Chlorine-containing polyacetoxybriarane diterpenoids from the octocoral Junceella fragilis.

The chemical screening of an octocoral identifed as Junceella fragilis has led to the isolation of five chlorinated briarane-type diterpenoids, including three known metabolites, gemmacolide X (1), frajunolide I (2), and fragilide F (3), along with two new analogs, 12α-acetoxyfragilide F (4) and 12α-acetoxyjunceellin (5). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to determine the absolute configurations of 1 and 2, while the structures of new compounds 4 and 5 were ascertained with 2D NMR experiments. Briaranes 1 and 3-5 were active in enhancing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity.

Synthesis of Flavonols and Assessment of Their Biological Activity as Anticancer Agents.

A series of flavanols were synthesized to assess their biological activity against human non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549). Among the sixteen synthesized compounds, it was observed that compounds 6k (3.14 ± 0.29 µM) and 6l (0.46 ± 0.02 µM) exhibited higher potency compared to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu, 4.98 ± 0.41 µM), a clinical anticancer drug which was used as a positive control. Moreover, compound 6l (4'-bromoflavonol) markedly induced apoptosis of A549 cells through the mitochondrial- and caspase-3-dependent pathways. Consequently, compound 6l might be developed as a candidate for treating or preventing lung cancer.

Synthesis of 2-(pyridylvinyl)chromen-4-ones and their N-oxide analogs for assessment of their biological activities as anticancer agents.

2-Styrylchromones have been shown to possess a broad spectrum of biological activities. Replacing the carbon atom in 2-styrylchromones with a nitrogen atom in the benzene rings forms 2-(pyridylvinyl)chromen-4-ones (aza-2-styrylchromones). We have synthesized a series of novel 2-(pyridylvinyl)chromen-4-ones and their pyridine N-oxides to evaluate them as potential anticancer agents against human non-small-cell lung cancer cells (A549). Among the 18 synthesized molecules, compounds 18 and 8a exhibited comparable inhibitory effects to 5-fluorouracil and showed no toxicity against normal cells.

Anti-inflammatory effect of euphane- and tirucallane-type triterpenes isolated from the traditional herb Euphorbia neriifolia L.

The Euphorbiaceae plant Euphorbia neriifolia L. is distributed widely in India, Thailand, Southeastern China, and Taiwan and used as a carminative and expectorant to treat several inflammation-related diseases, such as gonorrhoea, asthma, and cancer. In the course of our search for potential anti-inflammatory agents from the titled plant, 11 triterpenes from the stem of E. neriifolia were isolated and reported in our previous endeavor. Given its rich abundance in triterpenoids, the ethanolic extract in this follow-up exploration has led to the isolation of additional eight triterpenes, including six new euphanes-neritriterpenols H and J-N (1 and 3-7)-one new tirucallane, neritriterpenol I (2), and a known compound, 11-oxo-kansenonol (8). Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, including 1D- and 2D NMR, and HRESIMS spectra. The absolute stereochemistry of neritriterpenols was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, ICD spectra, and DP4+ NMR data calculations. Compounds 1-8 were also evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated IL-6 and TNF-α on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Intriguingly, the euphane-type triterpenes (1 and 3-8) showed an inhibitory effect on LPS-induced IL-6 but not on TNF-α, while tirucallane-type triterpene 2 showed strong inhibition on both IL-6 and TNF-α.

Hypericum sampsonii exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in a lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis mouse model.

