Repurposing screen identifies novel candidates for broad-spectrum coronavirus antivirals and druggable host targets

Libraries composed of licensed drugs represent a vast repertoire of molecules modulating physiological processes in humans, providing unique opportunities for the discovery of host-targeting antivirals. We screened the Repurposing, Focused Rescue, and Accelerated Medchem (ReFRAME) repurposing library with approximately 12,000 molecules for broad-spectrum coronavirus antivirals and discovered 134 compounds inhibiting an alphacoronavirus and mapping to 58 molecular target categories. Dominant targets included the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor, the dopamine receptor, and cyclin-dependent kinases. Gene knock-out of the drugs' host targets including cathepsin B and L (CTSB/L; VBY-825), the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR; Phortress), the farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT1; P-3622), and the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1; Omaveloxolone), significantly modulated HCoV-229E infection, providing evidence that these compounds inhibited the virus through acting on their respective host targets. Counter-screening of all 134 primary compound candidates with SARS-CoV-2 and validation in primary cells identified Phortress, an AHR activating ligand, P-3622-targeting FDFT1, and Omaveloxolone, which activates the NFE2-like bZIP transcription factor 2 (NFE2L2) by liberating it from its endogenous inhibitor KEAP1, as antiviral candidates for both an Alpha- and a Betacoronavirus. This study provides an overview of HCoV-229E repurposing candidates and reveals novel potentially druggable viral host dependency factors hijacked by diverse coronaviruses.

Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analyses reveal the molecular mechanism underlying dynamic metabolic processes during taproot development of Panax notoginseng

BACKGROUND

Panax notoginseng (Burk) F. H. Chen is one of the most famous Chinese traditional medicinal plants. The taproot is the main organ producing triterpenoid saponins, and its development is directly linked to the quality and yield of the harvested P. notoginseng. However, the mechanisms underlying the dynamic metabolic changes occurring during taproot development of P. notoginseng are unknown.

RESULTS

We carried out metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses to investigate metabolites and gene expression during the development of P. notoginseng taproots. The differentially accumulated metabolites included amino acids and derivatives, nucleotides and derivatives, and lipids in 1-year-old taproots, flavonoids and terpenoids in 2- and 3-year-old taproots, and phenolic acids in 3-year-old taproots. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, metabolic pathway and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites at all three developmental stages. Integrative analysis revealed that the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway was involved in not only the development of but also metabolic changes in P. notoginseng taproots. Moreover, significant accumulation of triterpenoid saponins in 2- and 3-year-old taproots was highly correlated with the up-regulated expression of cytochrome P450s and uridine diphosphate-dependent glycosyltransferases genes. Additionally, a gene encoding RNase-like major storage protein was identified to play a dual role in the development of P. notoginseng taproots and their triterpenoid saponins synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the accumulation of and change relationship between primary and secondary metabolites in P. notoginseng taproots, and provide a basis for the quality control and genetic improvement of P. notoginseng.

Ursonic acid attenuates spermatogenesis in oligozoospermia mice through inhibiting ferroptosis

Ursonic acid (UNA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpene found in some medicinal plants and foods. The reproductive protective effect of UNA was evaluated in a mouse model of oligozoospermia induced by busulfan (BUS) at 30 mg/kg b.w.. The mice were initially divided into groups with UNA concentrations of 10, 30, 50, 100 mg/kg. Subsequently, based on sperm parameters, the optimal concentration of 50 mg/kg was identified. As a control, an additional group was supplemented with ursolic acid at a concentration of 50 mg/kg. The results indicated that BUS caused the loss of spermatogenic cells in testis, the decrease of sperm in epididymis, the disorder of testicular cytoskeleton, the decrease of serum sex hormones such as testosterone which induced an increase in feedback of androgen receptor and other testosterone-related proteins, the increase of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels and the increase of ferroptosis in testis while UNA successfully reversed these injuries. High-throughput sequencing revealed that UNA administration significantly upregulated the expression of genes associated with spermatogenesis, such as Tnp1, Tnp2, Prm1, among others. These proteins are crucial in the histone to protamine transition during sperm chromatin remodeling. Network pharmacology analysis reveals a close association between UNA and proteins related to the transformation of histones to protamine. Molecular docking studies reveal that UNA can interact with the ferroptosis-inhibiting gene SLC7A11, thereby modulating ferroptosis. Taken together, UNA alleviated BUS-induced oligozoospermia by regulating hormone secretion, mitigating oxidative stress and promoting recovery of spermatogenesis by inhibiting the ferroptosis.

