Comparative study of two indoor microbial volatile pollutants, 2-Methyl-1-butanol and 3-Methyl-1-butanol, on growth and antioxidant system of rice (Oryza sativa) seedlings.

2-Methyl-1-butanol (2MB) and 3-Methyl-1-butanol (3MB) are microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and found in indoor air. Here, we applied rice as a bioindicator to investigate the effects of these indoor microbial volatile pollutants. A remarkable decrease in germination percentage, shoot and root elongation, as well as lateral root numbers were observed in 3MB. Furthermore, ROS production increased by 2MB and 3MB, suggesting that pentanol isomers could induce cytotoxicity in rice seedlings. The enhancement of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity provided evidence that pentanol isomers activated the enzymatic antioxidant scavenging systems, with a more significant effect observed in 3MB. Furthermore, 3MB induced higher activity levels of glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and the GSH/GSSG ratio in rice compared to the levels induced by 2MB. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis showed more up-regulation in the expression of glutaredoxins (GRXs), peroxiredoxins (PRXs), thioredoxins (TRXs), and glutathione S-transferases (GSTUs) genes in 3MB. Taking the impacts of pentanol isomers together, the present study suggests that 3MB exhibits more cytotoxic than 2MB, as such has critical effects on germination and the early seedling stage of rice. Our results provide molecular insights into how isomeric indoor microbial volatile pollutants affect plant growth through airborne signals.

Effect of the Pulsatilla decoction n-butanol extract on vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida glabrata and on its virulence factors.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) caused by Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) is more persistent and resistant to treatment than when caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans) and has been on the rise in recent years. The n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction (BEPD) has been shown to be effective in treating VVC caused by C. glabrata, but the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, the experimenter conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to explore the effects of BEPD on the virulence factors of C. glabrata, as well as its efficacy, with a focus on possible immunological mechanism in VVC caused by C. glabrata. The contents of Anemoside B4, Epiberberine, Berberine, Aesculin, Aesculetin, Phellodendrine and Jatrorrhizine in BEPD, detected by high-performance liquid chromatography, were 31,736.64, 13,529.66, 105,143.72, 19,406.20, 4952.67, 10,317.03, 2489.93 µg/g, respectively. In vitro experiments indicated that BEPD moderately inhibited the growth of C. glabrata, its adhesion, and biofilm formation, and affected the expression of efflux transporters in the biofilm state. In vivo experiments demonstrated that BEPD significantly reduced vaginal inflammatory manifestation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and LDH in mice with VVC caused by C. glabrata. Moreover, it inhibited the Phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK, P38, P65, and C-Fos proteins. The results suggested that although BEPD moderately inhibits the growth and virulence factors of C. glabrata in vitro, it can significantly reduce vaginal inflammation by down-regulating the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway in mice with VVC infected by C. glabrata.

Polyphenol Contents, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Extract and Fractions of Sonneratia Caseolaris Fruits from Ben Tre Province in Vietnam.

Plants contain a large number of phytochemical components, many of which are known as bioactive compounds and responsible for the expression of various pharmacological activities. The extract of Sonneratia caseolaris fruit collected in Vietnam was investigated for its total phenolic and total flavonoid contents using methanol solvent and different fractions of S. caseolaris fruits (hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous). GC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the bioactive chemical constituents occurring in the active extract. Further, the antibacterial activity was tested in vitro on bacterial isolates, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, using the disc diffusion method on tryptic soya agar (TSA) medium. The methanol extract showed high total flavonoid (82.3 ± 0.41 mg QE/g extract) and phenolic (41.0 ± 0.34 mg GAE/g extract) content. GC-MS of the methanol extract and different fractions of S. caseolaris fruits detected 20 compounds, principally fatty alcohols, fatty acids, phenols, lipids, terpenes derivatives, and carboxylic acids derivatives. A 50 mg/ml concentration of methanol extract had the strongest antibacterial activity on E. coli, S. aureus, and B. subtilis. Furthermore, ethyl acetate, aqueous, and n-butanol fractions inhibited S. aureus and B. subtilis the most. The results of the present study suggested that the fruits of S. caseolaris are rich sources of phenolic compounds that can contribute to safe and cost-effective treatments.

