Int J Med Sci
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Farfarae Flos is a traditional Chinese medicine that has long been used to treat allergies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of a petroleum extract of Farfarae Flos (PEFF) in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis (AR) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of action. An animal model of AR was established by sensitization and challenge of BALB/c mice with ovalbumin (OVA). ⋯ PEFF significantly decreased serum concentrations of OVA-specific IgE (P<0.01) and IL-4 (P<0.05) and significantly increased IFN-γ (P<0.01). PEFF also upregulated the expression of T-bet protein (P<0.05) but downregulated GATA3 protein (P<0.05) in nasal mucosa and spleen tissues. In conclusion, PEFF effectively reduces AR nasal symptoms and serum IgE levels in a mouse model and may act by correcting the imbalance between Th1 and Th2 responses.
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A new Danshensu/tetramethylpyrazine derivative (ADTM) with cardio-protection effects such as antioxidant, arterial relaxation, pro-angiogenesis and antiplatelet activities. Platelet activating factor receptor (PAFR) plays a key role in myocardial ischemia reperfusion (MIR) injury. This study aims to investigate the protective role of ADTM in MIR injury and clarify the potential role of PAFR. ⋯ At the same time, ADTM and PAFR small interfering RNA (siRNA) could inhibit cardiomyocytes apoptosis and inflammation during HR, while PAF presents the opposite effect. Furthermore, the above effects of PAF in HR induced cardiomyocytes were reversed by co-treatment of ADTM. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that ADTM protects against MIR injury through inhibition of PAFR signaling, which provides a new treatment for MIR.
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Gradual weight gain in modern people and a lowering onset age of metabolic disease are highly correlated with the intake of sugary drinks and sweets. Long-term excessive fructose consumption can lead to hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and accumulation of visceral fat. Abdominal obesity is more severe in females than in males. ⋯ Long-term intake of a high-fructose diet can lead to obesity and increase the risk of metabolic disease. Based on our findings, we speculate that aquatic exercise training can effectively promote health and fitness. However, aquatic aerobic exercise training appears to have greater benefits than aquatic strength exercise training.
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Differences in the mechanism of type 1 and type 2 diabetes-induced skin dryness by using model mice.
Diabetes induces dry skin that may cause infective diseases. In this study, we aimed to clarify the mechanism of diabetes-induced skin dryness in animal models. We also examined the difference in the mechanism of skin dryness in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. ⋯ Nevertheless, inflammatory cytokine levels increased. We hypothesize that inflammatory cytokines disrupt the collagen of the skin. Diabetes caused skin dryness in each mouse model, and the mechanism of skin dryness differed by diabetes type.
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Introduction: Acute lung injury (ALI) has a great impact and a high mortality rate in intensive care units (ICUs). Excessive air may enter the lungs, causing pulmonary air embolism (AE)-induced ALI. Some invasive iatrogenic procedures cause pulmonary AE-induced ALI, with the presentation of severe inflammatory reactions, hypoxia, and pulmonary hypertension. ⋯ The activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and sodium-potassium-chloride co-transporter isoform 1 (NKCC1). The pretreatment with NIS (1 mg/kg) prominently maintained the integrity of the epithelial lining and suppressed the expression of NF-κB, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and NKCC1, subsequently reducing AE-induced ALI. Conclusions: NIS maintained the integrity of the epithelial lining and suppressed the expression of NF-κB, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and NKCC1, thereby reducing hyperpermeability, pulmonary edema, and inflammation in ALI.