Gossypol toxicity from cottonseed products

Effects of fermented unconventional protein feed on pig production in China

Unconventional protein feeds, characterized by low nutritional value, high variability, and poor palatability, have limited their application in swine production. Fermentation technology holds the key to addressing these shortcomings. Given the ban on antibiotics in China, the inferior quality of imported pig breeds, and long-term dependence on imported soybean, the prospects for fermented unconventional protein feeds are promising. This paper delves into the common types of fermented unconventional protein feeds, factors influencing the fermentation process, the mechanisms by which they enhance swine health, and the challenges and prospects of fermented feeds, offering theoretical insights for the future development of the feed industry.

Multiresponsive luminescent metal-organic framework for cooking oil adulteration detection and gallium(III) sensing

A new 3D metal-organic framework {[Cd16(tr2btd)10(dcdps)16(H2O)3(EtOH)]∙15DMF}n (MOF 1, tr2btd = 4,7-di(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzo-2,1,3-thiadiazole, H2dcdps = 4,4'-sulfonyldibenzoic acid) was obtained and its luminescent properties were studied. MOF 1 exhibited bright blue-green luminescence with a high quantum yield of 74 % and luminescence quenching response to a toxic natural polyphenol gossypol and luminescence enhancement response to some trivalent metal cations (Fe3+, Cr3+, Al3+ and Ga3+). The limit of gossypol detection was 0.20 µM and the determination was not interfered by the components of the cottonseed oil. The limit of detection of gallium(III) was 1.1 µM. It was demonstrated that MOF 1 may be used for distinguishing between the genuine sunflower oil and oil adulterated by crude cottonseed oil through qualitative luminescent and quantitative visual gossypol determination.

Genetic Analysis of an F2 Population Derived from the Cotton Landrace Hopi Identified Novel Loci for Boll Glanding

Landraces are an important reservoir of genetic variation that can expand the narrow genetic base of cultivated cotton. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was conducted using an F2 population developed from crosses between the landrace Hopi and inbred TM-1. A high-density genetic map spanning 2253.11 and 1932.21 cM for the A and D sub-genomes, respectively, with an average marker interval of 1.14 cM, was generated using the CottonSNP63K array. The linkage map showed a strong co-linearity with the physical map of cotton. A total of 21 QTLs were identified, controlling plant height (1), bract type (1), boll number (1), stem color (2), boll pitting (2), fuzz fiber development (2), boll shape (3), boll point (4), and boll glanding (5). In silico analysis of the novel QTLs for boll glanding identified a total of 13 candidate genes. Analysis of tissue-specific expression of the candidate genes suggests roles for the transcription factors bHLH1, MYB2, and ZF1 in gland formation. Comparative sequencing of open reading frames identified early stop codons in all three transcription factors in Hopi. Functional validation of these genes offers avenues to reduce glanding and, consequently, lower gossypol levels in cottonseeds without compromising the defense mechanisms of the plant against biotic stresses.

Keap1 Negatively Regulates Transcription of Three Counter-Defense Genes and Susceptibility to Plant Toxin Gossypol in Helicoverpa armigera

Expressions of a wide range of cytoprotective counter-defense genes are mainly regulated by the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway in response to oxidative stress from xenobiotics. Gossypol is the major antiherbivore secondary metabolite of cotton, but how the polyphagous pest Helicoverpa armigera copes with this phytochemical to utilize its favorite host plant cotton remains largely elusive. In this study, we first suppressed the Keap1 gene in newly hatched larvae of cotton bollworm by feeding them the siRNA diet for 4 days. All of the larvae were subsequently fed the artificial diet supplied with gossypol or the control diet for 5 days. We identified that the knockdown of the Keap1 gene significantly decreased larval mortality and significantly increased the percentages of larval survival, reaching the fourth instar, compared with ncsiRNA when exposed to a diet containing gossypol. Three counter-defense genes CYP9A17, CYP4L11 and UGT41B3, which were related to the induction or metabolism of gossypol according to the report before, were all significantly up-regulated after the knockdown of the Keap1 gene. The Antioxidant Response Elements (AREs) were also detected in the promoter regions of the three counter-defense genes above. These data indicate that the suppression of the Keap1 gene activates the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, up-regulates the expressions of counter-defense genes involved in the resistance of oxidative stress and finally contributes to reducing the susceptibility of gossypol. Our results provide more knowledge about the transcriptional regulation mechanisms of counter-defense genes that enable the cotton bollworm to adapt to the diversity of host plants including cotton.

An Enzymatic and Proteomic Analysis of Panus lecomtei during Biodegradation of Gossypol in Cottonseed

Cotton is an important plant-based protein. Cottonseed cake, a byproduct of the biodiesel industry, offers potential in animal supplementation, although the presence of the antinutritional sesquiterpenoid gossypol limits utilization. The macrofungus Panus lecomtei offers potential in detoxification of antinutritional factors. Through an enzymatic and proteomic analysis of P. lecomtei strain BRM044603, grown on crushed whole cottonseed contrasting in the presence of free gossypol (FG), this study investigated FG biodegradation over a 15-day cultivation period. Fungal growth reduced FG to levels at 100 μg/g, with a complex adaptive response observed, involving primary metabolism and activation of oxidative enzymes for metabolism of xenobiotics. Increasing activity of secreted laccases correlated with a reduction in FG, with enzyme fractions degrading synthetic gossypol to trace levels. A total of 143 and 49 differentially abundant proteins were observed across the two contrasting growth conditions after 6 and 12 days of cultivation, respectively, revealing a dynamic protein profile during FG degradation, initially related to constitutive metabolism, then later associated with responses to oxidative stress. The findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms involved in gossypol degradation and highlight the potential of P. lecomtei BRM044603 in cotton waste biotreatment, relevant for animal supplementation, sustainable resource utilization, and bioremediation.

Breast cancer therapy: from the perspective of glucose metabolism and glycosylation

Breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality and the most prevalent form of malignant tumor among women worldwide. Breast cancer cells exhibit an elevated glycolysis and altered glucose metabolism. Moreover, these cells display abnormal glycosylation patterns, influencing invasion, proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Consequently, targeting glycolysis and mitigating abnormal glycosylation represent key therapeutic strategies for breast cancer. This review underscores the importance of protein glycosylation and glucose metabolism alterations in breast cancer. The current research efforts in developing effective interventions targeting glycolysis and glycosylation are further discussed.

Improvement of qualitative and quantitative traits in cotton under normal and stressed environments using genomics and biotechnological tools: A review

Due to the increasing demand for high-quality and high fiber-yielding cotton (Gossypium spp.), research into the development of stress-resilient cotton cultivars has acquired greater significance. Various biotic and abiotic stressors greatly affect cotton production and productivity, posing challenges to the future of the textile industry. Moreover, the content and quality of cottonseed oil can also potentially be influenced by future environmental conditions. Apart from conventional methods, genetic engineering has emerged as a potential tool to improve cotton fiber quality and productivity. Identification and modification of genome sequences and the expression levels of yield-related genes using genetic engineering approaches have enabled to increase both the quality and yields of cotton fiber and cottonseed oil. Herein, we evaluate the significance and molecular mechanisms associated with the regulation of cotton agronomic traits under both normal and stressful environmental conditions. In addition, the importance of gossypol, a toxic phenolic compound in cottonseed that can limit consumption by animals and humans, is reviewed and discussed.

