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Response analysis of to pine wood nematode infection through transcriptomics and metabolomics study.Frontiers in Plant Science 2024is primarily distributed in Siberia. Owing to its excellent cold resistance and development potential, it has become an important introduced tree species in the Greater...
is primarily distributed in Siberia. Owing to its excellent cold resistance and development potential, it has become an important introduced tree species in the Greater Xing'an area of China. Pine wilt disease, triggered by the pine wood nematode (PWN, ), constitutes a profoundly critical affliction within forest ecosystems. Its incidence has extended to the northeastern region of China in recent years. To explore the potential host status of in the Greater Xing'an area for PWN and to elucidate the responses following inoculation, artificial inoculation, transcriptomics, and metabolomics methods were used. In the artificial inoculation experiments, quantitative analysis of nematode populations within the trees demonstrated that PWN exhibited normal growth and reproductive capabilities within . Subsequently, transcriptome and metabolome sequencing were conducted at four time points before disease onset (3-, 5-, 7-, and 9-days post inoculation). Gene trend analysis and differentially expressed gene screening were employed and the results indicated that genes associated with the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway exhibited predominant enrichment among the up-regulated genes. Metabolome analysis showed that the abundance of flavonoid-related metabolites in increased after inoculation with PWN. Integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome revealed that after PWN inoculation in , two () genes and a () gene were significantly upregulated, and the upregulation should accumulate naringenin, pinocembrin, and apigenin to help resist infection of PWN. The results suggested that flavonoid biosynthesis pathway continued to respond after was infected with PWN and played an important role in the interaction between and PWN.
PubMed: 38774221
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1383018 -
BMC Plant Biology May 2024The flower colour of H. syriacus 'Qiansiban' transitions from fuchsia to pink-purple and finally to pale purple, thereby enhancing the ornamental value of the cultivars....
BACKGROUND
The flower colour of H. syriacus 'Qiansiban' transitions from fuchsia to pink-purple and finally to pale purple, thereby enhancing the ornamental value of the cultivars. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this change in flower colour in H. syriacus has not been elucidated. In this study, the transcriptomic data of H. syriacus 'Qiansiban' at five developmental stages were analysed to investigate the impact of flavonoid components on flower colour variation. Additionally, five cDNA libraries were constructed from H. syriacus 'Qiansiban' during critical blooming stages, and the transcriptomes were sequenced to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying changes in flower colouration.
RESULTS
High-performance liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry detected five anthocyanins in H. syriacus 'Qiansiban', with malvaccin-3-O-glucoside being the predominant compound in the flowers of H. syriacus at different stages, followed by petunigenin-3-O-glucoside. The levels of these five anthocyanins exhibited gradual declines throughout the flowering process. In terms of the composition and profile of flavonoids and flavonols, a total of seven flavonoids were identified: quercetin-3-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, Santianol-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol-O-hexosyl-C-hexarbonoside, apigenin-C-diglucoside, luteolin-3,7-diglucoside, and apigenin-7-O-rutinoside. A total of 2,702 DEGs were identified based on the selected reference genome. Based on the enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes, we identified 9 structural genes (PAL, CHS, FLS, DRF, ANS, CHI, F3H, F3'5'H, and UFGT) and 7 transcription factors (3 MYB, 4 bHLH) associated with flavonoid biosynthesis. The qRT‒PCR results were in good agreement with the high-throughput sequencing data.
CONCLUSION
This study will establish a fundamental basis for elucidating the mechanisms underlying alterations in the flower pigmentation of H. syriacus.
Topics: Flowers; Metabolome; Transcriptome; Hibiscus; Flavonoids; Anthocyanins; Pigmentation; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Gene Expression Profiling; Color
PubMed: 38773421
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05142-0 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Inhibition of amyloid β protein fragment (Aβ) aggregation is considered to be one of the most effective strategies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease....
BACKGROUND
Inhibition of amyloid β protein fragment (Aβ) aggregation is considered to be one of the most effective strategies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has been found to be effective in this regard; however, owing to its low bioavailability, nanodelivery is recommended for practical applications. Compared to chemical reduction methods, biosynthesis avoids possible biotoxicity and cumbersome preparation processes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The interaction between EGCG and Aβ42 was simulated by molecular docking, and green tea-conjugated gold nanoparticles (GT-Au NPs) and EGCG-Au NPs were synthesized using EGCG-enriched green tea and EGCG solutions, respectively. Surface active molecules of the particles were identified and analyzed using various liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry methods. ThT fluorescence assay, circular dichroism, and TEM were used to investigate the effect of synthesized particles on the inhibition of Aβ42 aggregation.
