Whole-genome DNA methylation profiling reveals epigenetic signatures in developing muscle in Tan and Hu sheep and their offspring

Introduction

The Tan sheep is a popular local breed in China because of its tenderness and flavor. The Hu sheep breed is also famous for its high litter size, and its muscle growth rate is faster than that of Tan sheep. However, the epigenetic mechanism behind these muscle-related phenotypes is unknown.

Methods

In this study, the longissimus dorsi tissue from 18 6 month-old Tan sheep, Hu sheep, and Tan-Hu F2 generation (6 sheep per population) were collected. After genomic DNA extraction, whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and bioinformatics analysis were performed to construct genome-wide DNA methylome maps for the Tan sheep, Hu sheep and their Tan-Hu F2 generation.

Results

Distinct genome-wide DNA methylation patterns were observed between Tan sheep and Hu sheep. Moreover, DNA methylated regions were significantly increased in the skeletal muscle from Tan sheep vs. the F2 generation compared to the Hu sheep vs. F2 generation and the Tan sheep vs. Hu sheep. Compared with Hu sheep, the methylation levels of actin alpha 1 (ACTA1), myosin heavy chain 11 (MYH11), Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WAS), vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (VAV1), fibronectin 1 (FN1) and Rho-associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) genes were markedly distinct in the Tan sheep. Furthermore, Gene Ontology analysis indicated that these genes were involved in myotube differentiation, myotube cell development, smooth muscle cell differentiation and striated muscle cell differentiation.

Conclusion

The findings from this study, in addition to data from previous research, demonstrated that the ACTA1, MYH11, WAS, VAV1, FN1, and ROCK2 genes may exert regulatory effects on muscle development.

Phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of different anatomical parts of Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis during different phenological stages

Different parts of Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis possess different antioxidant compounds. This study investigated the phytochemical components and antioxidant capacities of ultrasound-assisted extraction of different plant parts of both species using spectrophotometry at various phenological stages. Results also indicate that leaves, stems and roots of C. olitorius at various growth stages showed higher phytochemical components and antioxidant potential compared to C. capsularis. The phytochemical components from roots to leaves in C. olitorius including total polyphenol 0.97-11.11 mg GAE/g DW, total flavonoid 0.99-7.78 mg QE/g DW and total tannin 4.02-26.89 TA E/g DW, whereas C. capsularis total polyphenol 1.04-7.93 mg GAE/g DW, total flavonoid 0.77-5.5.92 mg QE/g DW and total tannin content 3.17-22.73 TA E/g DW. C. olitorius produced overall 22.23%, 13.61%, 12.24% higher total polyphenol, total flavonoid and total tannin, respectively compare to C. capsularis. Different parts extract also significantly affected antioxidant capacities including DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP activity with values of 22.03-79.46% inhibition, 10.84-104.10 μmol TE/g DW, and 10.84-104.10 μmol Fe^2+/g DW respectively for C. olitorius, while C. capsularis demonstrated 14.03-70.97% of DPPH inhibition, 9.16-95.60 μmol TE/g DW of ABTS and 5.31-71.82 μmol Fe^2+/g DW of FRAP activity. Moreover, leaves of the flowering stage, young stems and aged roots of both species displayed a higher content of phytochemical and antioxidant activities than other growth stages. A positive correlation between the phytochemical and antioxidant potential indicated that phenolic constituents solely affected antioxidant activity. Thus, this study established that the plant's parts and phenological growth stages significantly influence the concentration of phytoconstituents and antioxidant activities, and determine the harvesting stages of the different organs of C. olitorius and C. capsularis for considerable medicinal importance as folk and industry.

The Relationship between Sleeping Position and Sleep Quality: A Flexible Sensor-Based Study

The use of flexible wearable sensors to monitor the impact of sleeping position and turning frequency on sleep and to study sleep patterns can help bedridden patients heal and recover. The flexible wearable sleeping-position monitoring device was designed and developed using a flexible angle sensor and a six-axis motion sensor to measure the dynamic changes in body posture during sleep. Based on the changes in the output parameters of the flexible angle sensor and the six-axis motion sensor, we determined the change in the subject's lying position, verifying and analyzing the relationship between lying position preference, turning frequency, and sleep quality in healthy subjects. The sleeping-position monitoring device was worn by 13 subjects (7 males and 6 females) without sleep disorders before the sleep experiment. They performed more than 50 sleeping-position changes to ensure the accuracy of the monitoring device. Subjects slept in their beds for 8 h per night for 15 nights. During that time, they wore the sleeping-position monitoring device and a wristband sleep-monitoring bracelet on their left hand, and gathered the subjective sleep data using questionnaires. The results show that the most critical influencing factors are sleeping-position preference and frequency of turning. Data analysis reveals that subjects with a preference for right-sided lying and a lower frequency of turning had better sleep quality.

