A chromosome-scale genome of Rhus chinensis Mill. provides new insights into plant-insect interaction and gallotannins biosynthesis.

Rhus chinensis Mill., an economically valuable Anacardiaceae species, is parasitized by the galling aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis, resulting in the formation of the Chinese gallnut (CG). Here, we report a chromosomal-level genome assembly of R. chinensis, with a total size of 389.40 Mb and scaffold N50 of 23.02 Mb. Comparative genomic and transcriptome analysis revealed that the enhanced structure of CG and nutritional metabolism contribute to improving the adaptability of R. chinensis to S. chinensis by supporting CG and galling aphid growth. CG was observed to be abundant in hydrolysable tannins (HT), particularly gallotannin and its isomers. Tandem repeat clusters of dehydroquinate dehydratase/shikimate dehydrogenase (DQD/SDH) and serine carboxypeptidase-like (SCPL) and their homologs involved in HT production were determined as specific to HT-rich species. The functional differentiation of DQD/SDH tandem duplicate genes and the significant contraction in the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene family contributed to the accumulation of gallic acid and HT while minimizing the production of shikimic acid, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in CG. Furthermore, we identified one UDP glucosyltransferase (UGT84A), three carboxylesterase (CXE), and six SCPL genes from conserved tandem repeat clusters that are involved in gallotannin biosynthesis and hydrolysis in CG. We then constructed a regulatory network of these genes based on co-expression and transcription factor motif analysis. Our findings provide a genomic resource for the exploration of the underlying mechanisms of plant-galling insect interaction and highlight the importance of the functional divergence of tandem duplicate genes in the accumulation of secondary metabolites.

A chromosome-level genome assembly of the Rhus gall aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis provides insight into the endogenization of Parvovirus-like DNA sequences.

The Rhus gall aphid, Schlechtendalia chinensis, feeds on its primary host plant Rhus chinensis to induce galls, which have economic importance in medicines and the food industry. Rhus gall aphids have a unique life cycle and are economically beneficial but there is huge gap in genomic information about this group of aphids. Schlechtendalia chinensis induces rich-tannin galls on its host plant and is emerging as a model organism for both commercial applications and applied research in the context of gall production by insects. Here, we generated a high-quality chromosome-level assembly for the S. chinensis genome, enabling the comparison between S. chinensis and non-galling aphids. The final genome assembly is 344.59 Mb with 91.71% of the assembled sequences anchored into 13 chromosomes. We predicted 15,013 genes, of which 14,582 (97.13%) coding genes were annotated, and 99% of the predicted genes were anchored to the 13 chromosomes. This assembly reveals the endogenization of parvovirus-related DNA sequences (PRDs) in the S. chinensis genome, which could play a role in environmental adaptations. We demonstrated the characterization and classification of cytochrome P450s in the genome assembly, which are functionally crucial for sap-feeding insects and have roles in detoxification and insecticide resistance. This genome assembly also revealed the whole genome duplication events in S. chinensis, which can be considered in comparative evolutionary analysis. Our work represents a reference genome for gall-forming aphids that could be used for comparative genomic studies between galling and non-galling aphids and provides the first insight into the endogenization of PRDs in the genome of galling aphids. It also provides novel genetic information for future research on gall-formation and insect-plant interactions.

The effect of sumac on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Clinical evidence suggests the beneficial effects of sumac on cardiovascular risk factors. However, these results are controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to determine the effect of sumac supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to 30 December 2023 to identify RCTs that were published in English. Data were presented as weighted mean difference (WMD) and associated 95 % confidence interval (CI). The quality of the included trials was measured using the Cochrane Collaboration's modified risk of bias tool. A pooled analysis of 16 trials showed that sumac consumption led to a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (WMD: -6.03 mg/dl; 95 % CI: -9.67 to -2.39), hemoglobin A1c (WMD: -0.45 %; 95 % CI: -0.59 to -0.31), triglycerides (WMD: -9.07 mg/dL; 95 % CI: -16.19 to -1.94), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -5.58 mg/dL; 95 % CI: -11.27 to -0.12), BMI (WMD: -0.22 kg/m2; 95 % CI: -0.38 to -0.05), weight (WMD: -0.85 kg; 95 % CI: -1.44 to -0.27), waist circumference (WMD: -0.54 cm; 95 % CI: -0.92 to -0.15), and diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -2.72 mmHg; 95 % CI: -4.16 to -1.29). High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level also increased significantly (WMD: 3.69 mg/dL; 95 % CI: 1.81-5.57). The overall results support possible protective and therapeutic effects of sumac on cardiovascular risk factors in adults. Additional prospective studies are suggested using longer intervention periods and higher supplementation doses to confirm these results.

