Diverse polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with anti-neuroinflammatory activity from Hypericum beanii.

A phytochemical investigation on the roots of Hypericum beanii resulted in the isolation of six new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), hyperberlones A-F, along with fourteen known analogues. The structural characterization of these compounds was carried out by analyzing the HRESIMS data, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR calculations. Hyperberlone A (1) was a caged PPAP with a rare tricyclo[4.3.1.03,8]decane carbon skeleton. It was deduced to be biosynthetically generated from hyperbeanol C (8) through key Paternò-Büchi reaction, radical cascade cyclizations, and retro-aldol reaction. Compounds 4, 6, 7, 9, 14, and 16 exhibited significant nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglial cells with IC50 values of 6.11-25.28 µM. Moreover, compound 4 significantly decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in LPS-induced BV-2 microglia, as well as the phosphorylation of JNK.

Diverse Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinol Congeners with Anti-Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Activity from Hypericum forrestii.

The new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols, hyperforcinols A-J (1-10), were isolated from the fruits of Hypericum forrestii, together with 30 biogenetic congeners of known structures. The structures of hyperforcinols A-J were determined by HRESIMS and 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic analysis, and their absolute configurations were determined by a combination of the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) exciton chirality method, ECD calculations, and X-ray diffraction analysis. A selection of 25 isolates, possessing seven types of carbon skeletons, were assessed for their in vitro effects against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using a free fatty acid-induced L02 cell model. Compounds 20 and 40 significantly decreased intracellular lipid accumulation. QRT-PCR analyses revealed that compounds 20 and 40 regulate the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes, including CD36, FASN, PPARα, and ACOX1.

Evaluation of atherogenic lipoprotein-cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio as a prognostic test for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: The detectable component of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRLs), remnant lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-c), has been proven being correlated with the progression of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. However, when taken as a risk predictor, the prognostic and diagnostic potential of RLP-c remains controversial in studies. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that atherogenic lipoprotein-cholesterol (AL-c), representing the sum of RLP-c and the sd-LDL-c, to the HDL-c ratio, could represent a better predictive indicator than RLP-c alone in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: The 316 consecutive patients suffering from persistent chest discomfort admitted to the Shanghai General Hospital between January 2018 and June 2018 were enrolled. 149 STEMI patients (62% men, mean age 69.6 ± 13.3 years) were included as the study cohort. The AL-c/HDL-c ratio was calculated on admission in a cohort of electrocardiogram-confirmed STEMI patients and compared to other lipid profiles as a predictive indicator. Results: The AL-c/HDL-c ratio was significantly increased in STEMI patients compared with apparently healthy adults (0.93; IQR [0.71-1.18] vs 0.70; IQR [0.45-1.04]; p < 0.001). Gender dependency existed, and the male and female patients had median AL-c/HDL-c ratios of 1.01 and 0.79, respectively (p < 0.001). Compared to RLP-c, the AL-c/HDL-c ratio had a better prognostic value to predict STEMI risk in both sexes (AUC of 0.672 with a sensitivity of 0.794 in males and 0.613 with a sensitivity of 0.684 in females). Conclusions: The AL-c/HDL-c ratio could represent a convenient and sensitive biomarker for screening and predicting STEMI risk.

Observation of acetyl phosphate formation in mammalian mitochondria using real-time in-organelle NMR metabolomics.

Recent studies point out the link between altered mitochondrial metabolism and cancer, and detailed understanding of mitochondrial metabolism requires real-time detection of its metabolites. Employing heteronuclear 2D NMR spectroscopy and 13C3-pyruvate, we propose in-organelle metabolomics that allows for the monitoring of mitochondrial metabolic changes in real time. The approach identified acetyl phosphate from human mitochondria, whose production has been largely neglected in eukaryotic metabolism since its first description about 70 years ago in bacteria. The kinetic profile of acetyl phosphate formation was biphasic, and its transient nature suggested its role as a metabolic intermediate. The method also allowed for the estimation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) enzyme activity through monitoring of the acetyl-CoA formation, independent of competing cytosolic metabolism. The results confirmed the positive regulation of mitochondrial PDH activity by p53, a well-known tumor suppressor. Our approach can easily be applied to other organelle-specific metabolic studies.

Dimethylated acylphloroglucinol meroterpenoids with anti-oral-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities from Hypericum elodeoides.

