An oral polyphenol host-guest nanoparticle for targeted therapy of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a global public health challenge that affects millions of people. Current medical treatments for IBD are not fully effective and may cause undesirable side effects on patients. Thus, there is an urgent need for safe, simple, and efficacious strategies to treat IBD in clinical settings. Here, we develop an oral polyphenol nanoparticle (PDT) by assembling dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP)-loaded poly-β-cyclodextrin with tannic acid via host-guest interactions for treating IBD. This one-step assembly process is rapid (within 10 s), reproducible, and free of harmful chemical agents, which can facilitate its clinical translation. PDT is negatively charged due to the three components, which enable it to specifically target the positively charged inflamed colonic mucosa through electrostatic attraction, thus localizing the drug at the inflamed site to reduce systemic exposure and side effects. Furthermore, PDT exhibits a strong reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging ability derived from the tannic acid component, which can alleviate ROS-mediated inflammatory responses and ameliorate IBD symptoms. Compared with free DSP, PDT demonstrates sustained DSP release behavior in vitro and in vivo, as well as enhanced therapeutic efficacy in a colitis mouse model. These results suggest that PDT might be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of IBD. Moreover, this facile polyphenol host-guest assembly strategy may provide a promising drug-delivery platform for treating various diseases STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: To develop safe and effective treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we have designed an oral polyphenol nanoparticle (PDT) using the host-guest assembly of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP)-loaded poly-β-cyclodextrin with tannic acid. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, PDT has demonstrated remarkable inflammation-targeting, ROS-scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with sustained release of DSP. Moreover, in an IBD mouse model, PDT has shown significantly improved therapeutic efficacy compared to free DSP. The host-guest assembly strategy employed for PDT is noteworthy for its rapidity, reproducibility, and safety due to the absence of harmful chemicals, holding great promise for designing a diverse range of nanomedicines customized for treating various diseases.

One-Step Assembly of Versatile Multifunctional Coatings Based on Host-Guest and Polyphenol Chemistry

Developing a facile, efficient, and versatile polyphenol coating strategy and exploring its novel applications are of great significance in the fields of material surfaces and interfaces. Herein, a one-step assembly strategy for constructing novel tannic acid (TA) coatings via a solvent evaporation method is reported using TA and polycyclodextrin (PCD) particles (TPP). TPP with a high phenolic group activity of 88% integrates the advantages of host-guest and polyphenol chemistry. The former can drive TPP dynamically assemble into a large and collective aggregation activated by high temperature or density, and the latter provides excellent adhesion properties to substrates (0.9 mg cm^-2 ). TPP can assemble into a coating (TPC) rapidly on various substrates within 1 h at 37 °C while with a high availability of feed TPP (≈90%). The resulting TPC is not only high-temperature steam-sensitive for use as an anti-fake mask but also pH-sensitive for transforming into a free-standing film under physiological conditions. Moreover, various metal ions and functional particles can incorporate into TPC to extend its versatile properties including antibacterial activity, enhanced stability, and conductivity. This work expands the polyphenol coating strategy and builds up a one-step and efficient preparation platform of polyphenol coating for multiapplication prospects in various fields.

Bacteria-Induced Colloidal Encapsulation for Probiotic Oral Delivery

Probiotic oral delivery has crucial implications in biomedical engineering, but its oral bioavailability remains unsatisfactory because of the limited survival and colonization of probiotics in the harsh gastrointestinal tract. Here, a bacteria-induced encapsulation strategy is achieved by assembling metastable colloids to enhance the oral bioavailability of probiotics. The colloids (NTc) composed of amino-modified poly-β-cyclodextrin and tannic acid are formed based on the balance of host-guest interaction-driven attraction and electrostatic repulsion between colloids. Negatively charged probiotics electrostatically attract positively charged NTc to break the balance and induce further assembly surrounding the probiotics. Through a facile one-step mixing, 97% of bacteria are rapidly encapsulated into NTc shells within 10 s, with a high utilization rate of feeding colloids of 91%. More importantly, we show that the compact, thick, and positively charged NTc shells synergistically endow the encapsulated probiotics with strong resistance against simulated gastric fluid with an excellent survival rate of up to 19%, 7500 times superior to the commercial enteric material L100. Moreover, owing to the dynamically noncovalent and self-adaptive nature of host-guest interactions, NTc shells support the proliferation of the encapsulated EcN comparable with that of the naked EcN. In vitro and in vivo experiments also confirm that the NTc-encapsulated probiotics possess durable intestinal adhesion, continuous proliferation activity, enhanced oral bioavailability, good oral biosafety, and excellent therapeutic efficacy in a colitis mouse model. This facile bacteria-induced colloidal encapsulation strategy may extend to various microbes as oral bioagents for treating various diseases.

