Ursolic acid inhibits the cholesterol biosynthesis and alleviates high fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia via irreversible inhibition of HMGCS1 in vivo

Adiponectin regulates proliferation and differentiation of chicken skeletal muscle satellite cells via ERK1/2 and p38 signaling pathways

Skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) are critical for postnatal skeletal muscle growth and regeneration. Adiponectin plays a pivotal role in regulating muscle glucose uptake and fatty acid metabolism. However, its function in the proliferation and differentiation of chicken SMSCs remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of adiponectin on the proliferation and differentiation of in vitro cultured chicken SMSCs. Our results demonstrated that adiponectin promoted SMSCs proliferation while inhibiting myogenic differentiation and inducing adipogenic differentiation. RNA-seq analysis revealed enrichment of the MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting its potential involvement in the regulation of adiponectin on SMSCs activity. Western blot analysis revealed that adiponectin activated ERK1/2 phosphorylation and inhibited p38 phosphorylation during the process of the inhibition on myogenic differentiation in chicken SMSCs. Furthermore, suppression of ERK1/2 signaling with U0126 or activation of p38 signaling with SSK1 reversed the downregulated expression of myogenic differentiation marker MyHC, MyOD1, and MyOG induced by adiponectin. These findings validated that adiponectin impeded myogenic differentiation through activation of ERK1/2 and inhibition of p38 signaling pathways. Additionally, activation of p38 signaling pathway reduced the increased percentage of EdU-positive cells induced by adiponectin. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that adiponectin impedes myogenic differentiation of SMSCs through activating ERK1/2 and inhibiting p38 signaling pathways, while promoting proliferation by inhibiting p38 signaling pathway.

C3G improves lipid droplet accumulation in the proximal tubules of high-fat diet-induced ORG mice

Obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) represents an escalating public health with no effective treatments currently available. Abnormal lipid metabolism and lipid droplet deposition in the kidneys are key contributors to ORG. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) has shown potential in regulating lipid metabolism and may offer reno-protective effects; however, its therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms in ORG remain unclear. An ORG mouse model was established, followed by an 8-week C3G intervention. The mice were divided into three groups: normal control (CT) group, ORG group, and C3G treatment group. Fecal 16S rRNA sequencing, metabolomics of feces-serum-kidney, and kidney single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) were performed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of C3G. Compared to CT mice, ORG mice exhibited elevated serum CHO, TG, Cys-C, UACR, urinary Kim-1, and NAG levels, along with glomerular hypertrophy and tubular injury. These biochemical and pathological indicators improved following C3G treatment. Fecal 16S analysis revealed reduced gut microbiota diversity in ORG mice compared to CT mice, while C3G intervention increased gut microbiota diversity. Metabolic profiling of feces, serum, and kidney indicated reprogramming of glycerophospholipid metabolism in ORG mice, ameliorated by C3G treatment. Further analysis demonstrated that abnormal glycerophospholipid metabolites correlated with blood lipids, urinary protein, urinary tubular injury markers, and gut microbiota, specifically Lachnospiraceae and Blautia. Additionally, scRNA-seq analysis identified activation of the PPARγ/CD36 pathway in proximal tubule cells (PTCs) of ORG mice. C3G improved abnormal glycerophospholipid metabolism and alleviated injury in PTCs by inhibiting the PPARγ/CD36 pathway. C3G reduces lipid droplet accumulation in the PTCs of ORG mice by modulating the gut microbiota and inhibiting the PPARγ/CD36 pathway. These findings offer new insights and therapeutic targets for ORG.

Effects of exposure to 17α-methyltestosterone on hepatic lipid metabolism in Gobiocypris rarus

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 17α-Methyltestosterone (MT) on hepatic lipid metabolism in Gobiocypris rarus. G. rarus was exposed to varying concentrations of MT (0, 25, 50, and 100 ng/L) for durations of 7, 14, and 21 d. Biochemical and transcriptomic analyses were conducted using methods, such as ELISA, RT-qPCR, Western Blotting, and RNA-seq, to decipher the key signals and molecular mechanisms triggered by MT in vivo. The results revealed that MT induced hepatomegaly in G. rarus and markedly increased the hepatic steatosis index (HSI). After 14 d of exposure, significant increase in PPARγ mRNA expression was observed, whereas after 21 d, PPARα mRNA expression was significantly reduced. The expression pattern of SREBP1C mRNA initially decreased before increasing, mirroring the trend observed for SREBP1C protein expression. Furthermore, MT increased the levels of key lipid synthesis enzymes, including HSL, CPT1, GPAT, and FAS, thereby fostering lipid accumulation. RNA-seq analysis revealed that MT modulated hepatic bile acid metabolism via the PPAR pathway, consequently influencing cholesterol and lipid metabolism. Considering the differential metabolic pathways of MT across genders, it is postulated that MT may undergo aromatization to estrogen within G. rarus, thereby exerting estrogenic effects. These findings provide crucial experimental insights into the detrimental effects of MT in aquatic settings, underscoring its implications for safeguarding aquatic organisms and human health.

