Abstract: Objective To investigate the protective effect of hesperidin extract from orange peel on oxidative stress in an in vitro model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods CCK-8 method was used to screen the drug concentrations of oleic acid (OA) and hesperidin (HES). An in vitro NAFLD model was established by OA action on LO2 cells, with a normal control group (NC group), model group (Model group), low-dose group (L-HES), medium- dose group (M-HES) and high-dose group (H-HES group). The groups were treated with HES for 24 h; oil red O staining was performed to detect intracellular ROS, MDA, SOD and CAT, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and GCLC proteins in LO2 cells. Results Compared with result in the NC group, numerous intracellular lipid droplets were formed in the Model group (P<0.05); ROS and MDA expression increased, SOD and CAT expression decreased (P< 0.05) and Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and GCLC expression were all down-regulated ( P< 0.05). Compared with observations the Model group, fewer lipid droplets were observed in the HES low-medium-high group (P< 0.05). ROS and MDA production decreased, SOD and CAT contents increased (P<0.05) and Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and GCLC protein expressions were all upregulated (P<0. 05). Conclusions HES has a protective effect on the NAFLD in vitro model through anti-oxidative stress, which may be related to the activation of Nrf2 / HO-1 signaling pathway.

Abstract: Objective To establish a stable mouse burn wound sepsis model, determine its pathophysiological indicators, and provide a standardized animal model for the study of burn sepsis. Methods The back of a mouse was exposed for 8 s to water with a temperature of 90℃ to establish a third degree scald model, and the scald area was about 15% ~ 20%. Two hours later, 100 μL of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) with a concentration of 0. 75×10⁵ colony-forming units/ mL was injected under the eschar to create wound sepsis. The bodyweight, feed intake, survival rate and general status of the mice were observed and recorded for 12 days. Peripheral blood and liver tissues were collected from the mice on post-infection days 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7, the serum biochemical and inflammatory factors were measured, and the pathological changes of liver tissues were observed. Results The mortality of the model mice on the twelfth day post- infection was 30. 2%. The levels of the serum biochemical indexes ALT, AST, UREA and CREA were significantly increased from baseline (P<0.05 or P<0.01), whereas the levels of TP and TBIL exhibited no obvious changes. The serum inflammatory indexes TNF-α and IL-6 increased to their highest values on the first day after infection (P<0.01) and then decreased daily, recovering to their baseline levels on the third and seventh days post-infection, respectively. The histopathological sections of liver revealed liver injury at all tested timepoints. Conclusions A simple burn sepsis model with a manageable protocol and appropriate severity was established; the model characteristics are in line with the pathophysiological characteristics of burn sepsis; and this approach can provide a standardized experimental animal model both for relevant mechanism research and for drug research and development.

Abstract: Objective To study the effects of water extract of asparagus on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116. Methods A CCK-8 assay, colony-forming experiment and EdU/ Hoechst 33258 fluorescent dye test were performed to detect the inhibitory effect of water extract of asparagus on the proliferation of human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. The apoptosis rate was observed via Annexin V- FITC/ PI flow cytometry. The detection of cell migration and invasion were investigated by a wound healing test and Transwell invasion test, respectively. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of genes p53 and Bax. Results Compared with the control group cells, the HCT116 cells that had been treated with water extract of asparagus for 24 h were significantly fewer in number, adhered to the wall less firmly, and exhibited different degrees of nuclear pyknosis. The water extract of asparagus could inhibit the activity of HCT116 cells and promote apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The result of a colony formation test, EdU/ Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining, wound healing test, and Transwell invasion test reveal that the water extract of asparagus inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The Real-time PCR result show that the water extract of asparagus could upregulate the expression of apoptosis genes p53 and Bax. Conclusions The water extract of asparagus can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer HCT116 cells, promote their apoptosis, and lead to the high expression of apoptosis genes p53 and Bax.

