Astragaloside IV Alleviates Podocyte Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy through Regulating IRE-1α/NF-κ B/NLRP3 Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on podocyte injury of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and reveal its potential mechanism. METHODS: In in vitro experiment, podocytes were divided into 4 groups, normal, high glucose (HG), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE-1) α activator (HG+thapsigargin 1 µmol/L), and IRE-1α inhibitor (HG+STF-083010, 20 µmol/L) groups. Additionally, podocytes were divided into 4 groups, including normal, HG, AS-IV (HG+AS-IV 20 µmol/L), and IRE-1α inhibitor (HG+STF-083010, 20 µmol/L) groups, respectively. After 24 h treatment, the morphology of podocytes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was observed by electron microscopy. The expressions of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and IRE-1α were detected by cellular immunofluorescence. In in vivo experiment, DN rat model was established via a consecutive 3-day intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) injections. A total of 40 rats were assigned into the normal, DN, AS-IV [AS-IV 40 mg/(kg·d)], and IRE-1α inhibitor [STF-083010, 10 mg/(kg·d)] groups (n=10), respectively. The general condition, 24-h urine volume, random blood glucose, urinary protein excretion rate (UAER), urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (SCr) levels of rats were measured after 8 weeks of intervention. Pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of GRP78, IRE-1α, nuclear factor kappa Bp65 (NF-κBp65), interleukin (IL)-1ß, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N), and nephrin at the mRNA and protein levels in vivo and in vitro, respectively. RESULTS: Cytoplasmic vacuolation and ER swelling were observed in the HG and IRE-1α activator groups. Podocyte morphology and ER expansion were improved in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups compared with HG group. Cellular immunofluorescence showed that compared with the normal group, the fluorescence intensity of GRP78 and IRE-1α in the HG and IRE-1α activator groups were significantly increased whereas decreased in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78, IRE-1α, NF-κ Bp65, IL-1ß, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD-N in the HG group was increased (P<0.05). Compared with HG group, the expression of above indices was decreased in the AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups, and the expression in the IRE-1α activator group was increased (P<0.05). The expression of nephrin was decreased in the HG group, and increased in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups (P<0.05). The in vivo experiment results revealed that compared to the normal group, the levels of blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, BUN, blood creatinine and urinary protein in the DN group were higher (P<0.05). Compared with DN group, the above indices in AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups were decreased (P<0.05). HE staining revealed glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial widening and mesangial cell proliferation in the renal tissue of the DN group. Compared with the DN group, the above pathological changes in renal tissue of AS-IV and IRE-1α inhibitor groups were alleviated. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot results of GRP78, IRE-1α, NF-κ Bp65, IL-1ß, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD-N were consistent with immunofluorescence analysis. CONCLUSION: AS-IV could reduce ERS and inflammation, improve podocyte pyroptosis, thus exerting a podocyte-protective effect in DN, through regulating IRE-1α/NF-κ B/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

[Determination of fatty acid composition after saponification of common oil pharmaceutical excipients by supercritical fluid-evaporative light scattering method and its application in oil identification].

