Efficient snailase-based production of mogrol from Luo Han Guo extract in an aqueous-organic system.

To solve the insufficient availability of mogrol, an 11α-hydroxy aglycone of mogrosides in Siraitia grosvenorii, snailase was employed as the enzyme to completely deglycosylate LHG extract containing 50% mogroside V. Other commonly used glycosidases performed less efficiently. Response surface methodology was conducted to optimize the productivity of mogrol, which peaked at 74.7% in an aqueous reaction. In view of the differences in water-solubility between mogrol and LHG extract, we employed an aqueous-organic system for the snailase-catalyzed reaction. Of five tested organic solvents, toluene performed best and was relatively well tolerated by snailase. After optimization, biphasic medium containing 30% toluene (v/v) could produce a high-quality mogrol (98.1% purity) at a 0.5 L scale with a production rate of 93.2% within 20 h. This toluene-aqueous biphasic system would not only provide sufficient mogrol to construct future synthetic biology systems for the preparation of mogrosides, but also facilitate the development of mogrol-based medicines.

miR-301a Deficiency Attenuates the Macrophage Migration and Phagocytosis through YY1/CXCR4 Pathway.

(1) Background: the miR-301a is well known involving the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. However, the role of miR-301a in the migration and phagocytosis of macrophages is still unclear. (2) Methods: sciatic nerve injury, liver injury models, as well as primary macrophage cultures were prepared from the miR-301a knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice to assess the macrophage's migration and phagocytosis capabilities. Targetscan database analysis, Western blotting, siRNA transfection, and CXCR4 inhibition or activation were performed to reveal miR301a's potential mechanism. (3) Results: the macrophage's migration and phagocytosis were significantly attenuated by the miR-301a KO both in vivo and in vitro. MiR-301a can target Yin-Yang 1 (YY1), and miR-301a KO resulted in YY1 up-regulation and CXCR4 (YY1's down-stream molecule) down-regulation. siYY1 increased the expression of CXCR4 and enhanced migration and phagocytosis in KO macrophages. Meanwhile, a CXCR4 inhibitor or agonist could attenuate or accelerate, respectively, the macrophage migration and phagocytosis. (4) Conclusions: current findings indicated that miR-301a plays important roles in a macrophage's capabilities of migration and phagocytosis through the YY1/CXCR4 pathway. Hence, miR-301a might be a promising therapeutic candidate for inflammatory diseases by adjusting macrophage bio-functions.

Rhizoma Paridis saponins suppresses vasculogenic mimicry formation and metastasis in osteosarcoma through regulating miR-520d-3p/MIG-7 axis.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly metastatic bone cancer that usually affects children. Rhizoma Paridis saponins (RPS) have been identified to show a broad-spectrum anti-tumor activity. Our previous study has identified vasculogenic mimicry (VM) as an indicator of poor prognosis for OS. Rhizoma Paridis ethanol extract exhibits potent anti-OS property. However, the anti-metastatic effect of RPS on OS and the detailed mechanisms remain unknown. RPS was characterized by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/Q-TOF/MS) analysis. The anti-OS, anti-metastasis and anti-VM activities of RPS were investigated using in vitro biological assays and a xenograft mouse model. Western blot, qRT-PCR, ELISA, Phalloidin staining and immunohistochemistry assays were conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism of RPS. A total of 34 phytochemicals from RPS were identified by LC/Q-TOF/MS. RPS dose-dependently suppressed the OS cell proliferation, metastasis and VM formation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, we found that RPS downregulated migration-inducing gene 7 (MIG-7) expression, resulting in inhibition of the PI3K/MMPs/Ln-5γ2 pathway and cell protrusion formation. Additionally, we confirmed that RPS downregulated MIG-7 by upregulating miR-520d-3p expression. Our results suggests that RPS inhibits the VM formation and metastasis of OS by modulating the miR-520d-3p/MIG-7 signaling axis.

Enzymatic hydrolyzation of mogrosides in Luo Han Guo extract by NKA-adsorbed snailase improves its sensory profile.

Extracts of Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle), in Chinese known as Luo Han Guo (LHG), is authorized for use as a natural sweetener. LHG is rich in mogroside V that contains five glucoses, but also contains mogroside IIIE and analogues with fewer than three glucose units that cause an unpleasant aftertaste, limiting the use of the extract. Snailase was applied here to convert mogroside V in LHG extract in favor of siamenoside I formation, the sweetest mogroside with a taste similar to sucrose. For application, snailase was immobilized by adsorption to NKA (a macroporous resin), resulting in 10.9 U per g of adsorbed protein. Reuse of the NKA-adsorbed snailase was demonstrated for four cycles, and a continuous production of improved LHG extract at a 0.5 L scale had a productivity of 68.4 g/(L⋅day). The resulting product containing over 50% siamenoside I displayed an improved taste profile with satisfying safety toward HEK293T cells.

