Rubiginosin B selectively inhibits Treg cell differentiation and enhances anti-tumor immune responses by targeting calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: The accumulation of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) dampens anti-tumor immune responses and promotes tumor progression. Therefore, the elimination of Tregs has become a strategy to enhance the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy, although it is still a daunting challenge. Rhododendron brachypodum (R. brachypodum) is a perennial shrub mainly distributed in Southwestern China, whereas the chemical constituents in this plant remain elusive. PURPOSE: To identify small-molecule inhibitors of Tregs from R. brachypodum. METHODS: Meroterpenoids in R. brachypodum were isolated by column chromatography under the guidance of LCMS analyses. The structures of isolates were identified by spectroscopic data and quantum calculations. The activities of compounds were first evaluated on CD4+ T cell differentiation by flow cytometry in Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg polarizing conditions, and then on CT26 and MC38 murine colorectal carcinoma cells-allografted mice models. The mechanism of action was first investigated by determining Foxp3 degradation in Jurkat T cells transfected with pLVX-TetOne-Puro-Foxp3-tGFP, and then through analyses of Foxp3 expression on several pre-transcriptional signaling molecules. RESULTS: Two new prenylated phenolic acids (1 and 2) and a chromane meroterpenoid, rubiginosin B (RGB, 3) were obtained from R. brachypodum. The structure of S-anthopogochromene C (1) was rectified according to the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiment, and rhodobrachypodic acid (2) was proposed as the precursor of RGB by photochemical transformation. In this investigation, we first found that RGB (3) selectively suppressed the de novo differentiation of TGFß-induced CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (iTregs), overcome the immunosuppressive TME, and consequently inhibited the growth of tumor in mouse models. The mechanistic study revealed that RGB could target calcineurin, inhibited the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) dephosphorylation, and down-regulated Foxp3 expression. The hypothetical binding modes of RGB with calcineurin were predicted by molecular docking, and the interactions were mainly hydrophobic effects and hydrogen bonds. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RGB enhances anti-tumor immune responses by inhibiting Treg cell differentiation through calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway, and therefore RGB or its analogs may be used as adjuvant agents meriting further investigation.

Diarylheptanoids with hypoglycemic potency from the rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga.

Five new diarylheptanoids, kaemgalangins A-E (1-5), and seven known ones were isolated from the rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga. The structures of new compounds were identified by spectroscopic analyses involving 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, IR, UV, [α]D, ECD calculations, and chemical methods. All compounds were tested for their hypoglycemic effects against α-glucosidase, Gpa and PTP1B enzymes, and stimulative effects on GLP-1 secretion. Kaemgalangins A (1) and E (5) showed significant inhibition on α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 45.3 and 116.0 µM; renealtin B (8) showed inhibition on GPa with an IC50 value of 68.1 µM; whereas all compounds were inactive to PTP1B. Docking study manifested that 1 well located in the catalytic pocket of α-glucosidase and OH-4″ played important roles in maintaining activity. Moreover, all compounds showed obviously stimulative effects on GLP-1 with promoting rates of 826.9%-1738.3% in NCI-H716 cells. This study suggests that the diarylheptanoids in K. galanga have antidiabetic potency by inhibiting α-glucosidase and Gpa enzymes, and promoting GLP-1 secretion.

Artemleucolides A-L, eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids from Artemisia leucophylla and their antihepatoma cytotoxicity.

Twelve undescribed and 13 known eudesmane-type sesquiterpenoids were obtained from Artemisia leucophylla, and structurally elucidated based on comprehensive analyses of spectral data, including HRESIMS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD calculation. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was determined by a single X-ray single crystal diffraction. Chemically, compounds 1-5 featured unprecedented 1,2-seco-1-nor-eudesmane-type skeleton with a cis-fused 6/5 bicyclic system. Antihepatoma evaluation against three human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2, Huh7, and SK-Hep-1) for all compounds demonstrated that compound 7 displayed the most active cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 35.1, 35.0, and 32.7 µΜ.

[Terpenoids from fruits of Amomum villosum and their hypoglycemic activity].

