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Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024In order to fully utilize the by-products of apricot kernel-debitterizing and address the chemical instability of benzaldehyde in the food industry, benzaldehyde was...
In order to fully utilize the by-products of apricot kernel-debitterizing and address the chemical instability of benzaldehyde in the food industry, benzaldehyde was first prepared by adding the apricot kernel powder to degrade the amygdalin present in the apricot kernel-debitterizing water. Subsequently, β-cyclodextrin was employed to encapsulate the benzaldehyde, and its encapsulation efficacy was evaluated through various techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, release kinetics fitting inhibitory effect and the effect on . Finally, the encapsulation was explored via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The results indicate that the optimal preparation conditions for the benzaldehyde were 1.8 h, 53 °C and pH 5.8, and the encapsulation of benzaldehyde with β-cyclodextrin (wall-core ratio of 5:1, mL/g) has been verified by the deceleration in the release rate, the enhanced thermal stability and the prolonged inhibition effect against . The encapsulation proceeded spontaneously without steric hindrance in the simulation, which led to a reduction in the hydrophobic cavity of β-cyclodextrin. In conclusion, the amygdalin in the debitterizing wastewater can be degraded in an eco-friendly way to produce benzaldehyde by adding apricot kernel powder, which contains β-glucosidase; the encapsulation of benzaldehyde is stable, thus enhancing the utilization of amygdalin in the debitterizing wastewater of apricot kernels.
PubMed: 38338572
DOI: 10.3390/foods13030437 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Apr 2024Fufang Luohanguo Qingfei granules (LQG) is a Chinese patent medicine, clinically used to treat flu-like symptoms including cough with yellow phlegm, impeded phlegm, dry...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Fufang Luohanguo Qingfei granules (LQG) is a Chinese patent medicine, clinically used to treat flu-like symptoms including cough with yellow phlegm, impeded phlegm, dry throat and tongue. However, the protective activity of LQG against influenza infection is indeterminate.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of LQG on influenza infection and elucidate its underlying mechanism.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In vivo: A viral susceptible mouse model induced by restraint stress was established to investigate LQG's beneficial effects on influenza susceptibility. MAVS knockout (Mavs) mice were used to verify the potential mechanism of LQG. In vitro: Corticosteroid (CORT)-treated A549 cells were employed to identify the active ingredients in LQG. Mice morbidity and mortality were monitored daily for 21 days. Histopathologic changes and inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues were examined by H&E staining and ELISA. RNA-seq was used to explore the signaling pathway influenced by LQG and further confirmed by qPCR. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to determine the protein levels. CO-IP and DARTS were applied to detect protein-protein interaction and compound-protein interaction, respectively.
RESULTS
LQG effectively attenuated the susceptibility of restrained mice to H1N1 infection. LQG significantly boosted the production of IFN-β transduced by mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), while MAVS deficiency abrogated its protective effects on restrained mice infected with H1N1. Moreover, in vitro studies further revealed that mogroside Ⅱ B, amygdalin, and luteolin are potentially active components of LQG.
CONCLUSION
These results suggested that LQG inhibited the mitofusin 2 (Mfn2)-mediated ubiquitination of MAVS by impeding the E3 ligase synoviolin 1 (SYVN1) recruitment, thereby enhancing IFN-β antiviral response. Overall, our work elaborates a potential regimen for influenza treatment through reduction of stress-induced susceptibility.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Humans; Interferon Type I; Influenza, Human; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Signal Transduction; Antiviral Agents; Immunity, Innate
PubMed: 38278377
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117780 -
Chinese Medicine Jan 2024Qing-Zao-Jiu-Fei Decoction (QZJFD) is a famous herbal formula commonly prescribed for the treatment of lung-related diseases in the ancient and modern times....
BACKGROUND
Qing-Zao-Jiu-Fei Decoction (QZJFD) is a famous herbal formula commonly prescribed for the treatment of lung-related diseases in the ancient and modern times. Trichosanthis Fructus (TF) and Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (FTB) are widely used for treatment of cough and pulmonary disease. In order to identify a more effective formula for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, we intend to add TF and FTB in QZJFD to form a modified QZJFD (MQZJFD). In this study, we aims to explore MQZJFD as an innovative therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis using bleomycin (BLM)-treated rats and to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms.
METHODS
BLM was given to SD rats by intra-tracheal administration of a single dose of BLM (5 mg/kg). QZJFD (3 g/kg) and MQZJFD (1, 2 and 4 g/kg) was given intragastrically daily to rats for 14 days (from day 15 to 28) after BLM administration for 14 consecutive days.
RESULTS
MQZJFD was found to contain 0.29% of amygdalin, 0.020% of lutin, 0.077% of glycyrrhizic acid and 0.047% of chlorogenic acid. BLM treatment could induce collagen deposition in the lung tissues of rats, indicating that the pulmonary fibrosis rat model had been successfully established. MQZJFD have better effects than the original QZJFD in reducing the pulmonary structure damage and collagen deposition of rat lung fibrosis induced by BLM. MQZJFD could reduce the hydroxyproline content in lung tissues of BLM-treated rats. The biomarkers of fibrosis such as matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were remarkably reduced after treatment with MQZJFD. MQZJFD also have anti-oxidant stress effects by inhibiting the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), but enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the level of glutathione (GSH) in the lung tissues of BLM-treated rats. Moreover, the MQZJFD markedly suppressed the over expressions of p-p65/p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα, but upregulated the Nrf2. MQZJFD also suppressed the protein expressions of p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-p38/p38 and p-JNK/JNK in the lung tissues of BLM-treated rats.
CONCLUSIONS
MQZJFD could improve the pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM in rats via inhibiting the fibrosis and oxidative stress via suppressing the activation of NF-κB/Nrf2 and MAPKs pathways.
PubMed: 38229198
DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00882-5 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Feb 2024The Caspian Sea has faced many environmental challenges, such as oil pollution. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a critical role in stress conditions and physiological...
Enhancing resistance and cell survival in Acipenser ruthenus liver, gill, and kidney cells: The potential of heat shock protein inducers against PAH-benzo[a]pyrene stress.
The Caspian Sea has faced many environmental challenges, such as oil pollution. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a critical role in stress conditions and physiological changes caused by disease or injury. By evaluating the effects of various HSP inducers (HSPi), including Pro-Tex® (NOP: 800 mM), amygdalin (AMG: 80 mM), and a novel synthetic compound derived from pirano piranazole (SZ: 80 µm) on isolated cells from Sterlet Sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) treated with 75% IC PAH-benzo[a]pyrene (BaP; B75). This study examines whether there is a correlation between exposure to the BaP pollutant and HSPs in fish. In vitro, after culturing cells from the liver, kidney, and gills, they were treated with HSPi compounds in the presence and absence of BaP. Western blotting was used to assess HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 expression patterns. A variety of enzyme activities were measured before (without treatment) and after treatment with HSPis and HSPi + B75, including cytochrome P450 (CYP450) activity, specific enzyme activity for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidant capacity, liver indicator enzymes, cortisol levels, and immunity parameters. When compared to the control group, cells treated with B75 showed the lowest AChE enzyme activity (p < 0.0001). CYP450 activity was highest in group B75, while HSPi caused the opposite effect (p < 0.0001). HSPi + B75 increased HSP levels and antioxidant parameters while decreasing cortisol and liver indicator enzymes (p < 0.0001). HSPi may be a powerful and reliable method for enhancing the resistance of A. ruthenus to BaP stresses before exposure. Treating cells with HSP-inducing compounds, such as NOP, AMG, and SZ, can assist them in managing stress and increase HSP (27, 70, and 90) protein expression. Furthermore, the study findings suggest that HSPis can also mitigate the adverse effects of stress, ultimately increasing cell survival and resistance.
Topics: Animals; Gills; Benzo(a)pyrene; Antioxidants; Cell Survival; Acetylcholinesterase; Hydrocortisone; Liver; Heat-Shock Proteins; Kidney
PubMed: 38191735
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31884-3 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Jan 2024This study was sought to investigate the chemical composition and antibacterial and antiulcerative colitis (UC) effects of essential oil from Pruni Semen (PSEO). A GC-MS...
This study was sought to investigate the chemical composition and antibacterial and antiulcerative colitis (UC) effects of essential oil from Pruni Semen (PSEO). A GC-MS assay showed that the major compounds in PSEO were products of amygdalin hydrolysis, which possessed great antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential. antibacterial experiments demonstrated that PSEO treatment inhibited activity of four kinds of intestinal pathogens probably by disrupting the cell wall. Further studies showed that PSEO administration significantly improved physiological indexes, attenuated histopathological characteristics, and inhibited proinflammatory cytokine production in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice. Network pharmacology and molecular docking results predicted that PSEO might prevent UC via regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays were further conducted for verification, and the results evidenced that PSEO intervention significantly regulated the PI3K/AKT pathway and the expression of its downstream proteins in DSS-induced mice. PSEO might provide a new dietary strategy for UC treatment.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Oils, Volatile; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Semen; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Molecular Docking Simulation; Colitis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Colitis, Ulcerative; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Colon
PubMed: 38169317
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06442 -
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology Dec 2023Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an extremely complex, heterogeneous, and multifactorial neurodegenerative disease clinically characterized by progressive memory loss and...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an extremely complex, heterogeneous, and multifactorial neurodegenerative disease clinically characterized by progressive memory loss and progressive decline in cognitive function. There is currently no effective treatment for the onset and/or progression of the pathophysiological diseases of AD. The global prevalence of this disease has increased in recent years due to modern lifestyle. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a drug with significant neuroprotective potential. Since plant metabolites, especially polyphenols, have important pharmacological properties acting against β-amyloid (Aβ), Tau, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, such phytochemicals were selected in the present research. Using the Schrödinger tool (Maestro V.13.6), the drug potency of these metabolites was studied after installation in the highly configured workstation. Among the 120 polyphenols docked, amygdalin showed notable docking values of - 11.2638, followed by eriocitrin (- 10.9569), keracyanin (- 10.7086), and amaroswerin (- 9.48126). The prominent MM-GBSA values of these molecules were - 62.8829, - 52.1914, - 68.6307, and - 63.1074, respectively. The MM-GBSA energy values demonstrated the drug stability of these molecules for β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1)-causing AD. In the absorption and distribution assessment, these phytochemicals showed significantly better values than the inhibitors CNP520. The chosen phytochemicals have been demonstrated as non-hepatotoxic; however, the BACE1 inhibitor CNP520 is hepatotoxic. In both the molecular docking and ADMET assessments, these natural chemicals have shown optimism as potential drug candidates for Alzheimer's disease. However, in order to understand the detailed biological metabolism of these compounds in AD, they need to be evaluated in in vivo studies to validate its efficacy.
PubMed: 38158488
DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04803-4 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Dec 2023This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of laetrile, vinblastine, and their mixture on cervical cancer cells and probe potential synergistic consequences.
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of laetrile, vinblastine, and their mixture on cervical cancer cells and probe potential synergistic consequences.
METHOD
The study scrutinized the inhibitory impact of laetrile vinblastine and their mixture on the growth of human cervical cancer cells (Hela cancer cell line). The cells were incubated for 24, 48, and 72 hours with concentrations varying from 1 microgram to 10,000 micrograms of each substance.
RESULT
study results showed, the combination of vinblastine and laetrile effectively reduced the viability of human cervical cancer cells. This effect was stronger than the individual cytotoxic effects of each compound. The results suggest that the cytotoxicity of the vinblastine and laetrile combination increases with higher concentrations of the compounds. Additionally, the study revealed a synergistic effect between the mixture ingredients, particularly at the lowest and highest concentrations during the 24 and 72-hour incubation periods.
CONCLUSION
The antiproliferative effect of (the combination of laetrile and vinblastine) was greater than the antiproliferative effect of either compound used alone, suggesting a synergistic relationship between the two.
Topics: Female; Humans; Vinblastine; Amygdalin; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Apoptosis; HeLa Cells; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 38156870
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.12.4329 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Mar 2024Xingbei Zhike granule (XBZK), a widely prescribed Chinese patent medicine, is known for its efficacy in clearing lung qi, relieving cough and reducing phlegm, as well as...
HEADINGS ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Xingbei Zhike granule (XBZK), a widely prescribed Chinese patent medicine, is known for its efficacy in clearing lung qi, relieving cough and reducing phlegm, as well as fever, dry and bitter taste, and irritability. Despite its clinical popularity, comprehensive investigations into its chemical composition, in vivo metabolism, and pharmacokinetic characteristics are limited.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This study investigates the chemical composition, in vivo metabolism, and in vivo dynamics of XBZK to clarify its material basis and pharmacokinetic characteristics.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap-MS) was used to determine the chemical composition and in vivo metabolic profile of XBZK. Additionally, UPLC with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS/MS) was performed to quantify its main components and evaluate its in vivo dynamics in rat plasma.
