NO Levels Research Articles

Selenomethionine and Allicin Synergistically Mitigate Intestinal Oxidative Injury by Activating the Nrf2 Pathway.

Oxidative stress frequently contributes to intestinal barrier injury in animals and humans. It was reported that both Selenomethionine (SeMet) and allicin exhibit protective effects against a range of diseases caused by oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic antioxidant effects and underlying mechanisms of SeMet and allicin on a H2O2-induced intestinal barrier injury model using IPEC-J2 cells and mice. The results showed that H2O2 induced severe oxidative stress, including a decrease in cell viability, antioxidant level, migration capacity, and cell integrity. SeMet and allicin exhibited significant synergistic anti-oxidative effects on intestinal epithelial cells. The combined use of SeMet and allicin increased SOD activity, GSH content, and GSH/GSSG ratio while decreasing MDA, NO, and ROS content levels. Furthermore, we found that SeMet and allicin synergistically activated the nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO1) signaling pathway and down-regulated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress)-related proteins. However, the synergistic antioxidative and intestinal barrier protective effects of SeMet and allicin were abolished by Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, SeMet and allicin synergistically attenuate intestinal barrier injury induced by excessively oxidative stress through the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibition ER stress. These findings support that the combined use of SeMet and allicin could enhance antioxidative properties and alleviate intestinal injury in further clinical practice.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Serum Leukotriene B4 between COPD Patients and COPD with Lung Cancer Patients

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is estimated to become the third leading cause of death worldwide in 2030. COPD can affect the lungs and cause chronic systemic inflammation. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is involved in COPD and lung cancer pathogenesis. There has been the development of non-invasive methods for detecting lung disease in the last few decades, such as the examination of volatile organic compounds (VOC). This study aimed to analyze the serum LTB4 and the difference of VOCs in exhaled breath of stable COPD patients and COPD with lung cancer patients. Methods: This case-control study recruited 20 stable COPD patients and 20 patients with COPD and lung cancer. An exhaled breath sample was collected in Tedlar bags and analyzed using an arrayed sensor breath analyzer to check the concentration of VOCs. Meanwhile, a venous blood sample was collected to examine the level of LTB4 using an ELISA kit. Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to analyze the data. Results: The carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), benzene (C6H6), and propane (C3H8) levels were significantly different (p <0.05) in COPD-only patients compared to COPD with lung cancer patients. Serum LTB4 increased in both groups. Conclusion: CO2, CO, and C3H8 levels increased, but the NO2 level decreased in COPD patients with lung cancer compared to COPD-only patients. Serum LTB4 increased in COPD with lung cancer patients.

Phytochemistry and Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Virola elongata (Benth.) Warb. Stem Bark.

Previous studies of the hydroethanolic extract of Virola elongata inner stem bark (HEVe) have demonstrated its antioxidant, gastroprotective, and antiulcer properties, but have not evaluated its anti-inflammatory potential. HEVe was obtained by maceration and phytochemically analyzed. Its systemic anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by its effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis in mice. HEVe gel (HEgVe) was employed to evaluate topical anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the ear edema resulting from croton-oil-induced dermatitis in mice. A cell viability assay was conducted to determine the non-cytotoxic concentrations of the HEVe. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated by LPS to determinate cytokine and nitric oxide production. A phytochemical analysis of the HEVe revealed the presence of phenolic acids, neolignans, flavonoids, and monomeric catechins. The oral treatment of acute peritonitis with HEVe reduced the total leukocytes, neutrophils, TNF-α, and IL-1β and elevated IL-10 levels. The application of the HEgVe reduced local edema. The HEVe on the RAW 264.7 cells exhibited no cytotoxicity, and the cells with HEVe displayed reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO levels and increased IL-13 levels. HEVe demonstrated systemic and topical multitarget anti-inflammatory activity, likely due to the combined effects of secondary metabolites. HEVe emerges as a promising herbal remedy for inflammation with minimal cytotoxicity, emphasizing its potential therapeutic significance.

Mitigating impact of Glycyrrhiza glabra on virulent Newcastle disease virus challenge in chickens: clinical studies, histopathological alterations and molecular docking.

