Nanomaterial-Encapsulated dsRNA-Targeting Chitin Pathway─A Potential Efficient and Eco-Friendly Strategy against Cotton Aphid, Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The r-strategy pests are very challenging to effectively control because of their rapid population growth and strong resurgence potential and are more prone to developing pesticide resistance. As a typical r-strategy pest, the cosmopolitan cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, seriously impacts the growth and production of cucurbits and cotton. The present study developed a SPc/double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)/botanical strategy to enhance the control efficacy of A. gossypii. The results demonstrated that the expression of two chitin pathway genes AgCHS2 and AgHK2 notably changed in A. gossypii after treated by three botanical pesticides, 1% azadirachtin, 1% matrine, and 5% eucalyptol. SPc nanocarrier could significantly enhance the environmental stability, cuticle penetration, and interference efficiency of dsRNA products. The SPc/dsRNA/botanical complex could obviously increase the mortality of A. gossypii in both laboratory and greenhouse conditions. This study provides an eco-friendly control technique for enhanced mortality of A. gossypii and lower application of chemical pesticides. Given the conservative feature of chitin pathway genes, this strategy would also shed light on the promotion of management strategies against other r-strategy pests using dsRNA/botanical complex nanopesticides.

Synergistic effects of epoxyazadiradione (EAD) and paclitaxel against triple-negative breast cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and chemo-resistant form of breast cancer subtype, and chemotherapy is a vital treatment option for that. Paclitaxel is an effective chemo drug for TNBC. However, in clinical settings, paclitaxel has adverse side effects. The synergistic combination is the most promising method for overcoming undesirable toxicity and achieving a beneficial therapeutic outcome. Previous reports, including our study, showed certain anticancer potential of epoxyazadiradione (EAD), the neem limonoid, in different types of cancer cells, including TNBC.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the possible synergistic effects of EAD and paclitaxel against TNBC cells.

METHODS

We examined the effects of EAD and paclitaxel alone and in combination in MDA-MB 231 cells, and the percentage cytotoxicity was used to calculate synergism. Characteristic apoptotic changes were observed by visualizing cellular morphology, nuclear fragmentation and membrane integrity. We further estimated anti-migratory potential of experimental compounds by wound healing assay. The reduction in inflammation during combinatorial treatment was evaluated by observing NF-κB translocation.

RESULTS

The combined treatment with EAD (5 μM) and paclitaxel (5 nM), which were used at doses lower than their individual IC50 concentrations, showed a synergistic effect in MDA-MB-231 cells. This combination effectively induced apoptosis and antimigration and reduced the inflammatory reactions induced by the higher dose of paclitaxel.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, EAD could be the drug of choice for combined treatment with paclitaxel in a chemotherapy regimen.

Anthelmintic screening of Bangladeshi medicinal plants and related phytochemicals using in vitro and in silico methods: An ethnobotanical perspective

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Infections caused by parasitic worms or helminth continue to pose a great burden on human and animal health, particularly in underdeveloped tropical and subtropical countries where they are endemic. Current anthelmintic drugs present serious limitations and the emergence of drug resistance has made it increasingly challenging to combat such infections (helminthiases). In Bangladesh, medicinal plants are often used by indigenous communities for the treatment of helminthiases. Knowledge on such plants along with screening for their anthelmintic activity has the potential to lead to the discovery of phytochemicals that could serve as novel molecular scaffolds for the development of new anthelminthic drugs.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was i) to conduct an ethnobotanical survey to gather data on Bangladeshi medicinal plants used in the treatment of helminthiases, ii) to test plants with the highest use values for their in vitro anthelmintic activity, and iii) to carry out in silico screening on phytochemicals present in the most active plant extract to investigate their ability to disrupt β-tubulin function in helminths.

METHODS

The ethnobotanical survey was conducted across three sub-districts of Bangladesh, namely Mathbaria, Phultala and Khan Jahan Ali. The in vitro screening for anthelmintic activity was performed in a motility test using adult Haemonchus contortus worms. Virtual screening using PyRx was performed on the phytochemicals reported from the most active plant, exploring their interactions with the colchicine binding site of the β-tubulin protein target (PDB ID: 1SA0).