RESULTS
In total, 57 components were identified in XBZK. Furthermore, 40 prototype components and 31 metabolites were detected in various biological matrices of rats, including plasma, tissues, bile, feces, and urine. After administration, the area under the curve (AUC) for ephedrine (Eph), pseudoephedrine (Peph), neotuberostemonine (Neo), amygdalin (Amy), and enoxolone (Eno) exhibited a strong linear relationship with the administered dose (r > 0.9) in all rats. And gender-related differences in the absorption of peiminine (Pmn), peimisine (Pms), and chrysin-7-O-glucuronide (Cog) were notable among rats, with male rats showing a dose-dependent pattern of absorption, while female rats exhibited minimal absorption.
CONCLUSIONS
XBZK contains 57 components, primarily composed of flavonoids, alkaloids, and coumarins. The eight main components were rapidly absorbed and eliminated, with some, such as Eph, Peph, Neo, Amy and Eno, following a linear pharmacokinetic pattern. Furthermore, Pmn, Pms and Cog were well absorbed in male rats, showing a dose-dependent behavior.
Topics: Rats; Male; Female; Animals; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Metabolome; Alkaloids; Lactones; Parabens
PubMed: 38145860
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117582 -
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo... Nov 2023This study comprehensively analyzed the active components of Sanhan Huashi Formula using qualitative and quantitative mass spectrometry techniques, laying the foundation...
This study comprehensively analyzed the active components of Sanhan Huashi Formula using qualitative and quantitative mass spectrometry techniques, laying the foundation for understanding its pharmacological substance basis. UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and GC-MS technologies were used to analyze and identify the volatile and non-volatile components in Sanhan Huashi Formula. UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS technology was used to simultaneously determine the content of 27 major active components in the formula. The results showed that 308 major chemical components were identified in Sanhan Huashi Formula, among which 60 compounds were identified by comparing with reference standards, mainly including alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenoid saponins, amino acids, and nucleosides. GC-MS technology preliminarily identified 52 volatile compounds, with γ-eudesmol and β-eudesmol as the main components. The quantitative results demonstrated good linearity(r>0.99) for the 27 active components, indicating the stability, simplicity, and reliability of the established method. Among them, amygdalin, nodakenin, arecoline, ephedrine, and pseudoephedrine had relatively high content and were presumably the main pharmacologically active substances. In conclusion, this study systematically and comprehensively characterized the major chemical components and patterns in Sanhan Huashi Formula, providing a basis for understanding its pharmacological mechanisms and clinical applications.
Topics: Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Reproducibility of Results; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38114213
DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20230614.303 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Mar 2024Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate pesticide frequently used in agriculture and released into aquatic environments. In this study, sterlet sturgeon cells were exposed...
Using heat shock protein (HSP) inducers as an approach to increase the viability of sterlet (Pisces; Acipenseridae; Acipenser ruthenus) cells against environmental diazinon toxicity.
Diazinon (DZN) is an organophosphate pesticide frequently used in agriculture and released into aquatic environments. In this study, sterlet sturgeon cells were exposed to DZN to investigate possible defense mechanisms via HSP induction (HSPi). Liver, kidney, and gill cells of Acipenser ruthenus were isolated and cultured and then treated with HSPi (Pro-Tex®, amygdalin, and a novel pirano-piranazole-based synthesized compound: SZ) in the presence and absence of DZN. MTT assays were used to evaluate the effects of different HSPis and their combinations with DZN. Western blotting analysis was conducted to evaluate HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 expression patterns in each group. The highest rates of caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities were found in the DZN group, whereas HSPi treatment resulted in the lowest rates. The combination of HSPi+DZN resulted in increased HSP levels and antioxidant parameters but decreased cortisol, immune parameters, and metabolic enzymes. Many of the studied parameters (caspases, acetylcholinesterase, antioxidant, immune, and metabolic parameters) showed significant correlations with HSP expression, indicating that HSPs may be associated with markers of sterlet cell health. The results of this study demonstrate that using HSP inducers may be a powerful and reliable way to increase A. ruthenus resistance prior to exposure to DZN.
Topics: Diazinon; Antioxidants; Acetylcholinesterase; Insecticides; Hazardous Substances; Heat-Shock Proteins
PubMed: 38086298
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133194