Newcastle disease (ND) is widely regarded as one of the most virulent and destructive viral infections that create chaos in the poultry industry and cause widespread epidemics and consequentially debilitating economic losses on a global scale in terms of chicken products. The current experiment evaluates the protective effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra ( G. glabra) against the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in chickens. Ninety (90) 1-day-old SPF chicks were treated according to ethical approval (BUFVTM 05-02-22) as follows (1) non-treated non-challenged control group; (2) NDV group: Challenged with genotype VII ND virus; and (3) LE/NDV group: Challenged with the virus and intermittently treated with powdered extract of G. glabra roots (LE) in drinking water (0.5g/L) before and after viral challenge. The water medication of NDV-challenged chicks has resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of clinical symptoms, morbidity, and mortality rates, as well as the quantity of virus shed, compared with the NDV group. Treatment with LE has led to a significant reduction in serum ALT and AST activities, blood glucose level, urea, and creatinine, and significant restoration of serum proteins. In addition, the treatment has resulted in a decrease in MDA and NO levels, as well as an increase in T-SOD and catalase activities compared with untreated challenged chicks. LE decreased IFN-γ and TLR-3 gene expression in comparison with the NDV group. The treated challenged birds had fewer macroscopically detectable lesions in their respiratory, digestive, and lymphoid organs than the untreated challenged birds. Microscopically, the LE/NDV group exhibited mild to moderate pathological changes in the respiratory and digestive systems as well as lymphoid tissues, in contrast to the NDV group, which exhibited severe pathological changes. Furthermore, molecular docking assessment proved the efficacy of G. glabra against viral proliferation and invasion. We concluded that Glycyrrhiza glabra powdered extract at a dose of 0.5g/L drinking water can effectively mitigate the debilitating effects of Newcastle disease in chickens.

Evaluation of TNF-α and IFN-γ primed conditioned medium of mesenchymal stem cell in acetic acid-induced mouse model of acute colitis

IBD, an autoimmune-inflammatory disorder that affects people who are genetically prone to inflammation. There is a lot of interest in MSC-CM therapy, especially when primed with TNF-α + IFN-γ. Throughout the study, data were collected on the percentage of apoptotic cells, gene expression of ZO-1, Foxp3, GATA3, IDO-1, Muc2, T-bet, Notch1, TNFR2, and ROR-γt, colon weight and length, histopathological analysis, and DAI. TNF-α and IL-10 levels were assessed in addition to the NO level. The results suggest that primed MSC-CM improved DAI, mucosal deterioration, intestinal inflammation and NO concentration. The amount of TNF-α was decreased, but IL-10 and the colon’s percentage of apoptotic cells was increased. The mRNA expression of ZO-1, Foxp3, GATA3, IDO-1, and Muc2 genes increased greatly in the treatment groups, while the expression of T-bet, Notch1, TNFR2, and ROR-γt genes has decreased. These studies suggest that primed MSC-CM may combine with common treatments to improve responsiveness.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia: a case report of double DNAH11 mutant alleles

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare disorder, is genetically varied. Mutations in proteins involved in the structure, function, or assembly of cilia are known to determine situs inversus, male infertility, and chronic destructive airway disease. PCD is inherited by an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance in most cases. Nonetheless, patterns of autosomal dominant and X-linked inheritance have been mentioned. A history of recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections raised clinical suspicion of primary ciliary dyskinesia in a 10-year-old patient. Genetic tests were performed using next-generation sequencing technology (Illumina NextGen) with the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification technique for primary ciliopathies and syndromes subject to differential diagnosis. Genetic testing identified two pathogenic variants, not previously associated with a case report in the literature, c.7727A>G (p.Asp2576Gly) and c.8578G>A (p.Gly2860Ser), within the DNAH11 gene, which is associated with autosomal recessive PCD. The result also reported mutations in other genes involved in autosomal recessive PCD (DNAH8, DNAH9 and ZMYND10), which were classified as variants with uncertain clinical significance. Transmission electron microscopy of respiratory cilia and nasal nitric oxide measurement cannot be used to diagnose PCD in patients with DNAH11 mutations because the structure of cilia is normal, and the levels of NO are not constantly low. High-speed video microscopy analysis can be helpful because DNAH11 mutations cause a distinct phenotype of PCD. Nevertheless, the mutation analysis of various PCD-causing genes remains the easiest to conduct and with good results. Genetic research on PCD has identified a number of significant ciliary genes in recent years, offering fresh perspectives on the molecular processes underlying cilia assembly and function. This facilitates the development of new methods for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of PCD. However, because it is a highly complex and heterogeneous disease, the field of gene diagnosis and therapy in PCD is still in its infancy.