RESULTS

The survey respondents reported a total of 32 plants for treating helminthiases. Based on their use values, the most popular choices were Ananas comosus (L.) Merr., Azadirachta indica A.Juss., Carica papaya L., Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr., Curcuma longa L., Momordica charantia L., Nigella sativa L. and Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. In vitro anthelmintic testing revealed that A. indica leaves and bark had the highest activity with LC50 values of 16 mg/mL in both cases. Other plant extracts also exhibited good anthelmintic activity with LC50 values ranging from 16 to 52 mg/mL, while the value for albendazole (positive control) was 8.39 mg/mL. The limonoids nimbolide and 28-deoxonimbolide showed a binding affinity of -8.9 kcal/mol, and satisfied all drug-likeness parameters. The control ligand N-deacetyl-N-(2-mercaptoacetyl)colchicine had a binding affinity of -6.9 kcal/mol.

CONCLUSION

Further in silico and in vitro studies are warranted on the identified limonoids to confirm the potential of these derivatives as novel drug templates for helminthiases. The current study supports the need for an ethnobotanical survey-based approach to discover novel drug templates for helminthiases.

Gedunin modulates cellular growth and apoptosis in glioblastoma cell lines

BACKGROUND

Glioblastomas are characterized by aggressive behavior. Surgery, radiotherapy, and alkylating agents, including temozolomide are the most common treatment options for glioblastoma. Often, conventional therapies fail to treat these tumors since they develop drug resistance. There is a need for newer agents to combat this deadly tumor. Natural products such as gedunin have shown efficacy in several human diseases. A comprehensive study of gedunin, an heat shock protein (HSP)90 inhibitor, has not been thoroughly investigated in glioblastoma cell lines with different genetic modifications.

AIMS

A key objective of this study was to determine how gedunin affects the biological and signaling mechanisms in glioblastoma cells, and to determine how those mechanisms affect the proliferation and apoptosis of glioblastoma cells.

METHODS

The viability potentials of gedunin were tested using MTT, cell counts, and wound healing assays. Gedunin's effects on glioma cells were further validated using LDH and colony formation assays. In addition, we investigated the survival and apoptotic molecular signaling targets perturbed by gedunin using Western blot analysis and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Our results show that there was a reduction in cell viability and inhibition of wound healing in the cells tested. Western blot analysis of the gene expression data revealed genes such as EGFR and mTOR/Akt/NF kappa B to be associated with gedunin sensitivity. Gedunin treatment induced apoptosis by cleaving poly ADP-ribose polymerase, activating caspases, and downregulating BCL-xL. Based on these results, gedunin suppressed cell growth and HSP client proteins, resulting in apoptosis in glioblastoma cell lines.

CONCLUSION

Our data provide in vitro support for the anticancer activity of gedunin in glioma cells by downregulating cancer survival proteins.

Assessing the potential of biopesticides to control the cabbage stem flea beetle Psylliodes chrysocephala

BACKGROUND

Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) is an economically important pest of oilseed rape crops in Europe that was effectively controlled by neonicotinoid insecticide seed treatments until they were banned by the European Union in 2013. Since then, CSFB has been a difficult pest to control effectively, in part due to many populations having developed resistance to pyrethroids, the only authorized insecticides used to control this pest in many countries. Alternative solutions are therefore necessary, such as biopesticides. We tested an entomopathogenic fungus, three entomopathogenic bacteria isolates, two fatty acids and azadirachtin against CSFB adults under laboratory conditions. We also tested the efficacy of the pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin.

RESULTS

Fatty acids were effective, with up to 100% CSFB mortality after 24 h. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana resulted in up to 56% mortality 14 days after treatment. Entomopathogenic bacteria formulations and azadirachtin were not effective (<50% and <40% mortality, respectively). Results from a bioassay using lambda-cyhalothrin indicated that the CSFB used in this study were resistant to this insecticide.

