Inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 by plant extracts used as traditional antidiabetic medicines

Elevated glucocorticoids are a key risk factor for metabolic diseases, and the glucocorticoid-activating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) represents a promising therapeutic target. We measured the potential of six traditional antidiabetic medicinal plants extracts to inhibit 11β-HSD1 activity and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation in transfected HEK-293 cells. Leave extracts of Eriobotrya japonica preferentially inhibited 11β-HSD1 over 11β-HSD2. Extracts of roasted but not native coffee beans preferentially inhibited 11β-HSD1 over 11β-HSD2, emphasizing the importance of sample preparation. Thus, natural compounds inhibiting 11β-HSD1 may contribute to the antidiabetic effect of the investigated plant extracts.     

Comparative analysis of the chemical constituents of two varieties of Pueraria candollei

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to determine the contents of miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol in the tubers of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica and P. candollei var. candollei. The linear detection ranges were 0.78-25.00 μg/mL for miroestrol and 1.56-25.00 μg/mL for deoxymiroestrol. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.2 and 0.78 μg/mL, respectively, for miroestrol and 0.78 and 1.56 μg/mL, respectively, for deoxymiroestrol. Our results suggest that both varieties of P. candollei can produce miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol and that the developed HPLC method can be applied for quality control of plants and their products.     

In vitro metabolism in Sprague-Dawley rat liver microsomes of forsythoside A in different compositions of Shuang-Huang-Lian

Shuang–Huang–Lian (SHL), a traditional Chinese formula containing Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF), Scutellariae radix (SR) and Forsythiae fructus (FF), is commonly used to treat acute upper respiratory tract infection, acute bronchitis and light pneumonia. Forsythoside A is one of the main active ingredients in Forsythiae fructus, a key herb in SHL. In the present study, effects of different compositions in SHL on the in vitro metabolism in Sprague–Dawley rat liver microsomes of forsythoside A were investigated. The observations from Sprague–Dawley rat liver microsomes in the presence of β-NADPH or UDPGA that forsythoside A may be the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, UGT1A6, UGT1A3, UGT1A1 and UGT1A9; Chlorogenic acid may be the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, CYP2C19, UGT1A6, UGT1A3 and UGT1A1; Baicalin may be the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP1A2, UGT1A9, UGT1A1 and UGT1A3; Baicalein may be the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2E1 and UGT1A6. It was also found that the residue of forsythoside A in SHL, FF + LJF and FF + SR was greatly increased compared with that in FF in Sprague–Dawley rat liver microsomes in the presence of β-NADPH or UDPGA, which indicated that the metabolism of forsythoside A in SHL may be influenced by chlorogenic acid in LJF acting on the CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP1A2, UGT1A6, UGT1A3 and UGT1A1; baicalin in SR acting on the CYP3A4, CYP1A2, UGT1A9, UGT1A1 and UGT1A3; baicalein acting on the CYP3A4 and UGT1A6 respectively.     

Impact of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica and its potent phytoestrogen miroestrol on expression of bone-specific genes in ovariectomized mice

Miroestrol (MR) is a highly active phytoestrogen isolated from tuberous root of Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (PM). Modulatory effects of PM and MR on osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) mRNAs which are bone-specific genes were investigated in ovariectomized female ICR mice. After ovariectomy, expression of OPG mRNA was suppressed but that of RANKL was induced. Estradiol benzoate (E2) recovered OPG expression to the level comparable to the sham while that of RANKL was suppressed in ovariectomized mice. PM crude extract (PME) significantly down-regulated the expression of RANKL mRNA with no change in the OPG level whereas MR elevated the expression of OPG mRNA with lowering level of RANKL mRNA, resulting in the increased OPG/RANKL ratio, and consequently lead to lowering progression of osteoporosis at molecular level. These findings revealed potential of PME and MR on bone loss prevention via increasing the ratio of OPG to RANKL (osteoformation/osteoresorption) in liver of ovariectomized mice. Therefore, using PME and MR as alternative hormone replacement therapy of E2 might be beneficial recommended due to advantageous on regulation of osteoporosis related genes.     

In vitro suppression of quercetin on hypertrophy and extracellular matrix accumulation in rat glomerular mesangial cells cultured by high glucose

Quercetin's protective effects on the glomerulosclerosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in rat mesangial cells were investigated. The cell cycles, type IV collagen and laminin, TGF-β₁ mRNA, Smad 2/3 and Smad 7, and activities of cell antioxidases were measured. Compared with the high glucose group, quercetin may decrease the cell percentages of G₀/G₁ phase, Smad 2/3 expression, laminin and type IV collagen, and TGF-β₁ mRNA level significantly. The antioxidant capacity, the cell percentages of S phase and Smad 7 expression was significantly increased by quercetin. These results suggest that quercetin is a protective agent against glomerulosclerosis in DN.     

