Anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanisms in vitro and in vivo of Hedychium coccineum rhizome essential oil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hedychium coccineum rhizome is an anti-inflammatory ethnomedicine used to remedy inflammation-related swelling and bronchial asthma. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to analyze the phytochemical constituents of H. coccineum rhizome essential oil (EO) and evaluate its in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical constituents of H. coccineum rhizome EO were analyzed using GC-FID/MS. In RAW264.7 macrophages induced by LPS, blockade of PGE2, NO, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion by H. coccineum rhizome EO was measured, and then Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescent staining were used to evaluate its underlying mechanisms. Moreover, we used the xylene-induced ear edema model for testing anti-inflammatory potential in vivo and examined auricular swelling as well as tissue and serum contents of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. RESULTS: EO's main components were E-nerolidol (40.5%), borneol acetate (24.8%), spathulenol (4.5%), linalool (3.8%), elemol (3.5%), and borneol (3.4%). In RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS, EO downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory enzyme (iNOS and COX-2) genes and proteins, thereby suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE2) secretion. Simultaneously, it reduced TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 release by downregulating their mRNA expression. Besides, H. coccineum EO attenuated LPS-stimulated activation of NF-κB (by reducing IκBα phosphorylation and degradation to inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation) and MAPK (by downregulating JNK, p38, and ERK phosphorylation). In xylene-induced mouse ear edema, EO relieved auricular swelling and lowered serum and tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: H. coccineum EO had powerful in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB activation. Hence, H. coccineum EO should have great potential for application in the pharmaceutical field as a novel anti-inflammatory agent.

Molecular mechanism of Jianpiyifei II granules in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and experimental assessment.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined by persistent airway and lung inflammation, excessive mucus production, remodeling of the airways, and damage to the alveolar tissue. Based on clinical experience, it has been observed that Jianpiyifei II (JPYF II) granules exhibit a significant therapeutic impact on individuals suffering from stable COPD. Nevertheless, the complete understanding of JPYF II's potential mode of action against COPD remains to be further clarified. PURPOSE: To further investigate the underlying mechanism of JPYF II for treating COPD and clarify the role of the IL-17 pathway in the treatment. METHODS: A variety of databases were utilized to acquire JPYF II's bioactive components, as well as related targets of JPYF II and COPD. Cytoscape was utilized to establish multiple interaction networks for the purpose of topological analyses and core-target screening. The Metascape was utilized to identify the function of target genes and crucial signaling pathways. To evaluate the interactions between bioactive ingredients and central target proteins, molecular docking simulations were conducted. Following that, a sequence of experiments was conducted both in the laboratory and in living organisms, which included analyzing the cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), examining lung tissue for histopathological changes, conducting immunohistochemistry, RT‒qPCR, ELISA, and Western blotting. RESULTS: In JPYF II, 88 bioactive ingredients were predicted to have a total of 342 targets. After conducting Venn analysis, it was discovered that 284 potential targets of JPYF II were linked to the provision of defensive benefits against COPD. The PPI network yielded a total of twenty-four core targets. The findings from the analysis of enrichment and gene‒pathway network suggested that JPYF II targeted Hsp90, MAPKs, ERK, AP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, CXCL8, and MMP-9 as crucial elements for COPD treatment through the IL-17 pathway. Additionally, JPYF II might modulate MAPK signaling pathways and the downstream transcription factor AP-1 via IL-17 regulation. According to the findings from molecular docking, it was observed that the 24 core target proteins exhibited robust binding affinities towards the top 10 bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the treatment of COPD through the regulation of MAPKs in the IL-17 pathway was significantly influenced by flavonoids and sterols found in JPYF II. In vitro, these observations were further confirmed. In vivo results demonstrated that JPYF II reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in pulmonary tissues and the quantity of inflammatory cells in BALF obtained from LPS- and CS-stimulated mice. Moreover, the administration of JPYF II resulted in the inhibition of IL-17 mRNA and protein levels, phosphorylation levels of MAPK proteins, and expression of phosphorylated AP-1 proteins. It also suppressed the expression of downstream effector genes and proteins associated with the IL-17/MAPK/AP-1 signaling axis in lung tissues and BALF. CONCLUSION: This research reveals that JPYF II improves COPD by controlling the IL-17/MAPK/AP-1 signaling axis within the IL-17 pathway for the first time. These findings offer potential approaches for the creation of novel medications that specifically target IL-17 and proteins involved in the IL-17 pathway to address COPD.

