Research progress of diosgenin extraction from Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright: Inspiration of novel method with environmental protection and efficient characteristics.

Diosgenin was the starting materials to synthesize various hormone drugs and mainly generated from Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright by acidolysis, enzymolysis, microbiological fermentation, and integrated manner. Only acidic hydrolysis with strong acid such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid was used in practice in diosgenin enterprises due to their feasibility and simplicity, nevertheless finally resulting in a great deal of unmanageable wastewater and severely polluted the surrounding environment. Aiming to provide a comprehensive and up-to date information of researches on diosgenin production from this plant, 151 cases were collected from scientific databases including Web of Science, Pubmed, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, and China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI). Their advantages and disadvantages with different production methods were analyzed based on these available data in this review paper. Considering the fact that nearly all of diosgenin enterprises were closed for the environmental protection and the life health of the people, this review paper was beneficial for providing useful guidelines to develop novel technologies with environmentally-friendly and cleaner features for diosgenin production or facilitate the transformation of other methods like enzymolysis, microbiological fermentation, or integrated methods from laboratory scale to industry scale.

Network pharmacology and experimental verification-based strategy to explore the underlying mechanism of Liu Jun An Wei formula in the treatment of gastrointestinal reactions caused by chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.

Background: Liu Jun An Wei formula (LJAW), derived from "Liu Jun Zi Decoction", is a classical prescription of Tradition Chinese Medicine and has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal reactions caused by chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) for many years. Its molecular mechanism remains to be further explored. Objective: To clarify the mechanism of LJAW in attenuating gastrointestinal reactions caused by chemotherapy for CRC. Methods: The 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induced mouse and intestine organoid models were established to observe the effect of LJAW. The ingredients of LJAW were analyzed and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology. Targets of LJAW and chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal reactions were collected from several databases. "Ingredient-target" network and protein-protein interaction network were constructed based on network pharmacology. Then, gene ontology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed. Subsequently, molecular docking method was used to verify the interaction between the core ingredients and key targets. The results were validated by both in vivo experiments and organoid experiments. Western Blot was used to analyze the influence of LJAW on key targets including PI3K, AKT1, MAPK1, MAPK14 proteins and their phosphorylated proteins. RT-qPCR and Western Blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis-related gene PUMA. Results: Compared with the 5-FU group, the LJAW group had better morphology in mouse small intestine and intestine organoids. In total, 18 core ingredients and 19 key targets were obtained from 97 ingredients and 169 common targets. KEGG analysis showed that the common targets were involved in PI3K/Akt, MAPK, apoptosis and other signal pathways, which are closely related to gastrointestinal injury. Experiments confirmed that LJAW lowered the expressions of phosphorylated proteins including p-PI3K, p-AKT1, p-MAPK1, and p-MAPK14 and reduced the mRNA and protein levels of PUMA. Conclusion: LJAW shows protective effect on 5-FU induced small intestine and intestinal organoids injury. LJAW attenuates gastrointestinal reactions caused by chemotherapy for CRC probably by regulating apoptosis-related genes through PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways.

Diosgenin revealed potential effect against cerebral ischemia reperfusion through HIKESHI/HSP70/NF-κB anti-inflammatory axis.

BACKGROUND: It is a research hotspot to use natural compounds in treatment of cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) for a refractory disease throughout the worldwide without available drugs or treatments at present. Our previous study has demonstrated that diosgenin (DIO), a starting material to synthesize various steroid anti-inflammatory drugs in medical industry, showed medicinal effect against I/R via inhibiting aberrant inflammatory reaction induced by I/R. However, the detailed anti-inflammatory network of DIO in treatment of I/R still remains to be further explored. PURPOSE: HIKESHI was firstly identified as a novel target of DIO used for I/R by rat brain proteomic analysis, and mechanistic efforts were focused based on this gene. Hopefully, extensive detailed molecular mechanisms of DIO against I/R was established and confirmed. METHODS: The effect of DIO against I/R was examined in vitro and in vivo, which cells (SH-SY5Y and PC12) and rats were experienced to ORD/RP and MCAO exposures, respectively, to establish I/R modes. Staining was used to evaluate the pathological procedure of DIO used for I/R. Protein changes including expression, interaction, and activity during DIO's anti-I/R effect were assessed with real time PCR, western blot, Co-IP, luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: In the current study, HIKESHI and HSP70 were both upregulated, when I/R cells and rats were treated with DIO in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DIO stimulated the binding of HIKESHI to HSP70 and facilitated the translocation of HSP70 into nucleus. Subsequently, HSP70 blunted the transcription activity of NF-κB after physical interaction with this transcription factor, and therefore led to the suppression of its downstream pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) release into surrounding I/R lesion area. Conversely, HIKESHI or HSP70 knockdowns attenuated the nuclear translocation and restraint on NF-κB-mediated inflammation, finally resulting in the abolishment of DIO-induced anti-I/R effect. NF-κB activation also relieved the inhibitory inflammation and reversed DIO's effect against I/R, suggesting that NF-κB was the downstream target of HIKESHI and HSP70 in I/R treatment with DIO. CONCLUSIONS: These findings established a novel HIKESHI/HSP70/NF-κB signaling pathway associated with DIO-treated I/R, which might be as therapeutic targets or drugs with potential implications for the therapeutic use of I/R in clinic.

