Exogenous methyl jasmonate treatment induced the transcriptional responses and accumulation of volatile terpenoids in Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC.

Water dropwort is favored by consumers for its unique flavor and medicinal value. Terpenoids were identified as the main volatile compounds related to its flavor. In this study, water dropwort was treated with different concentrations of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The contents of volatile terpenoids were determined under various MeJA treatments. The results indicated that 0.1 mM of MeJA most effectively promoted the biosynthesis of flavor-related terpenoids in water dropwort. Terpinolene accounted the highest proportion among terpene compounds in water dropwort. The contents of jasmonates in water dropwort were also increased after exogenous MeJA treatments. Transcriptome analysis indicated that DEGs involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway were upregulated. The TPS family was identified from water dropwort, and the expression levels of Oj0473630, Oj0287510 and Oj0240400 genes in TPS-b subfamily were consistent with the changes of terpene contents under MeJA treatments. Oj0473630 was cloned from the water dropwort and designated as OjTPS3, which is predicted to be related to the biosynthesis of terpinolene in water dropwort. Subcellular localization indicated that OjTPS3 protein was localized in chloroplast. Protein purification and enzyme activity of OjTPS3 protein were conducted. The results showed that the purified OjTPS3 protein catalyzed the biosynthesis of terpinolene by using geranyl diphosphate (GPP) as substrate in vitro. This study will facilitate to further understand the molecular mechanism of terpenoid biosynthesis and provide a strategy to improve the flavor of water dropwort.

An annotated chromosome-scale reference genome for Eastern black-eared wheatear (Oenanthe melanoleuca).

Pervasive convergent evolution and in part high incidences of hybridization distinguish wheatears (songbirds of the genus Oenanthe) as a versatile system to address questions at the forefront of research on the molecular bases of phenotypic and species diversification. To prepare the genomic resources for this venture, we here generated and annotated a chromosome-scale assembly of the Eastern black-eared wheatear (Oenanthe melanoleuca). This species is part of the Oenanthe hispanica complex that is characterized by convergent evolution of plumage coloration and high rates of hybridization. The long-read-based male nuclear genome assembly comprises 1.04 Gb in 32 autosomes, the Z chromosome, and the mitogenome. The assembly is highly contiguous (contig N50, 12.6 Mb; scaffold N50, 70 Mb), with 96% of the genome assembled at the chromosome level and 95.5% benchmarking universal single-copy orthologs (BUSCO) completeness. The nuclear genome was annotated with 18,143 protein-coding genes and 31,333 mRNAs (annotation BUSCO completeness, 98.0%), and about 10% of the genome consists of repetitive DNA. The annotated chromosome-scale reference genome of Eastern black-eared wheatear provides a crucial resource for research into the genomics of adaptation and speciation in an intriguing group of passerines.

A Novel Antiviral Protein Derived from Oenanthe javanica: Type I Interferon-Dependent Antiviral Signaling and Its Pharmacological Potential.

Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins produced in plants play a crucial role in self-defense against microbial attacks. Previously, we have identified a novel PR-1-like protein (OPRP) from Oenanthe javanica and examined its pharmacologic relevance and cell signaling in mammalian cells. Purified full-length OPRP protein significantly increased toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent expression levels of genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and CD80. We also found that small peptides (OPRP2 and OPRP3) designed from OPRP remarkably upregulated myxovirus resistance (Mx1), 2'-5' oligoadenylate sythetase (OAS), and interferon (IFN) α/ß genes in mouse splenocytes as well as human epithelial cells. Notably, OPRP protein distinctively activated STAT1 phosphorylation and ISGF-3γ. Interestingly, OPRP2 and OPRP3 were internalized to the cytoplasm and triggered dimerization of STAT1/STAT2, followed by upregulation of type I IFN-dependent antiviral cytokines. Moreover, OPRP1 successfully inhibited viral (Pseudo SARS-CoV-2) entry into host cells. Taken together, we conclude that OPRP and its small peptides (OPRP1 to 3) present a new therapeutic intervention for modulating innate immune activity through type I IFN-dependent antiviral signaling and a new therapeutic approach that drives an antiviral state in non-immune cells by producing antiviral cytokines.

No apparent effect of a magnetic pulse on free-flight behaviour in northern wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe) at a stopover site.