First exploratory study of gaseous pollutants (NO2, SO2, O3, VOCs and carbonyls) in the Luanda metropolitan area by passive monitoring

An air quality monitoring campaign for gaseous pollutants using passive sampling techniques was carried out, for the first time, at 25 locations in the metropolitan area of Luanda, Angola, in June 2023. Concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, trimethylbenzenes, SO2 and NO2 were generally higher in locations more impacted by traffic. Benzene, SO2 and NO2 levels did not exceed the World Health Organisation guidelines. Ozone concentrations surpassed those documented for other African regions. Higher O3 formation potential values were recorded at heavy-trafficked roads. The top 5 species with potential for ozone formation were m,p-xylene, toluene, formaldehyde, propionaldehyde and butyraldehyde. The Mulenvos landfill presented a distinctive behaviour with a very low toluene/benzene ratio (0.47), while values close to 5 were obtained at traffic sites. The maximum levels of α-pinene, D-limonene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, acrolein, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, benzaldehyde, valeraldehyde, hexaldehyde and crotonaldehyde were recorded at the landfill. The formaldehyde/acetaldehyde ratio ranged from 0.40 at the Mulenvos landfill to 3.0, averaging 1.8, which is a typical value for urban atmospheres. Acetaldehyde/propionaldehyde ratios around 0.4–0.6 were found in locations heavily impacted by traffic, whereas values between 0.7 and 1.2 were observed in green residential areas and in places with more rural characteristics. All hazard quotient (HQ) values were in the range from 1 to 10, indicating moderate risk of developing non-cancer diseases. The exception was the Mulenvos landfill for which a HQ of 11 was obtained (high risk). The cancer risks exceeded the tolerable level of 1 × 10−4, with special concern for the landfill and sites most impacted by traffic. A mean lifetime cancer risk of 9 × 10−4 was obtained. The cancer risk was mainly due to naphthalene, which accounted, on average, for 94.6% of the total.

Outdoor light at night, air pollution and risk of incident type 2 diabetes

BackgroundAir pollution and outdoor light at night (LAN) have been reported to be related to type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, their interaction with risk of T2D remains uncertain. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the relationship between outdoor LAN, air pollution and incident T2D. MethodsOur study included a cohort of 24,147 subjects recruited from 2015 to 2018 in Ningbo, China. Land use regression models were used to evaluate particulate matter with a diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), ≤10 μm (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Satellite images data with a spatial resolution of 500m was used to estimate outdoor LAN levels. T2D new cases were identified by medical records based on health information system. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, we investigated the multiplicative and additive interactions between air pollution and outdoor LAN. ResultsDuring 108,908 person-years of follow-up period, 1016 T2D incident cases were identified. The HRs (95% CIs) were 1.22 (1.15, 1.30) for outdoor LAN, 1.20 (1.00, 1.45) for PM2.5, 1.23 (1.11, 1.35) for PM10 and 1.19 (1.04, 1.37) for NO2 in every interquartile range increase, respectively. Furthermore, significant interactions were observed between outdoor LAN and NO2. ConclusionsOur findings indicated that air pollution and outdoor LAN were positively associated with T2D. Moreover, we observed an interaction between outdoor LAN and NO2 suggesting that stronger associations for outdoor LAN and T2D in areas with higher levels of NO2, and for NO2 and T2D in areas with higher levels of outdoor LAN.

