Construction and regulation of high active sites in montmorillonite composite catalyst for the removal of ofloxacin via persulfate activation.

In this study, ionic liquids (ILs) were used as organic modifiers by introducing montmorillonite nanolayers containing potential C and N active sites between the montmorillonite nanolayers. Organically modified montmorillonite (ILs-Mt-p) was further prepared by high-temperature pyrolysis under N2 and used for the removal of ofloxacin (OFL) by activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Combined with XPS and other characterization analyses, it was found that the catalyst materials prepared from different organic modifiers had similar surface functional groups and graphitized structures, but contained differences in the types and numbers of C and N active sites. The catalyst (3CPC-Mt-p) obtained after pyrolysis of montmorillonite modified with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) had optimal catalytic performance, in which graphitic C, graphitic N, and carbonyl group (C[bond, double bond]O) could synergistically promote the activation of PMS by electron transfer, and 77.3 % of OFL could be removed within 60 min. The effects of OFL concentration, initial pH, and anions on the effects of OFL removal by the 3CPC-Mt-p/PMS system were further investigated. Satisfactory degradation results were obtained over a wide pH range. Cl- promoted the system to degrade OFL, while the presence of SO42-, H2PO4- and HA showed some inhibition, but overall the 3CPC-Mt-p catalysts had a strong anti-interference ability, showing good application prospects. The quenching experiments and EPR tests showed that O2-- and 1O2 in the 3CPC-Mt-p/PMS system were the main reactive oxygen species for the degradation of OFL, and •OH was also involved in the reaction. This study provides ideas for the construction and modulation of active sites in mineral materials such as montmorillonite and broadens the application of montmorillonite composite catalysts in advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of antibiotic wastewater.

Effect of a fall within three months of admission on delirium in critically Ill elderly patients: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is common among elderly patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, and increased risk of death. Understanding the potential risk factors and early prevention of delirium is critical to facilitate timely intervention that may reverse or mitigate the harmful consequences of delirium. AIM: To clarify the effects of pre-admission falls on ICU outcomes, primarily delirium, and secondarily pressure injuries and urinary tract infections. METHODS: The study relied on data sourced from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Statistical tests (Wilcoxon rank-sum or chi-squared) compared cohort characteristics. Logistic regression was employed to investigate the association between a history of falls and delirium, as well as secondary outcomes, while Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to assess short-term survival in delirium and non-delirium patients. RESULTS: Study encompassed 22,547 participants. Delirium incidence was 40%, significantly higher in patients with a history of falls (54.4% vs. 34.5%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression, controlling for confounders, not only confirmed that a history of falls elevates the odds of delirium (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.97-2.26; p < 0.001) but also showed it increases the incidence of urinary tract infections (OR:1.50; 95% CI:1.40-1.62; p < 0.001) and pressure injuries (OR:1.36; 95% CI:1.26-1.47; p < 0.001). Elderly delirium patients exhibited lower 30-, 180-, and 360-day survival rates than non-delirium counterparts (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals that history of falls significantly heighten the risk of delirium and other adverse outcomes in elderly ICU patients, leading to decreased short-term survival rates. This emphasizes the critical need for early interventions and could inform future strategies to manage and prevent these conditions in ICU settings.

Secondary metabolites in host pears defense against two fruit borers and cytochrome-P450-mediated counter-defense.

Herbivorous insects have evolved metabolic strategies to survive the challenges posed by plant secondary metabolites (SMs). This study reports an exploration of SMs present in pears, which serve as a defense against invasive Cydia pomonella and native Grapholita molesta and their counter-defense response. The feeding preferences of fruit borers are influenced by the softening of two pear varieties as they ripen. The content of SMs, such as quercetin and rutin, increases due to feeding by fruit borers. Notably, quercetin levels only increase after C. pomonella feeding. The consumption of SMs affects the growth of fruit borer population differently, potentially due to the activation of P450 genes by SMs. These two fruit borers are equipped with specific P450 enzymes that specialize in metabolizing quercetin and rutin, enabling them to adapt to these SMs in their host fruits. These findings provide valuable insights into the coevolution of plants and herbivorous insects.