Acylphloroglucinol meroterpenoids are adducts of the acylphloroglucinol unit and polyprenylated fragments (terpenoids) with attractive structures and bioactivities. During study of the medicinal molecules of the genus Hypericum, the first example of dimethylated acylphloroglucinol meroterpenoids with pyran-fused 6/6/6 tricyclic skeletons ((+)/(-)-elodeoidols A-F (1-6)), along with three biogenetical homologues (7-9) were isolated from the herbaceous plant of Hypericum elodeoides. Their structures including absolute configurations were then identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS), electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis and calculations. The monoterpene moiety of 1-6 were cyclized as two cyclohexanes and fused with a dimethylated acylphloroglucinol unit through an additional ether linkage, which led to an interesting pyran-fused linear or angle type 6/6/6 tricyclic skeleton. Compounds 5, 8 and 9 showed preferable antibacterial activities against three oral bacteria, among the MIC value of (+)-5 was 6.25 µg/ml; Compounds 3, 7 and 8 exhibited significant NO inhibitory activity against LPS induced RAW264.7 cells (IC50: 10.39 ± 0.49 ~ 34.25 ± 2.32 µM).

Cajuputones A-C, ß-Triketone Flavanone Hybrids from the Branches and Leaves of Melaleuca cajuputi.

Three new ß-triketone flavanone hybrids, cajuputones A-C were obtained from Melaleuca cajuputi (the Australian 'tea tree'). The structures of cajuputones A-C were elucidated by 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS analyses; and their absolute configurations were established by electric circular dichroism (ECD) calculations using TDDFT method. Structurally, cajuputones A-C feature a rare 6/6/6/6 oxatetracyclic ring system fused between an acylphloroglucinol-derived ß-triketone and a pinocembrin or strobopinin moiety via an angle-type pyran-like motif. DFT-based conformational optimization in chloroform explained the similarity of the 1D NMR data of cajuputones B and C (C-2 epimers).

Hematodinium spp. infections in wild and cultured populations of marine crustaceans along the coast of China.

The parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium spp. infects a broad range of marine crustaceans. Its epidemics have impacted wild populations of various commercial fishery species around the world and the sustainability of mariculture in China. To study the epidemiology of Hematodinium spp. in marine crustaceans along the coast of China, we conducted a broad survey of wild and cultured stocks of major crustacean species in 2013 to 2015. Hematodinium sp. infections were identified in wild stocks of Portunus trituberculatus from Huludao, Laizhou, Qingdao, Yangtze River Estuary and Zhoushan, and Scylla paramamosain from Shantou; and cultured stocks of Portunus trituberculatus and Penaeus monodon from a polyculture pond in Qingdao. In the polyculture pond, Hematodinium sp. infections were observed in Portunus trituberculatus from June until October, with peak prevalence (up to 90%) observed in late July to early August. Furthermore, Hematodinium sp. infection was identified for the first time in the giant tiger prawn Penaeus monodon in the polyculture system during the disease outbreak. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Hematodinium isolate infecting Penaeus monodon was identical to the isolate infecting the co-cultured Portunus trituberculatus, and it was grouped into H. perezi genotype II together with the other isolates reported in China. The Hematodinium sp. isolated from Portunus trituberculatus appeared to have similar life stages as the H. perezi genotype III isolated from the American blue crab Callinectes sapidus. Our study indicates that outbreaks of Hematodinium disease can be a significant threat to the widely used polyculture system for decapods in China that may be particularly vulnerable to such generalist pathogens.

The roles of IP3 receptor in energy metabolic pathways and reactive oxygen species homeostasis revealed by metabolomic and biochemical studies.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) are calcium channels modulating important calcium-mediated processes. Recent studies implicate IP(3)R in cell metabolism, but specific evidence is missing regarding IP(3)R's effects on actual metabolic pathways and key energy metabolites. Here, we applied metabolomics and molecular biology to compare DT40 cell lines devoid of IP(3)R (KO) and its wild-type (WT) counterpart. NMR and LC-MS metabolomic data showed that the KO cell line has a very different basic energy metabolism from the WT cell line, showing enhanced Warburg effect. In particular, the KO cells exhibited significant perturbation in energy charge, reduced glutathione and NADPH ratios with slower cellular growth rate. Subsequent flow cytometry results showed that the KO cell line has a higher level of general reactive oxygen species (ROS) but has a lower level of peroxynitrites. This ROS disturbance could be explained by observing lower expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and unchanged expression of catalase. The higher ROS seems to be involved in the slower growth rate of the KO cells, with an ROS scavenger increasing their growth rate. However, the KO and WT cell lines did not show any noticeable differences in AMPK and phosphorylated AMPK levels, suggesting possible saturation of AMPK-mediated metabolic regulatory circuit in both cells. Overall, our study reveals IP3R's roles in ROS homeostasis and metabolic pathways as well as the effects of its KO on cellular phenotypes.

