Intravesicular administration of sodium hyaluronate ameliorates the inflammation and cell proliferation of cystitis cystica et glandularis involving interleukin-6/JAK2/Stat3 signaling pathway

Schisandrin inhibits VSMCs proliferation and migration by arresting cell cycle and targeting JAK2 to regulating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Abnormal proliferation, migration, and foam cell formation of Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) each play a role in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). Schisandrin (Sch) is the active lignan ingredient with broad-spectrum pharmacological effects. However, the role of Sch in the AS process is not clear. Therefore, this study was proposed to explore the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of Sch on VSMCs. Ox-LDL was selected to create an atherosclerosis injury environment for VSMCs and macrophages. The MTT assay, Oil red O staining, wound healing, transwell experiments and ELISA were used to investigate the phenotype effects of Sch. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, flow cytometry, and western blot were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Sch on AS progression. Our findings implied that Sch treatment inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, and suppressed the ROS production and inflammatory cytokines up-regulation of VSMCs and macrophages. Moreover, Sch reduced lipid uptake and foam cell formation through downregulating LOX-1. Mechanistically, we found that Sch can inhibit the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling by targeting JAK2, and arrest cell cycle in GO/G1 phase. In summary, Sch can inhibit VSMCs proliferation and migration by arresting cell cycle and targeting JAK2 to regulating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Sch may serve as a potential drug for patients with AS.

A Versatile Nanoemulsion of Antibiotic and Eucalyptol with Synergistic Effects Against E. Coli Infected Urocystitis

The extensive use and misuse of antibiotics have resulted in bacterial resistance becoming increasing commonplace. Essential oils (EOs) are known to possess antimicrobial properties and therefore have many potential practical applications. However, the default of hydrophobicity, chemical instability, and volatility limit scope of application. Encapsulation of EOs in colloidal delivery systems can mitigate these challenges and allow for greater efficacy. A homogenous nanoemulsion (HS15‐CE) containing a combination of eucalyptol (Euc) and cefradine (Cef) is developed to explore its synergistic effect on antibacterial activity and potentially reduce the amount of antibiotic required to treat bacterial infections. The HS15‐CE nanoemulsion displays a synergistic effect on the inhibition of Escherichia coli (E. coli) growth in vitro, significantly decreasing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by eight times. The ex vivo imaging reveals high accumulation concentrations and long retention in bladders. Moreover, the nanoemulsion alleviates the E. coli induced cystitis infection, as evidenced by decreased bacterial colonies in urine, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and increased expression of tight junctional protein ZO‐1. These findings suggest the potential of the HS15‐CE nanoemulsion in providing a synergistic effect for the treatment of bacterial urocystitis.

Severe obstructive symptoms and urinary bladder mass due to cystitis glandularis: A very rare case report in children

Cystitis Glandularis (CG) is an unusual proliferative disease of the bladder. This condition was associated with chronic inflammation or chronic obstruction. This condition usually presents as microscopic finding and the presence of large macroscopic lesion is a rare feature. Until now, the course of disease from transitional to cystitis glandularis is still unclear and the uncertainty of CG to potentially develop into adenocarcinoma has once been documented. Herewith, we report our experience with 2 years old boy with cystitis glandularis presenting with LUTS obstructive symptoms, hematuria and bladder mass. Ultrasound examination revealed bilateral hydronephrosis with hydroureter and bladder wall thickness suggesting the sign of obstruction and chronic inflammation. Cystoscopy examination was performed to ensure the diagnosis with the result revealing protruding mass partially obstructing the bladder trigone, both ureteral orifice and posterior urethra. Transurethral resection was performed and the administration of COX-2 inhibitor and oral steroid therapy were given. Post-operative course was uneventful with the improvement in symptom and uroflowmetry revealed promising result. This case represented an entity of rare and interesting case of cystitis glandularis causing severe obstructive symptoms and urinary bladder mass which appropriate therapy of endoscopic intervention, COX-2 inhibitor and oral steroid resulted in promising outcome. Follow up of 1 year resulted in reduced LUTS symptoms such as straining and difficulty of urination.

