Identification and Expression Analysis of R2R3-MYB Transcription Factors Associated with Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Panax quinquefolius.

Panax quinquefolius L. is an important medicinal plant, and flavonoids are among its main secondary metabolites. The R2R3-MYB transcription factor plays an irreplaceable role in plant growth, development, and secondary metabolism. In our study, we identified 159 R2R3-MYBs and analyzed their physical and chemical properties in P. quinquefolius. The protein length of 159 PqMYBs varied from 107 to 1050 amino acids. The molecular weight ranged from 12.21 to 116.44 kDa. The isoelectric point was between 4.57 and 10.34. We constructed a phylogenetic tree of P. quinquefolius and Arabidopsis thaliana R2R3-MYB family members, and PqMYB members were divided into 33 subgroups. Transcriptome data analysis showed that the expression patterns of PqMYBs in root, leaf, and flower were significantly different. Following the MeJA treatment of seedlings, five candidate PqMYB genes demonstrated a response. A correlation analysis of PqMYBs and candidate flavonoid pathway genes showed that PqMYB2, PqMYB46, and PqMYB72 had correlation coefficients that were higher than 0.8 with PqCHS, PqANS4, and PqCCoAMT10, respectively. Furthermore, a transient expression assay confirmed that the three PqMYBs were localized in the nucleus. We speculated that these three PqMYBs were related to flavonoid biosynthesis in P. quinquefolius. These results provided a theoretical basis and a new perspective for further understanding the R2R3-MYB gene family and the biosynthesis mechanism of secondary metabolites in P. quinquefolius.

Study on the potential mechanism of Qingxin Lianzi Yin Decoction on renoprotection in db/db mice via network pharmacology and metabolomics.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) was one of the most popular and most significant microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Qingxin Lianzi Yin Decoction (QXLZY) was a traditional Chinese classical formula, suitable for chronic urinary system diseases. QXLZY had good clinical efficacy in early DN, but the underlying molecular mechanism remained unrevealed. PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish the content determination method of QXLZY index components and explore the mechanism of QXLZY on DN by network pharmacology and metabolomics studies. METHODS: Firstly, the content determination methods of QXLZY were established with calycosin-7-O-ß-d-glucoside, acteoside, baicalin and glycyrrhizic acid as index components. Secondly, pharmacological experiments of QXLZY were evaluated using db/db mice. UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS was used to carry out untargeted urine metabolomics, serum metabolomics, and kidney metabolomics studies. Thirdly, employing network pharmacology, key components and targets were analyzed. Finally, targeted metabolomics studies were performed on the endogenous constituents in biological samples for validation based on untargeted metabolomics results. RESULTS: A method for the simultaneous determination of multiple index components in QXLZY was established, which passed the comprehensive methodological verification. It was simple, feasible, and scientific. The QXLZY treatment alleviated kidney injury of db/db mice, included the degree of histopathological damage and the level of urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio. Untargeted metabolomics studies had identified metabolic dysfunction in pathways associated with amino acid metabolism in db/db mice. Treatment with QXLZY could reverse metabolite abnormalities and influence the pathways related to energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism. It had been found that pathways with a high degree were involved in signal transduction, prominently on amino acids metabolism and lipid metabolism, analyzed by network pharmacology. Disorders of amino acid metabolism did occur in db/db mice. QXLZY could revert the levels of metabolites, such as quinolinic acid, arginine, and asparagine. CONCLUSION: This study was the first time to demonstrate that QXLZY alleviated diabetes-induced pathological changes in the kidneys of db/db mice by correcting disturbances in amino acid metabolism. This work could provide a new experimental basis and theoretical guidance for the rational application of QXLZY on DN, exploring the new pharmacological effect of traditional Chinese medicine, and promoting in-depth research and development.