Triterpenoids and triterpenoid saponins from Vitex negundo and their anti-inflammatory activities.

Seven undescribed polyoxygenated ursane-type triterpenoids (vitnegundins A-G), three undescribed triterpenoid saponins (vitnegundins H-J), and 17 known ones were isolated from an EtOH extract of the aerial parts of Vitex negundo L. The structures of the undescribed compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of vitnegundins A, B, and E were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Vitnegundins B-D are pentacyclic triterpenoids possessing rare cis-fused C/D rings and vitnegundins C-H represent undescribed ursane-type triterpenoids with 12,19-epoxy moiety. In the biological activity assay, vitnegundin A, vitnegundin E, and swinhoeic acid displayed inhibitory effects against LPS-induced NO release in BV-2 microglial cells, with IC50 values of 11.8, 44.2, and 19.6 µM, respectively.

[Preliminary Study on the Effect of Silencing Nucleostemin Com- bined with Rapamycin on Autophagy and Apoptosis of HL-60 Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of knocking down nucleostemin ( NS) combined with rapamycin (RAPA) on autophagy and apoptosis in HL-60 cells , and to explore its role in HL-60 cells . METHODS: The expression of NS protein was detected using Western blot , after transfection of HL-60 cells was achieved by the recombinant lentviral vector NS -RNAi-GV248 . Flow cytometry was used to detect changes in cells apoptosis after NS silencing/ rapamycin for 24 , 48 hours , and the expressions of NS , LC3 , p62 , BCL-2 and Bax proteins in cells were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The expression of NS in HL-60 cells was successfully down-regulated by recombinant lentiviral vector. After treatment with rapamycin for 24 and 48 h , the apoptosis rate of cells in each group increased (P < 0.05) , and the apoptosis was more obvious at 48 hours . Compared with the NS silencing group or rapamycin group , after treated with NS down-regulation combined with rapamycin for 48 hours , the apoptosis of HL-60 cells was significantly increased ( P < 0.05 ) , LC3 -II/LC3 -I ratio was significantly increased ( P < 0.05 ) , p62 protein expression was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) , and BCL-2/Bax ratio was significantly decreased ( P < 0.05) . CONCLUSION: NS down-regulation combined with rapamycin can enhance the apoptosis and autophagy of HL-60 cells , and the induction of apoptosis of HL-60 cells may be related to the expression of BCL-2 and Bax proteins .

[Current status, trends, and challenges of continuous manufacturing technology for oral traditional Chinese medicine solid preparations].

In recent years, continuous manufacturing technology has attracted considerable attention in the pharmaceutical industry. This technology is highly sought after for its significant advantages in cost reduction, increased efficiency, and improved productivity, making it a growing trend in the future of the pharmaceutical industry. Compared to traditional batch production methods, continuous manufacturing technology features real-time control and environmentally friendly intelligence, enabling pharmaceutical companies to produce drugs more efficiently. However, the adoption of continuous manufacturing technology has been slow in the field of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) pharmaceuticals. On the one hand, there is insufficient research on continuous manufacturing equipment and technology that align with the characteristics of TCM preparations. On the other hand, the scarcity of talent with diverse expertise hampers its development. Therefore, in order to promote the modernization and upgrading of the TCM pharmaceutical industry, this article combined the current development status of the TCM industry to outline the development status and regulatory requirements of continuous manufacturing technology. At the same time, it analyzed the problems with existing TCM manufacturing models and explored the prospects and challenges of applying continuous manufacturing technology in the field of TCM pharmaceuticals. The analysis focused on continuous manufacturing control strategies, technical tools, and pharmaceutical equipment, aiming to provide targeted recommendations to drive the development of the TCM pharmaceutical industry.

Interaction effect of midday napping duration and depressive symptoms on subjective memory impairment among older people in China: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study database.