Oils and fats are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as solvents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersants, and are an important category of pharmaceutical excipients. Fatty acids with unique compositions are important components of oil pharmaceutical excipients. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia provides clear descriptions of the fatty acid types and limits suitable for individual oil pharmaceutical excipient. An unqualified fatty acid composition or content may indicate adulteration or deterioration. The fatty acid composition, as a key indicator for the identification and adulteration evaluation of oil pharmaceutical excipients, can directly affect the quality and safety of oil pharmaceutical excipients and preparations. Gas chromatography is the most widely used technique for fatty acid analysis, but it generally requires derivatization, which affects quantitative accuracy. Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC), an environmentally friendly technique with excellent separation capability, offers an efficient method for detecting fatty acids without derivatization. Unlike other chromatographic methods, SFC does not use nonvolatile solvents (e. g., water) as the mobile phase, rendering it compatible with an evaporative light-scattering detector (ELSD) for enhanced detection sensitivity. However, the fatty acids in oil pharmaceutical excipients exist in the free and bound forms, and the low content of free fatty acids in these oil pharmaceutical excipients not only poses challenges for their detection but also complicates the determination of characteristic fatty acid compositions and contents. Moreover, the compositions and ratios of fatty acids are influenced by environmental factors, leading to interconversion between their two forms. In this context, saponification provides a simpler and faster alternative to derivatization. Saponification degrades oils and fats by utilizing the reaction between esters and an alkaline solution, ultimately releasing the corresponding fatty acids. Because this method is more cost effective than derivatization, it is a suitable pretreatment method for the detection of fatty acids in oil pharmaceutical excipients using the SFC-ELSD approach. In this study, we employed SFC-ELSD to simultaneously determine six fatty acids, namely, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, docosanoic acid, and lignoceric acid, in oil pharmaceutical excipients. Saponification of the oil pharmaceutical excipients using sodium hydroxide methanol solution effectively avoided the bias in the determination of fatty acid species and contents caused by the interconversion of fatty acids and esters. The separation of the six fatty acids was achieved within 12 min, with good linearity within their respective mass concentration ranges. The limits of detection and quantification were 5-10 mg/L and 10-25 mg/L, respectively, and the spiked recoveries were 80.93%-111.66%. The method proved to be sensitive, reproducible, and stable, adequately meeting requirements for the analysis of fatty acids in oil pharmaceutical excipients. Finally, the analytical method was successfully applied to the determination of six fatty acids in five types of oil pharmaceutical excipients, namely, corn oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and peanut oil. It can be combined with principal component analysis to accurately differentiate different types of oil pharmaceutical excipients, providing technical support for the rapid identification and quality control of oil pharmaceutical excipients. Thus, the proposed method may potentially be applied to the analysis of complex systems adulterated with oil pharmaceutical excipients.

Meroterpenoids with divers' rings systems from Phyllosticta capitalensis and their anti-inflammatory activity.

Four undescribed sesquiterpene-shikimates (1-4), eight undescribed monoterpene-shikimates (5-12), together with two known ones were isolated and identified from the 95% ethanol extract of the plant endophytic fungus Phyllosticta capitalensis cultured in rice medium. Capitalensis A (1) was identified as the first sesquiterpene-shikimate-conjugated spirocyclic meroterpenoid degradation product, while capitalensis B (2) is a sesquiterpene-shikimate-conjugated spirocyclic meroterpenoid with a unique D-ring formed by a C-2-O-C-9' connection. The structures of these previously undescribed compounds were elucidated by multiple techniques, including IR, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR analysis. Furthermore, their absolute configurations were established through the comprehensive approach that involved the calculations of ECD spectra, optical rotation values, and single-crystal X-ray analysis. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity of all isolated compounds was evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model in BV2 microglial cells. Meanwhile, these compounds exhibited activity in inhibiting NO production. Four compounds, capitalensis C (3), capitalensis D (4), 15-hydroxyl tricycloalternarene 5b (13) and guignarenone A (14) showed strong inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 21.6 ± 1.33, 12.2 ± 1.08, 18.6 ± 1.27, and 15.8 ± 1.20 µM, respectively. In addition, the structure-activity relationship of the anti-inflammatory activity of the compounds was discussed.

Emergent symmetry in quantum phase transition: From deconfined quantum critical point to gapless quantum spin liquid.

The emergence of exotic quantum phenomena in frustrated magnets is rapidly driving the development of quantum many-body physics, raising fundamental questions on the nature of quantum phase transitions. Here we unveil the behaviour of emergent symmetry involving two extraordinarily representative phenomena, i.e., the deconfined quantum critical point (DQCP) and the quantum spin liquid (QSL) state. Via large-scale tensor network simulations, we study a spatially anisotropic spin-1/2 square-lattice frustrated antiferromagnetic (AFM) model, namely the J1x-J1y-J2 model, which contains anisotropic nearest-neighbor couplings J1x,J1y and the next nearest neighbor coupling J2. For small J1y/J1x, by tuning J2, a direct continuous transition between the AFM and valence bond solid phase is observed. With growing J1y/J1x, a gapless QSL phase gradually emerges between the AFM and VBS phases. We observe an emergent O(4) symmetry along the AFM-VBS transition line, which is consistent with the prediction of DQCP theory. Most surprisingly, we find that such an emergent O(4) symmetry holds for the whole QSL-VBS transition line as well. These findings reveal the intrinsic relationship between the QSL and DQCP from categorical symmetry point of view, and strongly constrain the quantum field theory description of the QSL phase. The phase diagram and critical exponents presented in this paper are of direct relevance to future experiments on frustrated magnets and cold atom systems.