Abstract: Objective To explore the potential differential metabolites related to blood pressure changes in spontaneously hypertensive rats ( SHR). Methods We applied non-targeted metabolomics technology to study the differences in serum metabolites between SHR and normal groups at 5, 7 and 9 weeks of age, screening out metabolites that co-existed in rats of different ages. We then used SIMCA-P software to analyze the correlation between the metabolomics data and blood pressure and to discover its impact on blood pressure elevation. Finally, we used the MetaboAnalyst platform to conduct a pathway analysis of related metabolites and to identify the related pathways that cause blood pressure changes. Results Through database query, the following 10 differential metabolites that were present at different ages were identified: choline, arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, thromboxane B₂ , uric acid, 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, dodecanedioic acid, cholic acid, 12(13)-DiHOME, and taurochenodeoxycholic acid. At 7 weeks of age, thromboxane B₂ was positively correlated with blood pressure, while docosahexaenoic acid, uric acid, dodecanedioic acid, cholic acid, and arachidonic acid were negatively correlated with blood pressure; at 9 weeks, docosahexaenoic acid, dodecanedioic acid and bile acids were positively correlated with blood pressure, while thromboxane B₂ , uric acid, and arachidonic acid were negatively correlated with blood pressure. Conclusions The arachidonic acid pathway is the main influencing pathway for the occurrence of hypertension. From overall view, docosahexaenoic acid and bile acids have a certain antihypertensive effect. Uric acid promotes the increase of blood pressure, while the correlation of thromboxane B₂ and arachidonic acid with blood pressure is not uniform in the process of blood pressure increase, but they have important effects on the increase of blood pressure.

Abstract: Objective To observe 1~ 15 days of local inflammatory responses after an intramuscular injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), clarify the result ing immune response, analyze transcriptomics differences amongst different immune responses, and provide a reference for studies of muscle inflammatory responses. Methods Ninety Wistar rats were randomized into control and model groups at day 1 (MD1), 3 (MD3), 5 (MD5), 7 (MD7), 9 (MD9), 11 (MD11), 13 (MD13) and 15 (MD15) after CFA injection after CFA injection. The 200 μL of CFA was injected in the left femoral biceps abdomen of the mice in the model groups. The changes in mechanical pain and heat pain thresholds were observed in the left hindpaw of mice in each group. The levels of inflammatory factors were measured in the muscle tissue and peripheral blood of each group by electrochemiluminescence. Morphological observations of the local muscle tissue on the injection side of rats in the control, MD3 and MD13 groups were performed using HE staining. The differential expression of genes in the control and model groups was analyzed using genomics. Results ( 1) Intramuscular CFA injection induced sustained mechanical and heat hyperalgesia of the hindpaw. ( 2) At 24 h after CFA intramuscular injection, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly elevated in the peripheral blood and local tissues, and the pro-inflammatory factor content in the local tissue was significantly elevated again at day 13 after CFA injection. (3) Local tissue was infiltrated mainly by neutrophils on day 3 after CFA injection and mainly by monocytes on day 13 after CFA injection. (4) The differentially expressed genes associated with the immune response are upregulated in local tissues in MD13 group as compared with their levels in MD3 group; These genes are involved in biological pathways related to adaptive immunity, such as Th-cell differentiation and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. (5) The expression levels of pain-related genes, including Ccl3, Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl9 and Cxcl10, were elevated in local tissues after CFA injection. Conclusions An injection of CFA can effectively stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses and induce inflammatory pain sensitization, in which different chemokine family genes play important roles in the different immune responses.

Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of different immune cells and nonimmune factors on the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods Balb / c mice, nude mice and NOG mice were each divided into a blank group and model group, with 10 mice in each group. In the model groups, imiquimod was applied to the back skin of the mice to induce a psoriasis- like model, and samples of the skin and spleen were taken after the last application of imiquimod. The pathological changes to the skin and spleen induced by imiquimod were observed, and skin inflammatory factors and energy metabolic factors of the skin and spleen were detected. Results Compared with the normal group, the skin appearance and pathological tissue of the model group in all three mouse types showed psoriasis-like lesions, and the levels of inflammatory factors ( IL6, IL17, IL22 and IL23) were significantly higher. In the model groups, the spleen was swollen for all three mouse types, and the pathological spleen section exhibited a larger white pulp area and higher amount of lymphocytes compared with the blank groups in the Balb / c mice and nude mice. The activities of Na⁺K⁺ -ATPase and Ca²⁺ Mg²⁺ -ATPase in the skin and spleen were lower in the model groups. The relative severity of the three models was as follows: Balb / c mice > nude mice > NOG mice. Conclusions Immune cell activation, especially T-cell activation, plays a key role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, but psoriasis can still be induced in animals with a severe immune deficiency. A decrease in ATPase activity, which is a non-immune factor, may also be an inducing factor of psoriasis.