Eight terpenoids were isolated from the fruits of Amomum villosum by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, Rp-C_(18), MCI GEL CHP20 P column chromatography, preparative TLC, and HPLC. Their structures were identified by HR-ESI-MS, ~1H and ~(13)C-NMR, IR, UV, [α]_D, and ECD spectroscopic data as kravanhin A 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(1), kravanhin B(2), 6-eudesmene-1ß,4ß-diol(3), oplodiol(4), vicodiol(5),(1R,2S,4R,7S)-vicodiol 9-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(6),(1R,2S,4S,5R)-angelicoidenol 2-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(7), and(1S,2S,4R,6S)-bornane-2,6-diol 2-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside(8). Compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 2-5 were isolated from A. villosum for the first time. Their hypoglycemic activity was tested based on STC-1 cell model and two enzymatic models(GPa and PTP1 B). The results showed that compounds 1, 7, and 8 could stimulate GLP-1 with the secretion rates of 692.8%, 398.6%, and 483.3% at 25.0 µmol·L~(-1), and compound 6 showed inhibitory activity against GPa with an IC_(50) value of 78.6 µmol·L~(-1).

Oligostilbenes from the seeds of Paeonia lactiflora as potent GLP-1 secretagogues targeting TGR5 receptor.

One unusual stilbene trimer-flavonoid hybrid, paeonilactiflobenoid (1), together with six known stilbenes (2-7) were isolated from the seeds of Paeonia lactiflora. The structure of 1 was elucidated with the aid of HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, [α]D spectroscopic data and ECD calculation. Compounds 2-7 showed stimulative effects on GLP-1 secretion with promoting rates of 79.8%-880.4% (25 µM) and 217.6%-1089.4% (50 µM), more potent than the positive control, oleoylethanolamide (250.2% at 50 µM). Moreover, compounds 4 and 6 exhibited agonistic activity on the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) TGR5 with stimulative ratios of 40.2% and 40.5% at 50 µM, and 54.2% and 49.1% at 100 µM, respectively. Docking study manifested that 6 well located in the catalytic pocket of TGR5 by hydrogen-bond and hydrophobic interactions. The GLP-1 promotion of 6 could be attenuated by IP3, Ca2+/CaMKII and MEK/ERK pathway inhibitors, suggesting that these pathways played important roles in GLP-1 secretion. Thus, stilbenes in peony seeds maybe regarded as potential GLP-1 secretagogues through TGR5-IP3-Ca2+/CaMKII-MEK/ERK pathways.

Artemidubolides A-T, cytotoxic unreported guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers against three hepatoma cell lines from Artemisia dubia.

A random bioassay revealed that the EtOH extract and EtOAc fraction of Artemisia dubia Wall. (Asteraceae) exhibited cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells with inhibitory ratios of 57.1% and 84.2% at a concentration of 100.0 µg/mL. Bio-guided isolation combined by LC-MS-IT-TOF analyses of the active fractions led to the isolation of 20 previously undescribed guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers named artemidubolides A-T (1-20). Their structures and the absolute configurations were determined by comprehensive spectral analyses, comparison of the experimental and calculated ECD spectra, and seven compounds (artemidubolides A, B, D, F, K, O and R) were confirmed unequivocally by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Structurally, artemidubolides A-Q were [4 + 2] Diels-Alder adducts of two monomeric guaianolides, and artemidubolides R-T were linked though an ester bond. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their hepatomatic cytotoxicity against HepG2, Huh7, and SK-Hep-1 cell lines to demonstrate that 18 compounds exhibited obvious cytotoxicity against three tested hepatoma cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 5.4-87.6 µM. Importantly, artemidubolides B, D, and M exhibited hepatoma cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 5.4, 5.7, and 9.7 (HepG2), 8.2, 4.3, and 12.2 (Huh7), and 13.4, 8.4, and 12.9 µM (SK-Hep-1), respectively. Mechanism investigation in HepG2 cells suggested the most active artemidubolide D dose-dependently inhibited cell migration and invasion, induced G1/M cell cycle arrest by down-regulating proteins CDK4, CDK6 and CyclinD1 and up-regulating the level of protein P21; and induced apoptosis by down-regulated of PARP-1 and BCL-2 expression and up-regulating Bax and cleaved PARP-1 levels.

Artemzhongdianolides A1-A21, antihepatic fibrosis guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid dimers from Artemisia zhongdianensis.