Antiosteosarcoma effects of novel 23-nor-3,4-seco-3-acetallupane triterpenoids from Acanthopanax gracilistylus W.W. Smith var. gracilistylus in 143B cells.

Three unprecedented 23-nor-3,4-seco-3-acetallupane triterpenoids, gracilistylacid A-C (1-3), along with three known lupanoids (4-6), were isolated from the aerial parts of Acanthopanax gracilistylus W.W. Smith var. gracilistylus. Compounds 1-3 may be biosynthetically formed via carboxylation, decarboxylation, cycloreversion, and aldolization reactions based on impressic acid (4). The structures of all compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques and X-ray craystallographyic studies. Compounds 3 and 4 exerted anti-osteosarcoma effects through an inhibition of cell migration and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation in 143B cells in vitro.

Bioactive Compounds from Abelmoschus manihot L. Alleviate the Progression of Multiple Myeloma in Mouse Model and Improve Bone Marrow Microenvironment.

PURPOSE: Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik. (Malvaceae) derived Huangkui capsules (HKC) represent a traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely applied to the clinical therapy of kidney and inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to determine the potential therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of the ingredients on Multiple Myeloma (MM), an incurable disease that exhibits malignant plasma cell clonal expansion in the bone marrow. METHODS: A 5TMM3VT syngeneic MM-prone model was established and treated with HKC. Murine pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 and pre-osteoclast Raw264.7 cells were treated with nine flavonoid compounds extracted from the flowers of Abelmoschus manihot. MC3T3-E1 and Raw264.7 cells were then examined by alizarin red staining and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity staining, respectively. The proliferation of two human MM cells (ARP1, H929) was examined by performing an MTT assay following treatment with flavonoid compounds. Additionally, the cell cycle was analyzed via staining and flow cytometry. The differential expressions of certain proteins were detected via Western blotting, transcriptomic RNA-sequencing as well as RT-qPCR. RESULTS: The results revealed that MM-prone animals appeared to be protected following HKC treatment, as evidenced by a prolonged survival rate. Furthermore, four of the nine flavonoid compounds [Hyperin/Hyperoside, HK-2; Cannabiscitrin, HK-3; 3-O-kaempferol-3-O-acetyl-6-O-(p-coumaroyl)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, HK-11; 8-(2''-pyrrolidione-5''-yl)-quercetin, HK-B10] induced the differentiation of murine pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, two compounds [Isomyricitrin, HK-8; quercetin-8-(2''-pyrrolidione-5"-yl)-3'-O-ß-D-glucopyranosid, HK-E3] suppressed osteoclastogenesis in murine Raw264.7 cells. HK-11 directly inhibited MM cells (ARP1 and H929) proliferation and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, which may have involved the suppressing ß-catenin protein, increasing expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as activating mature TGF-ß1 and some other metabolic pathways. CONCLUSION: These results of the present study indicated that the bio-active ingredients of HKC exerted protective effects on MM mouse survival through promoting osteoblastogenesis and suppressing osteoclastogenesis, thus improving the bone marrow microenvironment to inhibit MM cell proliferation.

Total C-21 steroidal glycosides, isolated from the root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight, attenuate hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury and inflammation in L02 cells.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathology of liver disorders. Total C­21 steroidal glycosides (TCSGs), isolated from the root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight, have been reported to exert numerous effects, including liver protective and antioxidant effects. In order to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of TCSGs on liver function, the present study used the human normal liver cell line, L02, to evaluate the effects of TCSGs on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)­induced oxidative injury and inflammatory responses. The L02 cells were pretreated with various concentrations of TCSGs, followed by exposure to 1.5 mM H2O2. Cell viability was determined by a 3­(4,5­dimethylthiazol­2­yl)­2,5­diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured using colorimetric assays. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH­Px) and the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) were also determined. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using a fluorescent probe. H2O2­induced oxidative toxicity was attenuated following treatment with TCSGs, as indicated by the increase in cell viability, the decreased levels of ALT, AST, LDH, NO, MDA and ROS, and the increased activities of SOD, CAT and GSH­Px. To further explore the possible mechanisms of action of TCSGs, the nuclear factor erythroid 2­related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor­κB (NF)­κB pathways were examined. The results revealed that treatment with TCSGs markedly induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase­1 (HO­1) in the L02 cells damaged by H2O2. In addition, pretreatment with TCSGs inhibited the NF­κB signaling pathway by blocking the degradation of the inhibitor of nuclear factor κBα (IκBα), thereby reducing the expression and nuclear translocation of NF­κB, as well as reducing the expression of tumor necrosis factor­α (TNF­α), interleukin-6 (IL­6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX­2). On the whole, the findings of this study demonstrate that TCSGs can protect L02 cells against H2O2­induced oxidative toxicity and inflammatory injury by increasing the expression of Nrf2 and HO­1, mediated by the NF­κB signaling pathway.