New steroid saponins from Dioscorea zingiberensis yam and their medicinal use against I/R via anti-inflammatory effect.

Steroid saponins are the medicinal compounds and nutrition ingredients of medicine food  homology (MFH) Dioscorea zingiberensis C. H. Wright (D. zingiberensis) yam. Our phytochemical investigation of the edible rhizomes resulted in 9 new furostanol steroid saponins named dioscins A-I (1-9), together with 11 known steroid saponins. Their chemical structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical analyses. The new dioscins were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and beneficial effects against cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury on RAW264.7 and PC12 cells in vitro, respectively. Dioscins A, B, and G revealed considerable anti-I/R effect through an anti-inflammatory mechanism based on the decreasing concentration of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α and IL-6) and down-regulating the NF-κB expression. The present research demonstrated that daily consumption of this yam plant probably prevented the I/R occurrence via the anti-inflammatory property of steroid saponins, and it also enriched the steroid saponin library, providing the possibility to develop MFH-containing steroid saponins into functional foods for maintenance of human health or drugs for the treatment of I/R disease.

Development and evaluation of poly adenosine 5'-diphosphate-ribose polymerase 1 immobilization-based receptor chromatography.

Yanghe decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription and has been used for breast cancer treatment for many years. However, the effective ingredients in the decoction have not been identified. The expression of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 is highly related to breast cancer. Using poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 as a probe, we expressed the haloalkane dehalogenase-tagged protein in BL21(DE3) E. coli, immobilized it on hexachlorocaproic acid-modified macroporous silica gel, and established a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 chromatographic model. The feasibility of the model was verified by testing the retention behaviors of five drugs on the protein column. We applied the model in screening the bioactive components in yanghe decoction. Rutin, liquiritin, and a compound ([M-H]- 681.7) were identified to be the potential bioactive ingredients. We studied the binding property between rutin and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 by injection amount dependent method, competitive studies, and molecular docking. We found that rutin can bind to the protein through the typical inhibitor binding site of the protein. Therefore, the chromatographic model is a useful tool to screen bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine. The method is fast, reliable, and applicable to other functional proteins that can screen the potential lead compounds for the treatment of the related diseases.

Yin-yang effect of tumour cells in breast cancer: from mechanism of crosstalk between tumour-associated macrophages and cancer-associated adipocytes.

Currently, adipocytes and macrophages are considered to be key cell types of breast cancer (BC) tissues. With the emergence of crown-like structures (CLS), cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs) and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are formed respectively in tumor microenvironment (TME). Both of them affect the progress of breast cancer, while forming crosstalk in the tumour tissue. CAAs play an important role, which produces hypoxia and inflammation environment and aggravates this environment. The formation and secretion of TAMs with M2 phenotypic characteristics, such as HIF-1α, and TNF-α, affect the progress of cancer cells by interfering with the secretion of MCP-1 by CAAs. Therefore, the interaction between CAAs and TAMs may be an effective therapeutic target for breast cancer. In this review, we focus on the biological effects of two types of cells in breast cancer, in order to better explain the crosstalk between them and provide new ideas for the future treatment of breast cancer.