Naïve migrants reach their wintering grounds following a clock-and-compass strategy. During these inaugural migrations, birds internalise, among others, cues from the Earth's magnetic field to create a geomagnetic map, with which they navigate to destinations familiar to them on subsequent migrations. Geomagnetic map cues are thought to be sensed by a magnetic-particle-based receptor, which can be specifically affected by a magnetic pulse. Indeed, the orientation of experienced but not naïve birds was compromised after magnetic pulsing, indicating geomagnetic map use. Little is known about the importance of this putative magnetoreceptor for navigation and decision-making in free-flying migrants. Therefore, we studied in unprecedented detail how a magnetic pulse would affect departure probability, nocturnal departure timing, departure direction and consistency in flight direction over 50-100 km in experienced and naïve long-distant migrant songbirds using a large-scale radio-tracking system. Contrary to our expectations and despite a high sample size (ntotal = 137) for a free-flight study, we found no significant after-effect of the magnetic pulse on the migratory traits, suggesting the geomagnetic map is not essential for the intermediate autumn migration phase. These findings warrant re-thinking about perception and use of geomagnetic maps for migratory decisions within a sensory and ecological context.

Production of Bioactive Substances to Alleviates Hangover and Ethanol-Induced Liver Damage through Fermentation of Oenanthe javanica Using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the bioconversion products of Oenanthe javanica extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (OEFL) on relieving hangovers and improving liver function. In addition, the bioactive substance of the OEFL, which alleviates hangover and ethanol-induced liver damage, was identified and its bioactive property was verified through in vivo experiments. In major substances analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography, OEFL produced 9.5-fold higher p-coumaric acid than the O. Javanica extract (OE). In addition, considering that quinic acid, which is not present in the OE, was produced in the OEFL it was confirmed that chlorogenic acid was decomposed into quinic acid by bioconversion. In the in vivo experiment using Sprague-Dawley rats, the OEFL and p-coumaric acid diets reduced blood ethanol, acetaldehyde, GPT, and ALP concentrations, increasing blood albumin concentrations compared to ethanol-administered groups, demonstrating that OEFL and p-coumaric acid, the main substance in the OEFL, improved ethanol-induced liver damage. Furthermore, the OEFL and its main bioactive substance, p-coumaric acid, alleviated liver fibrosis by downregulating TGF-ß, SMAD-2, SMAD-4, α-SMA, and upregulating MMP-1. Therefore, OEFL is expected to be used as a functional food or pharmaceutical material as it has been confirmed to effectively relieve hangovers, prevent liver damage, and delay liver fibrosis in ethanol-induced liver damages.

Analytical documentation of an Arabian horse fatality related to Oenanthe crocata poisoning.

Analytical detection of Oenanthe crocata toxins in biological samples is challenging because of their instability, the lack of commercially available standards and the exceptionally low detection of these molecules using mass spectrometry. This work aims to report the used analytical methods that allowed identification of the main plant toxins in biological samples from an equid (an Arabian horse) fatality related to hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata Linnaeus) intake. Using both LC-DAD and LC-HRMS methods allowed identification (i) of oenanthotoxin in roots found on the site, root fragments found in the stomach, stomach content, kidney, and liver, and (ii) of the hydrogenated metabolite of oenanthotoxin (2,3-dihydro-oenanthotoxin) in roots found on the site, root fragments found in the stomach, stomach content, kidney, liver and spleen. Reported analytical data about Oenanthe crocata toxins can be useful for identification of the ingested plant and for supporting a poisoning diagnosis in such cases.

Uncovering phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of water dropwort using phenotypic traits and SNP markers.

The water dropworts Oenanthe linearis Wall. ex DC. and O. javanica (Blume) DC. are aquatic perennial herbs that have been used in China as vegetables and traditional medicines. However, their phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity are poorly understood. Here, we presented the phenotypic traits and genome-wide DNA marker-based analysis of 158 water dropwort accessions representing both species. The analysis revealed that Oenanthe linearis was readily segregated into linear-leaf and deep-cleft leaf water dropworts according to their leaf shapes at flowering. Oenanthe javanica was classified by clustering analysis into two clusters based mainly on the morphological characteristics of their ultimate segments (leaflets). A set of 11 493 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms was identified and used to construct a phylogenetic tree. There was strong discrimination between O. linearis and O. javanica, which was consistent with their phenotype diversification. The population structure and phylogenetic tree analyses suggested that the O. linearis accessions formed two major groups, corresponding to the linear-leaf and deep-cleft leaf types. The most obvious phenotypic differences between them were fully expressed at the reproductive growth stage. A single-nucleotide polymorphism-based analysis revealed that the O. javanica accessions could be categorized into groups I andII. However, this finding did not entirely align with the clusters revealed by morphological classification. Landraces were clustered into one group along with the remaining wild accessions. Hence, water dropwort domestication was short in duration. The level of genetic diversity for O. linearis (π = 0.1902) was slightly lower than that which was estimated for O. javanica (π = 0.2174). There was a low level of genetic differentiation between O. linearis and O. javanica (Fst = 0.0471). The mean genetic diversity among accessions ranged from 0.1818 for the linear-leaf types to 0.2318 for the groupII accessions. The phenotypic traits and the single-nucleotide polymorphism markers identified here lay empirical foundation for future genomic studies on water dropwort.

