Anti-inflammatory Substances Research Articles

Exploring the Effects of Gracilaria lemaneiformis Polysaccharides on the Fecal Microbiota and Fecal Metabolites of Fattening Pigs Based on 16S rDNA and Metabolome Sequencing

Sixty Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) castrated male finishing pigs were randomly divided into negative control (NC) and gracilaria lemaneiformis polysaccharides (GLP) groups to study the effects of GLP on the fecal microbiota and fecal metabolites of fattening pigs. The NC group was fed a basic diet, and the GLP group was fed a basic diet supplemented with 0.1% GLP. The diversity of the species and the fecal metabolites were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolome sequencing, respectively. The serum immune and antioxidant indices were analyzed using the ELISA assay. The abundances of hazardous bacteria such as Proteobacteria at the phylum level and Shigella at the genus level were extremely significantly decreased (p < 0.01) and those of beneficial bacteria such as Firmicutes at the phylum level (p < 0.01), Clostridium at the genus level (p < 0.01), and Lactobacillus at the genus level (p < 0.05) were significantly increased in the GLP group compared with the NC group. A total of 41 differentially expressed metabolites were identified. The expression of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant active substances, such as methyl cinnamate, protopanaxatriol, and isovanillic acid, was elevated in the GLP group. The ELISA assay showed increased GSH-Px activity (p < 0.01), T-AOC (p < 0.01), IgG (p < 0.01), IgA (p < 0.05), and IgM (p < 0.05) in the GLP group. These results indicate that dietary GLP supplementation can improve the antioxidant ability, anti-inflammatory ability, and immune level of fattening pigs by regulating fecal flora and metabolites and could be used as a functional feed additive.

Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Intracerebroventricular Administration of Maresin-1 on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depression-Like Behaviors in Mice.

Enhanced inflammatory and immune responses have been observed in patients with major depressive disorder, pointing to anti-inflammatory substances as potential seeds for developing novel antidepressants. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolites, such as resolvin D and E series, maresins, and protectins (collectively known as specialized pro-resolving mediators) demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects. This study examined the antidepressant-like effects of maresin-1 (MaR1) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behaviors in mice. Using the tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swim test (FST), we assessed depression-like behaviors 26 and 28 h after intraperitoneal injection of LPS (0.8 mg/kg), respectively. An open field test (OFT) was also conducted to evaluate locomotor activity 24 h after LPS injection. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of MaR1 (10 ng/mouse) immediately after the LPS challenge mitigated the increased immobility time in the TST and FST, without affecting locomotor activity in the OFT, indicating the preventive effects of MaR1 on LPS-induced depression-like behaviors. Furthermore, i.c.v. injection of MaR1 23 h after the LPS challenge reduced the immobility time in both tests, underscoring its therapeutic potential. These findings suggest that MaR1 could be a promising seed for developing novel antidepressants.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Human Health: A Key to Modern Nutritional Balance in Association with Polyphenolic Compounds from Food Sources.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are vital dietary elements that play a significant role in human nutrition. They are highly regarded for their positive contributions to overall health and well-being. Beyond the fact that they provide a substantial supply of energy to the body (a role that saturated fats can also perform), these unsaturated fatty acids and, especially, the essential ones are involved in cell membrane structure, blood pressure regulation, and coagulation; participate in the proper functioning of the immune system and assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins; influence the synthesis of pro- and anti-inflammatory substances; and protect the cardiovascular system. Modern diets like the Western diet and the American diet are rich in saturated fats found especially in fast food products, sweets, and processed foods, a fact that has led to an increase in the prevalence of metabolic diseases worldwide (obesity, type II diabetes, gout, cardiovascular disease). Nutritionists have drawn attention to the moderate consumption of saturated fats and the need to increase the intake of unsaturated fats to the detriment of saturated ones. This paper examines the biochemical roles of polyunsaturated fats, particularly essential fatty acids, and contrasts their benefits with the detrimental effects of saturated fat overconsumption. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity for dietary shifts towards increased PUFA intake to mitigate the global burden of diet-related health issues. The co-occurrence of PUFAs and polyphenols in plant-based foods highlights the sophistication of nature's design. These bioactive compounds are not randomly distributed but are present in foods humans have consumed together historically. From traditional diets like the Mediterranean, which pairs olive oil (PUFAs and polyphenols) with vegetables and legumes, to Asian cuisines combining sesame seeds with turmeric, cultural practices have long harnessed this natural synergy.