TBX20 loss-of-function mutation associated with familial dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major cause of congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death and cardiac transplantation. Aggregating evidence highlights the genetic origin of DCM. However, DCM is a genetically heterogeneous disorder, and the genetic components underlying DCM in most cases remain unknown. METHODS: The coding regions and splicing junction sites of the TBX20 gene were sequenced in 120 unrelated patients with idiopathic DCM. The available close relatives of the index patient carrying an identified mutation and 300 unrelated ethnically matched healthy individuals used as controls were genotyped for TBX20. The functional characteristics of the mutant TBX20 were assayed in contrast to its wild-type counterpart by using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system. RESULTS: A novel heterozygous TBX20 mutation, p.F256I, was identified in a family with DCM transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion, which co-segregated with DCM in the family with complete penetrance. The missense mutation was absent in 600 control chromosomes and the altered amino acid was completely conserved evolutionarily among various species. Functional assays revealed that the mutant TBX20 had significantly diminished transcriptional activity. Furthermore, the mutation markedly reduced the synergistic activation of TBX20 with NKX2-5 or GATA4. CONCLUSIONS: This study links TBX20 loss-of-function mutation to idiopathic DCM in humans for the first time, providing novel insight into the molecular mechanism underpinning DCM.

Polyprenylated Tetraoxygenated Xanthones from the Roots of Hypericum monogynum and Their Neuroprotective Activities.

Ten new polyprenylated tetraoxygenated xanthones, monogxanthones A-J (1-10), together with eight known analogues (4b, 11-17) were identified from the roots of Hypericum monogynum. The structures of these new polyprenylated xanthones (1-10), a class of compounds rarely found in plants of the genus Hypericum, were elucidated by the interpretation of their HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and electronic circular dichroism data. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited neuroprotective effects against corticosterone (Cort)-induced lesions of PC12 cells at concentrations of 6.25, 12.50, and 25.00 µM, with cell viability greater than 75%, as well as inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia cells, with IC50 values of 7.47 ± 0.65 and 9.60 ± 0.12 µM, respectively. Collectively, these results shed new light on the potential of polyprenylated xanthones from the genus Hypericum in the development of antidepression therapies.

Application of a Smartphone Metabolomics Platform to the Authentication of Schisandra sinensis.

INTRODUCTION: Herbal medicines have been used for a long time all around the world. Since the quality of herbal preparations depends on the source of herbal materials, there has been a strong need to develop methods to correctly identify the origin of materials. OBJECTIVE: To develop a smartphone metabolomics platform as a simpler and low-cost alternative for the identification of herbal material source. METHODOLOGY: Schisandra sinensis extracts from Korea and China were prepared. The visible spectra of all samples were measured by a smartphone spectrometer platform. This platform included all the necessary measures built-in for the metabolomics research: data acquisition, processing, chemometric analysis and visualisation of the results. The result of the smartphone metabolomics platform was compared to that of NMR-based metabolomics, suggesting the feasibility of smartphone platform in metabolomics research. RESULTS: The smartphone metabolomics platform gave similar results to the NMR method, showing good separation between Korean and Chinese materials and correct predictability for all test samples. CONCLUSION: With its accuracy and advantages of affordability, user-friendliness, and portability, the smartphone metabolomics platform could be applied to the authentication of other medicinal plants. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hypermongones A-J, Rare Methylated Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols from the Flowers of Hypericum monogynum.

Hypermongones A-J (1-10), rare methylated polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol derivatives, together with three known simple acylphloroglucinols (11-13) as their plausible biogenetic precursors, were identified from the flowers of Hypericum monogynum. The structures of 1-10 were elucidated by analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data; the absolute configuration of their polycyclic skeleton was determined by the electronic circular dichroism exciton chirality method and was subsequently confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study of 1. The evaluation of their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells revealed that compound 7 exhibited significant NO inhibition activity, with an IC50 value of 9.5 µM.