Phytochemical investigation, antibacterial, and ameliorative potential effects of Tamarix nilotica on LPS-induced acute lung injury model in mice.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious illness with a high mortality rate of 40-60%. It is characterised by systemic inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. Gram-negative bacterial infections are the major cause of ALI, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the major stimulus for the release of inflammatory mediators. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies which ameliorate ALI and prevent its serious consequences. The Middle Eastern native plant Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb) Bunge belongs to the family Tamaricaceae, which exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Thus, the current work aimed to ensure the plausible beneficial effects of T. nilotica different fractions on LPS-induced acute lung injury after elucidating their phytochemical constituents using LC/MS analysis. Mice were randomly allocated into six groups: Control saline, LPS group, and four groups treated with total extract, DCM, EtOAc and n-butanol fractions, respectively, intraperitoneal at 100 mg/kg doses 30 min before LPS injection. The lung expression of iNOS, TGF-ß1, NOX-1, NOX-4 and GPX-1 levels were evaluated. Also, oxidative stress was assessed via measurements of MDA, SOD and Catalase activity, and histopathological and immunohistochemical investigation of TNF-α in lung tissues were performed. T. nilotica n-butanol fraction caused a significant downregulation in iNOS, TGF-ß1, TNF-α, NOX-1, NOX-4, and MDA levels (p ˂ 0.05), and significantly elevated GPX-1 expression levels, SOD, and catalase activity (p ˂ 0.05), and alleviated all histopathological abnormalities confirming its advantageous role in ALI. The antibacterial activities of T. nilotica and its different fractions were investigated by agar well diffusion method and broth microdilution method. Interestingly, the n-butanol fraction exhibited the best antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. It also significantly reduced exopolysaccharide quantity, cell surface hydrophobicity, and biofilm formation.

[Mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction in treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis based on negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis].

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of n-butanol alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice based on the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome via PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis. In the experiment, female C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into the following six groups: a blank control group, a VVC model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups(80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and a fluconazole group(20 mg·kg~(-1)). The VVC model was induced in mice except for those in the blank control group by the estrogen dependence method. After modeling, no treatment was carried out in the blank control group. The mice in the high-, medium-, and low-dose BAEB groups were treated with BAEB at 80, 40, and 20 mg·kg~(-1), respectively, and those in the fluconazole group were treated with fluconazole at 20 mg·kg~(-1). The mice in the VVC model group received the same volume of normal saline. The general state and body weight of mice in each group were observed every day, and the morphological changes of Candida albicans in the vaginal lavage of mice were examined by Gram staining. The fungal load in the vaginal lavage of mice was detected by microdilution assay. After the mice were killed, the degree of neutrophil infiltration in the vaginal lavage was detected by Papanicolaou staining. The content of inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-18, and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in the vaginal lavage was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and vaginal histopathology was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The expression and distribution of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry(IHC), and the expression and distribution of pNLRC4 and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues were detected by immunofluorescence(IF). The protein expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by Western blot(WB), and the mRNA expression of NLRP3, PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra was detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed redness, edema, and white secretions in the vagina. Compared with the VVC model group, the BAEB groups showed improved general state of VVC mice. As revealed by Gram staining, Papanicolaou staining, microdilution assay, and HE staining, compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed a large number of hyphae, neutrophils infiltration, and increased fungal load in the vaginal lavage, destroyed vaginal mucosa, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. BAEB could reduce the transformation of C. albicans from yeast to hyphae. High-dose BAEB could significantly reduce neutrophil infiltration and fungal load. Low-and medium-dose BAEB could reduce the da-mage to the vaginal tissue, while high-dose BAEB could restore the damaged vaginal tissues to normal levels. ELISA results showed that the content of inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-18, and LDH in the VVC model group significantly increased compared with that in the blank control group, and the content of IL-1ß, IL-18 and LDH in the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups was significantly reduced compared with that in the VVC model group. WB and qRT-PCR results showed that compared with the blank control group, the VVC model group showed reduced protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues of mice and increased protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3. Compared with the VVC model group, the medium-and high-dose BAEB groups showed up-regulated protein and mRNA expression of PKCδ, pNLRC4, and IL-1Ra in vaginal tissues and inhibited protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3 in vaginal tissues. This study indicated that the therapeutic effect of BAEB on VVC mice was presumably related to the negative regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by promoting PKCδ/NLRC4/IL-1Ra axis.

