Research progress on fermentation-produced plant-derived bioactive peptides.

With the advancement of biotechnology and the human pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, investigations on bioactive peptides (BAPs) have received increasing attention. Compared to proteins, BAPs have lower molecular weights and are more easily digested and absorbed by the human body, exhibiting various physiological functions. For instance, they can inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.

Association of different types of milk with depression and anxiety: a prospective cohort study and Mendelian randomization analysis.

Background: The relationship between different types of milk and depression and anxiety remains unclear, with limited evidence from prospective cohort studies. This study aims to evaluate this relationship using data from the UK Biobank cohort and to explore its potential causality through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods: Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between different milk types and the risk of depression and anxiety among 357,568 UK Biobank participants free of these conditions at baseline.

[Differences in components and anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of two phase states of Wuzhuyu Decoction].

This study rapidly identified and quantified the chemical components of the Wuzhuyu Decoction nanophase(WZYD-N) and suspension phase(WZYD-S) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry(UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS). Based on preliminary pharmacodynamic experiments and network pharmacology analysis, the differential anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of WZYD-N and WZYD-S were explored to understand their pharmacodynamic basis. WZYD-N and WZYD-S were separated by differential centrifugation-dialysis, and their particle size, Zeta potential, PDI, and morphology were characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy.

[Metabolomics study on anti-radiation effect of Yiguan Decoction].

The gas chromatography-mass spectrometer(GC-MS) metabolomics method was used to investigate the anti-radiation effect of Yiguan Decoction water extract on mice and explore its related pathways and mechanisms of action. Healthy SPF male mice from Kunming were randomly assigned to six groups: blank group, model group, positive drug group, and high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of Yiguan Decoction, with ten mice in each group. Mice were prophylactically dosed for six days, and ~(60)Co γ ray with 5 Gy was used to establish a radiation mouse model.

[Integrated evidence chain: a new strategy and methodology for effectiveness e valuation of traditional Chinese medicines].

The evaluation of the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has long been a "bottleneck" issue that restricts the healthy development and internationalization of TCM. This article systematically analyzes the differences in diagnostic and treatment principles, material composition, new drug development pathways, efficacy cognition, and evaluation methodology between Chinese and Western medicine from the underlying logic of medical perspective. On this basis, it integrates the evidence elements of clinical experience, experimental research, and clinical trials, and for the first time proposes and establishes a new strategy and methodology for the evaluation of the effectiveness of TCM: the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine(iEC-Eff), forming an integrated evaluation and confirmation model of "clinical experience-experimental research-clinical trial" for the effectiveness of TCM.

[Tissue distribution of volatile compounds in secretory cavities of different rhizome sections of wild Atractylodes lancea and A. lancea transplanted for different years].

Laser capture microdissection(LCM) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) was employed to investigate the distribution of volatile compound in the secretory cavities of different tissues(cortex, phloem, xylem, and pith) in different rhizome sections of wild Atractylodes lancea. The same method was used to study the metabolic characteristics of the volatile compounds in the secretory cavities of different rhizome tissues of A. lancea transplanted for 1-3 years.

[Literature research and discussion on properties of a new oversea-introduced traditional Chinese medicine Malaysian ginseng(Tongkat Ali)].

Tongkat Ali(Eurycoma longifolia Jack.) is a medicinal plant of Simaroubaceae in Southeast Asia, with centuries of medicinal history. Rich clinical and pharmacological research results have been attained for this plant, which demonstrates diverse and definite effects and high safety, showcasing advantages and broad market prospects to be introduced as a new medicinal plant.

[Review of chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Dendrobium huoshanense and prediction of its Q-markers].

Dendrobium huoshanense is well known for the effects of benefiting stomach, promoting fluid production, clearing heat, and nourishing Yin. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated the anti-tumor, blood glucose-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protecting effects of D. huoshanense.