Gapless quantum spin liquid and global phase diagram of the spin-1/2 J1-J2 square antiferromagnetic Heisenberg model.

The nature of the zero-temperature phase diagram of the spin-1/2J1-J2 Heisenberg model on a square lattice has been debated in the past three decades, and it remains one of the fundamental problems unsettled in the study of quantum many-body theory. By using the state-of-the-art tensor network method, specifically, the finite projected entangled pair state (PEPS) algorithm, to simulate the global phase diagram of the J1-J2 Heisenberg model up to 24×24 sites, we provide very solid evidences to show that the nature of the intermediate nonmagnetic phase is a gapless quantum spin liquid (QSL), whose spin-spin and dimer-dimer correlations both decay with a power law behavior. There also exists a valence-bond solid (VBS) phase in a very narrow region 0.56≲J2/J1≤0.61 before the system enters the well known collinear antiferromagnetic phase. We stress that we make the first detailed comparison between the results of PEPS and the well-established density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) method through one-to-one direct benchmark for small system sizes, and thus give rise to a very solid PEPS calculation beyond DMRG. Our numerical evidences explicitly demonstrate the huge power of PEPS for highly frustrated spin systems. Finally, an effective field theory is also proposed to understand the physical nature of the discovered gapless QSL and its relation to deconfined quantum critical point (DQCP).

Cardiac glycosides from the roots of Streblus asper Lour. with activity against Epstein-Barr virus lytic replication.

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) show potential broad-spectrum antiviral activity by targeting cellular host proteins. Herein are reported the isolation of five new (1-5) and eight known (7-13) CGs from the roots of Streblus asper Lour. Of these compounds 1 and 7 exhibited inhibitory action against EBV early antigen (EA) expression, with half-maximal effective concentration values (EC50) being less than 60 nM, and they also showed selectivity, with selectivity index (SI) values being 56.80 and 103.17, respectively. Preliminary structure activity relationships indicated that the C-10 substituent, C-5 hydroxy groups, and C-3 sugar unit play essential roles in the mediation of the inhibitory activity of CGs against EBV. Further enzyme experiments demonstrated that these compounds might inhibit ion pump function and thereby change the intracellular signal transduction pathway by binding to Na+/K+-ATPase, as validated by simulated molecular docking. This study is the first report that CGs can effectively limit EBV lytic replication, and the observations made in this study may be of value for lead compound development.

[Effects of astragaloside IV on delaying kidney aging and its mechanisms].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms of Astragaloside Ⅳ on inhibiting apoptosis and delaying kidney aging in rats by regulating SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway. METHODS: The aging model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose 200 mg/(kg·d). SPF-grade healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group (intragastric infusion of 5 ml/(kg·d) normal saline), aging model group (intragastric infusion of 5 ml/(kg·d) normal saline), Astragaloside IV group (intragastric infusion of 40 mg/(kg·d) Astragaloside IV),and SRT1720 group( intragastric infusion of 20 mg/(kg·d) SRT1720), with 10 rats in each group. After 8 weeks, the serum samples of rats were collected to detect the levels of renal function (creatinine and urea nitrogen) and senescent associated secretory phenotype (TGF-ß and IL-6) by ELISA. The renal tissues of rats were obtained for HE and Masson staining. The protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT1, p53, Bcl-2, Bax, p21 and pRb were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR. RESULTS: Serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels in the aging model group were higher than those in the normal group, but there was no significant difference in each group (P＞0.05). The serum levels of TGF-ß and IL-6 in the aging model group were higher than those in the normal group (P＜0.05), and which in the Astragaloside IV group and SRT1720 group were lower than those in the model group (P＜0.05). There was no significant differences between Astragaloside IV group and SRT1720 group (P＞0.05). The results of pathological staining of renal tissues showed that, compared with the normal group, the renal tubules dilated, local atrophy, infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of collagen fibers were observed in the aging model group. Compared with the aging model group, the pathological changes were alleviated in Astragaloside IV group and SRT1720 group. The results of Western blot and RT-PCR showed that, compared with the normal group, the protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT1 and pRb in the renal tissue of the aging group were decreased, the protein expression of Bcl-2 was decreased(P＜0.05), and the protein and mRNA expressions of p53 and p21 were increased, the protein expression of Bax was increased(P＜0.05). Compared with the aging group, Astragaloside IV and SRT1720 improved the above-mentioned indexes (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION: Astragaloside IV can delay kidney aging by regulating the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway.