CONCLUSION

Entomopathogenic fungi and fatty acids could potentially be used to control CSFB as part of an integrated pest management programme. This study is the first to investigate the efficacy of different biopesticides to control CSFB under laboratory conditions. As such, these biopesticides require further testing to optimise the formulation and application methods, and to assess the impact on nontarget organisms. Finally, efficacy under field conditions must be determined to understand the influence of environmental variables. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Br - nanoconjugate enhances the antibacterial efficacy of nimboloide against Flavobacterium columnare infection in Labeo rohita: A nanoinformatics approach

BACKGROUND

The bacterial pathogen, Flavobacterium columnare causes columnaris disease in Labeo rohita globally. Major effects of this bacterial infection include skin rashes and gill necrosis. Nimbolide, the key ingredient of the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica possesses anti-bacterial properties effective against many microorganisms. Nano-informatics plays a promising role in drug development and its delivery against infections caused by multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Currently, studies in the disciplines of dentistry, food safety, bacteriology, mycology, virology, and parasitology are being conducted to learn more about the wide anti-virulence activity of nimbolide.

METHODS

The toxicity of nimbolide was predicted to determine its dosage for treating bacterial infection in Labeo rohita. Further, comparative 3-D structure prediction and docking studies are done for nimbolide conjugated nanoparticles with several key target receptors to determine better natural ligands against columnaris disease. The nanoparticle conjugates are being designed using in-silico approaches to study molecular docking interactions with the target receptor.

RESULTS

Bromine conjugated nimbolide shows the best molecular interaction with the target receptors of selected species ie L rohita. Nimbolide comes under the class III level of toxic compound so, attempts are made to reduce the dosage of the compound without compromising its efficiency. Further, bromine is also used as a common surfactant and can eliminate heavy metals from wastewater.

CONCLUSION

The dosage of bromine-conjugated nimbolide can be reduced to a non-toxic level and thus the efficiency of the Nimbolide can be increased. Moreover, it can be used to synthesize nanoparticle composites which have potent antibacterial activity towards both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This material also forms a good coating on the surface and kills both airborne and waterborne bacteria.

Trunk injection to control Xylosandrus germanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in topworked apple trees

Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) is an invasive species of ambrosia beetle known to attack apple trees in North America. Xylosandrus germanus are attracted to ethanol produced by stressed and injured trees and can be a serious problem when grafting a new cultivar onto established fruit trees (topworking). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 2 insecticides (emamectin benzoate and azadirachtin) and injection timing (fall and spring) on their ability to control X. germanus colonization in apple trees with simulated topworking. Our study shows evidence that both emamectin benzoate and azadirachtin injections can reduce X. germanus infestations; however, our results were inconsistent. The timing of injections influenced X. germanus, with spring injected azadirachtin being more effective than fall injections. Residue analyses of emamectin benzoate and azadirachtin showed the presence of residues in woody tissue comparable to those found in leaves.

Pectin based hydrogel with covalent coupled doxorubicin and limonin loading for lung tumor therapy

Self-healing hydrogels have shown great application potential in drug delivery for anti-tumor therapy and tissue engineering. In this research, Doxorubicin (DOX) was coupled onto the oxidized pectin (pec-Ald) to prepare DOX grafted pec-AD and used to fabricate self-healing hydrogel for lung cancer therapy combined with novel herbal medicine extract limonin targeting lung cancer cells. The hydrogel was prepared with P(NIPAM195-co-AH54) cross-linking and the hydrazone bond cross-linked hydrogel showed good mechanical property and self-healing behavior. With pectin composition, the hydrogel was still biodegradable catalyzed by enzyme and in vivo. The hydrogel formed fast fit for injectable application and the hydrogel itself showed moderate lung cancer inhibition activity. With limonin loading, the hydrogel showed synergistic lung cancer therapy with the tumor growth greatly inhibited. The covalent coupling of DOX and loaded limonin in the hydrogel decreased in vivo toxicity and the hydrogel degraded on time. With biodegradability and improved lung cancer therapy efficiency, this DOX grafted self-healing hydrogel could find great potential application in cancer therapy in near future.

Effects of the Insect Growth Regulators Azadirachtin, Pyriproxyfen, and Tebufenozide on the Fatty Acid Metabolome of Bactrocera Dorsalis Larvae

Insects' lipids, including fatty acids, as the second largest constituents in insects, play a variety of fundamental and vital functions. However, there is a lack of reports on the effects of insect growth regulators on fatty acid profiles and metabolic mechanisms. Therefore, in this study, a comparative study of three growth regulators, azadirachtin, pyriproxyfen, and tebufenozide, on fatty acids was carried out using a targeted metabolomics approach to fill this gap. The results showed that when exposed to azadirachtin, pyriproxyfen, and tebufenozide, there were 14, 17, and 11 differentially regulated fatty acids, respectively. The pathway of biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids was the common shared pathway, while fatty acid biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism were the specific pathways affected by the 3 insect growth regulators. Therefore, the results could be helpful to deepen the effects of azadirachtin and insect growth regulators on terrestrial insects.