Recent advances in light energy biotherapeutic strategies with photobiomodulation on central nervous system disorders.

Transcranial photobiomodulation refers to irradiation of the brain through the skull using low-intensity red or near-infrared light, which is the most commonly studied method of light energy biotherapy for central nervous system disorders. The absorption of photons by specific chromophores within the cell elevates ATP synthesis, reduces oxidative stress damage, alleviates inflammation or mediates the activation of transcription factors and signaling mediators through secondary mediators, which in turn trigger downstream signaling pathways to cause a series of photobiological effects including upregulation of neurotrophic factors. Multiple mechanisms are simultaneously involved in the pathological process of central nervous system disorders. The pleiotropic treatment of transcranial photobiomodulation towards multiple targets plays a beneficial role in improving hemodynamics, neural repair and improving behaviors in central nervous system disorders such as ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy and depression. This review mainly introduces the mechanism and recent preclinical and clinical advances of transcranial photobiomodulation for central nervous system disorders, which will provide a reference for clinicians to understand and engage in related studies, and calls for more and larger studies to validate and develop a wider application of transcranial photobiomodulation in central nervous system.

[Chemical constituents of Lindera aggregata and their bioactivities: a review].

The medicinal Lindera aggregata(Lindera, Lauraceae) boasts abundant resources, which is widely used in clinical settings. It has been found that the main chemical constituents of this medicinal species are sesquiterpenoids, alkaloids, sesquiterpenoid dimers, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Some unreported novel structures, including lindenane-type sesquiterpene dimers and trimers, have been discovered from L. aggregata in recent years. The extracts and active components of L. aggregata have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antalgic, liver-protecting, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and glucose-lowering activities, and their mechanisms of action have been comprehensively investigated. This study summarizes the research on the chemical constituents and bioactivities of L. aggregata over the past decade, which is expected to serve as a reference for the future research and utilization of L. aggregata.

[Effect of electroacupuncture at different time points on postoperative urination function in patients with mixed hemorrhoids surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on postoperative urination function in patients with mixed hemorrhoid surgery. METHODS: A total of 240 patients with mixed hemorrhoid surgery under lumbar anesthesia were randomly divided into an EA preconditioning group (group A, 60 cases, 9 cases dropped off), an intraoperative EA group (group B, 60 cases, 4 cases dropped off), a postoperative EA group (group C, 60 cases, 6 cases dropped off), and a non-acupuncture group (group D, 60 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the groups A, B and C, EA was exerted at Zhongliao (BL 33) and Huiyang (BL 35) , with disperse-dense wave, 4 Hz/20 Hz in frequency, and lasting 30 min, at 30 min before lumbar anesthesia, immediately after lumbar anesthesia and 6 h after surgery, respectively. No EA intervention was performed in the group D. The postoperative urination smoothness score in each group was observed 24 h after surgery. The first urination time, first urination volume, urine residual volume after first urination were recorded, and incidence of indwelling catheterization, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, number of remedial analgesia, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting were observed in each group. RESULTS: In the groups A, B and C, the postoperative urination smoothness scores were superior to the group D (P<0.05), and the time of first urination was earlier than the group D (P<0.05). In the group C, the time of first urination was earlier than the group A and the group B (P<0.05), the first urination volume was higher than the group D (P<0.05), and the urine residual volume after first urination was lower than the group D (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of indwelling catheterization and postoperative nausea and vomiting among the 4 groups (P>0.05). The VAS scores of the group A, B and C were lower than that in the group D (P<0.05), and the number of remedial analgesia cases was lower than that in the group D (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention could promote the recovery of urination function and relieve postoperative pain in patients with mixed hemorrhoids surgery. Early postoperative EA intervention is more conducive to the recovery of urination function.

