Insights into Ganoderma fungi meroterpenoids opening a new era of racemic natural products in mushrooms.

Ganoderma meroterpenoids (GMs) containing 688 structures to date were discovered to have multiple remarkable biological activities. 65.6% of meroterpenoids featuring stereogenic centers from Ganoderma species are racemates. Further, GMs from different Ganoderma species seem to have their own characteristics. In this review, a comprehensive summarization of GMs since 2000 is presented, including GM structures, structure corrections, biological activities, physicochemical properties, total synthesis, and proposed biosynthetic pathways. Additionally, we especially discuss the racemic nature, species-related structural distribution, and structure-activity relationship of GMs, which will provide a likely in-house database and shed light on future studies on GMs.

Application of Amorphous-Crystalline Coupling Materials in Electrocatalysis.

Interface engineering has proven to be a highly efficient strategy for modulating the physicochemical properties of electrocatalysts and further enhancing their electrochemical performance in related energy applications. In this context, the newly proposed crystalline-amorphous (c-a) heterostructures with unusual atomic arrangements at interfaces show strong competitiveness. Nonetheless, few efforts have been made to reveal and summarize the structure-activity relationship at the two-phase interface and the corresponding electrocatalytic mechanism. This concept is devoted to comprehensively discussing the fundamental characteristics of crystalline-amorphous electrocatalysts and their application in the field of energy conversion with typical examples. In addition, the development prospects and opportunities of crystalline-amorphous heterostructure are summarized to provide potential development directions for other types of clean energy development.

GSK2795039 prevents RIP1-RIP3-MLKL-mediated cardiomyocyte necroptosis in doxorubicin-induced heart failure through inhibition of NADPH oxidase-derived oxidative stress.

Doxorubicin (DOX), which is widely used for the treatment of cancer, induces cardiomyopathy associated with NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species. GSK2795039 is a novel small molecular NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) inhibitor. In this study, we investigated whether GSK2795039 prevents receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1)-RIP3-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)-mediated cardiomyocyte necroptosis in DOX-induced heart failure through NADPH oxidase inhibition. Eight-week old mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, GSK2795039, DOX and DOX plus GSK2795039. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were treated with DOX and GSK2795039. In DOX-treated mice, the survival rate was reduced, left ventricular (LV) end-systolic dimension was increased and LV fractional shortening was decreased, and these alterations were attenuated by the GSK2795039 treatment. GSK2795039 inhibited not only myocardial NADPH oxidase subunit gp91phox (Nox2) protein, but also p22phox, p47phox and p67phox proteins and prevented oxidative stress 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in DOX-treated mice. RIP3 protein and phosphorylated RIP1 (p-RIP1), p-RIP3 and p-MLKL proteins, reflective of their respective kinase activities, markers of necroptosis, were markedly increased in DOX-treated mice, and the increases were prevented by GSK2795039. GSK2795039 prevented the increases in serum lactate dehydrogenase and myocardial fibrosis in DOX-treated mice. Similarly, in DOX-treated cardiomyocytes, GSK2795039 improved cell viability, attenuated apoptosis and necrosis and prevented the increases in p-RIP1, p-RIP3 and p-MLKL expression. In conclusion, GSK2795039 prevents RIP1-RIP3-MLKL-mediated cardiomyocyte necroptosis through inhibition of NADPH oxidase-derived oxidative stress, leading to the improvement of myocardial remodeling and function in DOX-induced heart failure. These findings suggest that GSK2795039 may have implications for the treatment of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.

Searching for the true origin of the red fluorescence of leaf-derived carbon dots.

We report for the first time that the red fluorescence of leaf-derived carbon dots is derived from chlorophyll, and a possible formation structure is proposed. By controlling the solvothermal reaction temperature, the new luminescence center of CDs can be adjusted. This work provides unprecedented insights into the luminescence mechanism of biomass-derived CDs.