Real-time monitoring of cancer cell metabolism and effects of an anticancer agent using 2D in-cell NMR spectroscopy.

Altered metabolism is a critical part of cancer cell properties, but real-time monitoring of metabolomic profiles has been hampered by the lack of a facile method. Here, we propose real-time metabolomic monitoring of live cancer cells using (13) C6 -glucose and heteronuclear two-dimensional (2D) NMR. The method allowed for metabolomic differentiation between cancer and normal cells on the basis of time-dependent changes in metabolite concentrations. Cancer cells were found to have large in- and out-flux of pyruvate as well as increased net production of alanine and acetate. The method also enabled evaluation of the metabolic effects of galloflavin whose anticancer effects have been attributed to its specific inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase. Our approach revealed previously unknown functional targets of galloflavin, which were further confirmed at the protein levels. Our method is readily applicable to the study of metabolic alterations in other cellular disease model systems.

Mutational spectrum of the NKX2-5 gene in patients with lone atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of sustained cardiac arrhythmia in humans and is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence indicates that abnormal cardiovascular development is involved in the pathogenesis of AF. In this study, the coding exons and splice sites of the NKX2-5 gene, which encodes a homeodomain-containing transcription factor essential for cardiovascular genesis, were sequenced in 146 unrelated patients with lone AF as well as the available relatives of the mutation carriers. A total of 700 unrelated ethnically matched healthy individuals used as controls were genotyped. The disease-causing potential of the identified NKX2-5 variations was predicted by MutationTaster and PolyPhen-2. The functional characteristics of the mutant NKX2-5 proteins were analyzed using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system. As a result, two heterozygous NKX2-5 mutations, including a previously reported p.E21Q and a novel p.T180A mutation, were identified in two families with AF transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern. The mutations co-segregated with AF in the families with complete penetrance. The detected substitutions, which altered the amino acids highly conserved evolutionarily across species, were absent in 700 control individuals and were both predicted to be causative. Functional analyses demonstrated that the NKX2-5 mutants were associated with significantly decreased transcriptional activity compared with their wild-type counterpart. The findings expand the spectrum of NKX2-5 mutations linked to AF and provide additional evidence that dysfunctional NKX2-5 may confer vulnerability to AF, suggesting the potential benefit for the early prophylaxis and personalized treatment of AF.

Association between tobacco exposure and bladder cancer recurrence: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: However, the connection between smoking and the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer remains unclear. AIM: To determine whether smoking is linked to the recurrence and progression of bladder cancer. METHODS: As of July 20, 2022, relevant English-language research was identified by searching PubMed, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. We pooled the available data from the included studies using a random effects model. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also conducted. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The combined analysis revealed that tobacco exposure was associated with a significantly greater recurrence rate than nonsmoking status [odd ratios (OR) = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.84-2.93], and the progression of bladder cancer was significantly greater in smokers than in nonsmokers (OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.02-1.44). Stratified analysis further revealed that current smokers were more likely to experience relapse than never-smokers were (OR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.11-3.07). Former smokers also had a greater risk of relapse than did never-smokers (OR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.09-2.73). Subgroup analysis indicated that non-Caucasians may be more susceptible to bladder cancer recurrence than Caucasians are (OR = 2.13, 95%CI: 1.74-2.61). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis revealed that tobacco exposure may be a significant risk factor for both the recurrence and progression of bladder cancer.

Extraction, rapid preparation and neuroprotective effect of texasin, a main active constituent from Caragana jubata (Pall.) Poir.