Effective Degradation of Free Gossypol in Defatted Cottonseed Meal by Bacterial Laccases: Performance and Toxicity Analysis

Cottonseed meal (CSM) is the major by-product of the cottonseed oil extraction process with high protein content. However, the presence of free gossypol (FG) in CSM severely restricts its utilization in the food and animal feed industries. The development of a biological strategy for the effective removal of FG in CSM has become an urgent need. In this study, three bacterial laccases including CotA from Bacillus licheniformis, CueO from Escherichia coli, and LcLac from Loigolactobacillus coryniformis were heterologously expressed and investigated for their FG degradation ability. The results showed that CotA laccase displayed the highest FG-degrading capacity among the three laccases, achieving 100% FG degradation at 37 °C and pH 7.0 in 1 h without the addition of a redox mediator. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that the hepatotoxicity of FG was effectively eliminated after oxidative degradation by CotA laccase. Furthermore, the addition of CotA laccase could achieve 87% to 98% FG degradation in defatted CSM within 2 h. In conclusion, CotA laccase can be developed as an effective biocatalyst for the detoxification of FG in CSM.

The rumen-derived Lact. mucosae LLK-XR1 exhibited greater free gossypol degradation capacity during solid-state fermentation of cottonseed meal and probiotic potential

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to isolate the rumen-derived bacteria with the ability to degrade free gossypol (FG), and to evaluate the probiotic potential in vitro for ensuring safe utilization.

METHODS

The strains were anaerobically isolated from fresh rumen fluid of sheep with long-term fed cottonseed meal (CSM) with the screening agar medium containing gossypol as the sole carbon source. Afterwards, the isolated strain incubated with CSM was subjected to the determination of the FG degradation and in vitro evaluation of probiotic characteristics.

RESULTS

The target strain labeled Lact. mucosae LLK-XR1 [Accession number: OQ652016.1] was obtained, and its growth on MRS Liquid medium exhibited degradation efficiency of FG up to 69.5% which was significantly greater than its growth on Man-Rogosa-Sharpe medium with glucose free for 24 h (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, LLK-XR1 showed 40.652% degradation rate of FG for unautoclaved, non-pulverized, and no additional nutrients supplementation CSM. Furthermore, LLK-XR1 presented good survivability at pH 3.0 (above 88.6%), and 0.3% bile (78.5%). LLK-XR1 showed sensitivity to broad-spectrum antibiotics except Sulfamethoxazole, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin and significantly inhibited E. coli CICC 10,899, Staph. aureus CICC 21,600, and Salmonella. Typhimurium CICC 21,483. LLK-XR1 demonstrated good cell surface hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation ability.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, this study for the first time noted that rumen-originated Lact. mucosae LLK-XR1 with probiotic properties exhibited substantial FG degradation capacity when it was applied to the solid-state fermentation of CSM.

Effects of crude protease produced by Bacillus subtilis (MAFIC Y7) on growth performance, immune indices, and anti-inflammatory responses of broilers fed soybean meal- or cottonseed meal-based diets

A strain of Bacillus subtilis (MAFIC Y7) was isolated from the intestine of Tibetan pigs and was able to express high protease activity. The aim of this study was to characterize the proteases produced by MAFIC Y7, and to investigate the effects of protease addition on growth performance, ileal amino acid digestibility, and serum immunoglobulin and immune factors of broilers fed SBM-based diets, or on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology of broilers fed CSM-based diets. B. subtilis (MAFIC Y7) expressed protease showed its optimal enzyme activity at 50 °C and pH 7.0. The coated crude enzyme (CCE) showed greater stability at pH 3.0 than its uncoated counterpart. Experiment 1 was conducted with six diets based on three levels of crude protein (CP)-CPlow, CPmedium, and CPhigh-with or without CCE. In CPlow, CCE increased gain:feed (G:F) (days 1 to 21, days 1 to 42) by 8%, 3%, respectively, and enhanced apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein and lysine (on day 42) by 8.8%, 4.6%, respectively, compared with diets containing no CCE (P < 0.05). CCE increased G:F from days 1 to 21 from 0.63 to 0.68, improved G:F and average daily gain (ADG) during days 1 to 42, and enhanced AID of crude protein, lysine, cysteine, and isoleucine on day 42 compared with the unsupplemented treatments (in CPmedium, P < 0.05). CCE increased serum IgA (on day 21), serum IgA and IgG and increased serum IL-10 (on day 42), but decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; on day 21), and serum IL-8 and TNF-α (on day 42) compared with unsupplemented treatments. At CPhigh, CCE decreased serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (on day 21), and IL-8 and TNF-α (on day 42) compared with unsupplemented treatments (in CPhigh, P < 0.05). In experiment 2, CSM-based diets with two lysine-to-protein ratios (5.2% or 5.5%) with or without CCE. In the high Lys diet (5.5% Lys:protein), CCE increased ADG and G:F, increased carcass, but decreased abdominal fat compared with the unsupplemented treatment (P < 0.05). In the 5.2% Lys:protein dietary treatment, CCE improved duodenal villus height compared with the unsupplemented treatment (P < 0.05). Supplementation of protease produced by MAFIC Y7 was associated with lower inflammatory responses in SBM diets (CPmedium or CPhigh) and improved ADG in broilers fed CPmedium or CPhigh. The proteases improved ADG and the efficiency of CSM use when the ratio of Lys to protein was 5.5%.

Glycolysis Reprogramming in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Unveiling the Mystery of Lactate in the Lung

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by excessive deposition of fibrotic connective tissue in the lungs. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic alterations, particularly glycolysis reprogramming, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IPF. Lactate, once considered a metabolic waste product, is now recognized as a signaling molecule involved in various cellular processes. In the context of IPF, lactate has been shown to promote fibroblast activation, myofibroblast differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Furthermore, lactate can modulate immune responses and contribute to the pro-inflammatory microenvironment observed in IPF. In addition, lactate has been implicated in the crosstalk between different cell types involved in IPF; it can influence cell-cell communication, cytokine production, and the activation of profibrotic signaling pathways. This review aims to summarize the current research progress on the role of glycolytic reprogramming and lactate in IPF and its potential implications to clarify the role of lactate in IPF and to provide a reference and direction for future research. In conclusion, elucidating the intricate interplay between lactate metabolism and fibrotic processes may lead to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for IPF.

