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Genes Feb 2024is a medicinal plant from the Schisandraceae family that is native to China and has great pharmacological potential due to its lignans. However, there are significant...
is a medicinal plant from the Schisandraceae family that is native to China and has great pharmacological potential due to its lignans. However, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of lignans. We used transcriptome sequencing technology to analyze root, stem, and leaf samples, focusing on the identification and phylogenetic analysis of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes. High-quality data containing 158,385 transcripts and 68,978 unigenes were obtained. In addition, 36,293 unigenes in at least one database, and 23,335 across five databases (Nr, KEGG, KOG, TrEMBL, and SwissProt) were successfully annotated. The KEGG pathway classification and annotation of these unigenes identified 10,825 categorized into major metabolic pathways, notably phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, which is essential for lignan synthesis. A key focus was the identification and phylogenetic analysis of 233 Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes, revealing their distribution across 38 families in eight clans, with roots showing specific CYP gene expression patterns indicative of their role in lignan biosynthesis. Sequence alignment identified 22 homologous single genes of these CYPs, with 6 homologous genes of CYP719As and 1 of CYP81Qs highly expressed in roots. Our study significantly advances the understanding of the biosynthesis of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, offering valuable insights for future pharmacological research and development.
Topics: Humans; Transcriptome; Kadsura; Phylogeny; Gene Expression Profiling; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System; Lignans
PubMed: 38540329
DOI: 10.3390/genes15030270 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that significantly reduces the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary antioxidants can...
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that significantly reduces the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether dietary antioxidants can support the effect of cosmetic treatment in improving the QoL of patients with rosacea. Basic data about participants (N = 160) were collected using a self-reported survey. QoL was assessed using the standardized Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. An interventional cosmetic treatment was performed using cavitation peeling and sonophoresis with a commercial capillary repair serum. The study was registered as a clinical trial (NCT06271135). To assess antioxidant diet quality, for the first time, a new dietary antioxidant quality index (DAQI) was developed, which consisted of 12 items: dietary total antioxidant capacity, dietary polyphenols, phytosterols, lignans, vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene, zinc, iron, copper, manganese and selenium. It was found that the highest tertiles of DAQI diminished the odds about 40-45% of the moderate, large and extremely large effect of rosacea on QoL and about 8-11% of the occurrence of rosacea symptoms compared with the lowest tertile. This study showed that rosacea has a negative impact on QoL, but a comprehensive approach to treatment, including antioxidant cosmetic treatment and dietary antioxidants, can improve the QoL of patients with rosacea.
PubMed: 38539914
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13030381 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Aging is not only a key internal cause of age-related diseases in humans but also poses a threat to the productivity of farm animals with longer breeding cycles, such as...
Aging is not only a key internal cause of age-related diseases in humans but also poses a threat to the productivity of farm animals with longer breeding cycles, such as laying chickens. Various measures were taken to prolong the laying period by reducing oxidative stress to improve poultry ovarian functions. Within the mitochondria, SIRT3, a member of the Sirtuin family, plays an important role in post-translational modifications and the regulation of protein activities involved in energy metabolism and oxidative response. This study aimed to investigate the alleviating effect of a bioactive lignan Honokiol (HKL) on oxidative stress in aging chicken ovaries in order to retard decline in egg production. The results showed that HKL treatment restored the abnormal balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, and it enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the HO-induced small white follicles (SWFs) by activating the SIRT3/AMPK pathway. Moreover, HKL significantly increased total egg production, the number of yellow follicles, and the mRNA expression of yolk synthesis and deposition-related genes, serum estrogen, and antioxidant levels. These findings suggest that HKL holds promise in enhancing the egg productivity of aging laying chickens by promoting yolk deposition and reducing ovarian oxidative stress.
PubMed: 38539910
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13030377 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024This study represents a primary investigation centered on screening six marine fungi, , , , , , and sp.7, associated with the red algae , which was collected from...