Characterization of Triadica sebifera (L.) Small Extracts, Antifeedant Activities of Extracts, Fractions, Seed Oil and Isolated Compounds against Plutella xylostella (L.) and Their Effect on Detoxification Enzymes.

Plutella xylostella L. is one of the world's major pests of cruciferous crops. The indiscriminate use of synthetic insecticides has led to insecticide resistance and resurgence, and has been harmful to non-target organisms and the environment. Botanical insecticides are the best alternatives to synthetic pesticides for the management of pests in organic agriculture and integrated management. T. sebifera is an invasive species and has good potential as an insecticide due to the availability of plant material in some parts of India. The antifeedant activities of T. sebifera have not been reported against P. xylostella and other lepidopteron insects to date. Therefore, the current study targeted the characterization of leaf and bark extracts, feeding deterrence, synergistic and detoxification enzyme activities of leaf/bark ethanolic extracts/fractions, seed oil, and isolated compounds. UHPLC-QTOF-IMS analysis showed that shikimic acid, xanthoxylin, quercetin, kaempferol, methyl gallate, and stigmasterol are common metabolites identified in leaf and bark extracts. The combination of seed oil with bark extract showed higher deterrence (DC50 = 317.10 mg/L) as compared to leaf/bark extracts alone. Gallic acid showed higher deterrence (67.48%) than kaempferol and quercetin. The n-butanol fraction of bark was more repellent (RC50 = 414.61 mg/L). Based on DC50, the seed oil with leaf extract (1:1 ratio) alone with choice and seed oil with leaf and bark extract without choice showed synergistic interaction, but seed oil with bark extract with choice showed additive interaction. The ethanol extract of leaf, bark, and seed oil inhibited GST and AChE in P. xylostella. The leaf extract and seed oil or their combinations may be recommended as antifeedants to reduce damage by P. xylostella based on persistence, antifeedant, phytotoxicity, safety to predators/parasitoids, etc., under field conditions.

Neuroprotective Effect of Polyphenol Extracts from Terminalia chebula Retz. against Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Current therapies for ischemic stroke are insufficient due to the lack of specific drugs. This study aimed to investigate the protective activity of polyphenol extracts from Terminalia chebula against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion induced damage. Polyphenols of ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were extracted from T. chebula. BV2 microglial cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation and mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion were treated by TPE and TPB. Cell viability, cell morphology, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, enzyme activity and signaling pathway related to oxidative stress were observed. We found that TPE and TPB showed strong antioxidant activity in vitro. The protective effects of TPE and TPB on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury were demonstrated by enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, elevated level of the nucleus transportation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and expressions of antioxidant proteins, with a simultaneous reduction in cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species level. In conclusion, TPE and TPB exert neuroprotective effects by stimulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting apoptosis.

Antiapoptotic and antioxidative efficacy of rhizomes of Curcuma amada on the management of diabetes-induced male infertility in albino rat: An effective fraction selection study.