RTA-408 Regulates p-NF-κB/TSLP/STAT5 Signaling to Ameliorate Nociceptive Hypersensitivity in Chronic Constriction Injury Rats

Neuropathic pain following nerve injury is a complex condition, which often puts a negative impact on life and remains a sustained problem. To make pain management better is of great significance and unmet need. RTA 408 (Omaveloxone) is a traditional Asian medicine with a valid anti-inflammatory property. Thus, we aim to investigate the therapeutic effect of RTA-408 on mechanical allodynia in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats as well as the underlying mechanisms. Neuropathic pain was induced by using CCI of the rats' sciatic nerve (SN) and the behavior testing was measured by calibrated forceps testing. Activation of Nrf-2, the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and the inflammatory response were assessed by western blots. The number of apoptotic neurons and degree of glial cell reaction were examined by immunofluorescence assay. RTA-408 exerts an analgesic effect on CCI rats. RTA-408 reduces neuronal apoptosis and glial cell activation by increasing Nrf-2 expression and decreasing the inflammatory response (TNF-α/ p-NF-κB/ TSLP/ STAT5). These data suggest that RTA-408 is a candidate with potential to reduce nociceptive hypersensitivity after CCI by targeting TSLP/STAT5 signaling.

Nrf2 knockout attenuates the astragaloside IV therapeutic effect on kidney fibrosis from liver cancer by regulating pSmad3C/3L pathways

Fibrotic kidney injury from hepatocarcinogenesis seriously impacts treatment effect. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), an extract of Astragalus membranaceus, has several pharmacological activities, which are useful in the treatment of edema and fibrosis. Nrf2/HO-1 is a key antioxidant stress pathway and help treatment of kidney injury. Smad3 phosphorylation is implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. Our previous study clarified that Smad3 is differentially regulated by different phosphorylated forms of Smad3 on hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, we investigated the contribution of AS-IV on the therapy of kidney fibrosis from hepatocarcinogenesis. And the focus was on whether the phosphorylation of Smad3 and the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were involved during AS-IV therapy and whether there is an effect of Nrf2 knockout on the phosphorylation of Smad3. We performed TGF-β1 stimulation on HK-2 cells and intervened with AS-IV. Furtherly, we investigated renal injury of AS-IV on Nrf2 knockout mice during hepatocarcinogenesis and its mechanism of action. On the one hand, in vitro results showed that AS-IV reduced the ROS and α-SMA expression of HK-2 by promoting the expression pSmad3C/p21 of and Nrf2/HO-1 and suppressed the expression of pSmad3L/PAI-1. On the other hand, the in vivo results of histopathological features, serological biomarkers, and oxidative damage indicators showed that Nrf2 knockout aggravated renal injury. Besides, Nrf2 deletion decreased the nephroprotective effect of AS-IV by suppressing the pSmad3C/p21 pathway and promoting the pSmad3L/PAI-1 pathway. The experimental results were as we suspected. And we identify for the first time that Nrf2 deficiency increases renal fibrosis from hepatocarcinogenesis and attenuates the therapeutic effects of AS-IV via regulating pSmad3C/3L signal pathway.

Astragaloside IV restrains pulmonary fibrosis progression via the circ_0008898/miR-211-5p/HMGB1 axis

Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is a fatal lung disease with complicated pathogenesis. Astragaloside IV (ASV) has been discovered to alleviate PF progression, and the potential molecular mechanism of ASV in the development of PF need to be further clarified. Bleomycin (BLM) was used to construct PF in vivo model. Expression levels of circ_0008898, miR-211-5p, high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), alpha smooth muscle Actin (α-SMA) and Collagen I were examined by Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Cell survival was analyzed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) assay. The invasion abilities were investigated by transwell assay. The levels of inflammatory factors were tested via using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The relationship between circ_0008898 or HMGB1 and miR-211-5p was identified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The results showed that ASV attenuated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. In vitro study, ASV alleviated TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis in HFL1 cells. Circ_0008898 was increased in TGF-β1-induced HFL1 cells. ASV-induced impacts were abrogated by circ_0008898 overexpression in TGF-β1-induced HFL1 cells. Mechanistically, circ_0008898 competitively bound to miR-211-5p to increase the expression of its target HMGB1. MiR-211-5p deficiency rescued ASV-mediated effects in TGF-β1-induced HFL1 cells. In addition, HMGB1 overexpression partially overturned circ_0008898 interference-induced impacts in HFL1 cells upon TGF-β1 treatment. In conclusion, our work manifested that ASV hindered PF process by mediating the circ_0008898/miR-211-5p/HMGB1 network.