RESULTS
EGCG as well as apigenin, quercetin, baicalin, and glutathione were identified as capping ligands stabilized on the surface of GT-Au NPs. They more or less inhibited Aβ42 aggregation or promoted fibril disaggregation, with EGCG being the most effective, which bound to Aβ42 through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, etc. resulting in 39.86% and 88.50% inhibition of aggregation and disaggregation effects, respectively. EGCG-Au NPs were not as effective as free EGCG, whereas multiple thiols and polyphenols in green tea accelerated and optimized heavy metal detoxification. The synthesized GT-Au NPs conferred the efficacy of diverse ligands to the particles, with inhibition of aggregation and disaggregation effects of 54.69% and 88.75%, respectively, while increasing the yield, enhancing water solubility, and decreasing cost.
CONCLUSION
Biosynthesis of nanoparticles using green tea is a promising simple and economical drug-carrying approach to confer multiple pharmacophore molecules to Au NPs. This could be used to design new drug candidates to treat Alzheimer's disease.
Topics: Amyloid beta-Peptides; Catechin; Tea; Metal Nanoparticles; Gold; Molecular Docking Simulation; Ligands; Peptide Fragments; Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Protein Aggregates
PubMed: 38766654
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S451070 -
The Saudi Dental Journal May 2024To determine the "biocompatibility" of a soft denture liner impregnated with apigenin and seashell nanoparticles via histopathological assessment in rabbit models.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the "biocompatibility" of a soft denture liner impregnated with apigenin and seashell nanoparticles via histopathological assessment in rabbit models.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty-six albino rabbits aged 5-7 months and weighing, 1.25-1.5 kg were randomly divided into apigenin and seashell-modified groups, n = 13 each). A total of 104 disc-shaped specimens (3 mm thick and 5 mm in diameter) of a heat-cured soft liner, (GC, USA) were prepared. In the apigenin group, each rabbit was subcutaneously implanted with 4 specimens: (positive control, unmodified-liner, and 0.25 %, 0.5 %, and 1 % of apigenin-modified liner). In the seashell group, rabbits were implanted with positive control and 1.25 %, 2.5 % and 5 % seashell-modified liner. A non-implanted incision was performed for all the groups as a negative control. Histopathological observations were evaluated according to inflammatory and angiogenesis scores 14 days after implantation.
RESULTS
A significant decrease in inflammatory responses and an increase in angiogenesis were observed for both apigenin and seashell-modified soft liner groups. Higher compatibility effectiveness was positively related to and recorded in the increased ratios of nanoparticles within the soft liner material.
CONCLUSION
Apigenin and seashell-modified soft liners at higher ratios 1% and 5% respectively were more compatible with the rabbit mucosa.
PubMed: 38766293
DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2024.02.013 -
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative... May 2024Clerodendrum glandulosum Lindl. is an important ethnomedicinal shrub of Northeast India, used by traditional healers to control various ailments like diabetes,...
Phenolic enriched fraction of Clerodendrum glandulosum Lindl. leaf extract ameliorates hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats.
BACKGROUND
Clerodendrum glandulosum Lindl. is an important ethnomedicinal shrub of Northeast India, used by traditional healers to control various ailments like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, etc. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to explore the anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidative effects of the polyphenol-rich fraction (PRF) of C. glandulosum leaf extract and identification of its major bioactive compounds. Further, an in-silico molecular docking study was also performed to understand the molecular interactions of the identified major compounds with some target proteins associated with diabetic complications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PRF was purified from the hydromethanolic (80% MeOH) extract of leaves and subjected to assessment of in-vitro antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. It was also subjected to evaluate the ameliorative effect during streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced hyperglycemia in Wistar albino rats. An in-silico molecular docking study was also performed to complement the in-vitro/in-vivo studies.
