Differences in physicochemical properties of pectin extracted from pomelo peel with different extraction techniques.

In order to obtain high yield pomelo peel pectin with better physicochemical properties, four pectin extraction methods, including hot acid extraction (HAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction, and enzymatic assisted extraction (EAE) were compared. MAE led to the highest pectin yield (20.43%), and the lowest pectin recovery was found for EAE (11.94%). The physicochemical properties of pomelo peel pectin obtained by different methods were also significantly different. Pectin samples obtained by MAE had the highest methoxyl content (8.35%), galacturonic acid content (71.36%), and showed a higher apparent viscosity, thermal and emulsion stability. The pectin extracted by EAE showed the highest total phenolic content (12.86%) and lowest particle size (843.69 nm), showing higher DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities than other extract methods. The pectin extracted by HAE had the highest particle size (966.12 nm) and degree of esterification (55.67%). However, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed that no significant difference occurred among the different methods in the chemical structure of the extracted pectin. This study provides a theoretical basis for the industrial production of pomelo peel pectin.

Endoplasmic reticulum-targeted NIR-II phototherapy combined with inflammatory vascular suppression elicits a synergistic effect against TNBC.

Recurrence and metastasis are the main reasons for failure in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Phototherapy, one of the most well-known potent cancer treatment models is highlighted by ablating primitive tumors with immunogenic cell death (ICD) and is associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to elicit long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. However, the provoked inflammatory response after phototherapy will stimulate angiogenesis, which provides nutrition for tumor recurrence. Here, an ER-targeted nanoplatform was constructed based on hollow mesoporous Cu2-XS (HMCu2-XS) nanoparticles to suppress recurrence and metastasis of TNBC by combining photo-ablation and microenvironment remodeling. Profiting from the metal ion coordination and large hollow space, HMCu2-XS can be easily modified with p-toluenesulfonamide for ER-targeting and quantitatively loaded celecoxib (CXB) as a vascular inhibitor, thus obtaining ER-HMCu2-XS/CXB. ER-HMCu2-XS showed great photothermal and photodynamic efficiency for ablating 4T1 tumors and inducing ICD under NIR-II laser irradiation. Compared with non-ER-targeted nanosystems, the ER-targeted nanosystem elicited stronger ICDs and recruited more immune cells. Moreover, the thermal-responsively released CXB successfully inhibited angiogenesis after photothermal therapy. The data showed that the ER-HMCu2-XS/CXB mediated the triplicate therapeutic effect of photo-ablation, immune response activation, and vascular suppression effectively, preventing the recurrence and metastasis of TNBC. In conclusion, this work provides a synergistic strategy to enhance therapeutic outcomes in TNBC.

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Terahertz Imaging for Rapid and Label-Free Identification of Efficient Light Formula in Laser Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered a promising noninvasive therapeutic strategy in biomedicine, especially by utilizing low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in visible and near-infrared spectra to trigger biological responses. The major challenge of PDT in applications is the complicated and time-consuming biological methodological measurements in identification of light formulas for different diseases. Here, we demonstrate a rapid and label-free identification method based on artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted terahertz imaging for efficient light formulas in LLLT of acute lung injury (ALI). The gray histogram of terahertz images is developed as the biophysical characteristics to identify the therapeutic effect. Label-free terahertz imaging is sequentially performed using rapid super-resolution imaging reconstruction and automatic identification algorithm based on a voting classifier. The results indicate that the therapeutic effect of LLLT with different light wavelengths and irradiation times for ALI can be identified using this method with a high accuracy of 91.22% in 33 s, which is more than 400 times faster than the biological methodology and more than 200 times faster than the scanning terahertz imaging technology. It may serve as a new tool for the development and application of PDT.

Development and characterization of fish myofibrillar protein/chitosan/rosemary extract composite edible films and the improvement of lipid oxidation stability during the grass carp fillets storage.

Biofilm composition from fish myofibrillar protein (FMP) and chitosan solution (CS) incorporated with rosemary extract (RE) was developed and applied to monitor the freshness of fish fillets. The effects of different concentrations of RE as well as physical, mechanical, structural and functional properties of FMP/CS films were investigated. Films containing RE showed reduced water solubility and water vapor permeability and enhanced tensile strength and elongation at break. Results also showed good compatibility of the components and good dispersion of RE in the matrix. However, the content of RE (0.2%, v/v) added in the composite films produced aggregations and had negative effects on their film-forming properties. The antioxidant capacity of composite films was related to the level of RE and demonstrated by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay. Chilled grass carp fillets wrapped with different films to evaluate the preservative effect. Results of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, pH value, Free amino acid and total volatile basic nitrogen indicated that FMP/CS/RE composite film could protect the fish fillet well and inhibit the lipid oxidation. The developed FMP/CS/RE composite films possess the potential to be applied as edible films in the food packaging industry and food cold chain transportation.