Antinociceptive and antiplasmodial activities of cassane furanoditerpenes from Caesalpinia volkensii H. root bark

The chloroform and ethyl acetate extract (100 mg/kg) of Caesalpinia volkensii H. exhibited significant (P ≤ 0.05) antinociceptive activities using hot plate and writhing tests in mice while the later showed antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ 0.23 ± 0.07 and 4.39 ± 2.49 μg/ml) against chloroquine sensitive (D6) and chloroquine-resistant (W2), respectively. Two new furanoditerpenes [rel. 1β,5α-dihydroxyvoucapane (1) and rel. 1β,6β-dihydroxyvoucapane; 19β-methyl ester (2)] together with seven known compounds [voucapane (3), voucapan-5-ol (4), deoxycaesaldekarin C (5), caesaldekarin C (6), 5-hydroxyvinhaticoic acid (7), triacontanyl-(E)-ferulate (8), triacontanyl-(E)-caffaete (9) and 30′-hydroxytriacontanyl-(E)-ferulate (10)] were isolated from the two extracts. The administration of 3, 4, 5 and 6 (100 mg/kg i.p) caused a significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in the number of writhing episodes induced by acetic acid and (P ≤ 0.01) increased pain latency threshold in hot-plate test compared to control. However, the pure compounds indicated relatively (P ≤ 0.05) low antiplasmodial activity. The phytochemical constituents from the root bark of C. volkensii had better analgesic properties than antimalarial properties, justifying the use of the plant root bark as a remedy for pain.     

Cytochrome P450 1 enzyme inhibition and anticancer potential of chromene amides from Amyris plumieri

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme inhibitory properties of six chromenylated amide compounds (CAs) from Amyris plumieri are described. Inhibition of CYP microsomes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2D6, CYP3A4 and CYP2C19) was monitored using a fluorescent assay. Potent inhibition was found against CYP1A1 with IC₅₀ and K_i for CA1 (acetamide), being the lowest at 1.547 ± 1.0 μM and 0.37 μM respectively, displaying non-competitive kinetics. The selectivity for CYP1A1 was increased in CA3 (butanamide), which also exhibited cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, MCF7 with an IC₅₀ of 47.46 ± 1.62 μM. Structure-activity relationship studies provide insight at a molecular level for CAs with implications in chemoprevention and chemotherapy.     

Minor pregnanes from Caralluma adscendens var. gracilis and Caralluma pauciflora

Phytochemical investigation of Caralluma adscendens var. gracilis and Caralluma pauciflora (Asclepiadaceae) whole plant extracts allowed to isolate one pregnane glycoside and two pregnanes characterized as 12β,20-O-dibenzoyl-5α,6-dihydrosarcostin β-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-digitoxypyranosyl-(1→4)-β-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-cymaropyranoside (1), 12β-O-benzoyl-3β,11α,14β,20R-pentahydroxy-pregn-5-ene (2), and 11α-O-benzoyl-3β,12β,14β,20R-pentahydroxy-pregn-5-ene (3), respectively. Their structural characterization was obtained on the basis of extensive NMR spectral studies. Three known pregnane glycosides along with lupeol and β-sitosterol were also isolated and characterized.     

Metabolism mediated interaction of α-asarone and Acorus calamus with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6

The present study was aimed to investigate the possible interaction of the standardized extract of Acorus calamus (AC) with Cytochrome P450 enzyme, quantitative determination of the α-asarone in the AC rhizome was performed by RP-HPLC method. In vitro interaction of the plant extract was evaluated by CYP450-carbon monoxide complex (CYP450-CO) assay. Effect on individual isoforms such as CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 isozymes were analyzed through fluorescence product formation and respective IC₅₀ values were determined. CYP450-CO assay showed moderate interaction potential. Extract showed higher IC₅₀ values (46.84 ± 1.83-32.99 ± 2.21 μg/ml) comparing to the standard inhibitors and lower IC₅₀ value than α-asarone (65.16 ± 2.37-42.15 ± 2.45 μg/ml).     

