Dietary probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NSMJ56 modulates gut immunity and microbiota in laying hens.

This study was performed to investigate supplementary effects of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NSMJ56 strain on laying performance, egg quality, intestinal histology, antioxidant status, gut immunity and microbiota in laying hens. A total of ninety-six 21-wk-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly subjected to one of 2 dietary treatments: a control group fed a non-supplemented diet, or a probiotic group fed with a diet supplemented with 1 g of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NSMJ56 (5 × 108 CFU/kg of diet). The trial lasted for 4 wk. Egg weight was increased (P < 0.05) in laying hens fed probiotic-fed diet compared with the control group. Dietary probiotics did not affect egg quality except for Haugh unit, which was improved (P < 0.05) in the probiotic-fed group. Neither jejunal histology nor cecal short-chain fatty acids were affected by dietary treatments. Dietary probiotics increased the activity of catalase compared with the control group. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that dietary probiotics elevated the CD4+ T cells, but not CD8+ T cells, in jejunal lamina propria. Based on the LEfSe analysis at the phylum and genus levels, Erysipelotrichales, Erysipelotrichia, Flintibater, Dielma, Hespellia, Coprobacter, Roseburia, Anaerotignum, and Coprococcus were enriched in the probiotic group compared with the control group. Taken together, our study showed that dietary probiotics could be used to improve some parameters associated with egg freshness and antioxidant capacity, and to partially alter T cell population and microbial community in laying hens.

What is the analgesic range of acupuncture stimulus for treating acute pain?

Introduction: Since the analgesic effect of acupuncture stimulation is derived from different mechanisms depending on the type of pain, it is important to know which acupuncture points to stimulate. In this study, to confirm the effect of acupuncture stimulation on acute pain from a neurological point of view, somatosensory evoked potential and sensory threshold changes were evaluated to identify the nerve range that is affected by acupuncture stimulation on LI4 (Hapgok acupuncture point, of the radial nerve) during acute pain. Methods: The subjects were 40 healthy men and women aged 19-35 years. The study was designed as a randomly controlled, crossover trial with acupuncture stimulation at LI4 as the intervention. The washout period for acupuncture stimulation was 2 weeks, and the subjects were divided into two groups, i.e., an acupuncture stimulation group and a nonstimulation group, with 10 men and 10 women in each group. Somatosensory evoked potential measurement was carried out for 5 min by alternately applying 2 HZ-pulse electrical stimulation to the thumb and the little finger of the hand acupunctured with a 64-channel electroencephalogram. The verbal rating scale was used before and after each acupuncture stimulation session. Result and discussion: The results of the study confirmed that the somatosensory evoked potential amplitude value of the thumb was significantly decreased and that the intensity of sensory stimulation corresponding to a verbal rating scale score of 6 was significantly increased only in the thumb after acupuncture stimulation. Therefore, the results show that acupuncture treatment for acute pain is more effective when direct acupuncture stimulation is applied to the painful area.

Barriers and facilitators to health during prison reentry to Miami, FL.

BACKGROUND: People face numerous barriers to reentry and community integration following incarceration, and these obstacles manifest themselves as barriers to economic stability, housing security, healthcare, community acceptance, and educational attainment, ultimately leading to poor health. This study aims to understand healthcare needs of reentrants post release within the unique political and service context of Miami Dade County, FL, and seeks to uncover the structural facilitators and barriers to sustaining health during reentry. METHODS: We report on a subset of data from a larger reentry asset mapping project. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis based on 12 semi-structured interviews with community stakeholders, including reentrants who were released in the past year (n = 5) and with community providers who have provided support services to returning citizens for at least one year (n = 7). Narratives were coded through an iterative process using NVivo software and were analyzed using the general inductive approach. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) social and structural barriers and facilitators to health during reentry, (2) challenges with medical care following release, and (3) long-term impacts of receiving poor healthcare in prison. Reentrants describe the carceral environment as non-conducive to health and cite an urgent need for systemic change within correctional institutions to promote their well-being. Respondents identified substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, trauma informed therapy, and chronic disease management as the primary healthcare needs of reentrants, and cite social support, stable housing, education, and employment as the key social and structural needs upon release. CONCLUSION: This study identifies prevalent resource gaps in Miami Dade County during reentry. Respondents advocate for more inclusive governmental housing programs, Medicaid expansion, and more holistic reentry programs to support reentrants. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to health during reentry can inform future interventions to better support reentrants in their transition post-incarceration.