The role of ketogenesis in the migratory fattening of the northern wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe.

The fuelling capacity of migratory birds and their ability to avoid health conditions derived from the subsequent fat overload are exceptional among vertebrates. In this work, we screen the expression of the genes involved in the production of ketone bodies (KB) in the liver of northern wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe) during the development and resolution of migratory fattening. Thirteen genes were found to be regulated among the migratory stages. Based on the dynamics of gene expression, we concluded that KB play a versatile role in wheatears' energy metabolism homeostasis. The ketogenic pathway can adaptively: (i) provide carbon equivalents for lipogenesis, speeding up fuelling; (ii) replace glucose during long-distance flights using lipids as the substrate; (iii) act as a floodgate to avoid steatosis; and (iv) might provide a metabolic solution to defatting in captive birds.

Flavonolignan 2, 3-dehydroderivatives from Oenanthe javanica and their anti inflammatory activities.

Flavonolignans, for example, silymarin and silybin, have interesting biological activities. For the first time, three new flavonolignans named oenanthenoid A-C (1-3) and nine known flavonolignan derivatives (4-12) were isolated from Oenanthe javanica. Comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and references were used to identify all of the compounds. The anti inflammatory activities of these isolates (1-12) on RAW264.7 macrophage cells were investigated. Three new compounds (1-3) demonstrated anti inflammatory activity with IC50 values ranging from 6.5 ± 0.6 to 14.7 ± 1.6 µM. Furthermore, two compounds (11 and 12) demonstrated moderate anti inflammatory activity, with IC50 values ranging from 24.1 ± 1.2 to 62.5 ± 1.9 µM.

Hyaluronidase and degranulation inhibitors from the edible roots of Oenanthe javanica including seric acids F and G that were obtained by heating.

Oenanthe javanica is a vegetable grown in East Asia and Australia in which the roots and aerial parts are boiled together to make certain traditional dishes. Nineteen compounds (1-19) were isolated from O. javanica roots and the chemical structures of 2 new norlignans were determined. The inhibitory effects of the compounds on hyaluronidase and degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells were evaluated to determine antiallergic and antiinflammation activities. Saponins (2-4) and the new norlignan seric acid G (12) were among the active compounds identified. Seric acid G (12), a methoxy derivative of seric acid F (11), was obtained as an interconverting mixture of 3:1 trans-cis isomers. Seric acids F and G (11, 12) were derived from seric acids C (10) and E, respectively, by decarboxylation and dehydration reactions that occurred during heating. It was confirmed by HPLC analysis that all eleven of the O. javanica cultivars contained seric acid C (10).

Genetic identification and subsequent LC-QTOF MS analysis of plant remains (Oenanthe spp.) could prove the cause of an undetermined sudden death.

In recent years, recorded cases related to forensic botany and, in particular, of plant poisoning have become rare. We report on the medicolegal characteristics of an undetermined sudden death (USD) of a woman in which scene there were remnants of a vegetal peeling. After the autopsy, macroscopic findings reported multiorgan failure and requested the investigation of the cause of death. Postmortem blood was firstly investigated on cyanide toxicity presumptively coming from a yucca-like root; however, found cyanide levels were under normality. Because of the lack of morphological features of the encountered plant remains, a genetic nrDNA ITS2 sequence investigation was followed. The resulting DNA sequence could identify the evidence as the water dropwort (Oenanthe spp.) which contains oenanthotoxin, a potent toxin that may be fatal, similar to the more commonly found in hemlock Conium or cowbane Cicuta species. A liquid chromatography-tandem high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF MS) was later applied to analyse the vegetal extract and stomach content and successfully confirmed the toxin existence. Medicolegal and analytical findings at the forensic laboratory were described, where both biological and chemical techniques could successfully conjugate, as an interdisciplinary research, and explain premortem symptoms and postmortem findings. Present data can be helpful in future investigation on poisoning cases by conjugated polyacetylenes . The present work tries to emphasize the often undervalued plant evidence in legal medicine diagnosis in the context of an unexplained death.