A Rheological Study of Creams and Gels Containing N-Acetyl Glucosamine in Nanoparticle Form: The Advantages of a Bioengineered Strategy for Natural Anti-Inflammatory Substance Vehiculation

Topical formulations that include natural active compounds to treat inflamed and aching skin are favored by patients. Small local producers use commercial creams and gels to which they add compounds, often with criteria based more on trends than scientific evidence, to obtain products to treat inflamed joints or skin. Based on our previous studies that demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens extracts and N-acetylglucosamine, we were interested in preparing formulations with these natural substances for topical applications. In the present study, we compared the rheological properties of various creams and gels with bulk and nanoparticle forms of N-acetylglucosamine added, focusing on the flow properties of multiphase emulsion. Moreover, the ability of nanoparticles to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production was demonstrated in both chondrocyte and fibroblast spheroids. The results showed the activity of nano-N-acetylglucosamine in our cell models, suggesting its suitability for use as a component in creams and gels. Furthermore, its ability to affect the flow properties of commercial creams and gels makes it an ideal component of topical formulations for the treatment of inflamed skin and joints.

Patient reported health related quality of life outcomes after viable cryopreserved umbilical tissue placement directly over spared neurovascular bundles after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy.

Incontinence and sexual dysfunction remain common side effects from robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) despite nerve sparing (NS) and bladder neck reconstruction techniques. Placing growth factors and anti-inflammatory substances over neurovascular bundles is an emerging technique to enhance recovery of continence and potency. Viable cryopreserved umbilical tissue (vCUT) is FDA-approved for surgery. The objective is to determine if vCUT use in NS-RARP accelerates return of continence and sexual function. A retrospective cohort of 176 patients undergoing NS-RARPs with and without vCUT from 2015 to 2020 was identified through the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC). Return to social urinary continence at 3, 6, and 12months, postoperatively was evaluated using MUSIC patient-reported outcomes (PRO), a validated questionnaire assessing urinary and sexual quality of life at baseline and post-treatment. A distinct cohort of 65 patients undergoing NS-RARP with and without vCUT was assessed for erections firm enough for intercourse at 12 and 24months post-operatively using MUSIC-PRO. The association between vCUT use and social continence at 3months was assessed via multivariable logistic regression. A descriptive analysis among patients with quality erections prior to surgery assessed the association between vCUT use and erection quality. Continence was achieved by 3months post-op in 86% (99/115) of vCUT patients versus 74% (45/61) in non-vCUT patients (p = 0.044). In a multivariable analysis, although not reaching conventional statistical significance, vCUT patients were more likely to achieve continence than non-vCUT patients (OR = 2.21, p = 0.073). At 24months post-op, 32% of vCUT patients reported good sexual function versus 33% in non-vCUT patients (p = 0.9). vCUT use during NS-RARP is associated with quicker return to social urinary continence. However, no differences were seen in return of potency. Further studies with longer follow-up and larger sample sizes may further evaluate effectiveness of vCUT in accelerating return of postoperative continence and potency.

Asymmetric natural wound dressing based on porous chitosan-alginate hydrogel/electrospun PCL-silk sericin loaded by 10-HDA for skin wound healing: In vitro and in vivo studies

An asymmetric wound dressing introduced, inspired by the skin structure made of chitosan and alginate hydrogel as the bottom layer and electrospun PCL-silk sericin (PCL-SS) as the top layer. In addition, an anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and immunomodulatory substance, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (10-HDA), known as queen bee acid, was loaded in inner layer. The wound dressing was thoroughly characterized and confirmed to meet the criteria of a standard wound dressing through in vitro and in vivo studies. Although the mesoporous hydrogel layer shows 175 % swelling after being immersed in PBS (pH = 7.4) for 60 min and 80 % degradation after 14 days, the top layer shows 28 % swelling and 19 % degradation in the same time intervals. The hydrogel layer supports rapid wound healing, while the top layer offers protection against infection and physical threats. The dressing demonstrated antibacterial properties and enhanced cell proliferation at 1 % 10-HDA. Finally, the wound healing performance of the complete dressing was investigated in vivo using wistar rat. Clinical and histopathological assessments, along with the analysis of biophysical parameters of the skin healing, confirm that wound dressing with 10-HDA significantly accelerates wound healing compared to control groups, without any inflammatory side effects.