The integration of multidisciplinary approaches revealed PTGES3 as a novel drug target for breast cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

The main challenge in personalized treatment of breast cancer (BC) is how to integrate massive amounts of computing resources and data. This study aimed to identify a novel molecular target that might be effective for BC prognosis and for targeted therapy by using network-based multidisciplinary approaches.

METHODS

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were first identified based on ESTIMATE analysis. A risk model in the TCGA-BRCA cohort was constructed using the risk score of six DEGs and validated in external and clinical in-house cohorts. Subsequently, independent prognostic factors in the internal and external cohorts were evaluated. Cell viability CCK-8 and wound healing assays were performed after PTGES3 siRNA was transiently transfected into the BC cell lines. Drug prediction and molecular docking between PTGES3 and drugs were further analyzed. Cell viability and PTGES3 expression in two BC cell lines after drug treatment were also investigated.

RESULTS

A novel six-gene signature (including APOOL, BNIP3, F2RL2, HINT3, PTGES3 and RTN3) was used to establish a prognostic risk stratification model. The risk score was an independent prognostic factor that was more accurate than clinicopathological risk factors alone in predicting overall survival (OS) in BC patients. A high risk score favored tumor stage/grade but not OS. PTGES3 had the highest hazard ratio among the six genes in the signature, and its mRNA and protein levels significantly increased in BC cell lines. PTGES3 knockdown significantly inhibited BC cell proliferation and migration. Three drugs (gedunin, genistein and diethylstilbestrol) were confirmed to target PTGES3, and genistein and diethylstilbestrol demonstrated stronger binding affinities than did gedunin. Genistein and diethylstilbestrol significantly inhibited BC cell proliferation and reduced the protein and mRNA levels of PTGES3.

CONCLUSIONS

PTGES3 was found to be a novel drug target in a robust six-gene prognostic signature that may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for BC.

The Effect of Botanical Pesticides Azadirachtin, Celangulin, and Veratramine Exposure on an Invertebrate Species Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The injudicious and excessive use of synthetic pesticides has deleterious effects on humans, ecosystems, and biodiversity. As an alternative to traditional crop-protection methods, botanical pesticides are gaining importance. In this research endeavor, we examined the contact toxicity, knockdown time, lethal time, and toxicity horizontal transmission of three natural pesticides from plants (azadirachtin, celangulin, and veratramine) on red imported fire ants (RIFA; Solenopsis invicta). Our research findings indicated that azadirachtin and celangulin exhibited relatively high toxicity, with median lethal dose (LD50) values of 0.200 and 0.046 ng/ant, respectively, whereas veratramine exhibited an LD50 value of 544.610 ng/ant for large workers of S. invicta at 24 h post-treatment. Upon treatment with 0.125 mg/L, the (median lethal time) LT50 values of azadirachtin and celangulin were determined to be 60.410 and 9.905 h, respectively. For veratramine, an LT50 value of 46.967 h was achieved after being tested with 200 mg/L. Remarkably, azadirachtin and celangulin were found to exhibit high horizontal transfer among RIFA, with high secondary mortality (100%) and tertiary mortalities (>61%) after 48 h of treatment with 250 mg/L, as well as with their dust formulations for 72 h. However, veratramine did not exhibit significant toxicity or horizontal transfer effects on RIFA, even at high concentrations. These findings suggest that azadirachtin and celangulin are likely to have a highly prominent potential in the management of S. invicta.