BACKGROUND: Subjective memory impairment (SMI) is common in older people. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing SMI among older people in China, with specific focus on the interaction effect of midday napping duration and depressive symptoms on the risk of SMI. METHODS: Using a dataset representative of the Chinese population from a longitudinal study of health and retirement in China, subjects with SMI were screened using the question "how do you feel about your memory now?" and the Mini-Mental State Examination. A logistic regression model was applied to explore the factors affecting SMI. Additive and multiplicative models were used to analyze the interaction effect of midday napping duration and depressive symptoms on the risk of SMI. RESULTS: We enrolled 8,254 subjects included and the incidence of SMI was 63.9%. Depressive symptoms, nap time, and physical activity were influencing factors of SMI. Midday napping duration and depressive symptoms had positive additive interaction effects on the risk of SMI. When extended-length naps and depressive symptoms coexisted, the risk of SMI was 1.06 times greater than that for either alone (RERI, relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.07-0.43; AP, attributable proportion = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.01-0.23; S, synergy index = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.57-1.62). When short naps and depressive symptoms coexisted, the risk of SMI was 1.2 times higher than that for either alone (RERI = 0.12, 95% CI=-0.14-0.39; AP = 0.13, 95% CI=-0.07-0.22; S = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.79-1.82). LIMITATIONS: Since this was a cross-sectional study, the cause-and-effect relationships between the associated variables cannot be inferred. CONCLUSIONS: The interaction effect that exists between nap time and depressive symptoms in older people is important for the identification and early intervention of people at risk for SMI.

Interaction between ozone and paternal smoking on fetal congenital heart defects among pregnant women at high risk: a multicenter maternal-fetal medicine study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence remains limited on the association between maternal ozone (O3) exposure and congenital heart defects (CHDs) in offspring, and few studies have investigated the interaction and modification of paternal smoking on this association. METHODS: Using a sample including pregnant women at high risk of fetal CHD (with metabolic disease, first-trimester viral infection, family history of CHD, etc.) from a maternal-fetal medicine study covering 1313 referral hospitals in China during 2013-2021, we examined the associations between maternal O3 exposure during 3-8 weeks of gestational age and fetal CHD in offspring and investigated the interaction and modification of paternal smoking on this association. CHD was diagnosed by fetal echocardiograms, maximum daily 8-hour average O3 exposure data at a 10 km × 10 km spatial resolution came from the Tracking Air Pollution in China dataset, and paternal smoking was collected using questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Among 27,834 pregnant women at high risk of fetal CHD, 17.4% of fetuses were diagnosed with CHD. Each 10 µg/m3 increase in maternal O3 exposure was associated with a 17% increased risk of CHD in offspring (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.14-1.20). Compared with paternal nonsmoking and maternal low O3 exposure, the ORs (95% CI) of CHD for smoking and low O3 exposure, nonsmoking and high O3 exposure, and smoking and high O3 exposure were 1.25 (1.08-1.45), 1.81 (1.56-2.08), and 2.23 (1.84-2.71), respectively. Paternal smoking cessation seemingly mitigated the increased risk of CHD. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal O3 exposure and paternal smoking were interactively associated with an increased risk of fetal CHD in offspring, which calls for effective measures to decrease maternal exposure to O3 pollution and secondhand smoke for CHD prevention.

[Current research status and application prospect of numerical simulation in traditional Chinese medicine drying].

With the rapid development of computer technology, numerical simulation has gradually become an important method to study drying process and improve drying equipment. Using computer to simulate the drying process of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is characterized by intuitiveness, scientificity, and low cost, which serves as an auxiliary means for technical innovation in TCM drying. This paper summarizes the theories of different drying methods and the research status of numerical simulation in drying, introduces the modeling methods and software of numerical simulation, and expounds the significance of numerical simulation modeling in shortening the research and development cycle, improving drying equipment, and optimizing drying parameters. However, the current numerical simulation method for drying process has problems, such as low accuracy, lack of quantitative indicators for the control of simulation results on the process, and insufficient in-depth research on the mechanism of drug quality changes. Furthermore, this paper put forward the application prospect of numerical simulation in TCM drying, providing reference for the further study of numerical simulation in this field.

High expression of peroxisomal D-bifunctional protein in cytosol regulates apoptosis and energy metabolism of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via PI3K/AKT pathway.