Men with diabetes have negative effects on reproduction that causes sexual dysfunction. Medicinal plants are non-toxic and much safer than synthetic drugs because regular use of synthetic drugs shows long-term side effects. Curcuma amada (Roxb) is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda and Unani medicinal systems in India. The goal of this study is to rummage the potential efficiency of the most potent solvent fraction of effective extract of hydro-methanol 60:40 of C. amada rhizome on male gonadal hypofunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Diabetes-induced testicular hypofunction was evaluated by glycemic, spermiological, biochemical, genomic, flow cytometric, and histology of testicular tissue. The n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate, and n-butanol solvent fractions of the said extract were administrated for 4 weeks at 10 mg dose/100 g body weight/day. Among all the used fractions, the ethyl-acetate solvent fraction-treated group showed maximum recovery in serum insulin (177.42%), sperm count (92.84%), sperm motility (97.15%), and serum testosterone (164.33%). The diabetic rats treated with ethyl-acetate solvent fraction also exhibited the maximum resettlement in flow cytometric analysis of sperm viability (55.84%) and sperm mitochondrial integrity (149.79%), gene expression patterns of key markers for androgenesis (Δ5, 3ß-HSD 87.50%, and 17ß-HSD 74.66%) and apoptosis (Bax 44.63%, Bcl-2 54.03%, and Caspase-3 35.77%) along with testicular histology. The ethyl-acetate fraction contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols where all of these components are not present in other fractions, may be the most effective cause for the recovery of diabetes-linked oxidative stress-mediated testicular hypofunctions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nowadays worldwide, the use of synthetic drugs are reduced due to their toxic effect. At present, synthetic drugs are replaced by several herbal drugs, the natural source of medicine which has many therapeutic values. C. amada has strong antioxidant activity due to the presence of bio-active compound(s) that can able to manage streptozotocin-induced diabetes linked to oxidative damage of male gonadal organs. Therefore, these bio-active compound(s)-containing said medicinal plant may use as a good source of antioxidative food in the food industry as nutraceuticals and in pharmaceutical industries for the development of the herbal drug to manage diabetes-linked male gonadal hypofunctions. At present, WHO also gives emphasis for developing one drug-multi-disease therapy. From such a viewpoint, this active fraction-containing phytomolecules may have corrective efficacy against diabetes as well as oxidative stress-linked testicular complications.

[Butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction alleviates vulvovaginal candidiasis in mice by downregulating NLRP3 inflammasome and related signal pathways].

