Serum Levels Of Inflammatory Factors Research Articles

Effects of nursing team communication and collaboration on treatment outcomes in intensive care unit patients with severe pneumonia.

Severe pneumonia is a common severe respiratory infection worldwide, and its treatment is challenging, especially for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). To explore the effect of communication and collaboration between nursing teams on the treatment outcomes of patients with severe pneumonia in ICU. We retrospectively analyzed 60 patients with severe pneumonia who were treated at the ICU of the hospital between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023. We compared and analyzed the respiratory mechanical indexes [airway resistance (Raw), mean airway pressure (mPaw), peak pressure (PIP)], blood gas analysis indexes (arterial oxygen saturation, arterial oxygen partial pressure, and oxygenation index), and serum inflammatory factor levels [C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), cortisol (COR), and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1)] of all patients before and after treatment. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in respiratory mechanics index and blood gas analysis index between 2 groups (P > 0.05). However, after treatment, the respiratory mechanical indexes of patients in both groups were significantly improved, and the improvement of Raw, mPaw, plateau pressure, PIP and other indexes in the combined group after communication and collaboration with the nursing team was significantly better than that in the single care group (P < 0.05). The serum CRP and PCT levels of patients were significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant compared with that of nursing group alone (P < 0.05). The levels of serum COR and HMGB1 before and after treatment were also significantly decreased between the two groups. The communication and collaboration of the nursing team have a significant positive impact on respiratory mechanics indicators, blood gas analysis indicators and serum inflammatory factor levels in the treatment of severe pneumonia patients in ICU.

Drug Interactions between Traditional Chinese Medicines and Cardiovascular Drugs.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its internal medicine treatments are mostly single/few-target chemical drugs. Long-term use of cardiovascular drugs for complex chronic diseases may lead to serious adverse drug reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat heart diseases for thousands of years, helping to ease symptoms and prolong patients' lifespan in ancient China. TCM has the pharmacological characteristics of being multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway, and the combined application of TCM and western medicine can be an alternative treatment for chronic and intractable diseases with high safety levels. This article reviewed the interactions and synergistic effect of TCM and cardiovascular drugs. In the treatment of arrhythmia, TCM combined with western medicine can more effectively regulate patients' cardiac electrophysiological characteristics, reduce the onsets of premature beat and heart rate variability, lower the levels of QT interval dispersion and serum inflammatory factors, alleviate clinical symptoms and TCM syndromes, and improve cardiac function with good safety levels. In the treatment of hypertension, integrative medicine can more steadily reduce blood pressure and levels of serum inflammatory factors and improve hemodynamic indexes and exercise tolerance, and it has high safety levels, especially for pregnant women. As for coronary heart disease, the combination of TCM and antiplatelet drugs may promote the absorption of each other. However, the interaction risk of pharmacokinetic mechanism between them is low at the dose of efficacy. Integrative medicine can reduce the level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, delay cardiac remodeling and improve heart function and quality of life for patients with heart failure with high safety levels.

Sinensetin, a polymethoxyflavone from citrus fruits, ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury by suppressing Txnip/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling-mediated inflammatory responses and pyroptosis.

Sinensetin (SIN), a polymethoxylated flavonoid, exists widely in citrus fruits with abundant biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, delaying the progression of lung fibers and ameliorating inflammatory lung injury. Herein, an in vivo model of LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and an in vitro model of LPS + IFN-γ-induced M1 polarization in RAW264.7 cells were established to assess the effects and molecular mechanisms of SIN in ameliorating ALI. In the present study, the results showed that SIN significantly reduced BALF IL1β, IL6, and TNF-α levels and neutrophil infiltration, inhibited lung tissue COX2 and iNOS expression, reduced serum and lung tissue inflammatory factor levels, and attenuated lung tissue inflammatory infiltration and ROS levels in animal experiments. RNA sequencing analysis showed that SIN markedly inhibited the expression of inflammation-related pathway genes such as NOD-like receptor signaling. Further mechanistic studies confirmed that SIN significantly inhibited the dissociation of Txnip and Trx-1 and decreased the expression of NLRP3, ASC, pro-Caspase-1, cleavage Caspase-1 p10, NEK7, Caspase-8, IL1β, IL18, and GSDMD. Meanwhile, SIN docked to NLRP3 with strong affinity and bound stably in the hydrophobic docking pocket. Similarly, the same results were observed in in vitro macrophage M1 polarization experiments. In conclusion, the results revealed that SIN ameliorated the onset and progression of ALI by inhibiting Txnip/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling-mediated inflammatory responses and pyroptosis. These findings emphasize the significant role of SIN in ameliorating ALI and provide insights into the strategy for exploring the functional effects of foods.