This study represents a primary investigation centered on screening six marine fungi, , , , , , and sp.7, associated with the red algae , which was collected from Chao-Jin Park in Keelung, Taiwan, as potential immunostimulants for shrimp aquaculture. Recognizing the imperative for novel strategies to combat pathogen resistance arising from the use of antibiotics and vaccines in aquaculture, this study aimed to evaluate the metabolomic profile, antioxidant capabilities, and antibacterial properties of marine fungi. The antibacterial activity of the fungal extract was evaluated against five major aquaculture pathogens: , , , , and . The viability and cytotoxicity of marine fungal extracts were preliminarily evaluated using brine shrimps before assessing cytotoxicity, growth performance, immune efficacy, and disease resistance in white shrimp. The present study demonstrated that total phytochemical analysis correlated with antioxidant activity. and exhibited the strongest DPPH antioxidant scavenging activities of half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) 16.5 ± 1.2 and 12.2 ± 2.6, which are comparable to ascorbic acid. LC-HDMSE analysis of the marine fungal extracts identified more than 8000 metabolites mainly classified under the superclass level of organic oxygen compounds, Organoheterocyclic compounds, Phenylpropanoids and polyketides, alkaloid and derivatives, benzenoids, lignans and neolignans, lipid and lipid-like molecules, nucleotides and nucleosides, organic nitrogen compounds, and organic acids and derivatives. Overall, our study significantly contributes to the advancement of sustainable practices by exploring alternative antimicrobial solutions and harnessing the bioactive potential inherent in marine endophytic fungi. In conclusion, our study advances our comprehension of fungal communities and their applications and holds promise for the development of effective and environmentally friendly approaches for enhancing shrimp health and productivity.
PubMed: 38539869
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13030336 -
PeerJ 2024, commonly known as Chinese Zaojiao, has important economic value and medicinal compounds in its fruits and thorns, making it widely cultivated artificially in China....
, commonly known as Chinese Zaojiao, has important economic value and medicinal compounds in its fruits and thorns, making it widely cultivated artificially in China. However, the available literature on the impact of waterlogging on the growth of seedlings and the accumulation of metabolite compounds in its thorns is limited. To address this knowledge gap, seedlings were planted in soil supplemented with pindstrup substrate, which enhances the water-holding capacity of the soil. The analyses of morphological traits and nutrient elements in one-year-old seedlings grown naturally under ambient conditions and metabolite accumulation in its thorns were conducted. The results showed that the waterlogged soil significantly diminished the height, fresh weight, and dry weight of seedling roots and stems ( < 0.05). Furthermore, waterlogging hindered the uptake of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), as well as the transport of potassium (K). The identified metabolites within the thorns were categorized into 16 distinct groups. Relative to the control soil, fatty acids and derivatives were the most down-regulated metabolites in the waterlogged soil, accounting for 40.58% of the total metabolites, followed by lignans (38.71%), phenolic acids (34.48%), saccharides and alcohols (34.15%), steroids (16.67%), alkaloids (12.24%), flavonoids (9.28%), and glycerophospholipids (7.41%). Conversely, nucleotides and derivatives experienced the greatest up-regulation in the waterlogged soil, accounting for 50.00% of the total metabolites. In conclusion, waterlogging negatively impacted the growth of seedlings and inhibited the accumulation of metabolites. Hence, when considering the accumulation of secondary metabolites such as lignans and phenolic acids, appropriate management of soil moisture levels should be taken into account.
Topics: Seedlings; Lignans; Gleditsia; Plant Extracts; Plant Roots
PubMed: 38529310
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17137 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Our previous studies substantiated that the biological activity of Schisandra chinensis lignans during the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was mediated by...
Establishment of a pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics model of Schisandra lignans against hippocampal neurotransmitters in AD rats based on microdi-alysis liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Our previous studies substantiated that the biological activity of Schisandra chinensis lignans during the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was mediated by neurotransmitter levels, and 15 of its active components were identified. However, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationship of Schisandra chinensis lignans has been less studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Schisandra chinensis lignans in the treatment of AD, and to establish a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model. Herein, we established a microdialysis-ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple quadruple mass spectrometry (MD-LC-TQ-MS) technique that could simultaneously and continuously collect and quantitatively analyze the active compounds and neurotransmitters related to the therapeutic effects of Schisandra chinensis in awake AD rats. Eight lignans were detected in the hippocampus, and a PK-PD model was established. The fitted curves highlighted a temporal lag between the maximum drug concentration and the peak drug effect. Following treatment, the levels of four neurotransmitters tended to converge with those observed in the sham operation group. By establishing a comprehensive concentration-time-effect relationship for Schisandra chinensis lignans in AD treatment, our study provides novel insights into the effects of these lignans in AD rats.
PubMed: 38529184
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1342121 -
Journal of Food and Drug Analysis Mar 2024Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (MOC), an herbal drug, contains polyphenolic lignans mainly magnolol (MN) and honokiol (HK). Methotrexate (MTX), a critical drug for cancers...
Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (MOC), an herbal drug, contains polyphenolic lignans mainly magnolol (MN) and honokiol (HK). Methotrexate (MTX), a critical drug for cancers and autoimmune deseases, is a substrate of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). This study investigated the effect of coadministration of MOC on the pharmacokinetics of MTX and relevant mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered MTX alone and with single dose (2.0 and 4.0 g/kg) and repeated seven doses of MOC (2.0 g/kg thrice daily for 2 days, the 7th dose given at 0.5 h before MTX). The serum concentrations of MTX were determined by a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The results showed that a single dose of MOC at 2.0 g/kg significantly increased the AUC and MRT of MTX by 352% and 308%, and a single dose at 4.0 g/kg significantly enhanced the AUC and MRT by 362% and 291%, respectively. Likewise, repeated seven doses of MOC at 2.0 g/kg significantly increased the AUC and MRT of MTX by 461% and 334%, respectively. Mechanism studies indicated that the function of MRP2 was significantly inhibited by MN, HK and the serum metabolites of MOC (MOCM), whereas BCRP was not inhibited by MOCM. In conclusion, coadministration of MOC markedly enhanced the systemic exposure and mean residence time of MTX through inhibiting the MRP2-mediated excretion of MTX.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; Herb-Drug Interactions; Methotrexate; Neoplasm Proteins; Allyl Compounds; Biphenyl Compounds; Phenols; Lignans
PubMed: 38526588
DOI: 10.38212/2224-6614.3495 -
Natural Products and Bioprospecting Mar 2024In this study, two new kaurane diterpenes (16, 17), together with 12 lignans (1-12), a triterpene (15), and two other compounds (13, 14) were isolated from the woods of...
In this study, two new kaurane diterpenes (16, 17), together with 12 lignans (1-12), a triterpene (15), and two other compounds (13, 14) were isolated from the woods of Agathis dammara. The structure of the new compound was determined by HR ESIMS and 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy, and its absolute configuration was determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) exciton chirality method. Compounds 5, 11, 14 exhibit significant hypoglycaemic activity in zebrafish, and their mechanism of action is to enhance glucose uptake in zebrafish.
PubMed: 38517590
DOI: 10.1007/s13659-024-00440-4 -
International Medical Case Reports... 2024Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the deadliest malignancies. Kidney cancer (KC) is a common malignancy globally. Chemo- or radio-therapies are not very effective to...
INTRODUCTION
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the deadliest malignancies. Kidney cancer (KC) is a common malignancy globally. Chemo- or radio-therapies are not very effective to control PC or KC, and overdoses often cause severe site reactions to the patients. As a result, novel treatment strategies with high efficacy but without toxic side effects are urgently desired. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) belongs to plant lignans with potential anticancer activities, but clinical evidence is not available in PC or KC treatment.
PATIENT CONCERNS
We report a rare case of an 83-year-old female patient with pancreatic and kidney occupying lesions that lacked the conditions to receive surgery or chemo- or radiotherapy.
DIAGNOSIS
Pancreatic and kidney cancers.
INTERVENTIONS
We gave dietary SDG to the patient as the only therapeutics.
OUTCOMES
SDG effectively halted progression of both PC and KC. All clinical manifestations, including bad insomnia, loss of appetite, stomach symptoms, and skin itching over the whole body, all disappeared. The initial massive macroscopic hematuria became microscopic and infrequent, and other laboratory results also gradually returned to normal. Most of the cancer biomarkers, initially high such as CEA, CA199, CA724, CA125, came down rapidly, among which CA199 changed most radically. This patient has had progression-free survival of one year so far.
CONCLUSION
These results demonstrate the potent inhibitory effects of SDG on PC and KC of this patient and provide promising novel therapeutics for refractory malignant tumors.
PubMed: 38504721
DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S446184 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Natural compounds hold promise in the search for cancer therapies due to their unique chemical structures and combinations that may effectively combat cancer while... (Review)
Review
Natural compounds hold promise in the search for cancer therapies due to their unique chemical structures and combinations that may effectively combat cancer while minimizing toxicity and side effects compared to conventional treatments. Silibinin, a natural lignan, has been found to possess strong anti-cancer activity against several types of human cancers based on emerging research. This study aims to provide an overview of the therapeutic potential of silibinin in the treatment and prevention of cancers. A comprehensive search was conducted using various internet databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect to identify relevant research papers. Silibinin has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity against several types of cancers, including liver, lungs, breast, prostate, colorectal, skin, and bladder cancers. Its multifaceted mechanisms of action contribute to its therapeutic effects. Silibinin exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic activities, making it a promising candidate for cancer therapy. One of the key mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of silibinin is its ability to modulate multiple signaling pathways involved in cancer development and progression. It can inhibit the activation of various oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, and MAPK pathways, thereby suppressing cancer cell proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest, and promoting apoptosis. Silibinin possesses great potential as an effective treatment agent for cancer. The multifaceted mechanisms of action, favorable safety profile, and potential synergistic effects of silibinin with conventional therapies make it an attractive candidate for further investigation and development as a cancer treatment. However, more extensive clinical studies are necessary to fully establish the efficacy, optimal dosage, and long-term effects of silibinin in cancer treatment.
PubMed: 38487172
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1349745