Engineered dECM-based microsystem promotes cartilage regeneration in osteoarthritis by synergistically enhancing chondrogenesis of BMSCs and anti-inflammatory effect

The cartilage defects in osteoarthritis (OA) often result in loss of supporting and cushioning functionalities. Along this line, tissue engineering strategies for microfluidics based on high-precision control capabilities have been developed as promising long-term therapeutic solutions for cartilage regeneration in OA towards implementing anti-inflammatory effects and subsequent chondroprotective regeneration. In this study, an engineered microcarrier comprising composite porous microspheres based on decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) encapsulating icariin (ICA) was fabricated by microfluidic technology. This microcarrier, co-cultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), was developed as an injectable engineered microsystem for cartilage regeneration in OA. Mechanistically, dECM effectively repaired cartilage defects by inducing the differentiation of encapsulated stem cells to a cartilage phenotype through microenvironmental effects. In addition to enhanced secretion of active anti-inflammatory substances from BMSCs by dECM, the gradual release of ICA from the degraded PLGA PMs synergized anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, resulting in effective cartilage regeneration in OA. In short, the engineered microsystem indicated favorable effects in protecting and repairing cartilage, highlighting their potential as a promising therapeutic intervention for effectively ameliorating OA.

Effect of anti-inflammatory molecules from food on organoids derived from adenomatous polyps of FAP subjects.

Individuals with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) or APC-associated polyposis, an autosomal dominant inherited condition, develop multiple adenomatous polyps and have an increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. A change in diet can help reduce cancer risk, and several dietary components have an antitumor effect. We aimed to evaluate the potential of the anti-inflammatory and anticancer substances quercetin (QER), epigallocatechin gallate (EGG) and fisetin (FIS) in decreasing the risk of CRC by reducing the growth of polyps in an organoid model. Patient-derived organoid (PDO) lines were generated from polyps obtained from patients with FAP undergoing prophylactic colectomy. PDOs were treated with QER, EGG, or FIS to determine their effect on cell growth. Changes in caspase 3/7 activity and expression of inflammation and apoptosis mediators were assessed by luminescent and colorimetric assays. Three PDO lines with different inactivating pathogenic variants in the APC gene were developed using a combinatorial approach. FIS was the most active of the three substances tested, presenting the lowest IC50 in all PDO lines (range: 42.6-9.2 uM). The IC50 was defined as the concentration required to halve the number of cells after 72 hours. All molecules tested induced apoptosis through activation of caspases 3/7. QER, EGG, and FIS can be easily taken from foods or dietary supplements, show toxicity on PDOs derived from adenomatous polyps, while they are known to be harmless on normal cells. Diets enriched with these substances could be potential supplemental treatments to reduce the risk of CRC in individuals with FAP.

Potential Effects of Myrmecodia Pendants (Ant Nests) on Healing Bone Injuries

Myrmecodia pendens is a medical plant that can have a healing effect on bone injuries. Bone injuries can occur due to many things, including injuries due to infection, non-infection, degeneration and neoplasms. Bones are the most important part of the body for the human body because the decreased bone function will affect human activities. Therefore better bone healing is needed. This review article aims to study and analyze the role of Myrmecodia pendens in the bone wound healing process. Several studies show that Myrmecodia pendens contain flavonoids, vitamins, terpenoid saponins, quones, and glycosides, as well as anti-inflammatory substances. These ingredients are markers in the healing process. Myrmecodia pendens has been proven to speed up the healing process. The conclusion shows that Myrmecodia pendens is a medicinal plant that can speed up the healing process of bone injuries.

Pathogenesis and New Pharmacological Approaches to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is responsible for significant adverse effects on cognition, quality of life and work, social relationships, motor skills, and other psychological aspects. The severity of NIHL depends on individual patient characteristics, sound intensity, and mainly the duration of sound exposure. NIHL leads to the production of a reactive oxygen (ROS) inflammatory response and the activation of apoptotic pathways, DNA fragmentation, and cell death. In this situation, antioxidants can interact with free radicals as well as anti-apoptotics or anti-inflammatory substances and stop the reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different pharmacological treatments, focusing on exogenous antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and anti-apoptotics to reduce the cellular damage caused by acoustic trauma in the inner ear. Experimental animal studies using these molecules have shown that they protect hair cells and reduce hearing loss due to acoustic trauma. However, there is a need for more conclusive evidence demonstrating the protective effects of antioxidant/anti-inflammatory or anti-apoptotic drugs' administration, the timeline in which they exert their pharmacological action, and the dose in which they should be used in order to consider them as therapeutic drugs. Further studies are needed to fully understand the potential of these drugs as they may be a promising option to prevent and treat noise-induced hearing loss.