Comparative Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis Provides New Insights Into the Mechanism of Protein Synthesis in Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Leaves

Given the rising domestic demand and increasing global prices of corn and soybean, China is looking for alternatives for these imports to produce animal fodder. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) has great potential as a new forage source, due to abundant proteins, phenols and flavonoids in its leaves. However, few studies have evaluated the mechanism of protein synthesis in kenaf leaves. In the current work, compared with kenaf material "L332," the percentage of crude protein content in leaves of material "Q303" increased by 6.13%; combined with transcriptome and proteome data, the kenaf samples were systematically studied to obtain mRNA-protein correlation. Then, the genes/proteins related to protein synthesis in the kenaf leaves were obtained. Moreover, this work detected mRNA expression of 20 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Meanwhile, 20 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) related to protein synthesis were performed parallel reaction monitoring. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP), nitrite reductase (NirA), prolyl tRNA synthase (PARS) and glycine dehydrogenase (GLDC) presented increased mRNA and protein levels within kenaf leaves with high protein content. Based on the obtained findings, FBP, NirA, PARS, and GLDC genes may exert a vital function in the protein synthesis of kenaf leaves. The results provide a new idea for further studying the potential genes affecting the quality trait of protein content in kenaf leaves and provide gene resources and a theoretical foundation for further cultivating high protein kenaf varieties.

Polysaccharides, Total Phenolic, and Flavonoid Content from Different Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Genotypes and Their Antioxidants and Antibacterial Properties

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a valuable plant with a potential health benefit because of its extensive bioactive compounds. Leaf extracts of 33 kenaf genotypes were investigated for their polysaccharide, total phenolic, and flavonoid content. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assays. Antimicrobial capacity was also assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using a disc diffusion assay. The polysaccharide content varied from 6.45-16.12 mg glucose per g DW. Total phenolic and flavonoid content ranged from 6.03-21.15 mg GAE/g DW and 1.55-9.24 mg RE/g DW, respectively. Similarly, varied values in the range 20.55-79.99% of inhibition by DPPH, 56.28-88.30% of inhibition by ABTS and 1.26-5.08 mmol Fe²⁺/g DW by FRAP assays were obtained for antioxidants of the genotype extracts. Extracts from CS4 and CS2 genotypes had the highest antioxidant activities. Kenaf leaves exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Strong correlation was found between antioxidant activity with polysaccharide (DPPH, r = 0.893; ABTS, r = 0.819; FRAP, r = 0.864) and total phenolic content (DPPH, r = 0.850; ABTS, r = 0.959; FRAP, r = 0.953). The results suggested that the kenaf leaves could be used as a natural antioxidants and antimicrobial in food industries.

An Electrochemical Sensor Based on Amino Magnetic Nanoparticle-Decorated Graphene for Detection of Cannabidiol

For detection of cannabidiol (CBD)—an important ingredient in Cannabis sativa L.—amino magnetic nanoparticle-decorated graphene (Fe₃O₄-NH₂-GN) was prepared in the form of nanocomposites, and then modified on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), resulting in a novel electrochemical sensor (Fe₃O₄-NH₂-GN/GCE). The applied Fe₃O₄-NH₂ nanoparticles and GN exhibited typical structures and intended surface groups through characterizations via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Raman spectroscopy. The Fe₃O₄-NH₂-GN/GCE showed the maximum electrochemical signal for CBD during the comparison of fabricated components via the cyclic voltammetry method, and was systematically investigated in the composition and treatment of components, pH, scan rate, and quantitative analysis ability. Under optimal conditions, the Fe₃O₄-NH₂-GN/GCE exhibited a good detection limit (0.04 μmol L⁻¹) with a linear range of 0.1 μmol L⁻¹ to 100 μmol L⁻¹ (r² = 0.984). In the detection of CBD in the extract of C. sativa leaves, the results of the electrochemical method using the Fe₃O₄-NH₂-GN/GCE were in good agreement with those of the HPLC method. Based on these findings, the proposed sensor could be further developed for the portable and rapid detection of natural active compounds in the food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical fields.

Magnetic molecularly imprinting polymers, reduced graphene oxide, and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks modified electrochemical sensor for the selective and sensitive detection of catechin

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (mMIPs) using catechin as a template, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) for the sensitive detection of catechin (mMIPs/rGO-ZIF-8/GCE). The prepared rGO, ZIF-8, and mMIPs exhibited typical structures and properties determined by various characterizations. The mMIPs showed good selectivity for catechin among several structural analogs. The mMIPs/rGO-ZIF-8/GCE showed a higher maximum peak current for catechin than that of a single component modified GCE. After the optimization of the material ratio, coating amounts, pH, and scan rate, the mMIPs/rGO-ZIF-8/GCE exhibited good selectivity, good linearity, and a low detection limit (LOD) for catechin. The linear range was 0.01 nmol/L-10 μmol/L and the LOD was 0.003 nmol/L (S/N = 3). The relative standard deviations for reproducibility and stability tests (n = 6) were 5.2% and 6.1%, respectively. A recovery between 99.1 and 101.3% was obtained in the detection of catechin in spiked samples. Based on these findings, the proposed mMIPs/rGO-ZIF-8/GCE could be developed further, and future research could be conducted on alternate fabrication strategies and methods to create more portable and practical electrochemical sensors. Graphical Abstract.