Abnormal expression of miR-3653-3p, caspase 1, IL-1ß in peripheral blood of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a chronic, highly relapsing, severe mental disorder with an unclear etiology. Cytokine-mediated neuroimmune abnormalities have been repeatedly revealed. IL-1ß was reported to play a vital role in expanding the inflammatory response. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we found that miR-3653-3p with the NLRP3 binding site in Targetscan was differentially expressed in miRNA high-throughput sequencing in schizophrenia (SCZ), and indeed, its downregulation in SCZ peripheral blood was also verified by RT-qPCR (P-value = 0.015). Furthermore, we found that the mRNAs of caspase 1 and IL-1ß are elevated in people who suffer from SCZ (P = 0.044 and P = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, the interaction of NLRP3, Caspase1, and IL-1ß was found in the peripheral blood of patients with SCZ. The expression level of miR-3653-3p was negatively correlated with NLRP3 and IL-1ß mRNA contents (r = 0.487, P = 0.04 and r = 0.508, P = 0.037, respectively). NLRP3 mRNA was positively correlated with caspase1 mRNA. Meanwhile, the expression of miR-3653-3p was also negatively correlated with negative symptom subscores of PANSS (r = 0.450, P = 0.046). IL-1ß mRNA is positively correlated with the total scores of PANSS (r = 0.690, P = 0.002) and the sub-scores of general psychopathology of PANSS (r = 0.583, P = 0.014). Additionally, a significant positive relationship exists between IL-1ß and the total duration (r = 0.638, P = 0.006). We found that the combination of miR-3653-3p, caspase 1, and IL-1ß have better diagnostic values. The results indicate that miR-3653-3p, caspase 1, and IL-1ß can potentially be biomarkers of SCZ, identifying negative symptoms or a chronic course. A further understanding of the involvement of IL-1ß in SCZ may be a crucial molecular effector for the chronic course to intervene.

Influence of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots on the Electrocatalytic Performance of the CoP Nanoflower Catalyst for OER.

Cobalt phosphides modified by nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (CoP-NCQDs) were successfully constructed by a facile and low-cost hydrothermal treatment, which is expected to replace traditional noble-metal oxygen evolution reaction electrode materials. Detailed experiments and findings show that nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) have a significant impact on the morphology of the CoP catalyst, and nitrogen doping can regulate the surface-active sites to obtain the catalyst with abundant structural defects. Simultaneously, nitrogen doping can regulate the content of pyridinic N and pyrrolic N, which exerts positive effects on the formation of the bond structure and electron conduction between NCQDs and CoP.

Heparin-free after 3000 IU heparin loaded in veno-venous ECMO supported acute respiratory failure patients with hemorrhage risk: a novel anti-coagulation strategy.

BACKGROUND: The anti-coagulation protocol of patients with hemorrhage risk primary disease who need extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) supported is controversial. This study evaluated the feasibility of a new anti-coagulation strategy, that is heparin-free after 3000 IU heparin loaded in veno-venous ECMO (VV ECMO) supported acute respiratory failure patients with hemorrhage risk. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in a series of hemorrhage risk patients supported with VV ECMO at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, between June 2012 to Sept 2020. A total of 70 patients received a low heparin bolus of 3000 units for cannulation but without subsequent, ongoing heparin administration. Patients were divided into survival (n = 25) and non-survival group (n = 45). Data of coagulation, hemolysis and membrane lung function were calculated and analyzed. The complications of patients were recorded. Finally, the binary Logistic regression was conducted. RESULTS: The longest heparin-free time was 216 h, and the mean heparin-free time was 102 h. Compared with survivors, the non-survivors were showed higher baseline SOFA score and lower platelet counts in 0.5 h, 24 h, 48 h and 96 h after ECMO applied. However, there was no significant differences between survivors and non-survivors in ACT, APTT, INR, D-dimer, fibrinogen, LDH, blood flow rate, Δp and Ppost-MLO2 (all p < 0.05) of all different time point. Moreover, only the baseline SOFA score was significantly associated with mortality (p < 0.001, OR(95%CI): 2.754 (1.486-5.103)) while the baseline levels of ACT, APTT, INR, platelet, D-dimer, fibrinogen and LDH have no association with mortality. The percentage of thrombosis complications was 54.3% (38/70) including 3 oxygenator changed but there was no significant difference of complications in survival and non-survival groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The anticoagulation protocol that no heparin after a 3000 units heparin bolus in VV ECMO supported acute respiratory failure patients with hemorrhage risk is feasible.

