety) and their impact on the Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients diagnosed with four oral mucosal diseases (OMDs): recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU), oral lichen planus (OLP), oral leukoplakia (OLK), and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF).

Neuroprotective effects of Blume on promoting M2 microglial polarization by inhibiting JNK/TLR4/T3JAM/NF-κB signaling after transient ischemic stroke in rats.

Background: Blume, also called Tian Ma (TM), has been used to treat stroke for centuries. However, its effects on inflammation in acute cerebral ischemic injury and underlying mechanisms involved in microglial polarization remain unknown. The present study explored the effects of the TM extract on the modulation of microglial M1/M2 polarization 2 days after transient cerebral ischemia.

Consensus Statement on the Outcome of the European Herbal Health Products Summit - Which Way Forward?

Herbal medicinal products are a vital part of the healthcare system in Europe and beyond. Being predominantly sold as non-prescription medicines in pharmacies, they are very popular with patients, physicians, and pharmacists and are therefore an important part of self-medication. Interest in this sector has recently gained momentum, reflecting the ongoing revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation and the recent discussion on nutrition and health claims on foods based on the implementation report of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 by the European Parliament 1.

Mechanism of KMT2D-mediated epigenetic modification in IL-1β-induced nucleus pulposus cell degeneration.

Background: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) is characterized by structural destruction accompanied by accelerated signs of aging. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of lysine methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D) in the proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in IVDD.

Methods: Mouse-derived NPCs were cultured and induced with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) to establish cell models.

Acupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for Glaucoma: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Glaucoma is a chronic progressive optic neuropathy that necessitates lifelong treatment to reduce the decline of the optic nerve. Due to the extended and continuous treatments required for patients, complementary therapies are often considered alongside conventional treatments to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Acupuncture has demonstrated the potential to lower intraocular pressure in previous clinical trials, making it a promising glaucoma intervention.

The analysis of raw and processed Polygonatum kingianum saponins and stimulatory mechanism in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Polygonati Rhizoma, a Chinese medicine often used in the clinic, can irritate the tongue and throat, so it must be processed before use. Polygonati Rhizoma contains a variety of chemical components, with saponins being one of the main active ingredients. Saponins can be highly irritating to human mocous membranes and have toxicity.

The effect of air pollutants on COPD-hospitalized patients in Lanzhou, China (2015-2019).

Background: Lanzhou is the largest heavy industrial city in northwest China and it is a typical geographical valley-like city. However, there are few studies on the relationship between air pollutants and COPD, and their respective sample sizes are small, resulting in inconsistent results. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of air pollutants on COPD hospitalizations in Lanzhou, China.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs for Breast Cancer Prevention and Survival: A Narrative Review of Epidemiological Studies from Taiwan.

Purpose Of Review: This review aims to describe the association of integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs into conventional medicine (CM) in preventing breast cancer and improving survival rates among breast cancer patients of Taiwan.

Recent Findings: Of 7 relevant studies, spanning 2014-2023, 4 investigated breast cancer risk in women with menopausal symptoms and other comorbidities. All 4 reported that TCM herbal use was associated with lower risks of developing breast cancer.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may benefit cardiopulmonary outcomes in patients with COPD.

Background: Clinical studies have shown that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) can have beneficial effects on cardiopulmonary function. We conducted this longitudinal cohort study to compare the risk of cardiopulmonary outcomes and mortality between GLP-1 RA use and no use in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: The study identified 8060 matched GLP-1 RA users and non-users from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2019.

The association between antiglaucomatous agents and Alzheimer's disease.

Objectives: To estimate the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated with long-term use of topical glaucoma medications among middle-aged and older glaucoma patients, and compare the AD risk among various glaucoma subtypes.

Methods: This nationwide population-based cohort study utilized insurance claims data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database between 2008 and 2019. Participants were adults aged 45 years or older either with a diagnosis of glaucoma or without.

Imperatorin ameliorates ferroptotic cell death, inflammation, and renal fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse model.

Background: Imperatorin is a naturally occurring furocoumarin derivative found in traditional Chinese medicine Angelica dahurica for its anticancer, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic properties. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health issue, characterized by a high prevalence, significant morbidity and mortality, and a range of related complications.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the protective effects of imperatorin treatment and the specific underlying mechanisms in progressive CKD.