Combined NMR and MS-based metabonomics and real-time PCR analyses reveal dynamic metabolic changes of Ganoderma lucidum during fruiting body growing

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is a rare medicinal fungus with various beneficial properties. One of its main components, ganoderic acids (GAs), are important triterpenoids known for their sedative and analgesic, hepatoprotective, and anti-tumor activities. Understanding the growth and development of the G. lucidum fruiting body is crucial for determining the optimal time to harvest them. In this study, we used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to systematically characterize the metabolites of G. lucidum at seven distinct developmental stages. We also measured the contents of seven kinds of GAs using LC-MS/MS. A total of 49 metabolites were detected in G. lucidum, including amino acids, sugars, organic acids and GAs. During the transition from the bud development period (I) to the budding period (II), we observed a rapid accumulation of glucose, tyrosine, nicotinamide ribotide, inosine and GAs. After the budding period, the contents of most metabolites decreased until the mature period (VII). In addition, the contents of GAs showed an initial raising, followed by a decline during the elongation period, except for GAF, which exhibited a rapid raise during the mature stage. We also detected the expression of several genes involved in GA synthesis, finding that most genes including 16 cytochrome P450 monooxygenase were all down-regulated during periods IV and VII compared to period I. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamic metabolic profiles of G. lucidum throughout its growth stage, and it is recommended to harvest G. lucidum at period IV.

Fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis genotypes from hospitals located in five Spanish cities and one in Italy: Description of azole-resistance profiles associated with the Y132F ERG11p substitution

BACKGROUND

Fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis is a matter of concern.

OBJECTIVES

To describe fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis genotypes circulating across hospitals in Spain and Rome and to study their azole-resistance profile associated with ERG11p substitutions.

PATIENTS/METHODS

We selected fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis isolates (n = 528 from 2019 to 2023; MIC ≥8 mg/L according to EUCAST) from patients admitted to 13 hospitals located in five Spanish cities and Rome. Additionally, we tested voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole, amphotericin B, micafungin, anidulafungin and ibrexafungerp susceptibility.

RESULTS

Of the 53 genotypes found, 49 harboured the Y132F substitution, five of which were dominating city-specific genotypes involving almost half the isolates. Another genotype involved isolates harbouring the G458S substitution. Finally, we found two genotypes with the wild-type ERG11 gene sequence and one with the R398I substitution. All isolates were fully susceptible/wild-type to amphotericin B, anidulafungin, micafungin and ibrexafungerp. The azole-resistance patterns found were: voriconazole-resistant (74.1%) or voriconazole-intermediate (25.2%), posaconazole-resistant (10%) and isavuconazole non-wild-type (47.5%). Fluconazole-resistant and voriconazole non-wild-type isolates were likely to harbour substitution Y132F if posaconazole was wild type; however, if posaconazole was non-wild type, substitution G458S was indicated if isavuconazole MIC was >0.125 mg/L or substitution Y132F if isavuconazole MIC was ≤0.125 mg/L.

CONCLUSIONS

We detected a recent clonal spread of fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis across some cities in Spain, mostly driven by dominating city-specific genotypes, which involved a large number of isolates harbouring the Y132F ERG11p substitution. Isolates harbouring substitution Y132F can be suspected because they are non-susceptible to voriconazole and rarely posaconazole-resistant.

Astragaloside Ⅳ negatively regulates Gpr97-TPL2 signaling to protect against hyperhomocysteine-exacerbated sepsis associated acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Hyperhomocysteine (HHcy) plays an important role in promoting inflammation and cell death of tubular epithelial cells. However, the role of HHcy and Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) in sepsis associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) remain unclear.

PURPOSE

A significant aspect of this study aimed to elucidate the effect of AS-Ⅳ treatment on HHcy-exacerbated S-AKI and reveal its potential mechanism.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 J mice fed with specific diet containing 2% methionine were established as in vivo models, and AS-Ⅳ was orally administrated continuously for 3 weeks, and then LPS (10 mg·kg-1 bodyweight) was given by a single intraperitoneal injection. The renal morphological changes were evaluated by HE and PAS staining. RNA-sequencing analysis was applied to select key signaling. The NRK-52E cells exposed to Hcy or combined with LPS were used as in vitro models. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Gpr97-TPL2 signaling were examined by qRT-PCR and western blotting assays.

RESULTS

In vivo, HHcy mice developed more severe renal injury and prevalent tubular inflammation after LPS injection. In vitro, the levels of NGAL, Gpr97 and TPL2 were significantly increased in NRK-52E cells induced by Hcy (1.6 mM) or in combination with LPS. Notably, the effects of Hcy on TPL2 signaling was abolished by transfecting TPL2 siRNA or treating TPL2 inhibitor, without alterations in Gpr97. However, the enhancement of Gpr97-TPL2 signaling induced by Hcy was counteracted by Gpr97 siRNA. Subsequently, our findings demonstrated that AS-Ⅳ treatment can improve renal function in HHcy-exacerbated S-AKI mice. Mechanistically, AS-Ⅳ alleviated renal tubular damage characterized by abnormal increases in KIM-1, NGAL, TPL2, Gpr97, Sema3A and TNF-α, and decreases in survivin in vivo and in vitro mainly through suppressing the activation of Gpr97-TPL2 signaling.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that HHcy-exacerbated S-AKI was mediated mechanically by activation of Gpr97-TPL2 signaling for the first time. Furthermore, our research also illustrated that AS-Ⅳ protected against HHcy-exacerbated S-AKI by attenuating renal tubular epithelial cells damage through negatively regulating Gpr97-TPL2 signaling, proposing a natural product treatment strategy for HHcy-exacerbated S-AKI.

