Abstract To investigate the effect of licorice on anti-liver fibrosis actions, we present systematic review and meta-analysis via systematic literature between 2010 and 2020 from the electronic databases, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ISI. A software program (Endnote X8) has been utilized for managing the electronic titles. Searches were performed with mesh terms. Mean differences between two groups (Glycyrrhizic acid and control group) with 95% confidence interval (CI), fixed effect model and Inverse-variance method were calculated. Random effects were used to deal with potential heterogeneity and I2 showed heterogeneity. The Meta analysis and forest plots have been evaluated with the Stata V16. A total of 184 potentially relevant titles and abstracts were found during the electronic and manual search. Finally, a total of four publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria required for this systematic review. TGF-β1 mRNA expression significantly decreased following Glycyrrhizic acid relative to the control group and Glycyrrhizic acid significantly decreased expression of TGF-β1 mRNA, which was about 2.90 times that in the control group. Mean difference between Glycyrrhizic acid and control group was -18.12 U/L (MD, -18.12 U/L 95% CI 30.02 U/L, -6.22 U/L. P = 0.00). Glycyrrhizic acid reduced TGF-β1, Smads mRNAs, hypdroxyproline, alanine aminotransferase.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined periarticular multimodal drug injection and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for an early analgesic effect after total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. Patient satisfaction and benefits from the treatment were also assessed. METHODS: A total of 110 patients who were scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty and 86 patients who were scheduled to undergo total hip arthroplasty were divided into two groups, the study group and the control group. The study group received a periarticular multimodal drug injection during surgery. The control group received an equal volume of normal saline. All patients received an analgesia pump and a moderate dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Resting and motion Numeric Rating Scale scores, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, knee or hip joint range of motion, length of postoperative hospital stay, patient satisfaction, total nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug consumption and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: Both study groups exhibited significant improvement in pain Numeric Rating Scale scores during rest and exercise several days after the surgery. The range of joint motion was greater in the study group, and the length of postoperative hospital stay was shorter than that in the control group. Patients in the study group consumed fewer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and reported greater satisfaction with surgery. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative periarticular multimodal drug injection significantly relieved pain after surgery and reduced nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug consumption. These patient had a better postoperative experience, including satisfaction and rehabilitation.

Iron is an essential element for nearly all living organisms, and its deficiency is the most common form of malnutrition in the world. The organic forms of trace elements are considered more bioavailable than the inorganic forms. Although Saccharomyces cerevisiae can enrich metal elements and convert inorganic iron to organic species, its tolerability and transforming capacity are limited. The aim of this study was to screen higher biomass and other iron-enriched fungi strains besides Saccharomyces cerevisiae from the natural environment. A PDA medium containing 800 μg/mL iron was used for initial screening. Fifty strains that tolerated high iron concentration were isolated from the natural environment, and only one strain, No.BY1109, grew well at Fe (II) concentration of 10,000μg/ml. According to morphological characterization, 18S rDNA sequence analysis, and biophysical and biochemical characterization, the strain No.BY1109 was identified as Rhodotorula. The iron content of No.BY1109 (10 mg Fe/g dry cell) was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results of distribution of iron in the cells showed that iron ion was mainly chelated in the cell walls and vacuoles. The bioavailability in rats confirmed that strain No.BY1109 had higher absorption efficiency than that of ferrous sulfate after single dose oral administration. The present study introduces new iron supplements, and it is a basis for finding new iron supplements from natural environment.