Inhibition of human glutathione transferase by catechin and gossypol: comparative structural analysis by kinetic properties, molecular docking and their efficacy on the viability of human MCF-7 cells

Glutathione transferase Pi (GSTP1) expression is increased in many cancer types and is associated with multidrug resistance and apoptosis inhibition. Inhibitors of GSTP1-1 have the potential to overcome drug resistance and improve chemotherapy efficacy as adjuvant agents. This study investigated the effects of catechin and gossypol on human glutathione transferase Pi (GSTP1-1) activity and their cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) individually and in combination with tamoxifen (TAM). Gossypol effectively inhibited the enzyme with an IC50 value of 40 μM, compared to 200 μM for catechin. Gossypol showed stronger inhibition of GSTP1-1 activity (Ki = 63.3 ± 17.5 μM) compared to catechin (Ki = 220 ± 44 μM). Molecular docking analysis revealed their binding conformations to GSTP1-1, with gossypol binding at the subunit interface in an un-competitive manner and catechin showing mixed non-competitive inhibition. Gossypol had severe cytotoxic effects on both MCF-7 cells and normal BJ1 cells, while catechin had a weak cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells only. Combination therapy with TAM resulted in cytotoxicity of 27.3% and 35.2% when combined with catechin and gossypol, respectively. Gossypol showed higher toxicity to MCF-7 cells, but its strong effects on normal cells raised concerns about selectivity and potential side effects.

The potential roles of gossypol as anticancer agent: advances and future directions

Gossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde derived from cottonseed plants, has seen a transformation in its pharmaceutical application from a male contraceptive to a candidate for cancer therapy. This shift is supported by its recognized antitumor properties, which have prompted its investigation in the treatment of various cancers and related inflammatory conditions. This review synthesizes the current understanding of gossypol as an anticancer agent, focusing on its pharmacological mechanisms, strategies to enhance its clinical efficacy, and the status of ongoing clinical evaluations.The methodological approach to this review involved a systematic search across several scientific databases including the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, Scopus, and TRIP. Studies were meticulously chosen to cover various aspects of gossypol, from its chemical structure and natural sources to its pharmacokinetics and confirmed anticancer efficacy. Specific MeSH terms and keywords related to gossypol's antineoplastic applications guided the search strategy.Results from selected pharmacological studies indicate that gossypol inhibits the Bcl-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins, promoting apoptosis in tumor cells. Clinical trials, particularly phase I and II, reveal gossypol's promise as an anticancer agent, demonstrating efficacy and manageable toxicity profiles. The review identifies the development of gossypol derivatives and novel carriers as avenues to enhance therapeutic outcomes and mitigate adverse effects.Conclusively, gossypol represents a promising anticancer agent with considerable therapeutic potential. However, further research is needed to refine gossypol-based therapies, explore combination treatments, and verify their effectiveness across cancer types. The ongoing clinical trials continue to support its potential, suggesting a future where gossypol could play a significant role in cancer treatment protocols.

Stand Up to Stand Out: Natural Dietary Polyphenols Curcumin, Resveratrol, and Gossypol as Potential Therapeutic Candidates against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection

The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated collaborative drug discovery efforts in academia and the industry with the aim of developing therapies and vaccines that target SARS-CoV-2. Several novel therapies have been approved and deployed in the last three years. However, their clinical application has revealed limitations due to the rapid emergence of viral variants. Therefore, the development of next-generation SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic agents with a high potency and safety profile remains a high priority for global health. Increasing awareness of the "back to nature" approach for improving human health has prompted renewed interest in natural products, especially dietary polyphenols, as an additional therapeutic strategy to treat SARS-CoV-2 patients, owing to its good safety profile, exceptional nutritional value, health-promoting benefits (including potential antiviral properties), affordability, and availability. Herein, we describe the biological properties and pleiotropic molecular mechanisms of dietary polyphenols curcumin, resveratrol, and gossypol as inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants as observed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of dietary polyphenols and to obtain maximal benefits, several strategies such as nanotechnology (e.g., curcumin-incorporated nanofibrous membranes with antibacterial-antiviral ability), lead optimization (e.g., a methylated analog of curcumin), combination therapies (e.g., a specific combination of plant extracts and micronutrients), and broad-spectrum activities (e.g., gossypol broadly inhibits coronaviruses) have also been emphasized as positive factors in the facilitation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development to support effective long-term pandemic management and control.

Highly Luminescent Lanthanide Metal-Organic Frameworks with Tunable Color for Nanomolar Detection of Iron(III), Ofloxacin and Gossypol and Anti-counterfeiting Applications

Solvothermal reaction of 5,5'-(pyridine-2,6-diylbis(oxy))diisophthalic acid (H4 L) with europium(III) or terbium(III) nitrates in acetonitrile-water (1 : 1) at 120 °C gave rise to isostructural 2D coordination polymers, [Ln(HL)(H2 O)3 ]∞ (NIIC-1-Eu and NIIC-1-Tb), the layers of which are composed by eight-coordinated lanthanide(III) ions interconnected by triply deprotonated ligands HL3- . The layers are packed in the crystal without any specific intermolecular interactions between them, allowing the facile preparation of stable water suspensions, in which NIIC-1-Tb exhibited top-performing sensing properties through luminescence quenching effect with exceptionally low detection limits towards Fe3+ (LOD 8.62 nM), ofloxacin (OFX) antibiotic (LOD 3.91 nM) and cotton phytotoxicant gossypol (LOD 2.27 nM). In addition to low detection limit and high selectivity, NIIC-1-Tb features fast sensing response (within 60-90 seconds), making it superior to other MOF-based sensors for metal cations and organic toxicants. The photoluminescence quantum yield of NIIC-1-Tb was 93 %, one of the highest among lanthanide MOFs. Mixed-metal coordination polymers NIIC-1-Eux Tb1-x demonstrated efficient photoluminescence, the color of which could be modulated by the excitation wavelength and time delay for emission monitoring (within 1 millisecond). Furthermore, an original 2D QR-coding scheme was designed for anti-counterfeiting labeling of goods based on unique and tunable emission spectra of NIIC-1-Ln coordination polymers.

Ultra-low limit of luminescent detection of gossypol by terbium(III)-based metal-organic framework

The widespread use of gossypol-containing animal feed and cottonseed oil poses a great threat to water quality and livestock and human health, and there is an urgent need for a sensor for the rapid detection of trace amounts of gossypol in aqueous solutions and cottonseed oil. As a result, an unprecedented three-dimensional metal-organic framework sensor based on terbium(III) and a flexible ligand 4-(3,5-dicarboxyphenoxy)isophthalic acid (H₄L) was developed. Tb-MOF, {[Tb(H₂O)(HL)]·0.5MeCN·0.25 H₂O}_n, is highly stable in water and polar organic solvents and exhibits terbium-centered luminescence with 44% quantum yield. Suspensions of MOF in water and ethanol demonstrate a luminescence quenching response to cotton phytotoxicant gossypol with an unprecedented low detection limit of 0.76 nM and 1.89 nM, correspondingly, without interference from the components of cottonseed oil and blood plasma, making it suitable for the detection and determination of gossypol in real-life water and oil samples. Significantly, Tb-MOF is the first highly efficient sensor that uses water as a solvent to detect trace amounts of gossypol, and it can visualize and quantify gossypol in edible-grade cottonseed oil as well, which proves its great potential for practical application. In addition, Tb-MOF exhibited a detection limit for Fe³⁺ (0.23 μM) among the lowest reported for lanthanide-based MOFs in aqueous solutions so far.