Abstract: Objective To establish a method for the isolation and culture of primary Leydig cells in tree shrew, to explore the infection characteristics of Zika virus (Zikv) on these cells, and to provide a basis for research on the damage and sterility of testis caused by Zikv infection. Methods A 3-month-old male tree shrew was sacrificed with 0. 4 mL of 3% sodium pentobarbital anesthetized and the testis was collected. A single-cell suspension was obtained by combined digestion with collagenase IV and trypsin. After purification, cells were identified by fluorescent staining with 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and the ability of cells to secrete testosterone was detected by ELISA. Tree shrew Leydig cells were infected with Zikv, as were kidney cells from African green monkeys susceptible to Zika virus for comparison. The viral loads in the cells and their culture supernatants at different time points of infection were determined, cytopathic changes were observed under a microscope, and testosterone content was determined by ELISA. Results The positive rate of isolated and cultured Leydig cells identified by 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was as high as 98%. They proliferated rapidly and continuously secreted testosterone. The forth-generation Leydig cells secreted 1. 253 and 1. 163 ng / mL testosterone at 0 ~ 24 h and 24~ 48 h, respectively. Upon infection of Leydig cells of tree shrew with Zikv, the virus copy number reached 2. 15×10⁵ copies/ mL within 6 h, the cells’ ability to secrete testosterone was basically lost after 48 h of infection, and cytopathic effects were seen on the third day of infection. Conclusions A method for isolating and culturing Leydig cells from tree shrew was successfully established. The findings showed that Zikv could infect Leydig cells of tree shrew and lead to the loss of their testosterone secretion function, providing a basis for research on the mechanism by which Zikv affects the reproductive system.

Abstract: Objective To explore, by constructing a mouse fetal inflammatory response syndrome ( FIRS) model, the possible mechanism by which MMP-9/ TIMP-1 expression in premature infants with FIRS induces myocardial damage and potential drugs against this. Methods This study was divided into two parts: clinical observation and animal experiment. In part 1, a total of 118 premature infants who were in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University during the period from May 2018 to December 2019 were included as the study participants. According to whether FIRS was diagnosed, they were divided into the FIRS group (n= 61) and control group ( n= 57). The levels of IL-6, MMP-9 and TIMP-1, the MMP-9/ TIMP-1 ( M/ T) ratio, and the occurrence of myocardial injury were compared between the two groups. For part 2 ( the animal experiment), FIRS mice were constructed and divided into the following three drug intervention groups: FIRS group, RA(retinoic acid)group, and control group. Heart tissue was collected from the mice in these groups and used to detect the IL-6, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels and the M/ T ratio. Results The IL-6, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels and M/ T ratio in the FIRS group were: (38. 53±9. 01) pg / L, (42. 27±12. 53) ng / L, (110. 48±17. 06) ng / L and (38. 30±9. 93)%, respectively; these values were significantly higher (P<0. 05) than those in the non-FIRS group. The myocardial injury rate was significantly higher (P= 0. 001) in the FIRS group (27. 87%) than in the non-FIRS group (5. 26%). In the myocardial tissue of mice in the FIRS group, there were significant levels of edema, the ventricular wall became thinner, and the degree of cardiac structure changes was reduced by RA intervention. The IL-6, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA expression levels and M/ T ratios in the FIRS group at different timepoints were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), whereas the the mRNA expression of IL-6 ,MMP-9 levels and M/ T ratios in the RA group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0. 05) but were lower than those in the FIRS group (P<0.05). Conclusions FIRS can mediate the occurrence of heart injury in premature infants by releasing IL-6 and by regulating the levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and the M/ T ratio. The application of RA can play a protective role in the process of heart injury and could be a potential drug for providing clinical treatment of FIRS.

