Effects of dietary Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula extracts on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and intestinal health in broilers.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of dietary Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) consisting of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge (AMT) and Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf (CPO) extracts on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. Two groups were formed, each consisting of six replicates of 12 one-day-old healthy male 817 white feather broilers. Broilers were fed either a basal diet (CON group) or a basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg CHM. The trial lasted 50 days. The results showed that CHM supplementation resulted in enhanced feed efficiency and antioxidant capacity in both the serum and liver, while it reduced uric acid and endotoxin levels, as well as diamine oxidase activity (p < 0.05). Additionally, CHM treatment increased the height of jejunum villi and upregulated Claudin-1 expression in the jejunal mucosa accompanied by an increase in the mRNA levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interferon-ß (IFN-ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) (p < 0.05). The presence of dietary CHM caused an increase in the proportions of Bacteroidetes and unclassified Bacteroidales but led to a decrease in those of Firmicutes and Alistipes (p < 0.05). The composition of the jejunal mucosa microbiota was correlated with the feed conversion ratio, serum metabolites, and gene expression based on Spearman correlation analysis. The findings indicated that the consumption of dietary CHM improved the utilization of feed, increased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the jejunal mucosa, and decreased the endotoxin level and activities of diamine oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase in the serum, which could potentially be linked to changes in the gut microbiota of broiler chickens.

Effects of slope aspect on soil enzyme activity and microbial nutrient limitation in subalpine region of wes-tern Sichuan, China.

Exploring the resource limitation of soil microbial metabolism is essential to understand ecosystem functions and processes. However, the spatially divergent patterns and drivers of soil microbial nutrient limitation cha-racteristics in montane ecosystems at small scales, especially at the slope aspect scale, are still unclear. In this study, we measured soil enzyme activities involved in carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycle and quantified the microbial nutrient limitations by enzyme stoichiometry in two representative mountain sites in subalpine region of western Sichuan, including the sunny and shady slopes with different vegetation types (shrubland and forest, respectively) in Miyaluo of Lixian County, and with the same vegetation type (shrubland) in Yakexia of Heishui County. The results showed that soil enzyme activities and their stoichiometric ratios were significantly different between slope aspects in Miyaluo, while the differences were not significant in Yakexia. The stoichiometry ratio of C-, N- and P-acquiring enzymes on the sunny slope of Miyaluo was 1:0.96:0.92, approaching the 1:1:1 ratio at the global scale, but deviated from 1:1:1 on the shady slope of Miyaluo (1:1.39:0.75) and the different slopes of Yakexia (1:1.09:1.35). There was no significant difference in vector length between slope aspects at both sites, indicating no significant effect of slope aspect on the microbial C limitation. The vector angle was significantly higher on the sunny slope (43.6°) than that on the shady slope (28.7°) in Miyaluo, suggesting that the microorganisms were mainly N-limited. Partial least squares path model showed that the vector angle was mainly directly influenced by the soil nutrient ratios. The vector angle ranged from 50.3° to 51.4°, and did not differ between slope aspects in Yakexia. Therefore, differences in vegetation types between slope aspects drove variations in soil enzyme activity and microbial nutrient limitation through soil properties. It would provide a scientific basis for predicting the spatial pattern of soil enzyme activity and microbial nutrient limitation.

Associations between maternal serum phytoestrogens and liver function markers: a cross-sectional study from China.

Phytoestrogens (PEs) may harm liver function. However, studies in pregnant women are limited. Our study was conducted in pregnant women to assess the effect of serum PEs on liver function markers. We conducted a cross-sectional study focusing in the first trimester of pregnancy. A total of 352 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. We used generalized linear model (GLM) to explore the associations between each PE and each marker of liver function. We used Quantile g-computation (Qgcomp) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to explore the associations between mixed exposure to all PEs and liver function markers. The GLM results showed that equol (EQU), daidzein (DAD), genistein (GEN), enterolactone (ENT), and enterodiol (END) were negatively correlated with albumin (ALB). DAD and GEN were associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT). DAD, GEN, naringin (NAR), and glycitein (GLY) were related to elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Mixed exposure model results showed that the mixture of PEs was associated with reduced ALB. Our results support the existence of associations between PEs and maternal liver function in the first trimester. Emphasizing the detrimental associations between serum PEs and liver function in pregnant women is essential to ensure maternal liver health during pregnancy.