The myosin and RhoGAP MYO9B influences osteocyte dendrite growth and responses to mechanical stimuli.

Introduction: Myosin IXB (MYO9B) is an unconventional myosin with RhoGAP activity and thus is a regulator of actin cytoskeletal organization. MYO9B was previously shown to be necessary for skeletal growth and health and to play a role in actin-based functions of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. However, its role in responses to mechanical stimulation of bone cells has not yet been described. Therefore, experiments were undertaken to determine the role of MYO9B in bone cell responses to mechanical stress both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: MYO9B expression was knocked down in osteoblast and osteocyte cell lines using RNA interference and the resulting cells were subjected to mechanical stresses including cyclic tensile strain, fluid shear stress, and plating on different substrates (no substrate vs. monomeric or polymerized collagen type I). Osteocytic cells were also subjected to MYO9B regulation through Slit-Robo signaling. Further, wild-type or Myo9b -/- mice were subjected to a regimen of whole-body vibration (WBV) and changes in bone quality were assessed by micro-CT. Results: Unlike control cells, MYO9B-deficient osteoblastic cells subjected to uniaxial cyclic tensile strain were unable to orient their actin stress fibers perpendicular to the strain. Osteocytic cells in which MYO9B was knocked down exhibited elongated dendrites but were unable to respond normally to treatments that increase dendrite length such as fluid shear stress and Slit-Robo signaling. Osteocytic responses to mechanical stimuli were also found to be dependent on the polymerization state of collagen type I substrates. Wild-type mice responded to WBV with increased bone tissue mineral density values while Myo9b -/- mice responded with bone loss. Discussion: These results demonstrate that MYO9B plays a key role in mechanical stress-induced responses of bone cells in vitro and in vivo.

Synergistic Effects of Heat-Treated Green Tea Extract and Enzymatically-Modified Isoquercitrin in Preventing Obesity.

Previous research has shown that both heat-treated green tea extract (HTGT) and enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ) have anti-obesity effects. Given the absence of in vivo evidence demonstrating their synergistic effects, our study aimed to elucidate the combined obesity prevention potential of HTGT and EMIQ in mice. Mice were treated with these compounds for 8 weeks, while being fed a high-fat diet, to investigate their preventive anti-obesity effects. We demonstrated that the co-treatment of HTGT and EMIQ results in a synergistic anti-obesity effect, as determined by a Kruskal-Wallis test. Furthermore, the combined treatment of HTGT and EMIQ was more effective than orlistat in reducing body weight gain and adipocyte hypertrophy induced by high-fat diet. The co-treatment also significantly reduced total body fat mass and abdominal fat volume. Additionally, the group receiving the co-treatment exhibited increased energy expenditure and higher glucose intolerance. We observed a dose-dependent upregulation of genes associated with mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and PKA signaling, which is linked to lipolysis, in response to the co-treatment. The co-treatment group displayed elevated cAMP levels and AMPK activation in adipose tissue and increased excretion of fecal lipids. The results indicate that the co-treatment of HTGT and EMIQ holds the potential to be a promising combination therapy for combating obesity. To further validate the anti-obesity effect of the combined treatment of HTGT and EMIQ in human subjects, additional clinical studies are warranted.

KAAACI Allergic Rhinitis Guidelines: Part 2. Update in Non-pharmacological Management.

Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic disease worldwide. Various upper airway symptoms lower quality of life, and due to the recurrent symptoms, multiple treatments are usually attempted rather than one definitive treatment. There are alternatives to medical (medication-based) and non-medical treatments. A guideline is needed to understand allergic rhinitis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. We have developed guidelines for medical treatment based on previous reports. The current guidelines herein are associated with the "KAAACI Evidence-Based Guidelines for Allergic Rhinitis in Korea, Part 1: Update in pharmacotherapy" in which we aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for the medical treatment of allergic rhinitis. Part 2 focuses on non-pharmacological management, including allergen-specific immunotherapy, subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy, nasal saline irrigation, environmental management strategies, companion animal management, and nasal turbinate surgery. The evidence to support the treatment efficacy, safety, and selection has been systematically reviewed. However, larger controlled studies are needed to elevate the level of evidence to select rational non-medical therapeutic options for patients with allergic rhinitis.

Anti-Atopic Activities of Sargassum horneri Hot Water Extracts in 2,4-Dinitrochlorobezene-Induced Mouse Models.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammation associated with skin hypersensitivity caused by environmental factors. The objent of this study was to assess the hot water extracts of Sargassum horneri (SHHWE) on AD. AD was induced by spreading 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on the BALB/c mice. The efficacy of SHHWE was tested by observing the immunoglobulin E (IgE), cytokine, skin clinical severity score and cytokine secretions in concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated splenocytes. The levels of interleukine (IL)-4, IL-5 and IgE, the pro-inflammatory cytokines that are closely related, were notably suppressed in a does-dependent manner by SHHWE, whereas the level of interferon γ (IFN-γ), the atopy-related Th1 cytokine inhibiting the production of Th2 cytokines, was increased. Therefore, these results show that SHHWE has a potent anti-inhibitory effect on AD and is highly valuable for cosmetic development.

Curcuminoids, a major turmeric component, have a sleep-enhancing effect by targeting the histamine H1 receptor.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) had been considered as a universal panacea in functional foods and traditional medicines. In recent, the sedative-hypnotic effect of turmeric extract (TE) was reported. However, sleep-promoting compounds in TE have been not yet demonstrated. Curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin) are the major constituents of turmeric being responsible for its various biological activities. Therefore, they can be first assumed to be sedative-hypnotic compounds of TE. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of curcuminoids and each constituent on the sleep-wake cycle of mice. Molecular docking studies, histamine H1 receptor (H1R) binding assays, and H1R knockout animal studies were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the sleep-promoting effects. Curcuminoids and their constituents reduced sleep latency and increased sleep duration in the pentobarbital-induced sleep test in mice. In addition, curcuminoids significantly increased the duration of NREMS and reduced sleep latency without altering the REMS and delta activity. Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin were predicted to interact with H1R in the molecular model. In the binding affinity assay, we found that curcuminoids, as well as their constituents, significantly bind to H1R with the Ki value of 1.49 µg mL-1. Furthermore, sleep latency was reduced and NREMS frequency was increased following curcuminoid administration in wild-type mice but not in H1R knockout mice. Therefore, we conclude that curcuminoids reduce sleep latency and enhance the quantity of NREMS by acting as modulators of H1R, indicating their usefulness in treating insomnia.

Weight Control Registry Using Korean Medicine: A Protocol for a Prospective Registry Study.

Lifestyle and physical characteristics affect body weight, and understanding these factors improves the precision of weight loss treatment. Many obese patients in Korea are receiving Korean medicine (KM) treatment, including herbal medicine and acupuncture, for weight loss. However, the real-world data (RWD) are insufficient in terms of being longitudinal and diverse. Weight Control Registry using KM is a prospective registry study that enrolls patients receiving KM treatment for weight loss and collects RWD from multiple clinics. The patients who are eligible for this study are aged 19-65 years, receive KM weight loss treatment, understand the study objectives, and consent voluntarily. Clinical data of patient characteristics and KM treatment patterns will be regularly collected until 2026. The longitudinal accumulation of various RWD will establish a high-quality study database for KM weight loss treatment. With this study, we expect to contribute to understanding the current trend of weight loss treatment with KM and solve further questions regarding this treatment.