Z16b, a natural compound from Ganoderma cochlear is a novel RyR2 stabilizer preventing catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an inherited, lethal ventricular arrhythmia triggered by catecholamines. Mutations in genes that encode cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) and proteins that regulate RyR2 activity cause enhanced diastolic Ca2+ release (leak) through the RyR2 channels, resulting in CPVT. Current therapies for CPVT are limited. We found that Z16b, a meroterpenoid isolated from Ganoderma cochlear, inhibited Ca2+ spark frequency (CaSF) in R2474S/ + cardiomyocytes in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 3.2 µM. Z16b also dose-dependently suppressed abnormal post-pacing Ca2+ release events. Intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of epinephrine and caffeine stimulated sustained ventricular tachycardia in all R2474S/+ mice, while pretreatment with Z16b (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented ventricular arrhythmia in 9 of 10 mice, and Z16b administration immediately after the onset of VT abolished sVT in 9 of 12 mice. Of translational significance, Z16b significantly inhibited CaSF and abnormal Ca2+ release events in human CPVT iPS-CMs. Mechanistically, Z16b interacts with RyR2, enhancing the "zipping" state of the N-terminal and central domains of RyR2. A molecular docking simulation and point mutation and pulldown assays identified Z16b forms hydrogen bonds with Arg626, His1670, and Gln2126 in RyR2 as a triangle shape that anchors the NTD and CD interaction and thus stabilizes RyR2 in a tight "zipping" conformation. Our findings support that Z16b is a novel RyR2 stabilizer that can prevent CPVT. It may also serve as a lead compound with a new scaffold for the design of safer and more efficient drugs for treating CPVT.

Enhanced oxidative stress mediates pathological autophagy and necroptosis in cardiac myocytes in pressure overload induced heart failure in rats.

In cardiac myocytes in vitro, hydrogen peroxide induces autophagic cell death and necroptosis. Oxidative stress, myocyte autophagy and necroptosis coexist in heart failure (HF). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that excessive oxidative stress mediates pathological autophagy and necroptosis in myocytes in pressure overload-induced HF. HF was produced by chronic pressure overload induced by abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) in rats. Rats with AAC or sham operation were randomised to orally receive an antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or placebo for 4 weeks. Echocardiography was performed for the assessments of left ventricular (LV) structure and function. AAC rats exhibited decreased LV fractional shortening (FS) at 4 weeks after surgery. NAC treatment attenuated decreased LV FS in AAC rats. In AAC rats, myocardial level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine assessed by immunohistochemical staining, indicative of oxidative stress, was increased, LC3 II protein, a marker of autophagy, Beclin1 protein and Atg4b, Atg5, Atg7 and Atg12 mRNA expression were markedly increased, RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL expression, indicative of necroptosis, was increased, and all of the alterations in AAC rats were prevented by the NAC treatment. NAC treatment also attenuated myocyte cross-sectional area and myocardial fibrosis in AAC rats. In conclusion, NAC treatment prevented the increases in oxidative stress, myocyte autophagy and necroptosis and the decrease in LV systolic function in pressure overload-induced HF. These findings suggest that enhanced oxidative stress mediates pathological autophagy and necroptosis in myocytes, leading to LV systolic dysfunction, and antioxidants may be of value to prevent HF through the inhibition of excessive autophagy and necroptosis.