Plant species richness at archaeological sites suggests ecological legacy of Indigenous subsistence on the Colorado Plateau.

Humans have both intentional and unintentional impacts on their environment, yet identifying the enduring ecological legacies of past small-scale societies remains difficult, and as such, evidence is sparse. The present study found evidence of an ecological legacy that persists today within an semiarid ecosystem of western North America. Specifically, the richness of ethnographically important plant species is strongly associated with archaeological complexity and ecological diversity at Puebloan sites in a region known as Bears Ears on the Colorado Plateau. A multivariate model including both environmental and archaeological predictors explains 88% of the variation in ethnographic species richness (ESR), with growing degree days and archaeological site complexity having the strongest effects. At least 31 plant species important to five tribal groups (Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Ute Mountain Ute, and Apache), including the Four Corners potato (Solanum jamesii), goosefoot (Chenopodium sp.), wolfberry (Lycium pallidum), and sumac (Rhus trilobata), occurred at archaeological sites, despite being uncommon across the wider landscape. Our results reveal a clear ecological legacy of past human behavior: even when holding environmental variables constant, ESR increases significantly as a function of past investment in habitation and subsistence. Consequently, we suggest that propagules of some species were transported and cultivated, intentionally or not, establishing populations that persist to this day. Ensuring persistence will require tribal input for conserving and restoring archaeo-ecosystems containing "high-priority" plant species, especially those held sacred as lifeway medicines. This transdisciplinary approach has important implications for resource management planning, especially in areas such as Bears Ears that will experience greater visitation and associated impacts in the near future.

Effects of sumac supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review aimed to gather data on the effects of sumac supplementation on lipid profile. A systematic literature search was carried out using electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) up to March 2023 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of sumac intake on lipid profile as an outcome. All participants enrolled in our study were adult individuals who consumed sumac, in various forms, as an intervention. The included articles were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as the weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. In total, seven RCTs with a total sample size of 570 subjects were included. This study found a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC) (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -10.01 mg/dL; 95% CI: -18.67, -1.34), triglyceride (TG) (WMD: -8.52 mg/dL; 95% CI: -14.79, -2.25), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C levels (WMD: -9.25 mg/dL; 95% CI: -14.56, -3.93); Moreover, a significant increase was observed in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C concentration (WMD: 2.97 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.75, 5.19). The reduction in TG and TC was greater in studies with a duration of ≥12 compared to <12 weeks. The increase in HDL-C was greater in participants with an intervention duration of ≥12 compared to <12 weeks. Moreover, subgroup analysis based on the dose of sumac suggested a significant reduction in TC and LDL, specifically for doses below 3 g. Consumption of sumac significantly decreased serum TC, LDL-C, and TG concentrations. This study suggested significantly positive effects on HDL-C by intake of sumac. Longer interventions (>12 weeks) have a more favorable impact on TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C, while sumac doses below 3 g/day show greater effects on TC and LDL-C. These findings underscore the potential of sumac supplementation as a valuable approach to lipid profile management.

Two new baccharane triterpenes isolated from Rhus chinensis.

Two new baccharane triterpenes, 17,24-epoxy-23-en-baccharan-3-one (1) and 17,24(S)-epoxy-25-en-21-hydroxy-baccharan-3-one (2) were isolated from Rhus chinensis Mill. The structures were established on the basis of UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the chemosensory relative protein genes in Rhus gall aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis.