RESULTS
Chemical analysis of PRF showed the presence of phenolics like caffeic acid, verbascoside, isoverbascoside, and apigenin, of which verbascoside (598.14 ± 1.24 mg/g) was found to be the principal compound. In-vitro studies showed potent antioxidant (IC of DPPH:32.45 ± 2.16 μg/mL; ABTS:39.08 ± 0.53 μg/mL) properties and excellent aldose reductase inhibition potential (IC 2.18 ± 0.10 μg/mL). Treatment with PRF showed reduced blood glucose levels and increased plasma insulin levels. The results also indicate an improvement of endogenous antioxidants and suppression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) comparable to the standard. Molecular docking studies predicted promising interactions between the identified molecules and the crucial amino acid residues of the enzymes involved in the development of hyperglycemia.
CONCLUSION
This study revealed the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potential of partially purified fraction PRF of C. glandulosum leaves.
PubMed: 38761758
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100906 -
BMC Infectious Diseases May 2024In November 2019, the world faced a pandemic called SARS-CoV-2, which became a major threat to humans and continues to be. To overcome this, many plants were explored to...
BACKGROUND
In November 2019, the world faced a pandemic called SARS-CoV-2, which became a major threat to humans and continues to be. To overcome this, many plants were explored to find a cure.
METHODS
Therefore, this research was planned to screen out the active constituents from Artemisia annua that can work against the viral main protease Mpro as this non-structural protein is responsible for the cleavage of replicating enzymes of the virus. Twenty-five biocompounds belonging to different classes namely alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, carvone, myrtenol, quinic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, rutin, apigenin, chrysoplenetin, arteannunin b, artemisinin, scopoletin, scoparone, artemisinic acid, deoxyartemisnin, artemetin, casticin, sitogluside, beta-sitosterol, dihydroartemisinin, scopolin, artemether, artemotil, artesunate were selected. Virtual screening of these ligands was carried out against drug target Mpro by CB dock.
RESULTS
Quercetin, rutin, casticin, chrysoplenetin, apigenin, artemetin, artesunate, sopolin and sito-gluside were found as hit compounds. Further, ADMET screening was conducted which represented Chrysoplenetin as a lead compound. Azithromycin was used as a standard drug. The interactions were studied by PyMol and visualized in LigPlot. Furthermore, the RMSD graph shows fluctuations at various points at the start of simulation in Top1 (Azithromycin) complex system due to structural changes in the helix-coil-helix and beta-turn-beta changes at specific points resulting in increased RMSD with a time frame of 50 ns. But this change remains stable after the extension of simulation time intervals till 100 ns. On other side, the Top2 complex system remains highly stable throughout the time scale. No such structural dynamics were observed bu the ligand attached to the active site residues binds strongly.
CONCLUSION
This study facilitates researchers to develop and discover more effective and specific therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections. Finally, chrysoplenetin was identified as a more potent drug candidate to act against the viral main protease, which in the future can be helpful.
Topics: SARS-CoV-2; Artemisia annua; Molecular Docking Simulation; Coronavirus 3C Proteases; Humans; Phytochemicals; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; Antiviral Agents; Plant Extracts; Computer Simulation; Protease Inhibitors; COVID-19; Molecular Dynamics Simulation
PubMed: 38750422
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09387-w -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Oxidative stress is an important pathological process in ischemic stroke (IS). Apigenin (APG) is a natural product with favorable antioxidative effects, and some studies...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Oxidative stress is an important pathological process in ischemic stroke (IS). Apigenin (APG) is a natural product with favorable antioxidative effects, and some studies have already demonstrated the antioxidative mechanism of APG in the treatment of IS. However, the mechanism of APG on DNA damage and repair after IS is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of APG on DNA repair after IS.
METHODS
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to establish a model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) on one side, and were pre-treated with gavage of APG (30, 60, or 120 mg/kg) for 7 days. One day after pMCAO, the brain tissues were collected. Cerebral infarct volume, brain water content, HE staining and antioxidant index were analyzed to evaluated the brain damage. Molecular Docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were used to explore the potential proteins related to DNA damage repair.
RESULTS
APG has a low binding score with DNA repair-related proteins. APG treatment has improved the volume of cerebral infarction and neurological deficits, reduced brain edema, and decreased parthanatos and apoptosis by inhibiting PARP1/AIF pathway. In addition, APG improved the antioxidative capacity through reducing reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, and increasing glutathione and superoxide dismutase. Also, APG has reduced DNA damage- and cell death-related proteins such as PARP1, γH2A.X, 53BP1, AIF, cleaved caspase3, Cytochrome c, and increased DNA repair by BRCA1 and RAD51 through homologous recombination repair, and reduced non-homologous end link repair by KU70.
