Machine Learning for Experimental Reactivity of a Set of Metal Clusters toward C-H Activation.

Understanding the mechanisms of C-H activation of alkanes is a very important research topic. The reactions of metal clusters with alkanes have been extensively studied to reveal the electronic features governing C-H activation, while the experimental cluster reactivity was qualitatively interpreted case by case in the literature. Herein, we prepared and mass-selected over 100 rhodium-based clusters (RhxVyOz- and RhxCoyOz-) to react with light alkanes, enabling the determination of reaction rate constants spanning six orders of magnitude. A satisfactory model being able to quantitatively describe the rate data in terms of multiple cluster electronic features (average electron occupancy of valence s orbitals, the minimum natural charge on the metal atom, cluster polarizability, and energy gap involved in the agostic interaction) has been constructed through a machine learning approach. This study demonstrates that the general mechanisms governing the very important process of C-H activation by diverse metal centers can be discovered by interpreting experimental data with artificial intelligence.

Kangiella shandongensis sp. nov., a novel species isolated from saltern in Yantai, China.

A Gram-stain-negative, wheat, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore forming, and facultatively anaerobic bacterium strain, designated as PIT, was isolated from saline silt samples collected in saltern in Yantai, Shandong, China. Growth was observed within the ranges 4-45 °C (optimally at 33 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimally at pH 7.0) and 1.0-11.0% NaCl (optimally at 3.0%, w/v). Strain PIT showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Kangiella sediminilitoris BB-Mw22T (98.3%) and Kangiella taiwanensis KT1T (98.3%). The major cellular fatty acids (> 10% of the total fatty acids) were iso-C15:0 (52.7%) and summed featured 9 (iso-C17:1ω9c/C16:0 10-methyl, 11.8%). The major polar lipids identified were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The major respiratory isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 45.8%. Average Nucleotide Identity values between whole genome sequences of strain PIT and next related type strains supported the novel species status. Based on physiological, biochemical, chemotaxonomic characteristics and genomic analysis, strain PIT is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Kangiella, for which the name Kangiella shandongensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PIT (= KCTC 82509 T = MCCC 1K04352T).

ß2-Adrenergic Stimulation Compartmentalizes ß1 Signaling Into Nanoscale Local Domains by Targeting the C-Terminus of ß1-Adrenoceptors.

RATIONALE: ßARs (ß-adrenergic receptors) are prototypical GPCRs (G protein-coupled receptors) that play a pivotal role in sympathetic regulation. In heart cells, ß1AR signaling mediates a global response, including both l-type Ca2+ channels in the sarcolemma/T tubules and RyRs (ryanodine receptors) in the SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum). In contrast, ß2AR mediates local signaling with little effect on the function of SR proteins. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the signaling relationship between ß1ARs and ß2ARs. METHOD AND RESULTS: Using whole-cell patch-clamp analyses combined with confocal Ca2+ imaging, we found that the activation of compartmentalized ß2AR signaling was able to convert the ß1AR signaling from global to local mode, preventing ß1ARs from phosphorylating RyRs that were only nanometers away from sarcolemma/T tubules. This offside compartmentalization was eliminated by selective inhibition of ß2AR, GRK2 (GPCR kinase-2), ßarr1 (ß-arrestin-1), and phosphodiesterase-4. A knockin rat model harboring mutations of the last 3 serine residues of the ß1AR C terminus, a component of the putative ßarr1 binding site and GRK2 phosphorylation site, eliminated the offside compartmentalization conferred by ß2AR activation. CONCLUSIONS: ß2AR stimulation compartmentalizes ß1AR signaling into nanoscale local domains in a phosphodiesterase-4-dependent manner by targeting the C terminus of ß1ARs. This finding reveals a fundamental negative feed-forward mechanism that serves to avoid the cytotoxicity of circulating catecholamine and to sharpen the transient ß1AR response of sympathetic excitation.

Structure Characteristics, Biochemical Properties, and Pharmaceutical Applications of Alginate Lyases.