Abstract: Objective To establish a reasonable and practical pathological mouse model for the attribution of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as “ cold-dampness epidemic” under the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Methods Twenty-four male KM mice were randomly divided into three groups: normal group and two model groups. The mice in model group 1 (lipopolysaccharide [LPS] group) were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg / kg of LPS saline solution, those in model group 2 (“ LPS + cold-dampness stimulation” syndrome group) were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg / kg of LPS saline solution and cold dampness stimulation, and those in the normal group were injected with the same amount of normal saline. After 8 days, the appearance and behavior of model mice were evaluated under the theory of TCM; additionally, the lung index, spleen index, and thymus index were evaluated, and the levels of inflammatory factors in the lung tissues were detected by ELISA, and the protein expression levels of COX-2, TRPV1 and TRPA1 were detected. Results Mice in the LPS + “cold-dampness stimulation” syndrome group exhibited an appearance and behavior similar to those of cold-dampness syndrome, e. g. , decreased activity and poor mental state. The lung index, thymus index, and spleen index of model groups were higher than those of the normal group. The levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and PGE2 in the LPS + “ cold-dampness stimulation” syndrome group were significantly higher than those in the normal group or the LPS group. HE staining revealed that the extent of injury in the model groups were more severe than that in the normal group. The expression levels of COX-2 and TRPA1 protein were significantly higher in the model groups, whereas the expression level of TRPV1 protein was significantly lower. Conclusions The LPS + “ cold-dampness stimulation” syndrome mouse model can be used as an ideal method to construct the syndrome of “HanShiYi” caused by COVID-19 under the theory of TCM, and the changes of indexes of mice in the LPS + “ cold-dampness stimulation” syndrome model group are consistent with the body damage caused by COVID-19 reported in the literature.

Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of arginine vasopressin 1b receptor (Avpr1b) gene knockout on the plasma corticosterone level, anxiety, and social behaviors in female rats. Methods Female AvpR1b knockout (AvpR1b^KO ) and wildtype (WT) SD rats were used. First, the expression levels of Avpr1b in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the brains of WT and AvpR1b^KO rats were examined by performing in situ hybridization. The basal plasma corticosterone levels of WT and AvpR1b^KO rats were then analyzed by conducting high- performance liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry. Additionally, the anxiety levels of rats were evaluated by using an open field test and elevated plus maze test. Finally, the social ability and social novelty of WT and AvpR1b^KO rats were measured by performing a three-chamber experiment. Results There was no expression of AvpR1b in paraventricular nucleus or supraoptic nucleus of AvpR1b^KO rats. The basal plasma corticosterone level of AvpR1b^KO rats was not significantly different from that of WT rats (P>0.05). The duration and bouts of AvpR1b^KO rats entering the central area in the open field experiment were not different from those of WT rats ( P> 0.05). Similarly, the duration and bouts of AvpR1b^KO rats entering the open arm area in the elevated plus maze were not different from those of WT rats (P>0.05). In the social interaction experiment, the socialbility index of AvpR1b^KO rats was not different from that of WT rats (P>0.05). In the social novelty experiment, the social novelty index of AvpR1b^KO rats was not different from that of WT rats ( P> 0.05). Conclusions A knockout of AvpR1b in female SD rats does not affect their basal plasma corticosterone level, anxiety level, sociability, or interest in social novelty.

Abstract: Objective To observe the abortion model data of the CBA/ J and CBA/ Ola sub-strains of mice. The Embryo resorption rate of 10~ 16 weeks CBA/ J mice was 12. 8% ~ 22. 2% higher than 11. 4% ~ 13. 0% of 10 ~ 16 weeks CBA/ Ola mice. Methods Abortion model experiments on CBA/ J and CBA/ Ola mice were designed. Each murine subline was matched with six groups of animals and observed. Three of the six groups are 10-week-old female CBA groups and three are 16-week-old female CBA groups. Three groups for each week of age include the mutual mating of CBA, BALB/ c and CBA, DBA2 and CBA. Results CBA/ J mice have a higher Embryo resorption rate compared with CBA/ Ola mice, and the Embryo resorption rate of 16-week-old female CBA/ J mice is higher than the rate of 10-week-old female CBA/ J. Both the CBA/ J and CBA/ Ola murine sublines have embryo absorption problems in their mutual mating, the reasons for which need to be further studied. Conclusions 16-week-old CBA/ J female mice are more suitable for the establishment of abortion models.