Screening and analysis of xanthine oxidase inhibitors in jute leaves and their protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in cells

Jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) is an annual herb of the bast fiber plant and has great potentials in food and medicinal usages because of its various bioactivities. In this study, ultrafiltration coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was established for screening xanthine oxidase inhibitors from the jute leaves extract. Under the optimum screening conditions, three inhibitors were successfully screened and identified as chlorogenic acid, echinacoside, and isorhamnetin-rutinoside with UV and MS data. The fluorescent quenching analysis showed that three inhibitors quenched the fluorescence intensities of enzyme with different binding capacities. For further exploring the bioactivity of three inhibitors, the protective effects on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress was investigated using human normal liver cell (LO2), human gastric mucosal epithelial cell (GES-1), and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). As a result, they exhibited protective effects on three injured cells in dose-dependent manners without cytotoxicity. To evaluate the difference among different jute species obtained in our laboratories, the amounts of three compounds in ten samples were assessed and analyzed. The results showed that it could be divided into three groups. The jute leaves showed nutrient and medical potentials and deserved further research on pharmaceutical and biochemical utilization in future.

Electrochemical evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of natural compounds on glassy carbon electrode modified with guanine-, polythionine-, and nitrogen-doped graphene

An electrochemical sensor based on guanine-, polythionine-, and nitrogen-doped graphene modified glassy carbon electrode (G/PTH/NG/GCE) was fabricated and applied for antioxidant capacity evaluation of natural compounds and complexes in electrochemical method since natural sources of active compounds exhibited various antioxidant activities. When the antioxidants existed in the system, the generated hydroxyl radicals were scavenged and the damage to guanine immobilized on the electrode was reduced less resulting in the oxidation peak current increased in square wave voltammetry. After the modifications of polythionine- and nitrogen-doped graphene, the oxidation peak current was improved. The effects of pH, incubation time, and concentrations of guanine and Fe2+ ions on the performances of the electrode were investigated and optimized. The G/PTH/NG/GCE showed good linearity, reproducibility, and storage stability for antioxidant capacity evaluation of ascorbic acid at the optimum conditions. The antioxidant capacities of three flavonoids and three plant extracts were measured using the G/PTH/NG/GCE and DPPH methods. Myricetin showed the highest antioxidant capacity in both electrochemical and DPPH methods. The proposed G/PTH/NG/GCE exhibited easy fabrication procedure, rapid detection time, and low cost for the detection of antioxidant activity for various kinds of samples.

Influence of Human Serum Albumin Glycation on the Binding Affinities for Natural Flavonoids

Increasing the degree of glycation in diabetes could affect the ability of plasma proteins in binding to small molecules and active compounds. In this study, the influence of glycation of Human serum albumin (HSA) on the binding affinities for six dietary flavonoids was investigated by fluorescence spectra. Glycated HSA was prepared through incubation with glucose and characterized by several methods to confirm the glycation. It was found that the level of glycation increased with the increasing incubation time. The glycation of HSA increased the binding affinities for flavonoids by 1.40 to 48.42 times, which indicates that modifications caused by the glycation may have different influences on the interactions of flavonoids with HSA at separate binding sites on this protein. These results are valuable for understanding the influence of diabetes on the metabolism of flavonoids and other bioactive small molecules in human body.

Comparison between irradiating and autoclaving citrus wastes as substrate for solid-state fermentation by Aspergillus aculeatus

Agricultural or food processing wastes cause serious environmental burden and economic losses. Solid-state fermentation using these wastes is an attractive option to valorize these wastes. However, conventional autoclaving of substrate may degrade nutrients and generate toxins. Unsterilization of the substrate will cause undesired microbial contamination. Therefore, we compared irradiation with autoclaving to treat citrus wastes as substrate for solid-state fermentation by Aspergillus aculeatus. By comparing microbial growth, enzymes tested and medium consumption, irradiated substrate had higher biomass and extracellular protein, more sugar consumption and higher enzyme production than those with autoclaved substrate. Irradiation prevented the generation of cell-inhibiting components such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) whereas preserved the flavonoids well that are often enzyme inducers. These findings suggest that irradiation of agricultural and food processing wastes as substrate has advantages over autoclaving for solid-state fermentation. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study proposes irradiation as an alternative to sterilize agricultural residues rich in nutrients and thermosensitive compounds, such as citrus wastes for fungal solid-state fermentation and production of enzymes.

The interaction of dietary flavonoids with xanthine oxidase in vitro: molecular property-binding affinity relationship aspects

The molecular property-affinity relationships of dietary flavonoids binding to xanthine oxidase were investigated in vitro by comparing the binding constants obtained from a fluorescence-quenching method. The inhibitions of dietary flavonoids on xanthine oxidase were also investigated and analyzed, revealing that the binding process was influenced by the structural differences of the flavonoids under investigation. For example, methylation and hydroxylation at the 7- and 5-positions weakened the binding affinities, while hydroxylation at the 3- and 3'-positions mostly improved binding affinities. Glycosylation and hydrogenation of the C2[double bond, length as m-dash]C3 double bond also increased affinities for xanthine oxidase. In addition, galloylated catechins showed higher binding affinities than non-galloylated catechins. Trends in the binding affinities and inhibition of flavonoids during structure modifications were summarized. Affinities for xanthine oxidase and inhibition on xanthine oxidase changed in the opposite direction during the methylation and hydroxylation of flavonoids in the A ring, and the glycosylation and hydrogenation of C2[double bond, length as m-dash]C3. However, affinities and inhibition for xanthine oxidase changed in the same direction during the methylation and hydroxylation of flavonoids in the B ring.