[Lidong needling therapy combined with functional exercise in treatment of upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of lidong needling therapy (acupuncture technique combined with therapeutic movement of the body) on upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery in combination with functional exercise. METHODS: A total of 73 patients with postoperative lymphedema of breast cancer in the upper limbs were randomized into an observation group (36 cases) and a control group (37 cases). The routine nursing care and functional exercise were given in the control group, twice a day, for about 10-15 min each time, lasting 8 weeks. On the basis of the treatment as the control group, lidong needling therapy was applied to the acupionts on the affected upper limb, i.e. Jianyu (LI 15), Waiguan (TE 5), Hegu (LI 4) and ashi points (the most obvious swelling sites), as well as to bilateral Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Zusanli (ST 36), etc. The needles were retained for 30 min. While the needles retained, the patients were asked to move the affected shoulder to 90° by the sagittal anteflexion and keep it elevated. Simultaneously, the hand on the affected side was clenched and opened slowly and coordinately. Lidong needling therapy was delivered once every two days, three times weekly for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the difference of the circumference between the affected and healthy limbs, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) for swelling and the score of disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) were compared in the patients of the two groups. The clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: After 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of treatment, except for the circumference of the area 10 cm below the cubitel crease in the control group, the differences in the circumferences of the rest parts between the affected and healthy limbs were reduced in comparison with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). After 6 weeks of treatment, in the observation group, for the circumference at the level of hand between the thumb and the index finger and that of the wrist, the differences between the affected and healthy limbs was smaller compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, except for the areas 5 cm below and above the cubitel crease, the differences of circumferences between the affected and healthy limbs in the observation group were smaller than those in the control group in the rest parts (P<0.01, P<0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the swelling VAS scores were reduced when compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, DASH scores were reduced in comparison with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01). The total effective rate of the observation group was 83.3% (30/36), which was higher than that of the control group (35.1%, 13/37, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Lidong needling therapy combined with the functional exercise obtains the satisfactory clinical effect on the upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. This treatment effectively relieves swelling and improves the upper limb function.

Calcitriol attenuates liver fibrosis through hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1-mediated TGF ß1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic fibrosis is a serious condition, and the development of hepatic fibrosis can lead to a series of complications. However, the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis remains unclear, and effective therapy options are still lacking. Our group identified hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1 (NS3TP1) by suppressive subtractive hybridization and bioinformatics analysis, but its role in diseases including hepatic fibrosis remains undefined. Therefore, additional studies on the function of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis are urgently needed to provide new targets for treatment. AIM: To elucidate the mechanism of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis and the regulatory effects of calcitriol on NS3TP1. METHODS: Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized and separated into three groups, comprising the normal, fibrosis, and calcitriol treatment groups, and liver fibrosis was modeled by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). To evaluate the level of hepatic fibrosis in every group, serological and pathological examinations of the liver were conducted. TGF-ß1 was administered to boost the in vitro cultivation of LX-2 cells. NS3TP1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and collagen III in every group were examined using a Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The activity of the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFß1)/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in each group of cells transfected with pcDNA-NS3TP1 or siRNA-NS3TP1 was detected. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Student's t test. RESULTS: NS3TP1 promoted the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and enhanced hepatic fibrosis via the TGFß1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways, as evidenced by the presence of α-SMA, collagen I, collagen III, p-smad3, and p-p65 in LX-2 cells, which were upregulated after NS3TP1 overexpression and downregulated after NS3TP1 interference. The proliferation of HSCs was lowered after NS3TP1 interference and elevated after NS3TP1 overexpression, as shown by the luciferase assay. NS3TP1 inhibited the apoptosis of HSCs. Moreover, both Smad3 and p65 could bind to NS3TP1, and p65 increased the promoter activity of NS3TP1, while NS3TP1 increased the promoter activity of TGFß1 receptor I, as indicated by coimmunoprecipitation and luciferase assay results. Both in vivo and in vitro, treatment with calcitriol dramatically reduced the expression of NS3TP1. Calcitriol therapy-controlled HSCs activation, proliferation, and differentiation and substantially suppressed CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Furthermore, calcitriol modulated the activities of the above signaling pathways via downregulation of NS3TP1. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that calcitriol may be employed as an adjuvant therapy for hepatic fibrosis and that NS3TP1 is a unique, prospective therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis.