Assessment of tropospheric NO2 concentrations over greater Doha using Sentinel-5 TROPOspheric monitoring instrument (TROPOMI) satellite data: Temporal analysis, 2018–2023

This study presents a temporal evaluation of the tropospheric NO2 column densities over Greater Doha using TROPOMI satellite data from May 2018 to December 2023, and an assessment of the impact of the preparations and hosting of the FIFA Football World Cup Qatar 2022, on NO2 levels before, during and after the tournament over Greater Doha. Analysis of annual NO2 levels from 2019 to 2023 showed an increase in 2022 compared to that of the previous three years and a clear decrease in 2023 post the completion of the world cup preparations and hosting. Results also showed an increase in NO2 levels during winter compared to that in summer, with wind speed being an important determining factor. Findings showed that Fridays and Saturdays (both constitute the local weekend in Qatar) were 44% and 13% lower than that of the averaged weekdays, respectively. The annual NO2 levels in the post-world cup year of 2023 were found to be 24% lower than that in 2022 and around 16% lower than that of the previous years. NO2 levels during the World Cup tournament (20 Nov to Dec 18, 2022) were found to be higher than that of the same corresponding periods in all other available years including an increase of 27% compared to that in 2023. Wind speed played an important role in determining the NO2 levels during the world cup period and accounted for >96% of their daily variability, indicating that meteorological factors substantially influenced the NO2 column during the event.

Impact of Kitchen Natural Gas Use on Indoor NO2 Levels and Human Health: A Case Study in Two European Cities

Natural gas (NG) is commonly used in kitchens, powering stoves, ovens, and other appliances. While it is known for its efficiency and convenience, NG contributes to the release of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and can have significant implications for human health. In this study, the importance of the use of NG in kitchens on human exposure to NO2 was analyzed. An extensive literature review in the field was conducted, and the NO2 levels were assessed in kitchens with NG cookers in Aveiro and electric cookers in Porto, both in Portugal. Higher levels of NO2 were found in kitchens in Aveiro, where NO2 levels outdoors are lower than in Porto. This pollutant can spread to other rooms, especially when ventilation is lacking, which is particularly concerning during colder seasons and at night. As around 70% of the time is spent at home, this can have a significant impact on human exposure to NO2. Therefore, although Aveiro has low levels of NO2 outdoors, its population may be exposed to much higher levels of this pollutant than the Porto population, a city with air quality issues, but predominantly using electric cookers. This finding emphasizes the need for the stricter regulation of NG use indoors to protect human health and also suggests a shift in human health protection policies from mere monitoring/control of outdoor air quality to a comprehensive assessment of human exposure, including exposure to indoor air quality.

Walnut peptide relieves hypertension and associated kidney and heart injury by regulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and intestinal microbiota.

Hypertension is a chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality. Previously, we screened a walnut meal peptide FDWLR (PEP) with significant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity. The present study further investigated the anti-hypertensive effects of PEP in vivo using spontaneously hypertensive rats. The results indicated that PEP reduced blood pressure and the indices in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) (decreased by 15.36%), angiotensin II (Ang II) (decreased by 31.56%), angiotensinogen (AGT) (decreased by 58.84%) and aldosterone (ALD) (decreased by 18.27%), whereas NO levels increased by 54.96%. The pathological analysis showed that PEP relieved cardiac and renal damage. PEP also alleviated oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis in the heart and kidney. Mechanistically, PEP mitigated cardiac and renal damage by simultaneously regulating ACE-Ang II-AT1R and the ACE2-Ang (1-7)-MAS axis. Additionally, PEP increased the levels of short chain fatty acids by 224.16% and improved gut microbiota by increasing the abundance of Prevotella, Phascolarctobacterium, Clostridium_sensu_stricto and Bifidobacterium, at the same time as decreasing Bacteroides and Alistipes abundances. This study indicated that PEP prevented hypertension and associated heart and kidney damage by modulating the RAAS system and gut microbiota, which is valuable in guiding future development and optimal utilization of walnut meal. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Neuroprotective effect of Lannea egregia Alkaloid-rich leaf extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundStudies suggest that medicinal plant extracts can help reduce the neuron degeneration associated with diabetes. In this study, the neuroprotective effect of the alkaloid-rich extract from the leaves of Lannea egregia was assessed in rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). MethodsLannea egregia alkaloid-rich analysis was carried out via a known procedure. The rats were randomly assigned into five treatment groups (n = 8): normal control, diabetic-induced rats (45 mg/kg STZ), and diabetic rats treated with low doses of Lannea egregia leaf alkaloid-rich extract (50 mg/kg b.w, LEL) and high (100 mg/kg b.w, LEH) (300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg), and metformin (200 mg/kg). On 22nd day of the experiment, animals were sacrificed, and their blood and brains were collected for neuro-biomarker analysis. ResultsDiabetic-induced rats that received metformin, LEL and LEH exhibited considerably reduced levels of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, NO, MDA, and AChE, BChE activities when compared to untreated diabetic animals. Additionally, rats with diabetes that received treatment with metformin, LEL and LEH displayed a noticeable increase in ENTPDase, Na/K ATPase, GST, CAT, GPx, and SOD activities when compared to the untreated diabetic rats. Histological examination revealed improved brain architecture in the treated groups in contrast to those in diabetic-induced rats. ConclusionThe alkaloid-rich extracts of Lannea egregia might be effective in normalizing brain damage caused by complications of diabetes mellitus.

