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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024The vegetation of the Canary Islands is characterized by a large number of endemic species confined to different altitudinal levels. It can be assumed that these...
The vegetation of the Canary Islands is characterized by a large number of endemic species confined to different altitudinal levels. It can be assumed that these circumstances determine the characteristic features of the chemical composition of local beekeeping products, including propolis. We report, for the first time, the chemical composition of propolis from Tenerife (Canary Islands). The volatile emissions of three propolis samples collected from different apiaries are represented by 162 C-C compounds, of which 144 were identified using the HS-SPME/GC-MS technique. The main group of volatiles, consisting of 72 compounds, is formed by terpenoids, which account for 42-68% of the total ion current (TIC) of the chromatograms. The next most numerous groups are formed by C-C alkanes and alkenes (6-32% TIC) and aliphatic C-C carbonyl compounds (7-20% TIC). The volatile emissions also contain C-C aliphatic acids and C-C alcohols, as well as their esters. Peaks of 138 organic C-C compounds were recorded in the chromatograms of the ether extracts of the studied propolis. Terpene compounds form the most numerous group, but their number and content in different samples is within very wide limits (9-63% TIC), which is probably due to the origin of the samples from apiaries located at different altitudes. A peculiarity of the chemical composition of the extractive substances is the almost complete absence of phenylcarboxylic acids and flavonoids, characteristic of propolis from different regions of Eurasia and North America. Aromatic compounds of propolis from Tenerife are represented by a group of nine isomeric furofuranoid lignans, as well as alkyl- and alkenyl-substituted derivatives of salicylic acid and resorcinol.
Topics: Propolis; Volatile Organic Compounds; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Spain; Terpenes; Solid Phase Microextraction
PubMed: 38675683
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081863 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024This research's scope encompassed biotechnological, phytochemical, and biological studies of , including investigations into its in vitro microshoot culture grown in...
This research's scope encompassed biotechnological, phytochemical, and biological studies of , including investigations into its in vitro microshoot culture grown in PlantForm bioreactors (temporary immersion systems, TISs), as well as extracts from leaves of the parent plant, focusing on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. The phytochemical analysis included the isolation and quantification of 17 compounds from dibenzocyclooctadiene, aryltetralin lignans, and neolignans using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC), HPLC-DAD, and UHPLC-MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry with triple quadrupole mass filter methods. Higher contents of compounds were found in microshoots extracts (max. 543.99 mg/100 g DW). The major compound was schisantherin B both in the extracts from microshoots and the leaves (390.16 and 361.24 mg/100 g DW, respectively). The results of the anti-inflammatory activity in terms of the inhibition of COX-1, COX-2, sPLA2, and LOX-15 enzymes indicated that PlantForm microshoot extracts showed strong activity against COX-1 and COX-2 (for 177 mg/mL the inhibition percentage was 76% and 66%, respectively). The antioxidant potential assessed using FRAP, CUPRAC, and DPPH assays showed that extracts from microshoot cultures had 5.6, 3.8, and 3.3 times higher power compared to extracts from the leaves of the parent plant, respectively. The total polyphenol content (TPC) was 4.1 times higher in extracts from the in vitro culture compared to the leaves. The antiproliferative activity against T-cell lymphoblast line Jurkat, breast adenocarcinoma cultures (MCF-7), colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), and cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), showed that both extracts have considerable effects on the tested cell lines. The antimicrobial activity tested against strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi showed the highest activity towards (MIC and MBC 0.625 mg/mL).
PubMed: 38675405
DOI: 10.3390/ph17040442 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024(L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae), commonly known as wild chervil, has gained scientific interest owing to its diverse phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic... (Review)
Review
(L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae), commonly known as wild chervil, has gained scientific interest owing to its diverse phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic applications. The plant, despite being categorized as a noxious weed, is traditionally used in treating various conditions like headaches, dressing wounds, and as a tonic, antitussive, antipyretic, analgesic, and diuretic. Its pharmacological importance stems from containing diverse bioactive lignans, especially aryltetralins and dibenzylbutyrolactones. One of the main compounds of , deoxypodophyllotoxin, among its wide-ranging effects, including antitumor, antiproliferative, antiplatelet aggregation, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties, serves as a pivotal precursor to epipodophyllotoxin, crucial in the semisynthesis of cytostatic agents like etoposide and teniposide. The main starting compound for these anticancer medicines was podophyllotoxin, intensively isolated from , now listed as an endangered species due to overexploitation. Since new species are being investigated as potential sources, emerges as a highly promising candidate owing to its abundant lignan content. This review summarizes the current knowledge on , investigating its biological and morphological characteristics, and pharmacological properties. Emphasizing the biological activities and structure-activity relationship, this review underscores its therapeutic potential, thus encouraging further exploration and utilization of this valuable plant resource.