Hendersines J-M: Isoquinoline alkaloids from Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl. with cardiomyocyte protective and NO production inhibitory effects.

Six isoquinoline alkaloids were identified from the alkaloid-rich fraction of Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl, including five previously undescribed isoquinoline alkaloids hendersines J-M (1a, 1b, and 2-4) and isobicuculline (5), a compound reported for the first time from a natural source. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, X-ray diffraction, and ECD. Compounds 1a and 1b represent a pair of rare three-nitrogen isoquinoline alkaloid enantiomers, while 2 and 3 are isoquinoline alkaloids featuring a benzo-fused N-heterocycle.

Discovery of pentacyclic triterpene conjugates as HBV polymerase/NTCP dual-targeting inhibitors with potent anti-HBV activities.

The inhibition of HBV DNA and elimination of HBsAg has already been established as an indicator for HBV clinic cure, and a novel dual-targeting inhibitors of HBV polymerase/entry are designed and synthesized in this study. Pentacyclic triterpenes (PTs) scaffold of exhibiting a high affinity to NTCP, including glycyrrhitinic acid (GA), oleanolic acid (OA), ursolic acid (UA), and betulinic acid (BA) were linked neatly with the nucleoside drug zidovudine (AZT) through a molecular hybrid strategy to synthesize twenty of PTs-AZT conjugates for targeting HBV polymerase as well as sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). The conjugates showed significant inhibitory effects on the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg in HepG2.

The regulative role and mechanism of BNST in anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders, common yet impactful emotional disturbances, significantly affect physical and mental health globally. Many neuron circuits are associated with anxiety regulation like septo-hippocampal loop, amygdala(AMYG), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), ventral hippocampus (vHPC), and brain regions like medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, the concrete mechanism of anxiety disorder in BNST is relatively unknown.

Severe interstitial lung disease risk prediction in anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 positive dermatomyositis: the STRAD-Ro52 model.

Objective: Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5-positive dermatomyositis-associated interstitial lung disease (MDA5DM-ILD) often leads to acute respiratory failure and endangers lives. This study quantitatively analysed chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images to assess MDA5DM-ILD and establish a risk prediction model for severe ILD within six months.

Methods: We developed a 'Standardized Threshold Ratio Analysis & Distribution' (STRAD) to analyse lung HRCT images.

Integrated network pharmacology and transcriptomics to explore the mechanism of compound Dihuang granule (CDG) protects dopaminergic neurons by regulating the Nrf2/HMOX1 pathway in the 6-OHDA/MPP-induced model of Parkinson's disease.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological disease that worsens over time. Ferroptosis has been proven to contribute to PD pathogenesis. CDG exhibits neuroprotective effects.

Effects of the combination of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, Ligustrum lucidum Ait and Dexamethasone on asthmatic rats by endogenous glucocorticoid pathway.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes that kidney deficiency is the fundamental cause of chronic refractory asthma, accompanied by pathological changes such as airway remodeling and a reduction of endogenous glucocorticoid (GC) synthesis. The combination of Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (EB) and Ligustrum lucidum Ait (LL) is frequently used in TCM for kidney tonifying and the alleviation of asthma symptoms. This approach is based on Pei-Ben formula, a renowned treatment for asthma developed by the distinguished Shanghai Practitioner, Professor Huiguang Xu, over 30 years of clinical experience.

Investigating the attenuating effects of metformin-loaded selenium nanoparticles coupled with L. flower extract on CaOx deposition in male Sprague Dawley rat kidneys via regulating MAPK signaling pathway.

Kidney stones are a foremost clinical concern in urology with CaOx crystals accounting for roughly 80% of these renal formations. This research endeavor seeks to ascertain the protective effects of Metformin-encapsulated selenium nanoparticles (M@Se NPs), combined with a 55% hydroethanolic flower extract from () in countering the formation of kidney stones in Male Sprague Dawley rats. The particle's diameter was measured to be 39 nm and 13.