Clinical therapeutic effect of self-prescribed Sanhanchushi Tongbi on lumbar disc herniation.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) commonly occurs during spinal surgery; LDH is on the increase in younger patients and is classified as "paralysis" and "back pain." Sanhanchushi Tongbi (SPST) is a customized prescription. It disperses cold, relieves pain, removes cold from the meridians and viscera, and treats neuropathic pain. However, few studies have investigated its mechanism of pain relief. To observe the clinical therapeutic effects on LDH treated with self-prescribed SPST. A total of 211 patients with LDH syndrome were divided into two groups: 107 patients in the control group were treated with conventional massage combined with traction, and 104 patients in the observation group were treated with a combination of the control regimen and self-prescribed oral SPST. The patients were treated for 4 wk. Indices of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score and serum inflammatory factor levels were measured. After therapy, the TCM syndrome score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The main symptoms, clinical signs, daily activities, and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after therapy (P < 0.05). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). In the observation group, superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher, whereas malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The overall efficacy rate in the observation group was 96.15%, which was substantially higher than that in the control group (88.79%; P < 0.05). Self-prescribed SPST can reduce the levels of inflammatory and pain-causing factors as well as lumbar pain in patients with LDH.

Ginseng extract improves pancreatic islet injury and promotes β-cell regeneration in T2DM mice.

Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (Araliaceae; Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), a traditional plant commonly utilized in Eastern Asia, has demonstrated efficacy in treating neuro-damaging diseases and diabetes mellitus. However, its precise roles and mechanism in alleviating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) need further study. The objective of this study is to explore the pharmacological effects of ginseng extract and elucidate its potential mechanisms in protecting islets and promoting β-cell regeneration. The T2DM mouse model was induced through streptozotocin combined with a high-fat diet. Two batches of mice were sacrificed on the 7th and 28th days following ginseng extract administration. Body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, and glucose tolerance were detected. Morphological changes in the pancreatic islets were examined via H & E staining. Levels of serum insulin, glucagon, GLP-1, and inflammatory factors were measured using ELISA. The ability of ginseng extract to promote pancreatic islet β-cell regeneration was evaluated through insulin & PCNA double immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, the mechanism behind β-cells regeneration was explored through insulin & glucagon double immunofluorescence staining, accompanied by immunohistochemical staining and western blot analyses. The present research revealed that ginseng extract alleviates symptoms of T2DM in mice, including decreased blood glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance. Serum levels of insulin, GLP-1, and IL-10 increased following the administration of ginseng extract, while levels of glucagon, TNF-α, and IL-1β decreased. Ginseng extract preserved normal islet morphology, increased nascent β-cell population, and inhibited inflammatory infiltration within the islets, moreover, it decreased α-cell proportion while increasing β-cell proportion. Mechanistically, ginseng extract might inhibit ARX and MAFB expressions, increase MAFA level to aid in α-cell to β-cell transformation, and activate AKT-FOXM1/cyclin D2 to enhance β-cell proliferation. Our study suggests that ginseng extract may be a promising therapy in treating T2DM, especially in those with islet injury.

Clinical intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on chronic heart failure complicated with depression.