Searching for new anti-ischemic stroke (anti-IS) drugs has always been a hot topic in the pharmaceutical industry. Natural products are an important source of discovering anti-IS drugs. The aim of the present study is to extract, rapidly prepare and explore the neuroprotective effect of texasin, a main active constituent from Caragana jubata (Pall.) Poir., which is a kind of Tibetan medicine with a clear anti-IS effect. The results showed that 95% ethanol was the optimal extraction solvent. A three-step rapid preparation method for texasin was successfully established, with a purity of 99.2%. Texasin at the concentration of 25-100 µM had no effect on the viability of normal cultured PC12 cells; 12.5 and 25 µM texasin could enhance the viability of PC12 cells damaged by oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R), and their effects are comparable to the positive drug edaravone at the concentration of 50 µM. Compared with the normal group, the expression of Bcl-2 protein in OGD/R-injured PC12 cells was downregulated (p < 0.01), and that of PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, Bax and Cleaved caspase-3 proteins were upregulated (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Compared with the OGD/R group, 25 µM texasin could upregulate the expression of Bcl-2 protein (p < 0.01), and downregulate that of PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, Bax and Cleaved caspase-3 proteins (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). The 7-OH and 1-O of texasin formed H-bonds with residues Cys891 of the hinge ß-strand of PERK, which is crucial for kinase inhibitors. The above results suggest that the method established in the present study achieved rapid preparation of high-purity texasin. Texasin might inhibit neuronal apoptosis via the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signalling pathway to exert a protective effect on OGD/R-injured PC12 cells. Aiding by molecular docking, texasin was assumed to be a potential PERK inhibitor.

(±)-hypermonanones A-G, seven pairs of monoterpenoid polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol enantiomers from Hypericum monanthemum.

Seven pairs of undescribed monoterpenoid polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol enantiomers [(±)-hypermonanones A-G (1-7)], together with three known analogues, were identified from the whole plant of Hypericum monanthemum Hook. The structures of these compounds were determined by analyses of their UV, HRESIMS, 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic data, and NMR calculations. The absolute configurations of these compounds were assigned by ECD calculations after chiral HPLC separation. Diverse monoterpene moieties were fused at C-3/C-4 of the dearomatized acylphloroglucinol core, which led to 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-integrated angular or linear type 6/6/6 tricyclic skeletons in 1-7. Compounds (-)-2 and (+)-2 exhibited significant NO inhibitory activity against LPS induced RAW264.7 cells with the IC50 values of 7.07 ± 1.02 µM and 11.39 ± 0.24 µM, respectively.

A highly facile and specific assay for cancer-causing isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant using 13C4-labeled α-ketoglutarate and heteronuclear NMR.

Isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations with neomorphic activity of converting α-ketoglutarate to 2-hydroxyglutarate have been found in many types of cancers. We report an NMR-based assay specific for the mutant using (13)C4-labeled α-ketoglutarate. It can be done in a complex mixture without extraction, give time-dependent absolute quantitation, and be applied to enzyme inhibition studies. Its merits over conventional assays should facilitate inhibitor developments for a new class of target-oriented anticancer agents.

Hyperxylones A and B, two polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with a benzoyl substituted bicyclo[3.2.1]octane core from Hypericum beanii.

Two new polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) possessing a rare benzoyl substituted bicyclo[3.2.1]octane core, hyperxylones A (1) and B (2), along with three new dearomatized isoprenylated acylphloroglucinols (DIAPs), hyperxylones C - E (3-5), were isolated from the roots of Hypericum beanii. The structures of 1-5 were determined by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HRESIMS) and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analyses, gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR calculations, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 1 and 2 were biomimetically semi-synthesized starting from 5 and 4, respectively, enabling the correct stereochemical assignment of 5 and 4. Moreover, compounds 1 and 2 showed anti-nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) activity by inhibiting lipid deposition in L02 cells; compounds 3 and 5 exhibited nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells.

The Impostor Phenomenon Among Nursing Students and Nurses: A Scoping Review.

The impostor phenomenon (IP) refers to a false internal experience of low intelligence or ability that is associated with anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and burnout. The emotions associated with the IP affect not only personal mental health but also patient care. To address this issue, we need to completely understand the prevalence of and factors related to the IP and ways to resolve/overcome IP feelings. The aim of this scoping review was to identify the existing evidence regarding the IP among nursing students and nurses and determine gaps that can be addressed in future research. We conducted our study based on the scoping review methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and advanced by Levac et al. (2010). After searching the Embase, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, Web of Science and ProQuest databases, we identified 11 studies for inclusion in this review. We found that while the IP exists in nursing students and nurses, clinical nurse specialist students and final-year nursing students are at significant risk of impostor behavior. We also found that research in the nursing field has focused on the prevalence of and factors related to the IP, but few studies have addressed ways to resolve/overcome IP feelings. Thus, research in this area should be increased. This scoping review presents research gaps that may serve as a starting point for future work on the IP in the nursing field.