Probing the anti-Aß42 aggregation and protective effects of prenylated xanthone against Aß42-induced toxicity in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-ß (Aß) protein aggregates, leading to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal cell death. In this study, we used a comprehensive approach encompassing in vitro assays, computational analyses, and an in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans model to evaluate the inhibitory effects of various xanthones, focusing on Garcinone D (GD), on Aß42 oligomer formation. Dot blot analysis revealed concentration-dependent responses among xanthones, with GD consistently inhibiting Aß42 oligomer formation at low concentrations (0.1 and 0.5 µM, inhibitions of 84.66 ± 2.25% and 85.06 ± 6.57%, respectively). Molecular docking and dynamics simulations provided insights into the molecular interactions between xanthones and Aß42, highlighting the disruption of key residues involved in Aß42 aggregation. The neuroprotective potential of GD was established using transgenic C. elegans GMC101, with substantial delays in paralysis reported at higher concentrations. Our findings show that GD is a potent suppressor of Aß42 oligomer formation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for AD. The concentration-dependent effects observed in both in vitro and in vivo models underscore the need for nuanced dose-response assessments. These findings contribute novel insights into the therapeutic landscape of xanthones against AD, emphasizing the multifaceted potential of GD for further translational endeavors in neurodegenerative disorder research.

Prenylated xanthones from mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) activate the AhR and Nrf2 pathways and protect intestinal barrier integrity in HT-29 cells.

Xanthones from the tropical fruit mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) display anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Here, we isolate and identify potential inducers of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways from mangosteen using a bioassay-guided strategy. Mangosteen fruit pericarp extracts were subjected to sequential solvent extractions, followed by chromatography coupled with NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometric analyses for identification and isolation of pure compounds. Isolation of active fractions led to seven prenylated xanthones that were identified and subsequently evaluated for bioactivity. In vitro luciferase reporter cellular assays using H1L6.1c3 (AhR induction) and HepG2-ARE (Nrf2 induction) were used to identify AhR and Nrf2 activators. All seven prenylated xanthones displayed AhR inducing activity, whereas only five xanthones activated Nrf2. Garcinone D (GarD) significantly upregulated AhR/Cyp1a1 and Nrf2/HO-1 protein expression and enhanced zonula occludens-1 and occludin protein levels in HT-29 cells. In addition, GarD inhibited oxidative stress-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction by enhancing tight junction (TJ) proteins and inhibition of reactive oxygen species production. Inhibition of AhR by pretreating cells with an AhR antagonist revealed that the AhR pathway is required for the improved epithelial barrier functions of GarD. These results highlight a dual mechanism by GarD that confers protection against intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction.

Garcinone D, a natural xanthone promotes C17.2 neural stem cell proliferation: Possible involvement of STAT3/Cyclin D1 pathway and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Garcinia mangostana L. (Mangosteen) has been used to treat various pathological conditions, including inflammation and urinary tract infections. Here, we observed that garcinone D, a natural xanthone from mangosteen, promoted the proliferation of C17.2 neural progenitor cells and also resulted in a larger percentage of cells in S phase compared with the control group. Moreover, garcinone D increased the protein levels of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) and Cyclin D1 in concentration- and time- dependent manners. Garcinone D also increased the protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in concentration- and time- dependent manners, and inhibiting Nrf2 activation by brusatol could partly reverse garcinone D-induced C17.2 cell proliferation. Taken together, it is the first time to show that garcinone D promotes the proliferation of C17.2 neural stem cells, which may involve the STAT3/Cyclin D1 pathway and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. It would provide new inspiration to develop garcinone D as a lead compound to promote the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs).