Artemisia argyi extract induces apoptosis in human gemcitabine-resistant lung cancer cells via the PI3K/MAPK signaling pathway

Cytotoxic properties, glycolytic effects and high-resolution respirometry mitochondrial activities of Eriocephalus racemosus against MDA-MB 231 triple-negative breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a significant global health crisis due to its resistance to conventional therapies and lack of specific molecular targets. This study explored the potential of Eriocephalus racemosus (E. racemosus) as an alternative treatment for TNBC. The cytotoxic properties and high-resolution respirometry mitochondrial activities of E. racemosus against the MDA-MB 231 TNBC cell line were evaluated.

METHODS

Hexane solvent and bioactive fraction extractions of E. racemosus were performed, while mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling was used to identify the phytochemical constituents of the extracts. The extracts were further tested against MDA-MB 231 TNBC cells to determine their cytotoxicity. The mode of cell death was determined using flow cytometry. The activities of caspases 3, 8, and 9 were assessed using a multiplex activity assay kit. Glycolytic activity and High-resolution respirometry measurements of mitochondrial function in the MDA-MB 231 cell line were conducted using the Seahorse XFp and Oroboros O2K.

RESULTS

Metabolite profiling of E. racemosus plant crude extracts identified the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, and unknown compounds. The extracts demonstrated promising cytotoxic activities, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 12.84 µg/mL for the crude hexane extract and 15.49 µg/mL for the bioactive fraction. Further, the crude hexane and bioactive fraction extracts induced apoptosis in the MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells, like the reference drug cisplatin (17.44%, 17.26% and 20.25%, respectively) compared to untreated cells. Caspase 3 activities confirmed the induction of apoptosis in both cisplatin and the plant crude extracts, while caspase 8 and 9 activities confirmed the activation of both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. Increased levels of glycolytic activity were observed in the hexane crude extract. High-resolution respiratory measurements showed elevated mitochondrial activities in all mitochondrial states except for complex-IV activity.

CONCLUSION

These findings support further exploration of E. racemosus as a potential therapeutic agent for TNBC, offering a promising avenue for the development of targeted treatments with minimal adverse effects.

Effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal footbaths as an adjuvant therapy for dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal footbaths (CHF) as an adjunctive therapy in managing dysmenorrhea.

Methods

Ten electronic databases were searched to identify eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from inception until June 2023. Outcome measurements encompassed the total effective rate, visual analog scale (VAS) score of pain intensity, Cox menstrual symptom scale (CMSS) score, symptom score, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scale, and any reported adverse events. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane collaboration tool. Review Manager 5.3 software was employed for quantitative synthesis, and funnel plots were utilized to evaluate potential reporting bias.

Results

Eighteen RCTs with 1,484 dysmenorrhea patients were included. The aggregated results suggested that the adjunctive CHF could significantly ameliorate dysmenorrhea, as evident from the improved total effective rate [risk ratio (RR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12 to 1.23, P < 0.00001], VAS (MD 0.88, 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.09, P < 0.00001), CMSS (MD 3.61, 95% CI: 2.73 to 4.49, P < 0.00001), symptom score (SMD 1.09, 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.53, P < 0.00001), and TCM syndrome scale (MD 3.76, 95% CI: 2.53 to 4.99, P < 0.0001). In addition, CHF presented fewer adverse events with a better long-term effect (RR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.63, P < 0.01) and diminished recurrence rate (RR 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.39, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Current evidence implies that CHF may be an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for patients with dysmenorrhea. However, the methodological quality of the studies included was undesirable, necessitating further verification with more well-designed and high-quality multicenter RCTs.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=188256, identifier registration number.

Isolation and anti-neuroinflammation activity of sesquiterpenoids from Artemisia argyi: computational simulation and experimental verification

BACKGROUND

Artemisia argyi is a traditional herbal medicine belonging to the genus Artemisia that plays an important role in suppressing inflammation. However, the chemical constituents and underlying mechanisms of its therapeutic potential in neuroinflammation are still incompletely understood, and warrant further investigation.

METHODS

Several column chromatography were employed to isolate and purify chemical constituents from Artemisia argyi, and modern spectroscopy techniques were used to elucidate their chemical structures. The screening of monomeric compounds with nitric oxide inhibition led to the identification of the most effective bioactive compound, which was subsequently confirmed for its anti-inflammatory capability through qRT‒PCR. Predictions of compound-target interactions were made using the PharmMapper webserver and the TargetNet database, and an integrative protein-protein interaction network was constructed by intersecting the predicted targets with neuroinflammation-related targets. Topological analysis was performed to identify core targets, and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to validate the findings. The result of the molecular simulations was experimentally validated through drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) and Western blot experiments.

RESULTS

Seventeen sesquiterpenoids, including fifteen known sesquiterpenoids and two newly discovered guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids (argyinolide S and argyinolide T) were isolated from Artemisia argyi. Bioactivity screening revealed that argyinolide S (AS) possessed the most potent anti-inflammatory activity. However, argyinolide T (AT) showed weak anti-inflammatory activity, so AS was the target compound for further study. AS may regulate neuroinflammation through its modulation of eleven core targets: protein kinase B 1 (AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein Kinase (FYN), Janus Kinase (JAK) 1, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) Kinase 1,8 and 14, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1), nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (RELA), and retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA). Molecular dynamics simulations and DARTS experiments confirmed the stable binding of AS to JAK1, and Western blot experiments demonstrated the ability of AS to inhibit the phosphorylation of downstream Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mediated by JAK1.

CONCLUSIONS

The sesquiterpenoid compounds isolated from Artemisia argyi, exhibit significant inhibitory effects on inflammation in C57BL/6 murine microglia cells (BV-2). Among these compounds, AS, a newly discovered guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid in Artemisia argyi, has been demonstrated to effectively inhibit the occurrence of neuroinflammation by targeting JAK1.

Artemisia argyi extracts overcome lapatinib resistance via enhancing TMPRSS2 activation in HER2-positive breast cancer

Breast cancer stands as the predominant malignancy and primary cause of cancer-related mortality among females globally. Approximately 25% of breast cancers exhibit HER2 overexpression, imparting a more aggressive tumor phenotype and correlating with poor prognoses. Patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (HER2 TKIs), such as Lapatinib, develop acquired resistance within a year, posing a critical challenge in managing this disease. Here, we explore the potential of Artemisia argyi, a Chinese herbal medicine known for its anti-cancer properties, in mitigating HER2 TKI resistance in breast cancer. Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed diminished expression of transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), a subfamily of membrane proteolytic enzymes, in breast cancer patients, correlating with unfavorable outcomes. Intriguingly, lapatinib-responsive patients exhibited higher TMPRSS2 expression. Our study unveiled that the compounds from Artemisia argyi, eriodictyol, and umbelliferone could inhibit the growth of lapatinib-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, they suppressed HER2 kinase activation by enhancing TMPRSS2 activity. Our findings propose TMPRSS2 as a critical determinant in lapatinib sensitivity, and Artemisia argyi emerges as a potential agent to overcome lapatinib via activating TMPRSS2 in HER2-positive breast cancer. This study not only unravels the molecular mechanisms driving cell death in HER2-positive breast cancer cells induced by Artemisia argyi but also lays the groundwork for developing novel inhibitors to enhance therapy outcomes.

Elucidation of Anti-Obesity Mechanisms of Phenolics in Artemisiae argyi Folium (Aiye) by Integrating LC-MS, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking

The global prevalence of obesity is a pressing health issue, increasing the medical burden and posing significant health risks to humans. The side effects and complications associated with conventional medication and surgery have spurred the search for anti-obesity drugs from plant resources. Previous studies have suggested that Artemisiae argyi Folium (Aiye) water extracts could inhibit pancreatic lipase activities, control body weight increase, and improve the plasma lipids profile. However, the exact components and mechanisms were not precisely understood. Therefore, this research aims to identify the chemical profile of Aiye and provide a comprehensive prediction of its anti-obesity mechanisms. The water extract of Aiye was subjected to LC-MS analysis, which identified 30 phenolics. The anti-obesity mechanisms of these phenolics were then predicted, employing network pharmacology and molecular docking. Among the 30 phenolics, 21 passed the drug-likeness screening and exhibited 486 anti-obesity targets. The enrichment analysis revealed that these phenolics may combat obesity through PI3K-Akt signaling and MAPK, prolactin, and cAMP signaling pathways. Eight phenolics and seven central targets were selected for molecular docking, and 45 out of 56 docking had a binding affinity of less than -5 kcal/mol. This research has indicated the potential therapy targets and signaling pathways of Aiye in combating obesity.

Effects of dietary supplementation of fermented Artemisia argyi on growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality in broilers

Artemisia argyi (AA) is promising as a potential feed additive. Microbial fermentation is beneficial to the degradation of cell walls and the better release of bioactive compounds of AA. However, there are few reports on the application of fermented AA as a feed additive for broilers. The present study intended to evaluate the application value of fermented AA as a feed additive for broilers by examining the effects of the dietary supplementation of Aspergillus niger-fermented AA and unfermented AA on growth performance, slaughter performance, and meat quality of brokers. A total of 360 newly hatched (1-day-old) broilers with similar body weight were randomly divided into the following 5 groups: basal diet group as control (C) group, basal diet +3% unfermented AA (E1) group, basal diet + 1% fermented AA (E2) group, basal diet + 3% fermented AA (E3) group, basal diet + 5% fermented AA (E4) group. Each group included 6 replicates with 12 broilers per replicate, and the feeding trail lasted for 48 d. Body weight and feed intake were recorded every 2 wk, and the feed gain ratio was calculated to assess growth performance. At 42 d, 6 broilers from each group were slaughtered, and the carcass traits were calculated. The results showed that compared with the control group, Aspergillus Niger could effectively destroy AA fiber, which contributed to better release of AA bioactive compounds. Moreover, dietary supplementation with AA could improve the growth performance of broilers (P < 0.05), and the effect of fermented AA was better than unfermented AA, especially 3% fermented AA. From 28 to 42 d, compared with the control group, the average daily gain of broilers in the group supplementation with 3% fermented AA was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the feed-to-gain ratio was decreased (P < 0.05). At 42 d, the dressing percentage, half-eviscerated carcass percentage, eviscerated carcass percentage, and breast muscle percentage of broilers in the groups of 1, 3, and 5% fermented AA diets were significantly improved (P < 0.05), and the thigh muscle percentage of broilers in the group with 3% fermented AA diets was significantly improved (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the meat quality of broilers in the group with fermented AA diets was also significantly improved. Birds in AA groups had higher a* value and lower shear force of breast muscle, especially the group supplementation with 3% fermented AA (P < 0.05). In conclusion, fermented AA has good application value as a potential feed additive for broilers, dietary supplementation of fermented AA can improve the production performance and meat quality of broiler chickens, of which 3% fermented AA is more effective.

Nanomedicine Combats Drug Resistance in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second most prevalent cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Surgery, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy are currently available as treatment methods. However, drug resistance is a significant factor in the failure of lung cancer treatments. Novel therapeutics have been exploited to address complicated resistance mechanisms of lung cancer and the advancement of nanomedicine is extremely promising in terms of overcoming drug resistance. Nanomedicine equipped with multifunctional and tunable physiochemical properties in alignment with tumor genetic profiles can achieve precise, safe, and effective treatment while minimizing or eradicating drug resistance in cancer. Here, this work reviews the discovered resistance mechanisms for lung cancer chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, and outlines novel strategies for the development of nanomedicine against drug resistance. This work focuses on engineering design, customized delivery, current challenges, and clinical translation of nanomedicine in the application of resistant lung cancer.

Traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of the Genus Artemisia L. (Asteraceae): A High-value Medicinal Plant

Biologically active secondary metabolites, essential oils, and volatile compounds derived from medicinal and aromatic plants play a crucial role in promoting human health. Within the large family Asteraceae, the genus Artemisia consists of approximately 500 species. Artemisia species have a rich history in traditional medicine worldwide, offering remedies for a wide range of ailments, such as malaria, jaundice, toothache, gastrointestinal problems, wounds, inflammatory diseases, diarrhoea, menstrual pains, skin disorders, headache, and intestinal parasites. The therapeutic potential of Artemisia species is derived from a multitude of phytoconstituents, including terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, sesquiterpene lactones, lignans, and alkaloids that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The remarkable antimalarial, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antispasmodic, antioxidative and insecticidal properties possessed by the species are attributed to these APIs. Interestingly, several commercially utilized pharmaceutical drugs, including arglabin, artemisinin, artemether, artesunate, santonin, and tarralin have also been derived from different Artemisia species. However, despite the vast medicinal potential, only a limited number of Artemisia species have been exploited commercially. Further, the available literature on traditional and pharmacological uses of Artemisia lacks comprehensive reviews. Therefore, there is an urgent need to bridge the existing knowledge gaps and provide a scientific foundation for future Artemisia research endeavours. It is in this context, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, documented biological properties and toxicity of all the species of Artemisia and offers useful insights for practitioners and researchers into underutilized species and their potential applications. This review aims to stimulate further exploration, experimentation and collaboration to fully realize the therapeutic potential of Artemisia in augmenting human health and well-being.

The mechanism and application of traditional Chinese medicine extracts in the treatment of lung cancer and other lung-related diseases

Lung cancer stands as one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, bearing the highest morbidity and mortality rates among all malignant tumors. The treatment of lung cancer primarily encompasses surgical procedures, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which are fraught with significant side effects, unfavorable prognoses, and a heightened risk of metastasis and relapse. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have gradually gained prominence in lung cancer treatment, diversifying the array of available methods, the overall recovery and survival rates for lung cancer patients remain suboptimal. Presently, with a holistic approach and a focus on syndrome differentiation and treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has emerged as a pivotal player in the prognosis of cancer patients. TCM possesses characteristics such as targeting multiple aspects, addressing a wide range of concerns, and minimizing toxic side effects. Research demonstrates that Traditional Chinese Medicine can significantly contribute to the treatment or serve as an adjunct to chemotherapy for lung cancer and other lung-related diseases. This is achieved through mechanisms like inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, suppressing tumor angiogenesis, influencing the cellular microenvironment, regulating immune system function, impacting signal transduction pathways, and reversing multidrug resistance in tumor cells. In this article, we offer an overview of the advancements in research concerning Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts for the treatment or adjunctive chemotherapy of lung cancer and other lung-related conditions. Furthermore, we delve into the challenges that Traditional Chinese Medicine extracts face in lung cancer treatment, laying the foundation for the development of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets.

A combination of isoliquiritigenin with Artemisia argyi and Ohwia caudata water extracts attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by modulating Nrf2/Ho-1 signaling pathways in SD rats with doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity

Ohwia caudata (Thunb.) H. Ohashi (Leguminosae) also called as "Evergreen shrub" and Artemisia argyi H.Lév. and Vaniot (Compositae) also named as "Chinese mugwort" those two-leaf extracts frequently used as herbal medicine, especially in south east Asia and eastern Asia. Anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (DOX) are commonly used as effective chemotherapeutic drugs in anticancer therapy around the world. However, chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, dilated cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure are seen in patients who receive DOX therapy, with the mechanisms underlying DOX-induced cardiac toxicity remaining unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and cardiomyocytes have been shown to play crucial roles in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL, 10 mg/kg) is a bioactive flavonoid compound with protective effects against inflammation, neurodegeneration, cancer, and diabetes. Here, in this study, our aim is to find out the Artemisia argyi (AA) and Ohwia caudata (OC) leaf extract combination with Isoliquiritigenin in potentiating and complementing effect against chemo drug side effect to ameliorate cardiac damage and improve the cardiac function. In this study, we showed that a combination of low (AA 300 mg/kg; OC 100 mg/kg) and high-dose(AA 600 mg/kg; OC 300 mg/kg) AA and OC water extract with ISL activated the cell survival-related AKT/PI3K signaling pathway in DOX-treated cardiac tissue leading to the upregulation of the antioxidant markers SOD, HO-1, and Keap-1 and regulated mitochondrial dysfunction through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, the water extract of AA and OC with ISL inhibited the inflammatory response genes IL-6 and IL-1β, possibly through the NFκB/AKT/PI3K/p38α/NRLP3 signaling pathways. The water extract of AA and OC with ISL could be a potential herbal drug treatment for cardiac hypertrophy, inflammatory disease, and apoptosis, which can lead to sudden heart failure.

Chemical Composition and Larvicidal Properties of Essential Oils from Wild and Cultivated Artemisia campestris L., an Endemic Plant in Morocco

The Asteraceae family is well known for its toxic and repellent activity against mosquitoes. In this study, essential oils (EOs) extracted from the aerial parts of both wild and cultivated Artemisia campestris L. plants were tested for larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), a pest mosquito widely suspected to be the vector responsible for West Nile virus transmission. The research aims at comparing the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of cultivated and wild A. campestris EOs. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation from the plant's aerial parts and were analyzed using GC-MS. Furthermore, the larviciding experiment was carried out following the standard WHO protocol. The result showed that wild and cultivated plant EOs differed only quantitatively, while the qualitative profile revealed a nearly identical chemical composition. Camphor (18.98%), car-3-en-5-one (11.25%), thujone (6.36%), chrysanthenone (6.24%), filifolone (4.56%), and borneol (3.56%) dominate the wild plant EO. Camphor (21.01%), car-3-en-5-one (17%), chrysanthenone (10.15%), filifolone (7.90%), borneol (3.38%), and thujone (3.08%) are the major compounds of the cultivated plant. Cultivation did not affect the EO production since the yield of the cultivated plant was 0.5 ± 0.1% and 0.6 ± 0.2% for the wild plant. The cultivated A. campestris EO had the highest insecticidal activity (LC50 = 9.79 µg/ml), and no significant difference was noticed between wild and cultivated A. campestris EO in terms of LC90. These findings could pave the way for a new method of producing biocides to control major disease vectors and offer a potential alternative for pest control.

Multi-omics analysis revealed NMBA induced esophageal carcinoma tumorigenesis via regulating PPARα signaling pathway

As widespread environmental carcinogens causing esophageal carcinoma (EC), the effects of N-nitrosamines on human health hazards and accurate toxicity mechanisms have not been well-elucidated. In this study, we explored the tumorigenic mechanism of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA) exposure using both cell and rat models. It was found that NMBA (2 μM) exposure for 26 weeks induced malignant transformation of normal esophageal epithelial (Het-1A) cells. After then proteomics analysis showed that lipid metabolism disorder predominantly participated in the process of NMBA-induced cell malignant transformation. Further the integrated proteomics and lipidomics analysis revealed that the enhancement of fatty acid metabolism promoted the EC tumorigenesis induced by NMBA through facilitating the fatty acid-associated PPARα signaling pathway. The animal studies also revealed that accelerated fatty acid decomposition in the progression of NMBA-induced EC models of rats was accompanied by the activation of the PPARα pathway. Overall, our findings depicted the key dynamic molecular alteration triggered by N-nitrosamines, and provided comprehensive biological perspectives into the carcinogenic risk assessment of N-nitrosamines.

Nanotechnology-empowered lung cancer therapy: From EMT role in cancer metastasis to application of nanoengineered structures for modulating growth and metastasis

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both males and females, and it is the first causes of cancer-related deaths. Chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy are conventional treatment of lung cancer and recently, immunotherapy has been also appeared as another therapeutic strategy for lung tumor. However, since previous treatments have not been successful in cancer therapy and improving prognosis and survival rate of lung tumor patients, new studies have focused on gene therapy and targeting underlying molecular pathways involved in lung cancer progression. Nanoparticles have been emerged in treatment of lung cancer that can mediate targeted delivery of drugs and genes. Nanoparticles protect drugs and genes against unexpected interactions in blood circulation and improve their circulation time. Nanoparticles can induce phototherapy in lung cancer ablation and mediating cell death. Nanoparticles can induce photothermal and photodynamic therapy in lung cancer. The nanostructures can impair metastasis of lung cancer and suppress EMT in improving drug sensitivity. Metastasis is one of the drawbacks observed in lung cancer that promotes migration of tumor cells and allows them to establish new colony in secondary site. EMT can occur in lung cancer and promotes tumor invasion. EMT is not certain to lung cancer and it can be observed in other human cancers, but since lung cancer has highest incidence rate, understanding EMT function in lung cancer is beneficial in improving prognosis of patients. EMT induction in lung cancer promotes tumor invasion and it can also lead to drug resistance and radio-resistance. Moreover, non-coding RNAs and pharmacological compounds can regulate EMT in lung cancer and EMT-TFs such as Twist and Slug are important modulators of lung cancer invasion that are discussed in current review.