Comparison of nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency between two types of baffled vertical flow constructed wetlands planted with Oenanthe Javanica.

The environmental problems related to rural domestic sewage treatment are becoming increasingly serious, and society is also concerned about them. A baffled vertical flow constructed wetland (BVFCW) is a good choice for cleaning wastewater. Herein, a drinking-water treatment sludge-BVFCW (D-BVFCW) parallel with ceramsite-BVFCW (C-BVFCW) planted with Oenanthe javanica (O. javanica) to treat rural domestic sewage was investigated, aiming to compare nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency in different BVFCWs. A removal of 23.9% NH4 +-N, 24.6% total nitrogen (TN) and 76.7% total phosphorus (TP) occurred simultaneously in the D-BVFCW; 56.4% NH4 +-N, 60.8% TN and 55.2% TP respectively in the C-BVFCW. The root and plant height increased by an average of 7.9 cm and 8.3 cm, respectively, in the D-BVFCW, and by 0.7 cm and 1.1 cm, respectively, in the C-BVFCW. These results demonstrate that the D-BVFCW and C-BVFCW have different effects on the removal of N and P. The D-BVFCW mainly removed P, while C-BVFCW mainly removed N.

Three poisonous plants (Oenanthe, Cicuta and Anamirta) that antagonise the effect of γ-aminobutyric acid in human brain.

Although we are familiar with common British plants that are poisonous, such as Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade) and Aconitum napellus (monkshood), the two most poisonous plants in the British Flora are Oenanthe crocata (dead man's fingers) and Cicuta virosa (cowbane). In recent years their poisons have been shown to be polyacetylenes (n-C2H2). The plants closely resemble two of the most common plants in the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae), celery and parsley. Unwittingly, they are ingested by naive foragers and death occurs very rapidly. The third plant Anamirta derives from South-East Asia and contains a powerful convulsant, picrotoxin, which has been used from time immemorial to catch fish, and more recently to poison Birds of Paradise. All three poisons have been shown to block the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system in the human brain that normally has a powerful inhibitory neuronal action. It has also been established that two groups of sedative drugs, barbiturates and benzodiazepines, exert their inhibitory action by stimulating the GABA system. These drugs are the treatments of choice for poisoning by the three vicious plants.

Cloning, Expression, and Purification of a Pathogenesis-Related Protein from Oenanthe javanica and Its Biological Properties.

Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins are inducible and accumulated in plants upon pathogen challenge for survival. Interest in these proteins has arisen in many fields of research, including areas of protein defense mechanisms and plant-derived allergens. In this study, we cloned a PR protein gene (OJPR) from Oenanthe javanica, which consisted of 465 bp with an approximate molecular mass of 16 kDa. The DNA and deduced amino acid sequences of OJPR were 87% similar to Pimpinella brachycarpa PR-1 together with a glycine-rich loop which is a signature motif of PR-10. In microarray analysis, OJPR-transfected Raw264.7 (OJPR+) upregulated high mobility group box 1 and protein kinase Cα, and downregulated chemokine ligand 3 and interleukin 1ß which are all related to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and inflammation. TAK-242 and PD98059 inhibited the activation by OJPR, suggesting that OJPR transduce TLR4-mediated signaling. Interestingly, OJPR increased anti-viral repertoires, including interferon (IFN)α, IFNγ, OAS1, and Mx1 in CD4+ primary T cells. Taken together, we concluded that OJPR may play a role in modulating host defense responses via TLR signal transduction and provide new insights into the therapeutic and diagnostic advantages as a potential bioactive protein.

Effect of the pyrolysis duration and the addition of zeolite powder on the leaching toxicity of copper and cadmium in biochar produced from four different aquatic plants.

The study aimed to determine the biochar yield of four aquatic plants, the leaching toxicity of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) in the biochar, and the stabilization characteristics of the biochar produced under different pyrolysis conditions (at 350 °C for 1, 2, and 3 h and absence/presence of zeolite powder). The results showed that different plant species required a different pyrolysis duration and the presence or absence of zeolite powder. The stabilization of Cu and Cd was significantly affected by the pyrolysis duration and the external materials for different plant species and different types of admixtures. Pyrolysis temperatures over 350 °C for 1 h without zeolite powder generated stable Cu and Cd in goldfish algae (Ceratophyllum demersum L.), foxtail algae (Myriophyllum verticillatum L.), and penny grass (Hydrocotyle vulgaris). Pyrolysis temperatures over 350 °C for 1 h with zeolite powder made Cu and Cd stable in water celery (Oenanthe javanica (Bl.) DC). The addition of zeolite powder during pyrolysis was possible due to the weight reduction efficiency in plants with Cu and Cd. Furthermore, the surface of the biochar with the zeolite powder showed honeycombs and a spongy porous structure. The duration of the pyrolysis had little effect on the honeycomb pore structure.