Optimization of limonin invertase production by scaling up Aspergillus tubingensis UA13 fermentation to a 5-l scale

The enzymatic approach is a highly effective and the major scientific method to eliminating bitter components in citrus-derived products nowadays. Microbial production of limonin invertase stands out due to its pivotal role in the removal of the bitter substance, limonin. The optimization of fermentation parameters and the study of scale-up fermentation are imperative for product commercialization. In this study, we focused on optimizing stirring speed, fermentation temperature, and initial pH to enhance the growth and limonin invertase production by the Aspergillus tabin strain UA13 in a 5-l stirred-tank bioreactor. Our results revealed the following optimal parameters are: a stirring speed of 300 rpm, a fermentation temperature of 35°C and a pH 5.0. Under these optimized conditions, the limonin invertase activity reached its peak at 63.38 U ml-1, representing a 1.67-fold increase compared to the unoptimized conditions (38.10 U ml-1), while also reducing the fermentation duration by 12 h. Furthermore, our research demonstrated that limonin invertase effectively hydrolyze limonin in grapefruit juice, reducing its content from 13.28 to 2.14 μg ml-1, as determined by HPLC, resulting in a 6.21-fold reduction of the bitter substance.

Unusual triterpenoids and steroids from Cipadessa baccifera and their biological activities

Five undescribed triterpenoids and steroids (1-5), as well as ten known compounds, were purified from the branches and leaves of Cipadessa baccifera. Notably, 1 and 2 are rare cipadesin-type limonoids with an unusual 8,30-epoxide ring and 1,8-ether linkage, respectively. Compound 5 possessed pregnane steroid skeleton with an uncommon 5/6/6/6/5-fused ring system. Their structures were constructed by extensive spectroscopic analysis (NMR, IR, UV, and HRESIMS), and their absolute configurations were confirmed by ECD calculations and quantum chemical calculations. All the isolates were in vitro assayed for their antimicrobial potentials against 6 pathogenic microorganisms and antiproliferation activities against five human cancer cell lines. As a result, compounds 5, 12, 13, and 14 exhibited moderate antibacterial activities (MIC: 25-50 μg/mL). Moreover, 5 showed cytotoxicity against five cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 8.0 to 19.9 μM.

Evaluation of Biorational Insecticides for Management of Euproctis chrysorrhoea (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)

The browntail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.) is an invasive species which over the past five years, has been undergoing outbreaks on a scale not seen in the northeastern U.S. in over 100 years. Browntail moth larvae feed on and defoliate a number of deciduous tree species, but the health issues caused by contact with the toxic urticating hairs of the overwintered larvae have resulted in very low tolerance for this pest amongst homeowners and land managers. Few recent studies have been conducted to assess management options for browntail moth, which is abundant in ecologically sensitive areas along coastal waters, and around people's homes. We investigated the potential to manage overwintered larvae with currently available biorational insecticides. Laboratory bioassays revealed susceptibility to Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), Bacillus thuringiesis kurstaki (Berliner), azadirachtin, and spinosad products. A field trial was conducted to assess efficacy of B. bassiana, Btk, and azadirachtin. All treatments reduced the abundance of larvae compared with the control, but only two applications of Btk and single application of a tank mix of B. bassiana and Btk reduced pupal nest abundance. A laboratory experiment revealed that temperature did not affect the feeding and survival of larvae exposed to the field trial foliage from the Btk and the Btk/B. bassiana tank mix treatments, whereas slower feeding rates and increased time to death were observed with the control and B. bassiana alone treatment.

Nimbolide enhances the antitumor effect of docetaxel via abrogation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in prostate cancer preclinical models

Prostate cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer that affects men. Docetaxel (DTX) administration is the front-line therapy for patients with advanced prostate cancer and unfortunately, half of these patients develop resistance to DTX which could be due to its ability to activate the NF-κB pathway. The combinational effect of DTX and nimbolide on proliferation, apoptosis, activation of NF-κB, DNA binding ability of NF-κB, and expression of NF-κB-targeted gene products was investigated. The antitumor and antimetastatic effect of DTX or NL alone or in combination was also examined. The co-administration of NL and DTX resulted in a significant loss of cell viability with enhanced apoptosis in DTX-sensitive/resistant prostate cancer cells. NL abrogated DTX-triggered NF-κB activation and expression of its downstream antiapoptotic factors (survivin, Bcl-2, and XIAP). The combination of NL and DTX significantly reduced the DNA binding ability of NF-κB in both cell types. NL significantly enhanced the antitumor effect of DTX and reduced metastases in orthotopic models of prostate cancer. NL abolishes DTX-induced-NF-κB activation to counteract cell proliferation, tumor growth, and metastasis in the prostate cancer models.