A review about industrialization of Chinese materia medica decoction pieces

Chinese materia medica decoction pieces (CMMDPs), one of the three pillars of the Chinese materia medica industry, are a key link in the Chinese materia medica industrial chain. Industrialization is the only way for the modernization of CMMDPs. This review mainly summarizes the characteristics, history, current situation and prospect of CMMDPs industry, providing a new reference for promoting the flourishing development of the industrialization of CMMDPs and for serving massive health industry. The literature was collected from databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier and CNKI (Chinese). CMMDPs industry has the characteristics of regionalism, resource dependency, customer diversity and low industrial concentration. Deeply processed products include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula granules, small-packed decoction pieces, ultrafine decoction pieces, puffed decoction pieces, compressed decoction pieces and instant decoction pieces. Integration of treatment and processing at the place of origin is emerging. However, there is still room for improvement, for example, the manufacturing technologies of CMMDPs industry need to be continually improved. The management of CMMDPs' normalized production also needs to be strengthened. The quality of CMMDPs should be strengthened supervision and it should establish the objective and feasible quality evaluation system for CMMDPs. At present, China has attached unprecedented importance to the development of TCM, and issued a number of supporting policies, sparing no effort to support its development.

Adoptive transfer of immunomodulatory M2 macrophages suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 mice via blockading NF-κB pathway

Macrophages play important roles in multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and M2 macrophage may have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we elucidated the roles of M1 and M2 macrophages in the pathogenesis of EAE and the effects of treatment with M2 macrophages that target certain proinflammatory cytokines and with immunomodulatory preparations that beneficially influence the disease course. We found macrophages increased at the onset of clinical signs in the EAE group, consistent with an increased proportion of M1 macrophages and low numbers of M2 macrophages. As the disease progressed and the symptoms worsened, M1 macrophages decreased and M2 macrophages gradually increased until the peak. In the recovery stage, M2 macrophages gradually decreased. Treatment with M2 macrophages inhibited the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, alleviated the symptoms of EAE, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination in the central nervous system and decreased the numbers of macrophages in the spleens. BAY-11-7082, an NF-κB blocking agent, could reduce the total number of macrophages both in vivo and in vitro, effectively prevented EAE development and significantly inhibited EAE symptoms in mice. Our study demonstrates that macrophages may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of EAE, while M2 macrophages have anti-inflammatory effects. Transfer of M2 macrophages to EAE mice can block the NF-κB pathway successfully and relieve EAE symptoms. Application of NF-κB blockers is useful in the prevention and treatment of EAE.

The Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Risk Factors for the Morbidity and Prognosis of Bone Metastasis in Patients With Prostate Cancer

Background: Globally, prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy in males and fifth leading cancer-related cause of death. To build a reliable predictive system for screening performance, the study looking into the risk factors of BM in prostate cancer patients is warranted. Aim: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER) to assess the incidence, and risk factors of morbidity and prognosis for bone metastases in initial metastatic prostate cancer. Methods: A total of 249,331 prostate cancer patients who were diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 in SEER database were obtained to investigate the risk factors for developing bone metastasis, and 9925 of them who registered before 2013 were retrieved (with at least 1 year follow-up) to explore the prognostic factors for bone metastasis. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression were used to identify risk factors and prognostic factors for bone metastases, respectively. Results: Totally, 12,794 patients (5.1%) were diagnosed with bone metastases at the initial diagnosis. Older age, unmarried status, higher tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, metastases at lung brain and liver were the homogeneous risk factors for the morbidity and prognosis of bone metastasis in prostate cancer. Race and histologic differentiation grade were the heterogeneities associated factors. Black race was positively associated with bone metastasis morbidity; however, it has no significant effect on the prognosis. Poor differentiated grade may be the risk factors for developing bone metastasis; however, grade II was negatively associated with prognosis of bone metastasis. Conclusion: The survival of prostate cancer was poor with the bone metastasis approximate 5%. The prostate cancer has homogeneous and heterogeneities risk factors for incidence and prognosis of bone metastasis, which may provide potential guideline for the screening and preventive treatment of the bone metastasis of prostate cancer.