This study aims to explore the effect of butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) on vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) in mice and to clarify the mechanism from Toll-like receptors(TLRs)/MyD88 and Dectin-1/Syk signal pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome. To be specific, female KM mice were randomized into control group(i.g., normal saline), model group, fluco-nazole group(i.g., 20 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose BAEB groups(i.g., 20, 40, and 80 mg·kg~(-1), respectively). VVC was induced in mice except the control group. After the modeling, administration began and lasted 7 days. The ge-neral conditions and body weight of mice were recorded every day. On the 1 st, 3 rd, 7 th, and 14 th after vaginal infection by Candida albicans, the fungal load in the vaginal lavage fluid of the mice was measured with the plate method, and the morphology of C. albicans in vaginal lavage fluid was observed based on Gram staining. After the mice were killed, vaginal tissues were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining for vaginal histopathological analysis. The content of cytokines in vaginal lavage fluid, such as interleukin(IL)-1ß, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), IL-6, and S100 a8, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in vaginal tissues by tissue ROS detection kit. The protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) in vaginal tissues was detected by Western blot, and the levels and distribution of NLRP3, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, and TLR4 in vaginal tissues were determined with the immunohistochemical method. The results show that BAEB can improve the general conditions of VVC mice, reduce the fungal load and C. albicans hyphae in vaginal secretion, decrease ROS content in vaginal tissues and content of cytokines in vaginal lavage fluid, and down-regulate the expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, Dectin-1, Syk, MyD88, TLR2, TLR4, and NF-κB in vaginal tissues. The above results indicate that BAEB exerts therapeutic effect on VVC mice by down-regulating the key proteins in the TLRs/MyD88 and Dectin-1/Syk signal pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Effect of Houpo-Mahuang Decoction on aggravated asthma induced by cigarette smoke and the expression of TRPA1 and tight junctions in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cigarette smoke (CS) is a common environmental irritant and a risk factor for asthma, as it induces as well as aggravates asthmatic attacks. The injured airway epithelial tight junctions (TJs) aggravate asthma. CS can aggravate asthma by activating the transient receptor potential ankyrin A1 (TRPA1) channel and enhancing TJs destruction. Houpo Mahuang decoction (HPMHD) is a classic traditional Chinese prescription for the treatment of asthma. However, its underlying action mechanism is unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of HPMHD on the asthma phenotype and the regulation of TRPA1 and TJs in a CS-induced mouse model of aggravated asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under optimized chromatographic and mass spectrometry conditions, the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) technique was used to detect and analyze the major chemical components of HPMHD. C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into seven groups, viz, normal saline (NS) group, ovalbumin (OVA) + CS group, dexamethasone group, HPMHD high-dose group and low-dose groups, n-butanol extract group, and ethyl acetate extract group, with 10 mice in each group. OVA sensitization and challenge, and CS exposure were used to establish the aggravated asthma model. As the main indices to evaluate the protective effect of HPMHD, the eosinophils count in peripheral blood, percentages of inflammatory cells classified and the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), airway responsiveness enhanced pause (Penh), and changes in lung histopathology were determined and compared among the groups. The mRNA and protein expression of TRPA1 and TJs in lung tissue was also examined. RESULTS: Using UPLC-QTOF-MS, the chemical components of HPMHD, including ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, laetrile, and amygdalin amide, were identified by 51 signal peaks. Compared with those in the NS group, the eosinophil number in the peripheral blood and the eosinophils and neutrophils percentages in BALF of the OVA + CS group were remarkably increased. Following the inhalation of 50 µl of acetylcholine chloride (ACH) at doses of 25 and 50 mg/mL, the Penh increased significantly (p < 0.01). Moreover, in the OVA + CS group, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of lung tissue showed a significant number of infiltrated inflammatory cells, increased mucus secretion in the lumen, damaged bronchial mucosa, increased thickness of tracheal wall, and increased score of lung damage (p < 0.01). The IL-4/5/13 levels were also remarkably increased (p < 0.01). The protein as well as gene expression of both ZO-1 and occludin decreased markedly in the lung tissue, while the expression of TRPA1 and claudin-2 was increased (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Next, the OVA + CS group and the treatment groups were compared. The inflammatory cells, Penh value, and levels of IL-4/5/13 were significantly reduced, and less lung injury was observed in the treatment groups. The gene and protein levels of TRPA1 and TJs were corrected (p < 0.05, p < 0.01); the effects on the HPMHD high-dose and ethyl acetate extract groups were particularly remarkable. CONCLUSIONS: HPMHD reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammatory cell recruitment and Th2 cytokine secretion in CS-induced aggravated asthma mice, in a manner potentially dependent on regulation of the expression of TRPA1 and TJ proteins. Both the n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts contained the active ingredients, especially the ethyl acetate extract.

Protective Effect of n-Butanol Extract from Viola yedoensis on Immunological Liver Injury.

Viola yedoensis Makino was used to treat inflammation, viral hepatitis, acute pyogenic infection, and ulcerative carbuncles. However, the protective effect on immunological liver injury (ILI) of V. yedoensis had been rarely reported. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of n-butanol extract (BE) from V. yedoensis on ILI in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the BE significantly inhibited the secretions of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in the HepG2.2.15 cells and the replication of HBV DNA. The research data in vivo revealed that the BE reduced the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) in liver tissues of the ConA-induced mice, while increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and the effective contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and the BE could ameliorate liver histological lesions. These results motivated a further investigation into the chemical constituents of BE. Four coumarins (esculetin, prionanthoside, cichoriin, and esculin) and one flavonoid (quercetin-3-O-galactoside) were isolated from the BE by silica gel column chromatography and recrystallization, of which structures were eventually confirmed by 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, and MS.

Caralluma europaea (Guss.) N.E.Br.: Anti-Inflammatory, Antifungal, and Antibacterial Activities against Nosocomial Antibiotic-Resistant Microbes of Chemically Characterized Fractions.