Exploration of facilitators and barriers to the regulatory frameworks of dietary and herbal supplements: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, the use of dietary and herbal supplements (DHSs) has expanded greatly across national healthcare settings for the prevention, management and/or treatment of a variety of health issues. Although regulatory policies for DHSs across different countries have been aimed towards evaluating safety and efficacy, performing quality controls, monitoring the manufacturing practices, and encouraging further research, significant safety issues have emerged from inappropriate regulatory classification, lack of suitable quality controls, and inadequate testing and labeling of these products. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to identify facilitators and barriers to DHS regulation across different countries. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted and informed by the five-stage methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and further enhanced by Levac et al. MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched for eligible articles from database inception to September 29, 2020. Studies analyzing DHS regulatory frameworks were eligible for review. Relevant data from eligible articles were extracted and categorized into themes to provide a descriptive overview of the literature. RESULTS: Searches generated 4314 results, 1800 of which were duplicates, followed by 2472 that were excluded after screening the titles and abstracts of these articles. Of the remaining 42 full-texts, 15 eligible articles were included in this review. Themes identified include: (1) increased financial and human resources encouraging knowledge expansion as a facilitator to DHS regulation; (2) variances in DHS classification and regulatory requirements across countries as a barrier to DHS regulation, and (3) collaboration between various stakeholders (experts, policymakers, representatives of regulatory bodies, product companies and research institutions) facilitating DHS regulation. CONCLUSION: The present scoping review identified facilitators and barriers to DHS regulation across different countries. We highlight that safety assessments of DHSs continue to be inadequate, and emerging technologies could potentially play a significant role in establishing common reference standards of herbal materials and products between regulatory agencies. Regulatory harmonization, increased scientific research, and collaboration could improve regulations globally through appropriate categorization and safe application of DHSs.

Oxaliplatin (3 months v 6 months) With 6 Months of Fluoropyrimidine as Adjuvant Therapy in Patients With Stage II/III Colon Cancer: KCSG CO09-07.

PURPOSE: The combination of oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine for 6 months is one of the standard options for adjuvant therapy for high-risk stage II and III colorectal cancers (CRCs). The optimal duration of oxaliplatin to diminish neurotoxicity without compromising efficacy needs to be clarified. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This open-label, randomized, phase III, noninferiority trial randomly assigned patients with high-risk stage II and III CRC to 3 and 6 months of oxaliplatin with 6 months of fluoropyrimidine groups (3- and 6-month arms, respectively). The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS), and the noninferiority margin was a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.25. RESULTS: In total, 1,788 patients were randomly assigned to the 6-month (n = 895) and 3-month (n = 893) arms, and 83.6% in the 6-month arm and 85.7% in the 3-month arm completed the treatment. The neuropathy rates with any grade were higher in the 6-month arm than in the 3-month arm (69.5% v 58.3%; P < .0001). The 3-year DFS rates were 83.7% and 84.7% in the 6-month and 3-month arms, respectively, with an HR of 0.953 (95% CI, 0.769 to 1.180; test for noninferiority, P = .0065) within the noninferiority margin. Among patients with stage III CRC treated by capecitabine plus oxaliplatin, the 3-year DFS of the 3-month arm was noninferior as compared with that of the 6-month arm with an HR of 0.713 (95% CI, 0.530 to 0.959; P = .0009). However, among patients with high-risk stage II and stage III CRC treated by infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin, the noninferiority of the 3-month arm compared with the 6-month arm was not proven. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that adding 3 months of oxaliplatin to 6 months of capecitabine could be considered an alternative adjuvant treatment for stage III CRC (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01092481).