(±)-Gancochlearols J - N, renoprotective meroterpenoids from Ganoderma cochlear.

Five pairs of meroterpenoid enantiomers, (±)-gancochlearols J - N (1-5), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma cochlear. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. The absolute configurations of gancochlearols J - M (1-4) were assigned by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Biological evaluation showed that (-)-1 and (-)-2 could inhibit renal fibrosis in TGF-ß1-induced rat kidney proximal tubular cells (NRK-52e).

Gancochlearols E - I, meroterpenoids from Ganoderma cochlear against COX-2 and triple negative breast cancer cells and the absolute configuration assignment of ganomycin K.

Five new meroterpenoids, gancochlearols E - I (1, 3-6), and one compound ganomycin K (2) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of G. cochlear. Their structures were assigned by 1D and 2D NMR, MS, and CD analysis. Rh2(OCOCF3)4-induced ECD method was used to clarify the absolute configuration of secondary alcohol in 1 and 2. Biochemical evaluation showed that all the isolates significantly inhibit COX-2 enzyme in vitro with the IC50 values range from 1.03 µM to 2.71 µM. Further cellular assay revealed that (+)-3 and (-)-6 could suppress metastatic phenotype of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells via impeding the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Lucidumones B-H, racemic meroterpenoids that inhibit tumor cell migration from Ganoderma lucidum.

Seven new meroterpenoids, lucidumones B-H (1 and 3-8), along with one known meroterpenoid (2), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum. The structures of the new compounds were assigned by spectroscopic and computational methods. All the isolated compounds were tested for their inhibition on human cancer cell migration. It was found that compounds (-)-1, (+)-2, (-)-4, (+)-6, and (+)-8 could significantly inhibit cell migration in KYSE30 cell line. Further examination disclosed that cell migration inhibition of (+)-6 and (+)-8 might be related with downregulation of N-cadherin.

Apocynin prevents reduced myocardial nerve growth factor, contributing to amelioration of myocardial apoptosis and failure.

Reduced nerve growth factor (NGF) is associated with cardiac sympathetic nerve denervation in heart failure (HF) which is characterized by increased oxidative stress. Apocynin is considered an antioxidant agent which inhibits NADPH oxidase activity and improves reactive oxygen species scavenging. However, it is unclear whether apocynin prevents reduced myocardial NGF, leading to improvement of cardiac function in HF. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that apocynin prevents reduced myocardial NGF, contributing to amelioration of myocardial apoptosis and failure. Rabbits with myocardial infarction (MI) or sham operation were randomly assigned to receive apocynin or placebo for 4 weeks. MI rabbits exhibited left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, and elevation in oxidative stress, as evidenced by a decreased reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio and an increased 4-hydroxynonenal expression, and reduction in NGF and NGF receptor tyrosine kinase A (TrKA) expression in the remote non-infarcted myocardium. Apocynin treatment ameliorated LV dysfunction, reduced oxidative stress, prevented decreases in NGF and TrKA expression and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis after MI. In cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes, hypoxia or hydrogen peroxide decreased NGF expression, and apocynin normalized hypoxia-induced reduction of NGF. Recombinant NGF attenuated hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Apocynin prevented hypoxia-induced apoptosis, and the suppressive effect of apocynin on apoptosis was abolished by NGF receptor TrKA inhibitor K252a. We concluded that apocynin prevented reduced myocardial NGF, leading to attenuation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and LV remodelling and dysfunction in HF after MI. These findings suggest that strategies to prevent NGF reduction by inhibition of oxidative stress may be of value in amelioration of LV dysfunction in HF.

Renoprotective ganodermaones A and B with rearranged meroterpenoid carbon skelotons from Ganoderma fungi.