Sodium aescinate induces renal toxicity by promoting Nrf2/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis

Sodium aescinate (SA) is extracted from Aesculus wilsonii Rehd seeds and was first marketed as a medicament in German. With the wide application of SA in clinical practice, reports of adverse drug reactions and adverse events have gradually increased, including renal impairment. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of SA have not yet been fully elucidated. The toxic effects and underlying mechanisms of SA were explored in this study. Our data showed that SA significantly elevated the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) and Kidney injury molecule 1 (Kim-1), accompanied by pathologically significant changes in renal tissue. SA induced NRK-52E cell death and disrupted the integrity of the cell membrane. Moreover, SA caused significant reductions in FTH, Nrf2, xCT, GPX4, and FSP1 levels, but increased TFR1 and ACSL4 levels. SA decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (Cys) levels, but improved Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels, ultimately leading to the induction of ferroptosis. Importantly, inhibition of ferroptosis or activation of the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway prevented SA-induced nephrotoxicity. These findings indicated that SA induced oxidative damage and ferroptosis-mediated kidney injury by suppressing the Nrf2/GPX4 axis activity.

A metabolomics approach for the evaluation of Ficus benghalensis female in vivo reproductive effects relative to its metabolite fingerprint as determined via UPLC-MS and GC-MS

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ficus benghalensis, commonly known as Banyan Fig, is the national tree of India and its aerial roots are used traditionally to treat female reproductive disorders. However, despite this traditional use, no pharmacological evidence could be traced supporting this use. Additionally, no comprehensive metabolite profiling was reported for F. benghalensis aerial roots.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study attempts to justify biochemically the traditional use of F. benghalensis aerial roots in treatment of female reproductive disorders and in relation to its secondary metabolite profile.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total ethanol extract (TEE) and subfractions [petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and n-butanol (BUF] were prepared from air-dried powdered aerial roots of F. benghalensis. Detailed in-vivo investigation of the hormonal activity and action mechanism of the total ethanol extract and subfractions was carried out through evaluation of estrogenic and gonadotropic activities. The estrogenic activity was evaluated on ovariectomized immature female rats through estimating uterine weight, vaginal cornification and serum estradiol level along with histological examination of uteri. The gonadotropic activity was measured by assay of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) like activities. Total follicular and corpora lutea counts in immature female rats were used to determine FSH and LH like activities, respectively in addition to histological picture of the genitalia. Comprehensive non-targeted metabolite profiling was carried out for the TEE and subfractions using UPLC-HRMS in negative and positive ionization modes. UPLC-MS fingerprint was subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares analyses to correlate the bioactivities to specific chemical constituents in F. benghalensis different subfractions. GC-MS was further used for non-polar silylated fractions.

RESULTS

Results revealed that only the non-polar PEF and CHF displayed moderate estrogenic and FSH-like activities but with no LH-like activity. Metabolites profiling via (UPLC-HRMS) and multivariate PCA analysis enabled identification and comparison of various chemical classes in F. benghalensis extract and fractions. The active non-polar fractions revealed nearly similar metabolites profile being composed of isoflavonoids, triterpenes, sterols, fatty acids and cyclic peptides. In contrast, polar fractions were more abundant in apocarotenoids, fatty acyl amides, hydroxybenzoates and hydroxycinnamates in addition to two lignans. PLS analysis revealed strong correlation between hydroxylated fatty acids and pyranoisoflavones with estrogenic and FSH-like activities. GC-MS analysis was further employed for non-polar fractions profiling revealing for their enrichment in fatty acids/esters, terpenes, organic acids and phenolics.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to rationalize the use of F. benghalensis aerial root traditionally in treatment of gynecological disorders, revealing that the petroleum ether and chloroform non-polar subfractions of F. benghalensis showed estrogenic and FSH-like activity with absence of LH-like activity. This biological activity could possibly be attributed to its metabolites profile of isoflavonoids, fatty acids, triterpenes, sterols and cyclic peptides identified via UPLC-MS and GC-MS techniques. Consequently, F. benghalensis aerial roots should be used with caution in traditional treatment of female infertility or other reproductive disorders.