Caralluma europaea (Guss.) N.E.Br.: (C. europaea) is a wild medicinal plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It is commonly used in traditional medicines for treating several diseases. The present work aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal potentials of C. europaea fractions including hydro ethanol (ET CE), n-butanol (But CE), and polyphenol (Poly CE). The chemical composition of hydroethanol, n-butanol, and polyphenol-rich fractions from C. europaea were determined using GC-MS after silylation. The anti-inflammatory effect of hydroethanol, n-butanol, and polyphenol-rich fractions was studied by carrageenan-induced paw edema. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of hydroethanol, n-butanol, and polyphenol-rich fractions against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts were assessed using the disc diffusion and micro-dilution assays. The findings of the chemical characterization affirmed the presence of interesting bioactive compounds in C. europaea fractions. The polyphenol-rich fraction was the best inhibitor of edema by75.68% after 6 h of treatment. The hydroethanol fraction was the most active against both bacteria and yeasts. This study contributes to society as it provides potential bioactive compounds in C. europaea extract, which may help in fighting nosocomial antibiotic-resistant microbes.

n-BuOH extract of Bletilla striata exerts chemopreventive effects on lung against SiO2 nanoparticles through activation of Nrf2 pathway.

BACKGROUND: SiO2 nanoparticles (nm SiO2) are ubiquitous in daily life and are acknowledged to be detrimental to human health. Bletilla striata is a traditional medicine used for generations in China and its polysaccharide has the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect. PURPOSE: To investigate the lung protective effect of the small molecules (n-BuOH extract) of B. striata and clarify the underlying mechanism. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were subjected to intratracheal instillation with nm SiO2 nanoparticle suspension (7 mg/kg) to construct the in vivo model of nm SiO2-induced lung injury. The chemical profile of the n-BuOH extract of B. striata was investigated by HPLC analysis using authentic samples isolated from B. striata. Gymnoside II with the most potent chemoprotective capacity in the n-BuOH extract was used to clarify the potential bio-active molecular basis of the n-BuOH extract using in vitro experiments. The cytotoxicity, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the Nrf2 signaling pathway were examined in SiO2-induced A549 cells. ML385 was adopted to down-regulate the Nrf2 expression. RESULTS: The n-BuOH extract of B. striata (40 mg/kg) could alleviate the SiO2-induced lung injury by increasing Nrf2 expression and thereby suppressing Bax/Bcl-2 pathway in the nm SiO2-induced mice model. The chemical profile study showed that militarine, gymnoside II, and 4-allyl-2, 6-dimethoxyphenol glucoside were the main constituents of n-BuOH extract. Studies on gymnoside II revealed that it could partially restore the SiO2-induced decline in cell viability while did not affect the growth of normal A549 cells within the concentration range of 1-50 µM, suggesting a protective effect against nm SiO2 in lung A549 cells. The hoechst 33258 staining, flow cytometry, and western blot experiments demonstrated that gymnoside II (25 µM) could partially reverse the SiO2-induced cell apoptosis and ROS production by enhancing Nrf2, HO-1, and γ-GCSc expressions and Nrf2 silencing by ML385 abrogated the effects of gymnoside II (25 µM) on apoptosis and ROS production in A549 cells. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that in addition to the polysaccharide, small molecules (n-BuOH extract) of B. striata can also elicit a protective effect on lung injuries through the Nrf2-dependent mechanism and gymnoside II is one of the main bio-active constituents contributing to the n-BuOH extract-elicited lung protective effect against nm SiO2.

Disgust lowers olfactory threshold: a test of the underlying mechanism.

The olfactory system provides us with rich information about the world, but the odours around us are not always detectable. Previous research has shown that disgust enhances olfactory sensitivity to n-butanol. Because n-butanol incidentally is mildly negative, it is unclear whether disgust, being a negative, avoidant emotion, enhances sensitivity to stimuli with negative qualities (valence-fit effect), or across stimuli in general (general sensitivity effect). Here we tested these competing hypotheses by examining thresholds to two scents, one positive (phenylethanol) and one mildly negative (n-butanol), during a disgust, happiness, and neutral emotion induction. We found that exposure to disgusting pictures lowered olfactory threshold across both scents. Thus our current results replicated the results of previous research, and also revealed support for a general sensitivity rather than a valence-fit effect. This suggests that disgust facilitates the perceptual detection of extremely faint targets presumably because avoidant emotions enhance perceptual vigilance in general.

NOx-, IL-1ß-, TNF-α-, and IL-6-Inhibiting Effects and Trypanocidal Activity of Banana (Musa acuminata) Bracts and Flowers: UPLC-HRESI-MS Detection of Phenylpropanoid Sucrose Esters.

Banana inflorescences are a byproduct of banana cultivation consumed in various regions of Brazil as a non-conventional food. This byproduct represents an alternative food supply that can contribute to the resolution of nutritional problems and hunger. This product is also used in Asia as a traditional remedy for the treatment of various illnesses such as bronchitis and dysentery. However, there is a lack of chemical and pharmacological data to support its consumption as a functional food. Therefore, this work aimed to study the anti-inflammatory action of Musa acuminata blossom by quantifying the cytokine levels (NOx, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6) in peritoneal neutrophils, and to study its antiparasitic activities using the intracellular forms of T. cruzi, L. amazonensis, and L. infantum. This work also aimed to establish the chemical profile of the inflorescence using UPLC-ESI-MS analysis. Flowers and the crude bract extracts were partitioned in dichloromethane and n-butanol to afford four fractions (FDCM, FNBU, BDCM, and BNBU). FDCM showed moderate trypanocidal activity and promising anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6. BDCM significantly inhibited the secretion of TNF-α, while BNBU was active against IL-6 and NOx. LCMS data of these fractions revealed an unprecedented presence of arylpropanoid sucroses alongside flavonoids, triterpenes, benzofurans, stilbenes, and iridoids. The obtained results revealed that banana inflorescences could be used as an anti-inflammatory food ingredient to control inflammatory diseases.

In vitro antioxidant, DNA-damaged protection and antiproliferative activities of ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts of Centaurea sphaerocephalaL.

This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiproliferative and inhibition of oxidative DNA-damage activities of n-butanol (n-BuOH) extract of Centaurea sphaerocephala. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and the n-BuOH extracts of this plant were also assayed. To investigate the antioxidant potential, extracts were tested for their capacity to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) and to inhibit lipid peroxidation using the TBARs method. The contents of total phenolics and flavonoids were measured. Additionally, antiproliferative activity and DNA-damage inhibition of the n-BuOH extract was determined using XCELLigence RTCA instrument and photolyzing 46966 plasmid, respectively. The results exhibited that the scavenging abilities of the EtOAc extract were better than the n-BuOH extract with an IC50= 11.59 µg/mL and 16.67 µg/mL for both extracts, respectively. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were found higher in the n-BuOH and EtOAc extracts. Furthermore, our results showed that n-BuOH extract exhibited a remarkable inhibition of lipid peroxidation with an IC50 of 340.94±7.49 µg/mL and had an antiproliferative effect against Hela cells. Extracts of C. sphaerocephala showed antioxidant activity on scavenging DPPH·. In addition, the n-BuOH extract inhibited the lipid peroxidation and exhibited an antiproliferative effect against HeLa cells line (human cervix carcinoma).

Akt-dependent and Akt-independent pathways are involved in protein synthesis activation during reloading of disused soleus muscle.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of our study was to assess the contribution of insulin growth factor-1-dependent and phosphatidic acid-dependent signaling pathways to activation of protein synthesis (PS) in rat soleus muscle during early recovery from unloading. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into: Control, 14HS [14-day hindlimb suspension (HS)], 3R+placebo (3-day reloading + saline administration), 3R+Wort (3-day reloading + wortmannin administration), 3R+But (3-day reloading + 1-butanol administration). SUnSET and Western blot analyses were used in this study. RESULTS: Wortmannin and 1-butanol induced a decrease in protein kinase B (phospho-Akt) and the rate of PS (P < 0.05) versus Control. In 3R+placebo and 3R+Wort, phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (phospho-GSK-3ß) was increased versus Control (P < 0.05). Wortmannin administration during reloading did not alter phospho-p70S6K (70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase) versus 3R+placebo. In 3R+But, there was a decline in phospho-GSK-3ß versus 3R+placebo and Control. In 3R+But, there was a decrease in phopho-p70S6K (P < 0.05) versus 3R+placebo. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PS activation during 3-day reloading following 14HS involves both Akt-dependent and Akt-independent pathways. Muscle Nerve 55: 393-399, 2017.