Preparation of Magnetic Fe₃O₄/MIL-88A Nanocomposite and Its Adsorption Properties for Bromophenol Blue Dye in Aqueous Solution

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as good materials for the adsorption of many environmental pollutants. In this study, magnetic Fe₃O₄/MIL-88A composite was prepared by modification of MIL-88A with magnetic nanoparticles using the coprecipitation method. The structures and magnetic property of magnetic Fe₃O₄/MIL-88A composite were characterized and the adsorption behavior and mechanism for Bromophenol Blue (BPB) were evaluated. The results showed that magnetic Fe₃O₄/MIL-88A composite maintained a hexagonal rod-like structure and has good magnetic responsibility for magnetic separation (the maximum saturation magnetization was 49.8 emu/g). Moreover, the maximum adsorption amount of Fe₃O₄/MIL-88A composite for BPB was 167.2 mg/g and could maintain 94% of the initial adsorption amount after five cycles. The pseudo-second order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm models mostly fitted to the adsorption for BPB suggesting that chemisorption is the rate-limiting step for this monomolecular-layer adsorption. The adsorption capacity for another eight dyes (Bromocresol Green, Brilliant Green, Brilliant Crocein, Amaranth, Fuchsin Basic, Safranine T, Malachite Green and Methyl Red) were also conducted and the magnetic Fe₃O₄/MIL-88A composite showed good adsorption for dyes with sulfonyl groups. In conclusion, magnetic Fe₃O₄/MIL-88A composite could be a promising adsorbent and shows great potential for the removal of anionic dyes containing sulfonyl groups.

Response of Intestinal Bacterial Flora to the Long-term Feeding of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in Mice

In order to investigate the influence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on intestinal bacterial flora, 24 Kunming mice (KM mice) were randomly placed into four groups, which were labeled as control, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups. They were fed intragastrically with 0.4 mL of 0 mg/L, 2.5 mg/L, 4 mg/L, or 10 mg/L of AFB1 solutions, twice a day for 2 months. The hypervariable region V3 + V4 on 16S rDNA of intestinal bacterial flora was sequenced by the use of a high-flux sequencing system on a Miseq Illumina platform; then, the obtained sequences were analyzed. The results showed that, when compared with the control group, both genera and phyla of intestinal bacteria in the three treatment groups decreased. About one third of the total genera and one half of the total phyla remained in the high-dose group. The dominant flora were Lactobacillus and Bacteroides in all groups. There were significant differences in the relative abundance of intestinal bacterial flora among groups. Most bacteria decreased as a whole from the control to the high-dose groups, but several beneficial and pathogenic bacterial species increased significantly with increasing dose of AFB1. Thus, the conclusion was that intragastric feeding with 2.5~10 mg/mL AFB1 for 2 months could decrease the majority of intestinal bacterial flora and induce the proliferation of some intestinal bacteria flora.

Isolation, identification, and environmental adaptability of heavy-metal-resistant bacteria from ramie rhizosphere soil around mine refinery

Six bacteria strains from heavy-metal-polluted ramie rhizosphere soil were isolated through Cd²⁺ stress, which were numbered as JJ1, JJ2, JJ10, JJ11, JJ15, and JJ18. Sequence alignment and phylogenic analysis showed that strain JJ1 belonged to Pseudomonas, strain JJ2 belonged to Cupriavidus, strains JJ11 and JJ15 belonged to Bacillus, and strains JJ10 and JJ18 belonged to Acinetobacter. The tolerance capability of all the strains was the trend of Pb²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Cd²⁺, the maximum tolerance concentration to Cd²⁺ was 200 mg/L, to Pb²⁺ was 1600 mg/L, to Zn²⁺ was 600 mg/L, and to Cu²⁺ was 265 mg/L. Strains JJ1, JJ11, JJ15, and JJ18 could grow well under pH 9.0, and strains JJ2, JJ11, and JJ18 could grow well under 7% of NaCl. The results showed that as a whole these strains had high environmental adaptability. This is the first report that heavy-metal-tolerant bacteria were found from ramie rhizosphere soil, which could be as a foundation to discover the relationship between ramie, rhizosphere bacteria and heavy metals.

The Interactions between ZnO Nanoparticles (NPs) and α-Linolenic Acid (LNA) Complexed to BSA Did Not Influence the Toxicity of ZnO NPs on HepG2 Cells

Background: Nanoparticles (NPs) entering the biological environment could interact with biomolecules, but little is known about the interaction between unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and NPs. Methods: This study used α-linolenic acid (LNA) complexed to bovine serum albumin (BSA) for UFA and HepG2 cells for hepatocytes. The interactions between BSA or LNA and ZnO NPs were studied. Results: The presence of BSA or LNA affected the hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, UV-Vis, fluorescence, and synchronous fluorescence spectra of ZnO NPs, which indicated an interaction between BSA or LNA and NPs. Exposure to ZnO NPs with the presence of BSA significantly induced the damage to mitochondria and lysosomes in HepG2 cells, associated with an increase of intracellular Zn ions, but not intracellular superoxide. Paradoxically, the release of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) was decreased, which indicated the anti-inflammatory effects of ZnO NPs when BSA was present. The presence of LNA did not significantly affect all of these endpoints in HepG2 cells exposed to ZnO NPs and BSA. Conclusions: the results from the present study indicated that BSA-complexed LNA might modestly interact with ZnO NPs, but did not significantly affect ZnO NPs and BSA-induced biological effects in HepG2 cells.

