Platelet activation is involved in cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke. Licochalcone A (LA), an active ingredient of licorice, exhibits multiple biological activities such as anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. However, its role in platelet activation remains unclear. Therefore, the study investigated the antiplatelet mechanism of LA. Our data revealed that LA (2–10 μM) concentration dependently inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, but not thrombin and U46619. LA markedly attenuated collagen-stimulated ATP release, P-selectin secretion, calcium mobilization, and GPIIbIIIa activation, but did not interfere with the collagen binding to platelets. Moreover, LA significantly reduced the activation of PLCγ2, PKC, Akt and MAPKs. Thus, LA attenuates platelet activation, possibly by inhibiting collagen receptor downstream signaling but not by blocking the collagen receptors. In addition, LA prevented adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced acute pulmonary thrombosis, fluorescein sodium-induced platelet thrombus formation, and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion-induced brain injury in mice, but did not affect normal hemostasis. This study demonstrated that LA effectively reduced platelet activation and thrombus formation, in part, through the inhibition of PLCγ2–PKC, Akt, and MAPK pathways, without the side effect of bleeding. These findings also indicate that LA may provide a safe and alternative therapeutic approach for preventing thromboembolic disorders such as stroke.

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Background: Preoperative localization for small invisible and impalpable pulmonary nodules is important in single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Localization of multiple pulmonary nodules during VATS resection remains challenging. The aim of our study is to elucidate the efficacy of preoperative CT-guided methylene blue localization of both single and multiple pulmonary nodules.Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing preoperative CT-guided methylene blue dye localization for lung nodules, followed by VATS resection, were retrospectively analyzed between January 2014 and November 2019. Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test and independent T-test were used to compare variables between the groups. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for procedure-related complications.Results: A total of 388 patients, including 337 with single nodule and 51 with multiple nodules, were analyzed. The success rate of preoperative CT-guided methylene blue localization for both single and multiple pulmonary nodules were comparable as 98.8% (333/337) vs. 100% (108/108). The procedure time was longer (23.2 ± 9.4 vs. 7.6 ± 4.8 min, p < 0.001) and risk of pneumothorax was higher (47.1 vs. 25.5%, p = 0.002) in the multiple nodule group. The procedure time (OR 1.079; 95% CI = 1.041–1.118; p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for pneumothorax. Nodule depth (OR 2.829; 95% CI = 1.259–6.356; p = 0.011) was an independent risk factor for pulmonary hemorrhage.Conclusions: Preoperative CT-guided methylene blue localization for both single and multiple pulmonary nodules is safe, feasible, and effective.

Serum CYFRA 21-1 represents a reliable biomarker for gallbladder carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.