Hypolipidemic activity of phytochemical combinations: A mechanistic review of preclinical and clinical studies

Hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids in the blood, poses a significant risk factor for various health disorders, notably cardiovascular diseases. Phytochemical compounds are promising alternatives to the current lipid-lowering drugs, which cause many undesirable effects. Based on in vivo and clinical studies, combining phytochemicals with other phytochemicals, prebiotics, and probiotics and their encapsulation in nanoparticles is more safe and effective for managing hyperlipidemia than monotherapy. To this end, the results obtained and the mechanisms of action of these combinations were examined in detail in this review.

Complex Inhibitory Activity of Pentacyclic Triterpenoids against Cutaneous Melanoma In Vitro and In Vivo: A Literature Review and Reconstruction of Their Melanoma-Related Protein Interactome

Pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs) are a class of plant metabolites with a wide range of pharmacological activities, including strong antitumor potential against skin malignancies. By acting on multiple signaling pathways that control key cellular processes, PTs are able to exert complex effects on melanoma progression in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we have analyzed the works published in the past decade and devoted to the effects of PTs, both natural and semisynthetic, on cutaneous melanoma pathogenesis, including not only their direct action on melanoma cells but also their influence on the tumor microenvironment and abberant melanogenesis, often associated with melanoma aggressiveness. Special attention will be paid to the molecular basis of the pronounced antimelanoma potency of PTs, including a detailed consideration of the pathways sensitive to PTs in melanoma cells, as well as the reconstruction of the melanoma-related protein interactome of PTs using a network pharmacology approach based on previously published experimentally verified protein targets of PTs. The information collected on the primary targets of PTs was compiled in the Protein Interactome of PTs (PIPTs) database, freely available at http://www.pipts-db.ru/, which can be used to further optimize the mechanistic studies of PTs in the context of melanoma and other malignancies. By summarizing recent research findings, this review provides valuable information to scientists working in the fields related to the evaluation of melanoma pathogenesis and development of PTs-based drug candidates.

Identification of novel targets associated with cholesterol metabolism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a comprehensive study using Mendelian randomization combined with transcriptome analysis

Background

There is limited research on cholesterol metabolism-related genes (CM-RGs) in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), despite hypercholesterolemia being a recognized risk factor. The role of CM-RGs in NAFLD remains unclear.

Methods

The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NAFLD and control were acquired by differential expression analysis. The differentially expressed genes associated with cholesterol metabolism (DE-CM-RGs) were identified and functional enrichment analyses were performed. Protein-protein interaction network analysis and a two-sample Mendelian randomization study were utilized for identifying hub genes. Nomogram model, competing endogenous RNA and messenger RNA-drug networks were established. In addition, immunoinfiltration analysis was performed.

Results

We identified four hub genes (MVK, HMGCS1, TM7SF2, and FDPS) linked to NAFLD risk. MVK and TM7SF2 were protective factors, HMGCS1 and FDPS were risk factors for NAFLD. The area under the curve values of nomograms in GSE135251 and GSE126848 were 0.79 and 0.848, respectively. The gene set enrichment analysis indicated that hub genes participated in calcium signaling pathways and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. NAFLD patients showed increased CD56dim NK cells and Th17. Tretinoin, alendronate, zoledronic acid, and quercetin are potential target agents in NAFLD.

Conclusion

Our study has linked cholesterol metabolism genes (MVK, HMGCS1, TM7SF2, and FDPS) to NAFLD, providing a promising diagnostic framework, identifying treatment targets, and offering novel perspectives into its mechanisms.