Efficacy of Biejiajian Pill on Intestinal Microbiota in Patients with Hepatitis B Cirrhosis/Liver Fibrosis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of Biejiajian Pill (BJJP) on intestinal microbiota in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis/liver fibrosis, and explore its relationship with liver fibrosis. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized double-blind controlled trial. Using the stratified block randomization method, 35 patients with hepatitis B liver cirrhosis/liver fibrosis were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive entecavir (0.5 mg/d) combined with BJJP (3 g/time, 3 times a day) or placebo (simulator as control, SC group, simulator 3 g/time, 3 times a day) for 48 weeks. Blood and stool samples were collected from patients at baseline and week 48 of treatment, respectively. Liver and renal functions as well as hematological indices were detected. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rDNA V3-V4 high-throughput sequencing, and intestinal microbiota changes in both groups before and after treatment were compared, and their correlations with liver fibrosis were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with the SC group, there was no significant difference in liver function, renal function and hematology indices in the BJJP group, however, the improvement rate of liver fibrosis was higher in the BJJP group (94.4% vs. 64.7%, P=0.041). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on weighted Unifrac distance showed significant differences in intestinal microbiota community diversity before and after BJJP treatment (P<0.01 and P=0.003), respectively. After 48 weeks' treatment, the abundance levels of beneficial bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium and Blautia) increased, whereas the abundance levels of potential pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, Parabacteroides and Prevotella decreased, among which Ruminococcus and Parabacteroides were significantly positively correlated with degree of liver fibrosis (r=0.34, P=0.04; r=0.38, P=0.02), respectively. The microbiota in the SC group did not change significantly throughout the whole process of treatment. CONCLUSION: BJJP had a certain regulatory effect on intestinal microbiota of patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis/liver fibrosis (ChiCTR1800016801).

A Novel Low Molecule Peptides-calcium Chelate from Silkworm Pupae Protein Hydrolysate: Preparation, Antioxidant Activity, and Bioavailability.

BACKGROUND: The antioxidant properties of active peptides from silkworm pupae protein hydrolysate are of interest, and it serves as a novel source of calcium supplement. METHODS: Optimize the preparation parameters of silkworm pupae bioactive peptide-calcium chelate, and investigate the mechanism and bioavailability of silkworm pupae active peptide as a transport carrier to promote calcium ion absorption using simulated gastrointestinal digestion and Caco-2 monolayer cell model. RESULTS: The optimal process parameters for preparing peptide calcium chelate were the peptide calcium mass ratio of 3:1, pH of 6.7, a temperature of 35.6°C, and time of 32.8 min by Box-Behnken design, and the calciumchelating rate reached 84.67%. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of silkworm pupae protein hydrolysatecalcium chelate was 79.36 ± 4.31%, significantly higher than silkworm pupae protein hydrolysate (61.00 ± 9.56%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows that the COO-, N-H, C-H, and C-O groups participated in the formation of silkworm pupae protein hydrolysate-calcium chelate. The particle size of the silkworm pupae protein hydrolysate-calcium chelate was 970.75 ± 30.12 nm, which was significantly higher than that of silkworm pupae protein hydrolysate (253.14 ± 5.72 nm). The silkworm pupae protein hydrolysate-calcium chelate showed a calcium dissolution rate of 71.01 ± 1.91% in the simulated intestinal phase, significantly higher than that of CaCl2 (59.34 ± 1.24%). In the Caco-2 cell monolayers, the silkworm pupae protein hydrolysatecalcium chelate was more favorable for calcium transport. CONCLUSION: A novel silkworm pupa protein hydrolysate-calcium chelate with high antioxidant activity was successfully prepared to improve the bioavailability of calcium.