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Cystitis Glandularis (CG) is an unusual proliferative disease of the bladder

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This condition is associated with inflammation or chronic obstruction

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Manifestation of large visible macroscopic lesion of the urinary bladder is an extremely rare entity

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Appropriate therapy consisted of endoscopic intervention, COX-2 inhibitor and oral steroid for Cystitis Glandularis resulted in promising outcome.

Pharmacological Effects of Polyphenol Phytochemicals on the JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

The JAK-STAT signaling pathway is a common pathway of many cytokine signal transductions, closely related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and inflammatory response. It is essential for inhibiting the inflammatory response, initiating innate immunity, and coordinating adaptive immune mechanisms. Owing to the nature of this pathway and its potential cross-epitopes with multiple alternative pathways, the long-term efficacy of monotherapy-based adaptive targeting therapy is limited, and the majority of drugs targeting STATs are still in the preclinical phase. Meanwhile, curcumin, quercetin, and several kinds of plant polyphenol chemicals play roles in multiple sites of the JAK-STAT pathway to suppress abnormal activation. Polyphenol compounds have shown remarkable effects by acting on the JAK-STAT pathway in anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and cardiovascular disease control. This review summarizes the pharmacological effects of more than 20 kinds of phytochemicals on JAK-STAT signaling pathway according to the chemical structure of polyphenolic phytochemicals.

Calculus-related functional protein expression in ureteral calculus-adhered polyp: A preliminary study

To explore the expressions of calculus-related functional proteins in the ureteral calculus-adhered polyp tissues and investigate the role of these proteins in the formation of adhesions between the calculus and polyp.Patients with ureteral calculi and polyps who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy for the excision of polyps between January 2019 and June 2019 were enrolled. Polyps obtained from each patient were divided into 2 groups using a matched pairs design: observation group (polyps adhered to calculus) and control group (polyps not adhered to calculus). Histopathological examination of polyps was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Polyp tissues were immunohistochemically stained to assess the expressions of calculus-related functional proteins, that is, annexin A1, calcium-binding protein S100A9 (S100A9), uromodulin, and osteopontin. Furthermore, quantitative analysis was performed using the H-score of tissue staining; Pearson correlation analysis was performed for proteins with high expression.Overall, 40 polyp specimens were collected from 20 patients with ureteral calculi combined with polyps (observation group, 20 specimens; control group, 20 specimens). Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed obvious epithelial cell proliferation in polyps of both groups; crystals were observed in the epithelial cells of the polyp tissue in the observation group. The expression levels of annexin A1 and S100A9 in the observation group were significantly greater than those in the control group (P < .05). However, no obvious expression of osteopontin or uromodulin was observed in the polyp tissues of both groups. There was a strong correlation between the increased expressions of annexin A1 and S100A9 in the observation group (R = 0.741, P = .022).We documented increased expressions of annexin A1 and S100A9 in the ureteral calculus-adhered polyp tissues. Annexin A1 and S100A9 may play an essential role in the adhesion of calculus and polyp and the growth of calculi.

Pelvic lipomatosis with cystitis glandularis managed with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor: A case report

BACKGROUND

Pelvic lipomatosis (PL) is a rare benign condition with characteristic overgrowth of histologically benign fat and invasion and compression of pelvic organs, often leading to non-specific lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Approximately 40% of patients with PL have cystitis glandularis (CG). The cause of PL combined with CG is poorly understood, and there is currently no effective treatment. Refractory CG with upper urinary tract obstruction even requires partial or radical bladder resection.

CASE SUMMARY

In this case, a patient suffering from PL with CG was treated by transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TUR-BT) and oral administration of celecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. The LUTS were alleviated, and the cystoscopy results improved significantly. Immunohistochemistry showed up-regulated COX-2 expression in the epithelium of TUR-BT samples, suggesting that COX-2 may participate in the pathophysiological process of PL combined with CG.

CONCLUSION

We report for the first time that celecoxib may be an effective treatment strategy for PL combined with refractory CG.