PubMed: 38674496
DOI: 10.3390/plants13081087 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Yellowhorn ( Bunge) is a unique oilseed tree in China with high edible and medicinal value. However, the application potential of yellowhorn has not been adequately...
Yellowhorn ( Bunge) is a unique oilseed tree in China with high edible and medicinal value. However, the application potential of yellowhorn has not been adequately explored. In this study, widely targeted metabolomics (HPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS) and network pharmacology were applied to investigate the nutritional potential of yellowhorn leaves and flowers. The widely targeted metabolomics results suggested that the yellowhorn leaf contains 948 non-volatile metabolites and 638 volatile metabolites, while the yellowhorn flower contains 976 and 636, respectively. A non-volatile metabolite analysis revealed that yellowhorn leaves and flowers contain a variety of functional components beneficial to the human body, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans and coumarins, phenolic acids, amino acids, and nucleotides. An analysis of volatile metabolites indicated that the combined action of various volatile compounds, such as 2-furanmethanol, β-icon, and 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, provides the special flavor of yellowhorn leaves and flowers. A network pharmacology analysis showed that various components in the flowers and leaves of yellowhorn have a wide range of biological activities. This study deepens our understanding of the non-volatile and volatile metabolites in yellowhorn and provides a theoretical basis and data support for the whole resource application of yellowhorn.
PubMed: 38672945
DOI: 10.3390/foods13081274 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Sesame seeds ( L.) have been cultivated for thousands of years and have long been celebrated for their culinary versatility. Beyond their delightful nutty flavor and... (Review)
Review
Sesame seeds ( L.) have been cultivated for thousands of years and have long been celebrated for their culinary versatility. Beyond their delightful nutty flavor and crunchy texture, sesame seeds have also gained recognition for their remarkable health benefits. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the numerous ways in which sesame seeds contribute to overall well-being. Sesame seeds are a powerhouse of phytochemicals, including lignans derivatives, tocopherol isomers, phytosterols, and phytates, which have been associated with various health benefits, including the preservation of cardiovascular health and the prevention of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and brain dysfunction. These compounds have also been substantiated for their efficacy in cholesterol management. Their potential as a natural source of beneficial plant compounds is presented in detail. The article further explores the positive impact of sesame seeds on reducing the risk of chronic diseases thanks to their rich polyunsaturated fatty acids content. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember the significance of maintaining a well-rounded diet to achieve the proper balance of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a balance lacking in sesame seed oil. The significance of bioactive polypeptides derived from sesame seeds is also discussed, shedding light on their applications as nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, and functional ingredients. Recognizing the pivotal role of processing methods on sesame seeds, this review discusses how these methods can influence bioactive compounds. While roasting the seeds enhances the antioxidant properties of the oil extract, certain processing techniques may reduce phenolic compounds.
PubMed: 38672826
DOI: 10.3390/foods13081153 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2024Shading treatments impact the tea ( L.) quality. The sunlight sensitive varieties can be grown under shading nets for better growth and secondary metabolite content....