Alginate, the most abundant polysaccharides of brown algae, consists of various proportions of uronic acid epimers α-L-guluronic acid (G) and ß-D-mannuronic acid (M). Alginate oligosaccharides (AOs), the degradation products of alginates, exhibit excellent bioactivities and a great potential for broad applications in pharmaceutical fields. Alginate lyases can degrade alginate to functional AOs with unsaturated bonds or monosaccharides, which can facilitate the biorefinery of brown algae. On account of the increasing applications of AOs and biorefinery of brown algae, there is a scientific need to explore the important aspects of alginate lyase, such as catalytic mechanism, structure, and property. This review covers fundamental aspects and recent developments in basic information, structural characteristics, the structure-substrate specificity or catalytic efficiency relationship, property, molecular modification, and applications. To meet the needs of biorefinery systems of a broad array of biochemical products, alginate lyases with special properties, such as salt-activated, wide pH adaptation range, and cold adaptation are outlined. Withal, various challenges in alginate lyase research are traced out, and future directions, specifically on the molecular biology part of alginate lyases, are delineated to further widen the horizon of these exceptional alginate lyases.

Administration of isoliquiritigenin prevents nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through a novel IQGAP2-CREB-SIRT1 axis.

Isoliquiritigenin (ISO) is a flavonoid extracted from the root of licorice, which serves various biological and pharmacological functions including antiinflammatory, antioxidation, liver protection, and heart protection. However, the mechanism of its action remains elusive and the direct target proteins of ISO have not been identified so far. Through cell-based screening, we identified ISO as a potent lipid-lowering compound. ISO treatment successfully ameliorated fatty acid-induced cellular lipid accumulation and improved nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by increasing PPARα-dependent lipid oxidation and decreasing SREBPs-dependent lipid synthesis. Both these signaling required the activation of SIRT1. Knockdown of SIRT1 resulted in the reversal of ISO beneficiary effects suggesting that the lipid-lowering activity of ISO was regulated by SIRT1 expression. To identify the direct target of ISO, limited proteolysis combined with mass spectrometry (LiP-SMap) strategy was applied and IQGAP2 was identified as the direct target for ISO in regulating lipid homeostasis. In the presence of ISO, both mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1 were increased; however, this effect was abolished by blocking IQGAP2 expression using siRNA. To explore how IQGAP2 regulated the expression level of SIRT1, proteome profiler human phospho-kinase array kit was used to reveal possible phosphorylated kinases and signaling nodes that ISO affected. We found that through phosphorylation of CREB, ISO transduced signals from IQGAP2 to upregulate SIRT1 expression. Thus, we not only demonstrated the molecular basis of ISO in regulating lipid metabolism but also exhibited for the first time a novel IQGAP2-CREB-SIRT1 axis in treating NAFLD/NASH.

[Effect of active component compound of Epimedii Folium,Astragali Radix,and Puerariae Lobatae Radix on expression of ADAM17 in HT22 cells by mediating hepcidin].

Alzheimer's disease(AD) patients in China have been surging, and the resultant medical burden and care demand have a huge impact on the development of individuals, families, and the society. The active component compound of Epimedii Folium, Astragali Radix, and Puerariae Lobatae Radix(YHG) can regulate the expression of iron metabolism-related proteins to inhibit brain iron overload and relieve hypofunction of central nervous system in AD patients. Hepcidin is an important target regulating iron metabolism. This study investigated the effect of YHG on the expression of a disintegrin and metalloprotease-17(ADAM17), a key enzyme in the hydrolysis of ß amyloid precursor protein(APP) in HT22 cells, by mediating hepcidin. To be specific, HT22 cells were cultured in vitro, followed by liposome-mediated siRNA transfection to silence the expression of hepcidin. Real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to examine the silencing result and the effect of YHG on hepcidin in AD cell model. HT22 cells were randomized into 7 groups: control group, Aß25-35 induction(Aß) group, hepcidin-siRNA(siRNA) group, Aß25-35 + hepcidin-siRNA(Aß + siRNA) group, Aß25-35+YHG(Aß+YHG) group, hepcidin-siRNA+YHG(siRNA+YHG) group, Aß25-35+hepcidin-siRNA+YHG(Aß+siRNA+YHG) group. The expression of ADAM17 mRNA in cells was detected by real-time PCR, and the expression of ADAM17 protein by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Immunofluorescence showed that the ADAM17 protein expression was lower in the Aß group, siRNA group, and Aß+siRNA group than in the control group(P<0.05) and the expression was lower in the Aß+siRNA group(P<0.05) and higher in the Aß+YHG group(P<0.05) than in the Aß group. Moreover, the ADAM17 protein expression was lower in the Aß+siRNA group(P<0.05) and higher in the siRNA+YHG group(P< 0.05) than in the siRNA group. The expression was higher in the Aß+siRNA+YHG group than in the Aß+siRNA group(P<0.05). The results of Western blot and real-time PCR were consistent with those of immunofluorescence. The experiment showed that YHG induced hepcidin to up-regulate the expression of ADAM17 in AD cell model and promote the activation of non-starch metabolic pathways, which might be the internal mechanism of YHG in preventing and treating AD.

Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Patients With Cirrhosis and Acute Decompensation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common and serious complication in patients with cirrhosis. However, little is known about PVT in patients with cirrhosis and acute decompensation (AD). We investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of PVT in nonmalignant patients with cirrhosis and AD. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 2 cohorts of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic liver disease who participated in the Chinese AcuTe on CHronic LIver FailurE study, established by the Chinese Chronic Liver Failure Consortium, from January 2015 through December 2016 (n = 2600 patients) and July 2018 through January 2019 (n = 1370 patients). We analyzed data on the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and risk factors of PVT from 2826 patients with cirrhosis, with and without AD. RESULTS: The prevalence of PVT in patients with cirrhosis and AD was 9.36%, which was significantly higher than in patients with cirrhosis without AD (5.24%) (P = .04). Among patients with cirrhosis and AD, 63.37% developed PVT recently (the first detected PVT with no indication of chronic PVT). Compared with patients without PVT, a significantly higher proportion of patients with PVT had variceal bleeding (47.33% vs 19.63%; P < .001) and patients with PVT had a significantly higher median serum level of D-dimer (2.07 vs 1.25; P < .001). Splenectomy and endoscopic sclerotherapy were independent risk factors for PVT in patients with cirrhosis and AD. The 1-year mortality rate did not differ significantly between patients with vs without PVT. CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of data from 2826 patients with cirrhosis, a significantly higher proportion of those with AD had PVT than those without AD. PVT was associated with increased variceal bleeding, which would increase the risk for AD. Strategies are needed to prevent PVT in patients with cirrhosis, through regular screening, to reduce portal hypertension. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT02457637 and NCT03641872.

Membrane disruptive antimicrobial potential of NK-lysin from yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco).

NK-lysins, a type of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide (AMP), act as an essential effector of innate defense against microbial attack in higher vertebrates and so in fish. The present study delineates the structural and functional characterization of NK-lysin from yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidrac) (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). PfNK-lysin encodes a 153-residue peptide, which displays the hallmark features of other known NK-lysins with the ordered array of six well-conserved cysteine residues and five-exon/four-intron structure. It was found to be ubiquitous in tissues, being detected most abundantly in gill and head kidney. In vivo exposure to stimuli (LPS, PolyI:C, and Edwardsiella ictaluri) induced PfNK-lysin expression in head kidney and spleen. Synthetic PfNK-lysin-derived peptide exhibited in vitro bactericidal potency against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with the highest inhibitory effect on pathogen Edwardsiella ictaluri. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy further confirmed its capacity to cause damage to the bacterial plasma membrane. Taken together, these data suggest that PfNK-lysin might participate in antimicrobial defense of yellow catfish by membrane-disruptive action.

Inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway ameliorates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension via HIF-1α-dependent functional TRPC channels.

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) can be modulated by Rho/Rho kinase signaling, which can alter HPV vascular function via regulating myosin light chain phosphorylation, in a manner generally believed to be Ca2+-independent. We hypothesized that the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway also can regulate HPV vascular function via a Ca2+-dependent mechanism, signaling through the functional transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels. In this study, male BALB/c mice were exposed to normoxic or 10% oxygen (hypoxic) conditions for six weeks, after which systolic pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy were assessed. Transient intracellular calcium was monitored using a fluorescence imaging system. Muscle tension was measured with a contractile force recording system, and protein expression was assessed by immunoblotting. We found that the expressions of RhoA and ROCK were increased in mouse pulmonary arteries (PAs) under conditions of chronic hypoxia. Inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway prevented the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH), as evidenced by significantly reduced PA remodeling and pulmonary vasoconstriction. Immunoblotting results revealed that inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway significantly decreased the expression of HIF-1α. Knockdown of HIF-1α down-regulated the expression and function of the TRPC1 and TRPC6 channels in PASMCs under conditions of hypoxia. Contraction of the PAs and a Ca2+ influx into PASMCs through either receptor- or store-operated Ca2+ channels were also increased after hypoxia. However, RhoA/ROCK inhibitors markedly attenuated these changes. These results indicate that inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway ameliorates HPH via HIF-1α-dependent functional TRPCs.