BACKGROUND: The Rhus gall aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis specially uses the only species Rhus chinensis and certain moss species (Mniaceae) as its primary host plant and secondary host plants, respectively. Rhus galls are formed on the primary host by the sucking of aphids, and used in traditional medicine as well as other various areas due to their high tannin contents. Chemoreception is critical for insect behaviors such as host searching, location and identification of mates and reproductive behavior. The process of chemoreception is mediated by a series of protein gene families, including odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), olfactory receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). However, there have been no reports on the analysis of molecular components related to the chemoreception system of S. chinensis at the genome level. RESULTS: We examined the genes of eight OBPs, nine CSPs, 24 ORs, 16 GRs, 22 IRs, and five SNMPs in the S. chinensis genome using homological searches, and these chemosensory genes appeared mostly on chromosome 1. Phylogenetic and gene number analysis revealed that the gene families, e.g., ORs, GRs, CSPs and SNMPs in S. chinensis, have experienced major contractions by comparing to Myzus persicae, while the two gene families OBPs and IRs had slight expansion. The current results might be related to the broader host range of M. persicae versus the specialization of S. chinensis on only a host plant. There were 28 gene pairs between genomes of S. chinensis and Acyrthosiphon pisum in the chemoreceptor gene families by collinear comparison. Ka/Ks ratios (< 1) indicated that the genes of S. chinensis were mainly affected by purification selection during evolution. We also found the lower number and expression level of chemoreception genes in S. chinensis than in other 11 aphid species, such as ORs, GRs and IRs, which play an important role in host search. CONCLUSION: Our study firstly identified the genes of the different chemosensory protein gene families in the S. chinensis genome, and analyzed their general features and expression profile, demonstrating the importance of chemoreception in the aphid and providing new information for further functional research.

Inhibition of AGEs formation, antioxidative, and cytoprotective activity of Sumac (Rhus typhina L.) tannin under hyperglycemia: molecular and cellular study.

It is well known that accumulation of advanced glycation ends products (AGEs) lead to various diseases such as diabetes and diabetic complications. In this study we showed that hydrolysable tannin from Sumac (Rhus typhina L.)-3,6-bis-O-di-O-galloyl-1,2,4-tri-O-galloyl-ß-D-glucose (C55H40O34) inhibited generation of glycation markers in bovine serum albumin such as AGEs, dityrosine, N'-formylkynurenine and kynurenine under high glucose treatment. This effect was accompanied by stabilization of the protein structure, as was shown using ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy and fluorescence methods. C55H40O34 exhibited also a neuroprotective effect in high glucose-exposed Neuro2A cells suppressing ROS formation and expression of phospho NF-κß and iNOS. At the same time C55H40O34 increased expression of heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase and mitochondrial complex I and V activities. Results from this study demonstrates a potent antiglycation activity of C55H40O34 in vitro and indicates its possible therapeutic application in glycation related diseases.

Effects of sumac supplementation on metabolic markers in adults with metabolic syndrome: a triple-blinded randomized placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the prior evidence of the impacts of sumac on glycemic indices, lipid profile and visceral fat, there is a lack of evidence regarding the efficacy of sumac in cases with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of sumac supplementation on MetS markers among adults with this syndrome. METHODS: In this triple-blinded randomized placebo-controlled cross-over clinical trial 47 adults with MetS were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg sumac or placebo (lactose) capsule, twice a day. Each phase took 6 weeks and there was a 2-week washout between phases. All clinical evaluations and laboratory tests were conducted before and after each phase. RESULTS: At the baseline of the study, mean (± SD) age, weight, and waist circumference of participants were respectively 58.7 (± 5.8) yr, 79.9 (± 14.3) kg, and 107.6 (± 10.8) cm. Intention to treat analysis (ITT) analyses revealed that sumac supplementation decreased systolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg (128.8 ± 21.4 at the baseline vs. 123.2 ± 17.6 after 6 weeks intervention, P = 0.001). The comparison of changes in two trial arms showed that sumac supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (sumac group -5.59 ± 10.6 vs. control group 0.76 ± 10.5, P = 0.004), but did not change anthropometric indices or diastolic blood pressure. Similar results were also found in the per-protocol analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This cross-over trial revealed that sumac supplementation could reduce systolic blood pressure in men and women with MetS. Daily intake of 1000 mg sumac, as an adjuvant therapy, may be beneficial in management of MetS in adults.

The effects of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. bark on serum cytokine levels in rat mammary carcinogenesis.