Disrupted gut microecology after high-dose 131I therapy and radioprotective effects of arachidonic acid supplementation

BACKGROUND

Despite the potential radiotoxicity in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients with high-dose 131I therapy, the alterations and regulatory mechanisms dependent on intestinal microecology remain poorly understood. We aimed to identify the characteristics of the gut microbiota and metabolites in DTC patients suffering from high-dose 131I therapy and explore the radioprotective mechanisms underlying arachidonic acid (ARA) treatment.

METHODS

A total of 102 patients with DTC were recruited, with fecal samples collected before and after 131I therapy for microbiome and untargeted and targeted metabolomic analyses. Mice were exposed to total body irradiation with ARA replenishment and antibiotic pretreatment and were subjected to metagenomic, metabolomic, and proteomic analyses.

RESULTS

131I therapy significantly changed the structure of gut microbiota and metabolite composition in patients with DTC. Lachnospiraceae were the most dominant bacteria after 131I treatment, and metabolites with decreased levels and pathways related to ARA and linoleic acid were observed. In an irradiation mouse model, ARA supplementation not only improved quality of life and recovered hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems but also ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation and preserved enteric microecology composition. Additionally, antibiotic intervention eliminated the radioprotective effects of ARA. Proteomic analysis and ursolic acid pretreatment showed that ARA therapy greatly influenced intestinal lipid metabolism in mice subjected to irradiation by upregulating the expression of hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase 1.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight that ARA, as a key metabolite, substantially contributes to radioprotection. Our study provides novel insights into the pivotal role that the microbiota-metabolite axis plays in radionuclide protection and offers effective biological targets for treating radiation-induced adverse effects.

Exploring Phytochemical Mechanisms in the Prevention of Cholesterol Dysregulation: A Review

Although cholesterol plays a key role in many physiological processes, its dysregulation can lead to several metabolic diseases. Statins are a group of drugs widely used to lower cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk but may lead to several side effects in some patients. Therefore, the development of a plant-based therapeutic adjuvant with cholesterol-lowering activity is desirable. The maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis encompasses multiple steps, including biosynthesis and metabolism, uptake and transport, and bile acid metabolism; issues arising in any of these processes could contribute to the etiology of cholesterol-related diseases. An increasing body of evidence strongly indicates the benefits of phytochemicals for cholesterol regulation; traditional Chinese medicines prove beneficial in some disease models, although more scientific investigations are needed to confirm their effectiveness. One of the main functions of cholesterol is bile acid biosynthesis, where most bile acids are recycled back to the liver. The composition of bile acid is partly modulated by gut microbes and could be harmful to the liver. In this regard, the reshaping effect of phytochemicals on gut microbiota has been widely reported in the literature for its significance. Therefore, we reviewed studies conducted over the past 5 years elucidating the regulatory effects of phytochemicals or herbal medicines on cholesterol metabolism. In addition, their effects on the recomposition of gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism due to modulation are discussed. This review aims to provide novel insights into the treatment of cholesterol dysregulation and the anticipated development of natural-based compounds in the near and far future.

Key genes involved in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis improvement after bariatric surgery

Background

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the advanced stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases. The effectiveness of bariatric surgery in treating NASH and preventing or even reversing liver fibrosis has been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies, but the underlying mechanisms and crucial variables remain unknown.

Methods

Using the GSE135251 dataset, we examined the gene expression levels of NASH and healthy livers. Then, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of patients with NASH, at baseline and one year after bariatric surgery, were identified in GSE83452. We overlapped the hub genes performed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and DEGs with different expression trends in both datasets to obtain key genes. Genomic enrichment analysis (GSEA) and genomic variation analysis (GSVA) were performed to search for signaling pathways of key genes. Meanwhile, key molecules that regulate the key genes are found through the construction of the ceRNA network. NASH mice were induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG). We then cross-linked the DEGs in clinical and animal samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and validated the key genes.

Results

Seven key genes (FASN, SCD, CD68, HMGCS1, SQLE, CXCL10, IGF1) with different expression trends in GSE135251 and GSE83452 were obtained with the top 30 hub genes selected by PPI. The expression of seven key genes in mice after SG was validated by qPCR. Combined with the qPCR results from NASH mice, the four genes FASN, SCD, HMGCS1, and CXCL10 are consistent with the biological analysis. The GSEA results showed that the 'cholesterol homeostasis' pathway was enriched in the FASN, SCD, HMGCS1, and SQLE high-expression groups. The high-expression groups of CD68 and CXCL10 were extremely enriched in inflammation-related pathways. The construction of the ceRNA network obtained microRNAs and ceRNAs that can regulate seven key genes expression.