The diagnosis and treatment of depression in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) is challenging, with no ideal treatment at present. To analyze the clinical intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XFZYD) on CHF complicated with depression. The study cohort comprised 116 patients with CHF complicated with depression who received treatment from July 2020 to July 2023, of which 55 received Western medicine (control group) and 61 received XFZYD (research group). Data on clinical effectiveness, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, cardiac function, negative emotions, and serum inflammatory factors, were collected for comparative analyses. Compared with the control group, the research group had an evidently higher total effective rate. Furthermore, there were marked reductions in TCM symptom score, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Hamilton Depression Scale, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the research group after treatment, and these were lower than the corresponding values in the control group. Left ventricular ejection fraction was increased and higher in the research group compared with the control group after treatment. Our findings conclusively proved that XFZYD was considerably superior to Western medicine for treating CHF complicated with depression because it significantly alleviated patients' symptoms, improved cardiac function, relieved negative emotions, and reduced the levels of serum inflammatory factors.

Effects of serum inflammatory factors, health index and disease activity scores on ankylosing spondylitis patients with sleep disorder.

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) frequently suffer from comorbid sleep disorders, exacerbating the burden of the disease and affecting their quality of life. To investigate the clinical significance of serum inflammatory factors, health index and disease activity scores in patients with AS complicated by sleep disorders. A total of 106 AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders were included in the study. The patients were grouped into the desirable and undesirable prognosis groups in accordance with their clinical outcomes. The serum levels of inflammatory factors, including C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and IL-1β, were measured. Disease activity scores, such as the Bath AS functional index, Bath AS disease activity index, Bath AS metrology index and AS disease activity score, were assessed. The health index was obtained through the Short Form-36 questionnaire. The study found significant associations amongst serum inflammatory factors, health index and disease activity scores in AS patients with comorbid sleep disorders. Positive correlations were found between serum inflammatory factors and disease activity scores, indicating the influence of heightened systemic inflammation on disease severity and functional impairment. Conversely, negative correlations were found between disease activity scores and health index parameters, highlighting the effect of disease activity on various aspects of health-related quality of life. Logistic regression analysis further confirmed the predictive value of these factors on patient outcomes, underscoring their potential utility in risk assessment and prognostication. The findings demonstrate the intricate interplay amongst disease activity, systemic inflammation and patient-reported health outcomes in AS patients complicated by sleep disorders. The results emphasise the need for comprehensive care strategies that address the diverse needs and challenges faced by these patients and underscore the potential relevance of serum inflammatory factors, health index and disease activity scores as prognostic markers in this patient population.

Mechanism of Weiwei granules in the treatment of chronic active Helicobacter pylori gastritis with atrophy based on the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 inflammatory signaling pathway.

Our paper aimed to elucidate the mechanism of Weiwei granules in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-positive chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) based on the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 inflammatory signaling pathway. Hp-positive CAG patients were randomized into the control group (treated with quadruple therapy) or the observation group (treated with Weiwei granules based on the control group). The clinical efficacy, Hp clearance rate, and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms were compared between the two groups after six months of treatment. The scores of various histopathology variables, serum levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-8 [IL-8], and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), gastrin-17 (G-17) and motilin (MTL), pepsinogen (PG) I and PG II, as well as serum levels of gastrointestinal hormone endothelin (ET), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. TLR4, NF-κB, and COX-2 mRNA levels were compared in gastric mucosal tissues before and after treatment in the two groups. After treatment, the clinical efficacy, Hp clearance rate, and efficacy of TCM symptoms of patients in the observation group were higher than those in the control group. After treatment, the scores of various histopathology variables, serum levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α), gastrointestinal hormones (ET and EGF), and the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, and COX-2 mRNA in the gastric mucosal tissues were lower and G-17, MTL, CGRP, and PG I levels were higher in the observation group than in the control group. Weiwei granules can effectively improve Hp-positive CAG patients and reduce the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, and COX-2.

The Effect of Transurethral Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in the Treatment of High-Risk Elderly Patients with BPH and Its Influence on Quality of Life.

Transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has a good therapeutic effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of HoLEP in the treatment of high-risk elderly patients with BPH and assess its impact on the inflammatory response, vascular endothelial function and quality of life (QoL). Patients at high risk of BPH who were hospitalised in Chengde Central Hospital from February 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively selected as the study objects, and a total of 100 cases were included. The control group underwent transurethral resection of the prostate, and the observation group underwent HoLEP. Perioperative indexes, urodynamic indexes, QoL 6 months after surgery and incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Moreover, serum levels of inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial factors were detected in two groups. We found no significant difference in general data between the two groups of patients (p > 0.05). The operation time, perioperative bleeding, bladder flushing time and hospitalisation time of the observation group were significantly shorter than those of the control group (p < 0.05). On the 7th day after surgery, the serum levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and endothelin-1 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Six months after surgery, the maximal urinary flow rate and QoL scores of the patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05), and the residual urine volume and International Prostate Symptom Score of observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (χ2 = 7.440, p = 0.006). HoLEP can effectively remove hyperplasia of the prostate and reduce the inflammatory response in the patient's body when treating BPH in high-risk elderly patients. It can also regulate the levels of vascular endothelial factors and effectively improve the patient's QoL.

QingChang-XiaoPi decoction ameliorates intestinal inflammation of ulcerative colitis by regulating the pathogenicity of Th17 cells

BackgroundQingChang-XiaoPi Decoction (QCXPY), a Chinese herbal prescription, has been employed in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China. However, its molecular mechanism of action in UC remains unclear. PurposeTo elucidate the therapeutic effects of QCXPY against UC and reveal its mechanism of action. Study DesignWe conducted a single-arm observation to evaluate the clinical efficacy of QCXPY in patients with mild-to-moderate UC. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to ensure the eligibility of participants, with a focus on excluding patients with specific conditions or complications that could confound the results. MethodsThe expression of inflammatory factors in patients’ serum was detected using a Luminex assay. The main components of QCXPY were identified using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Network pharmacology was employed to predict potential therapeutic targets and their mechanisms of action. The efficacy of QCXPY was evaluated using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model. Disease activity index (DAI), histopathological score, cytokine detection by ELISA, T-helper 17 (Th17) cell proportion by flow cytometry, expression of the IL-23/IL-17 axis, and changes in the levels of its downstream effectors were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. ResultsQCXPY could alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and purulent stool in patients with mild-to-moderate UC. Moreover, it reduced the expression of IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23 in serum; alleviated DSS-induced experimental colitis in mice; reduced DAI, pathological scores, and the expressions of IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23 in colon tissue; and decreased the proportion of pathogenic Th17 cells and the expression of STAT3 and phospho-STAT3. ConclusionThis study confirmed for the first time that QCXPY could alleviate intestinal symptoms, reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors, and improve the quality of life of patients with mild-to-moderate UC. Its mechanism of action may involve reducing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, moderating the pathogenicity of Th17 cells, and inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation, thereby alleviating intestinal inflammation in UC.

Huang Lian Jie Du decoction attenuates inflammation in septic rats by activating autophagy and altering the intestinal microbiome

AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of HLJDD on septic rats and the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsAdult male Sprague–Dawley (SD) adult rats (150–180 g) were randomly divided into the following 5 groups (n = 7 per group): the Sham group, caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group, HLJDD + CLP (Huang Lian Jie Du Decoction, HLJDD) group (1 g/mL/100 g), HLJDD + Rap + CLP (H. Rap) group (Rap: 3 mg/kg), and HLJDD+3-MA + CLP (H. 3-MA) group (3-MA: 30 mg/kg). Rapamycin (Rap) and 3-methyladenosine (3-MA) were used to activate and inhibit autophagy, respectively. HLJDD was purchased from Beijing Tong Ren Tang Guiyang Branch and verified by experts as a genuine product. We used CLP to establish an animal model of sepsis in the last four groups. Survival was analysed by the Kaplan‒Meier method. Then, we examined autophagy-related genes (Atgs) and proteins using real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The microstructure of the ileum and the number of autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Analyses of HE-stained pathological ileum and inflammatory factor levels were examined to assess the extent of septic injury. The effect of HLJDD on the gut microbiota was analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of faeces. ResultsIn this study, we identified the protective effects of HLJDD on mortality and inflammation in septic rats. Several key proteins, including LC3-II, Beclin-1 and p62, were examined and showed that HLJDD could effectively reverse the sepsis-induced decrease in autophagy. TEM was performed and the expression of Atgs was assessed to evaluate fluctuations in autophagy. Then, we examined the intestinal tight junction protein zona occludens (ZO-1), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammatory factors, and found that HLJDD effectively alleviated the increase in ZO-1 gene expression, the level of LPS and serum level of inflammatory factors caused by sepsis. These results were consistent with those obtained from pathological sectioning and TEM analysis. Moreover, autophagy activation effectively ameliorated sepsis, and autophagy inhibition exacerbated the systemic symptoms caused by infection. By examining the expression of key proteins upstream of the autophagy pathway, we found that HLJDD inhibited mTOR via the MAPK/PI3K signalling pathway to promote autophagy in septic rats. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that HLJDD significantly affected the diversity and physiological function of the gut microbiota in septic rats. ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that autophagy activation is a potential mechanism underlying the protective effect of HLJDD on the intestine in septic rats.