Salvianolic acid A alleviates atherosclerosis by inhibiting inflammation through Trc8-mediated 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase degradation.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease and remains the major contributor to death and mortality globally. Salvianolic acid A (SalA) is a water-soluble phenolic acid that benefits atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms of SalA protecting against atherosclerosis remain unclear. PURPOSE: We aimed to determine whether SalA prevents atherosclerosis by modulating 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. METHODS: The animal and cellular models of atherosclerosis were established by subjecting apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout mice to a high-fat diet (HFD) and exposing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), respectively. RESULTS: Our results showed that similar to atorvastatin, SalA suppressed atherosclerotic plaque formation, improved serum lipid accumulation, and reduced cholesterol levels in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice. Moreover, SalA protected HUVECs from ox-LDL-caused cell viability reduction and lipid accumulation. The mechanism study revealed that SalA reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6, and augmented the generation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in ApoE-/- mice and HUVECs, accompanied by increased HMGCR ubiquitination and degradation via translocation in renal carcinoma on chromosome 8 (Trc8), insulin-induced gene (Insig)1 and Insig2. Furthermore, the knockdown of Trc8 abolished the SalA-induced HMGCR degradation and anti-atherosclerosis activity. CONCLUSION: SalA rescues atherosclerosis by inhibiting inflammation through the Trc8-regulated degradation of HMGCR. These findings underscore Trc8 as a potential target of atherosclerosis.

Validity of total polar compound and its three components in monitoring the evolution of epoxy fatty acids in frying oil: Fast food restaurant conditions.

This study evaluated the validity of total polar compounds (TPC) and its three components in monitoring the evolution of epoxy fatty acids in frying oil under fast food restaurant conditions. The content of epoxy fatty acids can be predicted using the TPC rather than oxidized triglyceride monomer. When TPC content reached 24 g/100 g, 25 g/100 g, and 27 g/100 g, the epoxy fatty acid content in oil was found to be 1.47-3.63 mg/g, 1.58-4.06 mg/g, and 1.83-5.08 mg/g, respectively. More epoxy fatty acids were generated in high oleic sunflower oil than in canola and cottonseed oil during frying. At current discarding points of TPC 24-27 g/100 g, its epoxy fatty acid content was 3.63-5.08 mg/g, which was lower than the limit of 7 mg/g recommended by Max Rubner-Institut in Germany. Our results indicate that the risk of epoxy fatty acids can be monitored using the current TPC index.

Hedychium flavum flower essential oil: Chemical composition, anti-inflammatory activities and related mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hedychium flavum, an ornamental, edible, and medicinal plant, is extensively cultivated as a source of aromatic essential oils (EO). Its flower is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating inflammation-related diseases like indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach pain. In particular, H. flavum flower EO has been used in cosmetics and as an aromatic stomachic to treat chronic gastritis in China. AIM OF THE STUDY: This research aimed to analyze H. flavum flower EO's chemical composition and explore its anti-inflammatory activities and related mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EO's chemical composition was determined by GC-FID/MS analysis. For in vitro test, the anti-inflammatory activity of EO was demonstrated by measuring the LPS-induced release of NO, PGE2, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 in RAW264.7 macrophages, and then its related mechanisms were explored using qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescent staining analysis. Next, EO's in vivo anti-inflammatory potential was further evaluated using a xylene-induced ear edema model, in which ear swelling and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß levels in serum and tissue were examined. RESULTS: The main components of EO were ß-pinene (20.2%), α-pinene (9.3%), α-phellandrene (8.3%), 1,8-cineole (7.1%), E-nerolidol (5.4%), limonene (4.4%), borneol (4.1%), and ß-caryophyllene (3.7%). For the anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, EO dramatically reduced the LPS-stimulated NO and PGE2 release by suppressing the mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. Meanwhile, it remarkably decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß production by inhibiting their mRNA levels. Related mechanism studies indicated that it not only inhibited IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, leading to blockade of NF-κB nuclear transfer but also suppressed MAPKs (ERK, p38, and JNK) phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further in vivo assay showed that EO ameliorated xylene-induced ear edema in mice and reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß levels in serum and tissue. CONCLUSIONS: H. flavum EO exerted significant anti-inflammatory activity in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB activation. Thus, H. flavum EO could be considered a novel and promising anti-inflammatory agent and possess high potential for utilization in the pharmaceutical field.