In the search for new antihepatic fibrosis candidates, it was observed that the EtOH extract of Artemisia zhongdianensis and EtOAc fraction had cytotoxicity against hepatic stellate cell line LX2 (HSC-LX2) with the inhibitory ratios of 85.7 % and 83.9 % at 400 µg/mL. 21 new guaianolide dimers, artemzhongdianolides A1 - A21 (1-21) were isolated from the active fractions under the guidance of bioassay, and elucidated by spectral analyses (HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, IR, ECD). The absolute stereochemistry of compounds 1, 13, and 14 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Cytotoxicity evaluation suggested that nine compounds exhibited activity against HSC-LX2 with IC50 values ranging from 14.0 to 95.2 µM. Of them, compounds 2, 6, and 13 displayed significant cytotoxicity against HSC-LX2 with IC50 values of 22.1, 24.3 and 14.0 µM, which were 6 to 10 times more active than the positive drug silybin (IC50, 148.6 µM). Preliminary mechanism study revealed that compounds 2, 6, and 13 could markedly inhibited the deposition of human collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ), human hyaluronic acid (HA), and human laminin (HL) with IC50 values of 37.9, 54.8, and 28.0 µM (Col Ⅰ), 29.5, 25.3, and 42.9 µM (HL), 31.2, 94.6, and 12.4 µM (HA), which were 1.5 to 13-fold more potent than silybin.

Norlignans as potent GLP-1 secretagogues from the fruits of Amomum villosum.

The dried fruit of Amomum villosum (Amomi Fructus) is an important spices and traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, the EtOH extract of Amomi Fructus was revealed with hypoglycemic effects on db/db mice by increasing plasma insulin levels. After extracted with EtOAc, the EtOAc fraction showed increased activity in stimulating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion compared with the EtOH extract. In order to clarify the antidiabetic constituents, four undescribed norlignans, amovillosumins A‒D, were isolated from the EtOAc fraction, and the subsequent chiral resolution yielded three pairs of enantiomers. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic data (1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, IR, UV and [α]D) and ECD calculations. Amovillosumins A and B significantly stimulated GLP-1 secretion by 375.1% and 222.7% at 25.0 µM, and 166.9% and 62.7% at 12.5 µM, representing a new type of GLP-1 secretagogues.

New diarylheptanoid dimers as GLP-1 secretagogues and multiple-enzyme inhibitors from Alpinia katsumadai.

Ten new diarylheptanoid dimers, katsumadainols C1 - C10 (1-10), were isolated from the seeds of Alpinia katsumada and elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, ECD calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their antidiabetic effects were evaluated by the stimulation of GLP-1 secretion in STC-1 cells and inhibition against four diabetes-related enzymes, GPa, α-glucosidase, PTP1B, and DPP4. Compounds 1-5 and 7-10 significantly stimulated GLP-1 secretion by 267.5-433.1% (25.0 µM) and 117.8-348.2% (12.5 µM). Compounds 1-4 exhibited significant inhibition on GPa with IC50 values of 18.0-31.3 µM; compounds 1-5 showed obvious inhibition on α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 6.9-18.2 µM; compounds 1-5 and 10 possessed PTP1B inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 35.5 to 80.1 µM. This investigation first disclosed compounds 1-4 as intriguing GLP-1 secretagogues and GPa, α-glucosidase, and PTP1B inhibitors, which provided valuable clues for searching multiple-target antidiabetic candidates from Zingiberaceae plants.

Activating BK channels ameliorates vascular smooth muscle calcification through Akt signaling.

Vascular calcification (VC) is characterized by pathological depositions of calcium and phosphate in the arteries and veins via an active cell-regulated process, in which vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) transform into osteoblast/chondrocyte-like cells as in bone formation. VC is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study we investigated the role of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels in 3 experimental VC models. VC was induced in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by ß-glycerophosphate (ß-GP), or in rats by subtotal nephrectomy, or in mice by high-dosage vitamin D3. We showed that the expression of BK channels in the artery of CKD rats with VC and in ß-GP-treated VSMCs was significantly decreased, which was functionally confirmed by patch-clamp recording. In ß-GP-treated VSMCs, BK channel opener NS1619 (20 µM) significantly alleviated VC by decreasing calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity. Furthermore, NS1619 decreased mRNA expression of ostoegenic genes OCN and OPN, as well as Runx2 (a key transcription factor involved in preosteoblast to osteoblast differentiation), and increased the expression of α-SMA protein, whereas BK channel inhibitor paxilline (10 µM) caused the opposite effects. In primary cultured VSMCs from BK-/- mice, BK deficiency aggravated calcification as did BK channel inhibitor in normal VSMCs. Moreover, calcification was more severe in thoracic aorta rings of BK-/- mice than in those of wild-type littermates. Administration of BK channel activator BMS191011 (10 mg· kg-1 ·d-1) in high-dosage vitamin D3-treated mice significantly ameliorated calcification. Finally, co-treatment with Akt inhibitor MK2206 (1 µM) or FoxO1 inhibitor AS1842856 (3 µM) in calcified VSMCs abrogated the effects of BK channel opener NS1619. Taken together, activation of BK channels ameliorates VC via Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathways. Strategies to activate BK channels and/or enhance BK channel expression may offer therapeutic avenues to control VC.