Protective effects of prucalopride in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice: Neurochemistry, motor function and gut barrier

Evidence suggests constipation precedes motor dysfunction and is the most common gastrointestinal symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). 5-HT4 receptor (5-HT4R) agonist prucalopride has been approved to treat chronic constipation. Here, we reported intraperitoneal injection of prucalopride for 7 days increased dopamine and decreased dopamine turnover. Prucalopride administration improved motor deficits in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrathydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse models. Prucalopride treatment also ameliorated intestinal barrier impairment and increased IL-6 release in PD model mice. However, prucalopride treatment exerted no impact on JAK2/STAT3 pathway, suggesting that prucalopride may stimulate IL-6 via JAK2/STAT3-independent pathway. In conclusion, prucalopride exerted beneficial effects in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice by attenuating the loss of dopamine, improving motor dysfunction and intestinal barrier.

A high molecular weight hyaluronic acid biphasic dispersion as potential therapeutics for interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a progressive bladder disease characterized by increased urothelial permeability, inflammation of the bladder with abdominal pain. While there is no consensus on the etiology of the disease, it was believed that restoring the barrier between urinary solutes and (GAG) urothelium would interrupt the progression of this disease. Currently, several treatment options include intravesical delivery of hyaluronic acid (HA) and/or chondroitin sulfate solutions, through a catheter to restore the urothelial barrier, but have shown limited success in preclinical, clinical trials. Herein we report for the first time successful engineering and characterization of biphasic system developed by combining cross‐linked hyaluronic acid and naïve HA solution to decrease inflammation and permeability in an in vitro model of interstitial cystitis. The cross‐linking of HA was performed by 4‐arm‐polyethyeleneamine chemistry. The HA formulations were tested for their viscoelastic properties and the effects on cell metabolism, inflammatory markers, and permeability. Our study demonstrates the therapeutic effects of different ratios of the biphasic system and reports their ability to increase the barrier effect by decreasing the permeability and alteration of cell metabolism with respect to relative controls. Restoring the barrier by using biphasic system of HA therapy may be a promising approach to IC.

The role of glycosaminoglycans in the management of chronic pelvic pain: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are involved in the pathogenesis of several urologic chronic diseases. Thus, GAGs replenishment therapy is widely reported as a therapeutic tool for chronic pelvic pain (CPP) conditions such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and prostate pain syndrome/chronic prostatitis. In this article we reviewed the current status of evidence on the clinic applications of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the CPP.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search from inception was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement to identify clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and guidelines.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 29 papers were identified regarding the use of GAGs in CPP.

CONCLUSIONS

GAGs replenishment therapy results are encouraging in chronic forms of pelvic pain even though well-powered randomized clinical trials are needed to better comprehend the exact role of this treatment.

Role of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 pathway in the protective effect of remote ischemia preconditioning against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Remote ischemia preconditioning (RIPC) is a convenient and effective method for alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). However, to date, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this research was to explore the protective mechanism of RIPC on the brain after CIRI. Four groups of rats were included in this experiment: the sham group, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group, the RIPC group, and the AG490 group. As an inhibitor of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), AG490 was used after MCAO in the AG490 group to explore the role of JAK2/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) after CIRI. Brain tissue was collected for evaluation after 2 h of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion. ELISA for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, western blot for phosphorylated-JAK2 and phosphorylated-STAT3, the neurological severity score and Longa scoring system for neurological deficit evaluation, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining for cerebral infarction, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining for apoptotic cells in the brain tissue were performed. Neurological function in the RIPC group was notably better than that in the MCAO group. There were smaller infarction sizes and fewer apoptotic cells in the ischemic area in the RIPC group than in the MCAO group. In the RIPC group, the expression levels of IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and phosphorylated-JAK2 and phosphorylated-STAT3 were significantly lower than those in the MCAO group. The findings in the RIPC and AG490 groups were similar. The inflammatory response and apoptosis are two important processes involved in brain dysfunction after CIRI. The JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway has an underlying relationship with these two processes. These findings suggest that RIPC can alleviate the damage to brain tissue by CIRI by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway negatively.