Orthogonally Engineered Albumin with Attenuated Macrophage Phagocytosis for the Targeted Visualization and Phototherapy of Liver Cancer.

The five-year survival rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unsatisfactory. This reflects, in part, the paucity of effective methods that allow the target-specific diagnosis and therapy of HCC. Here, we report a strategy based on engineered human serum albumin (HSA) that permits the HCC-targeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Covalent cysteine conjugation combined with the exploitation of host-guest chemistry was used to effect the orthogonal functionalization of HSA with two functionally independent peptides. One of these peptides targets glypican-3 (GPC-3), an HCC-specific biomarker, while the second reduces macrophage phagocytosis through immune-checkpoint stimulation. This orthogonally engineered HSA proved effective for the GPC-3-targeted delivery of near-infrared fluorescent and phototherapeutic agents, thus permitting target-specific optical visualization and photodynamic ablation of HCC in vivo. This study thus offers new insights into specificity-enhanced fluorescence-guided surgery and phototherapy of HCC through the orthogonal engineering of biocompatible proteins.

Cytotoxic steroidal glycosides from the rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis.

Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz. (Melanthiaceae), an important specie of the genus Paris, has long been in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a long time. This study aimed to isolate and identify the structures of bioactive saponins from the rhizomes of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis and evaluate their cytotoxicity against BxPC-3, HepG2, U373 and SGC-7901 carcinoma cell lines. Seven previously undescribed and seven known saponins were identified, and Paris saponins VII (PSVII) showed significant cytotoxicity against the BxPC-3 cell line with IC50 values of 3.59 µM. Furthermore, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy and western-bolt analysis revealed that PSVII inhibited the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells and might be involved in inducing apoptosis and pyroptosis by activating caspase-3, -7 and caspase-1, respectively.

Anticoccidial effect of toltrazuril and Radix Sophorae Flavescentis combination: Reduced inflammation and promoted mucosal immunity.

An anticoccidial model of chicken infected with Eimeria tenella was established to investigate the effect of toltrazuril (Tol) combined with the Radix Sophorae Flavescentis (RSF) on coccidiosis. The anticoccidial index (ACI) was evaluated, and the cecal developmental parameters (i.e., villus height, [VH], crypt depth, [CD], and VH/CD) were determined. The distributions of glycoproteins and goblet cells in the cecal tissue were determined through the Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue PAS staining methods, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17 of the cecal tissue were determined through quantitative real-time PCR. The moderate ACI was obtained using the combination of Tol and RSF. Compared with the normal control (NC) group, the infected control (IC) group showed remarkably lower VH and VH/CD at five and seven days postinfection. Compared with the IC group, the IC + RSF and IC + TolRSF groups showed remarkably higher VH and VH/CD at five and seven days postinfection. Compared with the NC group, the IC group contained fewer glycoproteins and goblet cells, but the Tol and RSF treatment promoted more glycoproteins and goblet cells at five and seven days postinfection. The mRNA expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17 in the IC group were upregulated (P < 0.01) compared with those in the NC group. The IC + RSF and IC + TolRSF groups had downregulated mRNA expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-17 cytokines (P < 0.01), and upregulated mRNA expression levels of IL-2 and IL-4 cytokines (P < 0.01) compared with the IC group. Results showed that the combination of Tol and RSF exerts anticoccidial effect by reducing inflammation and promoting intestinal mucosal immunity.

Cold-hot nature identification based on GC similarity analysis of Chinese herbal medicine ingredients.

The theory of cold-hot nature of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) is the core theory of CHM. It has been found that the volatile oil ingredients in CHMs are closely related to their cold-hot nature. Guided by the scientific hypothesis that "CHMs with similar component substances should have similar medicinal natures", exploration of the intelligent identification of the cold-hot nature of CHMs based on the similarity of their volatile oil ingredients has become a research focus. Gas chromatography (GC) chemical fingerprints have been widely used in the separation of volatile oil ingredients to analyze the cold-hot nature of CHMs. To verify the above hypothesis, in this work, we study the quantification of the similarity of the volatile oil ingredients of CHMs to their fingerprint similarity and explore the relationship between the volatile oil ingredients of CHMs and their cold-hot nature. In this study, we utilize GC technology to analyze the chemical ingredients of 61 CHMs that have a clear cold-hot nature (including 30 'cold' CHMs and 31 'hot' CHMs). Using the constructed fingerprint dataset of CHMs, a distance metric learning algorithm is applied to measure the similarity of the GC fingerprints. Furthermore, an improved k-nearest neighbor (kNN) algorithm is proposed to build a predictive identification model to identify the cold-hot nature of CHMs. The experimental results prove our inference that CHMs with similar component substances should have similar medicinal natures. Compared with existing classical models, the proposed identification scheme has better predictive performance. The proposed prediction model is proved to be effective and feasible.

Comparative analysis of chemical constituents, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of ethylacetate extracts of Polygonum cuspidatum and its endophytic actinomycete, Streptomyces sp. A0916.