The Complete Genome Sequence of a Gossypol-Degrading Bacterial Strain, Raoultella sp. YL01

Cottonseed meal is an important source of plant protein for the meal fodder materials. But its usage in animal breeding industry is limited by a type of toxic phenol, gossypol, that has toxic effects on animal health. Microbial degradation is a promising way to lower down gossypol in cottonseed meal. However, the molecular mechanisms of bio-degradation of gossypol is still unclear. In this study we isolated a gossypol-degrading bacterial strain, YL01, and sequenced its complete genome via Oxford Nanopore sequencing method. There is a chromosome (5,737,005 bp) and a plasmid (136,446 bp) in YL01. 5489 protein coding genes in total were functionally annotated. 16S rRNA analysis showed that YL01 taxonomically belongs to the genus of Raoultella. YL01 is the first published complete genome sequence of microbes capable of gossypol degradation. Gene function annotation showed that 126 protein coding genes may involve in gossypol catabolism. Sequence similarity analysis showed that, as the only gossypol-degrading strain in the genus of Raoultella, YL01 uniquely holds 260 genes that are not possessed by other Raoultella strains. Our work gives a preliminary list for genes responsible for gossypol degradation but further investigations are needed to completely disclose this molecular processes.

Effect of cottonseed milk on growth performance, hematological and semen characteristics in male Wistar albino rats

Various plant based milk extract is appropriate for human nutrition among which cottonseed is one of the potential crops with the advantages of stable milk emulsion, improved nutrient profile with affordable waste utilization. Although cottonseed milk is a popular indigenous beverage, it has not been exploited worldwide for regular consumption owing to the presence of gossypol. The gossypol toxicity and associated gossypol-iron complex formation in the intestine lead to changes in hematological characteristics and alternation of sperm motility in monogastric animals. Male Wistar albino rats weighing 60 to 70 g were divided into four groups of five animals each. The group fed the standard diet (STD) served as control, and the experimental groups included the group (i) rats fed cottonseed diet (CSD) supplemented at 10% of cottonseed level (ii) rats fed conventional aqueous extracted cottonseed milk (CCM) diet (CAD) and (iii) rats fed enzymatic assisted aqueous extracted cottonseed milk (ECM) diet (EAD). The CAD and EAD feed was administrated @ 1 ml/100 g of animal body weight /day for the study period of 45 days among the experimental groups and control group. A significant difference in weight gain of the experimental rats was noticed between the CCM and ECM cottonseed milk extracts fed experimental groups compared with the standard and cottonseed fed groups. The rats fed with CSD, CCM and ECM diet exhibited higher white blood cell counts, also reducing the red blood cells count, hemoglobin hematocrit and platelet in the group compared with STD. No significant difference in semen motility characteristics was noticed among the CSD, CCM and ECM fed groups. In conclusion, the intake of less than the permissible level of gossypol from selected cottonseed and its aqueous extracted milk samples has influenced the hematological parameters and whereas an improved effect was shown in semen characteristics.

Graphical Abstract

Recent Achievements in Antiviral Agent Development for Plant Protection

Plant virus disease is the second most prevalent plant diseases and can cause extensive loss in global agricultural economy. Extensive work has been carried out on the development of novel antiplant virus agents for preventing and treating plant virus diseases. In this review, we summarize the achievements of the research and development of new antiviral agents in the recent five years and provide our own perspective on the future development in this highly active research field.

Detection and counting of pigment glands in cotton leaves using improved U-Net

Gossypol, as an important oil and raw material for feed, is mainly produced by cotton pigment gland, and has a wide range of applications in the fields of pharmaceutics, agriculture and industry. Accurate knowledge of the distribution of pigment gland in cotton leaves is important for estimating gossypol content. However, pigment glands are extremely small and densely distributed, manual counting is laborious and time-consuming, and difficult to count quickly and accurately. It is thus necessary to design a fast and accurate gland counting method. In this paper, the machine vision imaging technology is used to establish an image acquisition platform to obtain cotton leaf images, and a network structure is proposed based on deep learning, named as Interpolation-pooling net, to segment the pigment glands in the cotton leaf images. The network adopts the structure of first interpolation and then pooling, which is more conducive to the extraction of pigment gland features. The accuracy of segmentation of the model in cotton leaf image set is 96.7%, and the mIoU (Mean Intersection over Union), Recall, Precision and F1-score is 0.8181, 0.8004, 0.8004 and 0.8004 respectively. In addition, the number of pigment glands in cotton leaves of three different densities was measured. Compared with manual measurements, the square of the correlation coefficient (R ²) of the three density pigment glands reached 0.966, 0.942 and 0.91, respectively. The results show that the proposed semantic segmentation network based on deep learning has good performance in the detection and counting of cotton pigment glands, and has important value for evaluating the gossypol content of different cotton varieties. Compared with the traditional chemical reagent determination method, this method is safer and more economical.

Nutritional values of cottonseed meal from different sources fed to gestating and non-pregnant sows

This study set out to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of the nutrients and energy in six cottonseed meal (CSM) feedstuffs fed to pregnant and non-pregnant sows. The six types of CSM were: two expelled CSMs with crude protein (CP) levels of 40.67% and 44.64%, and four solvent-extracted CSMs with CP levels of 45.18%, 51.16%, 56.44%, and 59.63%. Fourteen gestating sows (at the fourth parity with body weights of 220.6 ± 18.4 kg at days 30 of gestation) and 14 non-pregnant sows (after the third parity with body weights of 219 ± 14.6 kg) were assigned to a replicated 7 × 3 Youden square design with seven diets and three periods. The seven diets included an entirely corn-based diet and six diets each containing 20.0% of the six CSMs tested. Each period included a 5-d acclimation to the experimental diets, followed by a 5-d period during which urine and feces were collected. Significant differences were found among the six CSM diets, regardless of reproductive stage, regarding 1) the ATTD of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (P < 0.05) and 2) the ATTD of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and CP and the gross energy (GE) (P < 0.01). Non-pregnant sows had a greater ATTD of OM and CP (P < 0.01) compared with gestating sows. The digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) of the six CSM samples ranged from 12.48 to 17.15 MJ/kg and 11.35 to 15.88 MJ/kg, respectively, for non-pregnant sows, and from 12.86 to 16.41 MJ/kg and 12.43 to 14.72 MJ/kg, respectively, for gestating sows. However, the DE, ME, and ME:DE ratios of each CSM were similar between gestating and non-pregnant sows. DE and ME were negatively correlated with NDF and ADF, respectively, but were positively corrected with CP level (P < 0.01). Collectively, the DE, ME, and nutrient digestibility of CSM varied greatly according to the chemical compositions, and CSMs with higher protein and lower fiber levels had greater DE and ME levels.