Astragaloside IV Mitigated Diabetic Nephropathy by Restructuring Intestinal Microflora and Ferroptosis

SCOPE

To investigate the underlying mechanism of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) in ameliorating diabetic nephropathy (DN) by regulating intestinal microbiota ecology and intestinal mucosal barrier.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Genetically db/db mice are used to establish DN mouse model to monitor the therapeutic effects of AS-IV and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) against DN. Supplementation with AS-IV dramatically attenuates several clinical indicators of DN in db/db mice. In addition, AS-IV markedly improves intestinal barrier function, modifies intestinal permeability, and reduces inflammation. Moreover, AS-IV treatment remarkably improves intestinal dysbiosis in db/db mice, characterized by an elevated abundance of Akkermansia, Ligilactobacillus, and Lactobacillus, indicating the fundamental role of the microbiome in DN progression. Furthermore, FMT derived from AS-IV-treated db/db mice is potentially efficient in antagonizing renal dysfunction, rebalancing gut microbiota, and improving intestinal permeability in recipient db/db mice. AS-IV-enriched Akkermansia muciniphila dramatically alleviates DN and intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in db/db mice. Intriguingly, AS-IV intervention dramatically diminishes ferroptosis in the kidney and colon tissues. CONCLUSION : Intestinal microbiome alterations and ferroptosis modulation by AS-IV may play instrumental roles in this mechanism, providing compelling evidence for the role of the gut-renal axis in DN.

Astragaloside IV inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary fibrosis via lncRNA-ATB/miR-200c/ZEB1 signaling pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease involving multiple factors and genes. Astragaloside IV (ASV) is one of the main bioactive ingredients extracted from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, which plays an important role in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and improve cardiopulmonary function. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key driver of the process of pulmonary fibrosis, and Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) can promote pulmonary fibrosis in an EMT-dependent manner. Here, we found that ASV effectively inhibited the ZEB1 and EMT in both bleomycin (BLM)-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis and TGF-β1-treated A549 cells. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying effects of ASV in IPF, we explored the truth using bioinformatics, plasmid construction, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and other experiments. Dual luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics proved that miR-200c not only acts as an upstream regulatory miRNA of ZEB1 but also has binding sites for the lncRNA-ATB. In A549 cell-based EMT models, ASV reduced the expression of lncRNA-ATB and upregulated miR-200c. Furthermore, overexpression of lncRNA-ATB and silencing of miR-200c reversed the down-regulation of ZEB1 and the inhibition of EMT processes by ASV. In addition, the intervention of ASV prevented lncRNA-ATB as a ceRNA from regulating the expression of ZEB1 through sponging miR-200c. Taken together, the results showed that ASV inhibited the EMT process through the lncRNA-ATB/miR-200c/ZEB1 signaling pathway, which provides a novel approach to the treatment of IPF.

Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid modulates macrophage polarization and Schwann cell migration to accelerate spinal cord injury repair in rats

BACKGROUND

Inhibiting secondary inflammatory damage caused by glial cells and creating a stable microenvironment is one of the main strategies to investigate drugs for the treatment of spinal cord injury. Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) is the active component of the natural drug boswellia, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and offers a possible therapeutic option for spinal cord injury.

METHODS

In this study, a spinal cord injury model was established by crushing spinal cord, respectively, to detect the M1 macrophage inflammatory markers: iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and the M2 macrophage markers CD206, ARG-1, IL-10, and the detection of antioxidant enzymes and MDA. In vitro, macrophages were cultured to verify the main mechanism of the macrophage switch from Nrf2/HO-1 to M2 type by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and other techniques. Macrophage and Schwann cell co-culture validated the migration mechanism of Schwann cells promoted by AKBA.

RESULTS

AKBA significantly enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of CAT, GSH-Px, T-AOC, and SOD, reduced MDA content, and reduced oxidative damage caused by spinal cord injury via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway; AKBA mediates Nrf2/HO-1/IL-10, converts macrophages from M1 to M2 type, reduces inflammation, and promotes Schwann cell migration, thereby accelerating the repair of spinal cord injury in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work demonstrates that AKBA can attenuate oxidative stress as well as the secondary inflammatory injury caused by macrophages after SCI, promote Schwann cell migration to the injury site, and thus accelerate the repair of the injured spinal cord.

Rapid Discovery of Aβ42 Fibril Disintegrators from Ganoderma lucidum via Ligand Fishing and Their Neuroprotective Effects on Alzheimer's Disease

An amyloid-β (Aβ) fibril is a vital pathogenic factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ fibril disintegrators possess great potential to be developed into novel anti-AD agents. Here, a ligand fishing method was employed to rapidly discover Aβ42 fibril disintegrators from Ganoderma lucidum using Aβ42 fibril-immobilized magnetic beads, which led to the isolation of six Aβ42 fibril disintegrators including ganodermanontriol, ganoderic acid DM, ganoderiol F, ganoderol B, ganodermenonol, and ergosterol. Neuroprotective evaluation in vitro exhibited that these Aβ42 fibril disintegrators could significantly mitigate Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity. Among these six disintegrators, ergosterol and ganoderic acid DM with stronger protecting activity were further selected to evaluate their neuroprotective effect on AD in vivo. Results showed that ergosterol and ganoderic acid DM could significantly alleviate Aβ42-induced cognitive dysfunction and hippocampus neuron loss in vivo. Moreover, ergosterol and ganoderic acid DM could significantly inhibit Aβ42-induced neuron apoptosis and Nrf2-mediated neuron oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo.