Background and aim: Sepsis causes an uncontrolled systemic response characterized by excessive inflammation and immune suppression, leading to multiple organ failure and death. An effective therapeutic strategy for sepsis-related syndromes is urgently needed. Hypericum sampsonii Hance (HS) is a folk herbal plant used to treat arthritis and dermatitis, but the anti-inflammatory properties of HS and its related compounds have rarely been investigated. In this study, we aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of HS. Experimental procedure: Models of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activated macrophages and endotoxemia mice were used, in which the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway is upregulated to trigger inflammatory responses. The HS extract (HSE) was delivered into LPS-induced endotoxemia mice via oral administration. Three compounds were purified using column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography and were validated by physical and spectroscopic data. Results: HSE suppressed NF-κB activation and proinflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, oral administration of HSE (200 mg/kg) to LPS-treated mice improved the survival rate, restored body temperature, decreased TNF-α and IL-6 in serum, and reduced IL-6 expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In lung tissues, HSE reduced LPS-induced leukocyte infiltration and the expression of proinflammatory molecules (TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, CCL4 and CCL5). Three pure compounds isolated from HSE, including 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzophenone-4-O-geranyl ether, 1-hydroxy-7 methoxyxanthone and euxanthone, were demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory activities in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of HS in vitro and in vivo. Further clinical studies of HS in human sepsis are warranted.

Suppression of TGFß-Induced Interleukin-6 Secretion by Sinulariolide from Soft Corals through Attenuation of the p38-NF-kB Pathway in Carcinoma Cells.

Sinulariolide (SC-1) is a natural product extracted from the cultured-type soft coral Sinularia flexibilis and possesses anti-inflammation, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory in several types of cancer cells. However, the molecular pathway behind its effects on inflammation remains poorly understood. Since inflammatory cytokines such as TGFß, TNFα, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8 activate transcription factors such as Smads, NF-κB, STAT3, Snail, Twist, and Zeb that drive the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in this study, we focus on the investigation in effects of SC-1 on TGFß-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) releases in an in vitro cell culture model. We showed that both intracellular IL-6 expression and secretion were stimulated by TGFß and associated with strong upregulation of IL-6 mRNA and increased transcription in A549 cells. SC-1 blocked TGFß-induced secretion of IL-6 while showing no effect on the induction of fibronectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 genes, indicating that SC-1 interferes with only a subset of TGFß activities. In addition, SC-1 inhibits TGFß-induced IL-6 by suppressing p38 MAPK signaling and subsequently inhibits NF-κB and its nuclear translocation without affecting the canonical Smad pathway and receptor turnover. Overall, these data suggest that p38 may involve in the inhibition of SC-1 in IL-6 release, thus illustrating an inhibitory effect for SC-1 in the suppression of inflammation, EMT phenotype, and tumorigenesis.

Secondary Metabolites with Antifungal Activities from Mangrove Derived Fungus Monascus purpureus WMD2424.

The mold Monascus, also called red yeast rice, anka, or koji, has been used as the natural food coloring agent and food additives for more than 1000 years in Asian countries. It has also been used in Chinese herbology and traditional Chinese medicine due to its easing digestion and antiseptic effects. However, under different culture conditions, the ingredients in Monascus-fermented products may be changed. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the ingredients, as well as the bioactivities of Monascus-derived natural products, is important. Here, through the thorough investigation into the chemical constituents of M. purpureus wmd2424, five previously undescribed compounds, monascuspurins A-E (1-5), were isolated from the EtOAc extract of mangrove-derived fungus Monascus purpureus wmd2424 cultured in RGY medium. All the constituents were confirmed via HRESIMS and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Their antifungal activity was also evaluated. Our results showed that four constituents (compounds 3-5) possessed mild antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium italicum, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is worth mentioning that the chemical composition of the type strain Monascus purpureus wmd2424 has never been studied.

New Triterpenoids and Anti-Inflammatory Constituents from Glinus oppositifolius.

Three new triterpenoids-spergulagenin B (1), spergulagenin C (2), and spergulagenin D (3)-were isolated from the aerial part of Glinus oppositifolius, along with 17 known compounds (4-20). The structures of these new compounds were identified by spectroscopic and MS analyses. Compounds 3, 5, 19, and 20 were evaluated for inhibition of nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 17.03, 18.21, 16.30, and 12.64 µM, respectively. Compounds 3, 5, and 20 exhibited inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 18.35 ± 1.34, 17.56 ± 1.41, and 14.27 ± 1.29 µM, respectively.