Long-term treatment with standardized Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) attenuates cognitive deficits and hippocampal neuron loss in a gerbil model of vascular dementia

The standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba EGb 761 has been used to reduce cognitive dysfunction. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of postischemic oral treatment with EGb 761 in a model of vascular dementia in gerbils. Daily oral posttreatment with EGb 761 led to a significant recovery of spatial memory assessed by the object location test, inhibited the decrease in plasma SOD activity and protected the hippocampal CA1 neurons, even when administered after the insult. These data provide further evidence for the therapeutic potential of EGb 761 in the treatment of vascular dementia.     

杨树次生壁纤维素合酶的表达与互作模式分析

[目的]纤维素的合成在木材形成过程中具有重要的作用,纤维素合酶(Cellulose Synthase,CESA)是参与纤维素合成的关键酶。由于3种CESA形成一个有功能的纤维素合酶复合体,而杨树中包含CESA4、CESA7A、CESA7B、CESA8A和CESA8B5种次生壁CESA,本文从这5种CESA的表达模式与互作分析入手,探讨了其在次生壁纤维素合成中的工作模式。[方法]利用RNA-seq与基因芯片数据进行基因表达分析,揭示5种次生壁CESA在根、茎、叶组织的表达模式与次生维管再生过程中的表达变化。利用启动子驱动的GUS转基因材料GUS染色分析与实时定量PCR揭示5种次生壁CESA在各个组织的表达模式与在激素处理下的响应模式。利用荧光素酶互补实验揭示CESA7A、CESA7B、CESA8A与CESA8B之间的互作模式。[结果]基因表达分析表明,杨树5种次生壁CESA基因在杨树成熟茎中高表达,尤其在次生维管组织发育的后期高表达,表明其主要参与木材次生壁纤维素的合成。对启动子驱动的GUS转基因材料观察表明,CESA4、CESA7B、CESA8A和CESA8B的GUS信号在杨树茎和叶中较强,但这些次生壁CESA的表达模式存在一定的差异,这种差异在叶脉中表现地尤为明显。此外,在赤霉素GA3和细胞分裂素6-BA处理下,杨树次生壁CESA的表达量显著上调;在生长素NAA、油菜素内酯BR和乙烯处理下,杨树次生壁CESA的表达量下调,但不同的CESA对激素响应的表达量变化幅度存在差异。荧光素酶互补实验表明,杨树次生壁CESA7B和CESA8B、CESA7B和CESA8A、CESA7A与CESA8B之间存在互作,说明它们之间可以形成复合体。[结论]这些数据显示杨树5种次生壁CESA基因在不同组织与不同激素处理下的表达变化存在一定的差异,而它们之间均能互作,提示杨树5个次生壁CESA基因虽然具有同等的能力形成功能性的纤维素合酶复合体,但在不同组织、不同激素作用下可能有不同的组合方式,进而会导致木材成分的差异。     

Anti-inflammatory, antiviral and quantitative study of quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide in Polygonum perfoliatum L

Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide, isolated from Polygonum perfoliatum L., was evaluated by antiviral efficacy against influenza A virus and anti-inflammatory activity in vivo in mouse, and it was used for quality evaluation of P. perfoliatum L.. In vivo study, oral administration of quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide significantly suppressed ear edema induced by dimethyl benzene and peritoneal permeability induced by acetic acid in mice, and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide also showed to possess inhibitory activity against influenza A virus (FLUAV). In the present study, additionally, a rapid, simple and sensitive method for quantitative analysis of quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide in P. perfoliatum L. was developed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with photodiode array detection. The separation was carried out on a Lichrosher-C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) together with a C18 guard column at isocratic elution systems of methanol (A) and 0.05% aqueous phosphoric acid (B) (43:57, v/v) with detection wavelength at 258 nm and column temperature at 30 °C. The method was validated for linearity, repeatability, limit of quantification (LOQ), precision and robustness. The contents of quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide in 28 samples from different regions of China were between 0.06% and 2.09%. The developed analytical method was applied to investigate P. perfoliatum L. and for quality control of the herb.     

A new steroidal saponin with antiinflammatory and antiulcerogenic properties from the bulbs of Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum

A new steroidal saponin was isolated from the bulbs of Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum L. On the basis of chemical evidence, comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison of known compounds, its structure was established as (3β,5α,6β,25R)-6-[(β-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]-spirostan-3-yl O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-galactopyranoside (1). Results of the present study indicated that the steroidal saponin showed haemolytic effects in the in vitro assays and demonstrated antiinflammatory activity and gastroprotective property using in vivo models.     