Effects of organic acids on the chemotaxis profiles and biocontrol traits of antagonistic bacterial endophytes against root-rot disease in Panax notoginseng.

Understanding the role of chemotaxis in ecological interactions between plants and microbes in the rhizosphere is necessary to optimize biocontrol strategies targeting plant soil-borne diseases. Therefore, we examined and profiled the antagonistic endophytic bacteria (AEB) population with chemotaxis potential in the medicinal plant Panax notoginseng using a cheA gene-based approach coupled with 16S rRNA sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the chemotactic AEB (CAEB) community in P. notoginseng enabled the identification of 56 CAEB strains affiliated with 30 species of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria; Firmicutes, especially Bacillus, were predominant. We then systematically quantified the chemotactic response profiles of CAEB toward five organic acid (OA) attractants: citric acid, fumaric acid (FA), malic acid, oxalic acid, and succinic acid. Further hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the chemotaxis of CAEB to the same attractant exhibited different patterns among not only genera but also species and even strains of the same species. Following chemotaxis and hierarchical analysis, we selected the strongest chemoattractant, fumaric acid (FA), as the target for evaluating the effects of OAs on the representative CAEB strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum YP1. Application of FA significantly stimulated the chemotaxis ability and growth of YP1, and increased the transcript levels of cheA and biocontrol-related genes in YP1. This is the first study to characterise the diversity of chemotaxis profiles toward OAs in natural bacterial assemblages of P. notoginseng and to highlight how FA promotes the biocontrol-related traits of P. notoginseng-associated CAEB.

[Research progress on chemical compositions and pharmacological action of Drynariae Rhizoma].

Drynariae Rhizoma is warm in nature and bitter in taste, mainly acting on liver and kidney systems. It is a common Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of fracture and bone injury. The chemical compositions of Drynariae Rhizoma mainly include flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenylpropanoids and lignans. At present, modern pharmacological and clinical studies have shown that Drynariae Rhizoma has the effects of anti osteoporosis, promoting fracture healing, kidney protection, anti-inflammatory, promoting tooth growth, preventing and treating aminoglycoside ototoxicity and lowering blood lipid. In addition, the toxicity evaluation experiment of Drynariae Rhizoma has also shown that it has no obvious toxic and side effects. Naringin is a kind of dihydroflavone in Drynariae Rhizoma. Many studies have shown that naringin and other total flavonoids play an important role in anti-osteoporosis, promoting fracture healing, anti-inflammation, promoting tooth growth and lowering blood lipid. In this study, the research progresses on chemical consti-tuents and pharmacological activities of Drynariae Rhizoma in recent years were reviewed, and some mechanisms of action were summarized, to provide references for the further research and development of Drynariae Rhizoma.

Artematrovirenins A-P, guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids with cytotoxicities against two hepatoma cell lines from Artemisia atrovirens.

Random screening revealed that the EtOH extract of Artemisia atrovirens showed significant cytotoxicity against two human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7) with the inhibitory ratio of 98.9% and 99.7% at the concentration of 100 µg/mL. Further bioactivity-guided isolation of active fraction led to 16 new guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids, artematrovirenins A-P (1-16). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data. The absolute stereochemistry of compounds 1 and 14 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Pharmacological evaluation suggested that five compounds (3, 5, 8, 10, and 15) exhibited cytotoxicity, compounds 3 and 5 displayed cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line with an IC50 values of 8.0 and 16.0 µM, as well as against Huh7 cell line with values of 18.2 and 32.2 µM.