Enhanced Performance of Magnetic Graphene Oxide-Immobilized Laccase and Its Application for the Decolorization of Dyes

In this study, magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) nanomaterials were synthesized based on covalent binding of amino Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles onto the graphene oxide (GO), and the prepared MGO was successfully applied as support for the immobilization of laccase. The MGO-laccase was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Compared with free laccase, the MGO-laccase exhibited better pH and thermal stabilities. The optimum pH and temperature were confirmed as pH 3.0 and 35 °C. Moreover, the MGO-laccase exhibited sufficient magnetic response and satisfied reusability after being retained by magnetic separation. The MGO-laccase maintained 59.8% activity after ten uses. MGO-laccase were finally utilized in the decolorization of dye solutions and the decolorization rate of crystal violet (CV), malachite green (MG), and brilliant green (BG) reached 94.7% of CV, 95.6% of MG, and 91.4% of BG respectively. The experimental results indicated the MGO-laccase nanomaterials had a good catalysis ability to decolorize dyes in aqueous solution. Compared with the free enzyme, the employment of MGO as enzyme immobilization support could efficiently enhance the availability and facilitate the application of laccase.

Rapid Screening and Identification of BSA Bound Ligands from Radix astragali Using BSA Immobilized Magnetic Nanoparticles Coupled with HPLC-MS

Radix astragali is widely used either as a single herb or as a collection of herbs in a complex prescription in China. In this study, bovine serum albumin functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (BSA-MN) coupled with high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) were used to screen and identify bound ligands from the n-butanol part of a Radix astragali extract. The prepared BSA-MN showed sufficient magnetic response for the separation with an ordinary magnet and satisfied reusability. Fundamental parameters affecting the preparation of BSA-MN and the screening efficiency were studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, four bound ligands were screened out from the n-butanol part of a Radix astragali extract and identified as genistin (1), calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside (2), ononin (3) and formononetin (4). This effective method could be widely applied for rapid screening and identification of active compounds from complex mixtures without the need for preparative isolation.

Isolation of α-Amylase Inhibitors from Kadsura longipedunculata Using a High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography Target Guided by Centrifugal Ultrafiltration with LC-MS

In this study, a high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) separation method target guided by centrifugal ultrafiltration with high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (CU-LC-MS) was proposed. This method was used to analyze α-amylase inhibitors from Kadsura longipedunculata extract. According to previous screening with CU-LC-MS, two screened potential α-amylase inhibitors was successfully isolated from Kadsura longipedunculata extract using HSCCC under the optimized experimental conditions. The isolated two target compounds (with purities of 92.3% and 94.6%) were, respectively, identified as quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (1) and protocatechuic acid (2) based on the MS, UV, and ¹H-NMR spectrometry data. To verify the inhibition of screened compounds, the inhibitory activities of quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (1) and protocatechuic acid (2) on α-amylase were tested, and it demonstrated that the experimental IC50 values of quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (1) and protocatechuic acid (2) were 28.8 and 12.5 μmol/L. These results proved that the hyphenated technique using CU-LC-MS and HSCCC was a rapid, competent, and reproductive method to screen and separate potential active compounds, like enzyme inhibitors from the extract of herbal medicines.

ZLN005 protects cardiomyocytes against high glucose-induced cytotoxicity by promoting SIRT1 expression and autophagy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy increases the risk for the development of heart failure independent of coronary artery disease and hypertension. Either type 1 or type 2 diabetes is often accompanied by varying degrees of hyperglycemia, which has been proven to induce myocardial apoptosis in animal models. Recently, a novel small molecule, ZLN005, has been reported to show antidiabetic efficacy in a mouse model, possibly by induction of PGC-1α expression. In this study, we investigated whether ZLN005 protects cardiomyocytes against high glucose-induced cytotoxicity and the mechanisms involved. Neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes were incubated with media containing 5.5 or 33mM glucose for 24h in the presence or absence of ZLN005. ZLN005 treatment led to ameliorated cardiomyocyte oxidative injury, enhanced cell viability, and reduced apoptosis in the high glucose environment. Western blot analysis revealed that high glucose suppressed cardiomyocyte autophagy, whereas ZLN005 increased the expression of autophagy marker proteins ATG5, beclin1, and LC3 II/LC3 I; this increase was accompanied by increased expression of SIRT1. Furthermore, EX527, a SIRT1-specific inhibitor, weakened the protective effects of ZLN005 on cardiomyocytes subjected to high glucose. Taken together, these results suggest that ZLN005 suppresses high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte injury by promoting SIRT1 expression and autophagy.