Arjunolic acid reverses fluoxetine-induced alterations in testicular steroidogenic enzymes and membrane bound ionic pump imbalance through suppression of oxido-inflammatory stress and apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

The impact of the anti-depressant therapy on gonadal function has been recognized and discussed over the years. However, data to supplement our understanding of the impact of arjunolic acid (AA) therapies in protecting against FXT-induced gonadal dysfunction is lacking clear scientific evidence. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the possible effect of AA on fluoxetine-induced altered testicular function in rats.

METHODS

After 14 days acclimatization, Thirty-six (36) adult male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=6). Rats in groups 1 received normal saline (10mL/kg); groups 2 & 3 were given AA (1.0mg/kg body weight) and AA (2.0mg/kg body weight), respectively; whereas, rats in group 4 were given FXT (10mg/kg/p.o/day), and groups 5 & 6 were given a combination of FXT (10mg/kg) + AA (1.0mg/kg body weight); and FXT (10mg/kg) + AA (2.0mg/kg body weight), respectively.

RESULTS

The results shows that FXT significantly altered testicular steroidogenic enzymes (3ß-HSD and 17ß-HSD) and proton pump ATPase (Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase and H+ ATPase) activities, as well as testicular architecture when compared with controls. More so, FXT caused oxido-inflammation and apoptosis, as evidence by increases in MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-1ß, Caspase 3 and p53. However, AA at a different dose significantly ameliorated the destructive impacts of FXT on steroidogenic enzymes, proton pump ATPase as well as increased Bcl-2, SOD, CAT, GSH and improved testicular architecture in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

AA reverses fluoxetine-induced alterations in testicular steroidogenic enzymes and membrane-bound ionic pump through suppression of oxido-inflammatory stress and apoptosis.

The microbial biosynthesis of noncanonical terpenoids

Terpenoids are a class of structurally complex, naturally occurring compounds found predominantly in plant, animal, and microorganism secondary metabolites. Classical terpenoids typically have carbon atoms in multiples of five and follow well-defined carbon skeletons, whereas noncanonical terpenoids deviate from these patterns. These noncanonical terpenoids often result from the methyltransferase-catalyzed methylation modification of substrate units, leading to irregular carbon skeletons. In this comprehensive review, various activities and applications of these noncanonical terpenes have been summarized. Importantly, the review delves into the biosynthetic pathways of noncanonical terpenes, including those with C6, C7, C11, C12, and C16 carbon skeletons, in bacteria and fungi host. It also covers noncanonical triterpenes synthesized from non-squalene substrates and nortriterpenes in Ganoderma lucidum, providing detailed examples to elucidate the intricate biosynthetic processes involved. Finally, the review outlines the potential future applications of noncanonical terpenoids. In conclusion, the insights gathered from this review provide a reference for understanding the biosynthesis of these noncanonical terpenes and pave the way for the discovery of additional unique and novel noncanonical terpenes. KEY POINTS: •The activities and applications of noncanonical terpenoids are introduced. •The noncanonical terpenoids with irregular carbon skeletons are presented. •The microbial biosynthesis of noncanonical terpenoids is summarized.

[Demethylzeylasteral inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion and promotes apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells by inhibiting the AKT/CREB signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of Demethylzeylasteral (T-96) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

METHODS

We first examined the effects of different concentrations (1, 3, 10, and 30 μmol/L) of demethylzeylasteral on morphology and cell number of A549 and H1299 cells. The changes in proliferation, cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of A549 and H1299 cells following demethylzeylasteral treatment were detected using clone formation, CCK-8, cell scratch, Transwell, and flow cytometric assays, and the effect of SC79 treatment against demethylzeylasteral-induced cell apoptosis was assessed. Western blotting was performed to detect the changes in expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 and phosphorylation of AKT/CREB in demethylzeylasteral-treated A549 and H1299 cells and the cellular expressions of apoptotic proteins following treatment with both demethylzeylasteral and SC79.

RESULTS

T-96 treatment caused elongation of the cell body and widening of the intercellular space and significantly inhibited cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 and H1299 cells (P < 0.05). Flow cytometry showed that demethylzeylasteral induced apoptosis in both A549 and H1299 cells, whereas SC79 treatment obviously attenuated its pro-apoptotic effect (P < 0.05). Western blotting revealed up-regulated expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 proteins and lowered Bcl-2 expression level in demethylzeylasteral-treated A549 and H1299 cells, but cotreatment with SC79 obviously attenuated the expressions of the apoptotic proteins. T-96 significantly up-regulated the expression level of E-cadherin, down-regulated the expressions of N-cadherin and vimentin, and inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and CREB in the two cell lines (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

T-96 inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion and induces apoptosis of NSCLC cells possibly by inhibiting the AKT/CREB signaling pathway.