Clinical effects of nonconvulsive electrotherapy combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction and changes of serum inflammatory factors in depression.

Depression is a common and serious psychological condition, which seriously affects individual well-being and functional ability. Traditional treatment methods include drug therapy and psychological counseling; however, these methods have different degrees of side effects and limitations. In recent years, nonconvulsive electrotherapy (NET) has attracted increasing attention as a noninvasive treatment method. However, the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of NET on depression are still unclear. We hypothesized that NET has a positive clinical effect in the treatment of depression, and may have a regulatory effect on serum inflammatory factors during treatment. To assess the effects of NET on depression and analyze changes in serum inflammatory factors. This retrospective study enrolled 140 patients undergoing treatment for depression between May 2017 and June 2022, the observation group that received a combination of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and NET treatment (n = 70) and the control group that only received MBSR therapy (n = 70). The clinical effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by assessing various factors, including the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD)-17, self-rating idea of suicide scale (SSIOS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and levels of serum inflammatory factors before and after 8 wk of treatment. The quality of life scores between the two groups were compared. Comparisons were made using t and χ2 tests. After 8 wk of treatment, the observation group exhibited a 91.43% overall effectiveness rate which was higher than that of the control group which was 74.29% (64 vs 52, χ2 = 7.241; P < 0.05). The HAMD, SSIOS, and PSQI scores showed a significant decrease in both groups. Moreover, the observation group had lower scores than the control group (10.37 ± 2.04 vs 14.02 ± 2.16, t = 10.280; 1.67 ±0.28 vs 0.87 ± 0.12, t = 21.970; 5.29 ± 1.33 vs 7.94 ± 1.35, t = 11.700; P both < 0.001). Additionally, there was a notable decrease in the IL-2, IL-1β, and IL-6 in both groups after treatment. Furthermore, the observation group exhibited superior serum inflammatory factors compared to the control group (70.12 ± 10.32 vs 102.24 ± 20.21, t = 11.840; 19.35 ± 2.46 vs 22.27 ± 2.13, t = 7.508; 32.25 ± 4.6 vs 39.42 ± 4.23, t = 9.565; P both < 0.001). Moreover, the observation group exhibited significantly improved quality of life scores compared to the control group (Social function: 19.25 ± 2.76 vs 16.23 ± 2.34; Emotions: 18.54 ± 2.83 vs 12.28 ± 2.16; Environment: 18.49 ± 2.48 vs 16.56 ± 3.44; Physical health: 19.53 ± 2.39 vs 16.62 ± 3.46; P both < 0.001) after treatment. MBSR combined with NET effectively alleviates depression, lowers inflammation (IL-2, IL-1β, and IL-6), reduces suicidal thoughts, enhances sleep, and improves the quality of life of individuals with depression.

S1PR2 participates in intestinal injury in severe acute pancreatitis by regulating macrophage pyroptosis.

