Ginseng-DF ameliorates intestinal mucosal barrier injury and enhances immunity in immunosuppressed mice by regulating MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways.

PURPOSE: Dietary fiber (DF) has a good application prospect in effectively restoring the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Ginseng-DF has good physicochemical properties and physiological activity and shows positive effects in enhancing immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Ginseng-DF on intestinal mucosal barrier injury induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in immunosuppressed mice and its possible mechanism. METHODS: The effects of Gginseng-DF on immune function in mice were studied by delayed-type hypersensitivy, lymphocyte proliferation assay and NK cytotoxicity assay, the T lymphocyte differentiation and intestinal barrier integrity were analyzed by flow cytometry and western blot. RESULTS: Ginseng-DF (2.5% and 5%) could attenuate the inhibition of DTH response by CTX, promote the transformation and proliferation of lymphocytes, and stimulate NK effector cell activity. At the same time, Ginseng-DF could restore the proportion of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes induced by CTX to different extents, improved spleen tissue damage, promoted the secretion of immunoglobulin IgG, and enhanced body immunity. More importantly, Ginseng-DF could up-regulate the contents of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-1ß in serum and intestine of immunosuppressed mice to maintain the balance between Th1/Th2 cytokines, and improve the permeability of intestinal mucosal barrier. Meanwhile, Ginseng-DF could reduce intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and improve intestinal adaptive immunity in CTX-induced immunosuppressed mice by regulating MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Ginseng-DF can be used as a safe dietary supplement to enhance body immunity and reduce intestinal mucosal injury caused by CTX.

Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis reveals new biomarkers and mechanistic insights on atrazine exposures in MCF­7 cells.

Atrazine (ATZ) is a widely used herbicide worldwide and is a long-suspected endocrine-disrupting chemical. However, most endocrine-disrupting toxicity studies on ATZ have been based on animal models and those investigating inner mechanisms have only focused on a few genes. Therefore, the possible link between ATZ and endocrine-disrupting toxicity is still unclear. In this study, multi-omics and molecular biology techniques were used to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of ATZ exposure on MCF-7 proliferation at environmentally relevant concentrations. Our study is the first report on ATZ-induced one carbon pool by folate metabolic disorder in MCF-7 cells. A concentration of 1 µM ATZ yielded the highest cell viability and was selected for further mechanistic studies. A total of 34 significantly changed metabolites were identified based on metabolomic analysis, including vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, and corresponding derivatives. Folate and pyridoxal have potential as biomarkers of ATZ exposure. One carbon pool by folate metabolic pathway was identified based on metabolic pathway analysis of the significantly altered pathways. Moreover, FTCD and MTHFD related to this pathway were further identified based on transcriptomic analysis and protein assays. Folate and different forms of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate, which participate in purine synthesis and associate with methyl groups (SOPC, arachidonic acid, and L-tryptophan) in one carbon pool by the folate metabolic pathway, potentially promote MCF-7 cell proliferation. These findings on the key metabolites and regulation of the related differentially expressed genes in folate metabolism will shed light on the mechanism of MCF-7 cell proliferation after ATZ exposure. Overall, this study provides new insights into the mechanistic understanding of toxicity caused by endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

[Quality assessment of different forms of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum based on content of free amino acids].

In this study, we analyzed the composition and content of 25 free amino acids in 32 batches of different forms of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum(CCP; one-branched, two-branched, and three-branched) from 15 producing areas. The clustering analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were performed based on the content of 25 free amino acids. Potential differential metabolites were identified based on VIP value. The results showed that there were 25 free amino acids in CCP, and the average content of essential, non-essential, and total amino acids was 6.13, 32.99, and 39.12 mg·g~(-1), respectively. The clustering analysis and OPLS-DA demonstrated that 25 free amino acids had different content among the three forms of CCP, of which two-branched CCP samples were separately gathered into a group. Five differential components, including glutamic acid, tryptophan, ornithine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and hydroxylysine, were screened out as potential quality markers for the identification of different forms of CCP. This study provides a theoretical basis for the quality evaluation, processing, and utilization of different forms of CCP.

[Detection of chondroitin sulfate in Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum and Cervi Cornu of different specifications and its application in quality evaluation].

