Mechanism of the Affinity-Enhancing Effect of Isatin on Human Ferrochelatase and Adrenodoxin Reductase Complex Formation: Implication for Protein Interactome Regulation

miR-144-3p Derived from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Restrains the Drug Resistance of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

This study assessed whether miR-144-3p derived from BMSCs restrains the drug resistance of AML. Our study intends to assess miR-144-3p’s role in AML drug resistance. Drug resistance AML cells were transfected with miR-144-3p mimic or NC followed by measuring miR-144-3p level, relation of miR-144-3p with Wnt, cell activity and apoptosis by flow cytometry and the expression of signal proteins by Western Blot. The action of miR-144-3p in inducting drug resistance of K562/AND was more effective. Cell apoptosis and proliferative index was increased by overexpression of miR-144-3p along with significantly down regulated Wnt. In conclusion, the malignant invasion of AML with drug resistance is increased by miR-144-3p derived from BMSCs through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signal, indicating that miT-144-3p might be a new target for the treatment of AML.

Tryptophan Metabolites as Mediators of Microbiota-Gut-Brain Communication: Focus on Isatin

Isatin (indole-2,3-dione) is an endogenous regulator, exhibiting various behavioral, biological, and pharmacological activities. Synthesis of isatin includes several crucial stages: cleavage of the tryptophan side chain and subsequent oxidation of the indole nucleus. Although these stages require concerted action of bacterial and host enzymes, there are two pathways of isatin formation: the host and bacterial pathways. Isatin acts as a neuroprotector in different experimental models of neurodegeneration. Its effects are realized via up- and downregulation of isatin-responsive genes and via interaction with numerous isatin-binding proteins identified in the brain. The effect of isatin on protein-protein interactions in the brain may be important for realization of weak inhibition of multiple receptor targets.

Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and conservation of the genus Calanthe R. Br. (Orchidaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Genus Calanthe (family Orchidaceae) consists of more than 207 species distributed in both tropical and subtropical regions. In traditional medicine, Calanthe species provide remedies against various conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, traumatic injuries, snake-bites, abdominal discomfort, nose bleeding, common colds, ulcers, chronic coughs, and others. Some species are also used as aphrodisiacs, tonics, and as pain relievers on joints and toothaches.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review provides comprehensive information on the herbal uses, chemical components, pharmacological activities, and conservation of Calanthe, which might be useful in the future development of potent herbal medicines and facilitate the enactment of better conservation strategies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant information was obtained from online databases including SCI-Finder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Springer, IOP Science, and other web sources such as PubChem, The Plant List, and World Flora Online. Books, Ph.D. and MSc dissertations were used for unpublished literature. Information from Chinese literature was obtained from the CNKI database.

RESULTS

In total, 19 species of the genus Calanthe have been reported to be used in traditional medicine in different countries of Asia. A total of 265 chemical compounds from different chemical classes including, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds and phenolic derivatives, phenanthrenes, and others, have been identified from Calanthe species. Calanquinone A isolated from C. arisanensis has been reported to exhibit antitumor activity against six malignant cell lines. Other bioactive compounds from Calanthe with pharmacological activity include phenanthrenes, phenanthrenequinones, 6'-O-β-D-apiofuranosylindican, 4H-Pyran-4one, 2, 3-dihydro-3,5 dihydroxy-6-methyl, and calanthoside. These compounds exhibit valuable biological properties such as hair restoration, anticancer activity, anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity, antidiabetic and hepatoprotective potency, antiplatelet aggregation action, and antibacterial and antifungal activities. Some Calanthe species, including C. ecallosa and C. yuana, are endangered in the IUCN red list. The high risk of extinction is attributed to illegal trade and unsustainable harvesting and utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes the herbal uses, chemical components, biological activity, and conservation of Calanthe. The pharmacological studies on this genus are limited; thus, extensive research on the toxicology, pharmaceutical standardization, and mechanism of action of the isolated bioactive compounds are needed. Since some species of Calanthe are listed as endangered, stringent guidelines on trade, collection, and sustainable utilization of medicinal orchids should be set up to facilitate the conservation of these species.