Investigation of oxidized triglyceride monomer (oxTGM) produced in deteriorated soybean oil at frying temperatures: A kinetic study.

This work evaluated the feasibility of total polar compound (TPC) and its five components to monitor the deterioration of soybean oil at frying temperatures, and traditional indicators were used as a reference. The preliminary correlation analysis showed that polar compounds accumulated earlier than classical oxidation products like the peroxide value (PV). Equations for two types of characteristic kinetic time, the induction time (turning point of sigmoid curve) and intersection time (intersection point of two tangent lines representing the initiation and propagation reaction), were also derived. Their mathematical difference and relationship were then evaluated. Based on the kinetic analysis, the overall cumulative process of oxidation products of triglycerides (oxTGM) was found to be 2.35%-12.35% earlier than that of fatty acids (PV). Our results supported the index of oxTGM in TPC to be a better indicator to monitor the deterioration of heated edible oil.

Anticancer Effect of ERM210 on Liver Cancer Cells Through ROS/Mitochondria-dependent Apoptosis Signaling Pathways.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Asian Traditional medicines are renowned for their antitumor properties and are efficacious in the clinical treatment of various cancer types. ERM210 is a Korean traditional medicine comprising nine types of medicinal plants. In the present study, we examined the pro-apoptotic effect and molecular mechanisms of the effects of ERM210 on HepG2 liver cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cytotoxicity of ERM210 on HepG2 cells was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and wound-healing assays, and apoptosis and signaling pathways by fluorescence microscopy flow cytometry and western blotting. RESULTS: ERM210 significantly impaired HepG2 cell viability and enhanced mitochondria-dependent cellular apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner by up-regulating the expression of caspases 3, 7 and 9, and of BCL2 apoptosis regulator (BCL2)-associated X, apoptosis regulator (BAX) proteins, whilst down-regulating that of BCL2 protein. Furthermore, ERM210 treatment increased accumulation of cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and significantly inhibited cell migration. Additionally, all these phenomena were reversed by treating with the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine. The analysis of signaling proteins revealed that ERM210 significantly up-regulated the phosphorylation of ROS-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38, extracellular-regulated kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in HepG2 liver cancer cells. CONCLUSION: ERM210 exerts anticancer effects in HepG2 liver cancer cells by up-regulating ROS/mitochondria-dependent apoptosis signaling, providing new insight into the possibility of employing this traditional medicine for the clinical treatment of liver cancer.

Rhizomucor miehei lipase-catalysed synthesis of cocoa butter equivalent from palm mid-fraction and stearic acid: Characteristics and feasibility as cocoa butter alternative.