Endothelial CXCR7 regulates breast cancer metastasis

Atypical chemokine receptor CXCR7 (ACKR3) functions as a scavenger receptor for chemokine CXCL12, a molecule that promotes multiple steps in tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer and multiple other malignancies. While normal vascular endothelium expresses low levels of CXCR7, marked upregulation of CXCR7 occurs in tumor vasculature in breast cancer and other tumors. To investigate effects of endothelial CXCR7 in breast cancer, we conditionally deleted this receptor from vascular endothelium of adult mice, generating CXCR7^ΔEND/ΔEND animals. CXCR7^ΔEND/ΔEND mice appeared phenotypically normal, although these animals exhibited a modest 35 ± 3% increase in plasma CXCL12 as compared with control. Using two different syngeneic, orthotopic tumor implant models of breast cancer, we discovered that CXCR7^ΔEND/ΔEND mice had significantly greater local recurrence of cancer following resection, elevated numbers of circulating tumor cells, and more spontaneous metastases. CXCR7^ΔEND/ΔEND mice also showed greater experimental metastases following intracardiac injection of cancer cells. These results establish that endothelial CXCR7 limits breast cancer metastasis at multiple steps in the metastatic cascade, advancing understanding of CXCL12 pathways in tumor environments and informing ongoing drug development targeting CXCR7 in cancer.

GRP75 Involves in Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis After Rat Optic Nerve Crush

Glucose-regulated protein 75 (GRP75), a member of the heat-shock protein 70 family, is known to protect cells from stress-induced injury. However, information regarding its distribution and possible function in the retina is limited. In this study, we performed an optic nerve crush (ONC) model in adult rats and found that GRP75 was significantly upregulated in the retina after ONC. Double immunofluorescent staining revealed that GRP75 was localized in the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). We also examined the expression profile of active caspase3, whose change was correlated with the expression profile of GRP75. In addition, we utilized co-staining of GRP75 and active caspase3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) to study their correlation in the retina following ONC. Furthermore, the expressions of Bax, cytochrome c (Cytc), p-extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2, and p-AKT were enhanced in the retina after ONC, and they were parallel with the expression profile of GRP75. Based on our data, we speculated that GRP75 might play an important role in RGCs apoptosis following ONC.

MK-0457, an Aurora kinase and BCR-ABL inhibitor, is active in patients with BCR-ABL T315I leukemia

MK-0457, an Aurora kinase and BCR-ABL inhibitor, was studied on a Phase I/II study in 77 patients with refractory hematologic malignancies. The average number of cycles per patient was 3 (range 1-21). Maximum tolerated doses for a 5-day short infusion and continuous infusion regimens were 40 mg/m(2)/h and 144 mg/m(2)/h, respectively. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) included transient mucositis and alopecia. Eight of 18 patients with BCR-ABL T315I-mutated chronic myelogenous leukemia (44%) had hematologic responses and one of three patients (33%) with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia obtained complete remission. MK-0457 has important activity in patients with leukemias expressing the highly resistant T315I BCR-ABL mutation.

The impaired disposition of probe drugs is due to both liver and kidney dysfunctions in CCl(4)-model rats

The carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-treated model involving mature Sprague-Dawley rats has been historically relied upon to study liver injury and regeneration and to test drug efficacy and disposition. However, there few studies about phase II metabolic enzymes changes in CCl(4)-model rats. The metabolic and excretion tests of phenacetin and acetaminophen (APAP), and the mRNA test of cytochrome P4501A2 (CYP1A2) and phase II metabolic enzymes [sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A6 (UGT1A6)] were studied in model rats after CCl(4) pretreatment. The result showed that the function and structure of liver and kidney was impaired by CCl(4) pretreatment, and a significant difference has been observed in the mRNA content of CYP1A2 (p<0.01) in model group, but there was no significant difference on the mRNA content of SULT1A1 and UGT1A6 in both groups. Compared to the control group, a significant higher content of phenacetin (p<0.01) and sulfate-APAP (AS, p<0.01) was observed in the metabolic tests of phenacetin and APAP. Statistically significant differences in cumulative urinary excretion levels of APAP, AG and AS for CCl(4) model rats were observed also. We have shown that impaired disposition of probe drugs in this model was due to both liver and kidney dysfunction in CCl(4)-model rats and we should consider the development of a new liver damage model without renal impairment.

Matrine-imprinted monolithic stationary phase for extraction and purification of matrine from Sophorae flavescentis Ait

A matrine-imprinted monolithic stationary phase (MIP monolith) was prepared by in situ polymerization for extraction and purification of matrine from Sophorae flavescentis Ait. Matrine was used as the template molecule, methacrylic acid as the function monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linking agent, and toluene and dodecanol as the porogenic solvents. Scanning electron microscope study revealed that a monolithic structure with mesopores and 36 μm diameter nodules was obtained. The molecular recognition process and the effect of varying chromatographic conditions on separation were examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, hydrophobic interactions and the molecular shape matching in MIP monolith cavities were proposed to be responsible for the recognition mechanism. The use of MIP monolith as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent for extraction and purification of matrine from S. flavescentis Ait was investigated. The extraction yield was 89.2% (for 3.0 mmol l(-1) matrine) with enrichment factor 29.

Linking the epigenetic 'language' of covalent histone modifications to cancer

Covalent modifications of histones, such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation, and other epigenetic modulations of the chromatin, such as methylation of DNA and ATP-dependent chromatin reorganisation, can play a major part in the multistep process of carcinogenesis, with far-reaching implications for human biology and human health. This review focuses on how aberrant covalent histone modifications may contribute to the development of a variety of human cancers, and discusses the recent findings with regard to potential therapies.