Abstract: Objective To evaluate the operation of an oral and nasal aerosol exposure system for non-human primate (NHP) models using influenza virus and establish the experimental basis for aerosol inoculation of NHPs with SARS-CoV-2. Methods In a biosafety level 3 laboratory, we generated influenza virus B/ Phuket / 3073 / 2013 aerosol using an oral and nasal aerosol exposure system for NHP models and evaluated whether the device could run normally and produce aerosol particles of a specific size. Furthermore, the uniformity of distribution and stability of the aerosol particles were analyzed. Influenza virus was collected at sites where leakage could easily occur. A solution of 35% H₂O₂ was run through the nebulizer to disinfect the system. Results The mass median aerodynamic diameter of aerosol particles was (1. 04 ± 0. 03) μm. The viral aerosols produced by different concentrations of influenza virus reached the hood. There was no significant difference in aerosol concentration among the 6 hoods (P>0. 05). The survival rate of influenza virus was greater than 50% after atomization for 30 min. A linear relationship was observed ( R² = 0. 9989) with an average difference of 2. 4 log10 CCID50 / mL between input (Collison Nebulizer) and output (All Glass Impinger-30) virus titers. No influenza virus was detected at potential leakage sites of the device. There was no indication of bacterial growth after sterilizing the pipeline of the aerosol exposure system and the cavity of the negative pressure cabinet with hydrogen peroxide disinfectant. Conclusions Our result suggest that the oral and nasal aerosol exposure system for non-human primates is useable and effective. This study provides a foundation for establishing SARS-CoV-2 and other viral aerosol infection models using NHPs in the future.

Abstract:The non-muscle myosin IIA (NM IIA), encoded by non-muscle myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), is a member of the non-muscle myosin II family. NM IIA is expressed in a variety of cell types and plays a critical role in cellular physiological processes, such as cell contraction, cell migration, and cell shape maintenance. NM IIA is essential for the development of the brain, kidney, vessels, and other organs. A mutation of NM IIA causes MYH9-related disease (MYH9-RD). Recently, it has been shown that NM IIA is also involved in the regulation of other physiological and pathological processes, such as angiogenesis and tumor progression. Here, we summarize the recent progress of research on NM IIA functions in humans, mice, and zebrafish.

Abstract:Duchenne muscular dystrophy ( DMD) is a fatal muscle disease caused by the loss of dystrophin protein, which is localized in the sarcolemma. Currently, DMD research concentrates on how to treat the disease, and the restoration of membrane function has become a promising therapeutic approach. This review focuses on the mechanism by which muscle membrane damage is caused by dystrophin abnormality and summarizes the research progress regarding membrane repair therapy toward its clinical application.

Abstract:With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19), research on the pathogenesis and functional structure of the causative virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as well as on COVID-19-related vaccines and drugs, has accelerated rapidly. Animal infection models, especially those using non-human primates, are indispensable for research on COVID-19. Owing to their physiological similarity to humans, non-human primate models are among the most important animal models in SARS-CoV-2 research. However, there are relatively few studies using non-human primate infection models for COVID-19 owing to various constraints, including ethics, research qualifications, and cost; therefore, it is particularly critical to ensure the validity of each animal test result . This article summarizes and analyzes evaluation indicators for the non-human primate model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including clinical scores, imaging diagnosis, hematology indicators, and pathogens, from the published literature on SARS-CoV-2-infected animal models and clinical data, which could provide a useful reference for the successful establishment of more effective non-human primate models of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Abstract:The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is having a profound impact on human health, economics, and social development. This disease has been extremely difficult to prevent and control because of its strong infectivity and rapid transmission, along with the constant emergence of mutant strains of the causative virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Drugs are an important measure for the prevention and treatment of viral infectious diseases. At present, there are no specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs approved for clinical use. There have been many studies on antiviral drug targets guided by present understanding of the characteristics and mechanism of coronavirus pathogenesis. This review discusses the current research status of drugs targeting coronavirus Spike protein, ribonucleic acid ( RNA)-dependent RNA polymerase and 3C-like proteinase, as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine against coronaviruses; it details the pharmacodynamic basis for the prevention and treatment of coronaviruses, especially SARS-CoV-2, by these drugs and provides a reference for their subsequent clinical application.