Briavioids E-G, Newly Isolated Briarane-Diterpenoids from a Cultured Octocoral Briareum violaceum.

The chemical screening of a cultured soft coral, Briareum violaceum, led to the isolation of eight natural, briarane-related diterpenoids, including three unreported metabolites, briavioids E-G (1-3), and five known briaranes, briacavatolides B (4) and C (5), briaexcavatin L (6), briaexcavatolide U (7) and briarenol K (8). The structures of briaranes 1-8 were established using spectroscopic methods. The absolute configuration of briavioid A (9), obtained in a previous study, was reported for the first time in this study by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using a copper radiation source. The anti-inflammatory activity of briaranes 1 and 2 and briaranes 4-8 was evaluated by screening their inhibitory ability against the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.

Synthesis of selenophene-based chalcone analogs and assessment of their biological activity as anticancer agents.

Selenium is an essential micronutrient that is beneficial to human health. Selenium-containing drugs have been developed as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agents. However, the synthesis of selenium-containing chalcones has not been fully explored. Therefore, we report the synthesis of novel selenophene-based chalcone analogs and reveal their biological activities as anticancer agents. Among the seven synthesized molecules, compounds 6, 8, and 10 exhibited anticancer activity with IC50 values of 19.98 ± 3.38, 38.23 ± 3.30, and 46.95 ± 5.68 µM, respectively, against human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cells. Clonogenic assays and Western blot analysis tests further confirmed that compound 6 effectively induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells through mitochondrial- and caspase-3-dependent pathways.

Antifungal Activities of Compounds Produced by Newly Isolated Acrocarpospora Strains.

In our continued search for bioactive metabolites from cultures of rare Actinobacteria resources from all over Taiwan and various natural ecological environments, an active antimicrobial strain of Acrocarpospora punica 04107M was collected in Taitung County in Taiwan and prepared from soil. The bioassay-guided fractionation of the BuOH extract of a culture broth from A. punica 04107M led to the isolation of five previously undescribed compounds: Acrocarposporins A−E (Compounds 1−5). All the constituents were confirmed by HRESIMS and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Their antifungal activity was also evaluated. Our results showed that four constituents (Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5) possessed mild antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium italicum, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is worth mentioning that the chemical composition of Acrocarpospora punica 04107M has never been studied. This is the first report on diterpenoid metabolites from the genus Acrocarpospora.

Two new chromones and a new coumarin from the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson.

Two new chromones named cnidimol G (1) and cnidimol H (2), one new coumarin, 7-methoxy-8-(3-methoxy-3-methyl-2-oxobutyl)coumarin (3), and twenty known compounds were isolated from MeOH extract of the fruit of Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson. The structures of compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses including 1 D and 2 D NMR, HRESIMS, IR and UV. Anti-inflammatory activity of the selected isolated compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1 and 8 exhibited inhibitory activities against nitric oxide production.

Cryptocaryone induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis through Akt and c-Src signaling pathways.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, with the second highest mortality rate in all cancer. Energy reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer, and emerging evidence showed that targeting glycolysis is a promising strategy for HCC treatment. Cryptocaryone has been shown to display promising anti-cancer activity against numerous types of cancer. Previous study also indicated that cryptocaryone induces cytotoxicity by inhibiting glucose transport in cancer cells, but the detailed mechanism still needs to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the anti-cancer effect and glycolytic metabolism of cryptocaryone in human HCC cells. In this study, we found that cryptocaryone potently induced growth inhibition by apoptotic cell death in HCC cells. Cryptocaryone also suppressed the ATP synthesis, lactate production and glycolytic capacity of HCC cells. Mechanistic investigations showed that phosphorylation of Akt and c-Src, as well as the expression of HK1 were impeded by cryptocaryone. Moreover, cryptocaryone markedly increased the expression level of transcription factor FoxO1. Importantly, clinical database analysis confirmed the negative correlation between HK1 and FoxO1. High expression levels of HK-1 were positively correlated with poorer survival in patients with HCCs. These results suggest that cryptocaryone may promote cell apoptosis by inhibiting FoxO1-mediated aerobic glycolysis through Akt and c-Src signaling cascades in human HCC cells. This is the first study to indicate that cryptocaryone exerts anti-cancer property against human HCC cells. Cryptocaryone is a potential natural product worthy of further development into a promising candidate for HCC treatment.