Two structurally novel meroterpenoids, ganodermaones A (1) and B (2), were isolated from Ganoderma fungi (G. cochlear and G. lucidum). The structures of 1 and 2 were assigned by spectroscopic, computational, and X-ray diffraction methods. Compounds 1 and 2 represent the first examples of meroterpenoids in Ganoderma fungal species featuring with carbon migration. The plausible biosynthetic pathway for 1 was proposed. Biological evaluation showed that both 1 and 2 could inhibit renal fibrosis in TGF-ß1-induced kidney proximal tubular cells.

Skeletal meroterpenoids from Ganoderma petchii mushrooms that potentially stimulate umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.

(±)-Petchilactones A-C (1-3), three pairs of enantiomeric meroterpenoids respectively with a 6/6/5/5 or a 5/5/5/7/6 ring system were isolated from Ganoderma petchii. Their structures including absolute configurations were assigned by using spectroscopic, computational, and X-ray diffraction methods. Compounds 1 and 2 represent a new skeletal meroterpenoid. Biological evaluation found that (-)-1 and (-)-3 could induce umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into keratinocyte-like cells.

The NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin improves cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal innervation and function in heart failure.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does NADPH oxidase activation mediate cardiac sympathetic nerve denervation and dysfunction in heart failure. What is the main findings and its importance? Cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal density and function were reduced in heart failure after myocardial infarction in rabbits. The NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin prevented the reduction in cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal density and function in heart failure. This suggest that NADPH oxidase activation mediates cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities in heart failure. NADPH oxidase may be a potential therapeutic target for cardiac sympathetic denervation and dysfunction in heart failure. ABSTRACT: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities, as evidenced by decreased noradrenaline transporter (NAT) density and cardiac catecholaminergic and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) profiles. These alterations are associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). NADPH oxidase is a major source of ROS in CHF. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that NADPH oxidase activation mediates cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities in CHF. CHF was produced by myocardial infarction (MI) in rabbits. Rabbits with MI or a sham operation were randomized to orally receive an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin (6 mg kg-1  day-1 ), or placebo for 30 days. MI rabbits exhibited left ventricular dilatation, systolic dysfunction, and increases in NADPH oxidase activity and 4-hydroxynonenal expression in the remote non-infarcted myocardium, all of which were prevented by treatment with apocynin. Cardiac catecholaminergic histofluorescence profiles and immunostained TH and PGP9.5 expression were decreased, and the decreases were ameliorated by apocynin treatment. NAT, TH and PGP9.5 protein and mRNA expression were reduced and the reduction was mitigated by apocynin treatment. The effects of apocynin were confirmed by utilizing the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium in a separate experiment. In conclusion, the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin attenuated increased myocardial oxidative stress and decreased cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals in CHF after MI in rabbits. These findings suggest that the activation of NADPH oxidase mediates cardiac sympathetic nerve terminal abnormalities in CHF, and the inhibition of NADPH oxidase may be beneficial for the treatment of heart failure.

(±) Cochlearoids N-P: three pairs of phenolic meroterpenoids from the fungus Ganoderma cochlear and their bioactivities.

Three pairs of meroterpenoids (±) cochlearoids N-P (1-3) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma cochlear. Their structures including absolute configurations were assigned by spectroscopic techniques. All the isolated compounds were tested for their inhibitory activities toward BRD4, human cancer cells, and micro-organisms. The results show that the enantiomers of (±)-1 are BRD4 inhibitors, (-)-1 and (+)-3 are cytotoxic against human cancer cells (K562) with IC50 values of 7.68 and 6.68 µM, respectively. Besides compounds (±)-2 and (±)-3 exhibit potent inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus with IC50 values in the range of 5.43-17.99 µM.