The present study investigated the chemical composition of ethylacetate extracts from an endophytic actinomycete Streptomyces sp. A0916 and its host Polygonum cuspidatum. A comparative analysis of the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the extracts was also conducted. 32 compounds of P. cuspidatum and 23 compounds of Streptomyces sp. A0916 were isolated and identified by GC/MS. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts were evaluated using eight microbial strains (3 Gram-positive bacteria, 3 Gram-negative bacteria, and 2 fungi). The Streptomyces sp. A0916 extracts showed a wide range of antimicrobial activities and presented greater antimicrobial effectiveness than the P. cuspidatum extracts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Streptomyces sp. A0916 extracts against the ampicillin-resistant strain Enterococcus faecium SIIA843 was 32 µg·mL(-1). Furthermore, the extracts had greater antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the Streptomyces sp. A0916 extracts was equal to that of the P. cuspidatum extracts. In conclusion, our results suggest that the endophytic actinomycetes of the medicinal plants are an important source of bioactive substances.

Diversity, bioactivities, and metabolic potentials of endophytic actinomycetes isolated from traditional medicinal plants in Sichuan, China.

The present study was designed to determine the taxonomic diversity and metabolic activity of the actinomycetes community, including 13 traditional medicinal plants collected in Sichuan province, China, using multiple approaches such as morphological and molecular identification methods, bioactivity assays, and PCR screening for genes involved in antibiotics biosynthesis. 119 endophytic actinomycetes were recovered; 80 representative strains were chosen for 16S rRNA gene partial sequence analyses, with 66 of them being affiliated to genus Streptomyces and the remaining 14 strains being rare actinomycetes. Antimicrobial tests showed that 12 (15%) of the 80 endophytic actinomycetes displayed inhibitory effects against at least one indicator pathogens, which were all assigned to the genus Streptomyces. In addition, 87.5% and 58.8% of the isolates showed anticancer and anti-diabetic activities, respectively. Meanwhile, the anticancer activities of the isolates negatively correlated with their anti-diabetic activities. Based on the results of PCR screening, five genes, PKS-I, PKS-II, NRPS, ANSA, and oxyB, were detected in 55.0%, 58.8%, 90.0%, 18.8% and 8.8% of the 80 actinomycetes, respectively. In conclusion, the PCR screening method employed in the present study was conducive for screening and selection of potential actinomycetes and predicting potential secondary metabolites, which could overcome the limitations of traditional activity screening models.

Chronic supplementation of paeonol combined with danshensu for the improvement of vascular reactivity in the cerebral basilar artery of diabetic rats.

One of the leading causes of death in the world is cerebrovascular disease. Numerous Chinese traditional medicines, such as Cortex Moutan (root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrew) and Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (root and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge), protect against cerebrovascular diseases and exhibit anti-atherosclerotic effects. Traditional medicines have been routinely used for a long time in China. In addition, these two herbs are prescribed together in clinical practice. Therefore, the pharmacodynamic interactions between the active constituents of these two herbs, which are paeonol (Pae) and danshensu (DSS), should be particularly studied. The study of Pae and DSS can provide substantial foundations in understanding their mechanisms and empirical evidence to support clinical practice. This study investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of the pharmacodynamic interaction between Pae and DSS on cerebrovascular malfunctioning in diabetes. Experimental diabetes was induced in rats, which was then treated with Pae, DSS, and Pae + DSS for eight weeks. Afterward, cerebral arteries from all groups were isolated and equilibrated in an organ bath with Krebs buffer and ring tension. Effects of Pae, DSS, and Pae + DSS were observed on vessel relaxation with or without endothelium as well as on the basal tonus of vessels from normal and diabetic rats. Indexes about oxidative stress were also determined. We report that the cerebral arteries from diabetic rats show decreased vascular reactivity to acetylcholine (ACh) which was corrected in Pae, DSS, and Pae + DSS treated groups. Furthermore, phenylephrine (PE)-induced contraction response decreased in the treated groups. Phenylephrine and CaCl(2)-induced vasoconstrictions are partially inhibited in the three treated groups under Ca2+-free medium. Pre-incubated with tetraethylammonium, a non-selective K+ channel blocker, the antagonized relaxation responses increased in DSS and Pae + DSS treated diabetic groups compared with those in diabetic and Pae-treated diabetic groups. In addition, superoxide dismutase activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content significantly changed in the presence of Pae + DSS. We therefore conclude that both Pae and DSS treatments prevent diabetes-induced vascular damage. Furthermore, Pae + DSS prove to be the most efficient treatment regimen. The combination of Pae and DSS produce significant protective effects through the reduction of oxidative stress and through intracellular Ca2+ regulatory mechanisms.