Mitochondrial genome of Artemisia argyi L. suggested conserved mitochondrial protein-coding genes among genera Artemisia, Tanacetum and Chrysanthemum

BACKGROUND

Artemisia argyi L., also known as mugwort, is a perennial herb whose leaves are commonly used as source of traditional medicines. However, the evolution and structure of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) in A. argyi remain unclear. In this study, the mitogenome of A. argyi was assembled and characterized for the first time.

RESULTS

The mitogenome of A. argyi was a circular molecule of 229,354 bp. It encodes 56 genes, including 33 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 20 tRNA genes, and three rRNA genes, and three pseudogenes. Five trans-spliced introns were observed in three PCGs namely, nad1, nad2 and nad5. Repeat analysis identified 65 SSRs, 14 tandem repeats, and 167 dispersed repeats. The A. argyi mitogenome contains 12 plastid transfer sequences from 79 bp to 2552 bp. Five conserved MTPTs were identified in all 18 Asteraceae species. Comparison of mitogenome between A. argyi and one Artemisia specie and two Chrysanthemum species showed 14 conserved gene clusters. Phylogenetic analysis with organelle genomes of A. argyi and 18 others Anthemideae plants showed inconsistent phylogenetic trees, which implied that the evolutionary rates of PCGs and rrna genes derived from mitochondrion and plastid were incongruent. The Ka/Ks ratio of the 27 shared protein-coding genes in the 18 Anthemideae species are all less than 1 indicating that these genes were under the effect of purifying selection. Lastly, a total 568 RNA editing sites in PCGs were further identified. The average editing frequency of non-synonymous changes was significantly higher than that of synonymous changes (one-sample Student's t-test, p-values≤0.05) in three tissues (root, leaf and stem).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the gene content, genome size, genome comparison, mitochondrial plastid sequences, dN/dS analysis of mitochondrial protein-coding genes, and RNA-editing events in A. argyi mitogenome were determined, providing insights into the phylogenetic relationships of Asteraceae plant.

Apoptosis induction of essential oils from Artemisia arborescens L. in human prostate cancer cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Prostate cancer originates from cells inside a gland, which begin to grow out of control. In the world, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the male population. New therapeutic strategies are needed for this tumor which still has a high mortality. A. arborescens leaves and aerial parts have various ethnopharmacological uses such as anti-spasmodic, and their decoctions were used to resolve urticaria, neuralgia and several lung diseases. Often this species has been also used to treat different inflammatory-related diseases such as cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In a continuation of our research on essential oils from medicinal plants, we have selected, two essential oils from Artemisia arborescens L. (Compositae), an aromatic shrub widely used in traditional medicine. We evaluated their pro-apototic effect on androgen-sensitive (LNCaP) and androgen-insensitive (DU-145) human prostate cancer cells. In this study, we also evaluated the anti-Signal transducer and transcription factor 3 (STAT-3) activity of both essential oils in the human prostate cancer cell lines, and the treatment with Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-Related Apoptosis (TRAIL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cells were exposed to essential oils for 72 h and cell viability and cell membrane integrity were evaluated. Genomic DNA and the activity of caspase-3 was tested to confirm the cell death for apoptosis. Western blot analysis was employed to evaluate the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, Hsp70, STAT-3 and SOD proteins. Assays to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and GSH levels were also performed.

RESULTS

The results showed the capacity of two essential oils to activate an apoptotic process increasing the inhibition of Hsp70 and STAT-3 protein expression. In addition, our natural products sensitize LNCaP cells to Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-Related Apoptosis (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our study provides a further contribution to the hypothesis of the use of essential oils, from traditional medicinal plants, for the treatment of tumors, and suggests that the combination of our samples with other anti-prostate cancer therapies could be used to affect prostate cancer.

UPLC-MS Analysis, Quantification of Compounds, and Comparison of Bioactivity of Methanol Extract and Its Fractions from Qiai (Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Van.)

The Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Van. growing in the surrounding areas of Qichun County in China are called Qiai (QA). Qiai is a crop that can be used both as food and in traditional folk medicine. However, detailed qualitative and quantitative analyses of its compounds remain scarce. The process of identifying chemical structures in complex natural products can be streamlined by combining UPLC-Q-TOF/MS data with the UNIFI information management platform and its embedded Traditional Medicine Library. For the first time, 68 compounds in QA were reported by the method in this study. The method of simultaneous quantification of 14 active components in QA using UPLC-TQ-MS/MS was reported for the first time. Following a screening of the activity of QA 70% methanol total extract and its three fractions (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and water), it was discovered that the ethyl acetate fraction enriched with flavonoids such as eupatilin and jaceosidin had the strongest anti-inflammatory activity, while the water fraction enriched with chlorogenic acid derivatives such as 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid had the strongest antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The results provided the theoretical basis for the use of QA in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Effects of dietary Ginkgo biloba leaf extract on growth performance, immunity and environmental stress tolerance of Penaeus vannamei

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) has been extensively used in the treatment of diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. In aquaculture, GBE is widely used as a feed additive, which is important to enhance the immunity of aquatic animals. The current study evaluated the effects of adding GBE to the diet of Penaeus vannamei (P. vannamei) under intensive aquaculture. The GBE0 (control group), GBE1, GBE2, and GBE4 groups were fed a commercial feed supplemented with 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 g/kg GBE for 21 days, respectively. The results showed that dietary GBE could alleviate hepatopancreas tissue damage and improve the survival rate of shrimp, and dietary 2 g/kg GBE could significantly increase the total hemocyte count (THC), the hemocyanin content, the antioxidant gene's expression, and the activity of their encoded enzymes in P. vannamei. Furthermore, transcriptome data revealed that immunity-related genes were upregulated in the GBE2 group compared with the GBE0 group after 21 days of culture. Drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, sphingolipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, fat digestion and protein digestion and absorption pathways were significantly enriched, according to KEGG results. Surprisingly, all of the above KEGG-enriched pathways were significantly upregulated. These findings demonstrated that supplementing P. vannamei with 2 g/kg GBE improved its environmental adaptability by improving immunity, lipid metabolism, and detoxification. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of dietary GBE on the intensive aquaculture of P. vannamei was conducted to provide a reference for the healthy culture of P. vannamei.

Phytochemical Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anticancer, and Enzyme-Inhibitory Activities of Artemisia nilagirica (C.B. Clarke) Pamp

Plants have been employed in therapeutic applications against various infectious and chronic diseases from ancient times. Various traditional medicines and folk systems have utilized numerous plants and plant products, which act as sources of drug candidates for modern medicine. Artemisia is a genus of the Asteraceae family with more than 500 species; however, many of these species are less explored for their biological efficacy, and several others are lacking scientific explanations for their uses. Artemisia nilagirica is a plant that is widely found in the Western Ghats, Kerala, India and is a prominent member of the genus. In the current study, the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities were examined. The results indicated that the ethanol extract of A. nilagirica indicated in vitro DPPH scavenging (23.12 ± 1.28 µg/mL), ABTS scavenging (27.44 ± 1.88 µg/mL), H2O2 scavenging (12.92 ± 1.05 µg/mL), and FRAP (5.42 ± 0.19 µg/mL). The anti-inflammatory effect was also noticed in the Raw 264.7 macrophages, where pretreatment with the extract reduced the LPS-stimulated production of cytokines (p < 0.05). A. nilagirica was also efficient in inhibiting the activities of α-amylase (38.42 ± 2.71 µg/mL), α-glucosidase (55.31 ± 2.16 µg/mL), aldose reductase (17.42 ± 0.87 µg/mL), and sorbitol dehydrogenase (29.57 ± 1.46 µg/mL). It also induced significant inhibition of proliferation in breast (MCF7 IC50 = 41.79 ± 1.07, MDAMB231 IC50 = 55.37 ± 2.11µg/mL) and colon (49.57 ± 1.46 µg/mL) cancer cells. The results of the phytochemical screening indicated a higher level of polyphenols and flavonoids in the extract and the LCMS analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive constituents including artemisinin.