In this study, cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs) were prepared through enzymatic interesterification of palm mid-fraction (PMF) with stearic acid (SA). The reaction process parameters were experimented and the performance of the product was analysed. PMF and stearic acid (at a mass ratio of 1:2) were catalysed by 80 g kg-1 enzyme loading of Lipozyme RM IM fromRhizomucor mieheiat 60 °C for 120 min. The yield of the CBE product was more than 92%, and the CBE resembled cocoa butter (CB) in terms of its triacylglycerol composition. The hardness of the CBE product was higher than that of CB at different storage temperatures, but this difference was not obvious at 25 °C. The polymorphic structures and SFC curve of the CBE were similar to those of the CB. In addition, the CBE could be mixed with CB in any ratio without an obvious eutectic phenomena. Up to 40% CBE could be added to CB without significantly affecting the thermodynamic properties of CB. Thus, replacing CB with the CBE product is feasible.

Identification of the significant pathways of Banxia Houpu decoction in the treatment of depression based on network pharmacology.

Banxia Houpu decoction (BXHPD) has been used to treat depression in clinical practice for centuries. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of BXHPD still remain unclear. Network Pharmacology (NP) approach was used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of BXHPD in treating depression. Potential active compounds of BXHPD were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform Database. STRING database was used to build a interaction network between the active compounds and target genes associated with depression. The topological features of nodes were visualized and calculated. Significant pathways and biological functions were identified using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. A total of 44 active compounds were obtained from BXHPD, and 121 potential target genes were considered to be therapeutically relevant. Pathway analysis indicated that MAPK signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt pathway were significant pathways in depression. They were mainly involved in promoting nerve growth and nutrition and alleviating neuroinflammatory conditions. The result provided some potential ways for modern medicine in the treatment of depression.

Picrasma quassioides Extract Elevates the Cervical Cancer Cell Apoptosis Through ROS-Mitochondrial Axis Activated p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Picrasma quassioides (P. quassioides) is used in traditional Asian medicine widely for the treatment of anemopyretic cold, eczema, nausea, loss of appetite, diabetes mellitus, hypertension etc. In this study we aimed to understand the effect of P. quassioides ethanol extract on SiHa cervical cancer cell apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The P. quassioides extract-induced apoptosis was analyzed using the MTT assay, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and western blotting. RESULTS: P. quassioides extract induced cellular apoptosis by increasing the accumulation of cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and inhibiting ATP synthesis. Pretreatment with N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a classic antioxidant, decreased the intracellular ROS production and inhibited apoptosis. In addition, the P38 MAPK signaling pathway is a key in the apoptosis of SiHa cells induced by the P. quassioides extract. CONCLUSION: The P. quassioides extract exerts its anti-cancer properties on SiHa cells through ROS-mitochondria axis and P38 MAPK signaling. Our data provide a new insight for P. quassioides as a therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer treatment.

Anti-tumor Properties of Picrasma quassioides Extracts in H-RasG12V Liver Cancer Are Mediated Through ROS-dependent Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Picrasma quassioides (PQ) is a traditional Asian herbal medicine with anti-tumor properties that can inhibit the viability of HepG2 liver cancer cells. H-Ras is often mutated in liver cancer, however, the effect of PQ treatment on H-Ras mutated liver cancer is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of PQ on ROS accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction in H-ras mutated HepG2 (HepG2G12V) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PQ ethanol extract-induced HepG2G12V apoptosis was analyzed by the MTT assay, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and western blotting. RESULTS: PQ treatment affected cell migration and colony formation in HepG2G12V cells. Cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-9 and BCL2 associated agonist of cell death (BAD) expression levels were increased, while the levels of B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) were decreased with PQ treatment. PQ treatment led to a reduction of H-Ras expression levels in liver cancer cells, thus reducing their abnormal proliferation. Furthermore, it led to increased expression levels of Peroxiredoxin VI, which regulates the redox signal in cells. CONCLUSION: Taken together these results provide a new functional significance for the role of PQ in treating HepG2G12V liver cancer.