Abstract:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world, and it has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Recent studies have shown that the dietary emulsifiers carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polysorbate 80 ( P80), which are widely used food additives, can affect the gut microbiota, change the metabolites of intestinal flora, and promote colon inflammation. The current research on CRC indicates that the occurrence and development of CRC are closely related to gut microbiota, intestinal flora metabolites, and inflammation. Therefore, this review focuses on these influencing factors to explore the possibility of whether dietary emulsifiers CMC and P80 promote the occurrence and development of CRC, and it provide references for studying the influences of CMC and P80 on the occurrence and development of CRC.

Abstract:Mitochondrial dynamics include fusion and division. Dynamic-related protein 1 ( Drp1) is a key protein in mitochondrial division. The expression of Drp1 is increased during Parkinson’ s disease (PD), which leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction and participates in the pathological process of PD. This paper reviews mitochondrial dynamics, Drp1 and their pathological relationships with the abnormal expression of α-synuclein, LRRK, PINK1 and Parkin in PD.

Abstract:The latest severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2) variant Omicron ( B. 1. 1. 529) has incited panic responses around the world owing to its higher level of contagiousness and vaccine-escape mutations. The susceptibility of potential hosts to the SARS-CoV-2 mutant and the antibody resistance of this virus are determined mainly by the mutation in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of its spike (S) protein. However, a complete experimental evaluation of Omicron may take weeks or even months. Here, we analyze the infectivity, vaccine strategy, and serum antibody neutralization activity of Omicron, the result of which are expected to provide a basis for scientifically understanding the key characteristics of the Omicron mutant as soon as possible and for formulating appropriate long-term countermeasures against SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an extremely infectious disease with a high infection rate that is caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This disease, which can cause severe respiratory symptoms and lung damage, has killed millions of people worldwide since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In addition to the necessity for vaccine prevention to control this pandemic, there is also an extremely urgent need to develop drugs that can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection or treat symptomatic COVID-19. However, the high mutation rate of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to frequent failures of the vaccines and drugs that have been developed to date. Ivermectin, a macrolide compound, is a commonly used anti-parasitic drug, and it also has a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor effects. Recent studies have shown that ivermectin may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection or relieve COVID-19 symptoms. The feasibility of an improved strategy of ivermectin use against SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on a bioinformatics analysis of the interaction between ivermectin and SARS-CoV-2 receptors, cell model validation, animal infection model studies, and epidemiological data, is discussed in this review article. The existing research data are insufficient, so it remains necessary to perform a clinical efficacy evaluation for determining whether ivermectin can be used clinically for the treatment of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, a strategy of drug combination could be adopted to improve the effect of ivermectin on the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 and the treatment of COVID-19.

Abstract:In May 2022, more than 100 cases of Monkeypox were identified in several countries, triggering an outbreak warning by the World Health Organization. Monkeypox virus and Smallpox virus belong to the same genus, and the typical clinical manifestation is a rash and a mortality rate of 1% ~ 10%. The sudden outbreak of Monkeypox has aroused concern worldwide, and the demand for an animal model for evaluating the efficiency of vaccines and drugs, as well as understanding its mechanisms of virology, immunology, and pathology, is urgent. In this paper, the common models using cynomolgus monkey, prairie dogs, squirrel, Gambian pouched rats, dormouse, marmoset, mouse, and rabbit were reviewed by focusing on the selection of animal species, infection route and dose, and characteristics of virology and pathology. The application of these animal models in studies on pathogenesis, transmission, and the evaluation of vaccines and drugs are introduced to provide references for the development and application of animal models for Monkeypox.

Abstract:Medical laser equipment is an electrical equipment that outputs energy to human target tissues. Animal experiment is one of the important method for preclinical / clinical evaluation of laser equipment, and it can also be used as evidence of safety and effectiveness of such equipment before clinical trials. This article analyzes the mechanism of action of medical laser equipment by referring to existing regulations, standards, and guidelines related to animal experiment of medical equipment. Based on the evaluation experience of common laser therapy equipment, the factors and standard requirements for the decision making of animal experiments with laser therapy equipment were summarized. In addition, design requirements and evaluation indexes of animal tests were analyzed with examples. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reference for the animal experimental study of medical laser therapy equipment, as well as for the technical reviewers and registrants related to this medical device.