Cardioprotective effect of paeonol and danshensu combination on isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs Cortex Moutan and Radix Salviae Milthiorrhizaeare are prescribed together for their putative cardioprotective effects in clinical practice. However, the rationale of the combined use remains unclear. The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of paeonol and danshensu (representative active ingredient of Cortex Moutan and Radix Salviae Milthiorrhizae, respectively) on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats and its underlying mechanisms. METHODOLOGY: Paeonol (80 mg kg(-1)) and danshensu (160 mg kg(-1)) were administered orally to Sprague Dawley rats in individual or in combination for 21 days. At the end of this period, rats were administered isoproterenol (85 mg kg(-1)) subcutaneously to induce myocardial injury. After induction, rats were anaesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (35 mg kg(-1)) to record electrocardiogram, then sacrificed and biochemical assays of the heart tissues were performed. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Induction of rats with isoproterenol resulted in a marked (P<0.001) elevation in ST-segment, infarct size, level of serum marker enzymes (CK-MB, LDH, AST and ALT), cTnI, TBARS, protein expression of Bax and Caspase-3 and a significant decrease in the activities of endogenous antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST) and protein expression of Bcl-2. Pretreatment with paeonol and danshensu combination showed a significant (P<0.001) decrease in ST-segment elevation, infarct size, cTnI, TBARS, protein expression of Bax and Caspase-3 and a significant increase in the activities of endogenous antioxidants and protein expression of Bcl-2 and Nrf2 when compared with individual treated groups. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates the cardioprotective effect of paeonol and danshensu combination on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. The mechanism might be associated with the enhancement of antioxidant defense system through activating of Nrf2 signaling and anti-apoptosis through regulating Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3. It could provide experimental evidence to support the rationality of combinatorial use of traditional Chinese medicine in clinical practice.

[The textual research on the evolution of the toothbrush shape in ancient China].

Archaeological discovery demonstrates that the ancient plant hair brush first appeared in the Tang dynasty. According to the evolution of the shape of the head and handle of the toothbrush in ancient times, we can divide the evolution of the shapes into three major stages of development: (1) the Tang and the Five dynasties; (2) the Liao, Song, Jin, Yuan dynasties; (3) Ming, Qing and the Republic periods. The toothbrush heads and handles had no significant differences during the Tang and the Five dynasties. However, the shapes of them in the Liao, Song, Jin, Yuan dynasties are somewhat different. In the Ming and Qing and the republic of China periods, the shape of toothbrush head and handle had further refinement. Recently, some scholars raised doubts about the "plant hair toothbrush doctrine". They believe that the archaeological bone graft handle brush was used to wipe hair oil or clean water when washing and dressing. However, according to shape and function and ancient literature records, the archaeological bone graft handle brush should be a plant hair toothbrush used to clean and protect teeth.

[New exploration on the types and forms of stone needle].

The basic use of stone needles in curing disease is cutting the carbuncles and purulences and pricking and draining off the sores. As a result, the forms of stone needle need to have a sharp cutting edge or slender point. Combining with corresponding unearthed material objects of archeology, the microlithic stone needle of mainly consists of a scraper, tip-like device and stone arrowheads. The stone needle of polished stone implements can be divided into three categories according to different forms and functions, that is conical-tip stone needles for pricking, e. g. lithostyle, coup de poing and stone arrowhead etc. ; sickle-shaped needle stone for cutting, e. g. stone knife, stone sickle, stone adze and stone chisel etc; spear-shaped stone needle for both cutting and pricking, e. g. stone spear, stone sword, jade (stone) spear etc. From the usage cases recorded in the ancient literature, the conical-tip stone needle for pricking ought to be the most used of the ancient stone needles. Use of the stone needle for hot stroking, massage and knocking at the body surface, which was raised by some related scholars, does not belong to the domain of ancient stone needles.

[Effect of heat shock response on the cleavage of nucleolin induced by oxidative stress].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the cleavage of nucleolin (C23) during apoptosis induced by oxidative stress and to clarify the effect of heat shock response (HSR) on the cleavage of nucleolin and its possible molecular mechanism. METHODS: We added 0.5 mmol/L peroxide hydrogen (H2O2 ) into cultured cells to mimic oxidative stress. Apoptosis and cleavage of C23 were detected using caspase-3 colorimetric assay and Western blotting respectively. HSR was performed to observe the effect of HSR on cleavage of C23 induced by oxidative stress, and over-expressions of HSP70 and HSP25 were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Activity of caspase-3 increased significantly after 2 hours of 0.5 mmol/L H2O2 treatment, and reached the peak after 12 hours. The cleavage of C23 appeared 30 minutes to 1 hour after the treatment of H2O2 as indicated by a cleaved fragmentation of 80 kD, which was significantly inhibited by HSR. Moreover, HSR could induce HSP70 and HSP25 over-expressions. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress can induce the activation of caspase-3, cleavage of C23, and apoptosis. HSR can significantly inhibit the cleavage of C23 induced by oxidative stress, which is related to the over-expressions of HSP70, HSP25, and other stress proteins.