Phospholipase D enzymes facilitate IL-17- and TNFα-induced expression of proinflammatory genes in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF).

In rheumatoid arthritis, the synovium exhibits fibroblast hyperplasia and dynamic infiltration of activated T cells. Interaction between rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF) and T cell subsets such as Th17 cells can stimulate RASF to express IL-6, IL-8, CCL20, and other proinflammatory mediators of joint destruction. PLD enzymes specifically cleave phosphatidyl choline (PC) producing phosphatidic acid (PA) and choline. Agonist-induced PLD activation results in PA synthesis, which is thought to be involved in a variety of rapid cellular responses such as cytokine secretion. Furthermore, the cellular response to TNF-mediated signaling in myeloid cells is in part mediated by PLD1. However, very few studies have examined the role of PLD enzymes in pro-inflammatory responses of RASF to key pathogenic cytokines such as TNF and IL-17. Microarray analysis of RASF showed that phospholipase D1 (PLD1) is among genes significantly induced by IL-17. We therefore hypothesized that PLD1 might have a role in RASF responses to proinflammatory cytokines. We used 1-butanol, PLD1-specific siRNAs, and small molecule inhibitors specific for PLD1 or PLD2, to investigate the possible role of PLD enzymes in basal, IL-17-, and/or TNFα-evoked expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by RASF. We studied the in vitro responses of RASF to IL-17A and/or TNFα, with particular attention to effects on IL-6, IL-8 and CCL20 mRNA and secretion as determined by RT-QPCR and ELISA, respectively. Transcriptional and prominent post-transcriptional effects were demonstrated, with robust decreases in RASF secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and CCL20 when both PLD isoforms were inhibited together. Moreover, RA synovial biopsy explants cultured in media containing PLD isoform-specific inhibitors showed significantly reduced constitutive secretion of IL-6 and IL-8. PLD enzymes could be promising targets for controlling proinflammatory gene expression in the treatment of RA in view of roles for PLD in cytokine-evoked transcription and secretion/exocytosis.

Microemulsion of babassu oil as a natural product to improve human immune system function.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a babassu oil microemulsion system and determine the effect of this microemulsion on the functional activity of phagocytes. METHODS: The microemulsion was formulated using distilled water, babassu as the oil phase component, Sorbitan monooleate-Span 80(®) (SP), Polysorbate 80-Tween 80(®) (TW), and 1-butanol (BT). Pseudoternary diagrams were prepared, and microemulsion diagram regions were preselected. Rheological characterization and preliminary and accelerated stability tests were performed. The effect of the microemulsion on the interactions between leukocytes and bacteria was determined by superoxide release, phagocytosis, and microbicidal activity. RESULTS: The developed formulation SP/TW/BT (4.2/4.8/1.0) was classified as oil/water, showed a Newtonian profile, and had linear viscosity. When we assessed the interaction of the microemulsion or babassu oil with phagocytes, we observed an increase in superoxide, phagocytosis, and microbicidal activity. CONCLUSION: The babassu oil microemulsion system is an option for future applications, including for vaccine delivery systems. Babassu oil is a natural product, so is an alternative for future immunotherapy strategies, in particular for infectious diseases.

Jellyfish skin polysaccharides: extraction and inhibitory activity on macrophage-derived foam cell formation.

In this work, response surface methodology was used to determine optimum conditions for extraction of polysaccharides from jellyfish skin (JSP). The optimum parameters were found to be raw material to water ratio 1:7.5 (w/v), extraction temperature 100°C and extraction time 4h. Under these conditions, the JSP yield reached 1.007 mg/g. Papain (15 U/mL) in combination with Sevag reagent was beneficial in removing proteins from JSP. After precipitation with ethanol at final concentration of 40%, 60% and 80% in turn, three polysaccharide fractions of JSP1, JSP2 and JSP3 were obtained from JSP, respectively. The three fractions exhibited different physicochemical properties with respect to molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, infrared absorption spectra, and glycosyl bond composition. In addition, JSP3 showed strong inhibitory effects on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) induced conversion of macrophages into foam cells, which possibly attributed to the down-regulation of some atherogenesis-related gene expressions.