Pressure-driven accumulation of Mn-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles containing 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine and docetaxel at tumours with a dry cupping device.

Drug delivery with the help of nanoparticles could transport more payloads to tumour site. Owing to their limited accumulation and penetration in the tumour tissues, to increase delivery efficiency is currently still required for applying nanomedicine to treat tumour. Here, we initially report a pressure-driven accumulation of drug-loaded nanoparticles to tumours for efficient tumour therapy with a dry cupping device. The mesoporous Mn-doped silica based nanoparticles delivering 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine and docetaxel were prepared, characterised and used as a model nanomedicine to investigate the potential of dry cupping treatment. For this system, the Mn doping not only endowed the mesoporous silica nanoparticles biodegradability, but also made it much easier to bind a tumour targeting group, which is a G-quadruplex-forming aptamer AS1411. On tumour-bearing mice, the in vivo results demonstrated that the dry cupping treatment could substantially improve the distribution of nanomedicines at tumour site, resulting in enhanced treatment efficacy. Overall, this method enables the therapeutical nanoparticles accumulate to tumour through increasing the blood perfusion as well as altering the biological barrier, which opened up possibilities for the development of pressure-driven nanomedicine accumulation at tumour site.

Effect of photobiomodulation on CCC-ESF reactive oxygen species steady-state in high glucose mediums.

Delayed wound healing is one of the most challenging complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) in clinical medicine, and it is related to the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Photobiomodulation (PBM) can promote wound healing in many ways, so it can be used as a method for the treatment of delayed healing of DM wounds. In this study, we investigated the effect of PBM on ROS homeostasis in human embryonic skin fibroblast cells (CCC-ESFs) cultured in high glucose concentrations. The CCC-ESFs were cultured in vitro and divided into two groups, including the control group and the 635 nm laser irradiation group. After 2 days of high glucose treatment, the experimental group was irradiated with different doses of laser for 3 days. First, we measured the cellular proliferation, and the results showed that laser irradiation could promote cellular proliferation. Then, we measured the generation of ROS, the activities of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the cells; the results showed that high glucose destroyed cells by inducing high concentration of ROS, the balance of oxidation, and antioxidation cause oxidative stress damage to cells. PBM can increase the antioxidant capacity of cells, reducing the high concentration of ROS induced by high glucose. Finally, we measured the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm) and the secretion of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß); the results showed that PBM can reduce apoptosis and regulate the inflammatory state. We conclude that PBM can maintain the ROS homeostasis, increase the TAC of cells, and trigger the cellular proliferation, and the response of CCC-ESFs to PBM was dose-dependent.

Effects of photobiomodulation combined with MSCs transplantation on the repair of spinal cord injury in rat.

Stem cell transplantation has shown promising regenerative effects against neural injury, and photobiomodulation (PBM) can aid tissue recovery. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) and laser alone or combined on spinal cord injury (SCI). The animals were divided into SCI, hUCMSCs, laser treatment (LASER) and combination treatment (hUCMSCs + LASER) groups. Cell-enriched grafts of hUCMSCs (1 × 106 cells/ml) were injected at the site of antecedent trauma in SCI model rats. A 2 cm2 damaged area was irradiated with 630 nm laser at 100 mW/cm2 power for 20 min. Locomotion was evaluated using Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores, and neurofilament repair were monitored by histological staining and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). First, after SCI, the motor function of each group was restored with different degrees, the combination treatment significantly increased the BBB scores compared to either monotherapy. In addition, Nissl bodies were more numerous, and the nerve fibers were longer and thicker in the combination treatment group. Consistent with this, the in situ expression of NF-200 and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the damaged area was the highest in the combination treatment group. Finally, DTI showed that the combination therapy optimally improved neurofilament structure and arrangement. These results may show that the combination of PBM and hUCMSCs transplantation is a feasible strategy for reducing secondary damage and promoting functional recovery following SCI.

An Intelligent Biomimetic Nanoplatform for Holistic Treatment of Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via Photothermal Ablation and Immune Remodeling.