Oxidative stress impairs myocyte autophagy, resulting in myocyte hypertrophy.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does oxidative stress induce impairment of autophagy that results in myocyte hypertrophy early after pressure overload? What is the main finding and its importance? In cultured myocytes, hydrogen peroxide decreased autophagy and increased hypertrophy, and inhibition of autophagy enhanced myocyte hypertrophy. In rats with early myocardial hypertrophy after pressure overload, myocyte autophagy was progressively decreased. The antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine or the superoxide dismutase mimic tempol prevented the decrease of myocyte autophagy and attenuated myocyte hypertrophy early after pressure overload. These findings suggest that oxidative stress impairs myocyte autophagy that results in myocyte hypertrophy. ABSTRACT: Insufficient or excessive myocyte autophagy is associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Reactive oxygen species mediate myocyte hypertrophy in vitro and pressure overload-induced LV hypertrophy in vivo. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress induces an impairment of autophagy that results in myocyte hypertrophy. H9C2 cardiomyocytes pretreated with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine were exposed to 10 and 50 µm hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) for 48 h. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) or sham operation. The animals were killed 24, 48 or 72 h after surgery. In a separate group, the AAC and sham-operated rats randomly received the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine or the superoxide dismutase mimic tempol for 72 h. In H9C2 cardiomyocytes, H2 O2 decreased the ratio of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) II to LC3 I and increased P62 and phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) proteins and myocyte surface area. 3-Methyladenine further increased H2 O2 -induced p-ERK expression. In rats after AAC, the heart to body weight ratio was progressively increased, the LC3 II/I ratio was progressively decreased, p62 and p-ERK expression was increased, and expression of Beclin1, Atg5 and Atg12 was decreased. N-Acetyl-cysteine or tempol prevented the decreases in the LC3 II/I ratio and Beclin1 and Atg5 expression and attenuated the increases in LV wall thickness, myocyte diameter and brain natriuretic peptide expression in AAC rats. In conclusion, oxidative stress decreases Beclin1 and Atg5 expression that results in impairment of autophagy, leading to myocyte hypertrophy. These findings suggest that antioxidants or restoration of autophagy might be of value in the prevention of early myocardial hypertrophy after pressure overload.

H2 O2 induces PP2A demethylation to downregulate mTORC1 signaling in HEK293 cells.

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that functions as an ATP and amino acid sensor to govern cell growth and proliferation by mediating mitogen- and nutrient-dependent signal transduction. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine phosphatase, negatively regulates mTOR signaling. Methylation of PP2A is catalyzed by leucine carboxyl methyltransferase-1 (LCMT1) and reversed by protein phosphatase methylesterase 1 (PME-1), which regulates PP2A activity and substrate specificity. However, whether PP2A methylation is related to mTOR signaling is still unknown. In this study, we examined the effect of PP2A methylation on mTOR signaling in HEK293 cells under oxidative stress. Our results show that oxidative stress induces PP2A demethylation and inhibits the mTORC1 signaling pathway. Next, we examined two strategies to block PP2A demethylation under oxidative stress. One strategy was to prevent PP2A demethylation using a PME-1 inhibitor; the other strategy was to activate PP2A methylation via overexpression of LCMT1. The results show that both the PME-1 inhibitor and LCMT1 overexpression prevent the mTORC1 signaling suppression induced by oxidative stress. Additionally, LCMT1 overexpression rescued cell viability and the mitochondrial membrane potential decrease in response to oxidative stress. These results demonstrate that H2 O2 induces PP2A demethylation to downregulate mTORC1 signaling. These findings provide a novel mechanism for the regulation of PP2A demethylation and mTORC1 signaling under oxidative stress.

Three New Polyynes from Codonopsis pilosula and Their Activities on Lipid Metabolism.

Three new polyynes, named choushenpilosulynes A-C (1-3), were isolated from an 85% aqueous EtOH extract of the roots of Codonopsis pilosula cultivated in Xundian County of Yunnan province, China. Their structures, including the absolute configuration of the glucose residue in 1 and 2, were determined by spectroscopic analysis and gas chromatography (GC). In addition, biological evaluation shows that all the compounds can inhibit the expression of the squalene monooxygenase (SQLE) gene in HepG2 cells, suggesting that these compounds may be involved in lipid metabolism.