Predisposing Factors for Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Despite the rising incidence rate of granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM), uncertainties persist about its etiologic and predisposing factors to guide clinical treatment and early prevention. The objective of this study is to explore the predisposing factors for GLM. Patients and methods: This case-control study was conducted from 2018 to 2021 at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University. Patients with GLM (cases) were matched with healthy examinees (controls) in a 1:1 ratio according to gender and living area. We analyzed their demographic features and investigated 75 factors that may be relevant to GLM using a standard questionnaire. Univariate and multivariable binary conditional logistic regression analyses were used to compare the differences between the two groups and evaluate the predisposing factors that may induce GLM. Results: There were 594 female GLM patients and 594 matched controls included in the study. The average age of the cases was 32.78 years (mainly 20 to 40). The incidence was high within five years after childbirth, and lesions were mainly in the unilateral breast. Univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses obtained six relevant factors and six high-risk factors. The six relevant factors included age, marriage, emotional abnormality, high prolactin, psychiatric drug intake, and sex hormone intake. Additionally, the independent high-risk factors for GLM included gestation, nipple invagination, blunt trauma, non-iatrogenic massage, lactation disorder, and nipple discharge (odds ratio (OR)=17.378, 8.518, 4.887, 3.116, 2.522, 1.685, P<0.05). Menopause was an independent protective factor (OR=0.249, P<0.05). Conclusion: The factors that increase milk and secretion production in the mammary duct are the main risk factors of GLM, especially when the nipples are invaginated. These factors can obstruct the duct and induce inflammation. Additionally, hormonal disorders, extrinsic trauma, and emotional abnormalities can accelerate the occurrence of GLM.

Effects and Stress-Relieving Mechanisms of Dark Tea Polysaccharide in Human HaCaT Keratinocytes and SZ95 Sebocytes.

A new skincare application scenario for dark tea, a unique and post-fermented tea popular in the health food industry, was developed in this paper. The effects of dark tea polysaccharide (DTP) on stress-induced skin problems and its mechanism of action were investigated by modeling cortisone-induced stress injury in human HaCaT keratinocytes and SZ95 sebaceous gland cells. The results showed a reduced cortisol conversion induced by cortisone under the action of DTP with a concentration of 200 µg/mL, probably by inhibiting the expression of the HSD11B1 enzyme. DTP was also able to suppress the cortisone-induced elevation of lipid levels in SZ95 sebocytes at this concentration. In addition, the composition and structure of DTP were verified by ultrafiltration, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS), high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) and infrared spectroscopy. In brief, DTP has a unique and significant stress-relieving effect, which provides new ideas for the development of new ingredients for the skin care industry.

Dietary berberine against intestinal oxidative stress, inflammation response, and microbiota disturbance caused by chronic copper exposure in freshwater grouper (Acrossocheilus fasciatus).

Berberine (BBR) is known for its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and capacity to preserve intestinal microbiota balance in fish. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of berberine against copper-induced toxicity in the intestine of freshwater grouper Acrossocheilus fasciatus. The experiment involved four groups: a control group, a Cu group exposed to 0.02 mg/L Cu2+, and two BBR groups fed with 100 or 400 mg/kg of berberine diets and exposed to the same Cu2+ concentration. Three replicates of healthy fish (initial weight 1.56 ± 0.10 g) were subjected to their respective treatments for 30 days. Results showed that none of the treatments significantly affected the survival rate, final weight, weight gain, and feed intake (P > 0.05). However, supplementation with 100 and 400 mg/kg of BBR significantly lowered the antioxidant activities, and glutathione peroxidase (gpx) and superoxide dismutase (sod) expression levels, as well as reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content caused by Cu2+ exposure (P < 0.05). Berberine inclusion significantly downregulated proinflammatory factors NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (nlrp3), interleukin 1 beta (il1ß), interleukin 6 cytokine family signal transducer (il6st) but upregulated transforming growth factor beta 1 (tgfß1) and heat shock 70 kDa protein (hsp70) expression. Moreover, berberine at both levels maintained the intestinal structural integrity and significantly improved gap junction gamma-1 (gjc1) mRNA level compared to the Cu group (P < 0.05). Based on 16S rDNA sequencing, the richness and diversity of intestinal microbiota in different groups were not significantly influenced. Berberine reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio and stifled the growth of some specific pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Citrobacter, and Acinetobacter, while boosting the richness of potential probiotic bacteria, including Roseomonas and Reyranella compared with the Cu group. In conclusion, berberine showed significant protective effects against Cu2+-induced intestinal oxidative stress, inflammation response, and microbiota disturbance in freshwater grouper.