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is an inflammatory disorder affecting the gastrointestinal system. Intestinal injury plays an important role in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis. In this study, we mainly investigated the role of S1PR2 in regulating macrophage pyroptosis in the intestinal injury of severe acute pancreatitis. The SAP model was constructed using cerulein and lipopolysaccharide, and the expression of S1PR2 was inhibited by JTE-013 to detect the degree of pancreatitis and intestinal tissue damage in mice. Meanwhile, the level of pyroptosis-related protein was detected by western blot, the level of related mRNA was detected by PCR, and the level of serum inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA. In vitro experiments, LPS+ATP was used to construct the pyroptosis model of THP-1. After knockdown and overexpression of S1PR2, the pyroptosis proteins level was detected by western blot, the related mRNA level was detected by PCR, and the level of cell supernatant inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. A rescue experiment was used to verify the sufficient necessity of the RhoA/ROCK pathway in S1PR2-induced pyroptosis. Meanwhile, THP-1 and FHC were co-cultured to verify that cytokines released by THP-1 after damage could regulate FHC damage. Our results demonstrated that JTE-013 effectively attenuated intestinal injury and inflammation in mice with SAP. Furthermore, we observed a significant reduction in the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins within the intestinal tissue of SAP mice upon treatment with JTE-013. We confirmed the involvement of S1PR2 in THP-1 cell pyroptosis in vitro. Specifically, activation of S1PR2 triggered pyroptosis in THP-1 cells through the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Moreover, it was observed that inflammatory factors released during THP-1 cell pyroptosis exerted an impact on cohesin expression in FHC cells. The involvement of S1PR2 in SAP-induced intestinal mucosal injury may be attributed to its regulation of macrophage pyroptosis.

Bacillus siamensis Improves the Immune Status and Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets by Improving Their Intestinal Microbiota.

Previous studies on the early interference of gut microbiota by Bacillus siamensis (B. siamensis) in weaned piglets are rarely reported, and the present trial is a preliminary study. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of B. siamensis supplementation on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, immune response, fecal short-chain fatty acids and microbiota of weaned piglets. Sixty weaned piglets were randomly divided into a control group (CON) and a B. siamensis group (BS), which were fed a basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 5 × 1010 CFU B. siamensis per kg, respectively. Each group had 3 replicates and 10 piglets per replicate. The trial lasted for 28 days. The results showed that B. siamensis significantly increased the serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in piglets. Compared with the CON group, the levels of serum immunoglobulin and inflammatory factors in the BS group were significantly improved. In addition, the serum concentrations of zonulin and endotoxin (ET) in the BS group were lower. The dietary addition of B. siamensis significantly increased fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in piglets. Notably, B. siamensis improved the microbial composition by increasing beneficial genera, including Weissella, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Bifidobacterium, and decreasing pathogenic genera, including Pantoea, Fusobacterium and Gemella, in piglet feces. Correlation analysis showed that the benefits of dietary B. siamensis supplementation were closely related to its improved microbial composition. In summary, the addition of B. siamensis can improve the immunity function, inflammatory response, gut permeability and SCFA levels of weaned piglets, which may be achieved through the improvement of their microbiota.

Vitamin B6 ameliorates acute pancreatitis by suppressing the caspase3 signaling pathway

BackgroundAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a prevalent exocrine inflammatory disorder of the pancreas characterized by pancreatic inflammation and injury to acinar cells. Vitamin B6 (VB6) is a vital nutrient that plays a significant role in preserving human health and has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.MethodsThis study aimed to explore the potential pancreatic protective effects of VB6 in mitigating pancreatic inflammation and apoptosis induced by taurocholate sodium (TLCS) in an AP model and to assess the underlying mechanism of action. AP was induced in Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats through TLCS administration and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated AR42J cells, followed by treatment with VB6.ResultsVarious parameters associated with AP were assessed in both plasma and pancreatic tissues. VB6 has been shown to ameliorate the severity of AP through various mechanisms. It effectively reduces the levels of serum amylase, lipase, and inflammatory factors, thereby mitigating histological injury to the pancreas. Moreover, VB6 inhibited pancreatic apoptosis by downregulating bax expression and up-regulating Bcl2 expression in TLCS-treated rats. Additionally, VB6 suppressed the expression of caspase3. The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of VB6 observed in LPS-treated AR42J cells are consistent with those observed in a rat model of AP.ConclusionsThese results suggest that VB6 exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects through inhibition of the caspase3 signaling pathway and has a protective effect against AP.