Kuwanon G attenuates atherosclerosis by upregulation of LXRα-ABCA1/ABCG1 and inhibition of NFκB activity in macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is characterized by chronic inflammation in vascular wall. Previous studies suggest that Kuwanon G (KWG) exerts anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of KWG on atherosclerosis remains unexplored. AIMS: To explore whether KWG affects macrophage foam cell formation in vitro and atherogenesis in vivo. METHODS: RAW 264.7 macrophages were stimulated with ox-LDL for 24h to induce foam cell formation and treated with KWG. Foam cell formation was determined by ORO staining and enzymatic analysis. Pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA levels were tested by Real-time PCR method. Further molecular mechanism was investigated using Western blot. In vivo, ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet and intraperitoneally injected with KWG. Atherosclerotic lesion was accessed by H&E and ORO staining. Plaque composition was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Sirius Red staining. Serum lipid profile and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by enzymatic method and ELISA. RESULTS: KWG significantly decreased intracellular lipid accumulation and inflammatory cytokines mRNA levels in macrophages through enhancing LXRα-ABCA1/ABCG1 pathway and inhibiting NFκB activation. Administrated with KWG remarkably reduced the atherosclerotic lesion areas and macrophage content in the plaque of high-fat diet fed ApoE-/- mice. KWG also reduced hyperlipidemia and serum inflammatory cytokines in vivo. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these data highlight that KWG can attenuate atherosclerosis through inhibiting foam cell formation and inflammatory response.

Extraction, Characterization and Antioxidant Activity in vitro of Proteins from Semen Allii Fistulosi.

Semen Allii Fistulosi (PSAF) is the seed of Allium fistulosum L. of the Liliaceae family. The purpose of this study was to extract, characterize, and evaluate the antioxidant activity in vitro of proteins. Using single factor and orthogonal design, the optimum conditions of extraction were determined to be as follows: extraction time 150 min, pH 8.5, temperature 60 °C, and ratio (v/w, mL/g) of extraction solvent to raw material 35. The isoelectric point of the pH was determined to be about 4.4 and 10.2, by measuring the protein content of PSAF solutions at different pH values. The amino acid composition of PSAF was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the results suggested that the species of amino acids contained in the PSAF was complete. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS⁻PAGE) analysis showed the molecular weight was mainly between 40 and 55 kDa, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterized prevalent protein absorption peaks. PSAF exhibited potent scavenging activities against DPPH assays, via targeting of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, while chelating Fe2+ activity and demonstrating weak reducing power. This work revealed that PSAF possessed potential antioxidant activity in vitro, suggesting potential for use of PSAF as a natural antioxidant.

Isolation of Tricin as a Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor from Sweet White Clover (Melilotus albus) and Its Distribution in Selected Gramineae Species.

Xanthine oxidase, an enzyme present in significant levels in the intestine and liver, metabolizes hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uric acid in the purine catabolic pathway. An inhibitory compound acting against xanthine oxidase was isolated from sweet white clover (Melilotus albus) by bioassay and high-performance liquid chromatography guided separation. It was identified as tricin by spectroscopic analysis. Tricin possessed a potent xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 4.13 µM. Further inhibition kinetics data indicated it to be a mixed-type inhibitor and Ki and KI values were determined to be 0.47 µM and 4.41 µM. To find a rich source of tricin, the distribution of tricin in seven different tissues from four Gramineae species was investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. The highest amount (1925.05 mg/kg dry materials) was found in the straw of wheat, which is considered as a potentially valuable source of natural tricin.

Deciphering transcriptome profile of the yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) in response to Edwardsiella ictaluri.

Edwardsiella ictaluri is one of the most important pathogens posing a serious threat for yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), a highly valuable fish species of increasing commercial interest in China. Here, a transcriptomic strategy was undertaken to investigate the yellow catfish gene expression profile against infection by the bacterial pathogen E. ictaluri. Comparison of the transcriptome profiles between the infected and uninfected samples showed that a massive gene expression change occurred in yellow catfish following bacterial exposure. A total of 5527 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, of which 2265 showed up-regulation and 3262 down-regulation. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed the presence of canonical pathways directly linked to innate and adaptive immune response, such as pattern recognition receptor (PRR) signaling pathways, complement and coagulation cascades, as well as T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathways. Additionally, 47,526 putative EST-liked simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers were retrieved for use in genetic studies. This study establishes the first molecular clues to understand the potential mechanisms of yellow catfish resistance to E. ictaluri, thus enabling future efforts on disease control programs in this valuable aquaculture species.

Apolipoprotein A5 and apolipoprotein C3 single nucleotide polymorphisms are correlated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease: a case-control and meta-analysis study.

BACKGROUND: Triglycerides (TGs) are proatherogenic lipoproteins involving the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), while apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) and apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) are main lipoproteins composing TG-rich lipoproteins. In this study, we aim to explore the correlation of CHD with APOA5 -1131 T > C and APOC3 -455 T > C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). METHODS: A sum of 210 CHD patients, hospitalized between Jan. 2013 and Mar. 2015 at China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, were selected as our case group and 223 healthy individuals who had physical examination at same hospital at the same period were selected as control group. The frequency distribution of genotypes of APOA5 -1131 T > C and APOC3 -455 T > C SNPs were measured by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The Stata 12.0 software was utilized for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There was no significant difference on age and sex between case and control group (P > 0.05). History of smoking, drinking, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, body mass index and levels of TG and fasting blood sugar in case group were shown to be higher than control group (P < 0.05), while levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in case group were lower than control group (P < 0.05). Both CC and TC' + CC frequencies of APOA5 -1131 T > C and APOC3 -455 T > C in case group were higher compared to control group (both P < 0.05). Additionally, T allele frequencies of the two SNPs in case group were lower than control group, while C allele in case group has higher frequencies compared to control group (both P < 0.05). The results of meta-analysis under allele and dominant models showed that APOA5 -1131 T > C and APOC3 -455 T > C SNPs are likely to increase the risk of CHD (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: APOA5 -1131 T > C and APOC3 -455 T > C SNPs may play potent roles in the development and progression of CHD.

[Infiltrated T Cells Induce the Accumulation of Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells in Tumor Microenvironment].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of infiltrated T cells in the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in tumor microenvironment. METHODS: T-cell-deficient nude mice models were established using BALB/c mice. Growth of tumors was compared between those with and without adoptive transfer of T cells. Pathological changes of the tumors were examined with HE histological analysis. The levels of MDSCs were detected with flow cytometry (FACS). RESULTS: Tumor growth was promoted in T-cell-deficient nude mice, which was accompanied with lower levels of MDSCs compared with BALB/c mice (P < 0.05). T cell transfer increased the level of MDSCs significantly (P < 0.05). T cells depletion decreased the level of MDSCs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Infiltrated T cells induce the accumulation of MDSCs in tumor microenvironment, and influence tumor growth.

[Diagnostic value and influencing factors for amplitude-integrated EEG in brain injury in preterm infants].

OBJECTIVE: To study the diagnostic value and influencing factors for amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) in brain injury in preterm infants. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) between 27 weeks and 36(+6) weeks were enrolled as subjects. The aEEG scores of all preterm infants were obtained within 6 hours after birth. According to the diagnostic results, the 116 preterm infants were divided into two groups: brain injury (n=63) and non-brain injury (n=53). The risk factors for brain injury were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. According to the aEEG results, the 116 preterm infants were divided into two groups: normal aEEG (n=58) and abnormal aEEG (n=58). The influencing factors for aEEG results in preterm infants were determined using univariate analysis. RESULTS: The brain injury group had a significantly higher rate of abnormal aEEG than the non-brain injury group (83% vs 11%; P<0.05). The infants in the brain injury group from two different GA subgroups (27-33(+6) weeks and 34-36(+6) weeks) had significantly lower aEEG scores than the non-brain injury group from corresponding GA subgroups (P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that low GA (<32 weeks), low birth weight (<1 500 g), abnormal placenta, fetal membranes, and umbilical cord, and hypertension during pregnancy were high-risk factors for brain injury (P<0.05). There were significant differences in GA, birth weight, abnormal placenta, fetal membranes, and umbilical cord, and hypertension during pregnancy between the normal and abnormal aEEG groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for brain injury are consistent with the influencing factors for aEEG results in preterm infants, suggesting that aEEG contributes to the early diagnosis of brain injury.