Epicatechin ameliorates palmitate-induced insulin resistance in C2C12 myogenic cells by alleviating oxidative stress and activating the AMPK/ACC pathway

ABSTRACT Epicatechin (EC) is a water-soluble natural organic compound belonging to the flavanol class of compounds. It exhibits various physiological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, treatment of mitochondrial diseases, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.To examineEC’s impact and mechanism on adult myoblasts’ insulin resistance. The effects of various EC concentrations on the viability of C2C12 adult myoblasts were measured, as were glucose consumption and glycogen content; in vitro antioxidant activity of EC was measured; cellular oxidative marker content and apoptosis were measured; and protein expression was detected by Western blot. A model of insulin resistance in C2C12 myogenic cells was established using palmitic acid. EC significantly increased the glucose consumption and glycogen content; EC increased the levels of CAT, SOD and GSH and decreased the levels of NO, MDA and ROS; EC decreased the apoptosis rate of cells; EC treatment upregulated the levels of GLUT4, p-AMPK, p-ACC, NRF2, and HO-1 proteins. These results suggest that EC can regulate the NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway, enhance GLUT4 transport, activate AMPK/ACC pathway, enhance cellular uptake of glucose, thus effectively improving insulin resistance in C2C12 cells.

A Patent-Pending Ointment Containing Extracts of Five Different Plants Showed Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms in Preclinical Studies.

Background/Objectives: The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of a patent-pending ointment containing plant extracts from Eucalyptus globulus, Curcuma longa, Hamamelis virginiana, Echinacea purpurea, and Zingiber officinale were evaluated. Methods: Plant extracts were chemically characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The antinociceptive activity of the ointment was assessed using the hot plate, tail flick, and formalin tests, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was measured using the acute and chronic TPA-induced ear edema tests. Mechanisms of action were evaluated using inhibitors from signaling pathways related to pain response and by using histological analysis and assessing the expression and activity of pro-inflammatory mediators. Results: The ointment showed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects like those observed with diclofenac gel (1.16% v/v) and ketoprofen gel (2.5% v/v). The antinociceptive actions of the ointment are mediated by the possible participation of the opiodergic system and the nitric oxide pathway. The anti-inflammatory response was characterized by a decrease in myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and by a reduction in ear swelling and monocyte infiltration in the acute inflammation model. In the chronic model, the mechanism of action relied on a decrease in pro-inflammatory mediators such as COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MPO. An in-silico study with myristic acid, one of the compounds identified in the ointment's plant mixture, corroborated the in vivo results. Conclusions: The ointment showed antinociceptive activities mediated by the decrease in COX-2 and NO levels, and anti-inflammatory activity due to the reduction in IL-1β and TNFα levels, a reduction in MPO activity, and a decrease in NF-κB and COX-2 expression.

Assessing Air Quality Dynamics during Short-Period Social Upheaval Events in Quito, Ecuador, Using a Remote Sensing Framework

This study uses a remote sensing approach to investigate air quality fluctuations during two short-period social upheaval events caused by civil protests in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 in Quito, Ecuador. We used data from the TROPOMI Sentinel-P5 satellite to evaluate the concentrations of two greenhouse gases, namely O3 and NO2. TROPOMI Sentinel-P5 satellite data are becoming essential in air quality monitoring, particularly for countries that lack ground-based monitoring systems. For a better approximation of satellite data with ground data, we related the remotely sensed data using ground station data and Pearson correlation analysis, which revealed a significant association between the two sources (0.43 ≤ r ≤ 0.78). Using paired t-test comparisons, we evaluated the differences in mean gas concentrations at 30 randomly selected intervals to identify significant changes before and after the events. The results indicate noticeable changes in the two gases over the three analysis periods. O3 significantly decreased between September and November 2019 and between March and May 2020, while NO2 significantly increased. NO2 levels decreased by 18% between February and March 2020 across the study area, as indicated by remote sensing data. The geovisualization of remotely sensed data over these periods supports these patterns, suggesting a potential connection with population density. The results show the complexity of drawing global conclusions about the impact of social disruptions on the atmosphere and emphasize the advantages of using remote sensing as an effective framework to address air quality changes over short periods of time. This study also highlights the advantages of a remote sensing approach to monitor atmospheric conditions in countries with limited air quality monitoring infrastructure and provides a valuable approach for the evaluation of short-term alterations in atmospheric conditions due to social disturbance events.