Modulation of some estrogen-responsive genes in the vena cava of ovariectomised Wistar rats by griffonianone C, an isoflavone derived from Millettia griffoniana Baill. (Fabaceae)

In the present study, we investigated whether griffonianone C (Griff C), extracted from root bark of Millettia griffoniana, changes the expression of several estrogen-responsive genes in the vena cava of ovariectomised rats. For this purpose, we subcutaneously administered Griff C (2, 10, or 20 mg/kg/d BW), 17β-estradiol (E2: 10 μg/kg/d BW) as positive control, and a vehicle control respectively for three days. Relative expression levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), cyclooxygenase2 (Cox-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-receptor 2, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki67 mRNA extracted from the vena cava of these rats were quantified by real-time PCR. Results showed that Griff C up-regulated the expression of PR, ACE, ERα, VEGF, VEGFR2 and Ki67. However, the results of Cox-2, PCNA, and eNOS expression did not reach significance in the E2 and Griff C treated samples. These results show that griffonianone C regulated a few of the analysed genes in a similar fashion than estradiol; however, others showed a different pattern. This suggests that some of the biological effects attributed to M. griffoniana are mediated via ER pathway others may be mediated via other pathways.     

重金属胁迫下白骨壤数字基因表达谱分析

[目的]从转录组水平研究重金属污水胁迫处理下白骨壤的基因表达变化,以揭示白骨壤响应重金属污染胁迫的机制。[方法]采用基于高通量测序的数字基因表达谱(DGE)技术对重金属污水胁迫处理组和对照组白骨壤材料进行转录组测序分析。[结果]与对照组相比,重金属处理下白骨壤共有10 459个差异表达基因,其中,8 685个表达量上升,1 774个表达量下降。Me V聚类表明:大部分基因在重金属处理样本中的表达量受到极大的诱导。GO功能注释发现,差异表达基因主要定位于叶绿体以及细胞内各种膜结构,参与"细胞代谢"、"细胞组分的组合和生物合成"、"对刺激的响应"等过程。KEGG代谢通路分析显示,差异表达基因分布于126条Pathways,涉及"核糖体"、"光合作用"、"乙醛酸盐代谢"、"丙酮酸代谢"等途径。重金属胁迫还促进萜类、黄酮类化合物生物合成的关键酶基因(牻牛儿基焦磷酸合酶(0009238)、黄酮醇合成酶(0001833))的表达,进而促进白骨壤有效成分的积累;显著诱导细胞分裂素水解酶编码基因CKX7(0057124)、油菜素内脂信号转导组分基因BSK(0043741)等的表达,进而提高白骨壤对重金属胁迫的适应能力。此外,转录因子分析发现,b HLH、NAC、MYB-related和WRKY在重金属胁迫中发挥重要作用。实验选取8个与环境刺激响应密切相关的基因,通过qRT-PCR验证了它们在重金属污水胁迫处理下的表达差异,结果与数字基因表达谱分析的结果较一致,证实了差异表达基因数据的有效性。[结论]重金属处理影响了白骨壤大量的新陈代谢、光合作用、小分子酸合成、激素合成与信号转导及次生代谢产物合成相关基因的表达。     

Cytotoxic nor-dammarane triterpenoids from Dysoxylum hainanense

Four new nor-dammarane triterpenoids, 12β-O-acetyl-15α,28-dihydoxy-17β-methoxy-3-oxo-20,21,22-23,24,25,26,27-octanordammanran (1), 12β-O-acetyl-15α,17β,28-trihydoxy-3-oxo-20,21,22-23,24,25,26,27-octanordammanran (2), 12β-O-acetyl-15α,28-dihydoxy-3-oxo-17-en-20,21,22-23,24,25,26,27-octanordammanran (3), and 12β,15α,17β,28-tetrahydoxy-3-oxo-20,21,22-23,24,25,26,27-octanordammanran (4), were isolated from the 70% EtOH extract of Dysoxylum hainanense. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectral methods. All the triterpenoids were in vitro evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against four tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SKMEL-2 and HCT15).     