Peroxisomal D-bifunctional protein (DBP) is an indispensable enzyme of the fatty acid ß-oxidation in the peroxisome of humans. However, the role of DBP in oncogenesis is poorly understood. Our previous studies have demonstrated that DBP overexpression promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation. In this study, we evaluated the expression of DBP in 75 primary HCC samples using RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot, as well as its correlation with the prognosis of HCC. In addition, we explored the mechanisms by which DBP promotes HCC cell proliferation. We found that DBP expression was upregulated in HCC tumor tissues, and higher DBP expression was positively correlated with tumor size and TNM stage. Multinomial ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated that lower DBP mRNA level was an independent protective factor of HCC. Notably, DBP was overexpressed in the peroxisome and cytosol and mitochondria of tumor tissue cells. Xenograft tumor growth was promoted by overexpressing DBP outside peroxisome in vivo. Mechanistically, DBP overexpression in cytosol activated the PI3K/AKT signaling axis and promoted HCC cell proliferation by downregulating apoptosis via AKT/FOXO3a/Bim axis. In addition, overexpression of DBP increased glucose uptake and glycogen content via AKT/GSK3ß axis, as well as elevated the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex III to increase ATP content via the mitochondrial translocation of p-GSK3ß in an AKT-dependent manner. Taken together, this study was the first to report the expression of DBP in peroxisome and cytosol, and that the cytosolic DBP has a critical role in the metabolic reprogramming and adaptation of HCC cells, which provides a valuable reference for instituting an HCC treatment plan.

Global Burden of Cardiovascular Disease Attributable to High Temperature in 204 Countries and Territories from 1990 to 2019.

Objective: This study aimed to estimate spatiotemporal variations of global heat-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Data on the burden of heat-related CVD were derived from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were used to quantify heat-induced CVD burden. We calculated the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and DALY rate (ASDR) per 100,000 population to compare this burden across regions. Generalized linear models were applied to evaluate estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) for temporal trends from 1990 to 2019. The correlation between the socio-demographic index (SDI) and age-standardized rate was measured using the Spearman rank test. Results: Heat-induced CVD caused approximately 90 thousand deaths worldwide in 2019. Global ASMR and ASDR of heat-related CVD in 2019 were 1.17 [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.13-1.98] and 25.59 (95% CI: 2.07-44.17) per 100,000 population, respectively. The burden was significantly increased in middle and low-SDI regions and slightly decreased in high-SDI regions from 1990 to 2019. ASMR showed an upward trend, with the most considerable increase in low-latitude countries. We observed a negative correlation between SDI and EAPC in ASMR ( r s = -0.57, P < 0.01) and ASDR ( r s = -0.59, P < 0.01) among 204 countries. Conclusion: Heat-attributable CVD burden substantially increased in most developing countries and tropical regions.

[Modern research progress in external application of traditional Chinese medicine to acupoints].

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has a long history and abundant experience in external therapy, which marks human wisdom. In the early history of human, people found that fumigation, coating, and sticking of some tree branches and herb stems can help alleviate scabies and remove parasites in productive labor, which indicates the emergence of external therapy. Pathogen usually enters the body through the surface, so external therapy can be used to treat the disease. External therapy is among the major characteristic of surgery of TCM. As one of the external therapies in TCM, external application to acupoints smooths the zang-fu organs through meridians and collaterals, thereby harmonizing yin and yang. This therapy emerged in the early society, formed the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, improved in the Song and Ming dynasties, and matured in the Qing dynasty. With the efforts of experts in history, it has had a mature theory. According to modern research, it can avoid the first-pass effect of liver and the gastrointestinal irritation and improve the bioavailability of Chinese medicine. Based on the effect of Chinese medicine and the theory of meridian and collateral, it can stimulate the acupoints, exert regulatory effect on acupoints, and give full play to the efficacy of TCM and the interaction of the two. Thereby, it can regulate qi and blood and balance yin and yang, thus being widely used in the treatment of diseases. In this paper, the use of external application to acupoints, the effect on skin immunity, the regulation of neuro-inflammatory mechanism, the relationship between acupoint application and human circulation network, and the development of its dosage form were summarized through literature review. On this basis, this study is expected to lay a foundation for further research.