Metastasis is one of the main causes of failure in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Immunotherapy brings hope and opportunity to solve this challenge, while its clinical applications are greatly inhibited by the tumor immunosuppressive environment. Here, an intelligent biomimetic nanoplatform was designed based on dendritic large-pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DLMSNs) for suppressing metastatic TNBC by combining photothermal ablation and immune remodeling. Taking advantage of the ordered large-pore structure and easily chemically modified property of DLMSNs, the copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles with high photothermal conversion efficiency were in situ deposited inside the large pores of DLMSNs, and the immune adjuvant resiquimod (R848) was loaded controllably. A homogenous cancer cell membrane was coated on the surfaces of these DLMSNs, followed by conjugation with the anti-PD-1 peptide AUNP-12 through a polyethylene glycol linker with an acid-labile benzoic-imine bond. The thus-obtained AM@DLMSN@CuS/R848 was applied to holistically treat metastatic TNBC in vitro and in vivo. The data showed that AM@DLMSN@CuS/R848 had a high TNBC-targeting ability and induced efficient photothermal ablation on primary TNBC tumors under 980 nm laser irradiation. Tumor antigens thus generated and increasingly released R848 by response to the photothermal effect, combined with AUNP-12 detached from AM@DLMSN@CuS/R848 in the weakly acidic tumor microenvironment, synergistically exerted tumor vaccination, and T lymphocyte activation functions on immune remodeling to prevent TNBC recurrence and metastasis. Taken together, this study provides an intelligent biomimetic nanoplatform to enhance therapeutic outcomes in metastatic TNBC.

Construction of small-sized superparamagnetic Janus nanoparticles and their application in cancer combined chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia.

Novel Janus nanoparticles (J-NPs) are developed by using single iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles as the core and hydrophobic/hydrophilic polymeric brushes as the cloak. Because of the superparamagnetism and asymmetric functionality of J-NPs, they are used as drug carriers and therapeutic agents for cancer chemotherapy and magnetic hyperthermia with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guide. The asymmetric functionality is constituted of hydrophobic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) brushes and hydrophilic polyacrylic acid (PAA) brushes, which are 'grafting to' or 'grafting from' Fe3O4 nanoparticles via activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization. The terminal chains of PMMA and PAA brushes are coordinated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, so PMMA/Fe3O4/PAA J-NPs possess structural stability in solvents. Because of the brush-structure, PMMA/Fe3O4/PAA J-NPs show high encapsulation efficiency (89.75 ± 2.35%) and loading capacity (8.95 ± 0.26%). Under the alternating magnetic field (AMF), drug-loaded J-NPs achieve the highest cell proliferation-inhibition ratio in the cell proliferation test in vitro and the tumor growth inhibition test in vivo compared to single chemotherapy or magnetic hyperthermia. Meanwhile, J-NPs show good T2 imaging.

The regulatory mechanisms of Yulangsan MHBFC reversing cardiac remodeling in rats based on eNOS-NO signaling pathway.

Millettia pulchra Kurz var-laxior (Dunn) Z. Wei, a wild-growing plant of the family Fabaceae is known to possess multifarious medicinal properties. 17-Methoxyl-7-hydroxy-benzene-furanchalcone (MHBFC) is a flavonoid monomer extracted from its root, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine, with a long history as a remedy of hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling. The present study was conducted to further investigate the regulatory mechanisms of MHBFC based on the endothelial nitric oxide synthase-nitric oxide (eNOS-NO) signaling pathway. The abdominal aorta of the male Sprague-Dawley rats was narrowed to induce cardiac remodeling, and the rats were given corresponding drugs for 6 weeks after operation. At the end of the experiment, the relevant indexes were detected. The results showed that Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) could increase the myocardial cell cross-section area, myocardial fibrosis, and the cardiac collagen volume fraction. The serum NO and eNOS levels and the expression of p-eNOS, p-PI3K and p-Akt protein were decreased, and myocardial microvascular endothelial cell (MMVEC) apoptosis increased. However, the above changes were reversed after treatment with MHBFC. These results indicated that MHBFC could increase eNOS protein phosphorylation by increasing PI3K and Akt protein phosphorylation, and activated the eNOS-NO signaling pathway, increased eNOS enzyme activity, catalyzed the generation of protective NO, and counteracted MMVEC apoptosis induced by cardiac remodeling, thereby protecting against myocardial damage and reversing cardiac remodeling.