Nicotinamide Riboside Preserves Cardiac Function in a Mouse Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial metabolic impairment is a major feature in chronic heart failure. As the major coenzyme in fuel oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation and a substrate for enzymes signaling energy stress and oxidative stress response, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is emerging as a metabolic target in a number of diseases including heart failure. Little is known on the mechanisms regulating homeostasis of NAD+ in the failing heart. METHODS: To explore possible alterations of NAD+ homeostasis in the failing heart, we quantified the expression of NAD+ biosynthetic enzymes in the human failing heart and in the heart of a mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) triggered by Serum Response Factor transcription factor depletion in the heart (SRFHKO) or of cardiac hypertrophy triggered by transverse aorta constriction. We studied the impact of NAD+ precursor supplementation on cardiac function in both mouse models. RESULTS: We observed a 30% loss in levels of NAD+ in the murine failing heart of both DCM and transverse aorta constriction mice that was accompanied by a decrease in expression of the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase enzyme that recycles the nicotinamide precursor, whereas the nicotinamide riboside kinase 2 (NMRK2) that phosphorylates the nicotinamide riboside precursor is increased, to a higher level in the DCM (40-fold) than in transverse aorta constriction (4-fold). This shift was also observed in human failing heart biopsies in comparison with nonfailing controls. We show that the Nmrk2 gene is an AMP-activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α responsive gene that is activated by energy stress and NAD+ depletion in isolated rat cardiomyocytes. Nicotinamide riboside efficiently rescues NAD+ synthesis in response to FK866-mediated inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase and stimulates glycolysis in cardiomyocytes. Accordingly, we show that nicotinamide riboside supplementation in food attenuates the development of heart failure in mice, more robustly in DCM, and partially after transverse aorta constriction, by stabilizing myocardial NAD+ levels in the failing heart. Nicotinamide riboside treatment also robustly increases the myocardial levels of 3 metabolites, nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide, methylnicotinamide, and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-5-carboxamide, that can be used as validation biomarkers for the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that nicotinamide riboside, the most energy-efficient among NAD precursors, could be useful for treatment of heart failure, notably in the context of DCM, a disease with few therapeutic options.

Antitumor evaluation and multiple analysis on different extracted fractions of the root of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight.

The root of Cynanchum auriculatum (C. auriculatum) Royle ex Wight has been shown to possess various pharmacological effects and has recently attracted much attention with respect to its potential role in antitumor activity. The C-21 steroidal glycosides are commonly accepted as the major active ingredients of C. auriculatum. In this study, the antitumor abilities of different extracted fractions of the root bark and the root tuber of C. auriculatum were investigated by using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay in human cancer cell lines HepG2 and SMMC-7721. The results showed that the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of the root tuber suppressed tumor cell growth strongly. To identify and characterize the chemical constituents of different active fractions, an ultra high performance liquid chromatography with triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantitation of eight C-21 steroidal glycosides. The analysis revealed that the C-21 steroidal glycosides were concentrated in the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions, and the total contents of different fractions in the root tuber were significantly higher than those of corresponding ones in the root bark. Furthermore, the C-21 steroidal glycosides based on different types of aglucones were prone in different medicinal parts of C. auriculatum.

[Studies on the chemical constituents from the stems of Acanthopanax gracilistylus].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents from the stems of Acanthopanax gracilistylus. METHODS: The chemical constituents of the plant were isolated and puried by column chromatography and their structures were elucidated on the basis of physico-chemical properties and spectral data. RESULTS: Sixteen compounds were isolated and identified as (2S,3S, 4R, 8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxy-pentadecanoylamino]-heptacosane-1,3,4-triol-8-ene(1a),(2S,3S,4R,8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxy-octadecanoylamino]-lignocer-ane-1,3,4-triol-8-ene(1b), (2S, 3S, 4R, 8E) -2-[(2'R) -2'-hydroxy-heneicosanoylamino]-heneicosane-1,3,4-triol-8-ene (1c), (2S, 3S,4R, 8E)-2-[(2'R) -2'-hydroxy-docosanoylamino] -eicosane-1,3,4-triol-8-ene (1d), (2S, 3S, 4R, 8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxy-trico-sanoylamino]-nonadecane-1,3,4-triol-8-ene (1e), (2S,3S,4R,8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxy-lignocera-noylamino]-cctadecane-1,3,4-tri-ol-8-ene(1f), 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(2S, 3S, 4R, 8E)-2-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxy-pentadecanoylamino]-nonadecane-1, 3, 4-triol-8-ene (2), 16alpha-hydroxy-ent-kauran-19-ocid (3), 16alphaH, 17-isovaleryloxy-ent-kauran-19-oic acid (4), coniferin (5), syringin (6), eleutheroside D (7), stigmasterol (8), beta-sitosterol (9), daucosterol (10), pentacosanoic acid (11). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1a - f, 2 are isolated from this genus for the first time, and compounds 4, 5, 11 are firstly obtained from Acanthopanax gracilistylus.