Integrated miRNA and transcriptome profiling to explore the molecular mechanism of Spodoptera frugiperda larval midgut in response to azadirachtin exposure

As a destructive agricultural pest, Spodoptera frugiperda has spread worldwide in the past few years. Azadirachtin, an environmentally friendly and most promising compound, showed adverse effects, including mortality and growth inhibition, against S. frugiperda. While the effects of azadirachtin on the midgut of this pest remain to be determined. In this study, structural damage was observed in the larval midguts of S. frugiperda with azadirachtin exposure. RNA-seq on the larval midguts with different azadirachtin treatments was performed. Compared to the control group, a total of 3344 and 4759 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the midguts with 0.1 and 0.5 μg/g azadirachtin exposure, respectively. Among them, the DEGs encoding detoxification enzymes/proteins, immune-related proteins, digestion and absorption-related proteins, and transcript factors were further analyzed. High-throughput sequencing was also used for the identification of differentially expressed microRNAs in different treatments. A total of 153 conserved miRNAs and 147 novel miRNAs were identified, of which 11 and 29 miRNAs were affected by 0.1 and 0.5 μg/g azadirachtin treatments, respectively. The integrated analysis found that 13 and 178 miRNA versus mRNA pairs were acquired in the samples with 0.1 and 0.5 μg/g azadirachtin treatments, respectively. The results of high-throughput sequencing were confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). These results provide useful information for revealing the molecular mechanism of S. frugiperda larval midgut in response to azadirachtin.

Molecular modeling and in vitro studies of gedunin a potent alpha-amylase inhibitor and alpha-glucosidase inhibitor

The present study explores the potential of the Azadirachta indica (Neem) plant parts (stem and bark) component gedunin for inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha glucosidase. In contrast, Methanol at 50 mg/ml and 65 mg/ml had the lowest IC50 in alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase with noncompetitive and mixed inhibition, respectively. Azadirachta indica seeds collected from ICAR showed anti-diabetes activity in vitro and in vivo seeds collected were subjected to soxhlet and nonsoxhlet techniques followed by chromatography. HR-LCMS, HPLC, and FTIR to comprehend phytoconstituents present in the extract were used to comprehend phytoconstituents present in the extract and showed the presence gedunin. Among many hits observed, gedunin was used for docking studies using ICM software and for molecular dynamic simulation using gromacs. The results show significant alpha-amylase inhibitory activity and alpha glucosidase inhibitory activity and interaction of ligand targeting these enzymes, which can be used for cross-validation, in vitro using ligplot maps and visualization.

Experiments and adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system modelling in a hybrid up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor to assess industrial azadirachtin effluent quality

Experimental investigations were carried out for the treatment of industrial azadirachtin effluent in a hybrid up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (HUASB) reactor continuously for 115 days in three stages at mesophilic temperature (30 - 35˚C). An adaptive-network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) modelling and statistical regression analysis were applied with the raw data. In the ANFIS modelling as well as in the statistical regression analysis, the operating parameters such as initial pH, influent COD, effluent COD and biogas generation (X₁, X_2, X₃ and X₄) were taken as variables and effluent BOD values as a response (Y). The average percentage error (APE) values of ANFIS modelling were 2.18, 12.29, and 0.01%, for stage-I, II and III respectively. These values indicated that ANFIS modelling performed well in all the three stages and provided more accurate results.

Novel Biopesticides Based on Nanoencapsulation of Azadirachtin with Whey Protein to Control Fall Armyworm

Biopesticides have become a global trend in order to minimize the hazards derived from synthetic chemical pesticides and improve the safety, efficacy, and environmental friendliness of agricultural pest management. Herein, we report a novel biopesticide composite encapsulating azadirachtin with the size of 260.9 ± 6.8 nm and its effects on the insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm). The nanocomposite biopesticide was produced via nano emulsification and freeze-drying process using whey protein isolate as a nanocarrier matrix to encapsulate azadirachtin, a natural insect-killing compound obtained from neem seed. We found that the nanocomposite biopesticide acted quicker and with greater efficacy than bulk azadirachtin treatment with corresponding LC₅₀ values within 11 days of S. frugiperda larvae survival. Through confocal microscopy, we found the enhanced biodistribution of the nanocomposite to all parts of the insect body. Photodegradation assays revealed an enhanced UV stability facilitated by light-scattering stemming from the intrinsic nanostructure and UV scavenging vitamin-E component.

[Chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Dictamni Cortex: a review]

Dictamni Cortex, the dried root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus, has many chemical constituents, such as alkaloids, limonoids, flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, glycosides, and steroids.It has the effects of anti-inflammation, anti-fungi, anti-arteriosclerosis, stopping bleeding, anti-cancer, neuroprotection, and antioxidation.The chemical constituents of Dictamni Cortex are the important material basis for its medicinal effects.This paper reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Dictamni Cortex and analyzed the research trend and present research progress on this medicinal, with a view to its further development and utilization.

A novel gedunin-2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex improves anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of gedunin in rodents

Gedunin is a bioactive compound, obtained from Entandrophragma angolense (EA), which has limited therapeutic usefulness due to poor aqueous solubility and first-pass effects. Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides that form complexes with poorly soluble compounds, thus enhancing their pharmacological activity. In this article, we evaluated the pharmacological activities of gedunin-2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex (GCD) in rodents. The antinociceptive activity of GCD (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) and Gedunin (50mg/kg) was tested in acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in carrageenan-induced paw oedema and air pouch inflammation models in rats. Leucocytes counts, Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) level, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, and myeloperoxidase enzyme activities were assessed in the air pouch exudate. The GCD (200mg/kg) significantly decreased writhing response, reduced licking duration and decreased oedema compared with gedunin and control. Exudate volume and leucocyte count were significantly reduced by GCD (200 mg/kg), it decreased myeloperoxidase activity and inhibited TNF-α release. The carrageenan-induced GSH depletion, increased malondialdehyde and nitrite levels were significantly reversed by GCD (200 mg/kg) relative to gedunin and control.  The GCD complex demonstrated significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities relative to gedunin alone via mechanisms associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation in rodents.

Proteomic profiling for ovarian development and azadirachtin exposure in Spodoptera litura during metamorphosis from pupae to adults

Azadirachtin is one of the most successful botanical pesticides in agricultural pest control. To build a repertoire of proteins and pathways in response to azadirachtin exposure during ovarian development, iTRAQ-based comparative proteomic was conducted. 1423 and 1686 proteins were identified as differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) by comparing the protein abundance in adult ovary with that in pupal ovary under normal and azadirachtin exposure condition, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that pupae-to-adult transition requires proteins related to proteasome and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) degradation for ovary development. Azadirachtin exposure strongly affected glycosylation-related pathway. And proteins related to vitamin B6 synthesis were necessary for ovary development under normal and AZA-exposure condition. RNAi assays confirmed the essential roles of DAPs related to glycosylation and vitamin B6 synthesis in moth growth and ovary development. The results enhance our understanding of the molecular regulatory network for ovary development and provide valuable resources for using AZA-responsive proteins to develop novel bio-rational insecticides.

[Research of preparation quality markers of Yulian Tang with anti-inflammatory activity]

The lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-indused RAW264.7 cells inflammation model was used as a carrier to investigated the effects of the preparation quality markers of Yulian Tang with anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS(50 ng·mL~(-1)) or/and different concentrations(low dose 0.1 μmol·L~(-1); medium dose 1 μmol·L~(-1); high dose 10 μmol·L~(-1)) of 18 chemical components in Yulian Tang for 24 h. Then the activity of RAW264.7 cell was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8) and the concentrations of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 in the supernatant of RAW264.7 cell were detected by ELISA assay. As the concentrations of chemical components in Yulian Tang increased, berberine, coptisine, magnoflorine, epiberberine, columbamine and costunolide had stronger inhibitory effects on TNF-α, whereas limonin, dehydroevodiamine, chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, groenlandicine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine and phellodendrine showed weakened inhibitory effects on TNF-α. The concentrations of palmatine, jatrorrhizine, dehydrocostus lactone and cryptochlorogenic acid had no significant effect on their inhibitory effect on TNF-α. Furthermore, dehydrorutaecarpine, chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, costunolide, phellodendrine and cryptochlorogenic acid showed stronger inhibitory effect on IL-6 as their concentrations increased; berberine, coptisine, magnoflorine, epiberberine, limonin, columbamine, groenlandicine and dehydrocostus lactone had no changes in their inhibitory effects on IL-6 as the concentrations increased. Palmatine and jatrorrhizine had the best inhibitory effect on IL-6. Combining the previous analysis of qualitative and quantitative preparation quality markers of Yulian Tang with the above result of dose-response relationship, we finally identified 15 preparation quality markers of Yulian Tang with anti-inflammatory activity, namely berberine, coptisine, palmatine, magnoflorine, epiberberine, limonin, columbamine, jatrorrhizine, neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, groenlandicine, evodiamine, rutaecarpine, dehydrocostus lactone and costunolide. In conclusion, our study provides a quick strategy for screening the qualitative preparation quality markers of Yulian Tang with anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, it also provides an explicit route for the determination of preparation quality markers of Yulian Tang with other activities.