Light-emitting diode irradiation at 590nm combined with active substances modulates ultraviolet B radiation-induced keratinocyte inflammation.

To evaluate the efficacy of yellow light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation at 590 nm, alone or in combination with anti-inflammatory active substances against ultraviolet (UV)-induced inflammation in keratinocytes. HaCaT keratinocytes were pretreated with LED yellow light (590 nm) alone or in combination with an antiinflammatory active substance such as glycerophosphoinositol choline (GC), extract of grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta Schum, AM), or a bisabolol and ginger root extract mixture (Bb-GE) before UVB irradiation. Following each treatment, we measured the levels of inflammatory mediators secreted by keratinocytes. HaCaT keratinocytes treated with UVB (300mJ cm-²) and then cultured for 24h exhibited significantly upregulated expression of proinflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-1α, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and IL-8. After pretreatment with 590nm LED, UVB-induced inflammatory responses were significantly inhibited. Co-pretreatment with 590nm LED irradiation and GC further inhibited the expression of IL-1α and IL-8. IL-8 expression was inhibited by co-pretreatment with 590nm LED irradiation and AM, whereas PGE2 expression was inhibited by co-pretreatment with 590nm LED irradiation and Bb-GE. Co-treatment with 590nm LED irradiation and various active substances modulated UVB-induced inflammation in keratinocytes, suggesting the potential application of this approach to prevent damage caused by voluntary sun exposure in daily life.

Oral Anti-Inflammatory and Symbiotic Effects of Fermented Lingonberry Juice-Potential Benefits in IBD.

Microbial dysbiosis may manifest as inflammation both orally and in the gastrointestinal tract. Altered oral and gut microbiota composition and decreased diversity have been shown in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontal disease (PD). Recent studies have verified transmission of oral opportunistic microbes to the gut. Prebiotics, probiotics, or dietary interventions are suggested to alleviate IBD symptoms in addition to medicinal treatment. Lingonberries contain multiple bioactive molecules, phenolics, which have a broad spectrum of effects, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proteolytic, and anti-cancer properties. An all-natural product, fermented lingonberry juice (FLJ), is discussed as a potential natural anti-inflammatory substance. FLJ has been shown in clinical human trials to promote the growth of oral lactobacilli, and inhibit growth of the opportunistic oral pathogens Candida, Streptococcus mutans, and periodontopathogens, and decrease inflammation, oral destructive proteolysis (aMMP-8), and dental microbial plaque load. Lactobacilli are probiotic and considered also beneficial for gut health. Considering the positive outcome of these oral studies and the fact that FLJ may be swallowed safely, it might be beneficial also for the gut mucosa by balancing the microbiota and reducing proteolytic inflammation.

The Potential of Anti-Inflammatory DC Immunotherapy in Improving Proteinuria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

A typical consequence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a significant risk factor for end-stage renal disease. The pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is mainly associated with the immune system, which involves adhesion molecules and growth factors disruption, excessive expression of inflammatory mediators, decreased levels of anti-inflammatory mediators, and immune cell infiltration in the kidney. Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells acting as a bridge connecting innate and adaptive immune responses. The anti-inflammatory subset of DCs is also capable of modulating inflammation. Autologous anti-inflammatory dendritic cells can be made by in vitro differentiation of peripheral blood monocytes and utilized as a cell-based therapy. Treatment with anti-inflammatory cytokines, immunosuppressants, and substances derived from pathogens can induce tolerogenic or anti-inflammatory features in ex vivo-generated DCs. It has been established that targeting inflammation can alleviate the progression of DKD. Recent studies have focused on the potential of dendritic cell-based therapies to modulate immune responses favorably. By inducing a tolerogenic phenotype in dendritic cells, it is possible to decrease the inflammatory response and subsequent kidney damage. This article highlights the possibility of using anti-inflammatory DCs as a cell-based therapy for DKD through its role in controlling inflammation.