Danggui Sini Decoction normalizes the intestinal microbiota and serum metabolite levels to treat sciatica

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDanggui Sini Decoction (DGSD), which is commonly used to treat sciatica, has been shown to have an analgesic effect, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, Danggui Sini Decoction was shown to normalize the intestinal microbiota and serum metabolite levels to exert an analgesic effect. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of DGSD on sciatica and the underlying mechanisms involved. MethodsIn this study, we conducted chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. Mecobalamin and DGSD were administered to CCI rats. Behavioural tests were used to examine the therapeutic effects of the drugs. UHPLC was used to identify DGSD components. 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of the intestinal flora was used to analyse the effect of DGSD on the intestinal microbiota. UHPLC‒MS/MS was used to identify blood metabolites. KEGG pathway analysis of differentially abundant metabolites was subsequently conducted. ELISA was used to measure the serum inflammatory factor levels, and correlation analysis between the serum inflammatory factor levels and intestinal microbe abundance was conducted. PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining were used to validate the results of the KEGG pathway analysis. ResultsAfter CCI, the rats exhibited obvious thermal hyperalgesia; disruption of sciatic nerve structure; increased IL1α, SP, CCL5, and PGE2 levels; decreased IL10 levels in the blood; increased IL1β, IL6, COX2, MMP9, nNOS, and p-NF-κB levels; and decreased IL4 levels in the sciatic nerve. In addition, CCI led to increased abundances of Peptostreptococcaceae, Leuconostocaceae, Christensenellaceae, Akkermansiaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Romboutsia, Marvinbryantia, Turicibacter, Weissella, UCG-005, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Akkermansia, Staphylococcus, Romboutsia_ilealis, Weissella_paramesenteroides, and Akkermansia_muciniphila and decreased abundances of Lactobacillaceae, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus_murinus, and Lactobacillus_johnsonii. Correlation analysis indicated that Turicibacter abundance was most strongly related to IL1α, PGE2, IL10, and CCL5 levels, while norank_o_Coriobacteriales abundance had the weakest relationship with SP levels. KEGG pathway analysis of the differentially abundant metabolites revealed that the ‘NF-kappa B signalling pathway’ was involved in sciatica. DGSD reduced the levels of inflammatory factors, including IL1α, SP, CCL5, PGE2, IL6, COX2, and MMP9, in the blood and sciatic nerve and inhibited nNOS and NF-κB phosphorylation. DGSD improved the abundance of probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Blautia, and lowered the abundance of harmful bacteria, including Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and Weissella. DGSD promoted the repair of the injured sciatic nerve. ConclusionsDGSD can treat sciatica by inhibiting intestinal microbiota disorders induced by CCI in rats, normalizing inflammatory factor levels, and promoting nerve repair.

Effect of nano-silver coated catheter combined with comprehensive care on postoperative infection and rehabilitation in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an effective treatment method for coronary atherosclerosis, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life and facilitate their return to normal activities after surgery. This study examines the effects of comprehensive nursing intervention and application of nano-silver coated catheter on postoperative infection and rehabilitation among patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting. The study included 72 patients, randomly assigned into an intervention group and a control group, with 36 patients in each. The control group received standard care, while the intervention group received comprehensive care along with postoperative application of nano-silver coated catheter. The study compared various factors, including the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score, quality of life score, postoperative recovery, postoperative infection, satisfaction, and adverse reactions between the two groups. The intervention group exhibited better scores in HAMD, HAMA, PSQI and quality of survival score when compared to the control group. Moreover, the intervention group experienced an earlier time to first bowel movement and first defecation after surgery. The intervention group also demonstrated lower rates of urinary protein detection, pathogen detection, and serum inflammatory factor levels compared to the control group. Additionally, the overall incidence of complications in the control group was higher at 27.8% compared to 8.3% in the intervention group. Furthermore, the satisfaction level in the intervention group was significantly higher at 97.2%, in contrast to 83.3% in the control group. Overall, comprehensive care combined with the postoperative application of a nano-silver coated catheter can effectively address patients’ emotional needs and accelerate recovery. It also reduces the incidence of infection, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and satisfaction levels among patients. This study provides a good nursing plan for the postoperative recovery of CABG patients, which is conducive to promoting the speed of postoperative recovery and improving the quality of life of patients.