(-)- Gossypol Inhibition of Musashi-Mediated Forgetting Improves Memory and Age-Dependent Memory Decline in Caenorhabditis elegans

Musashi RNA-binding proteins (MSIs) retain a pivotal role in stem cell maintenance, tumorigenesis, and nervous system development. Recently, we showed in C. elegans that Musashi (MSI-1) actively promotes forgetting upon associative learning via a 3'UTR-dependent translational expression of the Arp2/3 actin branching complex. Here, we investigated the evolutionary conserved role of MSI proteins and the effect of their pharmacological inhibition on memory. Expression of human Musashi 1 (MSI1) and Musashi 2 (MSI2) under the endogenous Musashi promoter fully rescued the phenotype of msi-1(lf) worms. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of human MSI1 and MSI2 activity using (-)- gossypol resulted in improved memory retention, without causing locomotor, chemotactic, or learning deficits. No drug effect was observed in msi-1(lf) treated worms. Using Western blotting and confocal microscopy, we found no changes in MSI-1 protein abundance following (-)- gossypol treatment, suggesting that Musashi gene expression remains unaltered and that the compound exerts its inhibitory effect post-translationally. Additionally, (-)- gossypol suppressed the previously seen rescue of the msi-1(lf) phenotype in worms expressing human MSI1 specifically in the AVA neuron, indicating that (-)- gossypol can regulate the Musashi pathway in a memory-related neuronal circuit in worms. Finally, treating aged worms with (-)- gossypol reversed physiological age-dependent memory decline. Taken together, our findings indicate that pharmacological inhibition of Musashi might represent a promising approach for memory modulation.

Gossypol Broadly Inhibits Coronaviruses by Targeting RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases

Outbreaks of coronaviruses (CoVs), especially severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), have posed serious threats to humans and animals, which urgently calls for effective broad-spectrum antivirals. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) plays an essential role in viral RNA synthesis and is an ideal pan-coronaviral therapeutic target. Herein, based on cryo-electron microscopy and biochemical approaches, gossypol (GOS) is identified from 881 natural products to directly block SARS-CoV-2 RdRp, thus inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication in both cellular and mouse infection models. GOS also acts as a potent inhibitor against the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) and exerts same inhibitory effects toward mutated RdRps of VOCs as the RdRp of the original SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, that the RdRp inhibitor GOS has broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity against alphacoronaviruses (porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus), betacoronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2), gammacoronaviruses (avian infectious bronchitis virus), and deltacoronaviruses (porcine deltacoronavirus) is showed. The findings demonstrate that GOS may serve as a promising lead compound for combating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other coronavirus outbreaks.

Multiple Interpenetrating Metal-Organic Frameworks with Channel-Size-Dependent Behavior for Selective Gossypol Detection and Perovskite Quantum Dot Encapsulation

An interpenetrating structure endows metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with many exciting applications, such as fluorescence detection and host-guest chemistry. Herein, two unique structure-interpenetrating In-MOFs (In-pdda-1 and In-pdda-2; H2pdda = 4,4'-(pyridine-2,5-diyl)dibenzoic acid) are constructed by different coordination configurations. The four-connected In3+ center shows a triangular-pyramidal configuration or a 2D rectangle, forming an unc topology for In-pdda-1 and a sql network for In-pdda-2, respectively. Two different interpenetrating modes created by linear rigid ligands and metal clusters are observed in the two MOFs (In-pdda-1, 8-fold interpenetrating mode; In-pdda-2, [2D + 2D] interpenetrating mode), which determine the channel-size-dependent properties in fluorescence applications. During the quantitative detection process of gossypol, the small rhombic channels divided by interpenetrating molecular planes of In-pdda-2 greatly limit the distance between the analyte and the probe, promoting electron transfer and energy transfer processes and thus resulting in a low detection limit (28.6 nM). In addition, the pore size effect of In-pdda-1 encouraged us to explore an in situ perovskite quantum dot encapsulation strategy to obtain a MAPbBr3@MOF material with tunable and stable luminescence properties. Both of the above channel-size-dependent fluorescence properties may provide inspiration for the structural design and specialized applications of MOF materials.

Utilizing Nutritional and Polyphenolic Compounds in Underutilized Plant Seeds for Health Application

Plants represent a significant part of the human diet. Humans have utilized every part of plants for survival, and seeds are no exception. Seeds offer high protein, unsaturated fats, fibre, essential vitamins, and minerals for various food applications. They are also a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds, where various phytochemicals, such as polyphenolic compounds, capable of maintaining and improving well-being, are present in abundant quantities. Plants from Malvaceae and Cannabaceae families are known for their fibre-rich stems that benefit humankind by serving numerous purposes. For many centuries they have been exploited extensively for various commercial and industrial uses. Their seeds, which are often regarded as a by-product of fibre processing, have been scientifically discovered to have an essential role in combating hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, cancer, and oxidative stress. Maximizing the use of these agricultural wastes can be a promising approach to creating a more sustainable world, in accordance with the concept of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Natural Product-Inspired Targeted Protein Degraders: Advances and Perspectives

Targeted protein degradation (TPD), a promising therapeutic strategy in drug discovery, has great potential to regulate the endogenous degradation of undruggable targets with small molecules. As vital resources that provide diverse structural templates for drug discovery, natural products (NPs) are a rising and robust arsenal for the development of therapeutic TPD. The first proof-of-concept study of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) was a natural polyketide ovalicin-derived degrader; since then, NPs have shown great potential to promote TPD technology. The use of NP-inspired targeted protein degraders has been confirmed to be a promising strategy to treat many human conditions, including cancer, inflammation, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nevertheless, the development of NP-inspired degraders is challenging, and the field is currently in its infancy. In this review, we summarize the bioactivities and mechanisms of NP-inspired degraders and discuss the associated challenges and future opportunities in this field.

NMR-based metabolomics reveals tissue metabolic responses to tetramethoxy gossypol in cottonseed oil

BACKGROUND

Cottonseed oil is one of the most widely consumed cooking oils because of its high nutritional benefits and relatively low price. The present study evaluated the effects of tetramethoxy gossypol (TMG), a rarely reported degradation product of free gossypol produced in crudely extracted cottonseed oil, on the metabolic responses of liver, heart, spleen, kidney and lung tissues in rats using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹ H NMR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric and bioinformatics techniques.

RESULTS

Endogenous low-molecular-weight metabolites in rat liver, heart, spleen, kidney and lung tissues were profiled by ¹ H NMR spectroscopy. The unsupervised principal components analysis and the supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed that the metabolic profiles in liver samples were greatly changed after TMG administration. Twenty significantly changed liver metabolites were screened out and further evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, which were closely related to amino acid, glutathione, energy and lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Concerning the potential chronic exposure to TMG in cottonseed oil and other cottonseed products, the cumulative effects of dietary TMG on tissues, especially the liver, should be noted when improving the quality control standard of cottonseed oil. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Momomycin, an Antiproliferative Cryptic Metabolite from the Oxytetracycline Producer Streptomyces rimosus

Natural products provide an important source of pharmaceuticals and chemical tools. Traditionally, assessment of unexplored microbial phyla has led to new natural products. However, with every new microbe, the number of orphan biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC) grows. As such, the more difficult proposition is finding new molecules from well-studied strains. Herein, we targeted Streptomyces rimosus, the widely-used oxytetracycline producer, for the discovery of new natural products. Using MALDI-MS-guided high-throughput elicitor screening (HiTES), we mapped the global secondary metabolome of S. rimosus and structurally characterized products of three cryptic BGCs, including momomycin, an unusual cyclic peptide natural product with backbone modifications and several non-canonical amino acids. We elucidated important aspects of its biosynthesis and evaluated its bioactivity. Our studies showcase HiTES as an effective approach for unearthing new chemical matter from "drained" strains.