Developmental toxicity of perfluorohexane sulfonate at human relevant dose during pregnancy via disruption in placental lipid homeostasis.

Perfluorohexyl sulfonate (PFHxS) is the third most abundant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and its developmental toxicity remains very poorly understood. Here, pregnant mice exposed to PFHxS at human relevant dose showed increased fetal death incidence in the high-dose PFHxS-H group (P < 0.01). Body distribution analyses suggested that PFHxS crossed the placental barrier reaching the fetus in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological data demonstrated impairment in the placenta with reduced blood sinus volume, placental labyrinth area as well as thickness of labyrinthine layer. Further lipidomic and transcriptomic data together showed that PFHxS exposure caused significant disruption in placental lipid homeostasis, including total lipid accumulation in the placenta, and dysregulation in phospholipid and glycerol lipid metabolism. Gene expression analyses uncovered elevation in key placental fatty acid transporters including fabp2, whereas protein expression showed transporter specific disruptions following exposure. Together, gestational exposure to human relevant level of PFHxS may increase the incidence of fetal deaths and caused placental dysplasia via disruption in lipid metabolism homeostasis. These findings raise the concern regarding the highly prevalent and persistent chemical towards early sensitive developing stages and provide basis for further understanding of its effects on lipid metabolism and underlying mechanisms.

Blend of Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol, and Capsicum Oleoresin Improved Rumen Health of Lambs Fed High-Concentrate Diet as Revealed by Fermentation Characteristics, Epithelial Gene Expression, and Bacterial Community.

We investigated the effects of CEC on the fermentation characteristics, epithelial gene expression, and bacterial community in the rumen of lambs fed a high-concentrate diet. Twenty-four 3-month-old female crossbred lambs with an initial body weight of 30.37 ± 0.57 kg were randomly allocated to consume a diet supplemented with 80 mg/kg CEC (CEC) or not (CON). The experiment consisted of a 14 d adaptation period and a 60 d data collection period. Compared with the CON group, the CEC group had higher ADG, epithelial cell thickness, ruminal butyrate proportion, and lower ammonia nitrogen concentration. Increases in the mRNA expression of Occludin and Claudin-4, as well as decreases in the mRNA expression of apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), cytochrome c (Cyt-C), Caspase-8, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, Caspase-7, and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), were observed in the CEC group. Moreover, CEC treatment also decreased the concentration of IL-1ß, IL-12, and TNF-α. Supplementation with CEC altered the structure and composition of the rumen bacterial community, which was indicated by the increased relative abundances of Firmicutes, Synergistota, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Olsenella, Schwartzia, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-002, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, Acetitomaculum, [Eubacterium]_ruminantium_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-004, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Sphaerochaeta, Pyramidobacter, and [Eubacterium]_eligens_group, and the decreased relative abundances of Acidobacteriota, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadota, and MND1. Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the altered rumen bacteria were closely correlated with rumen health-related indices. Dietary CEC supplementation improved growth performance, reduced inflammation and apoptosis, protected barrier function, and modulated the bacterial community of lambs fed a high-concentrate diet.

NO Release Inhibitory Activity of Flavonoids from Aesculus Wilsonii Seeds through MAPK (P38), NF-κB, and STAT3 Cross-Talk Signaling Pathways.

The flavonoid constituents of Aesculus wilsonii, a source of the Chinese medicinal drug Suo Luo Zi, and their in vitro anti-inflammatory effects were investigated. Fifteen flavonoids, including aeswilflavonosides IA-IC (1:  - 3: ) and aeswilflavonosides IIA-IIE (4:  - 8: ), along with seven known derivatives were isolated from a seed extract. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, acid and alkaline hydrolysis, and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra. Among them, compounds 3: and 7: possess a 5-[2-(carboxymethyl)-5-oxocyclopent-yl]pent-3-enylate or oleuropeoylate substituent, respectively, which are rarely reported in flavonoids. Compounds 2, 3, 7: , and 12:  - 15: were found to inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cell lines. In a mechanistic assay, the flavonoid glycosides 2, 3: , and 7: reduced the expressions of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced by lipopolysaccharide. Further investigations suggest that 2: and 3: downregulated the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38. Compound 7: was found to reduce the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 through inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B signaling pathway. Compounds 2, 3: , and 7: possessed moderate inhibitory activity on the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3. Taken together, the data indicate that the flavonoid glycosides of A. wilsonii seeds exhibit nitric oxide release inhibitory activity through mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B, and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 cross-talk signaling pathways.