Taraxacum mongolicum protects against Staphylococcus aureus-infected mastitis by exerting anti-inflammatory role via TLR2-NF-κB/MAPKs pathways in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: As a traditional Chinese medicine, Taraxacum mongolicum has been widely used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of inflammatory and infectious diseases, and also clinically used as a remedy for mastitis. However, the scientific rationale and mechanism behind its use on mastitis in vivo are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. (T. mongolicum) on mastitis infected by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female ICR mice were given intragastrically 2.5, 5 and 10 g/kg of T. mongolicum extract twice per day for 6 consecutive days, and infected with S. aureus via teat canal to induce mastitis. Pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) levels were determined by ELISA. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and distribution were measured by reagent kit and immunohistochemistry. Histopathological changes of mammary gland tissues were observed by H&E staining. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression, phosphorylations of related proteins in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways were detected by western blot. RESULTS: T. mongolicum decreased TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß levels, and reduced MPO activity and distribution in sera and mammary glands with S. aureus-infected mastitis. In addition, T. mongolicum effectively attenuated histopathological damages and cell necrosis of mammary gland tissues infected by S. aureus. Moreover, T. mongolicum inhibited the expression of TLR2, and the phosphorylations of inhibitor κBα (IκBα), p65, p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) proteins in mammary glands with S. aureus-infected mastitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that T. mongolicum protects against S. aureus-infected mastitis by exerting anti-inflammatory role, which is attributed to the inhibition of TLR2-NF-κB/MAPKs pathways.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on miR-34a-5p/SIRT1 signaling in the trigeminal ganglion of rats with migraine].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on miR-34a-5p, silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1) and nuclear factor-κB subunit p65 (NF-κB p65) in the trigeminal ganglion of rats with migraine, so as to explore the mechanisms of EA underlying prevention of migraine. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divi-ded into normal, sham operation, model, EA, and EA plus EX527(a SIRT1 inhibitor) groups, with 10 rats in each group. The rat model of migraine was established by electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion. Before modeling, EA was applied at "Waiguan"(TE5) and "Fengchi"(GB20) for 20 min each time, once a day for 5 consecutive days, and intraperitoneal injection of EX527 (5 mg/kg) every day simultaneously. Serum prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of miR-34a-5p, SIRT1 and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) mRNA，and protein expression of SIRT1, IL-1ß, NF-κB p65, NF-κB Ac-p65 and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX2） in trigeminal ganglia were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot, separately. RESULTS: The serum concentrations of PGE2 and CGRP， the expression of miR-34a-5p, IL-1ß mRNA and protein, NF-κB p65, NF-κB Ac-p65 and COX2 protein expression in the trigeminal ganglion were remarkably increased (P<0.05), while the SIRT1 mRNA and protein decreased (P<0.05) in the model group in contrast to the normal group. Following EA intervention， the serum PGE2 and CGRP concentrations, miR-34a-5p expression, IL-1ß mRNA and protein, NF-κB p65, NF-κB Ac-p65 and COX2 protein expression were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05), and SIRT1 mRNA and protein significantly up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the EA group, the serum concentrations of PGE2 and CGRP, IL-1ß mRNA and protein, NF-κB p65, NF-κB Ac-p65 and COX2 protein expressions increased (P<0.05), and SIRT1 protein decreased (P<0.05) in the EA plus EX527 group. CONCLUSION: In migraine rats, EA can inhibit miR-34a-5p expression in the trigeminal ganglion, increase SIRT1 expression, down-regulate IL-1ß/COX2 inflammation signals, reduce PGE2 synthesis, and thus redue CGRP released from the peripheral terminals, which may be one of the mechanisms of EA in preventing migraine.

Artatrovirenols A and B: Two Cagelike Sesquiterpenoids from Artemisia atrovirens.

Artatrovirenols A and B (1 and 2), two novel cagelike sesquiterpenoids, possess a unique 5/5/6/5/5-pentacyclic and a 5/5/6/5-tetracyclic system with an unprecedented tetracyclo[5.3.1.1.4,1101,5]dodecane scaffold from Artemisia atrovirens. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 including their absolute stereochemistry were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic analyses, X-ray crystallography, and quantum chemical calculations. Plausible biosynthetic pathways for the new isolates were proposed from the naturally occurring arglabin (3) via the key intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against three human hepatoma cell lines (HepG2, SMMC-7721, and Huh7) with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 123.8, 44.0, and 142.6 µΜ, respectively.

Nineteen New Flavanol-Fatty Alcohol Hybrids with α-Glucosidase and PTP1B Dual Inhibition: One Unusual Type of Antidiabetic Constituent from Amomum tsao-ko.