[Epidemiological analysis of malaria prevalence in Jiangsu Province in 2015]

Objective To understand the malaria epidemic situation and characteristics in Jiangsu Province in 2015, so as to provide the evidence for malaria elimination. Methods The data of malaria cases in Jiangsu Province in 2015 were collected from China's routine diseases surveillance information system. Results Totally 405 imported cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2015, and the cases increased by 14.08% compared with those in 2014. All the malaria cases were imported, and 5 cases (1.23%) were from Southeast Asia and 400 (98.77%) were from 25 African countries or regions. The imported malaria cases were reported in 13 cities across Jiangsu Province, where Taizhou, Lianyungang, Nantong, Huaian and Yangzhou cities accounted for 68.64% of all the cases in the province. Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases (JIPD) reference lab checked all the cases and classified 299 falciparum malaria cases, 13 vivax malaria cases, 18 quartan malaria cases, 71 ovale malaria cases, and 4 mixed Plasmodium infection cases. Conclusions In Jiangsu Province, there are no local malaria cases for 4 consecutive years, but the imported cases are on the rise. Compared to 2014, the imported vivax cases increased significantly in 2015. It should be the key points to strengthen the surveillance of imported malaria cases, improve malaria diagnosis and treatment abilities for all levels of medical institutions, and promote the abilities of Plasmodium check, and focus survey and disposal of all Center for Disease Control (CDC) staffs across Jiangsu Province.

The influences of ambient temperature and crude protein levels on performance and serum biochemical parameters in broilers

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of ambient temperature, crude protein levels and their interaction on performance and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 216 Arbor Acre broiler chickens (108 males and 108 females) were used in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement and randomly reared at two temperatures (normal temperature: 23 °C; daily cyclic high temperature: 28-32 °C) and fed on three diets with different crude protein levels (153.3, 183.3 or 213.3 g/kg, with constant essential amino acids) from 28 to 42 days of age. Daily cyclic high ambient temperature decreased final body weight, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and serum total protein contents (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008 respectively), but increased feed/gain, mortality, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, serum uric acid contents and serum creatine kinase activity (p = 0.008, p = 0.003, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.003 respectively), irrespective of crude protein levels. At the ambient temperature, reducing crude protein levels resulted in an increase in feed/gain (p < 0.001), but a decrease in serum total protein and uric acid contents. Only serum creatine kinase activity in broiler chickens was interacted by daily cyclic high ambient temperature and dietary crude protein levels (p = 0.003). These results indicated that daily cyclic high ambient temperature had a great effect on performance and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chickens, whereas dietary crude protein levels affected them partially.

Flumethrin residue levels in honey from apiaries of China by high-performance liquid chromatography

A method for detection of flumethrin residue in honey by high-performance liquid chromatography was established. After n-hexane-dichloromethane (4:6, vol/vol) extraction, the honey samples were concentrated by rotary evaporation, purified by an Oasis HLB solid-phase extraction column, and detected using a UV detector at 267 nm. The interference of the matrix was greatly reduced by optimizing pretreatment conditions; thus, the minimal detection limit of cyhalothrin was 0.005 mg/kg, the average recovery was 80.8 to 96.8%, and the coefficient of variation was 0.6 to 1.5%. The precision and reproducibility of this method was suitable and applicable for detecting flumethrin residue in honey. With this method, 135 honey samples from seven locations in the People's Republic of China were tested; 77 samples tested positive for flumethrin residue, resulting in a detection rate of 75.3%. Samples from the Guangdong province had the highest flumethrin residue level (0.122 mg/kg) of the locations tested. On the basis of analytical validation, the high-performance liquid chromatography has been shown to be a promising alternative for the analysis of flumethrin residue in honey samples.