In vivo efficiency of praziquantel treatment of single-sex Schistosoma japonicum aged three months old in mice.

Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease mainly caused by Schistosoma haematobium, S. japonicum and S. mansoni, and results in the greatest disease burden. Mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel (PZQ), a single drug only available for the disease, has played a vital role in schistosomiasis control. Therefore, any possibility of selection of the parasites for PZQ resistance or low sensitivity may hamper the 2030's target of global disease elimination. We had experimentally demonstrated the long-term survival and reproductive potential of single-sex (of either sex) S. japonicum infections in definitive hosts mice. What has not yet been adequately addressed is whether the long live single-sex schistosomes remain sensitive to PZQ, and what reproduction potential for those schistosomes surviving treatment may have. We therefore performed experimental mice studies to explore the treatment effectiveness of PZQ (at total doses of 200 or 400 mg/kg, corresponding to the sub-standard or standard treatment doses in humans) for single-sex S. japonicum aged three months old. The results showed that no treatment efficiency was observed on female schistosomes, whereas on male schistosomes only at PZQ 400 mg/kg a significant higher efficiency in reducing worm burdens was observed. Moreover, either schistosome males or females surviving PZQ treatment remained their reproduction potential as normal. The results indicate that long (i.e., three months) live single-sex S. japonicum can easily survive the current treatment strategy, and moreover, any schistosomes, if with PZQ resistance or low sensitivity, could be easily transmitted in nature. Therefore, in order to realize the target for the national and the global schistosomiasis elimination, there is undoubtedly a great need for refining PZQ administration and dosage, looking for alternative therapies, and/or developing vaccines against schistosome.

Activation of Dopamine D2 Receptors Alleviates Neuronal Hyperexcitability in the Lateral Entorhinal Cortex via Inhibition of HCN Current in a Rat Model of Chronic Inflammatory Pain.

Functional changes in synaptic transmission from the lateral entorhinal cortex to the dentate gyrus (LEC-DG) are considered responsible for the chronification of pain. However, the underlying alterations in fan cells, which are the predominant neurons in the LEC that project to the DG, remain elusive. Here, we investigated possible mechanisms using a rat model of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain. We found a substantial increase in hyperpolarization-activated/cyclic nucleotide-gated currents (Ih), which led to the hyperexcitability of LEC fan cells of CFA slices. This phenomenon was attenuated in CFA slices by activating dopamine D2, but not D1, receptors. Chemogenetic activation of the ventral tegmental area -LEC projection had a D2 receptor-dependent analgesic effect. Intra-LEC microinjection of a D2 receptor agonist also suppressed CFA-induced behavioral hypersensitivity, and this effect was attenuated by pre-activation of the Ih. Our findings suggest that down-regulating the excitability of LEC fan cells through activation of the dopamine D2 receptor may be a strategy for treating chronic inflammatory pain.

Bio-engineered nano-vesicles for IR820 delivery: a therapy platform for cancer by surgery and photothermal therapy.