Deciphering cancer complexities in genetically engineered mice

Because the pRb pathway is disrupted in most solid human cancers, we have generated genetically engineered mouse cancer models by inactivating pRb function in several cell types, including astrocytes and mammary, prostate, ovarian, and brain choroid plexus epithelia. In every case, proliferation and apoptosis are acutely induced, predisposing to malignancy. Cell type dictates the pathways involved in tumor progression. In the astrocytoma model, we developed strategies to induce events in the adult brain, either throughout the tissue or focally. Both K-Ras activation and Pten inactivation play significant roles in progression. In the prostate model, adenocarcinoma progression depends on Pten inactivation. However, nonautonomous induction of p53 in the mesenchyme leads to evolution of both compartments, with p53 loss occurring in the mesenchyme. Thus, studies in these models continue to identify key tumorigenesis mechanisms. Furthermore, we are hopeful that the models will provide useful preclinical systems for diagnostic and therapeutic development.

Differential expression of HOX genes in neoplastic and non-neoplastic human astrocytes

HOX genes are a large family of regulatory genes implicated in the control of developmental processes. HOX genes are involved in malignant transformation and progression of different types of tumour. Despite intensive efforts to delineate the expression profiles of HOX genes in other cell types, nothing is known regarding the global expression profile of these genes in normal human astrocytes and astrocytomas. The present study has analysed the expression profile of the 39 class I HOX genes in normal human astrocytes (NHA and E6/E7), two well-established glioblastoma cell lines (U-87 MG and U-1242-MG), as well as neoplastic (WHO grades II/III and IV) and non-neoplastic temporal lobe specimens with hippocampal sclerosis and medically intractable epilepsy. RT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, and western blot analyses revealed differential expression of nine HOX genes (A6, A7, A9, A13, B13, D4, D9, D10, and D13) in normal human astrocytic cell lines and non-neoplastic temporal lobe specimens. The data show that HOX genes are differentially expressed in neoplastic and non-neoplastic astrocytes and that multiple HOX genes are overexpressed in glioblastoma cell lines, astrocytomas (II/III), and glioblastoma multiforme. The differential expression of HOX genes in normal and neoplastic astrocytes suggests a role for these genes in brain tumourigenesis.

A phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic (PK) trial of the aurora kinase (AK) inhibitor MK-0457 in cancer patients

3009

Background: The AKs are essential for mitotic progression, spindle formation, centrosome maturation, chromosomal segregation, and cytokinesis. Elevated expression occurs frequently in tumors. MK-0457 (VX-680) is a potent AK inhibitor, with Ki values of 0.66, 18 and 4.6 nM for AKs A, B and C, respectively. MK-0457 inhibits proliferation of transformed cells in vitro (IC50’s 15–113 nM), and induces colon and pancreatic cancer xenograft regressions. Methods: After IRB approval, consenting patients (pts) with refractory solid tumors (median 3 prior regimens, range 2–6) and adequate hematologic and organ function were enrolled using an accelerated dose escalation scheme with 1–2 pts/dose level until ≥ grade 2 toxicity, followed by 3–6 pts/level. MK-0457 was administered by continuous 5-day intravenous infusion every 28 days. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was grade 3 non-hematologic or grade 4 hematologic toxicity ≥ 5 days, or grade 4 febrile neutropenia (FN) during cycle 1. PKs were collected pre-dose through 168 h and analyzed for MK-0457 and metabolites by HPLC/mass spec. Steady state volume of distribution (Vdss), clearance (CL), maximal concentration (Cmax) and terminal half-life (t1/2) were determined by WinNonLin. Results: 16 pts received MK-0457 dosed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 mg/m2/h. Median number of cycles was 2 (range 1–6). DLT was asymptomatic neutropenia ≥ 5 days at 12 mg/m2/h. At 8 mg/m2/h, 1 pt experienced FN in cycle 2; a second developed a grade 2 allergic reaction. Three pts achieved stable disease as best response, and two of them completed 6 cycles. Plasma concentrations reached steady state rapidly (i.e., within 24 h) and declined biexponentially after the end of infusion; after a rapid initial decay, a slower decaying terminal phase demonstrated a t1/2 ∼15 h. PK parameters include Vdss = 237 ± 107 (SD) L/m2 and CL = 517 ± 141 ml/min/m2. At 8 mg/m2/h, Cmax was ∼650 nM. Conclusion: MK-0457 is generally well tolerated and achieves plasma levels similar to those causing regressions in xenografts. CL is high and exposures achieved are roughly dose proportional. Because 8 mg/m2/h was well tolerated in heavily pre-treated pts, escalation to 10 mg/m2/h is underway. Baseline tumor samples will be assessed for predictive biomarkers at the recommended phase II dose.

[Table: see text]

Linking the epigenetic 'language' of covalent histone modifications to cancer

Covalent modifications of histones, such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation, and other epigenetic modulations of the chromatin, such as methylation of DNA and ATP-dependent chromatin reorganisation, can play a major part in the multistep process of carcinogenesis, with far-reaching implications for human biology and human health. This review focuses on how aberrant covalent histone modifications may contribute to the development of a variety of human cancers, and discusses the recent findings with regard to potential therapies.

[Radiotherapy for 308 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)]

BACKGROUND

To analyze the survival results retrospectively of the patients with NSCLC treated by radiotherapy alone and the clinical factors affecting the survival results.