(20S) Ginsenoside Rh2 Exerts Its Anti-Tumor Effect by Disrupting the HSP90A-Cdc37 System in Human Liver Cancer Cells.

(20S) ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2), a major bioactive metabolite of ginseng, effectively inhibits the survival and proliferation of human liver cancer cells. However, its molecular targets and working mechanism remain largely unknown. Excitingly, we screened out heat shock protein 90 alpha (HSP90A), a key regulatory protein associated with liver cancer, as a potential target of (20S) G-Rh2 by phage display analysis and mass spectrometry. The molecular docking and thermal shift analyses demonstrated that (20S) G-Rh2 directly bound to HSP90A, and this binding was confirmed to inhibit the interaction between HSP90A and its co-chaperone, cell division cycle control protein 37 (Cdc37). It is well-known that the HSP90A-Cdc37 system aids in the folding and maturation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). As expected, CDK4 and CDK6, the two G0-G1 phase promoting kinases as well as CDK2, a key G1-S phase transition promoting kinase, were significantly downregulated with (20S) G-Rh2 treatment, and these downregulations were mediated by the proteasome pathway. In the same condition, the cell cycle was arrested at the G0-G1 phase and cell growth was inhibited significantly by (20S) G-Rh2 treatment. Taken together, this study for the first time reveals that (20S) G-Rh2 exerts its anti-tumor effect by targeting HSP90A and consequently disturbing the HSP90A-Cdc37 chaperone system. HSP90A is frequently overexpressed in human hepatoma cells and the higher expression is closely correlated to the poor prognosis of liver cancer patients. Thus, (20S) G-Rh2 might become a promising alternative drug for liver cancer therapy.

Treatment with the combination of clavulanic acid and valproic acid led to recovery of neuronal and behavioral deficits in an epilepsy rat model.

Epilepsy, which is caused by abnormal neuronal firing in the brain, is a common neurological disease and affects motor and cognitive functions. Excessive levels of glutamate and insufficient levels of inhibitory GABA are involved in its pathophysiology. Valproic acid (Val), a GABAergic agonist, is one of the first-line antiepileptic drugs, but it shows many adverse side effects at the clinical dose. Clavulanic acid (CA), a ß-lactamase inhibitor, has been demonstrated to increase glutamate transporter-1 expression. This study evaluated the effects of CA and Val in an epilepsy rat model. Male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal injections of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 35 mg/kg, every other day, IP, for 13 days) to induce kindling epilepsy. After four times of PTZ injection, rats received daily treatment with CA (1 or 10 mg/kg, IP), Val (50 or 100 mg/kg, IP), or the combination of CA (1 mg/kg) and Val (50 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. Motor, learning, and memory functions were measured. Rats with PTZ-induced kindling exhibited seizures, motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and cell loss and reduction of neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Neither 1 mg/kg CA nor 50 mg/kg Val treatment was effective in alleviating behavioral and neuronal deficits. However, treatment with 10 mg/kg CA, 100 mg/kg Val, and the combination of 1 mg/kg CA and 50 mg/kg Val improved these behavioral and neuronal deficits. Particularly, the combination of CA and Val showed synergistic effects on seizure suppression, suggesting the potential for treating epilepsy and related neuronal damage and motor and cognitive deficits.