Dual-Drug-Loaded Core-Shell Electrospun Nanofiber Dressing for Deep Burns

The epidermis of a deep burn wound is entirely absent and the dermal tissue sustains significant damage, accompanied by a substantial amount of tissue exudate. Due to the excessively humid environment, the formation of a scab on the wound becomes challenging, leaving it highly vulnerable to external bacterial invasion. In this work, a core-shell dual-drug-loaded nanofiber dressing was prepared by electrospinning technology for the synergistic treatment of a deep burn. The shell layer consists of polycaprolactone and chitosan encapsulating asiaticoside, with the core layer comprising the clathrate of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and curcumin. Upon application to the wound, the dual-drug-loaded nanofiber dressing exhibited rapid release of asiaticoside, stimulating collagen deposition and promoting tissue repair. The core-shell structure and clathrate configuration ensured sustained release of curcumin, providing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functions for the wound. The mechanical strength, broad-spectrum antibacterial ability, cell proliferation, and adhesion ability of the nanofiber dressing showed its potential as a medical dressing. This dressing also exhibited excellent wound healing promoting effects in the SD rat burn model. This paper provides a strategy for burn wound healing.

Mogroside V alleviates inflammation response by modulating miR-21-5P/SPRY1 axis

Mogroside V (MV) is a natural sweetener extracted from the edible plant Siraitia grosvenorii that possesses anti-inflammatory bioactivity. It has been reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the inflammation response suppression by natural agents. However, whether the anti-inflammation effect of mogroside V is related to miRNAs and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Our study aimed to identify the key miRNAs important for the anti-inflammation effect of MV and reveal its underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that MV effectively alleviated lung inflammation in ovalbumin-induced (OVA-induced) asthmatic mice. miRNA-seq and mRNA-seq combined analysis identified miR-21-5p as an important miRNA for the inflammation inhibition effect of MV and it predicted SPRY1 to be a target gene of miR-21-5p. We found that MV significantly inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide (NO), as well as the protein expression of p-P65/P65, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in OVA-induced asthmatic mice and LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, the release of ROS increased in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells but was mitigated by MV pretreatment. In the meantime, the expression of miR-21-5p was decreased by MV, leading to an increase in the expression of SPRY1 in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, miR-21-5p overexpression or SPRY1 knockdown reversed MV's protective effect on inflammatory responses. Conversely, miR-21-5p inhibition or SPRY1 overexpression enhanced MV's effect on inflammatory responses in LPS-exposed RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, the significant protective effect of mogroside V on inflammation response is related to the downregulation of miR-21-5p and upregulation of SPRY1 in vitro and in vivo, MiR-21-5p/SPRY1 may be novel therapeutic targets of MV for anti-inflammation treatment.

Effect of Glycone Diversity on the Interaction of Triterpenoid Saponins and Lipid Bilayers

Triterpenoid saponins are organic compounds widely available in the plant kingdom. These molecules have received extensive attention due to their antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Recent studies identified the antibacterial activity of saponins closely relates to their interaction with bacterial membrane lipids; however, molecular details of this interaction remain unclear. Increased understanding of the mechanisms to disrupt bacterial lipid bilayers can help to mitigate development of antibiotic resistance. Here, we examined the effect of chemical structure and deprotonation states of saponin on its interaction with a bacterial membrane model using molecular dynamics simulations. We run multiple simulations with a ternary lipid mixture of POPE/POPG/DPPG (80/15/5 mol %) and different saponin molecules. While all saponin structures can permanently bind the membrane, their location and orientation inside the bilayer depend on the sugar chains attached to their backbone. Similarly, cluster formation and stability also depend on the chemical structure of the saponin molecule. Deprotonation site affects interactions with the bilayer by modulating hydrophilicity of the molecules. At the low concentrations simulated in this work, there is no statistically significant change in the membrane properties upon saponin(s) binding, but the molecules do preferentially partition to POPE lipid environment.

Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate attenuates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by strengthening intestinal mucosal barrier

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has recently risen to the top spot among chronic liver diseases in the world. However, there are no recognized treatments for it. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizate (MgIG) has potential as a NAFLD/NASH therapy.

AIMS

To investigate the efficacy of MgIG in improving NAFLD/NASH and the possible pathways and mechanisms.

METHODS

C57bl/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and 1 % dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 12 weeks to establish the NAFLD/NASH model. MgIG was administered by gavage during the last 7 weeks. First, the therapeutic effects of MgIG on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, liver injury, and inflammation in the NAFLD/NASH mice were evaluated. Second, liver oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis were detected. Finally, the effect of MgIG on intestinal permeability and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in mice's intestinal contents were examined.

RESULTS

MgIG administration attenuated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, improved serum biochemical and NAFLD/NASH mice, reduced liver oxidative stress and hepatocyte apoptosis, improved intestinal permeability, and increased fecal SCFA levels in NAFLD/NASH mice.