Protective effect of nimbolide against streptozotocin induced gestational diabetes mellitus in rats via alteration of inflammatory reaction, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant pregnancy-related condition, which showed effect on the development of fetal. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapy commonly used for the treatment of GDM. Nimbolide already confirmed their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect against various animal disease model. Our objective in this research is to investigate the protective effect of nimbolide against STZ induced GDM and elucidate the mechanism.

METHODS

In this experimental study, pregnant female Wistar rats were used and STZ (40 mg/kg) was used to induce the GDM. Blood glucose level (BGL), body weight and plasma insulin were assessed at regular time (gestational day 0, 9, and 18). Water intake, food intake, fecal and urine output were also estimated. In the female rats, hemoglobin (Hb), glycalated hemoglobin (HbA1c), hepatic glycogen, fructosamine, adiponectin, leptin, lipid, antioxidant and inflammatory cytokines parameters were estimated. In the fetuses, the fetues weight, implementation loss, and fetal weight were estimated. At the completion of the protocol, biochemical parameters were calculated. Gut microbiota was estimated in end of the study.

RESULTS

Nimbolide treatment significantly (p < .001) improved the fetuses level and suppressed the fetal weight and implantation loss. Nimbolide treatment significantly (p < .001) suppressed the BGL and enhanced the body weight, insulin level. Nimbolide treatment suppressed the water intake, food intake, urinary and fecal output. Nimbolide significantly (p < .001) suppressed the fructosamine, leptin and enhanced the adiponectin level. Nimbolide treatment significantly (p < .001) decreased the malonaldehyde (MDA) level and boosted the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT); suppressed the level of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and boosted the level of IL-10. Furthermore, nimbolide treatment reversed the gut microbiota alteration induced via STZ in female rats. At the phylum level, the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes relative abundance was altered via nimbolide treatment. The ratio of F/B boosted in GDM group and nimbolide treatment significantly (p < .001) suppressed. Nimbolide considerably suppressed the firmicutes and enhanced the Bacteroidetes, CAG-352, Lacnospirace.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings, we may conclude that nimbolide protects the pregnant rats from GDM via alteration of inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota.

Nimbolide attenuates gut dysbiosis and prevents bacterial translocation by improving intestinal barrier integrity and ameliorating inflammation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Gut microbiota imbalance plays a key pathological role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression; however, the mechanism is poorly understood. We previously showed nimbolide impede tumor development by improving hepatic tight junction (TJ) proteins expression and attenuating inflammation in HCC mice. Here, we aimed to study the role of nimbolide in regulating gut microbiota imbalance and bacterial translocation (BT) through modulating intestinal TJ proteins in an experimental hepatocarcinogenesis. Nimbolide (6 mg/kg) was administered orally for 4 weeks following induction of HCC in mice at the 28th week. Nimbolide treatment attenuated the gut microbiota imbalance by decreasing 16 s rRNA levels of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, Bacteroides and increasing Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus in the intestinal tissue, which was otherwise altered in HCC mice. Furthermore, nimbolide improved intestinal barrier integrity in HCC mice by upregulating TJ proteins such as occludin and ZO-1 expression and subsequently prevented hepatic BT and decreased BT markers such as LBP, sCD14, and procalcitonin in the plasma of HCC mice. Moreover, nimbolide ameliorated intestinal and hepatic inflammation by downregulating TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein expression in HCC mice. Thus, nimbolide represents a novel therapeutic drug for HCC treatment by targeting the gut-liver axis, which plays an imperative role in HCC pathogenesis.