ZMYND8 expression combined with pN and pM classification as a novel prognostic prediction model for colorectal cancer: Based on TCGA and GEO database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Zinc finger MYND (Myeloid, Nervy and DEAF-1)-type containing 8 (ZMYND8) is closely correlated with tumor proliferation and invasiveness. However, its prognostic value has not been estimated in colorectal cancer (CRC). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to elucidate the prognostic significance of ZMYND8 expression and the pN and pM classification supplemented by its expression in CRCs. METHODS: The candidate gene ZMYND8 is identified by TCGA database and GEO database, and then we retrospectively evaluated the status and prognostic significance of ZMYND8 expression of 174 patients with CRC. RESULTS: Online data showed high expression of ZMYND8 is closely correlated with worse overall survival. Our study revealed high expression of ZMYND8 in CRC patients was significantly associated with worse overall and disease-free survival (P< 0.05), and was an independently adverse prognostic factor for overall survival (P< 0.001) and disease-free survival (P= 0.001) by univariate and multivariate analysis. C-index to combined prognostic model containing the pN, pM classification supplemented by the status of ZMYND8 expression showed improved predictive ability comparing with the pN and pM classification model (C-index of 0.597 vs. 0.545, respectively). CONCLUSION: The combined prognostic model could improve the ability to determine the clinical outcome of patients with CRC.

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Essential Oil from Rhynchanthus beesianus Rhizome.

Rhynchanthus beesianus W. W. Smith, an edible, medicinal, and ornamental plant, is mainly cultivated in China and Myanmar. The essential oil (EO) from R. beesianus rhizome has been used as an aromatic stomachic in China. The chemical composition and biological activities of EO from R. beesianus rhizome were reported for the first time. Based on gas chromatography with flame ionization or mass selective detection (GC-FID/MS) results, the major constituents of EO were 1,8-cineole (47.6%), borneol (15.0%), methyleugenol (11.2%), and bornyl formate (7.6%). For bioactivities, EO showed a significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris with the diameter of the inhibition zone (DIZ) (8.66-10.56 mm), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (3.13-6.25 mg/mL), and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) (6.25-12.5 mg/mL). Moreover, EO (128 µg/mL) significantly inhibited the production of proinflammatory mediators nitric oxide (NO) (92.73 ± 1.50%) and cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (20.29 ± 0.17%) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (61.08 ± 0.13%) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages without any cytotoxic effect. Moreover, EO exhibited significant acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity (the concentration of the sample that affords a 50% inhibition in the assay (IC50) = 1.03 ± 0.18 mg/mL) and moderate α-glucosidase inhibition effect (IC50 = 11.60 ± 0.25 mg/mL). Thus, the EO could be regarded as a bioactive natural product and has a high exploitation potential in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Genome-wide effects of social status on DNA methylation in the brain of a cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni.

BACKGROUND: Successful social behavior requires real-time integration of information about the environment, internal physiology, and past experience. The molecular substrates of this integration are poorly understood, but likely modulate neural plasticity and gene regulation. In the cichlid fish species Astatotilapia burtoni, male social status can shift rapidly depending on the environment, causing fast behavioral modifications and a cascade of changes in gene transcription, the brain, and the reproductive system. These changes can be permanent but are also reversible, implying the involvement of a robust but flexible mechanism that regulates plasticity based on internal and external conditions. One candidate mechanism is DNA methylation, which has been linked to social behavior in many species, including A. burtoni. But, the extent of its effects after A. burtoni social change were previously unknown. RESULTS: We performed the first genome-wide search for DNA methylation patterns associated with social status in the brains of male A. burtoni, identifying hundreds of Differentially Methylated genomic Regions (DMRs) in dominant versus non-dominant fish. Most DMRs were inside genes supporting neural development, synapse function, and other processes relevant to neural plasticity, and DMRs could affect gene expression in multiple ways. DMR genes were more likely to be transcription factors, have a duplicate elsewhere in the genome, have an anti-sense lncRNA, and have more splice variants than other genes. Dozens of genes had multiple DMRs that were often seemingly positioned to regulate specific splice variants. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed genome-wide effects of A. burtoni social status on DNA methylation in the brain and strongly suggest a role for methylation in modulating plasticity across multiple biological levels. They also suggest many novel hypotheses to address in mechanistic follow-up studies, and will be a rich resource for identifying the relationships between behavioral, neural, and transcriptional plasticity in the context of social status.

Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Oil: A Comprehensive Review of Chemical Composition, Extraction Technologies, Health Benefits, and Current Applications.

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) oil has been receiving increasing attention due to its nutritional and functional potentials. However, its application as a novel food ingredient has not yet been fully explored. This review summarizes the chemical composition, extraction technologies, potential health benefits, and current applications of krill oil, with the aim of providing suggestions for its exploitation. Krill oil is a unique lipid consisting of diverse lipid classes and is characterized by a high concentration (39.29% to 80.69%) of phospholipids (PLs) associated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It also contains considerable amounts of bioactive minor components such as astaxanthin, sterols, tocopherols, vitamin A, flavonoids, and minerals. The current technologies used in krill oil production are solvent extraction, nonsolvent extraction, super/subcritical fluid extraction, and enzyme-assisted pretreatment extraction, which all greatly influence the yield and quality of the end-product. In addition, krill oil has been documented to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, women's health, neuroprotection, and anticancer activities. Although krill oil products used for dietary supplements have been commercially available, few studies have attempted to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms to elucidate how exactly the krill oil exerts different biological activities. Further studies should focus on this to improve the development of krill oil products for human consumption.

Effect of Xanthan Gum/Soybean Fiber Ratio in the Batter on Oil Absorption and Quality Attributes of Fried Breaded Fish Nuggets.

Xanthan gum (XG) and soybean fiber (SF) at varying ratios were incorporated into the batter to inhibit oil absorption in fried battered and breaded fish nuggets (BBFNs). BBFNs were prepared with 1.2% XG and SF blends (at ratios 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 w/w), fried at 170 °C (40 s) followed by 190 °C (30 s), then evaluated for pickup, oil absorption, textural characteristics, and other quality attributes. Compared with the control (without the addition of XG and SF), fried BBFNs prepared with XD and SF had a significantly reduced fat content (P < 0.05). Among all the treatments, fried BBFNs with a 1:2 w/w ratio of XG and SF had the lowest fat content in the crust and the core (16.2% and 0.6%, respectively) and the highest moisture content. When compared with other treatments, the 1:2 w/w treatment group displayed a more intense golden yellow color, higher crispness, lower hardness, and a more compact structure in the crust, a greater elasticity and chewiness of the core, and the least oil penetration. The results proved that the combined addition of XG and SF in the batter can effectively inhibit oil absorption, which may be used to guide the production of low-fat fried BBFNs. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study clearly showed that the combined addition of XG and SF at different ratios in the batter significantly affected fat content and quality attributes of fried BBFNs. The inhibition of oil absorption and improvement of color and textural characteristics in fried BBFNs depended on the XG/SF ratio added to the batter, and a 1:2 w/w ratio was found to produce the maximum enhancement.

[Newly records of medicinal species in Jiangxi].

Seven species were reported as new records of Jiangxi province, which collected from Wugongshan region, including Huperzia kunmingensis(Lycopodiaceae), Hydrangea mangshanensis(Saxifragaceae), Itea glutinosa(Saxifragaceae), Stellaria monosperma var. japonica(Lycopodiaceae), Youngia pratti(Compositae), and Calanthe henryi(Orchidaceae), Collabium formosanum(Orchidaceae). Among these species, H. kunmingensis, H. mangshanensis, I. glutinosa, Y. pratti and C. henryi are endemic in China. C. henryi is stenotopic distribution in China and regarded as vulnerable endangered plant by IUCN. The report is of great significance to the plant diversity and floristic composition in Jiangxi. All the specimens examined are preserved in Jishou University (JIU) and Sun yat-sen University (SYS).