Cottonseed Meal Protein Isolate as a New Source of Alternative Proteins: A Proteomics Perspective

Cottonseed meal (CSM) is a good source of dietary proteins but is unsuitable for human consumption due to its gossypol content. To unlock its potential, we developed a protein extraction process with a gossypol removal treatment to generate CSM protein isolate (CSMPI) with ultra-low gossypol content. This process successfully reduced the free and total gossypol content to 4.8 ppm and 147.2 ppm, respectively, far below the US FDA limit. In addition, the functional characterisation of CSMPI revealed a better oil absorption capacity and water solubility than pea protein isolate. Proteome profiling showed that the treatment improved protein identification, while SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that the treatment did not induce protein degradation. Amino acid analysis revealed that post-treated CSMPI was rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Mass spectrometry analysis of various protein fractions obtained from an in vitro digestibility assay helped to establish the digestibility profile of CSM proteins. Several potential allergens in CSMPI were also found using allergenic prediction software, but further evaluation based on their digestibility profiles and literature reviews suggests that the likelihood of CSMPI allergenicity remains low. Overall, our results help to navigate and direct the application of CSMPIs as alternative proteins toward nutritive human food application.

Enzymological, histological, and serum biomarker responses of snubnose pompano on complete replacement of fishmeal using cottonseed meal supplemented with lysine and methionine in the diet

In a feeding experiment, cottonseed meal (CSM) was used to replace fishmeal (FM) in the diet of snubnose pompano, Trachinotus blochii, supplemented with lysine and methionine to assess the growth, nutritive profile, hematological, histological, and stress biomarker response. Experimental fishes were randomly stocked in five treatments each with triplicates. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets with graded level of CSM (0, 8.7, 17.4, 26.0, and 34.7%) as replacement for FM protein (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) were formulated and fed to respective treatments. Comparison between various parameters among the treatments was made using orthogonal polynomial contrasts to indicate the statistical significance. Higher alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, aspartate, and alanine aminotransferase activities were observed in 0CSM group and followed by 100CSM group as higher inclusion level of CSM with higher free gossypol content did not affect the metabolic enzyme activities. The maximum muscular free gossypol accretion of 1.28 mg kg^-1 (on wet basis) was recorded in 100CSM group which was very well below the critical limit set by FDA. As a conclusion, fishmeal can be completely replaced using cottonseed meal in the diet of pompano without adverse effect on growth, metabolism, and general health.

Gossypol from Gossypium spp. Inhibits Helicobacter pylori Clinical Strains and Urease Enzyme Activity: Bioactivity and Safety Assessments

This study investigates the inhibitory activities of gossypol, a natural polyphenolic compound from Gossypium spp., against Helicobacter pylori (HP) clinical strains and a urease enzyme that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of HP. Gossypol was detected to exhibit a bacteriostatic action against all the HP strains tested with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 3.51 to 4.14 µg/mL. The activity of HP urease (HPU) was efficiently impeded by gossypol with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 3.3 µM using an Electrospray Ionization–Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS)-based method. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay showed no significant cytotoxic properties of gossypol against human gastric epithelial cells. Additionally, molecular docking studies were performed to assess the binding mode and the molecular interactions of gossypol with HPU with a binding affinity value of −8.1 kcal/mol compared with an HPU–acetohydroxamic acid (a standard urease inhibitor) docking complex (–6.1 kcal/mol). The overall results reveal that gossypol might help fight against HP infection by two mechanisms of action: inhibition of the growth of HP and inhibition of urease.

Lactate Dehydrogenase as a Potential Therapeutic Drug Target to Control Babesia bigemina

Babesia bigemina is a tick-borne apicomplexan hemoprotozoan responsible for bovine babesiosis. The current drugs used for bovine babesiosis treatment have several drawbacks, including toxicity, the lack of effectiveness to clear the parasite, and potential to develop resistance. Identifying compounds that target essential and unique parasite metabolic pathways is a rational approach toward finding alternative drug treatments. Based on the genome sequence and transcriptomics analysis, it can be inferred that anaerobic glycolysis is the dominant adenosine triphosphate (ATP) supply for Babesia, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is one of the essential enzymes in this pathway. Furthermore, the Babesia LDH sequence is distinct from its bovine homologue and thus a potential chemotherapeutic target that would result in decreasing the ATP supply to the parasite but not to the host. Gossypol is a known efficient specific inhibitor of LDH in the sensu stricto B. bovis and the sensu lato B. microti, among other related parasites, but no such data are currently available in the sensu stricto B. bigemina parasites. Hereby, we show that the LDH amino acid sequence is highly conserved among sensu stricto but not in sensu lato Babesia spp. A predictive structural analysis of B. bigemina LDH showed the conservation of the key amino acids involved in the binding to gossypol compared to B. bovis. Gossypol has a significant (P < 0.0001) inhibitory effect on the in vitro growth of B. bigemina, with IC₅₀ of 43.97 mM after 72 h of treatment. The maximum IC (IC₉₈) was observed at 60 mM gossypol. However, a significant effect on the viability of cattle PBMC was observed when the cells were cultured with 60 mM (IC₉₈) gossypol compared with DMSO-exposed control cells. Interestingly, B. bigemina cultured at 3% oxygen expresses significantly higher levels of LDH and is more resistant to gossypol than the parasites maintained at ambient conditions containing ~20% oxygen. Altogether, the results suggest the potential of gossypol as an effective drug against B. bigemina infection, but the risk of host toxicity at therapeutic doses should be further evaluated in in vivo studies.