Hexokinase II inhibitor, 3-BrPA induced autophagy by stimulating ROS formation in human breast cancer cells

Hexokinase II (HKII), a key enzyme of glycolysis, is widely over-expressed in cancer cells. 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA), an inhibitor of HK II, has been proposed as a specific antitumor agent. Autophagy is a process that regulates the balance between protein synthesis and protein degradation. Autophagy in mammalian systems occurs under basal conditions and can be stimulated by stresses, including starvation, oxidative stress. Therefore, we hypothesized that 3-BrPA could induce autophagy. In the present study, we explored the mechanism of 3-BrPA and its combined action with chloroquine. Our results demonstrate that in MDA-MB-435 and in MDA-MB-231 cells, 3-BrPA induces autophagy, which can be inhibited by chloroquine. Furthermore, the combined treatment synergistically decreased the number of viable cells. Interestingly, the combined treatment triggered apoptosis in MDA-MB-435 cells, while it induced necroptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. ROS mediated cell death when 3-BrPA and CQ were co-administered. Finally, CQ enhanced the anticancer efficacy of 3-BrPA in vivo. Collectively, our results show that 3-BrPA triggers autophagy, increasing breast cancer cell resistance to 3-BrPA treatment and that CQ enhanced 3-BrPA-induced cell death in breast cancer cells by stimulating ROS formation. Thus, inhibition of autophagy may be an innovative strategy for adjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer.human skeletal muscle. Efficient Mirk depletion in SU86.86 pancreatic cancer cells by an inducible shRNA decreased expression of eight antioxidant genes. Thus both cancer cells and differentiated myotubes utilize Mirk kinase to relieve oxidative stress.

[Effect of 3-bromopyruvate on mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis of human breast carcinoma SK-BR-3 cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of glycolysis inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) in inducing apoptosis of human breast carcinoma cells SK-BR-3 and the possible mechanism.

METHODS

MTT assay was used to detect the growth inhibition induced by 3-BrPA in breast cancer cells SK-BR-3. The apoptotic cells were detected by flow cytometry with propidium iodide (PI). ATP levels in the cells were detected by ATP assay kit, and DHE fluorescent probe technique was used to determine superoxide anion levels; the mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed using JC-1 staining assay.

RESULTS

MTT assay showed that the proliferation of SK-BR-3 cells was inhibited by 3-BrPA in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Exposure to 80, 160, and 320 µmol·L(-1) 3-BrPA for 24 h resulted in cell apoptosis rates of 6.7%, 22.3%, and 79.6%, respectively, and the intracellular ATP levels of SK-BR-3 cells treated with 80, 160, 320 µmol·L(-1) 3-BrPA for 5 h were 87.7%, 60.6%, and 23.7% of the control levels. 3-BrPA at 160 µmol·L(-1) increased reactive oxygen levels and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential of SK-BR-3 cells.

CONCLUSION

3-BrPA can inhibit cell proliferation, reduce the mitochondrial membrane potential and induce apoptosis in SK-BR-3 cells, the mechanism of which may involve a reduced ATP level by inhibiting glycolysis and increasing the reactive oxygen level in the cells.

Superiority of visipaque (iodixanol)-controlled density gradient over Ficoll-400 in adult porcine islet purification

OBJECTIVE

Sufficient and favorable biological functions of islets are major problems hindering xenotransplantation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects on harvesting, purity, viability, and function of using improved Visipaque (iodixanol) and Ficoll-400 for adult porcine islet purification.

METHODS

Twelve adult porcine pancreata were randomly divided into an Iodixanol-University of Wisconsin (UW) group and a Ficoll-400-UW group according to the purification method. Porcine pancreata were isolated by collagenase digestion. After isolation and purification, the islet yield and purity were evaluated by dithizone staining, and islet function assessed by in vitro insulin release assays and in vivo islet xenotransplantation.

RESULTS

There were no marked differences in the islet yield before purification (5254.67 +/- 189.44 IEQ/g vs 5092.67 +/- 178.94 IEQ/g, P > .05). After purification, there were significantly more islets harvested in Iodixanol-UW group than in the Ficoll-400-UW group: 4222.00 +/- 228.84 IEQ/g vs 3036.83 +/- 79.60 IEQ/g (P < .05). Islets from the two groups showed satisfactory insulin secretory ability. There were no significant differences in islet survival times between the two groups in diabetic rats: 8.2 +/- 1.619 days vs 6.9 +/- 1.197 days (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The improved iodixanol-UW density gradient method was superior to Ficoll-400 method to improve the number, viability, and insulin secret of purified adult porcine islets although the benefits did not improve in vivo survival.