Transcription Factor AhR Regulates Glutathione S-Transferases Conferring Resistance to lambda-Cyhalothrin in Cydia pomonella.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) enhances insect resistance to insecticides by regulating the detoxification network. Our previous studies have confirmed that overexpressions of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in Cydia pomonella. Here, we report that CpAhR regulates the expression of GST and P450 genes, thus conferring resistance. Expression patterns indicated that the expression of CpAhR was highly induced by lambda-cyhalothrin exposure and upregulated in a lambda-cyhalothrin-resistant population. RNA interference (RNAi) of CpAhR decreases the expression of key resistance-related genes (CpGSTe3, CpCYP9A121, and CpCYP9A122) and the activity of the GST enzyme, reducing the tolerance to lambda-cyhalothrin. Furthermore, ß-naphthoflavone, a novel agonist of AhR, was first proven to be effective in increasing CpAhR expression and larval tolerance to lambda-cyhalothrin. These results demonstrate that CpAhR regulates the expression of key detoxifying genes and GST activity, resulting in the development of resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin in C. pomonella.

Sterility of Cydia pomonella by X ray irradiation as an alternative to gamma radiation for the sterile insect technique.

The codling moth Cydia pomonella is a major pest of global significance impacting pome fruits and walnuts. It threatens the apple industry in the Loess Plateau and Bohai Bay in China. Sterile insect technique (SIT) could overcome the limitations set by environmentally compatible area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) approaches such as mating disruption and attract-kill that are difficult to suppress in a high-density pest population, as well as the development of insecticide resistance. In this study, we investigated the effects of X-ray irradiation (183, 366, 549 Gy) on the fecundity and fertility of a laboratory strain of C. pomonella, using a newly developed irradiator, to evaluate the possibility of X-rays as a replacement for Cobalt60 (60Co-γ) and the expanded future role of this approach in codling moth control. Results show that the 8th-day is the optimal age for irradiation of male pupae. The fecundity decreased significantly as the dosage of radiation increased. The mating ratio and mating number were not influenced. However, treated females were sub-sterile at a radiation dose of 183 Gy (20.93%), and were almost 100% sterile at a radiation dose of 366 Gy or higher. Although exposure to a radiation dose of 366 Gy resulted in a significant reduction in the mating competitiveness of male moths, our radiation biology results suggest that this new generation of X-ray irradiator has potential applications in SIT programs for future codling moth control.

IGF-1 Accelerates Cell Aging by Inhibiting POLD1 Expression.

Objective: The individual cascades of the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway and the molecular mechanism of aging have not been fully clarified. In the current study, we explored the effect of DNA polymerase delta 1 (POLD1) on the IGF-1 signaling pathway in cell aging. Methods: First, we analyzed the relationship between IGF-1 and POLD1 expression in aging. To investigate the effect of IGF-1 on POLD1 expression and aging, the 2BS cells were incubated with young-age or old-age human serum, IGF-1 protein, or linsitinib. Next, the effect of IGF-1 on aging was examined in the 2BS cells with increased or decreased POLD1 expression to clarify the molecular mechanism. Results: In this study, we found that IGF-1 expression increased and POLD1 expression decreased with aging in human serum and hippocampal tissues of SAMP8 mice, and a negative relationship between IGF-1 and POLD1 expression was observed. Furthermore, the cells cultured with old-age human serum or IGF-1 showed lower POLD1 expression and more pronounced senescence characteristics, and the effect could be reversed by treatment with linsitinib or overexpression of POLD1, while the effect of linsitinib on cell aging could be reversed with the knockdown of POLD1. Conclusion: Taken collectively, our findings demonstrate that IGF-1 promotes aging by binding to IGF-1R and inhibiting the expression of POLD1. These findings offer a new target for anti-aging strategies.

[Quality control mode based on engineering quality view of Chinese medicine pharmacy].