Shading treatments impact the tea ( L.) quality. The sunlight sensitive varieties can be grown under shading nets for better growth and secondary metabolite content. Here, we studied the responses of a sunlight sensitive green tea variety "Huangjinya" by growing under colored shading nets (red, yellow, blue, and black (75% and 95%) shading rates) to find out the most suitable color of the shading net. Red shading was the most promising treatment as it positively affected the weight and length of 100 one-bud-three leaves and reduced the degree and rate of new shoots burn compared to control (natural sunlight). We then explored the comparative metabolomic changes in response to red shading by using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS system. The amino acids and derivatives, flavonoids, and alkaloids were downaccumulated whereas lipids, organic acids, and lignans were upaccumulated in Red shade grown tea samples. The red shading nets caused a decreased catechin, epicatechin, dopamine, and L-tyramine contents but increased caffeine content. We then employed transcriptome sequencing to find key changes in expressions of related genes and pathways. Notably, key genes associated with the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways exhibited complex regulation. These expression changes suggested a potential trend of polymerization or condensation of simple molecules like catechin or pelargonidin into larger molecules like glucoside or proanthocyanidins. Here, Red shading net triggered higher expression of genes enriched in lipid biosynthesis and jasmonic acid biosynthesis, suggesting an interplay of fatty acids and JA in improving tea performance. These findings contribute to the metabolic responses of Huangjinya tea to red shading nets which might have implications for flavor and health benefits. Our data provide a foundation for further exploration and optimization of cultivation practices for this unique tea variety.
PubMed: 38660681
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1365243 -
BMC Cancer Apr 2024Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly detrimental occurrence associated with severe neurological disorders, lacking effective...
BACKGROUND
Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly detrimental occurrence associated with severe neurological disorders, lacking effective treatment currently. Proteolysis-targeting chimeric molecules (PROTACs) may provide new therapeutic avenues for treatment of podophyllotoxin derivatives-resistant SCLC with LM, warranting further exploration.
METHODS
The SCLC cell line H128 expressing luciferase were mutated by MNNG to generate H128-Mut cell line. After subcutaneous inoculation of H128-Mut into nude mice, H128-LM and H128-BPM (brain parenchymal metastasis) cell lines were primarily cultured from LM and BPM tissues individually, and employed to in vitro drug testing. The SCLC-LM mouse model was established by inoculating H128-LM into nude mice via carotid artery and subjected to in vivo drug testing. RNA-seq and immunoblotting were conducted to uncover the molecular targets for LM.
RESULTS
The SCLC-LM mouse model was successfully established, confirmed by in vivo live imaging and histological examination. The upregulated genes included EZH2, SLC44A4, VEGFA, etc. in both BPM and LM cells, while SLC44A4 was particularly upregulated in LM cells. When combined with PROTAC EZH2 degrader-1, the drug sensitivity of cisplatin, etoposide (VP16), and teniposide (VM26) for H128-LM was significantly increased in vitro. The in vivo drug trials with SCLC-LM mouse model demonstrated that PROTAC EZH2 degrader-1 plus VM26 or cisplatin/ VP16 inhibited H128-LM tumour significantly compared to VM26 or cisplatin/ VP16 alone (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The SCLC-LM model effectively simulates the pathophysiological process of SCLC metastasis to the leptomeninges. PROTAC EZH2 degrader-1 overcomes chemoresistance in SCLC, suggesting its potential therapeutic value for SCLC LM.
Topics: Animals; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma; Mice; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein; Podophyllotoxin; Cell Line, Tumor; Mice, Nude; Meningeal Carcinomatosis; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Proteolysis
PubMed: 38644473
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12244-3 -
Journal of Neuropathology and... Jun 2024Cognitive dysfunction following anesthesia with agents such as sevoflurane is a significant clinical problem, particularly in elderly patients. This study aimed to...
Cognitive dysfunction following anesthesia with agents such as sevoflurane is a significant clinical problem, particularly in elderly patients. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of the phytochemical syringaresinol (SYR) against sevoflurane-induced cognitive deficits in aged Sprague-Dawley rats and to determine the underlying mechanisms involved. We assessed the impact of SYR on sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment, glial activation, and neuronal apoptosis through behavioral tests (Morris water maze), immunofluorescence, Western blotting for key proteins involved in apoptosis and inflammation, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. SYR treatment mitigated sevoflurane-induced cognitive decline, reduced microglial and astrocyte activation (decreased Iba-1 and GFAP expression), and countered neuronal apoptosis (reduced Bax, cleaved-caspase3, and cleaved-PARP expression). SYR also enhanced Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) expression and reduced p-Tau phosphorylation; these effects were reversed by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. SYR exerts neuroprotective effects on sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction by modulating glial activity, apoptotic signaling, and Tau phosphorylation through the SIRT1 pathway. These findings could inform clinical strategies to safeguard cognitive function in patients undergoing anesthesia.