Treatment effects of the combination of ceftriaxone and valproic acid on neuronal and behavioural functions in a rat model of epilepsy.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Imbalance of activities between GABAergic and glutamatergic systems is involved in epilepsy. It is not known whether simultaneously increasing GABAergic and decreasing glutamatergic activity using valproic acid and ceftriaxone, respectively, leads to better seizure control. What is the central question of this study? Ceftriaxone suppressed seizure and cognitive deficits and restored neuronal density and the number of newborn cells in the hippocampus in a rat model of epilepsy. Combined treatment with ceftriaxone and valproic acid showed additive effects in seizure suppression. ABSTRACT: The pathophysiology of epilepsy is typically considered as an imbalance between inhibitory GABA and excitatory glutamate neurotransmission. Valproic acid (Val), a GABA agonist, is one of the first-line antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of epilepsy, but it exhibits adverse effects. Ceftriaxone (CEF) elevates expression of glutamate transporter-1, enhances the reuptake of synaptic glutamate, increases the number of newborn cells and exhibits neuroprotective effects in animal studies. In this study, we evaluated effects of the combination of CEF and Val on behavioural and neuronal measures in a rat epilepsy model. Male Wistar rats were injected i.p. with pentylenetetrazol (35 mg/kg, every other day for 13 days) to induce the epilepsy model. Ceftriaxone (10 or 50 mg/kg), Val (50 or 100 mg/kg) or the combination of CEF and Val were injected daily after the fourth pentylenetetrazol injection for seven consecutive days. Epileptic rats exhibited seizure and impairments in motor and cognitive functions. Treatment with CEF and Val reduced the seizure and enhanced motor and cognitive functions in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of CEF (10 mg/kg) and Val (50 mg/kg) improved behaviours considerably. Histologically, compared with control animals, epileptic rats exhibited lower neuronal density and a reduction in hippocampal newborn cells but higher apoptosis in the basolateral amygdala, all of which were restored by the treatment with CEF, Val or the combination of CEF and Val. The study findings demonstrated that the combination of low doses of CEF and Val has beneficial effects on seizure suppression, neuroprotection and improvement in motor and cognitive functions in epilepsy.

Naphtho-γ-pyrone Dimers from an Endozoic Aspergillus niger and the Effects of Coisolated Monomers in Combination with Cisplatin on a Cisplatin-Resistant A549 Cell Line.

Chemotherapy resistance is one of the main causes of lung cancer treatment failure, and a combination regimen may be an effective way to overcome this. Here we report 5 new (1-3, 7, and 9) and 15 known polyketides, isolated from an endozoic Aspergillus niger. The structures of the new compounds were determined by the interpretation of IR, HRESIMS, NMR, and ECD spectra. The ESI-MS/MS fragmentation of the isolated naphtho-γ-pyrone isomers in positive mode is discussed. The effects of isolated compounds in combination with cisplatin (DDP) on a DDP-resistant A549 cell line (A459/DDP) are investigated. The most active compound, 12, could reduce the ratio of GSH/GSSG, promote the generation of intracellular ROS, and cooperate with DDP to down-regulated levels of Nrf2, Akt, HO-1, and NQO1, suggesting that inhibition of Nrf2 and Akt pathways might be involved in the combined effect of 12 and DDP in A549/DDP cells.

Cardiac glycosides from the roots of Streblus asper Lour. and their apoptosis-inducing activities in A549 cells.

Phytochemical investigation of the roots of Streblus asper Lour. resulted in the isolation of six previously undescribed cardiac glycosides, designated 2'-de-O-methylstrebloside (1), cannogenol-3α-O-ß-D-gluopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 4)-6-deoxy -2,3-dimethoxyl-ß-D-fucopyranoside (2), periplogenin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl -(1 â†’ 4)-6-deoxy-ß-D-allopyranoside (3), 5-de-O-hydroxylstrebloside (4), 5ßH-16ß-hydroxylkamaloside (5), and 17S, 21R-21-hydroxylstrebloside (6), and three known analogues (7-9). The structures were elucidated using NMR spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry, and comparison of the spectroscopic data with previously reported data. Compound 6 is a novel C-21 hydroxyl cardiac glycoside, its absolute configuration was established from the analysis of computational ECD calculations and NMR spectroscopic data. The effects of the cardiac glycosides on apoptosis and cytotoxicity were examined in human A549 lung cancer cells. All the compounds showed remarkable inhibitory activities, with IC50 values in the range of 0.01-6.08 µM. Furthermore, compound 3 was able to significantly inhibit A549 cell growth proliferation via the induction of apoptosis, due to the activation of caspases-3, -8 and -9 in A549 cells, as revealed by Western blot analysis.

Limonoids and tricyclic diterpenoids from Azadirachta indica and their antitumor activities.

The chemical constituents of the roots, seeds, and bark of Azadirachta indica var. siamensis were investigated, leading to the isolation of six tricyclic diterpenoids and five limonoids, including two new compounds (2, 5). The structures were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as comparison with the literature. Moreover, the cytotoxicity activities of the isolates were evaluated. The results indicated that the compounds 1-3, 5-9 exhibited cytotoxicities against one or more cancer cell lines tested, with IC50 values in the range of 1.7-88.1 µM. The mechanism of action studies indicated that the most active compound, compound 5, could induce the apoptosis of AZ521 cells. Furthermore, the Western blot analysis showed that compound 5 could reduce the expression levels of procaspases-3, -8, -9 and promote the expression of Bid and AIF.