Sedative-Hypnotic Activity of the Water Extracts of Coptidis Rhizoma in Rodents.

Many medicinal plants have been used in Asia for treating a variety of mental diseases, including insomnia and depression. However, their sedative-hypnotic effects and mechanisms have not been clarified yet. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to investigate the sedative-hypnotic effects of water extracts of five medicinal plants: Coptidis Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus, Angelicae sinensis Radix, Bupleuri Radix, and Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg. The binding abilities of five medicinal plant extracts to the GABAA-BZD and 5-HT2C receptors were compared. Their abilities to activate arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), a melatonin synthesis enzyme, in pineal cells were also determined. Following in vitro tests, the sedative and hypnotic activities of extracts with the highest activities were determined in an animal sleep model. In the binding assay, the water extracts of Coptidis Rhizoma (WCR) showed high binding affinity to the GABAA-BZD and 5-HT2C receptors in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, WCR increased the AANAT activity up to five times compared with the baseline level. Further animal sleep model experiments showed that WCR potentiated pentobarbital-induced sleep by prolonging the sleep time. It also decreased the sleep onset time in mice. In addition, WCR reduced wake time and increased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep without EEG power density (percentages of δ, θ, and α waves) during NREM sleep in rats. WCR could effectively induce NREM sleep without altering the architectural physiologic profile of sleep. This is the first report of the sedative-hypnotic effect of Coptidis Rhizoma possibly by regulating GABAA and 5-HT2C receptors and by activating AANAT activity.

Fecal microbiome shifts by different forms of copper supplementations in growing pigs.

Copper is an essential mineral for pigs, thus it is used as a feed additive in the forms of copper sulfate. Therefore, this study aimed at characterizing the fecal microbiota shifts in pigs as fed by different forms of copper supplementation. 40 growing pigs aged 73 ± 1 days with an average weight of 30.22 ± 1.92kg were randomly divided into 5 groups. The control group (CON) fed with basal diet, while treatment groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 100 ppm/kg of copper sulfate (CuSO4), Cu-glycine complex (CuGly), Cu-amino acid complex (CuAA), and Cu-hydroxy(4methylthio)butanoate chelate complex (CuHMB) for 28 days of trial, respectively. The data presented the comparison between inorganic and organic copper supplementation through gut microbiota in growing pigs. Alpha and Beta diversity anaylsis resulted in copper supplementation did shifted gut microbioal community structure. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla at all times regardless of treatment. At the genus level, the relative abundances of Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Megasphaera, and SMB53 of the CuGly and CuHMB groups were significantly higher than those of copper sulfate and basal diet groups. Overall, this study may provide the potential role of organic copper replacing inorganic copper, resulting in increased beneficial bacteria in the pig gut.

Effect of a bioconverted product of Lotus corniculatus seed on the axillary microbiome and body odor.

The skin microbiome, especially the axillary microbiome, consists of odor-causing bacteria that decompose odorless sweat into malodor compounds, which contributes to the formation of body odor. Plant-derived products are a cheap source of bioactive compounds that are common ingredients in cosmetics. Microbial bioconversion of natural products is an ecofriendly and economical method for production of new or improved biologically active compounds. Therefore, in this study, we tested the potential of a Lactobacillus acidophilus KNU-02-mediated bioconverted product (BLC) of Lotus corniculatus seed to reduce axillary malodor and its effect on the associated axillary microbiota. A chemical profile analysis revealed that benzoic acid was the most abundant chemical compound in BLC, which increased following bioconversion. Moreover, BLC treatment was found to reduce the intensity of axillary malodor. We tested the axillary microbiome of 18 study participants, divided equally into BLC and placebo groups, and revealed through 16S rRNA gene sequencing that Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Anaerococcus were the dominant taxa, and some of these taxa were significantly associated with axillary malodor. After one week of BLC treatment, the abundance of Corynebacterium and Anaerococcus, which are associated with well-known odor-related genes that produce volatile fatty acids, had significantly reduced. Likewise, the identified odor-related genes decreased after the application of BLC. BLC treatment enhanced the richness and network density of the axillary microbial community. The placebo group, on the other hand, showed no difference in the microbial richness, odor associated taxa, and predicted functional genes after a week. The results demonstrated that BLC has the potential to reduce the axillary malodor and the associated odor-causing bacteria, which makes BLC a viable deodorant material in cosmetic products.