Inhibitory Effects of Phenylpropanoid Derivatives from Oenanthe javanica on Antigen-Stimulated Degranulation in RBL-2H3 Cells.

Two diacyldaucic acids (1 and 2), an α,ß-unsaturated γ-lactone-type lignan (3) and its derivatives (4-6), and 12 known compounds were isolated from a traditional East Asian vegetable, Oenanthe javanica. The absolute configuration of 1 was validated by obtaining (+)-osbeckic acid through acid hydrolysis. The absolute configurations of 3-5 were determined by comparing their experimental and computed ECD data. The conclusion was supported by applying the phenylglycine methyl ester method to 3. Compound 6 was obtained as an interconverting mixture of isomers in a 3:1 trans- cis ratio. Several water-soluble components (1, 3, and 6) showed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on antigen-stimulated degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells without producing any direct cytotoxicity against RBL-2H3 or HeLa cells.

Effects of Oenanthe javanica on Nitrogen Removal in Free-Water Surface Constructed Wetlands under Low-Temperature Conditions.

To investigate the role and microorganism-related mechanisms of macrophytes and assess the feasibility of Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC. in promoting nitrogen removal in free-water surface constructed wetlands (FWS-CWS) under low temperatures (<10 °C), pilot-scale FWS-CWS, planted with O. javanica, were set up and run for batch wastewater treatment in eastern China during winter. The presence of macrophytes observably improved the removal rates of ammonia nitrogen (65%-71%) and total nitrogen (41%-48%) (p < 0.05), with a sharp increase in chemical oxygen demand concentrations (about 3-4 times). Compared to the unplanted systems, the planted systems not only exhibited higher richness and diversity of microorganisms, but also significantly higher abundances of bacteria, ammonia monooxygenase gene (amoA), nitrous oxide reductase gene (nosZ), dissimilatory cd1-containing nitrite reductase gene (nirS), and dissimilatory copper-containing nitrite reductase gene (nirK) in the substrate. Meanwhile, the analysis of the microbial community composition further revealed significant differences. The results indicate that enhanced abundances of microorganisms, and the key functional genes involved with nitrogen metabolism in the planted systems played critical roles in nitrogen removal from wastewater in FWS-CWS. Furthermore, abundant carbon release from the wetland macrophytes could potentially aid nitrogen removal in FWS-CWS during winter.

Oenanthe Javanica Extract Protects Mouse Skin from UVB Radiation via Attenuating Collagen Disruption and Inflammation.

In recent years, the use of botanical agents to prevent skin damage from solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has received considerable attention. Oenanthe javanica is known to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This study investigated photoprotective properties of an Oenanthe javanica extract (OJE) against UVB-induced skin damage in ICR mice. The extent of skin damage was evaluated in three groups: control mice with no UVB, UVB-exposed mice treated with vehicle (saline), and UVB-exposed mice treated with 1% extract. Photoprotective properties were assessed in the dorsal skin using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting to analyze the epidermal thickness, collagen expression, and mRNA and protein levels of type I collagen, type III collagen, and interstitial collagenases, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3. In addition, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein levels were also assessed. In the UVB-exposed mice treated with extract, UV-induced epidermal damage was significantly ameliorated. In this group, productions of collagen types I and III were increased, and expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-3 were decreased. In addition, TNF-α and COX-2 expressions were reduced. Based on these findings, we conclude that OJE displays photoprotective effects against UVB-induced collagen disruption and inflammation and suggest that Oenanthe javanica can be used as a natural product for the treatment of photodamaged skin.

Biphenyl Derivatives from the Aerial Parts of Oenanthe javanica and Their COX-2 Inhibitory Activities.

Four new biphenyl derivatives (1-4), along with six known biphenyl derivatives (5-10) were isolated and elucidated by their detailed analyses of spectroscopic data and references from the aerial parts of Oenanthe javanica for the first time. Compounds (1-10) were assayed for their activities about the inhibition of COX-2 enzyme in vitro for the first time. Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 6 showed inhibitory activities against COX-2 with IC50 values ranging from 22.18±0.29 to 108.54±0.42 µm.