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential effects of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) and of Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. bark on the selected serum cytokines as possible serum tumor markers - interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the rat model of mammary carcinogenesis. R. coriaria and C. zeylanicum bark were used as the chemopreventive-therapeutic agents taken by rats in the powder form in the diet at two different concentrations during the entire period of two experiments carried out separately: lower concentration 1 g/kg - 0.1% and higher concentration 10 g/kg - 1%. The serum levels of cytokines of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the first experiment treated with R. coriaria, a significant decrease in serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α was present at higher concentrations compared to the chemoprevention-free control group. R. coriaria at lower concentrations non-significantly reduced the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α when compared to controls. A significant decrease in serum levels of TNF-α was present at higher concentrations compared to lower concentrations. The significant effect of R. coriaria on the serum levels of IL-10 was not observed. In the second experiment treated with C. zeylanicum bark, a significant decrease in serum levels of IL-6 was observed in lower and higher concentrations compared to the chemoprevention-free control group. C. zeylanicum bark non-significantly reduced the serum levels of TNF-α and had no effect on the serum levels of IL-10. In conclusion, R. coriaria and C. zeylanicum bark demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects by analyzing the selected serum cytokine levels in the rat breast carcinoma model. Observed anti-inflammatory effects of both plant-natural substances were associated with their anticancer activities in rats.

The effect of sumac supplementation on insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity in adults with metabolic syndrome: A randomized crossover clinical trial.

The impact of sumac supplementation was not previously examined in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). So, we investigated the influence of sumac supplementation on insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and antioxidant markers in adults with MetS. The current study was a single-center, triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial that was conducted on 47 patients with MetS. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control in the first phase. They received capsules containing 500 mg sumac or placebo (lactose) twice a day, after lunch and dinner, for 6 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, the subjects crossed over to the alternate arm. In both arms, fasting venous blood samples were obtained at baseline and at the sixth week of the intervention to determine glycemic status, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and antioxidant enzymes activity. The mean (±SD) age, weight, and body mass index of participants were respectively 58.7 ± 5.83 years, 79.9 ± 14.35 kg, and 31.6 ± 4.6 kg/m2 ; 80.9% of subjects were females (n = 38). Based on per-protocol analyses, the serum fasting insulin concentration was unexpectedly decreased in the placebo group (change in sumac vs. control: 0.95 ± 3.9 vs. -1.17 ± 3.9 mU/L; p = 0.04). Sumac supplementation, compared to control, has marginally enhanced catalase activity (change in sumac vs. control: 2.91 ± 9.5 vs. -1.07 ± 9.1 nmol/min/ml; p = 0.06). This supplementation has also increased serum TAC and the activity of superoxide dismutase, but these changes were not significant. This intervention did not affect other insulin resistance, inflammatory, or oxidative stress markers. We found that 1 g/day sumac consumption for 6 weeks, as adjuvant therapy, could improve the antioxidant defense system in adults with MetS but did not affect insulin resistance, inflammation, or oxidative stress.

Effect of sumac powder on clinical symptoms, hyperandrogenism, inflammation, blood glucose, lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders associated with a high risk of diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sumac powder on clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters in women with PCOS. The double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 88 women with PCOS randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received three capsules each containing 1 g of sumac powder for 12 weeks. All data and serum levels of sex hormone, hs-CRP, glucose, and lipid profiles were measured at the baseline and at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. The ANCOVA test results showed that hs-CRP level was significantly reduced in the intervention group (p = .008). Blood glucose and lipid profiles in the intervention group were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (p < .05). Insulin sensitivity and HDL levels were increased significantly in the Sumac group after the intervention (p < .05). Sumac powder can reduce the inflammatory effects, and glycemic status and lipid profile of polycystic ovaries in affected women, but has no significant effect on anthropometric parameters and sex hormones.

The Nutraceutical Properties of Rhus coriaria Linn: Potential Application on Human Health and Aging Biomedicine.

Rhus coriaria Linn is a little plant growing in the Mediterranean basin, including Sicily, where it is known as Sicilian Sumac. Since antiquity, it has been used as a medicinal herb, considering its pharmacological properties and its recognized anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Multiple studies have highlighted that the beneficial properties of Sumac extracts depend on the abundance of phytochemicals such as polyphenols, fatty acids, minerals, and fibers. Despite its wide use as a spice, the literature on Sumac effects on humans' health and aging is still scarce. Considering its great nutraceutical potential, Sumac could be used to treat age-related diseases such as those in which the inflammatory process plays a crucial role in manifestation and progression. Thus, Sumac could be an interesting new insight in the biomedical field, especially in aging biomedicine.

Evaluation of the Antifungal Effect of Rhus verniciflua Stokes Extract for Oral Application Potential.