Diagnostic Efficacy of Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography in Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Liver Disease and Chronic Hepatitis B.

HBV-infected individuals are also presenting with MASLD. However, the value of VCTE for detecting hepatic fibrosis and steatosis in CHB patients concurrent with MASLD is unclear. In patients with combined CHB and MASLD, we intend to assess the diagnostic efficacy of VCTE in determining the extent of fibrosis and steatosis.

Therapeutic potential of Xihuang Pill in colorectal cancer: Metabolomic and microbiome-driven approaches.

Introduction: The Xihuang Pill (XHP), a venerated traditional Chinese medicine, has demonstrated significant anti-cancer capabilities. Despite its proven efficacy, the scarcity of comprehensive pharmacological studies limits the widespread application of XHP. This research endeavor seeks to demystify the therapeutic underpinnings of XHP, particularly in the realm of colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Potential Mechanism of Hook.f. & Thomson in Lowering Serum Uric Acid by Reducing Inflammatory State Through CCR7 Target.

Hook.f. & Thomson (CC) is a traditional medicinal herb with multiple biological activities.

Bioinspired Synthesis of Phelligridin Analogues via Ru-Catalyzed C-H Activation/[4 + 2] Annulation of Aryl Imidates with Heteroaromatic Iodonium Ylides.

The first Ru(II)-catalyzed C-H activation/[4 + 2] annulation of aryl imidates with heteroaromatic iodonium ylides is reported. Our approach features the utilization of a commercially available ruthenium catalyst, providing a one-step construction of phelligridin analogues from easily available and nonpreactivated starting materials. The developed methodology is successfully employed for the total synthesis of phelligridin A, significantly streamlining previous multistep synthesis.

Recent Advances of Metal Complexes in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Chemotherapy has long been used in the clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), driving the development of anticancer chemotherapy drugs. Platinum complexes have attracted significant attention and have led to the creation of a series of platinum-based drugs used in diverse cancer treatments, including HCC. However, the clinical use of platinum drugs faces critical challenges due to drug resistance and side effects.

Crosstalk between lactate and tumor-associated immune cells: clinical relevance and insight.

Lactate, which was traditionally viewed as a metabolic byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis, has emerged as a significant signaling molecule involved in the development of tumors. Current studies highlight its dual function, where it not only fuels tumor development but also modulates immune responses. Lactate has an effect on various tumor-associated immune cells, promoting immunosuppressive conditions that facilitate tumor growth and immune evasion.

Exploring the relationship between air pollution, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver function indicators: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis study.

Background And Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disorder worldwide, with an increasing incidence in recent years. While previous studies have suggested an association between the air pollutant PM2.5 and NAFLD, there is still considerable debate regarding the existence of a clear causal relationship between air pollution and NAFLD.

Involvement of intestinal mucosal microbiota in adenine-induced liver function injury.

Adenine is frequently utilized as a model medication for chronic renal disease. Adenine can affect organs other than the kidneys, including the heart and the intestine. The liver is a vital organ involved in the in vivo metabolism of adenine.

Immunomodulatory potential of primary cilia in the skin.

Primary cilia (PC) are essential signaling hubs for proper epithelial formation and the maintenance of skin homeostasis. Found on most cells in the human body, including skin cells, PC facilitate signal transduction that allows ciliated cells to interact with the immune system via multiple pathways, helping to maintain immune system homeostasis. PC can be altered by various microenvironmental stimuli to develop corresponding regulatory functions.

Cordycepin ameliorates autoimmunity by promoting STING degradation via autophagy pathway.

Background And Purpose: Stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1 (STING), a central hub protein of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-STING signalling pathway, has a crucial role in regulating type I interferons (IFNs) production and response. Recent studies indicate that excessive activation of STING is strongly associated with autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Searching immunomodulators that negatively regulate STING might greatly contribute to the suppression of autoimmunity.