Effect of photobiomodulation on neural differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can enhance the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation, differentiation, and tissue repair and can therefore be used in regenerative medicine. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation on the directional neural differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) and provide a theoretical basis for neurogenesis. hUC-MSCs were divided into control, inducer, laser, and lasers combined with inducer groups. A 635-nm laser and an 808-nm laser delivering energy densities from 0 to 10 J/cm2 were used in the study. Normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and injured cerebrospinal fluid (iCSF) were used as inducers. The groups were continuously induced for 3 days. Cellular proliferation was evaluated using MTT. The marker proteins nestin (marker protein of the neural precursor cells), NeuN (marker protein of neuron), and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein, marker proteins of glial cells) were detected by immunofluorescence and western blot. We found that irradiation with 635-nm laser increased cell proliferation, and that with 808 nm laser by itself and combined with cerebrospinal fluid treatment generated significant neuron-like morphological changes in the cells at 72 h. Nestin showed high positive expression at 24 h in the 808 nm group. The expression of GFAP increased in the 808-nm combined inducer group at 24 h but decreased at 72 h. The expression of neuN protein increased only at 72 h in both the 808-nm combined inducer group and inducer group. We concluded that 808 nm laser irradiation could help CSF to induce neuronal differentiation of hUC-MSCs in early stage and tend to change to neuron rather than glial cells.

Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Essential Oil from Gannan Navel Orange Peel.

China is one of the leading producers of citrus in the world. Gannan in Jiangxi Province is the top navel orange producing area in China. In the present study, an essential oil was prepared by cold pressing of Gannan navel orange peel followed by molecular distillation. Its chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS. Twenty four constituents were identified, representing 97.9% of the total oil. The predominant constituent was limonene (74.6%). The anticancer activities of this orange essential oil, as well as some of its major constituents, were investigated by MTT assay. This essential oil showed a positive effect on the inhibition of the proliferation of a human lung cancer cell line A549 and prostate cancer cell line 22RV-1. Some of the oil constituents displayed high anticancer potential and deserve further study.

Fumigant Activity of Sweet Orange Essential Oil Fractions Against Red Imported Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Sweet orange oil fractions were prepared by molecular distillation of cold-pressed orange oil from sample A (Citrus sinensis (L.) 'Hamlin' from America) and sample B (Citrus sinensis Osbeck 'Newhall' from China) respectively, and their fumigant activities against medium workers of red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta Buren) were investigated. The volatile composition of the orange oil fractions was identified and quantified using GC-MS. Fractions from sample A (A1, A2, and A3) contained 23, 37, and 48 chemical constituents, and fractions from sample B (B1, B2, and B3) contained 18, 29, and 26 chemical constituents, respectively. Monoterpenes were the most abundant components, accounting for 73.56% to 94.86% of total orange oil fractions, among which D-limonene (65.28-80.18%), ß-pinene (1.71-5.58%), 3-carene (0.41-4.01%), ß-phellandrene (0.58-2.10%), and linalool (0.31-2.20%) were major constituents. Fumigant bioassay indicated that all orange oil fractions exerted good fumigant toxicity against workers of fire ants at 3, 5, 10, and 20 mg/centrifuge tubes, and B1 had the strongest insecticidal potential, followed by A1, B2, A2, B3, and A3. The fractions composed of more high volatile molecules (A1 and B1) showed greater fumigant effects than others. Compounds linalool and D-limonene, which were the constituents of the orange oil, exhibited excellent fumigant toxicity against red imported fire ant workers. Linalool killed red imported fire ant workers completely at 5, 10, and 20 mg/tube after 8 h of treatment, and D-limonene induced >86% mortality at 8 h of exposure.

Ultrahigh (19)F Loaded Cu1.75S Nanoprobes for Simultaneous (19)F Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Photothermal Therapy.

(19)F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful noninvasive, sensitive, and accurate molecular imaging technique for early diagnosis of diseases. The major challenge of (19)F MRI is signal attenuation caused by the reduced solubility of probes with increased number of fluorine atoms and the restriction of molecular mobility. Herein, we present a versatile one-pot strategy for the fabrication of a multifunctional nanoprobe with high (19)F loading (∼2.0 × 10(8 19)F atoms per Cu1.75S nanoparticle). Due to the high (19)F loading and good molecular mobility that results from the small particle size (20.8 ± 2.0 nm) and ultrathin polymer coating, this nanoprobe demonstrates ultrahigh (19)F MRI signal. In vivo tests show that this multifunctional nanoprobe is suitable for (19)F MRI and photothermal therapy. This versatile fabrication strategy has also been readily extended to other single-particle nanoprobes for ablation and sensitive multimodal imaging.

