Anti-Inflammatory Activity of 4-((1R,2R)-3-Hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methoxypropan-2-yl)-2-methoxyphenol Isolated from Juglans mandshurica Maxim. in LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages and Zebrafish Larvae Model

Effect of Ishophloroglucin A Isolated from Ishige okamurae on In Vitro Osteoclastogenesis and Osteoblastogenesis

The balance between bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts is essential for the bone remodeling process. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Ishophloroglucin A (IPA) isolated from Ishige okamurae on the function of osteoclasts and osteoblasts in vitro. First, we demonstrated the effect of IPA on osteoclastogenesis in receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. IPA inhibited the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and osteoclast differentiation in RANKL-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, it inhibited the RANKL-induced osteoclast-related factors, such as TRAP, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and calcitonin receptor (CTR), and transcription factors, such as nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) and c-Fos. IPA significantly suppressed RANKL-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and NF-κB in RAW 264.7 cells. Our data indicated that the ERK and NF-κB pathways were associated with the osteoclastogenesis inhibitory activity of IPA. Next, we demonstrated the effect of IPA on osteoblastogenesis in MG-63 cells. IPA significantly promoted alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in MG-63 cells, along with the osteoblast differentiation-related markers bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), type 1 collage (COL1), p-Smad1/5/8, and Runx2, by activating the MAPK signaling pathways. Taken together, the study indicated that IPA could be effective in treating bone diseases, such as osteoporosis.

Diversity in Fruit Morphology and Nutritional Composition of Juglans mandshurica Maxim in Northeast China

Although Manchurian walnut (Juglans mandshurica Maxim) is widely distributed in northeast China, very few studies had been reported on its diversity among different populations. We surveyed 12 J. mandshurica populations in their native habitats across the northeast region of China and profiled 13 fruit morphological traits. We found a large degree of variations for these traits, especially for fruit weight (coefficient of variation, or CV of 22.00%), nut weight (CV of 19.42%), and kernel weight (CV of 19.89%). Statistical analysis showed that a large portion of the total variation can be attributed to within-population variation (66.64%), followed by random error (20.96%). We also comprehensively quantified the nutritional composition including fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and micronutrients. Similar to fruit morphological traits, we found large variation for most kernel components, which mostly can be explained by within-population variation. Further correlation analysis revealed the dependence of some morphological and nutritional traits on key geographical and ecological factors such as latitude, accumulated temperature, and day length. For instance, a significant positive correlation was found between fruit dimensions and equivalent latitude and precipitation, indicating that such factors should be considered for breeding. Taken together, our data provided a rich dataset for characterizing the variation among J. mandshurica populations and a foundation for selective breeding.