The present study comprehensively compared the content of chondroitin sulfate in Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum(CCP) and Cervi Cornu(CC) of different specifications and explored the feasibility of chondroitin sulfate as an indicator to distinguish between CCP and CC. Twenty-two batches of CCP of different specifications(two-branched velvet antler and three-branched velvet antler) from 15 habitats, CC from 6 habitats, and 60 batches of CCP slices prepared from different parts(wax slices, powder slices, gauze slices, and bone slices) were collected. High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to determine chondroitin sulfate content in CCP and CC of different specifications. Cluster analysis was used to classify CCP slices of different specifications. The results showed that CCP contained abundant chondroitin sulfate. The average content of chondroitin sulfate was 2.35 mg·g~(-1) in two-branched velvet antler and 1.79 mg·g~(-1) in three-branched velvet antler, significantly higher than 0.11 mg·g~(-1) in CC. Chondroitin sulfate content in wax slices, powder slices, gauze slices, and bone slices were 7.81, 8.39, 1.33, and 0.54 mg·g~(-1), respectively. Cluster analysis showed that gauze slices and bone slices could be clustered into one category and distinguished from wax slices and powder slices. CCP slices prepared from different parts could be separated well through chondroitin sulfate content. Based on the five principles of Q-marker selection, chondroitin sulfate can be used as a potential Q-marker for the identification of CCP and CC, as well as a potential quality indicator for CCP slices of different specifications(wax slices, powder slices, gauze slices, and bone slices). This research provides data support for CCP quality evaluation.

[Simultaneous determination of 13 hormones in Testis et Penis Cervi using QuEChERS-ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

A reliable QuEChERS-ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) analysis method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 13 steroid hormones(nrolone, androstenedione, methyltestosterone, testosterone, norethindrone, medroxyprogesterone, progesterone, diethylstilbestrol, hexan-stilbestrol, estradiol, estrotriol, cortisone, hydrocortisone) in Testis et Penis Cervi. The samples were extracted with methanol and purified by QuEChERS. Subsequently, the samples were separated by ACQUITY BEH C_(18) column and detected in the multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) mode under electrospray ionization in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Significant differences in the content of thirteen steroid hormones in Testis et Penis Cervi between the sika deer at different periods and the red deer were observed. The content of testosterone(10.88 µg·kg~(-1)) and hydrocortisone(12.82 µg·kg~(-1)) in Testis et Penis Cervi derived from rutting sika deer was significantly higher than the content of testosterone(1.05 µg·kg~(-1)) and hydrocortisone(0.73 µg·kg~(-1)) from antler growth stage. The content of progesterone in Testis et Penis Cervi derived from red deer was 6.07 µg·kg~(-1), significantly higher than that from sika deer. The content of progesterone in the testicle of red deer reached 27.46 µg·kg~(-1), 4.5 times greater than that in the penis of red deer. The sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of the method can meet the detection requirements, and the developed method is suitable for the measurement of hormones in animal-derived food.

Levels, Toxic Effects, and Risk Assessment of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Foods: A Review.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are naturally occurring secondary metabolites of plants. To date, more than 660 types of PAs have been identified from an estimated 6000 plants, and approximately 120 of these PAs are hepatotoxic. As a result of PAs being found in spices, herbal teas, honey, and milk, PAs are considered contaminants in foods, posing a potential risk to human health. Here, we summarize the chemical structure, toxic effects, levels, and regulation of PAs in different countries to provide a better understanding of their toxicity and risk assessment. With recent research on the risk assessment of PAs, this review also discusses the challenges facing this field, aiming to provide a scientific basis for PA toxicity research and safety assessment.

Uptake and accumulation of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in a soil-ginseng system and toxicological mechanisms on ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer).

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is regarded as a priority environmental pollutant. This study explored the adsorption and accumulation of DEHP within the ginseng-soil system and the mechanism of DEHP toxicity to ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer). Under exposure to 22.10 mg/kg DEHP in soil, DEHP mainly accumulated in ginseng leaves (20.28 mg/kg), stems (4.84 mg/kg) and roots (2.00 mg/kg) after 42 days. The oxidative damage, metabolism, protein express of ginseng were comprehensively measured and analyzed. The results revealed that MDA presented an activation trend in ginseng stems and leaves after 42 days of DEHP exposure, while the opposite trend was observed for POD. Levels of ginsenoside metabolites Rg2, Rg3, Rg5, Rd, Rf and CK decreased in the ginseng rhizosphere exudates under DEHP stress. Further investigations revealed that DEHP disrupts ginsenoside synthesis by inducing glycosyltransferase (GS) and squalene synthase (SS) protein interactions. Molecular docking indicated that DEHP could stably bind to GS and SS by intermolecular forces. These findings provide new information on the ecotoxicological effect of DEHP on ginseng root.

Multi-omics reveals the molecular mechanism of the combined toxic effects of PFOA and 4-HBP exposure in MCF-7 cells and the key player: mTORC1.