Parkinson’s Disease and the faecal microbiota transplantation. Review of current knowledge

Introduction and Purpose. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder caused by dopamine deficiency due to neuronal degeneration, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common and often precede motor symptoms. There is increasing evidence that imbalanced gut microbiota may influence the gut-brain axis and contribute to motor and non-motor PD symptoms. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may have the potential to restore gut flora and improve PD symptoms. The study aims to explore the current knowledge on the impact of FMT on PD symptoms, acknowledging existing reviews and highlighting new studies not yet reviewed. Understanding the underlying causes of PD could lead to better treatment, diagnostics, and prevention.State of knowledge. PD patients suffer from specific gut dysbiosis which leads to imbalance in the produced pro- and anti-inflammatory substances in the intestinal lumen resulting in aggreviation of α-synuclein in gut nervous cells which may hypothetically transfer via vagal nerve to CNS causing PD. In animal research FMT showed promising results in alleviating PD symptoms. Case reports showed reduction of both motor and non-motor dysfunctions, especially in constipation. DuPont et al. showed improvements in constipation, motor deficits, overall Parkinson’s symptoms, and some non-motor disorders. Cheng et al. showed improvements in MDS-UPDRS, scores of GI tract symptoms scales, PD-related autonomic symptoms and the stool frequency. Bruggeman et al. showed better MDS-UPDRS part 3 scores and better colon transit, but no significant differencies in any other tested domains. Conclusions. As there is yet no standarized protocol for FMT, all of the past research used different techniques and showed slightly different outcomes, but all have shown that FMT have some positive effects on PD symptoms.

Investigation of Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Promising 1,4,5-Trisubstituted Pyrazoles Derivatives of Chalcone Ditosylates

Patients suffering from chronic pain and inflammatory disorders need novel COX-2 inhibitors to be developed with minimum toxicity to the kidneys, heart, and gastrointestinal tract and with excellent anti-inflammatory activity. The current study centers on an array of 1,4,5-trisubstituted pyrazoles produced via the reaction of ditosylates of chalcones with hydrochloride salt of phenylhydrazine. Chalcone was reacted with HTIB to produce a variety of derivatives of α, β chalcone ditosylates. Phenylhydrazine hydrochloride treatment of these chalcone ditosylates produced distinct 1,4,5-trisubstituted pyrazoles. The conversion process is mediated by 1,2-aryl migrations. IR, 1NMR, and elemental analysis were used to characterize the compounds after they had been purified by recrystallization. Using ascorbic acid as a reference, the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) technique was used to assess the compounds' in vitro antioxidant activity. The paw edema technique caused by Carrageenan was utilized to assess the compounds' in vivo anti-inflammatory properties. The standard medication used was diclofenac sodium. A plethysmograph was used to measure the volume of the rats' paws. When compared to the standard, the compounds V5D5PH5 and V7D7PH7 showed modest antioxidant activity. When the synthetic pyrazoles were examined for their in vivo anti-inflammatory properties, substances V4D4PH4 and V7D7PH7 outperformed the reference. Here, we attempted to create new, safe, and effective drugs for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and pain by utilizing synthetic pyrazole moiety derivatives. Simple experimentation is used in the proposed study to improve pharmacological activity and yields. In the near future, chalcone ditosylate derivatives will be a powerful tool for selective modification.

Analysis of metagenome and metabolome disclosed the mechanisms of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis-affected mice

Currently, there is no known cause for ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease that is difficult to treat. This assay aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) in mice with acute UC induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). We found that DOP could improve weight loss, decrease the disease activity index (DAI), and regulate the release of interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 in DSS-induced acute UC mice. Additionally, DOP preserved the integrity of the intestinal barrier in UC mice by increasing goblet cell density and maintaining tight junctions. DOP significantly enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the bloodstream. In terms of serum biochemistry, DOP markedly elevated levels of bilirubin (BIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bile acid (TBA), creatinine (Crea), and creative kinase isoenzyme (CKMB). Furthermore, DOP increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillales. DOP also improved intestinal health and stimulated the synthesis of potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral substances by regulating the metabolism of purines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. Therefore, DOP can be considered a functional dietary supplement for the treatment of UC, as it improves the condition of DSS-induced UC mice.

Nano-Characterization, Composition Analysis, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of American-Ginseng-Derived Vesicle-like Nanoparticles.

Medicinal plant-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles can carry chemical components and exert intercellular activity due to the encapsulation of nanostructures. American ginseng is well known as a traditional herb and is commonly used in clinical decoctions. However, the nano-characteristics and chemical composition of American-ginseng-derived vesicle-like nanoparticles (AGVNs) in decoctions are unclear. In this study, the gradient centrifugation method was used to extract and isolate AGVNs. A metabolomic method based on high-resolution mass spectrometry was established to analyze small molecules loaded in AGVNs. Zebrafish and RAW264.7 cells were employed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of AGVNs. The results showed that the particle size of AGVNs was generally 243.6 nm, and the zeta potential was -14.5 mV. AGVNs were found to contain 26 ginsenosides (14 protopanaxadiols, 11 protopanaxatriols, and 1 oleanolic acid). Ginsenoside Rb1 and malonyl-ginsenoside Rb1 tended to be enriched in AGVNs. Moreover, AGVNs were found to exert anti-inflammatory effects by reducing macrophage migration in zebrafish and regulating inflammatory factor (NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10) secretion in RAW 264.7 cells. The characterization and analysis of AGVNs provide references and data that support the development of nanoscale anti-inflammatory substances from medicinal plants.