Due to the characteristics of confusing varieties of Chinese medicinal materials, different sources, complex chemical composition, non-standard preparation process, and non-standard pharmaceutical equipment, the quality of Chinese medicinal preparations is difficult to be controlled and evaluated effectively under the current quality control mode and method of Chinese medicinal preparation. The present study proposed an engineering quality view of Chinese medicine pharmacy and a strategy to control the quality of Chinese medicinal preparations based on the current situation. The "overall, dialectical, and dynamic" multi-factor engineering quality view, covering original medicinal materials, preparation technologies, pharmaceutical equipment, and Chinese medicinal preparations, ensures the traceable process, measurable procedures, and feedback quality. The quality control mode of Chinese medicinal preparation with controllable sources, standardized preparation technologies, green pharmaceutical equipment, and intelligent manufacturing is built up.

PAX9 functions as a tumor suppressor gene for cervical cancer via modulating cell proliferation and apoptosis.

To investigate the effect of PAX9 on the progression of cervical cancer (CC). PAX9 expression was quantified in CC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, as well as human CC cell lines and human cervical epithelial cells (HCerEpiC). PAX9-overexpression lentiviral vectors were transfected into CC cell lines, followed by the measurement of proliferation and apoptosis and the quantification of apoptosis-related proteins. In vivo, mice were subcutaneously injected with CaSki cells transfected with PAX9-overexpression lentiviral vectors and control vectors. Then, the volume and weight of tumors were measured followed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and immunohistochemistry. PAX9 expression in the CC tissues was lower than that in the adjacent normal tissues, which was correlated with the FIGO stage, tumor size, infiltration depth, parametrium invasion, lympho-vascular space invasion tumor-positive lymph nodes, and prognosis. Furthermore, PAX9 in CC cell lines was also lower than in HCerEpiC. PAX9 inhibits the CC cell proliferation and promotes the apoptosis, with the up-regulations of caspase-3, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and Bax and the down-regulation of Bcl-2. In vivo experiments demonstrated that in the PAX9 group, the tumor weight and volume were lower than those in the vector group accompanying the decreased Ki-67, cleaved-caspase-3, and Bax expressions and the increased TUNEL and Bcl-2 expression. PAX9 was lowly expressed in the CC tissues and associated with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. PAX9 could inhibit proliferation of CC cell lines and promote the apoptosis, thus suppressing the tumor growth in vivo, indicating its potential therapeutic role for CC treatment.

New enantiomeric lignans and new meroterpenoids with nitric oxide release inhibitory activity from Piper puberulum.

Six new lignans with various type of linkage between two C6-C3 fragments (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3, 4), two new meroterpenoids (5, 6) and 24 known compounds (7-30) were isolated from an EtOH extract of the stems and leaves of Piper puberulum. The absolute configurations of enantiomers 1a and 1b were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, 2a and 2b were determined by comparing their calculated and experimental ECD spectra. Biogenetically, all the new lignans may come from the polymerization of two molecules of hydroxychavicol (30). In the anti-neuroinflammation activity assay, the IC50 values of fifteen compounds were lower than those of the positive control minocycline, and compound 1a showed good activity, but its enantiomer 1b showed no activity. Compound 1a have notable anti-neuroinflammatory activity, and can significantly decrease mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α) in a dose-dependent manner.

Chebulic acid derivatives from Balakata baccata and their antineuroinflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Sixteen chebulic acid derivatives, including nine new (1-9) and seven known (10-16) ones, were isolated from an ethanol extract of the branches and leaves of Balakata baccata. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by their UV, IR, HRESIMS, NMR, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The effects of all the isolates on antineuroinflammatory and antioxidant activities were evaluated. Compared with the positive control minocycline (IC50 = 1.21 ± 0.71 µM), compounds 1-16 with IC50 values being greater than 50 µM, displayed almost no effects on the inhibition of NO production in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells, however, the results of antioxidant activity for compounds 1-16 showed significant DPPH-radical scavenging abilities with EC50 value ranging from 3.98 to 14.24 µM, while the EC50 value of positive control vitamin C was 14.31 µM. At last, the results of PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that compound 1 could enhance the expression of antioxidases (HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1) at the mRNA levels.