METHODS

Three hundred and eight patients with NSCLC from January, 1985 to December, 1991 were included in this study (stage I, 11 cases; stage II, 68 cases; stage IIIA, 155 cases; stage IIIB, 74 cases). All patients were confirmed by pathology and cytology. They were treated by 10 MV-X ray or cobalt-60, conventionally fractionated, with weekly dose 7-11.5 Gy. In 47 patients of them treatment planning system was used at the beginning or in the middle of radiotherapy as to have the primary lesion and mediastinum in the full course of radiotherapy. In the rest of patients whose mediastinal dose was 40Gy by anterior and posterior fields, irradiation dose to the spinal cord was avoided and irradiation dose to the primary lesion got to the definitive treatment. The survival rate was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and tested by Log-rank.

RESULTS

The median survival was 10 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 43%, 15% and 9% respectively. The earlier the clinical stage, the better the prognosis (P=0.0001). The survival rate of the patients with complete remission at the end of radiotherapy was better than that of the patients with residual tumor (P=0.0001). The survival of the patients with weekly dose larger than 10 Gy was better ( P=0.0461). There was no relationship among the survival rate and the total dose and mediastinal dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show the survival rate of patient with NSCLC treated by radiotherapy alone was related to clinical stage, instant response and weekly dose, but not to the total dose and the mediastinal dose.

BRCA1 deficient embryonic stem cells display a decreased homologous recombination frequency and an increased frequency of non-homologous recombination that is corrected by expression of a brca1 transgene

BRCA1 is a nuclear phosphoprotein that has been classified as a tumor suppressor based on the fact that women carrying a mutated copy of the BRCA1 gene are at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The association of BRCA1 with RAD51 has led to the hypothesis that BRCA1 is involved in DNA repair. We describe here the generation and analysis of murine embryonic stem (ES) cell lines in which both copies of the murine homologue of the human BRCA1 gene have been disrupted by gene targeting. We show that exogenous DNA introduced into these BRCA1 deficient cells by electroporation is randomly integrated into the genome at a significantly higher rate than in wild type ES cells. In contrast, integration of exogenous DNA by homologous recombination occurs in BRCA1 deficient cells at a significantly lower rate than in wild type controls. When BRCA1 expression is re-established at 5-10% of normal levels by introduction of a Brca1 transgene into BRCA1 deficient ES cells, the frequency of random integration is reduced to wild type levels, although the frequency of homologous recombination is not significantly improved. These results suggest that BRCA1 plays a role in determining the response of cells to double stranded DNA breaks.

Progressive degeneration of dopamine system functions after transient cerebral oligemia in rats

A reduction in cerebral blood flow to oligemic levels was achieved in pentobarbital-anesthetized adult rats by clamping both carotid arteries (BCCA) for 60 min. To assess the extent to which the animals' dopaminergic system was affected over an increasing time span, their spontaneous locomotor activity in an unfamiliar environment and in response to the subcutaneous administration of apomorphine was tested at various times after either BCCA or sham operation. Eight to 14 days after the operation, it was possible to observe a diminished locomotor activity in response to apomorphine injection in BCCA as compared with sham-operated animals, while oral stereotypical behavior such as licking was increased. At 3 months, there was only a subtle decrease in apomorphine-induced locomotor activity, and stereotypical behavior was similar in both groups. At 7 months, the BCCA rats covered shorter distances than sham-operated controls during the habituation phase; after apomorphine injection, more stereotypic movements, such as, e.g., sniffing, were observed, and less running. Twelve months after surgery, no further differences could be observed between the two groups during the habituation phase, but the injection of apomorphine led to increased stereotypic sniffing movements, rearing and locomotor activity in BCCA animals to a greater extent than in the controls. At 12 months, sensorimotor disturbances elicited by the rota rod test, which were only transiently observed at 11 weeks and 7 months, did not appear any different from the normal age-related motor decline of the sham-operated controls. The animals' motor co-ordination in the chimney test was not significantly disturbed during the time between 7 and 12 months after surgery. At 15 months, nocturnal locomotor activities in BCCA rats were significantly decreased. In situ hybridization (ISH) histochemistry revealed decreased D1 receptor mRNA (D1RmRNA) in striatal neurons 19 months after surgery, while D2 receptor mRNA (D2RmRNA) and the neuronal number remained the same. The present results show that just as is already known for the immature rat brain, the adult rat brain, too, reacts to a transient decrease in its blood supply by appearance of long-lasting alterations in function, and that even a single oligemic episode is capable of inducing progressive dopaminergic dysfunctions and ultimately the partial loss of striatal D1RmRNA.

[Influences of acetylcholine, glutamic acid and GABA on the neuronal firings in ventromedial thalamic nucleus]

In this study, it was shown that the neuronal spontaneous firings of ventromedial thalamic nucleus (VM) in rats were increased by acetylcholine (ACH) and glutamic acid (GLU) applied microiontophoretically with an intensity-dependent manner. Both gamma-animobutyric acid (GABA) and baclofen inhibited the spontaneous firings in majority of VM neurons, but the effect of GABA was rapid and short-lasting, while that of baclofen was slow and long-lasting. GABA could reverse the effects of ACH and GLU. The majority of VM neuronal firing rates could be enhanced by bicuculine, while atropine and MK801 had little effect. The results indicate an important convergence of GLUergic, GABAergic and cholinergic activities in the same VM neurons and GABAergic activities tonically inhibit the VM neurons.