Conclusion

In summary, this study contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms by which bariatric surgery improves NASH, and to the development of potential biomarkers for the treatment of NASH.

The Complement Component 4 Binding Protein α Gene: A Versatile Immune Gene That Influences Lipid Metabolism in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cell Lines

Complement component 4 binding protein α (C4BPA) is an immune gene which is responsible for the complement regulation function of C4BP by binding and inactivating the Complement component C4b (C4b) component of the classical Complement 3 (C3) invertase pathway. Our previous findings revealed that C4BPA was differentially expressed by comparing the transcriptome in high-fat and low-fat bovine mammary epithelial cell lines (BMECs) from Chinese Holstein dairy cows. In this study, a C4BPA gene knockout BMECs line model was constructed via using a CRISPR/Cas9 system to investigate the function of C4BPA in lipid metabolism. The results showed that levels of triglyceride (TG) were increased, while levels of cholesterol (CHOL) and free fatty acid (FFA) were decreased (p < 0.05) after knocking out C4BPA in BMECs. Additionally, most kinds of fatty acids were found to be mainly enriched in the pathway of the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and regulation of lipolysis in adipocyte. Meanwhile, the RNA-seq showed that most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are related to PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The expressions of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Synthase 1 (HMGCS1), Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), Fatty Acid Desaturase 1 (FADS1), and Stearoyl-Coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) significantly changed when the C4BPA gene was knocked out. Collectively, C4BPA gene, which is an immune gene, played an important role in lipid metabolism in BMECs. These findings provide a new avenue for animal breeders: this gene, with multiple functions, should be reasonably utilized.

Digeda-4 decoction and its disassembled prescriptions improve dyslipidemia and apoptosis by regulating AMPK/SIRT1 pathway on tyloxapol-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a manifestation of metabolic syndrome in the liver and the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Digeda-4 decoction (DGD-4) is a commonly prescribed Mongolian herbal drug for treating acute and chronic liver injury and fatty liver. However, the mechanisms underlying the improvement of dislipidemia and liver injury via treatment with DGD-4 remain unclear. Disassembling a prescription is an effective approach to studying the effects and mechanisms underlying Mongolian medicine prescriptions. By disassembling a prescription, it is feasible to discover effective combinations of individual herbs to optimize a given prescription. Accordingly, we disassembled DGD-4 into two groups: the single Lomatogonium rotatum (L.) Fries ex Nym (LR) (DGD-1) and non-LR (DGD-3).

AIM OF THIS STUDY

To study whether DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions have protective effects against tyloxapol (TY)-induced NAFLD and to explore the underlying mechanisms of action and compatibility of prescriptions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

NAFLD mice were developed by TY induction. Biochemical horizontal analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and liver histological staining were performed to explore the protective effects of DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions DGD-3 and DGD-1. Furthermore, we performed immunohistochemical analyses and Western blotting to further explore the expression of target proteins.

RESULTS

DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions could inhibit TY-induced dislipidemia and liver injury. In addition, DGD-4 and its disassembled prescriptions increased the levels of p-AMPKα and p-ACC, but decreased the levels of SREBP1c, SCD-1, SREBP-2, and HMGCS1 proteins. The activation of lipid metabolic pathways SIRT1, PGC-1α, and PPARα improved lipid accumulation in the liver. Moreover, DGD-4 could inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis and treat TY-induced liver injury by upregulating the Bcl-2 expression, downregulating the expression of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and positively regulating the imbalance of oxidative stress (OxS) markers (such as superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA], and myeloperoxidase [MPO]). DGD-1 was superior to DGD-3 in regulating lipid synthesis-related proteins such as SREBP1c, SCD-1, SREBP-2, and HMGCS1. DGD-3 significantly affected the expression of lipid metabolic proteins SIRT1, PGC-1α, PPARα, apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and the regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. However, DGD-1 showed no regulatory effects on Bax and Bcl-2 proteins.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the protective effects of DGD-4 in the TY-induced NAFLD mice through a mechanism involving improvement of dyslipidemia and apoptosis by regulating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. Although the Monarch drug DGD-1 reduces lipid accumulation and DGD-3 inhibits apoptosis and protects the liver from injury, DGD-4 can be more effective overall as a therapy when compared to DGD-1 and DGD-3.