麻竹笋转录组测序及苦涩味物质合成基因差异表达分析

[目的]研究避光处理对麻竹笋苦涩味物质合成相关基因表达的影响。[方法]利用Illumina HiSeq~(TM)2500平台对自然生长(CK)和覆土处理(EP)2种类型的麻竹笋进行转录组测序,并对差异表达基因进行分析。[结果]转录组测序共获得36.45 Gb原始数据,经组装去冗余处理得到53 388个Unigene,将所得Unigene比对到Nr、Pfam、COG、Swissprot、GO和KEGG数据库中进行功能注释,发现共有31 462条Unigene与其它物种的基因具有同源性。对CK和EP处理所测得的Unigene进行表达量的比较分析,筛选出1 846个差异基因,其中,在EP处理中上调表达基因998个,下调表达基因848个。由KEGG代谢通路分析发现,差异基因显著地富集在32个代谢途径中,其中,包含与苦涩味物质合成相关的糖酵解途径、苯丙氨酸、酪氨酸和色氨酸合成途径等。进一步研究发现,参与麻竹笋芳香族氨基酸、单宁合成的PFK、ENO、PPY-AT/HPP-AT、LAR等酶基因在EP处理中表达量下降,荧光定量PCR验证结果与测序结果基本一致。[结论]避光处理抑制了苯丙氨酸、酪氨酸、单宁生物合成关键酶基因的表达,可能最终影响麻竹笋苦涩味物质的合成。     

平榛ChWRKY28基因克隆及表达模式分析

[目的]研究平榛ChWRKY28基因序列特征及其在不同非生物胁迫下的表达规律.[方法]以平榛为试材,采用RACE-PCR方法进行基因克隆;利用实时荧光定量PCR方法检测基因在不同组织及不同非生物胁迫下的表达模式.[结果]表明:克隆得到的WRKY基因,全长1 342 bp,基因内部包含1个长963 bp的完整开放阅读框,编码320个氨基酸残基,命名为ChWRKY28.构建的系统发育树表明:该序列与拟南芥AtWRKY28及杨树PtrWRKY93的关系最近,相似性分别为49%和60%.基因表达分析表明:ChWRKY28在雄花序、雌花芽及茎中均有表达,但在茎部(皮)中的表达量高于雄花序和雌花芽中的表达量,具有组织表达特异性;低温、干旱及盐胁迫均能诱导ChWRKY28基因的表达,但受诱导程度存在差异.亚细胞定位分析结果表明:ChWRKY28蛋白分布在细胞核内,是一个核蛋白.[结论]推测ChWRKY28基因可能参与植物响应非生物胁迫的信号转导过程.     

Triterpenoids from Calophyllum inophyllum and their growth inhibitory effects on human leukemia HL-60 cells

A new friedelane-type triterpene (1), along with seven known triterpenoids, was isolated from the stems and leaves of Calophyllum inophyllum Linn. Their structures were established as 3β, 23-epoxy-friedelan-28-oic acid (1), friedelin (2), epifriedelanol (3), canophyllal (4), canophyllol (5), canophyllic acid (6), 3-oxo-friedelan-28-oic acid (7), and oleanolic acid (8) by spectroscopic methods (NMR, EI-MS). The growth inhibitory effects of these triterpenoids on human leukemia HL-60 cells were determined.     

Sulfoxaflor resistance in Aphis gossypii: resistance mechanism,feeding behavior and life history changes

Sulfoxaflor, a novel sulfoximine insecticide, has been widely used to control sucking insect pests. In order to investigate the resistance mechanisms and potential adaptive costs (e.g., in feeding behavior and life history) associated with sulfoxaflor resistance, a sulfoxaflor-resistant (Sul-R) A. gossypii strain with 40.19-fold resistance was established by laboratory selection. This Sul-R strain developed different cross-resistance to neonicotinoid, pyrethroid and carbamate insecticides (resistance ratio values ranged from 5.62-fold to 35.90-fold). Three synergistic chemicals, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP), dramatically increased the toxicity of sulfoxaflor in the Sul-R strain with synergistic ratios of 7.37, 2.60 and 1.76, respectively. The activities of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450), S, S, S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (GST) and carboxylesterase (CarE) were also significantly higher in the Sul-R strain than the Sus strain. Meanwhile, twenty-five P450 genes were overexpressed in the Sul-R strain and suppression the expression of CYP6CY13-2 by RNAi significantly improved the susceptibility of Sul-R A. gossypii to sulfoxaflor. Furthermore, this Sul-R A. gossypii became more active in finding an appropriate position for feeding. They made more intercellular apoplastic stylet pathway events (C) than the susceptible strain. In addition, the Sul-R strain showed an increased relative fitness of 1.19. The fecundity of Sul-R adults was dramatically higher than that of the relatively susceptible aphids. Our results indicated that enhancing P450 activity and overexpression of P450 genes, especially the CYP6CY13-2 gene, likely contribute to sulfoxaflor resistance in A. gossypii and the resistance to sulfoxaflor can result in stimulated probing and fecundity.