Long-term unsolved health problems from pre-/intra-/postoperative complications and thermal ablation complications pose threats to liver-cancer patients. To reduce the threats, we propose a multimodal-imaging guided surgical navigation system and photothermal therapy strategy to improve specific labeling, real-time monitoring and effective treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Using a bioengineering approach, G-Nvs@IR820, a kind of human-cell-membrane nano-vesicle, was generated with growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) expressed on the membrane and with near-infrared absorbing dye (IR820) loaded into it, which is proven to be an effective nanoparticle-drug-delivery system for Axl-overexpressing hepatocellular carcinoma. G-Nvs@IR820 shows excellent features in vitro and in vivo. As Gas6 binds to Axl specifically, G-Nvs@IR820 has good targeting ability to the tumor site and also has a good ability to guide the further accurate obliteration of carcinoma from adjacent normal tissue in surgery with its highly resolved fluorescence/photoacoustic/surgical-navigation signals. Moreover, the G-Nvs@IR820 represented a new perspective for photothermal therapy. Briefly, Nvs@IR820 was synthesized at a gram scale with high affinity, specificity, and safety. It has promising potential in clinical application for IGS and PTT in Axl-overexpressing hepatoma carcinoma.

Association Between Pre-diagnostic Dietary Supplements Intake and Ovarian Cancer Survival: Findings From a Prospective Cohort Study in Chinese Women.

Background: As a result of a limited number of studies and inconsistent findings, there remains uncertainty in whether pre-diagnostic dietary supplements intake affects survival after ovarian cancer (OC) diagnosis. Methods: The association between pre-diagnostic dietary supplements intake and all-cause OC mortality was examined in the OC follow-up study, which included a hospital-based cohort (n = 703) of Chinese women diagnosed with OC between 2015 and 2020. Pre-diagnostic dietary supplements information was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Deaths were ascertained up to March 31, 2021, via death registry linkage. Cox proportional hazards were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the aforementioned association. Results: A total of 130 women died during the median follow-up of 37.2 months (interquartile: 24.7-50.2 months). We found no evidence that any pre-diagnostic dietary supplements intake compared with never is associated with OC survival (HR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.47-1.18). Furthermore, our study suggested no association for ever supplements intakes of vitamin A (HR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.07-3.46), vitamin C (HR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.27-1.54), vitamin D (HR = 1.19, 95%CI: 0.28-5.03), vitamin E (HR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.06-3.87), multivitamin (HR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.14-1.67), calcium (HR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.53-1.72), and fish oil/DHA (HR = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.04-2.37) with OC survival. Interestingly, we only found a detrimental effect of vitamin B supplementation intake (HR = 3.78, 95%CI: 1.33-0.69) on OC survival. Conclusions: We found no evidence that any pre-diagnostic dietary supplements intake is associated with OC survival. Considering lower exposure of dietary supplements before OC diagnosis in the present study, further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Rehabilitation Therapy for Vocal Fold Paralysis Caused by Lung Cancer: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can be caused by iatrogenic injury or tumor-induced damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Studies of comprehensive rehabilitation therapies for patients suffering from severe UVFP are limited. The purpose of this case report is to describe an improvement in complete aphonia after comprehensive rehabilitation therapies in a patient with severe UVFP due to a lung tumor. METHODS: An 81-year-old woman with a history of bronchial adenoma had complete aphonia due to compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve by the tumor. Dynamic fibrolaryngoscope revealed paralysis of the left vocal fold. The patient was treated with interferential current therapy, vocal training, and kinesiology taping. Indicators of voice recovery were scored according to the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain scale, and the voice handicap index. RESULTS: After 10 days of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, the patient recovered from complete aphonia to normal communication. The hoarseness and breathiness of patient were significantly improved. In addition, the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain, and the voice handicap index scores changed from severe to mild or absent. CONCLUSION: This case provided a novel comprehensive treatment for a patient with UVFP, which was safe, cost-effective, and easy to implement in clinic.

Alleviation by Mahuang Fuzi and Shenzhuo Decoction in High Glucose-Induced Podocyte Injury by Inhibiting the Activation of Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway, Resulting in Activation of Podocyte Autophagy.