Effects of the herbal medicine Rikkunshito, for functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is characterized by chronic and unexplained indigestion at upper abdomen. Because of unsatisfactory effect of conventional treatments, demand is growing for complementary and alternative medicine. Rikkunshito (RKT) is a herbal medicine, which has been widely used for FD in Asia; however, the evidence is lacking. We carried out systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect and safety of RKT in the treatment of FD. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched in April 2019, including PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. All eligible studies should be randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing RKT or combination therapy (RKT and western medicine) group to western medicine group. The primary outcome measure was the total clinical efficacy rate (TCE). The secondary outcomes were total dyspepsia symptom scale, gastric emptying rate, gastrin, motilin, recurrence 6 months after treatment, and Hamilton depression rating scale. RESULTS: Fifty-two RCTs with 5475 patients were involved in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Compared with western medicine, RKT showed significant better result, with higher TCE (relative risk = 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 1.25, P < 0.001). RKT presented higher reduction of total dyspepsia symptom scale, more improved gastric emptying rate, and lower recurrence 6 months after treatment compared with western medicine. However, there was no significant difference in Hamilton depression rating scale between RKT and western medicine group. Combination therapy brought significant symptom improvement with TCE compared with western medicine alone. CONCLUSIONS: Rikkunshito and combination therapy might be considered an effective alternative treatment for FD. Further rigorously designed and high-quality RCTs are needed.

Galuteolin, identified in the extract of thymus quinquecostatus flowers, is involved in inhibiting melanin biosynthesis in B16/F10 melanoma cells.

To enhance the skin whitening effect, tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis needs to be suppressed in the skin. To achieve this goal, we examined the extract of Thymus quinquecostatus flowers, and identified a functional ingredient, galuteolin. Galuteolin effectively inhibited melanin biosynthesis in B16/F10 cells, partially suppressing tyrosinase activity. Therefore, this study suggests that galuteolin can be used as a cosmetic ingredient for skin whitening.

Effect of Rumen Protected Methionine and α-Tocopherol on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Composition of Late Fattening Hanwoo Steer in High-Temperature Seasons.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of rumen-protected methionine and α-tocopherol (RPMT) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat composition of late fattening Hanwoo steers in high-temperature seasons. Fourteen steers were randomly assigned to one of two diets; control (commercial concentrate) and treatment (commercial concentrate + 20 g of RPMT). Average daily gain was 34% higher in the treatment group than in the control group; however, there was no significant difference due to the small number under investigation. Feed conversion ratio was lower in the treatment group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Supplementation of RPMT had little effect on the fatty acid composition of longissimus muscle. Metmyoglobin in the longissimus muscle was significantly lower in treatment group compared to the control group at the ninth day of storage (p < 0.05). The redness of the longissimus muscle was higher in the treatment group than in the control group on day 9 of storage (p < 0.01). Thus, the results suggest that RPMT have positive effects on growth performance, and Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage color stability in the longissimus muscle of late fattening Hanwoo steers in high-temperature seasons.

Tetra-aryl cyclobutane and stilbenes from the rhizomes of Rheum undulatum and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity: Biological evaluation, kinetic analysis, and molecular docking simulation.