CONCLUSION

MgIG protects against HFD-induced NAFLD/NASH through multiple pathways as well as mechanisms and holds promise as a potentially effective treatment for NAFLD/NASH.

Molecular cloning and heterologous expression analysis of 1-Deoxy-D-Xylulose-5-Phosphate Synthase gene in Centella asiatica L

Many genes involved in triterpenoid saponins in plants control isoprenoid flux and constitute the precursor pool, which is channeled into various downstream pathways leading to the synthesis of triterpenoid saponins in C. asiatica. Full-length 1-Deoxy-D-Xylulose-5-Phosphate-Synthase (CaDXS) gene was isolated for the study from the previously annotated Centella asiatica leaves transcriptomic data. The CaDXS gene sequence was submitted to the NCBI databases with GenBank accession number MZ997832. The full-length CaDXS gene contained a 2244 base pair open reading frame that encoded a 747 amino acid polypeptide. The predicted molecular weight (MW) and theoretical pI of DXS are 76.28 kDa and 6.86, respectively. Multiple amino acid sequence alignment of amino acids and phylogenetic studies suggest that CaDXS shares high similarities with DXS from other plants DXS belonging to different families. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis (MEGA) version 10.1.6. Structural analysis provided fundamental information about the three-dimensional features and physicochemical parameters of the CaDXS protein. Quantitative expression analysis showed that CaDXS transcripts were maximally expressed in leaf, followed by petiole, roots, and node tissues. CaDXS was cloned into the expression vector pET28a, expressed heterologously in DH5α bacteria, confirmed by sequencing, and subsequently characterized by protein expression and functional complementation. The study focused on understanding the protein structure, biological significance, regulatory mechanism, functional analysis, and gene characterization of the centellosides biosynthetic pathway gene DXS for the first time in the plant. It would provide new information about the metabolic pathway and its relative contribution to isoprenoid biosynthesis.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolite identification of 23-hydroxybetulinic acid in rats by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method

23-hydroxybetulinic acid (23-HA), a main bioactive component isolated from Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as antimelanoma, antileukemia, anti-colon cancer, and antihepatotoxicity. Although the main active ingredient anemoside B4 (AB4) from this plant has been well studied, research on its active metabolite 23-HA is limited. In the present study, a validated HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method was established for the quantification of 23-HA in rat plasma. Pharmacokinetics analysis showed that the absorption and elimination of 23-HA in rats were rapid, with an oral bioavailability as 12.9 %. After oral administration with 50 mg/kg 23-HA for SD rats, the plasma, urine, feces, and bile samples were collected and analyzed by UPLC-Q Exactive Plus MS and HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS. Seventeen metabolites of 23-HA were identified, and its major metabolic pathways included oxidation, hydration, sulfation, and glucuronidation. This study highlights the first detailed investigation of 23-HA's pharmacokinetics in rats along with its metabolism in vivo, and will provide robust evidence for further research and clinical application of 23-HA.

Squalene production under oxygen limitation by Schizochytrium sp. S31 in different cultivation systems

The triterpene squalene is widely used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries due to its antioxidant, antistatic and anti-carcinogenic properties. It is usually obtained from the liver of deep sea sharks, which are facing extinction. Alternative production organisms are marine protists from the family Thraustochytriaceae, which produce and store large quantities of various lipids. Squalene accumulation in thraustochytrids is complex, as it is an intermediate in sterol biosynthesis. Its conversion to squalene 2,3-epoxide is the first step in sterol synthesis and is heavily oxygen dependent. Hence, the oxygen supply during cultivation was investigated in our study. In shake flask cultivations, a reduced oxygen supply led to increased squalene and decreased sterol contents and yields. Oxygen-limited conditions were applied to bioreactor scale, where squalene accumulation and growth of Schizochytrium sp. S31 was determined in batch, fed-batch and continuous cultivation. The highest dry matter (32.03 g/L) was obtained during fed-batch cultivation, whereas batch cultivation yielded the highest biomass productivity (0.2 g/L*h-1). Squalene accumulation benefited from keeping the microorganisms in the growth phase. Therefore, the highest squalene content of 39.67 ± 1.34 mg/g was achieved by continuous cultivation (D = 0.025 h-1) and the highest squalene yield of 1131 mg/L during fed-batch cultivation. Volumetric and specific squalene productivity both reached maxima in the continuous cultivation at D = 0.025 h-1 (6.94 ± 0.27 mg/L*h-1 and 1.00 ± 0.03 mg/g*h-1, respectively). Thus, the choice of a suitable cultivation method under oxygen-limiting conditions depends heavily on the process requirements. KEY POINTS: • Measurements of respiratory activity and backscatter light of thraustochytrids • Oxygen limitation increased squalene accumulation in Schizochytrium sp. S31 • Comparison of different cultivation methods under oxygen-limiting conditions.