TMT-based quantitative proteomics reveals the targets of andrographolide on LPS-induced liver injury

BACKGROUND

Andrographolide (Andro) is a diterpenoid derived from Andrographis paniculate, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and hepatoprotective activities. Gram-negative bacterial infections can cause varying degrees of liver injury in chickens, although Andro has been shown to have a protective effect on the liver, its underlying mechanism of action and effects on liver proteins are not known.

METHODS

The toxicity of Andro on the viability of leghorn male hepatoma (LMH) cells at different concentrations and times was analyzed by CCK-8 assays. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in the culture supernatants were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer to evaluate the protective effect of androscopolide on LPS-induced injury of LMH cells. Subsequently, TMT proteomics analysis were performed on the negative control group (NC group), LPS, and LPS-Andro groups, and bioinformatics analysis was performed on the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs).

RESULTS

It was found that Andro reduced ALT and AST levels in the cell supernatant and alleviated LPS-induced injury in LMH cells. Proteomic analysis identified 50 and 166 differentially expressed proteins in the LPS vs. NC group and LPS-Andro vs. LPS group, respectively. Andro may be involved in steroid metabolic processes, negative regulation of MAPK cascade, oxidative stress, and other processes to protect against LPS-induced liver injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Andro protects against LPS-induced liver injury, HMGCS1, HMGCR, FDPS, PBK, CAV1, PRDX1, PRDX4, and PRDX6, which were identified by differential proteomics, may be the targets of Andro. Our study may provide new theoretical support for Andro protection against liver injury.

Ligustilide covalently binds to Cys129 of HMGCS1 to ameliorate dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is characterized by elevated levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in serum, and has become the primary human health killer because of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Although there exist plenty of drugs for dyslipidemia, the number of patients who could benefit from lipid-lowering drugs still remains a concern. Ligustilide (Lig), a natural phthalide derivative, was reported to regulate lipid metabolic disorders. However, its specific targets and underlying molecular mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we found that Lig alleviated high fat diet-induced dyslipidemia by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis. Furthermore, a series of chemical biological analysis methods were used to identify its target protein for regulating lipid metabolism. Collectively, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthetase 1 (HMGCS1) of hepatic cells was identified as a target for Lig to regulate lipid metabolism. The mechanistic study confirmed that Lig irreversibly binds to Cys129 of HMGCS1 via its metabolic intermediate 6,7-epoxyligustilide, thereby reducing cholesterol synthesis and improving lipid metabolism disorders. These findings not only systematically elucidated the lipid-lowering mechanism of Lig, but also provided a new structural compound for the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Gypenosides suppress hepatocellular carcinoma cells by blocking cholesterol biosynthesis through inhibition of MVA pathway enzyme HMGCS1

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality. Targeting abnormal cholesterol metabolism is a potential therapeutic direction. Therefore, more natural drugs targeting cholesterol in HCC need to be developed. Gypenosides (Gyp), the major constituent of Gynostemma pentaphyllum, has been demonstrated to have pharmacological properties on anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and hepatoprotective. We investigated whether Gyp, isolated and purified by our lab, could inhibit HCC progression by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. The present research showed that Gyp inhibited proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis in Huh-7 and Hep3B cells. Metabolomics, transcriptomics, and target prediction all suggested that lipid metabolism and cholesterol biosynthesis were the mechanisms of Gyp. Gyp could limit the production of cholesterol and target HMGCS1, the cholesterol synthesis-related protein. Downregulation of HMGCS1 could suppress the progression and abnormal cholesterol metabolism of HCC. In terms of mechanism, Gyp suppressed mevalonate (MVA) pathway mediated cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting HMGCS1 transcription factor SREBP2. And the high expression of HMGCS1 in HCC human specimens was correlated with poor clinical prognosis. The data suggested that Gyp could be a promising cholesterol-lowering drug for the prevention and treatment of HCC. And targeting SREBP2-HMGCS1 axis in MVA pathway might be an effective HCC therapeutic strategy.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Salvia aratocensis (Lamiaceae) Essential Oils and Extracts