Wenjing decoction: Mechanism in the treatment of dysmenorrhea with blood stasis syndrome through network pharmacology and experimental verification

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula Wenjing Decoction (WJD) longstanding efficacy in enhancing blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, and mitigating dysmenorrhea symptoms. Despite its prevalent application, the specific mechanism underlying effect of WJD remains elusive. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine the material basis of Wenjing Decoction and explore the effect of WJD on rat models of dysmenorrhea with blood stasis syndrome and elucidate its mechanism. MethodsIn this study, we initially identified the chemical constituents of WJD using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Subsequently, we employed network pharmacology to predict the mechanism of WJD in treating acute blood stasis dysmenorrhea. To further investigate the role of WJD, we established a rat model of acute blood stasis. We monitored changes in blood coagulation indexes, IL-6, TNF-α, NO, and COX-2 in rats before and after administration to confirm the successful establishment of the rat model and evaluate the therapeutic effect of WJD on dysmenorrhea and acute blood stasis. Finally, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were utilized to investigate its mechanism. ResultsThrough LC-MS analysis, 69 chemical substances were identified in WJD. Network pharmacology study revealed that the mechanism of WJD in treating BSS may be associated with the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. Following administration, the WJD group showed gradual recovery of physical signs and coagulation index to a healthy level. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 decreased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas NO levels increased. Results from QPCR and WB detection indicated increased expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, Bcl-2, and eNOS, and decreased expression levels of Bax, NFκBp65, ICAM1, and VCAM1. ConclusionThe results show that WJD significantly improves the characterization, dysmenorrhea index, and coagulation-related factors in BSS rats. Through network pharmacological prediction, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and Western blot analysis, it is postulated that the beneficial effects of WJD on dysmenorrhea may be linked to the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the advancement and utilization of WJD.

Estimating Ground-Level NO2 Concentrations Using Machine Learning Exclusively with Remote Sensing and ERA5 Data: The Mexico City Case Study

This study explores the estimation of ground-level NO2 concentrations in Mexico City using an integrated approach of machine learning (ML) and remote sensing data. We used the NO2 measurements from the Sentinel-5P satellite, along with ERA5 meteorological data, to evaluate a pre-trained machine learing model. Our findings indicate that the model captures the spatial and temporal variability of NO2 concentrations across the urban landscape. Key meteorological parameters, such as temperature and wind speed, were identified as significant factors influencing NO2 levels. The model’s adaptability was further tested by incorporating additional variables, such as atmospheric boundary layer height. In order to compare the model’s performance to alternative ML models, we estimated the ground-level NO2 using the state-of-the-art TimeGPT. The results demonstrate that our baseline model has the best performance with a mean normalised root mean square error of 84.47%. This research underscores the potential of combining satellite observations with ML for scalable air quality monitoring, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with limited ground-based infrastructure. The study provides critical insights for air quality management and policy-making, aiming to mitigate the adverse health and environmental impacts of NO2 pollution.

Comparative Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Air Quality: A Multinational Study of SARS-CoV-2 Hotspots.