CONCLUSION
APG can improve nerve damage after IS, and these protective effects were realized by reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage, and improving DNA repair.
PubMed: 38746012
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1362301 -
Journal of Translational Medicine May 2024Retinal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR) is implicated in various forms of optic neuropathies, yet effective treatments are lacking. RIR leads to the death of retinal ganglion...
BACKGROUND
Retinal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR) is implicated in various forms of optic neuropathies, yet effective treatments are lacking. RIR leads to the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and subsequent vision loss, posing detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Apigenin (API), derived from a wide range of sources, has been reported to exert protective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injuries in various organs, such as the brain, kidney, myocardium, and liver. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of API and its underlying mechanisms on RGC degeneration induced by retinal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR).
METHODS
An in vivo model was induced by anterior chamber perfusion following intravitreal injection of API one day prior to the procedure. Meanwhile, an in vitro model was established through 1% oxygen and glucose deprivation. The neuroprotective effects of API were evaluated using H&E staining, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), Fluoro-Gold retrograde labeling, and Photopic negative response (PhNR). Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe mitochondrial crista morphology and integrity. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of API, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, flow cytometry assay, western blot, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, JC-1 kit assay, dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay, as well as TMRE and Mito-tracker staining were conducted.
RESULTS
API treatment protected retinal inner plexiform layer (IPL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC), and improved the function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Additionally, API reduced RGC apoptosis and decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release by upregulating Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression, while downregulating Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, API increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and decreased extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These effects were achieved by enhancing mitochondrial function, restoring mitochondrial cristae morphology and integrity, and regulating the expression of OPA1, MFN2, and DRP1, thereby regulating mitochondrial dynamics involving fusion and fission.
CONCLUSION
API protects RGCs against RIR injury by modulating mitochondrial dynamics, promoting mitochondrial fusion and fission.
Topics: Retinal Ganglion Cells; Apigenin; Animals; Reperfusion Injury; Neuroprotective Agents; Mitochondrial Dynamics; Male; Apoptosis; Mitochondria; Reactive Oxygen Species; Models, Biological; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 38741132
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05260-1 -
Experimental Gerontology Jul 2024Sorghum is a promising treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD), due to its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Fermentation may also affect nutritional...
Sorghum is a promising treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD), due to its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. Fermentation may also affect nutritional values. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to discover the phenolic and flavonoid chemicals found in both fermented and non-fermented red sorghum, as well as their potential therapeutic uses for AD. L. fermentum, and L. reuteri, and/or L. plantarum and L. casei were used to ferment samples of sorghum. The rats were grouped into five groups, healthy animals, and rats with Alzheimer's receiving 200 mg/kg of saline, non-fermented sorghum, and fermented sorghum fermented with L. fermentum and L. reuteri, as well as L. plantarum and L. casei. Various assessments were conducted, including evaluations of behavioral responses, antioxidant responses, inflammatory responses, acetylcholine levels and acetylcholine esterase, and bacterial populations in stool. P-hydroxybenzoic acid, eriodictyo naringenin, and apigenin were significantly higher in fermented samples, while glycerols were higher in non-fermented samples. The induction of Alzheimer's led to decrease step-through latency, time in target zone, FRAP, acetylcholine levels, Bifidobacterium population and lactobacillus population, while increased escape latency, platform location latency, MDA levels, IL-6, TNF-α, acetylcholine esterase, and coliform population (P = 0.001). The administration of both non-fermented sorghum and fermented sorghum demonstrated the potential to reverse the effects of AD, with a notably higher efficacy observed in the fermented samples compared to the non-fermented ones. In conclusion, fermentation exerted significant effects on the bioactive compounds the administration of fermented sorghum resulted in improved behavioral responses, characterized by a reduction in oxidation, inflammation and microbial population.
Topics: Sorghum; Alzheimer Disease; Fermentation; Animals; Male; Antioxidants; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Flavanones; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Disease Models, Animal; Flavonoids; Apigenin; Phenols; Acetylcholine; Acetylcholinesterase; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Lactobacillus; Plant Extracts; Feces
PubMed: 38740315
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112459