Background and Objectives: This study confirms the possibility of using Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) extract as a natural treatment for oral candidiasis. Materials and Methods: RVS was extracted with 70% ethanol to examine the antioxidant activity through polyphenol, flavonoid content, and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). To evaluate the antifungal effect against Candida albicans (C. albicans; KCTC 7965/ATCC 10231) and evaluate the stability of RVS, a water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay was performed in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Results: The findings revealed that RVS extract has fairly high antioxidant activity. The clear zones of the RVS extract against C. albicans increased in diameter due to the inhibition of fungal growth at higher concentrations. Treatment with the 1.25 mg/mL RVS extract had a more than 99% antifungal effect against C. albicans, and the 20 mg/mL RVS extract had a 100% antifungal effect. The WST-1 assay showed that the RVS extract induced low cell viability in the HaCaT cells, which inhibited their proliferation, and the RVS extract is also toxic to normal cells. Conclusions: Although the RVS extract with high antioxidant activity showed clear antifungal activity against C. albicans, it exhibited a low survival rate. Therefore, the development of a safe natural antibiotic is necessary.

[Isolation and quantification of a 17-epi-dammarane triterpenoid rhuslactone from roots of Rhus chinensis and its preventive effects on coronary heart disease and thrombosis in zebrafish].

Based on mass spectrometry(MS)-guided separation strategy, compound 1 was obtained from the roots of Rhus chinensis. By comprehensive analysis of high resolution-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) data, and quantum chemical calculation of NMR(qcc-NMR) parameters, compound 1 was elucidated as rhuslactone, a 17-epi-dammarane triterpenoid with a rare 17α-side chain. An HPLC-ELSD method for its quantification in R. chinensis was established and adopted for the quantification of rhuslactone in different batches of R. chinensis. Rhuslactone displayed a good linear relationship within the range of 0.021 3-1.07 µmol·mL~(-1 )(r=0.997 6), and the average recovery was 99.34% [relative standard deviation(RSD) 2.9%). Moreover, the results of the evaluation test of the preventive effects of rhusalctone on coronary heart disease(CHD) and thrombosis showed that rhuslactone(0.11 nmol·mL~(-1)) significantly alleviated heart enlargement and venous congestion and increased cardiac output(CO), blood flow velocity(BFV), and heart rate, thereby reducing thrombus formation in zebrafish with CHD. The effects of rhuslactone on CO and BFV were superior to that of digoxin(1.02 nmol·mL~(-1)), and its effect on improving heart rate was comparable to that of digoxin. This study provides experimental references for the isolation, identification, quality control, and application of rhuslactone from R. chinensis against CHD. It is worth mentioning that this study has discussed some omissions in the determination of the stereochemistry of C-17 in dammarane triterpenoids in the present coursebook Chemistry of Chinese Medicine and some research papers, that is, the compound may be 17-epi-dammarane triterpenoid. This paper has also proposed steps for the establishment of C-17 stereochemistry.

Triterpenoids of Rhus chinensis Supressed Colorectal Cancer Progress by Enhancing Antitumor Immunity and CD8 + T Cells Tumor Infiltration.

The absence of CD8+ T cells in the tumor center has become a major obstacle in the immunotherapy of colorectal cancer. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to promote the accumulation of CD8+ T cells in the tumor center. Previous studies have shown that triterpenoid of Rhus chinensis (TER) is involved in the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells, and can regulate their immune activity, but its mechanism needs to be further elucidated. In this study, the antitumor effect and adaptive immune response of TER on tumor-bearing mice were evaluated and compared with 5-fluorouracil. The results showed that TER could significantly inhibit tumor growth and prolong the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. The In Vivo studies have shown that TER can not only enhance antitumor immunity and promote the accumulation of CD8 + T cells to tumor sites, but also inhibit tumor progression by regulating the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 and significantly reducing the mortality of mice. Our study demonstrated for the first time that TER has oncolytic effect, and recruited adaptive immune cells to enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in colorectal cancer, which provides a potential therapeutic target for combined immunotherapy of colorectal cancer.

Sumac and gallic acid-loaded nanophytosomes ameliorate hippocampal oxidative stress via regulation of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway in autistic rats.