[Chemical constituents from Paris mairei].

Twelve compounds were isolated from the rhizome of Paris mairei Lévl by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and ODS col-umn chromatographies. The structure elucidation was accomplished by ESI-MS and NMR methods. These compounds were identified as lupeol(1), lup-20(29) -ene-3ß-yl octacosanoate(2), palmitic acid(3), glyceryl α-mono-palmitate(4), α-spinasterol(5), diosgenin (6), (25R) diosgenin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1--> 4) -α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1 --> 4) - [α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 2)] -ß-D-glucopyranoside(7), pennogenin(8), pennogenin-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl(1 -->3) - [α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1 --> 2)] -ß-D-glucopyranoside(9), flazin(10), calonysterone(11), and isorhamnetin-3-O-ß-gentiobioside(12). Compounds 1-5,10-11 were isolated from the genus Paris for the first time, and all compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time.

A comparative study of the hypolipidemic effects and mechanisms of action of Laminaria japonica- and Ascophyllum nodosum-derived fucoidans in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

The structural characteristics of fucoidans exhibit species and regional diversity. Previous studies have demonstrated that Laminaria japonica- and Ascophyllum nodosum-derived fucoidans have type I and type II fucosyl chains, respectively. These chemical differences may contribute to distinct hypolipidemic effects and mechanisms of action. Chemical analysis demonstrated that the percentage contents of sulfate, glucuronic acid, and galactose were higher in L. japonica-derived fucoidans than those of A. nodosum-derived fucoidans. In hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, both A. nodosum- and L. japonica-derived fucoidans significantly decreased the plasma and hepatic levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride, leading to the reduction of atherosclerotic plaques. Western blotting experiments demonstrated that these fucoidans significantly enhanced the expression and levels of scavenger receptor B type 1, cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase A1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, contributing to circulating lipoprotein clearance and fatty acid degradation, respectively. Differentially, L. japonica-derived fucoidan significantly increased the LXR/ATP-binding cassette G8 signaling pathway in the small intestine, as revealed by real-time quantitative PCR, which may lead to further cholesterol and other lipid excretion. Collectively, these data are useful for understanding the hypolipidemic mechanisms of action of seaweed-derived fucoidans, and their potential application for the prevention and/or treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Epigenetic modification: A novel insight into diabetic wound healing.

Wound healing is an intricate and fine regulatory process. In diabetic patients, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), biofilm formation, persistent inflammation, and angiogenesis regression contribute to delayed wound healing. Epigenetics, the fast-moving science in the 21st century, has been up to date and associated with diabetic wound repair. In this review, we go over the functions of epigenetics in diabetic wound repair in retrospect, covering transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. Among these, we found that histone modification is widely involved in inflammation and angiogenesis by affecting macrophages and endothelial cells. DNA methylation is involved in factors regulation in wound repair but also affects the differentiation phenotype of cells in hyperglycemia. In addition, noncodingRNA regulation and RNA modification in diabetic wound repair were also generalized. The future prospects for epigenetic applications are discussed in the end. In conclusion, the study suggests that epigenetics is an integral regulatory mechanism in diabetic wound healing.

Regulation of forkhead box O transcription factor by insulin signaling pathway controls the reproductive diapause of the lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata.

In biological control programs, knowledge about diapause regulation in natural enemy insects provides important insight for improving long-term storage, transportation, and field adoption of these biological control agents. As a natural predator of agricultural pests, the lady beetle Coccinella septempunctata has been commercially mass-cultured and widely employed in pest management. In some insects, insulin signaling, in conjunction with the downstream transcription factor Forkhead box O (FoxO), are master regulators of multiple physiological processes involved in diapause, but it is unclear whether insulin signaling and FoxO affect the diapause of C. septempunctata. In this study, we use a combination of approaches to demonstrate that insulin signaling and FoxO mediate the diapause response in C. septempunctata. In diapausing beetles, application of exogenous insulin and knocking down expression of CsFoxo with RNA interference (RNAi) both rescued beetles from developmental arrest. In non-diapausing beetles, knocking down expression of the insulin receptor (CsInR) with RNA interference (RNAi) arrested ovarian development and decreased juvenile hormone (JH) content to levels comparable to the diapause state. Taken together, these results suggest that a shutdown of insulin signaling prompts the activation of the downstream FoxO gene, leading to the diapause phenotype.