Norsesquiterpenoids from the octocoral Paralemnalia thyrsoides (Ehrenberg 1834).

Three norsesquiterpenoids, pathyspirolactones A (1) and B (2), and napalilactone (3), featuring a γ-spirolactone moiety, were isolated from the cultured octocoral Paralemnalia thyrsoides. The structures of 1-3 were determined by analyzing spectroscopic data, DP4+ computation, specific optical rotation, and X-ray diffraction. In addition, we explored the absolute configurations of pathyspirolactone A (1) and its conformation of the cyclohexane ring to resolve the stereochemical confusion of those of norsesquiterpenoid compounds. Furthermore, we proved that pathyspirolactone B (2) was the first bromine-containing norsesquiterpenoid reported from octocorals.

SRT1720 as an SIRT1 activator for alleviating paraquat-induced models of Parkinson's disease.

Epidemiological studies have linked herbicides and Parkinson's disease (PD), with the strongest associations resulting from long exposure durations. Paraquat (PQ), an herbicide, induces PD-like syndromes and has widely been accepted as a PD mimetic. Currently, there is still no cure to prevent the progression of PD, and the search for effective therapeutic ways is urgent. Recently, the impairing activity of sirtuins (SIRTs), such as SIRT1, may correlate with PD etiology. However, the nonspecificity of SIRT1 agonists has made the protective mechanisms against PD unclear and hampered the therapeutic application of SIRT1. Thus, this study investigated the protective mechanism and therapeutic potential of SRT1720, a more specific agonist for SIRT1 synthesized by Sirtris, in alleviating the toxicity of PQ-induced cellular and animal models of PD. Here we show that SRT1720 alleviates PQ-induced toxicity in cell and animal models. Genetic silencing and pharmacological inhibition of SIRT1 attenuated SRT1720's protection against PQ-induced toxicity. Moreover, SRT1720 not only attenuated PQ-induced increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial free radical formations but also decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, SRT1720 reversed PQ-induced decreased PGC-1α levels and mitochondrial biogenesis. Although PQ and SRT1720 elevated NRF2 and antioxidative enzyme levels, only PQ decreased antioxidative enzyme activity but not SRT1720. NRF2 and PGC-1α silencing attenuated SRT1720 protection against PQ-induced toxicity. SRT1720 targeted SIRT1 and activated downstream PGC-1α and NRF2 signalings to prevent PQ-induced toxicity involving oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, SRT1720 might have therapeutic potential in preventing PD.

Antioxidant, Anti-α-Glucosidase, Antityrosinase, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Bioactive Components from Morus alba.

The root bark of Morus alba L. (Mori Cortex) is used to treat diuresis and diabetes in Chinese traditional medicine. We evaluated different solvent extracts and bioactive components from the root bark of Morus alba L. for their antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, antityrosinase, and anti-inflammatory activities. Acetone extract showed potent antioxidant activity, with SC50 values of 242.33 ± 15.78 and 129.28 ± 10.53 µg/mL in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, respectively. Acetone and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited the strongest anti-α-glucosidase activity, with IC50 values of 3.87 ± 1.95 and 5.80 ± 2.29 µg/mL, respectively. In the antityrosinase assay, the acetone extract showed excellent activity, with an IC50 value of 7.95 ± 1.54 µg/mL. In the anti-inflammatory test, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed significant anti-nitric oxide (NO) activity, with IC50 values of 10.81 ± 1.41 and 12.00 ± 1.32 µg/mL, respectively. The content of the active compounds in the solvent extracts was examined and compared by HPLC analysis. Six active compounds were isolated and evaluated for their antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, antityrosinase, and anti-inflammatory properties. Morin (1) and oxyresveratrol (3) exhibited effective antioxidant activities in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Additionally, oxyresveratrol (3) and kuwanon H (6) showed the highest antityrosinase and anti-α-glucosidase activities among all isolates. Morusin (2) demonstrated more significant anti-NO and anti-iNOS activities than the positive control, quercetin. Our study suggests that the active extracts and components from root bark of Morus alba should be further investigated as promising candidates for the treatment or prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases, hyperglycemia, and pigmentation disorders.