Sauropus androgynus L. Merr.-A phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sauropus androgynus L. Merr is an underexploited perennial shrub traditionally used as a medicinal plant in South Asia and Southeast Asia. The plant is regarded as not just a green vegetable for diet, but as a traditional herb for certain aliments. For instance, it has traditionally been used to relieve fever, to treat ulcers and diabetes, to promote lactation and eyesight, and to reduce obesity. AIM OF THE STUDY: This paper aims to review the botany, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, and pharmacological activities of S. androgynus, and discuss the known chemical constituents at work in S. androgynus-induced bronchiolitis obliterans for providing new ideas to the mechanism of the disease and pharmacology research of the plant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data presented in this review were collected from published literatures as well as the electronic databases of PubMed, CNKI, Web of Science, SCI finder, ACS, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, Taylor, Google Scholar, and a number of unpublished resources, (e.g. books, and Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations). RESULTS: The scientific literature indicates that S. androgynus is a valuable and popular herbal medicine whose nutritional value is also higher than that of other commonly used vegetables. Phytochemical analyses identified high content of fatty acids, flavonoids, and polyphenols as the major bioactive components in S. androgynus. Crude extracts and phytochemical compounds isolated from S. androgynus show a wide spectrum of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, skin whitening, anti-diabetic, and immunoregulatory activities. The traditional use, such as increasing lactation, treating ulcers and diabetes, and reducing obesity, have been evaluated and studied with various methods. Numerous reports have revealed the unusual link between the consumption of S. androgynus and the induction of a chronic and irreversible obstructive disease (namely, bronchiolitis obliterans), indicating that the toxicity and side effects of this plant that is presently used in health care and medicine are a major area of concern. CONCLUSION: Though little importance was attached to this green plant, S. androgynus has notable phytochemical constituents and various pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity activities. Studies have firmly established the association between excessive consumption of the uncooked S. androgynus juice over a period of time and the occurrence of bronchiolitis obliterans. It is inadvisable to ingest excessive amounts of S. androgynus before fully understanding the pathogenesis and induction mechanism of this fatal disease. The phytochemistry of S. androgynus, its pharmacology for traditional use, S. androgynus-induced bronchiolitis obliterans still need further investigation.

Ultrasensitive and Label-Free Detection of Cell Surface Glycan Using Nanochannel-Ionchannel Hybrid Coupled with Electrochemical Detector.

In this work, asymmetric nanochannel-ionchannel of porous anodic alumina (PAA) coupled with electrochemical detector was used for sensitive and label-free detection of cell surface glycan. The amplified ionic current caused by array nanochannels as well as the ionic current rectification (ICR) caused by asymmetric geometry endows PAA with sensitive ionic current response. Functionalized with the special molecular probe, the constructed nanofluidic device can be used for selective recognition and detection of glycan in a real-time and label-free format. In addition, due to the subnanosize of ionchannels, the probe immobilization and glycan recognition is carried out on the outer surface of PAA, avoiding the blockage of PAA nanochannel by samples, which promises the reproducibility and accuracy of the present method toward bioanalysis. Results show that the glycan concentration ranging from 10 fM to 10 nM can be successfully detected with a detection limit of ∼10 aM, which is substantially lower than most previous works. The designed strategy provides a valuable platform for sensitive and label-free detection of cell surface glycan, which acts as a promising candidate in pathological research and cancer diagnosis.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Ficus hispida L.f.: A review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ficus hispida L.f. (Moraceae) has long been used as a traditional medicine in India, China, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Myanmar in the treatment of diarrhea, ulcer, anemia, diabetes, inflammation, and cancer. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review provides a systematic comment on the botany, traditional uses, and phytochemical and pharmacological studies of F. hispida, with an aim to make critical update of the current knowledge and obtain opportunities for further therapeutic potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The information was derived from scientific literature databases including PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Additional information was gathered from books, Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations, and unpublished materials. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: F. hispida is used especially in Chinese and Indian traditional medical systems as a remedy for skin disorders, respiratory diseases, and urinary diseases. Wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, sedative, antidiarrheal, antiulcer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antineoplastic, and antidiabetic activities have been reported for crude extracts and isolated metabolites, but the methodologies in these studies often have inadequate design and low technical quality. More than 76 compounds have been isolated from F.hispida, including sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, phenylpropionic acids, benzoic acid derivatives, alkaloids, steroids, other glycosides, and alkanes, but the method of bioassay-guided fractionation is seldom applied in the isolation from F. hispida. CONCLUSION: F. hispida is used widely in traditional medicines and has multiple pharmacological effects that could support traditional uses. However, pharmacological studies should be viewed with caution because of the inappropriate experimental design. More in vitro and in vivo research is urgently needed to study the molecular mechanisms and assess the effective and safe dose of F. hispida.