Panax notoginseng saponins promote hair follicle growth in mice via Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling pathway.

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the active ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine Panax notoginseng, have strong neuroprotective and anti-platelet aggregation effects. To investigate whether PNS can promote hair follicle growth in C57BL/6J mice, the optimal concentration of PNS was initially determined, followed by clarification of the mechanism underlying their effects. Twenty-five male C57BL/6J mice had the hair on a 2 × 3 cm2 area of the dorsal skin shaved and were equally divided into five groups: control group, 5% minoxidil (MXD) group, and three PNS treatment groups [2% (10 mg/kg), 4% (20 mg/kg), and 8% (40 mg/kg) PNS]. They were then intragastrically administered the corresponding drugs for 28 days. The effects of PNS on C57BL/6J mice were analyzed by subjecting their dorsal depilated skin samples to different assessments, including hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting (WB). The group with 8% PNS exhibited the largest number of hair follicles from 14 days onwards. Compared with the control group, the number of hair follicles increased significantly in the mice treated with 8% PNS and 5% MXD, which significantly increased in a PNS-dose-dependent manner. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results revealed that treatment with 8% PNS activated the metabolism of hair follicle cells, with them showing higher rates of proliferation and apoptosis than those in the normal group. In qRT-PCR and WB analysis, the expression of ß-catenin, Wnt10b, and LEF1 was upregulated in the PNS and MDX groups compared with that in the control group. Examination of the WB bands revealed that the greatest inhibitory effect of Wnt5a occurred in mice in the 8% PNS group. PNS may promote the growth of hair follicles in mice, with 8% PNS demonstrating the strongest effect. The mechanism behind this may be related to the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

A network pharmacology-based approach to explore the active ingredients and molecular mechanism of Shen-Kui-Tong-Mai granules on a rat model with chronic heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the potential active components and therapeutic mechanisms of Shen-Kui-Tong-Mai granule (SKTMG) in the treatment of heart failure. METHODS: Network pharmacology combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), molecular docking, and in vivo validation was performed to identify the active components and the potential targets for SKTMG to improve chronic heart failure (CHF). KEY FINDINGS: The network pharmacology identified 192 active compounds and 307 potential consensus targets for SKTMG. On the other hand, network analysis discovered 10 core target genes related to the MAPK signal pathway. These genes include AKT1, STAT3, MAPK1, P53, SRC, JUN, TNF, APP, MAPK8 and IL6. The molecular docking results revealed that the SKTMG components were luteolin, quercetin, astragaloside IV and kaempferol, which could bind AKT1, MAPK1, P53, JUN, TNF and MAPK8. Additionally, SKTMG inhibited phosphorylation of AKT, P38, P53 and c-JUN, and reduced TNF-α expression in CHF rats. CONCLUSIONS: The present results demonstrated that network pharmacology combined with UHPLC-MS/MS, molecular docking and in vivo validation can facilitate the identification of active components and the potential targets for SKTMG to improve CHF.

The gut signals to AGRP-expressing cells of the pituitary to control glucose homeostasis.

Glucose homeostasis can be improved after bariatric surgery, which alters bile flow and stimulates gut hormone secretion, particularly FGF15/19. FGFR1 expression in AGRP-expressing cells is required for bile acids' ability to improve glucose control. We show that the mouse Agrp gene has 3 promoter/enhancer regions that direct transcription of each of their own AGRP transcripts. One of these Agrp promoters/enhancers, Agrp-B, is regulated by bile acids. We generated an Agrp-B knockin FLP/knockout allele. AGRP-B-expressing cells are found in endocrine cells of the pars tuberalis and coexpress diacylglycerol lipase B - an endocannabinoid biosynthetic enzyme - distinct from pars tuberalis thyrotropes. AGRP-B expression is also found in the folliculostellate cells of the pituitary's anterior lobe. Mice without AGRP-B were protected from glucose intolerance induced by high-fat feeding but not from excess weight gain. Chemogenetic inhibition of AGRP-B cells improved glucose tolerance by enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Inhibition of the AGRP-B cells also caused weight loss. The improved glucose tolerance and reduced body weight persisted up to 6 weeks after cessation of the DREADD-mediated inhibition, suggesting the presence of a biological switch for glucose homeostasis that is regulated by long-term stability of food availability.