[Zhibai Dihuang Decoction improves the activity of sperm mitochondrial respiratory chain complex in rats with Ureaplasma urealyticum infection].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Zhibai Dihuang Decoction (ZDD) on the sperm mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (MRCC) in rats with Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection. METHODS: Ninety male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, sham operation, UU infection model control, ZDD (crude drug at 8.56 g per kg of the body weight per day), doxycycline (DC, at 20 mg per kg of the body weight per day), and ZDD+DC. The model of UU infection was established by injecting UU into the bladder of all the rats except those of the sham operation group. After modeling, the rats were treated intragastrically with respective drugs for 21 days and then executed and their epididymides harvested for examination of sperm quality and determination of the activities of sperm MRCCs I, II, III and IV by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: At 10 days after modeling, the UU-positive rates in the model control, sham operation, ZDD, DC and ZDD+DC groups were 92.9%, 0%, 33.3%, 26.7% and 20.0%, respectively, significantly higher in the model control than in the other groups (P<0.05). The epididymal sperm concentrations in the five groups were (0.97±0.23), (3.02±0.52), (1.21±0.35), (1.02±0.31) and (1.52±0.28) ×106 ml, the sperm motilities were (58.62±15.36), (80.45±7.21), (75.52±8.78), (68.43±10.25) and (78.25±7.67)%, and rates of grade a+b sperm were (6.15±1.02), (10.32±1.14), (10.12±1.08), (9.01+1.27) and (10.74±1.03)%, respectively, all remarkably lower in the model control than in the sham operation group (P<0.01), but markedly higher in the ZDD and ZDD+DC groups than in the model controls (P<0.05). The activities of MRCC I in the model control, sham operation, ZDD, DC and ZDD+DC groups were (31.54±16.25), (136.86±6.34), (100.68±14.41), (81.68±6.78) and (124.06±5.54) µmol/(min·mg), those of MRCC II were (9.50±3.86), (20.34±0.37), (10.88±1.04), (12.93±1.07) and (16.23±0.60) µmol/(min·mg), those of MRCC III were (5.58±1.79), (19.60±0.61), (11.34±1.35), (13.87±1.23) and (15.96±0.69) µmol/(min·mg), and those of MRCC IV were (9.54±1.34), (28.98±3.33), (17.02±2.04), (18.41±2.67) and (21.66±2.93) µmol/(min·mg), respectively, all significantly lower in the model control than in the sham operation group (P<0.01), with the activities of MRCCs I, III and IV remarkably higher in the ZDD, DC and ZDD+DC groups (P<0.01) and that of MRCC II higher in the DC and ZDD+DC groups than in the model control (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ZDD can improve the epididymal sperm quality and the activity of the sperm MRCC in UU-infected rats, which may be one of the mechanisms of ZDD acting on male infertility caused by UU infection.

[Research progress of structures and pharmacological activities of phthalides from Angelica sinensis].

Angelica sinensis(Umbelliferae)is a worldwide-known medicinal plant and also a famous traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is recorded to possess the efficacy of enriching the blood and invigorating the circulation of blood of the individual.Danggui was extensively applied to the treatment of gynecological disorders. Modern researches indicate that phthalides are main chemical components related to the bioactivities of A.sinensis, such as anti-tumor, analgesic and neuroprotective effect.The advances in studies on the structures and pharmacological activities of phthalides from A.sinensis are reviewed to provide references for further researches and utilization of their medicinal value.