BACKGROUND: Organ fibrosis is a common endpoint of a variety of diseases. Many studies have shown that the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is related to the excessive activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway on podocytes, so the treatment of DKD starts from this signaling pathway. At the same time, DKD, as a metabolic disease, has many connections related to podocyte autophagy. OBJECTIVES: We experimented the effects of Mahuang Fuzi and Shenzhuo decoction (MFSD) which is the combination of Mahuang Fuzi decoction and Shenzhuo decoction in traditional Chinese medicine compounds used "The Golden Chamber" in high glucose-induced podocytes, determined whether this effect was related to Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, and further investigated the relationship between this effect and autophagy. METHODS: The mice podocytes were stimulated by using 30 mmol/L of high glucose and serum containing MFSD or Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway inhibitor DKK1 (100 ng/ml) was used to intervene podocytes before high glucose stimulation. Podocyte injury-related proteins, Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins, and autophagy-related proteins were detected by using western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: Our results showed that DKK1 and MFSD treatment significantly upregulated the protein expressions of nephrin, podocin, podocalyxin, and podoplanin in high glucose-induced podocytes and downregulated the ß-catenin protein expression. Furthermore, the protein expressions of beclin1, LC3B, and P62 were also significantly increased in high glucose-induced podocytes. CONCLUSION: Our experiments confirmed that the destruction of podocytes in DKD is related to the excessive activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and the inhibition of autophagy after activation. MFSD treatment can inhibit the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in podocytes stimulated by high glucose and helpful in reducing the podocyte injury. This protective mechanism can be related to the enhancement of podocyte autophagy by MFSD treatment.

Identification and Structural Analysis of Spirostanol Saponin from Yucca schidigera by Integrating Silica Gel Column Chromatography and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Analysis.

Yucca schidigera Roezl (Mojave), a kind of ornamental plant belonging to the Yucca genus (Agavaceae), whose extract exhibits important roles in food, beverage, cosmetic and feed additives owing to its rich spirostanol saponins. To provide a comprehensive chemical profiling of the spirostanol saponins in it, this study was performed by using a multi-phase liquid chromatography method combining a reversed phase chromatography T3 column with a normal phase chromatography silica column for the separation and an ESI-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS in positive ion mode as the detector. By comparing the retention time and ion fragments with standards, thirty-one spirostanol saponins were identified. In addition, according to the summary of the chromatographic retention behaviors and the MS/MS cleavage patterns and biosynthetic pathway, another seventy-nine spirostanol saponins were speculatively identified, forty ones of which were potentially new ones. Moreover, ten novel spirostanol saponins (three pairs of (25R/S)-spirostanol saponin isomer mixtures) were targeted for isolation to verify the speculation. Then, the comprehensive chemical profiling of spirostanol saponins from Y. schidigera was reported here firstly.

How Does Herbal Medicine Treat Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy?

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) has made increasing progress in mechanism and treatment research. Herbal medicine is gradually being accepted as an alternative therapy in treating IMN. However, the intervention mechanism of herbal medicine in the treatment of membranous nephropathy is still unclear. In this review, we summarize some achievements of herb medicine in treating IMN and discuss the research direction of herb in IMN. Finally, we propose the dilemma about the study on the treatment of IMN with herb medicine. We hope that this article can bring some thoughts for clinical and scientific researchers on the treatment of IMN with herb medicine.

Aqueous extract of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza leaves protects against dextran sulfate sodium induced ulcerative colitis in mice via suppressing NF-κB activation and modulating intestinal microbiota.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is tightly associated with inflammation response and oxidative stress. As a folk medicine applied in treatment of diarrhea, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities, which indicated that B. gymnorrhiza may exert anti-colitis effect. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate effect and mechanism of B. gymnorrhiza on experimental UC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous extract of B. gymnorrhiza leaves (ABL) was used for investigation in the present study. Murine UC was established through access to 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days. Meanwhile, mice accepted treatment with ABL (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) or sulfasalazine (200 mg/kg) once daily. On the last day, disease activity index (DAI) including body weight loss, fecal character and degree of bloody diarrhea was evaluated, colon segments were obtained for length measurement and further analysis and feces were collected for intestinal microbiota analysis. RESULTS: ABL ameliorated DAI scores, colon length shortening and histopathological damage in DSS-induced colitis mice obviously. SOD activity, levels of MDA and GSH altered by colitis were restored remarkably after ABL treatment. ABL inhibited increases in levels of colonic COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-11 in colitis mice. Moreover, ABL prominently suppressed NF-κB p65 and IκB phosphorylation and down-regulated mRNA levels of COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß elevated by colitis. As shown in microbiota analysis, ABL modulated composition of intestinal microbiota of colitis mice. CONCLUSION: ABL exhibited protective effect against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis through suppressing NF-κB activation and modulating intestinal microbiota.