One achiral tetra-aryl cyclobutane [rheundulin A (1)] and three stilbene glycosides [rheundulins B-D (2-4)] were isolated from the methanol extract of Rheum undulatum L., along with eight known compounds (5-12). Structural determination of the new compounds (1-4) was accomplished using comprehensive spectroscopic methods. Compound 1 represents the first example of a dimeric stilbene linked via a cyclobutane ring from the Rheum genus. All isolates were screened for their inhibition against α-glucosidase. Among them, stilbene derivatives (5 and 6) showed strong inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 0.5 and 15.4 µM, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of the positive control, acarbose (IC50 = 126.8 µM). Rheundulin A (1) showed moderate α-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 value of 80.1 µM. In addition, kinetic analysis and molecular docking simulation of the most active compound (5) with α-glucosidase were performed for the first time. Kinetic studies revealed that compound 5 competitively inhibited the active site of α-glucosidase (Ki = 0.40 µM), while 6 had a mixed-type inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase (Ki = 15.34 µM). Molecular docking simulations of 5 and 6 demonstrated negative-binding energies, indicating high proximity to the active site and tight binding to α-glucosidase enzyme.

One-pot selective production of levulinic acid and formic acid from spent coffee grounds in a catalyst-free biphasic system.

This study introduces the catalyst-free production of levulinic acid (LA) and formic acid (FA) from spent coffee grounds (SCGs) as a starting material in a biphasic system of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE)-water at temperatures above 160 °C. In addition to the advantage of using the biphasic system attributed to the product equilibrium, DCE served as a source of hydrogen induced by subcritical water (SCW). The effect of temperature, the amount of DIW and DCE, and the pretreatment on SCG (raw or lipid extracted SCG (LE-SCG)) on the overall reaction and humin formation were studied. The maximum conversion of LA and FA was 47 and 29 w/w% of the total convertible monosaccharides in raw SCGs while 43 and 28 w/w% of the conversion were obtained at 180 °C when LE-SCG was used. The solvothermal effects of two media provides a non-catalytic route to utilize undried SCG for the production of LA and FA.

The Effect of Schisandra chinensis Baillon on Cross-Talk between Oxidative Stress, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Mitochondrial Signaling Pathway in Testes of Varicocele-Induced SD Rat.

Schisandra chinensis Baillon (SC) has been utilized for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities in a broad variety of medical applications. However; SC uses for improving fertility in males and related disorders with proper scientific validation remain obscure. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of SC on varicocele (VC)-induced testicular dysfunction and the potential molecular mechanism associated with VC-induced germ cell apoptosis. The male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into four groups consisting of 10 rats in a normal control group (CTR), a control group administered SC 200 mg/kg (SC 200), a varicocele-induced control group (VC), and a varicocele-induced group administered SC 200 mg/kg (VC + SC 200). Rats were administrated 200 mg/kg SC once daily for 28 days after induction of varicocele rats and sham controls. At the end of the treatment period, body and reproductive organ weight, sperm parameters, histopathological damages, proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis markers, biomarkers of oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) were evaluated. The effects of SC extract on human sperm motility were also analyzed. SC treatment reduces VC-induced testicular dysfunction by significantly increasing testicular weight, sperm count and sperm motility, serum testosterone level, Johnsen score, spermatogenic cell density, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase level, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) level. Furthermore, the effects of SC on malondialdehyde (MDA) level, reactive oxygen species (ROS)/reactive nitrogen species (RNS) level, apoptotic index, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, Glucose-regulated protein-78 (Grp 78), phosphorylated c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), phosphorylated inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endoribonuclease 1α (p-IRE1α), cleaved caspase 3, and Bax:Bcl2 in VC-induced rats were significantly decreased. Treatment with SC extracts also increased sperm motility in human sperm. Our findings suggest that the SC ameliorate testicular dysfunction in VC-induced rats via crosstalk between oxidative stress, ER stress, and mitochondrial-mediated testicular germ cell apoptosis signaling pathways. SC promotes spermatogenesis by upregulating abnormal sex hormones and decreasing proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6; TNF-α).