[The descriptions identification of "yimu cao"]

Remained but entire bracts beneath the inflorescence and the persistent calyxes were selected as primary characteristics to distinguish "Yimu Cao", which derived from 8 species and 1 variety in the same genus Leonurus. The results were reliable.

[Studies on introducing and cultivating ginseng in Emei Mountain area]

OBJECTIVE

To introduce and cultivate Panax ginseng in Emei Mountainarea of low latitudes.

METHODS

Introduce and cultivate ginseng in some fields of different elevations, and determine the contents of ginsenosides in ginseng samples obtained from the different elevations and different growth periods.

RESULTS

Ginseng was successfully introduced to Emei Mountain area. Its quality basically approaches the quality of ginseng growing in northeast China.

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to introduce and cultivate ginseng in Emei Mountain area with elevations from 1200 m to 1600 m.

[Studies on chemical constituents from fruits of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of methanol extract from the dried ripe fruits of Trichosanthes kirilowii.

METHODS

Silica gel column chromatographic technology and Sephadex G-10 gel filtration were employed to separate and purify the methanol extract, and the compounds obtained were elucidated by means of IR, MS, 1HNMR and authentic specimens.

RESULT

Palmitic acid, stigmast-7-en-3 beta-ol, stigmast-7-en-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, galactonic acid gamma-lactone and galactose were isolated and elucidated.

CONCLUSION

All the compounds were obtained from the fruit s of T. kirilowii for the first time.

[Identification on crude drugs from genus Leonurus: II. Leaf and flower surface characters]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the crude drugs originated from 9 species and 1 variety of genus Leonurus (called Yimucao) through leaf and flower surface characters.

METHOD

Routine slide processing and the characters under microscope were observed and compared.

RESULTS

Obvious characteristics for identification were revealed.

CONCLUSION

The shape and length of non-glandular hairs are useful in identifying this sort of crude drugs. Leaf constants and cluster crystals are also useful as reference. However, pollen grains and secretory tissues are worthless.

[Color Doppler flow imaging study on the changes of collateral circulation between portal-superior vena cava and azygos vein before and after endoscopic ligation of the esophageal varix]

Color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) was performed in 35 patients with portal hypertension and esophageal varix. Thirty subjects were served as control. After esophageal variceal ligation, CDFI observed that the portal-superior vena cava collateral veins were partialy blocked. The esophageal varices disappeared. The esophageal wall thinned. Diameter of left gastric vein enlarged and blood flow velocity decreased. Azygos diameter was reduced and blood flow velocity was decreased. Although diameter of portal vein was not changed, the blood flow velocity slightly increased. The results suggest that ligation treatment can have the tendency to increase blood flow of liver and stomach, which might aggravate gastric mucosal lesion.

[Identification of crude drugs from genus Leonurus]

The structure in cross section of stem and lamina of 9 species and 1 variety from genus Leonurus, whose herb used as Yimu Cao, were reported. Diagnostic characteristics were listed out in a key for identification.

[The change of trace elements content in hair during the period of gestation]

Study on trace elements content change in hair during the period of gestation for 52 lying-in women was performed. The quantitative results for 7 elements have been obtained and the change tendencies for other 7 elements without standard value have been observed on the basis of a self comparison method for each individual.

[Chemical constituents of the essential oil from the pericarp of Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms]

The composition of the neutral essential oil from the pericarp of Trichosanthes rosthornii was analysed by means of GC and GC-MS-DS. A total of 61 compounds were identified. The major constituents were dibutyl phthalate, methyl hexadecanoate, phenanthrene, fluranthene and 3-methyl phenanthrene. The total contents of identified compounds accounted for 80.17% of the neutral essential oil.

[Betaine in differently processed root of Achyranthes bidentata Bl]

The contents of betaine in differently processed root of Achyranthes bidentata were determined to be 0.930%-1.029% by reineckate precipitation and UV-visible spectrophotometry. The average recovery and relative standard deviation were 99.2% and 6.2%, respectively.

[Chemical constituents of the pericarp of Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms]

Nine compounds were isolated from the pericarp of T. rosthornii and identified on the basis of spectral data to be palmitic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, montanic acid, melissic acid, L-(-)-alpha-monopalmitin, delta 7-stigmastenol, delta 7-stigmastenone-3 and delta 7-stigmatenol-3-beta-D-glucopyranoside. All but the last one are obtained from this species for the first time.