Systematic Review of Gossypol/AT-101 in Cancer Clinical Trials

The potential of gossypol and of its R-(−)-enantiomer (R-(−)-gossypol acetic acid, AT-101), has been evaluated for treatment of cancer as an independent agent and in combination with standard chemo-radiation-therapies, respectively. This review assesses the evidence for safety and clinical effectiveness of oral gossypol/AT-101 in treating various types of cancer. The databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov were examined. Phase I and II trials as well as single arm and randomized trials were included in this review. Results were screened to determine if they met inclusion criteria and then summarized using a narrative approach. A total of 17 trials involving 759 patients met the inclusion criteria. Overall, orally applied gossypol/AT-101 at low doses (30 mg daily or lower) was determined as well tolerable either as monotherapy or in combination with chemo-radiation. Adverse events should be strictly monitored and were successfully managed by dose-reduction or treating symptoms. There are four randomized trials, two performed in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, one in subjects with head and neck cancer, and one in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Thereby, standard chemotherapy (either docetaxel (two trials) or docetaxel plus cisplatin or docetaxel plus prednisone) was tested with and without AT-101. Within these trials, a potential benefit was observed in high-risk patients or in some patients with prolongation in progression-free survival or in overall survival. Strikingly, the most recent clinical trial combined low dose AT-101 with docetaxel, fluorouracil, and radiation, achieving complete responses in 11 of 13 patients with gastroesophageal carcinoma (median duration of 12 months) and a median progression-free survival of 52 months. The promising results shown in subsets of patients supports the need of further specification of AT-101 sensitive cancers as well as for the establishment of effective AT-101-based therapy. In addition, the lowest recommended dose of gossypol and its precise toxicity profile need to be confirmed in further studies. Randomized placebo-controlled trials should be performed to validate these data in large cohorts.

Cottonseed extracts regulate gene expression in human colon cancer cells

Cotton plant provides economically important fiber and cottonseed, but cottonseed contributes 20% of the crop value. Cottonseed value could be increased by providing high value bioactive compounds and polyphenolic extracts aimed at improving nutrition and preventing diseases because plant polyphenol extracts have been used as medicinal remedy for various diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cottonseed extracts on cell viability and gene expression in human colon cancer cells. COLO 225 cells were treated with ethanol extracts from glanded and glandless cottonseed followed by MTT and qPCR assays. Cottonseed extracts showed minor effects on cell viability. qPCR assay analyzed 55 mRNAs involved in several pathways including DGAT, GLUT, TTP, IL, gossypol-regulated and TTP-mediated pathways. Using BCL2 mRNA as the internal reference, qPCR analysis showed minor effects of ethanol extracts from glanded seed coat and kernel and glandless seed coat on mRNA levels in the cells. However, glandless seed kernel extract significantly reduced mRNA levels of many genes involved in glucose transport, lipid biosynthesis and inflammation. The inhibitory effects of glandless kernel extract on gene expression may provide a useful opportunity for improving nutrition and healthcare associated with colon cancer. This in turn may provide the potential of increasing cottonseed value by using ethanol extract as a nutrition/health intervention agent.

Gossypol Acetic Acid Attenuates Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats via an Antiferroptotic Mechanism

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has been associated with ferroptosis, which is characterized by an iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxide to lethal levels. Gossypol acetic acid (GAA), a natural product taken from the seeds of cotton plants, prevents oxidative stress. However, the effects of GAA on myocardial I/R-induced ferroptosis remain unclear. This study investigated the ability of GAA to attenuate I/R-induced ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes along with the underlying mechanisms in a well-established rat model of myocardial I/R and isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. H9c2 cells and cardiomyocytes were treated with the ferroptosis inducers erastin, RSL3, and Fe-SP. GAA could protect H9c2 cells against ferroptotic cell death caused by these ferroptosis inducers by decreasing the production of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species, chelating iron content, and downregulating mRNA levels of Ptgs2. GAA could prevent oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced cell death and lipid peroxidation in the cardiomyocytes. Moreover, GAA significantly attenuated myocardial infarct size, reduced lipid peroxidation, decreased the mRNA levels of the ferroptosis markers Ptgs2 and Acsl4, decreased the protein levels of ACSL4 and NRF2, and increased the protein levels of GPX4 in I/R-induced ex vivo rat hearts. Thus, GAA may play a cytoprotectant role in ferroptosis-induced cardiomyocyte death and myocardial I/R-induced ferroptotic cell death.

Traditional plant use during lactation and postpartum recovery: Infant development and maternal health roles

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Evidence of phytochemical roles in infant development and maternal recovery offers insights into beneficial functions of traditional plant use during lactation and the postpartum period. Ethnopharmacological research has relevance to global priorities on maternal and child health, to understanding origins and determinants of human self-medication, and for reconciling traditional postpartum practices and mainstream healthcare.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Present emerging evidence, within evolutionary and socio-cultural contexts, on the role of maternal consumption on transfer of phytochemicals into breast milk with impacts on maternal and child health, and on infant development. Establish current state of knowledge and an ethnopharmacological research agenda that is attentive to cross-cultural and regional differences in postpartum plant use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive literature review using Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science focused on traditional and contemporary use and socio-cultural context, as well as physiological, pharmacological, toxicological, and behavioral activities of plants used medicinally by women during postpartum recovery and lactation.

RESULTS

The most widely reported postpartum plants show antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunological, and neurophysiological activities, with low toxicity. Phytochemicals transfer from maternal consumption into breast milk in physiological concentrations, while animal studies demonstrate immunomodulation and other actions of medicinal plants during lactation. Reporting on the use and diverse traditional knowledge of women about plants during the postpartum period is obscured by the marginal place of obstetric issues and by gender biases in ethnobotanical research. In many contemporary contexts use is prejudiced by precautionary risk warnings in health literature and practice that confound lactation with pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although systematic investigation of postpartum plant use is lacking, known pharmacological activities support potential benefits on infant development and maternal health with immediate and long-term consequences in relation to allergic, inflammatory, autoimmune, and other diseases. An ethnopharmacological agenda focused on the perinatal period requires directed methodologies and a regional approach in relation to culturally-specific knowledge and practices, traditional plant use, and local health needs. Testing the hypothesis that phytochemicals transferred from medicinal plants into breast milk impact the human immune system and other aspects of infant development requires extended analysis of phytochemicals in human milk and infant lumen and plasma, as well as effects on gastrointestinal and milk microbiome.

Gossypol exposure induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress during mouse oocyte in vitro maturation

Gossypol is a yellow natural polyphenolic compound extracted from the seeds, leaves, stems, and flower buds of the cotton plant. Several studies have shown that exposure to gossypol impacts reproductive health in both humans and animals. However, whether gossypol exposure would influence oocyte quality has not yet been determined. Here, we studied the effects of gossypol on the meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes in vitro. The results revealed that gossypol exposure did not affect germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) but significantly reduced polar body extrusion (PBE) rates. Moreover, we observed meiotic spindle organization and chromosome alignment were entirely disturbed after gossypol exposure. Further, gossypol exposure also caused mitochondrial dysfunction and abruptly decreased the levels of cellular ATP, and diminished the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Accordingly, gossypol-induced oxidative stress was confirmed through an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Early apoptosis incidence also increased as identified by positive Annexin-V signaling. Collectively, the above findings provide evidence that gossypol exposure impaired oocyte meiotic maturation, disturbed spindle structure and chromosome dynamics, disrupted mitochondrial function, induced oxidative stress, and triggered early apoptosis. These findings emphasize gossypol's adverse effects on oocyte maturation and thus on female fertility.