Salvia aratocensis (Lamiaceae) is an endemic shrub from the Chicamocha River Canyon in Santander (Colombia). Its essential oil (EO) was distilled from the aerial parts of the plant via steam distillation and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC/MS and GC/FID. Hydroethanolic extracts were isolated from dry plants before distillation and from the residual plant material after distillation. The extracts were characterized via UHPLC-ESI(+/-)-Orbitrap-HRMS. The S. aratocensis essential oil was rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (60-69%) and presented τ-cadinol (44-48%) and 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (21-24%) as its major components. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the EOs, measured via an ABTS+• assay, was 32-49 μmol Trolox® g-1 and that measured using the ORAC assay was 1520-1610 μmol Trolox® g-1. Ursolic acid (28.9-39.8 mg g-1) and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide (1.16-25.3 mg g-1) were the major S. aratocensis extract constituents. The antioxidant activity of the S. aratocensis extract, obtained from undistilled plant material, was higher (82 ± 4 μmol Trolox® g-1, ABTS+•; 1300 ± 14 μmol Trolox® g-1, ORAC) than that of the extracts obtained from the residual plant material (51-73 μmol Trolox® g-1, ABTS+•; 752-1205 μmol Trolox® g-1, ORAC). S. aratocensis EO and extract had higher ORAC antioxidant capacity than the reference substances butyl hydroxy toluene (98 μmol Trolox® g-1) and α-tocopherol (450 μmol Trolox® g-1). S. aratocensis EOs and extracts have the potential to be used as natural antioxidants for cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.

Fabrication of a Polysaccharide-Protein/Protein Complex Stabilized Oral Nanoemulsion to Facilitate the Therapeutic Effects of 1,8-Cineole on Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a systemic disease characterized by lipid deposition in the blood vessel wall that urgently requires effective and safe therapeutic drugs for long-term treatment. An essential oil monomer-1,8-cineole (CIN) with ameliorative effects on vascular injuries has considerable potential for preventing the progression of AS because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and cholesterol regulatory effects. However, the high volatility and instability of CIN result in low oral bioavailability and a short half-life, thereby limiting its clinical application. We formulated a nanoemulsion using a polysaccharide-protein/protein complex (dextran-bovine serum albumin/protamine, DEX_5k-BSA/PTM) as an emulsifier, with vitamin B12 (VB₁₂) as the ligand to facilitate the transportation across the small intestine. An emulsion preparation method using a microjet followed by ultraviolet irradiation was developed to obtain the CIN-loaded oral nanoemulsion CIN@DEX_5k-BSA/PTM/VB₁₂. The nanoemulsion improved the stability of CIN both in vitro and in vivo, prolonged the retention time in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and enhanced the permeability across the mucus layer and intestinal epithelial cells to increase oral bioavailability and plaque accumulation of CIN. Validated in an AS mouse model, CIN@DEX_5k-BSA/PTM/VB₁₂ achieved prominent therapeutic efficacy combating AS. This study highlights the advantages of DEX_5k-BSA/PTM and VB₁₂ in the development of nanoemulsions for CIN and provides a promising oral nanoplatform for the delivery of essential oils.

Fuziline Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism by Activating Beta Adrenergic Receptors to Stimulate Thermogenesis

Radix aconiti carmichaeli is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine that has been found to be effective in treating cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Patients with these diseases often experience a heat generation disorder, which is characterized by chilliness and can worsen the progression of the disease. This study established an in vitro screening model combining the examination of cellular mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial temperature to screen drugs with thermogenic activity. After differentiation and determination of the content of characteristic metabolites of the drug-containing serum blood components, it was found that Fuziline (FZL) is the key thermogenic property in Radix aconiti carmichaeli, responsible for its thermogenic effects with a high relative importance of 33%. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the thermogenic activity of Radix aconiti carmichaeli and FZL in vivo by assessing temperature changes in various organs, including the rectum, liver, and brown adipose tissue. Moreover, the effects of intracellular β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) agonistic effects were evaluated using transient β3-AR transfection and dual-luciferase assay systems. The molecular mechanism by which FZL promotes thermogenesis and improves mitochondrial function was investigated by verifying the β-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) downstream signaling pathway. The results suggest that FZL activates β-AR nonselectively, which in turn activates the downstream cAMP-PKA signaling pathway and leads to an increase in liver glycogenolysis and triglyceride hydrolysis, accompanied by enhancing mitochondrial energy metabolism. Consequently, the liver and brown adipose tissue receive energy to generate heat. In summary, these findings provide insight into the therapeutic application of Radix aconiti carmichaeli for metabolic disorders associated with heat generation disorders.