An integrated strategy for characterization of chemical constituents in Stephania tetrandra using LC-QTOF-MS/MS and the target isolation of two new biflavonoids.

LC-MS has been a widely used analytical technique for identification of natural compounds. However, sophisticated and laborious data analysis is required to identify chemical components, especially new compounds, from a large LC-MS dataset. The aim of this study is to develop an integrated data-mining strategy that combines molecular networking (MN), in-house polygonal mass defect filtering (MDF), and diagnostic fragment ion filtering (DFIF) to identify phytochemicals in Stephania tetrandra based on LC-MS data. S. tetrandra samples were prepared by matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction methods and then raw MS spectra were acquired using LC-QTOF-MS/MS. MN and in-house polygonal MDF classified the compounds roughly. Modified DFIF were then used in succession to place each spectrum into a specific class. Finally, the exact structures were deduced by fragmentation pathways and related botanical biogenesis, with the help of the narrowed classification from MN and MDF. The total workflow was a combination of data filtering and identification methods for rapid characterization of known compounds (dereplication) and discovery of new compounds. Consequently, 144 compounds were identified or tentatively identified in the aerial parts and roots of S. tetrandra, including 11 potentially new compounds and 63 compounds first identified in this species. Among 144 compounds, 61 were from the aerial parts exclusively, 8 were from the roots exclusively, and 75 were found in both parts. Furthermore, two new biflavonoids were isolated with the guide of LC-MS analysis and structurally elucidated by spectroscopic methods. In conclusion, the proposed data-mining strategy based on LC-MS can be used to profile chemical constituents with high efficiency and guide the isolation of new compounds from medicinal plants. The comparison of the components of the aerial parts and roots of S. tetrandra would be helpful for the rational utilization of the medicinal plant.

New Sorbicillinoids with Tea Pathogenic Fungus Inhibitory Effect from Marine-Derived Fungus Hypocrea jecorina H8.

Four new dimeric sorbicillinoids (1-3 and 5) and a new monomeric sorbicillinoid (4) as well as six known analogs (6-11) were purified from the fungal strain Hypocrea jecorina H8, which was obtained from mangrove sediment, and showed potent inhibitory activity against the tea pathogenic fungus Pestalotiopsis theae (P. theae). The planar structures of 1-5 were assigned by analyses of their UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, and NMR spectroscopic data. All the compounds were evaluated for growth inhibition of tea pathogenic fungus P. theae. Compounds 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 exhibited more potent inhibitory activities compared with the positive control hexaconazole with an ED50 of 24.25 ± 1.57 µg/mL. The ED50 values of compounds 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 were 9.13 ± 1.25, 2.04 ± 1.24, 18.22 ± 1.29, 1.83 ± 1.37, and 4.68 ± 1.44 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the effects of these compounds on zebrafish embryo development were also evaluated. Except for compounds 5 and 8, which imparted toxic effects on zebrafish even at 0.625 µM, the other isolated compounds did not exhibit significant toxicity to zebrafish eggs, embryos, or larvae. Taken together, sorbicillinoid derivatives (6, 9, and 10) from H. jecorina H8 displayed low toxicity and high anti-tea pathogenic fungus potential.

Hyaluronic acid targeted and pH-responsive multifunctional nanoparticles for chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a global disease with an extremely high morbidity and fatality rate, so it is necessary to develop effective treatments to reduce its impact. In this work, we successfully prepared a multifunctional drug-loaded nano-delivery system with pH-responsive, CD44-targeted, and chemical-photothermal synergistic treatment. Dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles capped with copper sulfide (CuS) were synthesized via an oil-water biphase stratification reaction system; these served as the carrier material and encapsulated the anticoagulant drug heparin (Hep). The pH-sensitive Schiff base bond was used as a gatekeeper and targeting agent to modify hyaluronic acid (HA) on the surface of the nanocarrier. HA coating endowed the nanocomposite with the ability to respond to pH and target CD44-positive inflammatory macrophages. Based on this multifunctional nanocomposite, we achieved precise drug delivery, controlled drug release, and chemical-photothermal synergistic treatment of atherosclerosis. The in vitro drug release results showed that the nanocarriers exhibited excellent drug-controlled release properties, and could release drugs in the weakly acidic microenvironment of atherosclerotic inflammation. Cytotoxicity and cell uptake experiments indicated that nanocarriers had low cytotoxicity against RAW 264.7 cells. Modification of HA to nanocarriers can be effectively internalized by RAW 264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Combining CuS photothermal treatment with anti-atherosclerosis chemotherapy showed better effects than single treatment in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our research proved that H-CuS@DMSN-NC-HA has broad application prospects in anti-atherosclerosis.