Topics: Animals; Sevoflurane; tau Proteins; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Cognitive Dysfunction; Rats; Phosphorylation; Male; Anesthetics, Inhalation; Furans; Neuroprotective Agents; Lignans; Aging; Apoptosis
PubMed: 38622895
DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlae026 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Sect. tuberculata plant belongs to the Camellia genus and is named for the "tuberculiform protuberance on the surface of the ovary and fruit". It is a species of great...
Extensive targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the identification of major metabolites, antioxidants, and disease-resistant active pharmaceutical components in Camellia tuberculata (Camellia L.) seeds.
Sect. tuberculata plant belongs to the Camellia genus and is named for the "tuberculiform protuberance on the surface of the ovary and fruit". It is a species of great ornamental value and potential medicinal value. However, little has been reported on the metabolites of C. tuberculata seeds. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the metabolites of C. tuberculata seeds based on UPLC/ESI-Q TRAP-MS/MS with extensively targeted metabolomics. A total of 1611 metabolites were identified, including 107 alkaloids, 276 amino acids and derivatives, 283 flavonoids, 86 lignans and coumarins, 181 lipids, 68 nucleotides and derivatives, 101 organic acids, 190 phenolic acids, 10 quinones, 4 steroids, 17 tannins, 111 terpenoids, and 177 other metabolites. We compared the different metabolites in seeds between HKH, ZM, ZY, and LY. The 1311 identified different metabolites were classified into three categories. Sixty-three overlapping significant different metabolites were found, of which lignans and coumarins accounted for the largest proportion. The differentially accumulated metabolites were enriched in different metabolic pathways between HKH vs. LY, HKH vs. ZM, HKH vs. ZY, LY vs. ZY, ZM vs. LY and ZM vs. ZY, with the most abundant metabolic pathways being 4, 2, 4, 7, 7 and 5, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, among the top 20 metabolites in each subgroup comparison in terms of difference multiplicity 7, 8 and 13. ZM and ZY had the highest phenolic acid content. Ninety-six disease-resistant metabolites and 48 major traditional Chinese medicine agents were identified based on seven diseases. The results of this study will not only lead to a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the metabolic properties of C. tuberculata seeds, but also provide a scientific basis for the excavation and further development of its medicinal value.
Topics: Camellia; Antioxidants; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Flavonoids; Seeds; Metabolomics; Plant Extracts; Lignans; Coumarins; Hydroxybenzoates
PubMed: 38622262
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58725-0 -
Nutrients Apr 2024The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a novel dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM) that captures dietary composition related to gut microbiota profiles.... (Review)
Review
The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a novel dietary index for gut microbiota (DI-GM) that captures dietary composition related to gut microbiota profiles. We conducted a literature review of longitudinal studies on the association of diet with gut microbiota in adult populations and extracted those dietary components with evidence of beneficial or unfavorable effects. Dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005-2010, = 3812) were used to compute the DI-GM, and associations with biomarkers of gut microbiota diversity (urinary enterodiol and enterolactone) were examined using linear regression. From a review of 106 articles, 14 foods or nutrients were identified as components of the DI-GM, including fermented dairy, chickpeas, soybean, whole grains, fiber, cranberries, avocados, broccoli, coffee, and green tea as beneficial components, and red meat, processed meat, refined grains, and high-fat diet (≥40% of energy from fat) as unfavorable components. Each component was scored 0 or 1 based on sex-specific median intakes, and scores were summed to develop the overall DI-GM score. In the NHANES, DI-GM scores ranged from 0-13 with a mean of 4.8 (SE = 0.04). Positive associations between DI-GM and urinary enterodiol and enterolactone were observed. The association of the novel DI-GM with markers of gut microbiota diversity demonstrates the potential utility of this index for gut health-related studies.
Topics: Adult; Female; Male; Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Nutrition Surveys; Diet, High-Fat; Meat; 4-Butyrolactone; Lignans
PubMed: 38613077
DOI: 10.3390/nu16071045