Gossypol ameliorates the IL-1β-induced apoptosis and inflammation in chondrocytes by suppressing the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway via downregulating CX43

The effects of anti-inflammatory drug gossypol on osteoarthritis (OA) treatment were discussed in this paper. After identified using toluidine blue and immunofluorescence staining of type II collagen, chondrocytes from OA patients were treated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β), gossypol, and overexpressed connexin43 (CX43). In treated chondrocytes, according to MTT assay and flow cytometry, gossypol increased viability and reduced apoptosis of IL-1β induced chondrocytes. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) suggested that gossypol downregulated inflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot confirmed that gossypol downregulated CX43, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, TNF-α, toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expressions. Besides, overexpressed CX43 reversed the effects of gossypol on viability, apoptosis, and expressions of factors related to TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway of IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. In conclusion, gossypol ameliorates IL-1β-induced apoptosis and inflammation in chondrocytes by suppressing TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway via downregulating CX43.

Cottonseed-derived gossypol and ethanol extracts differentially regulate cell viability and VEGF gene expression in mouse macrophages

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in chronic inflammation associated with several diseases. Many plant extracts have nutritional and healthy benefits by down-regulating VEGF expression, but there was no report on VEGF regulation by cottonseed extracts in any biological system. The objective was to investigate cell viability and VEGF expression regulated by gossypol and ethanol extracts using lipopolysaccharides (LPS) as a control. MTT, qPCR and immunoblotting techniques were used to monitor cell viability, VEGF mRNA and protein levels in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. Gossypol dramatically reduced macrophage viability but cottonseed extracts and LPS exhibited minor effect on cell viability. VEGFb mRNA levels were approximately 40 fold of VEGFa in the macrophages. Gossypol increased VEGFa and VEGFb mRNA levels up to 27 and 4 fold, respectively, and increased VEGF protein. LPS increased VEGFa mRNA by sixfold but decreased VEGFb mRNA. LPS increased VEGF protein in 2–4 h but decreased in 8–24 h. Glanded seed extracts showed some stimulating effects on VEGF mRNA levels. Glandless seed coat extract showed increased VEGFb mRNA levels but its kernel extract reduced VEGF mRNA levels. This study demonstrated that gossypol and ethanol extracts differentially regulated cell viability and VEGF expression in mouse macrophages.

Gene Expression Correlation Analysis Reveals MYC-NAC Regulatory Network in Cotton Pigment Gland Development

Plant NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) family is involved in various development processes including Programmed Cell Death (PCD) associated development. However, the relationship between NAC family and PCD-associated cotton pigment gland development is largely unknown. In this study, we identified 150, 153 and 299 NAC genes in newly updated genome sequences of G. arboreum, G. raimondii and G. hirsutum, respectively. All NAC genes were divided into 8 groups by the phylogenetic analysis and most of them were conserved during cotton evolution. Using the vital regulator of gland formation GhMYC2-like as bait, expression correlation analysis screened out 6 NAC genes which were low-expressed in glandless cotton and high-expressed in glanded cotton. These 6 NAC genes acted downstream of GhMYC2-like and were induced by MeJA. Silencing CGF1(Cotton Gland Formation1), another MYC-coding gene, caused almost glandless phenotype and down-regulated expression of GhMYC2-like and the 6 NAC genes, indicating a MYC-NAC regulatory network in gland development. In addition, predicted regulatory mechanism showed that the 6&nbsp;NAC genes were possibly regulated by light, various phytohormones and transcription factors as well as miRNAs. The interaction network and DNA binding sites of the 6 NAC transcription factors were also predicted. These results laid the foundation for further study of gland-related genes and gland development regulatory network.

Global survey of medicinal plants during lactation and postpartum recovery: Evolutionary perspectives and contemporary health implications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cross-cultural comparison of plants used during lactation and the postpartum period offers insight into a largely overlooked area of ethnopharmacological research. Potential roles of phytochemicals in emerging models of interaction among immunity, inflammation, microbiome and nervous system effects on perinatal development have relevance for the life-long health of individuals and of populations in both traditional and contemporary contexts.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Delineate and interpret patterns of traditional and contemporary global use of medicinal plants ingested by mothers during the postpartum period relative to phytochemical activity on immune development and gastrointestinal microbiome of breastfed infants, and on maternal health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Published reviews and surveys on galactagogues and postpartum recovery practices plus ethnobotanical studies from around the world were used to identify and rank plants, and ascertain regional use patterns. Scientific literature for 20 most-cited plants based on frequency of publication was assessed for antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidepressant, analgesic, galactagogic and safety properties.

RESULTS

From compilation of 4418 use reports related to 1948 species, 105 plant taxa were recorded ≥7 times, with the most frequently cited species, Foeniculum vulgare, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Pimpinella anisum, Euphorbia hirta and Asparagus racemosus, 81, 64, 42, 40 and 38 times, respectively. Species and use vary globally, illustrated by the pattern of aromatic plants of culinary importance versus latex-producing plants utilized in North Africa/Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa with opposing predominance. For 18/20 of the plants a risk/benefit perspective supports assessment that positive immunomodulation and related potential exceed any safety concerns. Published evidence does not support a lactation-enhancing effect for nearly all the most-cited plants while antidepressant data for the majority of plants are predominately limited to animal studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Within a biocultural context traditional postpartum plant use serves adaptive functions for the mother-infant dyad and contributes phytochemicals absent in most contemporary diets and patterns of ingestion, with potential impacts on allergic, inflammatory and other conditions. Polyphenolics and other phytochemicals are widely immunologically active, present in breast milk and predominately non-toxic. Systematic analysis of phytochemicals in human milk, infant lumen and plasma, and immunomodulatory studies that differentiate maternal ingestion during lactation from pregnancy, are needed. Potential herb-drug interaction and other adverse effects should remain central to obstetric advising, but unless a plant is specifically shown as harmful, considering potential contributions to health of individuals and populations, blanket advisories against postpartum herbal use during lactation appear empirically unwarranted.

Gossypol decreased cell viability and down-regulated the expression of a number of genes in human colon cancer cells

Plant polyphenol gossypol has anticancer activities. This may increase cottonseed value by using gossypol as a health intervention agent. It is necessary to understand its molecular mechanisms before human consumption. The aim was to uncover the effects of gossypol on cell viability and gene expression in cancer cells. In this study, human colon cancer cells (COLO 225) were treated with gossypol. MTT assay showed significant inhibitory effect under high concentration and longtime treatment. We analyzed the expression of 55 genes at the mRNA level in the cells; many of them are regulated by gossypol or ZFP36/TTP in cancer cells. BCL2 mRNA was the most stable among the 55 mRNAs analyzed in human colon cancer cells. GAPDH and RPL32 mRNAs were not good qPCR references for the colon cancer cells. Gossypol decreased the mRNA levels of DGAT, GLUT, TTP, IL families and a number of previously reported genes. In particular, gossypol suppressed the expression of genes coding for CLAUDIN1, ELK1, FAS, GAPDH, IL2, IL8 and ZFAND5 mRNAs, but enhanced the expression of the gene coding for GLUT3 mRNA. The results showed that gossypol inhibited cell survival with decreased expression of a number of genes in the colon cancer cells.