RNA demethylation increases the yield and biomass of rice and potato plants in field trials.

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications are essential in plants. Here, we show that transgenic expression of the human RNA demethylase FTO in rice caused a more than threefold increase in grain yield under greenhouse conditions. In field trials, transgenic expression of FTO in rice and potato caused ~50% increases in yield and biomass. We demonstrate that the presence of FTO stimulates root meristem cell proliferation and tiller bud formation and promotes photosynthetic efficiency and drought tolerance but has no effect on mature cell size, shoot meristem cell proliferation, root diameter, plant height or ploidy. FTO mediates substantial m6A demethylation (around 7% of demethylation in poly(A) RNA and around 35% decrease of m6A in non-ribosomal nuclear RNA) in plant RNA, inducing chromatin openness and transcriptional activation. Therefore, modulation of plant RNA m6A methylation is a promising strategy to dramatically improve plant growth and crop yield.

Two new troponoides with anti-inflammatory activity from the stems of Juniperus formosana Hayata.

Two new troponoides (1-2) were isolated from a 95% ethanol extract of the stems of Juniperus formosana (Cupressaceae), together with six known compounds (3-8). The structures of the new compounds were comprehensively characterized by high resolution electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Compounds 1-7 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory against the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. The new compounds showed moderate anti-inflammatory effect, while other compounds did show no activity.

Treatment Efficacy of Chuang Ling Ye, a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Compound, on Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether Chuang Ling Ye (CLY), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine compound, could improve the treatment of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) via decreasing inflammatory response. METHODS: Herein, 40 patients with IGM who had wounds requiring dressing change were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: the CLY group and the control group. The size of the neoplasm and pain score of patients were followed-up for 4 weeks. Local tissues were taken during dressing change and examined by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The levels of inflammatory markers, including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-2, IL-6, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured. RESULTS: After treatment, the size of the neoplasm in the CLY group was significantly smaller than that in the control group (14.28 cm ± 8.96 cm vs. 21.14 cm ± 0.12 cm, P=0.038), and the pain scores were markedly reduced (P=0.004). Besides, CLY downregulated the expression levels of IL-1ß, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. CONCLUSION: External use of CLY could reduce the neoplasm of IGM by inhibiting local inflammation. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1800017744.

Pathway engineering and medium optimization for α-farnesene biosynthesis in oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.

Farnesene is a typical sesquiterpene with applications as fragrance, flavor and precursor for the synthesis of vitamin E/K1. In this study, a series of strategies were employed to facilitate α-farnesene accumulation in Yarrowia lipolytica. Among them, the promoter optimization of OptFSLERG20, Sc-tHMG1 and IDI resulted in more than 62 % increase in α-farnesene production. Together with the overexpression of Yl-HMGR and ERG19, α-farnesene content was significantly improved by more than 3.5 times. The best metabolic engineered strain obtained was therefore used for a uniform design in shake flasks to determine the optimal medium compositions. Furthermore, a maximum α-farnesene production of approximately 2.57 g/L (34 mg/g DCW) was obtained in fed-batch fermentation where glycerol was supplemented as the feeding carbon source when initial glucose was depleted. This study has laid a good foundation for the development of Y. lipolytica as a promising chassis microbial cell for heterologous biosynthesis of α-farnesene and other sesquiterpenes.

New Bis-Alkenoic Acid Derivatives from a Marine-Derived Fungus Fusarium solani H915.