With the discovery of evidence that many endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment influence human health, their toxic effects and mechanisms have become a hot topic of research. However, investigations into their endocrine-disrupting toxicity under combined binary exposure, especially the molecular mechanism of combined effects, have rarely been documented. In this study, two typical EDCs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP), were selected to examine their combined effects and molecular mechanism on MCF-7 cell proliferation at environmentally relevant exposure concentrations. We have successfully established a model to evaluate the binary combined toxic effects of endocrine disruptors, presenting combined effects in a simple and direct way. Results indicated that the combined effect changed from additive to synergistic from 1.25 × 10-8 M to 4 × 10-7 M. Metabolomics analyses suggested that exposure to PFOA and 4-HBP caused significant alterations in purine metabolism, arginine, and proline metabolism and had superimposed influences on metabolism. Enhanced combined effects were observed in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolic pathways compared to exposure to PFOS and 4-HBP alone. Additionally, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are primarily involved in Biological Processes, especially protein targeting the endoplasmic reticulum, and significantly impact the oxidative phosphorylation and thermogenesis-related KEGG pathway. By integrating metabolome and transcriptome analyses, PFOA and 4-HBP regulate purine metabolism, the TCA cycle, and endoplasmic reticulum protein synthesis in MCF-7 cells via mTORC1, which provides genetic material, protein, and energy for cell proliferation. Furthermore, molecular docking confirmed the ability of PFOA and 4-HBP to stably bind the estrogen receptor, indicating that they have different binding pockets. Collectively, these findings will offer new insights into understanding the mechanisms by which EDCs produce combined toxicity.

Multiomics reveals new biomarkers and mechanistic insights into the combined toxicity effects of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl and atrazine exposures in MCF-7 cells.

Humans are constantly exposed to complicated chemical mixtures from the environment and food rather than being exposed to a single pollutant. The underlying mechanisms of the complicated combined toxicity of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are still mainly unexplored. In this study, two representative EDCs, 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) and atrazine (ATZ), were selected to explore their combined effects on MCF-7 cell proliferation at environmental exposure concentrations by an integrated analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics. The results showed that 1 µM ATZ and PCB153 combined exposure significantly accelerated MCF-7 cell growth by 18.2%. More than 400 metabolites detected by UHPLC-QTOF/MS were used to observe metabolism differences induced by binary mixtures. Metabolomics analysis verified that ATZ and PCB153 exposure alone or in combination could have an additive effect on metabolism and induce significant disruption to glycolysis, purine metabolism and the TCA cycle, which provide energy demand and biosynthetic substrates for cell proliferation. Compared to PCB153 and ATZ exposure alone, a combined effect was observed in purine and pyrimidine metabolic pathways. Hexokinase 3 (HK3) and cytochrome P450 19 subfamily A1 (CYP19A1) were identified as differentially expressed genes based on transcriptomic analysis. By integrating metabolome and transcriptome analysis, the proliferation effects of ATZ and PCB153 were induced at low doses in MCF-7 cells through potential interference with the downstream transcription signaling of CYP19A1. Furthermore, molecular docking indicated that PCB153 and ATZ directly affected CYP19A1. Altogether, the regulation of pivotal metabolites and differentially expressed genes could provide helpful information to reveal the mechanism by which PCB153 and ATZ affect MCF-7 cell proliferation.

American ginseng with different processing methods ameliorate immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide in mice via the MAPK signaling pathways.

This study aimed to clarify the effects of two processed forms of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) on immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in mice. In the CTX-induced immunosuppressive model, mice were given either steamed American ginseng (American ginseng red, AGR) or raw American ginseng (American ginseng soft branch, AGS) by intragastric administration. Serum and spleen tissues were collected, and the pathological changes in mice spleens were observed by conventional HE staining. The expression levels of cytokines were detected by ELISA, and the apoptosis of splenic cells was determined by western blotting. The results showed that AGR and AGS could relieve CTX-induced immunosuppression through the enhanced immune organ index, improved cell-mediated immune response, increased serum levels of cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2) and immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM), as well as macrophage activities including carbon clearance and phagocytic index. AGR and AGS downregulated the expression of BAX and elevated the expression of Bcl-2, p-P38, p-JNK, and p-ERK in the spleens of CTX-injected animals. Compared to AGS, AGR significantly improved the number of CD4+CD8-T lymphocytes, the spleen index, and serum levels of IgA, IgG, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. The expression of the ERK/MAPK pathway was markedly increased. These findings support the hypothesis that AGR and AGS are effective immunomodulatory agents capable of preventing immune system hypofunction. Future research may investigate the exact mechanism to rule out any unforeseen effects of AGR and AGS.