Correction: Chen et al. Secondary Metabolites with Anti-Inflammatory from the Roots of Cimicifuga taiwanensis. Molecules 2022, 27, 1657.

The authors wish to make the following changes to their paper [...].

Correction: Wu et al. Secondary Metabolites with Antimicrobial Activities from Chamaecyparisobtusa var. formosana. Molecules 2022, 27, 429.

The authors wish to make the following changes to their paper [...].

Human Platelet Lysate Induces Antiviral Responses against Parechovirus A3.

Human platelet lysate (hPL) contains abundant growth factors for inducing human cell proliferation and may be a suitable alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a culture medium supplement. However, the application of hPL in virological research remains blank. Parechovirus type-A3 (PeV-A3) belongs to Picornaviridae, which causes meningoencephalitis in infants and young children. To understand the suitability of hPL-cultured cells for PeV-A3 infection, the infection of PeV-A3 in both FBS- and hPL-cultured glioblastoma (GBM) cells were compared. Results showed reduced PeV-A3 infection in hPL-cultured cells compared with FBS-maintained cells. Mechanistic analysis revealed hPL stimulating type I interferon (IFN) antiviral pathway, through which phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT2, interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) were activated and antiviral genes, such as IFN-α, IFN-ß, and Myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA), were also detected. In addition, an enhanced PeV-A3 replication was detected in the hPL-cultured GBM cells treated with STAT-1 inhibitor (fludarabine) and STAT1 shRNA. These results in vitro suggested an unexpected effect of hPL-activated type I IFN pathway response to restrict virus replication and that hPL may be a potential antiviral bioreagent.

Bioactive Components from Ampelopsis japonica with Antioxidant, Anti-α-Glucosidase, and Antiacetylcholinesterase Activities.

The dried root of Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino (A. japonica.) is a traditional medicine used to treat fever, pain, and wound healing. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antityrosinase, and antimelanogenic activities. In this paper, we used different solvent extracts from the root of A. japonica to determine their antioxidant activity. Acetone extract showed relatively strong antioxidant properties by 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. In addition, these extracts also showed significant α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. Acetone extract significantly inhibited α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 8.30 ± 0.78 µg/mL, and ethanol extract remarkably inhibited AChE with an IC50 value of 37.08 ± 7.67 µg/mL. Using HPLC analysis and comparison with the chemical composition of various solvent extracts, we isolated seven active compounds and assessed their antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, and anti-AChE activities. Catechin (1), gallic acid (2), kaempferol (3), quercetin (4), resveratrol (6), and epicatechin (7) were the main antioxidant components in the root of A. japonica. According to the results of DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide radical scavenging assays, these isolates showed stronger antioxidant capacity than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Moreover, 1, 3, 4, euscaphic acid (5), 6, and 7 also expressed stronger anti-α-glucosidase activity than the positive control acarbose, and all the isolated compounds had a good inhibitory effect on AChE. Molecular docking models and hydrophilic interactive modes for AChE assays suggest that 1 and 5 exhibit unique anti-AChE potency. This study indicates that A. japonica and its active extracts and components may be a promising source of natural antioxidants, α-glucosidase, and AChE inhibitors.