Cardioprotective effect of total saponins from three medicinal species of Dioscorea against isoprenaline-induced myocardial ischemia.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: As folk medicines used in China since 1950s, Dioscorea nipponica Makino (DN), D. panthaica Prain et Burkill (DP), and D. zingiberensis C.H. Wright (DZ) are regarded as having more or less the same traditional therapeutic actions, such as activating blood, relieving pain, and dispersing swelling. It is noteworthy that, of the 49 species of the genus Dioscorea distributed in China, based on such traditional efficacies, only these three have been further developed as effective single-herb medicines for treating cardiovascular diseases by the modern pharmaceutical industry. In our previous study, it was found that the chemical compositions of DN and DP were similar, and both were distinct from that of DZ. Hence, whether their different chemical profiles support their anti-IHD (ischemic heart disease) activity in common still needs to be answered. So far it is still unknown whether the efficacies of these three herbs act via similar mechanism and whether they possess comparable therapeutic efficacy for experimental myocardial ischemia (MI). AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to further investigate the underlying mechanisms with respect to antioxidative stress activity by which these Dioscorea spp. attenuate MI, and to compare the therapeutic effect of total saponins from these three species on myocardial antioxidant levels and myocardial histology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as myocardial histology, were compared among rat groups administered with total saponins (TS) of DN, DP or DZ (abbreviated as DNTS, DPTS and DZTS, respectively). The rats experienced myocardial ischemia induced by isoprenaline (ISO) injection; the test solutions (DNTS, DPTS, DZTS) were administered either after the ISO injection, or both before and after. RESULTS: Compared with the model group (ISO injection only), TS groups exhibited significantly reduced activities of CK, LDH and AST, lowered level of MDA, and increased activities of SOD, CAT, GPx and T-AOC; heart tissues from TS groups revealed less severe histological damage. The cardioprotective efficacy of these three Dioscorea TS for rat MI was closely comparable based on the above observations. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study provide evidence that the anti-MI effect of DNTS, DPTS and DZTS can be attributed to the increase of myocardial antioxidant levels and decrease of lipid peroxidation formation, and the closely comparable results observed from these three Dioscorea saponins thereby explains the similarity in their clinical efficacy as anti-MI drugs.

Comparative analysis of diosgenin in Dioscorea species and related medicinal plants by UPLC-DAD-MS.

BACKGROUND: Dioscorea is a genus of flowering plants, and some Dioscorea species are known and used as a source for the steroidal sapogenin diosgenin. To screen potential resource from Dioscorea species and related medicinal plants for diosgenin extraction, a rapid method to compare the contents of diosgenin in various plants is crucial. RESULTS: An ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with diode array detection (DAD) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) method was developed for identification and determination of diosgenin in various plants. A comprehensive validation of the developed method was conducted. Twenty-four batches of plant samples from four Dioscorea species, one Smilax species and two Heterosmilax species were analyzed by using the developed method.The present method presented good sensitivity, precision and accuracy. Diosgenin was found in three Dioscorea species and one Heterosmilax species, namely D. zingiberensis, D. septemloba, D. collettii and H. yunnanensis. CONCLUSION: The method is suitable for the screening of diosgenin resources from plants. D. zingiberensis is an important resource for diosgenin harvesting.

High selenium impairs hepatic insulin sensitivity through opposite regulation of ROS.

Insulin resistance is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes. As an essential trace element, selenium (Se) is recommended worldwide for supplementation to prevent Se-deficient pathological conditions, including diabetes and insulin resistance. However, recent evidence has shown that supra-nutritional Se intake is positively associated with the prevalence of diabetes. In the present research, we examined the effect of high Se on insulin sensitivity, and studied possible mechanisms in rats and in rat hepatocytes. Insulin sensitivity and glucose/lipid metabolism were determined by glucose/insulin tolerance test, western blot, immunofluorescence, specific probes and other biochemical assays. We show that high Se activates selenoproteins, including glutathione peroxidase and selenoprotein P, and depletes chromium, leading to a common metabolic intersection-lipolysis in adipose tissue and influx of fatty acids in liver. Fatty acid ß-oxidation generates acetyl-CoA, which is metabolized in trichloroacetic acid cycle, supplying excessive electrons for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and leading to increased "bad" reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in mitochondria and final disturbance of insulin signaling. Furthermore, high Se-activated selenoproteins also weaken insulin-stimulated "good" ROS signal generated by NAD(P)H oxidase, leading to attenuation of insulin signaling. Taken together, these data suggest that excessive intake of Se induces hepatic insulin resistance through opposite regulation of ROS.

Japonicasins A and B, two new isoprenylated flavanones from Sophora japonica.

Two new flavanones with a C15 isoprenoid group, japonicasins A and B (1 and 2), were isolated from the leaves of Sophora japonica. This is the first report on the presence of the (2E,7E)-6-isopropyl-3,9-dimethyldeca-2,7,9-trien-1-yl group (C15 isoprenoid group) in isoprenylated flavonoids. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and CD experiments. In addition, the antioxidant activities of compounds 1 and 2 were determined through DPPH radical scavenging assays. They exhibited potential antioxidant activities, with IC50 values of 35.1±0.8 µM and 88.7±1.1 µM for compounds 1 and 2, respectively.