Total saponins of Bolbostemma paniculatum (maxim.) Franquet exert antitumor activity against MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells via inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of the Bolbostemma paniculatum (Maxim.) Franquet (BP) active compound, BP total saponins (BPTS), on MDA-MB-231 cells, and investigate the underlying mechanism regarding BPTS-mediated attenuation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. METHODS: The effect of BPTS on cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis and migration on MDA-MB-231 cells at three different concentrations was investigated. A CCK-8 assay, wound-healing assay and flow cytometry were used to demonstrate the effects of BPTS. Additionally, expression of the primary members of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was assessed using western blotting. To verify the underlying mechanisms, a PI3K inhibitor and an mTOR inhibitor were used. RESULTS: BPTS inhibited proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC50 value of 10 µg/mL at 48 h. BPTS inhibited migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, and the western blot results demonstrated that BPTS reduced p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR protein expression levels in MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, the results were confirmed using a PI3K inhibitor and an mTOR inhibitor. BPTS decreased proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells possibly through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the therapeutic potential of BPTS for treating patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

Phosphine-Catalyzed Activation of Alkylidenecyclopropanes: Rearrangement to Form Polysubstituted Furans and Dienones.

We report a phosphine-catalyzed ring opening of electron-deficient alkylidenecyclopropanes (ACPs) to generate allylic phosphonium zwitterions that resemble the well-studied phosphine-allene adducts but exhibit distinct properties. The potent reactivity of these intermediates has been demonstrated in three types of substrate-controlled phosphine-catalyzed rearrangements of alkylidenecyclopropylketones, which chemoselectively afford tri- and tetrasubstituted furans, and trisubstituted dienones in good yields.

Typhae pollen polysaccharides ameliorate diabetic retinal injury in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: According to ancient traditional Chinese medicine, Typhae Pollen (TP) is commonly used to treat fundus haemorrhage because it improves blood circulation. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study evaluated the role of the main TP component, polysaccharides (TPP), on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its possible mechanisms of inhibiting inflammation and improving blood circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After successful establishment of a diabetic rat model, TPP was administered to diabetic rats for treatment, and the rats were sacrificed at 12 weeks. Retinal electrophysiology and ultrastructures were observed, and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were also measured. Changes in the retinal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were examined by immunofluorescence. A mouse model of acute blood stasis was then established, and the effects of TPP on haemorheology were observed. The anti-inflammatory effect of TPP was analysed based on the changes in abdominal capillary permeability and the degree of auricle swelling in the mice. RESULTS: In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR rats, TPP (0.4 g/kg) treatment restored electrophysiology indexes and retinal ultrastructures, reduced serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels, decreased VEGF and bFGF expression in retinal tissues, and improved haemorheology indexes. Moreover, TPP reduced abdominal capillary permeability and relieved auricle swelling in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: TPP treatment ameliorated DR by inhibiting inflammation and improving blood circulation.

Protective effects of the Chinese herbal medicine prescription Zhujing pill on retina of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigate the protective effects of the Chinese herbal medicine prescription Zhujing pill (ZJP) on the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and explore the potential mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Zhujing pill extract (ZJPE) was prepared, and the main components were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Several serum and tissue (retina) parameters were measured, such as levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Aldose reductase (AR) activity and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown were determined. Finally, retinal electrophysiology and morphological changes were assayed. RESULTS: In STZ-induced DM rats, ZJPE treatment restored the body weight decrease. DM rats showed decreased levels of SOD and GSH-Px and increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, hsCRP, and MDA, whereas all these changes were significantly reversed by ZJPE administration. ZJPE alleviated BRB breakdown. Furthermore, ZJPE also alleviated the retinal electrophysiology changes and impaired morphology of the retina and lowered the high levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, ICAM-1, VEGF, AGEs, and AR in the retina. CONCLUSIONS: ZJPE treatment attenuated the progression of DR in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Catalyst-free synthesis of skipped dienes from phosphorus ylides, allylic carbonates, and aldehydes via a one-pot SN2' allylation-Wittig strategy.

A catalyst-free allylic alkylation of stabilized phosphorus ylides with allylic carbonates via a regioselective SN2' process is presented. Subsequent one-pot Wittig reaction with both aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes as well as ketenes provides structurally diverse skipped dienes (1,4-dienes) in generally high yields and moderate to excellent stereoselectivity with flexible substituent patterns. This one-pot SN2' allylation-Wittig strategy constitutes a convenient and efficient synthetic method for highly functionalized skipped dienes from readily available starting materials.

GIS approaches for the estimation of residential-level ambient PM concentrations.

Spatial estimations are increasingly used to estimate geocoded ambient particulate matter (PM) concentrations in epidemiologic studies because measures of daily PM concentrations are unavailable in most U.S. locations. This study was conducted to a) assess the feasibility of large-scale kriging estimations of daily residential-level ambient PM concentrations, b) perform and compare cross-validations of different kriging models, c) contrast three popular kriging approaches, and d) calculate SE of the kriging estimations. We used PM data for PM with aerodynamic diameter