Comparison of the analgesic effects of oxycodone vs. sufentanil on postoperative pain after laparoscopic gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

We aimed to compare the anesthesia induction effects of oxycodone and sufentanil on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy, as well as changes in serum levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) in the perioperative period. Sixty patients who underwent laparoscopic gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy were evenly divided into oxycodone (O) and sufentanil (S) groups. In groups O and S, oxycodone (0.3 mg/kg) and sufentanil (0.3 ug/kg) were administered, respectively, followed by propofol (2 mg/kg) and rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg). In both groups, the intraoperative electroencephalography double-frequency index was used to guide the use of sedative and analgesic drugs, assessing the follow-up analgesic effect (VAS), degree of sedation (Ramsey), and postoperative complications at seven different time points (0, 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h postoperatively). Compared with the S group, patients in the O group exhibited lower VAS scores within 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.001), but there was no statistical difference between wound and shoulder pain scores (P > 0.05). Regarding postoperative awakening and extubation duration, O group patients experienced shorter times and better remedial analgesia (P < 0.05). In terms of the degree of sedation, the Ramsay score decreased at 0 h postoperatively compared with the S group (P < 0.001). Compared with sufentanil, oxycodone anesthesia induced better postoperative analgesia and less inflammatory responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking University Shougang Hospital, with ethical approval (No. IRBK-2020-009), and has completed registration in the Chinese Clinical Trials Register (http://www.chictr.org.cn/) (ChiCTR2000031230).

Changes in serum inflammatory factors in group B streptococcal infection and their predictive value for premature rupture of membranes complicated by chorioamnionitis.

Objective: The aim of this study as to unveil changes in serum inflammatory factors in pregnant women with genital tract group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection and their predictive value for premature rupture of membranes (PROM) complicated by chorioamnionitis (CS) and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: The value of serum inflammatory factor levels in predicting PROM complicating CS and adverse pregnancy outcomes in GBS-infected pregnant women was evaluated by ELISA. Results: Serum IL-6, TNF-α, PCTand hs-CRP levels were higher in pregnant women with GBS infection. The combined diagnosis of these factors had excellent diagnostic value in PROM complicating CS and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion: Joint prediction of IL-6, TNF-α, PCT and hs-CRP hasthe best predictive value for PROM complicating CS and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The relationship between cardiac oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine response, cardiac pump function, and prognosis post-myocardial infarction

This study delves into the potential connections between cardiac oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine response, cardiac pump function, and prognosis in individuals following myocardial infarction. A total of 276 patients were categorized into two groups: the control group (n = 130) and the observation group (n = 146), based on the drug intervention strategies. The control group received standard drug treatment, while the observation group received early drug intervention targeting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatment in addition to standard treatment. Serum levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-9 (IL-6), were assessed using enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The Forkhead Box Protein A2 (FOX2) reagent was used to determine the overall oxidation level. Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Diameter (LVEDD), Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF), and End-Systolic Diameter (ESD) were measured using Doppler ultrasound. The observation group exhibited significantly reduced serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the observation group exerted lower total oxidation levels, OSI, EDD, and ESD compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while the LVEF and TAS levels in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Remarkably, the observation group experienced a significant reduction in the incidences of reinfarction, heart failure, arrhythmia, and abnormal valve function compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Decreased cardiac pump function and a more unfavorable prognosis were associated with elevated levels of cardiac oxidative stress and inflammatory factors (P < 0.05). Timely intervention with appropriate medications have a crucial effect in decreasing inflammatory marker levels, mitigating oxidative pressure, and enhancing cardiac pumping capacity and overall prognosis.