The dried fruits of Amomum tsao-ko were first revealed to have hypoglycemic effects on db/db mice at a concentration of 200 mg/kg. In order to clarify the antidiabetic constituents, 19 new flavanol-fatty alcohol hybrids, tsaokoflavanols A-S (1-19), were isolated and determined by extensive spectroscopic data and ECD calculations. Most of the compounds showed α-glucosidase and PTP1B dual inhibition, among which 1, 2, 6, 11, and 18 exhibited obvious activity against α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 5.2-9.0 µM, 20-35 times stronger than that of acarbose (IC50, 180.0 µM); meanwhile, 6, 10-12, and 19 were PTP1B/TCPTP-selective inhibitors with IC50 values of 56.4-80.4 µM, 2-4 times stronger than that of suramin sodium (IC50, 200.5 µM). Enzyme kinetics study indicated that compounds 1, 2, 6, and 11 were α-glucosidase and PTP1B mixed-type inhibitors with Ki values of 13.0, 11.7, 2.9, and 5.3 µM and 142.3, 88.9, 39.2, and 40.8 µM, respectively. Docking simulations proved the importance of hemiacetal hydroxy, the orientation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl, and the length of alkyl in binding with α-glucosidase and PTP1B.

Cytotoxic sesquiterpenoids against hepatic stellate cell line LX2 from Artemisia lavandulaefolia.

The preliminary assay suggested that the EtOH extract of Artemisia lavandulaefolia had cytotoxicity against hepatic stellate cell line LX2 (HSC-LX2) with an inhibitory ratio of 94.1% at 400 µg/mL. Bioassay-guided investigation led to eleven new sesquiterpenoids, artemilavanolides C-F (1-4) and artemlavandulolides A-G (5-11), as well as thirteen known compounds (12-24). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Cytotoxicity evaluation suggested that fourteen compounds exhibited activity against HSC-LX2; compounds 22, 23 and 24 were comparable to the positive control, silybin (IC50, 162.3 µM); compounds 6, 9 and 16 showed moderate activity with IC50 values of 109.3, 114.0 and 124.2 µM. Importantly, compounds 14, 15 and 18 displayed significant cytotoxicity against HSC-LX2 with IC50 values of 52.1, 16.5 and 21.3 µM, and inhibitory activity on the deposition of human collagen type I (Col I) and human laminin (HL) with IC50 values ranging from 7.3 to 71.6 µM and from 18.6 to 72.9 µM.

Artemyrianolides A-S, Cytotoxic Sesquiterpenoids from Artemisia myriantha.

Random screening suggested that the EtOH extract of Artemisia myriantha (Asteraceae) and its EtOAc fraction had cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with inhibitory ratios of 30.6% and 53.5% at 50.0 µg/mL. Bioassay-guided isolation of the most active fractions (Fr. C and Fr. D) afforded 19 new sesquiterpenolides, artemyrianolides A-S (1-19), involving 13 germacranolides (1-13), four guaianolides (14-17), and two eudesmanolides (18 and 19), together with 16 known sesquiterpenoids (20-35). The new compounds were characterized by physical data analyses (HRESIMS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, ECD), and the absolute configurations of compounds 1, 2, and 11 were determined by X-ray crystallography. Structurally, compounds 2 and 11-13 maintain an uncommon cis-fused 10/5 bicyclic system and compound 12 possesses an unusual (7S) configuration. Twenty of the compounds exhibited cytotoxicity against HepG2, Huh7, and SMMC-7721 cell lines. Compound 9 showed cytotoxic activity on both HepG2 and Huh7 cells with IC50 values of 8.6 and 8.8 µM, and compounds 8 and 33 showed cytotoxicity to the three human hepatoma cell lines with IC50 values of 4.9 and 7.4 µM (HepG2), 4.3 and 7.8 µM (Huh7), and 3.1 and 9.8 µM (SMMC-7721), respectively.

Tsaokopyranols A-M, 2,6-epoxydiarylheptanoids from Amomum tsao-ko and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

The dried fruits of Amomum tsao-ko are well-known dietary spices and traditional Chinese medicines. The random screen revealed that 50% ethanol-water extract of A. tsao-ko demonstrated significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 38.6 µg/mL. Bioactivity-guided isolation on the active fraction afforded 13 new 2,6-epoxy diarylheptanoids, tsaokopyranols A-M (1-13), and four known ones (14-17). Their structures featuring a 2,6-epoxy pyran ring were established by extensively spectroscopic analyses (HRESIMS, IR, UV, 1D and 2D NMR) and ECD calculations. Seven new (4-6, 8-11) and one known (16) compounds showed obvious α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging from 59.4 to 116.5 µM, higher than acarbose (IC50: 219.0 µM). An enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that compounds 12 and 13 were noncompetitive-type inhibitors of α-glucosidase with Ki values of 539.6 and 385.2 µM. This result provided new insights for the usage of A. tsao-ko, and 2,6-epoxydiarylheptanoids as new anti-diabetic candidates.