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, nations implemented lockdown measures to contain the virus. This study assessed air pollution levels during and after lockdowns, focusing on the following heavily affected locations: Oulu and Helsinki in Finland, Paris in France, Madrid in Spain, Milan in Italy, and Wuhan in China. Air Quality Index (AQI) data from these locations over two years were analyzed to understand the effects of lockdowns. The study compared COVID-19 lockdowns in these six cities with SARS-CoV-2 measurements using statistical methods. Variations in outdoor pollutants were evaluated through tests, revealing significant differences. Parametric analyses and regression were employed to study the impacts of lockdown measures on pollution and their relationships. The study comprehensively analyzed the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on air quality, identifying differences, quantifying changes, and exploring patterns in each city. Pollutant correlations varied among cities during the lockdowns. Regression analysis highlighted the impact of independent variables on pollutants. Decreases in NO2 were observed in Helsinki, Madrid, Oulu, Paris, and Milan, reflecting reduced traffic and industrial activities. Reductions in PM2.5 and PM10 were noted in these cities and in Wuhan, except for O3 levels, which increased. The reduction in human activities improved air quality, particularly for NO2 and PM10. Regional variations underscore the need for tailored interventions. The study observed a substantial decrease in both PM2.5 and NO2 levels during the COVID-19 lockdowns, indicating a direct correlation between reduced human activities, such as transportation and industrial operations, and improved air quality. This underscores the potential impact of environmental measures and suggests the need for sustainable practices to mitigate urban pollution.

Long-term exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 and the occurrence of chronic kidney disease among patients with type 2 diabetes in Taiwan

BackgroundIndividuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) frequently exhibit chronic kidney disease (CKD) which may be caused by environmental hazards such as exposure to air pollutants. However, limited research has explored the effects of prolonged exposure to air pollutants on CKD development in this population. This study examines the relationship between long-term exposure to air pollutants and CKD incidence in a longitudinal cohort of individuals with type 2 diabetes in Taiwan MethodsBetween 2003 and 2005, we recruited 1316 T2D patients (693 females [52.66 %]; mean age 56.16 ± 8.97 years). Patients were followed until December 31, 2012, with at least two clinical visits. Baseline demographics, medical history, and biomarker levels were collected. The development of CKD was determined by eGFR level < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Monthly averages of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter [PM ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5)] were acquired from 72 ambient air monitoring stations. The kriging method was employed to estimate the exposure levels to PM2.5, NO2, temperature, and relative humidity in the participants' residential areas. Cox regression with time-dependent covariates regression was applied to assess the impact of long-term exposure to air pollutants and CKD risk. ResultsOf 992 patients with normal renal function at baseline, 411 (41.43 %) experienced CKD occurrence over a median follow-up period of 5.45 years. The incidence of CKD was 93.96 cases per 1000 person-years. In multivariable adjusted models, patients exposed to PM2.5 levels above the third quartile of (>33.44 μg/m3) and NO2 levels above the fourth quartile (>22.55 ppb) were found to have an increased risk of CKD occurrence compared to lower exposure levels. ConclusionsThis longitudinal study highlights the increased risk of CKD in individuals with type 2 diabetes due to prolonged exposure to NO2 and PM2.5, emphasizing the need for tailored air quality management strategies for this high-risk population.

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure aggravates hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in cerebral endothelial cells by downregulating epithelial cadherin expression.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer that has adverse health effects. Most phthalates exhibit reproductive toxicity and are associated with diseases such as cardiovascular disorders. However, the effect of DEHP exposure on acute hypoxia/reperfusion injury remains unknown. Therefore, we assessed whether hypoxia/reperfusion injury is aggravated by exposure to DEHP and investigated plausible underlying mechanisms, including oxidative stress and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and endothelial junctional proteins. bEnd.3 cells were exposed to DEHP and subsequently subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Cell viability was analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) proliferation assay. The effect of DEHP/OGD/reoxygenation (R) was evaluated by assessing the levels of NO, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and PGE2. The expression of COX-2, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the endothelial tight junction proteins claudin-5 and ZO-1 was evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. OGD/R decreased cell viability, and DEHP exposure before OGD/R further aggravated cell viability. DEHP/OGD/R significantly increased NO, PGE2, and ROS production following OGD/R. In the DEHP/OGD/R group, iNOS, COX-2, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP expression increased, and claudin-5 and ZO-1 levels decreased compared with those in the OGD/R group. E-Cadherin expression decreased significantly after DEHP/OGD/R exposure compared with that after OGD/R; this decrease in expression was recovered by treatment with the COX-2 inhibitor indomethacin and antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Exposure to DEHP exacerbated hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. The enhanced damage upon DEHP exposure was associated with increased oxidative stress and COX-2 expression, leading to E-cadherin downregulation and increased apoptosis.