Progress in the Application of Hydrogels in Intervertebral Disc Repair: A Comprehensive Review.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common orthopaedic disease and an important cause of lower back pain, which seriously affects the work and life of patients and causes a large economic burden to society. The traditional treatment of IVDD mainly involves early pain relief and late surgical intervention, but itcannot reverse the pathological course of IVDD. Current studies suggest that IVDD is related to the imbalance between the anabolic and catabolic functions of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Anti-inflammatory drugs, bioactive substances, and stem cells have all been shown to improve ECM, but traditional injection methods face short half-life and leakage problems. The good biocompatibility and slow-release function of polymer hydrogels are being noticed and explored to combine with drugs or bioactive substances to treat IVDD. This paper introduces the pathophysiological mechanism of IVDD, and discusses the advantages, disadvantages and development prospects of hydrogels for the treatment of IVDD, so as to provide guidance for future breakthroughs in the treatment of IVDD.

Impacts of a highly pathogenic ovine Eimeria ovinoidalis on the growth of Hu lambs

The apicomplexan Eimeria ovinoidalis is distributed worldwide. It can cause clinical coccidiosis, which is one of the most pathogenic species in sheep, reducing growth rates and resulting in significant economic losses in the industry. Its principal clinical sign is profuse diarrhoea in young animals. In this study, we established a model of E. ovinoidalis infection in lambs to understand its pathogenicity and evaluate the gut microbiota and fecal metabolite profiles. Specifically, we observed a significant shift in the abundance of bacteria and disrupted metabolism in lambs. Especially during the peak period of excrete oocysts, it promoted the reproduction of some harmful bacteria in Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota, and reduced the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae and Rikenellaceae. In the later stage of the patent period, the abundance of harmful bacteria in the intestine decreased, the abundance of beneficial bacteria which could produce anti-inflammatory substances began to increase, and the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora also tended to parallel with the control group. Coccidia infection could lead to the increase of differential metabolites and metabolic pathways between infected and control group, but the difference decreased with time. During the peak period of excrete oocysts, although the antimicrobial metabolites such as Lividamine were up-regulated, the excess of these metabolites could still induce the production of endotoxin, while Butanoic acid and other anti-inflammatory metabolites decreased significantly. A metabolomics analysis showed that E. ovinoidalis infection altered metabolites and metabolic pathways, with biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, Teichoic acid biosynthesis and Butanoate metabolism as the major disrupted metabolic pathways. Details of the gut microbiota and the metabolome after infection with E. ovinoidalis may aid in the discovery of specific diagnostic markers and help us understand the changes in parasite metabolic pathways.

Exploring the therapeutic effects of sulforaphane: an in-depth review on endoplasmic reticulum stress modulation across different disease contexts.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an intracellular organelle that contributes to the folding of proteins and calcium homeostasis. Numerous elements can disrupt its function, leading to the accumulation of proteins that are unfolded or misfolded in the lumen of the ER, a condition that is known as ER stress. This phenomenon can trigger cell death through the activation of apoptosis and inflammation. Glucoraphanin (GRA) is the predominant glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables. Various mechanical and biochemical processes activate the enzyme myrosinase, leading to the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin into the bioactive compound sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is an organosulfur compound that belongs to the isothiocyanate group. It possesses a wide range of activities and has shown remarkable potential as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-angiogenic substance. Additionally, sulforaphane is resistant to oxidation, has been demonstrated to have low toxicity, and is considered well-tolerable in individuals. These properties make it a valuable natural dietary supplement for research purposes. Sulforaphane has been demonstrated as a potential candidate drug molecule for managing a range of diseases, primarily because of its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, which can be mediated by modulation of ER stress pathways. This review seeks to cover a wealth of data supporting the broad range of protective functions of sulforaphane, improving various diseases, such as cardiovascular, central nervous system, liver, eye, and reproductive diseases, as well as diabetes, cancer, gastroenteritis, and osteoarthritis, through the amelioration of ER stress in both in vivo and in vitro studies.