Cardiac conduction disturbances and differential effects on atrial and ventricular electrophysiological properties in desmin deficient mice.

PURPOSE: Desmin mutations in humans cause desmin-related cardiomyopathy, resulting in heart failure, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. The intermediate filament desmin is strongly expressed in striated muscle cells and in Purkinje fibers of the ventricular conduction system. The aim of the present study was to characterize electrophysiological cardiac properties in a desmin-deficient mouse model. METHODS: The impact of desmin deficiency on cardiac electrophysiological characteristics was examined in the present study. In vivo electrophysiological studies were carried out in 29 adult desmin deficient (Des-/-) and 19 wild-type (Des+/+) mice. Additionally, epicardial activation mapping was performed in Langendorff-perfused hearts. RESULTS: Intracardiac electrograms showed no significant differences in AV, AH, and HV intervals. Functional testing revealed equal AV-nodal refractory periods, sinus-node recovery times, and Wenckebach points. However, compared to the wild-type situation, Des-/- mice were found to have a significantly reduced atrial (23.6+/-10.3 ms vs. 31.8+/-12.5 ms; p=0.045), but prolonged ventricular refractory period (33.0+/-8.7 ms vs. 26.7+/-6.5 ms; p=0.009). The probability of induction of atrial fibrillation was significantly higher in Des-/- mice (Des-/-: 38% vs. Des+/+: 27%; p=0.0255), while ventricular tachycardias significantly were reduced (Des-/-: 7% vs. Des+/+: 21%; p<0.0001). Epicardial activation mapping showed slowing of conduction in the ventricles of Des-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: Des-/- mice exhibit reduced atrial but prolonged ventricular refractory periods and ventricular conduction slowing, accompanied by enhanced inducibility of atrial fibrillation and diminished susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias. Desmin deficiency does not result in electrophysiological changes present in human desminopathies, suggesting that functional alterations rather than loss of desmin cause the cardiac alterations in these patients.

[Study on chemical constituents from Cicuta virosa var. latisecta].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents in Cicuta virosa var. latisecta. METHOD: Many kinds of column chromatography were used to isolate the compounds from the EtOH ext. of C. virosa var. latisecta. The chemical constituents of the plant were identified by means of IR, MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, respectively, in some case by direct comparison with authentic samples. RESULT: Nine compounds were isolated from the aerial part and were identified as: 3beta-acetyloxy-16-hydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (1), 9 (11), 12-dieneoleana-3beta-ol (2), 9, 19-cyclolanaost-24-en-3-one (3), 9, 19-cycloergost-23-en-3, 25-diol (4), stigmasterol (5), falcarindiol (6), 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, his (2-ethylhexyl) ester (7), stigmast-5-en-3beta-ol (8), beta-daucosterol (9). CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is a new natural product, and compounds 2 to 9 were firstly isolated from this plant.

On noxious desmin: functional effects of a novel heterozygous desmin insertion mutation on the extrasarcomeric desmin cytoskeleton and mitochondria.

Recent studies in desmin (-/-) mice have shown that the targeted ablation of desmin leads to pathological changes of the extrasarcomeric intermediate filament cytoskeleton, as well as structural and functional abnormalities of mitochondria in striated muscle. Here, we report on a novel heterozygous single adenine insertion mutation (c.5141_5143insA) in a 40-year-old patient with a distal myopathy. The insertion mutation leads to a frameshift and a truncated desmin (K239fs242). Using transfection studies in SW13 and BHK21 cells, we show that the K239fsX242 desmin mutant is incapable of forming a desmin intermediate filament network. Furthermore, it induces the collapse of a pre-existing desmin cytoskeleton, alters the subcellular distribution of mitochondria and leads to abnormal cytoplasmic protein aggregates reminiscent of desmin-immunoreactive granulofilamentous material seen in the ultrastructural analysis of the patient's muscle. Analysis of mitochondrial function in isolated saponin-permeablized skeletal muscle fibres from our patient showed decreased maximal rates of respiration with the NAD-dependent substrate combination glutamate and malate, as well as a higher amytal sensitivity of respiration, indicating an in vivo inhibition of complex I activity. Our findings suggest that the heterozygous K239fsX242 desmin insertion mutation has a dominant negative effect on the polymerization process of desmin intermediate filaments and affects not only the subcellular distribution, but also biochemical properties of mitochondria in diseased human skeletal muscle. As a consequence, the intermediate filament pathology-induced mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the degeneration/regeneration process leading to progressive muscle dysfunction in human desminopathies.