Mapping the contaminant plume of an abandoned hydrocarbon disposal site with geophysical and geochemical methods, Jiangsu, China.

The management and remediation of abandoned hydrocarbon-contaminated sites require detailed information on the distribution of contaminant plumes. In areas where groundwater is active, the formation of contaminant plumes is associated with hydrodynamics, the nature of the sedimentary layers, and the nature of the pollutants and the degradation process. A comprehensive survey is needed to determine this information. An abandoned hydrocarbon disposal site is located in an area where groundwater is very active. In the investigation of contaminant plumes, we combined the geophysical method with accurate geochemical analysis of subsoil and groundwater samples. Ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography images of the electrical anomalies potentially originating from hydrocarbon pollution were used to select sites for subsurface sampling. Total petroleum hydrocarbons, total dissolved solids, and groundwater pH were measured. The results showed that the source zone had undergone long-term natural attenuation, and it was unable to continuously output organic matter to support the expansion of contaminant plumes. Low-resistivity anomalies and enhanced attenuation in the study area were caused by hydrocarbon degradation products and enhanced mineral weathering. Delineating the distribution of contaminant plumes in areas where the resistivity was below 15 Ω m. The distribution of the plume in the vertical direction was related to the hydrocarbon release history (release rate and volume) and was affected by fluctuations in the groundwater level. The contaminant plume moved very slowly along the direction of the hydraulic gradient and was in a basically stable state. The results showed that the combined application of the geoelectrical method and the geochemical method can effectively describe the distribution of underground contaminant plumes in an aged pollution site.

Inhibitory effects of shell of Camellia oleifera Abel extract on mushroom tyrosinase and human skin melanin.

BACKGROUND: As an oil production byproducts, the shell of Camellia oleifera Abel (SC) is usually discarded in the dump. However, previous investigations suggested that the SC could provide valuable bioactive materials. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to examine the ability of SC extract to inhibit in vitro tyrosinase activity and the melanin inhibition effects of cosmetic formulations containing SC 1,3-butanediol extract in human volunteers. METHODS: The cell viability was determined using a WTT assay. A mushroom tyrosinase was used to evaluate the anti-tyrosinase activity of the SC extract. The placebo (no extract) or test (SC 1,3-butanediol extract) or positive control (kojic acid) cosmetic cream was applied on face of volunteers(30 female subjects) three times a day for 8 weeks. The active compounds in SC extract were screened using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF). RESULTS: The result showed that the cytotoxicity of SC extract is insignificant when the concentration of SC extract is below 160 µg/mL. In addition, SC extract dose dependently inhibited tyrosinase activity and SC 1,3-butanediol extract possessed a stronger inhibitory activity than methanol extract and water extract. Clinical evaluations revealed that facial melanin levels of the volunteers receiving cosmetic formulations (containing SC 1,3-butanediol extract) were decreased 59% from baseline in 6th weeks, whereas the placebo group showed no effect. SC 1,3-butanediol extract was detected to contain 12 kaempferol compounds, significantly, kaempferol 3-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-ß-glucopyranoside] and kaempferol-3,7-O-α-L-dirhamnoside are the major compounds. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that SC extract can be used as a natural skin-whitening agent in cosmetic products.

Chemical constituents from the roots of Tripterygium wilfordii and their cytotoxic activity.

In our ongoing search for bioactive constituents, a new sesquiterpene polyol ester, named triptersinine U (1), together with five known triterpenes (2-6) and seven sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids (7-13), were isolated from the roots of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. Their chemical structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESIMS, as well as comparison with previously reported data. Cytotoxic activities of all compounds 1-13 were evaluated against six human tumor cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B, Bcap37, U251, MCF-7 and A549) using the MTT in vitro assay. The results showed that triterpenes exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities toward the tested cell lines.