Bioactivity-based analysis and chemical characterization of hypoglycemic and antioxidant components from Artemisia argyi.

Diabetes is one of the metabolic disorders in the world. It is the prime reason of mortality and morbidity owing to hyperglycemia which is link with numerus obstacles. Artemisia argyi is commonly used as an ingredient in healthy foods as well as an herbal medicine in Asian countries. The present research aims to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of A. argyi and reveal its the potentially active constituents. The chemical composition was identified by HPLC-DAD-Q-TOF-MS, and fractionation was performed by extraction. The fractions were assessed by the blood glucose level, oral glucose tolerance and small intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory tests, and an analysis of the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. In our efforts to characterize the compounds responsible for hypoglycemic effect, bioactivity-guided fraction of the MeOH extract and chemical investigation of its active EtOAc fraction led to the successful identification of caffeoylquinic acids, which were elucidated by molecular docking, using the crystal structure of S. cerevisiae isomaltase (PD code: 3AXI). In summary, this bio-guided search revealed that caffeoylquinic acids from A. argyi as potential active constituents displayed with hypoglycemic activity, which provided a basis for further study of pharmacological activity.

Vitellaria paradoxa nutshells from seven sub-Saharan countries as potential herbal medicines for treating diabetes based on chemical compositions, HPLC fingerprints and bioactivity evaluation.

The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of the Vitellaria paradoxa nutshell as a new medicinal resource for treating diabetes. A total of forty-one compounds were identified by HPLC-DAD-Q-TOF-MS and phytochemical methods in V. paradoxa nutshell methanol extract. Based on HPLC fingerprints, four characteristic constituents were quantified and the origin of twenty-eight V. paradoxa nutshells from seven sub-Saharan countries was compared, which were classified into three groups with chemometric method. Twenty-eight samples contained high total phenolic content, and exhibited moderate-higher antioxidant activity and strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, all fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, and α-glucosidase inhibitory action mechanism of four characteristic constituents including protocatechuic acid, 3, 5, 7-trihydroxycoumarin, (2R, 3R)-(+)-taxifolin and quercetin was investigated via molecular docking method, which were all stabilized by hydrogen bonds with α-glucosidase. The study provided an effective approach to waste utilization of V. paradoxa nutshell, which would help to resolve waste environmental pollution and provide a basis for developing potential herbal resource for treating diabetes.

Cytotoxic and neuroprotective activities of constituents from Alternaria alternate, a fungal endophyte of Psidium littorale.

Chemical investigation of the EtOAc extract of the plant-associated fungus Alternaria alternate in rice culture led to the isolation of a novel liphatic polyketone, alternin A (1), a new indole alkaloid (8), and a new sesquiterpene (11), together with 12 known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by the interpretation of extensive spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations of 1-3 were established using calculations of ECD spectra, NMR data, and optical rotation values. Compound 1 possesses an unprecedented C25 liphatic polyketone skeleton. Compounds 5 and 10 exhibited potential cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 and HepG cells, and compounds 2, 7, and 9 exhibited potential neuroprotective activities in glutamate induced-PC12 injured cells.

Chemical Constituents from Tabernaemontana bufalina Lour.

Investigation of the branches and leaves of Tabernaemontana bufalina Lour. led to afford an undescribed monoterpenoid indole alkaloid, namely (3R,7S,14R,19S,20R)-19-hydroxypseudovincadifformine (1), and nine known metabolites (2-10). Their structures were determined by analysis of their NMR and ESI-MS spectra, and modified Mosher's and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) methods were used for establishing the absolute configuration of compound 1. Their cytotoxic activities were assayed using two cancer cell lines. As the results, cytotoxic activities on MDA-MB-231 and B16 cells showed IC50 values of 8.9 and 0.13 µm for 6, and of 20.3 and 11.7 µm for 9, respectively.