Fusarium solani H915 is a fungus derived from mangrove sediments. From its ethyl acetate extract, a new alkenoic acid, fusaridioic acid A (1), three new bis-alkenoic acid esters, namely, fusariumester A1 (2), A2 (3) and B (4), together with three known compounds (5⁻7), were isolated. The structures of the new compounds were comprehensively characterized by high resolution electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Additionally, the antifungal activities against tea pathogenic fungi Pestalotiopsis theae and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were studied. The new compound, 4, containing a ß-lactone ring, exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against P. theae, with an MIC of 50 µg/disc. Hymeglusin (6), a typical ß-lactone antibiotic and a terpenoid alkaloid, equisetin (7), exhibited potent inhibitory activities against both fungal species. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their effects on zebrafish embryo development. Equisetin clearly imparted toxic effect on zebrafish even at low concentrations. However, none of the alkenoic acid derivatives exhibited significant toxicity to zebrafish eggs, embryos, or larvae. Thus, the ß-lactone containing alkenoic acid derivatives from F. solani H915 are low in toxicity and are potent antifungal agents against tea pathogenic fungi.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 is a preclinical target for diet-induced obesity.

When obesity is caused by consumption of a high-fat diet, the tumor suppressor pRb is phosphoinactivated in the neurons of the mediobasal hypothalamus, a brain area critical for energy-balance regulation. However, the functional relevance of pRb phosphoinactivation in the mediobasal hypothalamus to diet-induced obesity remains unknown. Here, we show that inhibiting pRb phosphorylation in the mediobasal hypothalamus can prevent and treat diet-induced obesity in mice. Expressing an unphosphorylable pRb nonselectively in the mediobasal hypothalamus or conditionally in anorexigenic POMC neurons inhibits diet-induced obesity. Intracerebroventricular delivery of US Food and Drug Administration-approved (FDA-approved) cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitor abemaciclib inhibits pRb phosphorylation in the mediobasal hypothalamus and prevents diet-induced obesity. Oral administration of abemaciclib at doses approved for human use reduces fat mass in diet-induced obese mice by increasing lipid oxidation without significantly reducing lean mass. With analysis of recent literature identifying CDK4 as the most abundantly expressed neuronal CDK in the mediobasal hypothalamus, our work uncovers CDK4 as the major kinase for hypothalamic pRb phosphoinactivation and a highly effective central antiobesity target. As three CDK4/6 inhibitors have recently received FDA approval for life-long breast cancer therapy, our study provides a preclinical basis for their expedient repurposing for obesity management.

Herbal Compounds with Special Reference to Gastrodin as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Microglia Mediated Neuroinflammation.

BACKGROUND: Activated microglia play a pivotal role neurodegenerative diseases by producing a variety of proinflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin- 1beta (IL-1ß) and nitric oxide (NO) that are toxic to neurons and oligodendrocytes. METHODS: In view of the above, suppression of microglia mediated neuroinflammation is deemed a therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Several potential Chinese herbal extracts have been reported to exert neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative diseases targeting specifically at the activated microglia. In this connection, the phenolic glucoside gastrodin, a main constituent of the Chinese herbal medicine Gastrodia rhizoma, produced widely in the local community exhibits potential neuroprotective effects through suppression of neurotoxic proinflammatory mediators. RESULTS: Here, we first review the roles of activated microglia in different brain diseases. The effects of gastrodin on activated microglia are then considered. We have identified gastrodin as a putative therapeutic agent as it has been found to suppress microglial activation thus ameliorating neuroinflammation. More importantly, gastrodin downregulates the expression of renin angiotensin system (RAS) and production of proinflammatory mediators. Remarkably, gastrodin promotes Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) up-regulation and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-2 (NOX-2) down-regulation after ischemichypoxia in activated microglia mediated by AT1 or AT2 receptors which are angiotensin II receptors subtypes, indicating a possible molecular link between RAS and Sirt3 survival genes. CONCLUSION: This review summarizes the beneficial effects of gastrodin acting on activated microglia along with other herbal compounds. Its efficacy in neuroprotection is consistent with some common herbal products in China.