Transformation Mechanism of Rare Ginsenosides in American Ginseng by Different Processing Methods and Antitumour Effects.

The mechanism by which ginsenosides from Panax quinquefolium L. transform into rare saponins by different processing methods and their antitumour effects have yet to be fully elucidated. Our study aimed to detect the effect of amino acids and processing methods on the conversion of ginsenosides in American ginseng to rare ginsenosides, using 8 monomeric ginsenosides as substrates to discuss the reaction pathway and mechanism. S180 tumour-bearing mice were established to study the antitumour effects of American ginseng total saponins (AGS-Q) or American ginseng total saponins after transformation (AGS-H) synergistic CTX. The results showed that aspartic acid was the best catalyst, and the thermal extraction method had the best effect. Under the optimal conditions, including a reaction temperature of 110°C, an aspartic acid concentration of 5%, a reaction time of 2.5 h and a liquid-solid ratio of 30 mL/g, the highest conversion of Rk1 and Rg5 was 6.58 ± 0.11 mg/g and 3.74 ± 0.05 mg/g, respectively. In the reaction pathway, the diol group saponins participated in the transformation process, and the triol group saponins basically did not participate in the transformation process. AGS-Q or AGS-H synergistic CTX, or AGS-H synergistic CTX/2 could significantly increase the tumour inhibition rate, spleen index and white blood cell count, had a significant upregulation effect on IL-2 and IL-10 immune cytokines; significantly restored the ratio of CD4+/CD8+; and significantly inhibited the level of CD4+CD25+. AGS-Q or AGS-H synergistic with CTX or CTX/2 can significantly upregulate the expression of Bax and cleaved-Caspase-3 and inhibit the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. AGS synergistic CTX in the treatment of S180 tumour-bearing mice can improve the efficacy and reduce toxicity.

Sediment formation and analysis of the main chemical components of aqueous extracts from different parts of ginseng roots.

Sediment is a key issue in the production and marketing of plant beverages, as is ginseng beverages. The formation of sediment in ginseng beverages is a gradual process. This work describes the formation of sediment from different parts of ginseng and describes the color and clarity of the liquid and the amount and morphology of the sediment. The results showed there are significant differences in the sediment formation speed, morphology and transmittance for the aqueous extracts prepared from different parts of ginseng. The amounts of sediment generated from the different parts of ginseng is as follows: main root > rhizome > fibrous root. Free amino acids, Ba, Ca, Ni, and Sr concentrations are significantly and positively correlated with the transmittance. The total saponins, Al, Fe, and Mn concentrations are significantly and negatively correlated with the transmittance. There are obvious crystals and more Ca in the fibrous root sediment. We analyzed and compared the chemical components in the sediment and extract. The results show that the main components of the sediment are carbohydrates and protein. According to the partition coefficient the contents of protein, ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rf) and some ions (Al, Fe, Ca, and Na) contribute more to the formation of the sediment than the other investigated components.

A comprehensive analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics reveals new biomarkers and mechanistic insights on DEHP exposures in MCF-7 cells.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most important environmental pollutants and affects multiple pathways upon human exposure. DEHP could induce MCF-7 cell proliferation at a very low dose; however, the possible linkage between DEHP and the cell proliferation effect is still unclear. Here, we carried out a comprehensive metabolome and transcriptome analysis to depict the possible molecular mechanisms of the effect of DEHP exposure on MCF-7 proliferation. In this paper, MCF-7 cells treated with DEHP at a dose of 1 µM for 48 h were selected for metabolome and transcriptome analysis. Untargeted and targeted metabolomics identified 8 differential metabolites, including amino acids, purine, pyrimidine and nucleotides. The metabolite changes were associated with 9 metabolic pathways. Disorders in riboflavin, histidine, beta-alanine metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism caused by DEHP exposure are important concerns for MCF-7 proliferation. Moreover, a transcriptomics study of the MCF-7 cells found a total of 500 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). KEGG enrichment analyses showed that pathways in cancer had stronger responses. The results of integrated analysis of the interactions between the DEGs and metabolites revealed significant changes in the purine metabolism pathway, which will shed light on the mechanism of MCF-7 cell proliferation after DEHP exposure. Overall, this study depicts the possible contribution of DEHP exposure to MCF-7 cell proliferation and highlights the power of omics platforms to deepen the mechanistic understanding of toxicity caused by endocrine disrupting chemicals.