Autism spectrum disorders cover a range of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social interaction and cognitive deficits. Phenolic compound applications have been restricted due to their poor solubility, bioavailability, and low stability. This paper aimed to explore the neuroprotective effects of sumac and gallic acid-loaded nanophytosomes (GNP) on oxidative stress-induced cognitive impairment and Nrf2/Keap1 gene expression in the autism model. Valproic acid (VPA) was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 500 mg/kg to female rats during gestational 12.5 days (E12.5). The prenatal VPA-exposed rats were divided into five groups, including VPA, VPA treated with sumac, gallic acid (GA), sumac-loaded nanophytosome (SNP), and GNP at doses of 20 mg/kg for 4 weeks (n = 6). A novel object test was conducted and antioxidant parameters and Nrf2/Keap1gene expression were evaluated in the hippocampus. According to the obtained results, the rat model of autism exhibited recognition memory impairment. We observed an increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and glutathione (GSH) levels. Furthermore, sumac and GNP improved recognition memory deficits and increased GPx, GRx, SOD, and CAT activities, GSH and TAC levels, and Nrf2/Keap1gene expression in the hippocampal area. Our results also suggested that SNP and GNP ameliorate VPA-induced learning and memory deficits more efficiently than sumac extract and pure GA by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and Keap1/Nrf2 gene expression. The present study demonstrated that the utilization of SNP and GNP significantly improved recognition memory deficits.

Anti-echinococcal effects of sumac, Rhus coriaria, in a murine model of cystic echinococcosis: Parasitological and molecular evaluation.

Sumac has been traditionally used by people as a medicinal plant for the treatment of different disorders. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the major zoonotic diseases of human with a worldwide distribution. Long term albendazole therapy is usually associated with side effects including impaired liver function and leukopenia. The present study investigated the efficacy of the methanolic extract of Sumac, Rhus coriaria, on the secondary hydatid cyst development in mice and evaluated sumac effects on the expression of a profile of genes with a potential role in parasite development. Thirty-six mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with of with 3000 protoscoleces and six months after induction of infection were divided into three groups that received either oral sumac extract, albendazole or distilled water. The mice were necropsied 45 days later and the volume and weight of cysts were measured. The expression level of five target genes were analyzed using RT-qPCR. The volume and weight of the cysts were significantly lower in the sumac group compared to the controls. Decreased expressions were found in four out of the five genes following sumac administration. While significantly lower expressions in the sumac group were found for the cdk6, b-raf, fgfr and ras genes, no significant difference was found in cdk2 expression as compared with the control groups. Findings of the present study indicate high efficacy of sumac on the size and volume of secondary hydatid cysts in a murine CE model. Further studies are required to explore the most active and effective ingredients of this natural product.

The Effect of Pomegranate Juice and Sumac Consumption in the Treatment of Outpatients with COVID-19.

Introduction: COVID-19, an epidemic of coronavirus infection, has become a major global threat. The coronavirus mainly targets the human respiratory system, followed by cytokine storm, and altered immune responses associated with disease progression and adverse outcomes. Sumac and pomegranate juice are rich in bioactive compounds, which potentially have antiviral activities. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of a diet based on the use of sumac and pomegranate juice on the treatment of outpatients with COVID-19. Methods: In this study, 182 outpatients with COVID-19 were randomly divided into two groups receiving a diet containing pomegranate juice and sumac along with standard treatment and the control group (group 2) receiving standard treatment. Results: Consumption of a diet containing pomegranate juice and sumac in outpatients with COVID-19, who were receiving standard-of-care treatment, led to a significant decrease in fever, chills, cough, weakness, smell and taste disorders, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain compared with outpatients with COVID-19 who received only standard treatment. Conclusion: Clinical trials of outpatients have limitations such as patients' resilience to post-COVID-19 follow-up. However, the use of pomegranate juice and sumac can be efficacious in reducing COVID-19 symptoms. This trial is registered with IRCT20190406043175N3.

Mobilome of the Rhus Gall Aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis Provides Insight into TE Insertion-Related Inactivation of Functional Genes.

Transposable elements (TEs) comprise a considerable proportion of insect genomic DNA; how they contribute to genome structure and organization is still poorly understood. Here, we present an analysis of the TE repertoire in the chromosome-level genome assembly of Rhus gall aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis. The TE fractions are composed of at least 32 different superfamilies and many TEs from different families were transcriptionally active in the S. chinensis genome. Furthermore, different types of transposase-derived proteins were also found in the S. chinensis genome. We also provide insight into the TEs related insertional inactivation, and exogenization of TEs in functional genes. We considered that the presence of TE fragments in the introns of functional genes could impact the activity of functional genes, and a large number of TE fragments in introns could lead to the indirect inactivation of functional genes. The present study will be beneficial in understanding the role and impact of TEs in genomic evolution of their hosts.