Anti-cervical cancer mechanism of bioactive compounds from Alangium platanifolium based on the 'compound-target-disease' network

In this study, we analyzed the chemical compositions of Alangium platanifolium (Sieb. et Zucc.) Harms (AP) using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) non-targeted plant metabolomics integration MolNetEnhancer strategy. A total of 75 compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, C21 steroids, among others, were identified by comparing accurate mass-to-charge ratios, MS2 cleavage fragments, retention times, and MolNetenhancer-integrated analytical data, and the cleavage rules of the characteristic compounds were analyzed. A total of 125 potential cervical cancer (CC) therapeutic targets were obtained through Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data mining, differential analysis, and database screening. Hub targets were obtained by constructing protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and CytoNCA topology analysis, including SRC, STAT3, TP53, PIK3R1, MAPK3, and PIK3CA. According to Gene ontology (GO) analysis, AP was primarily against CC by influencing gland development, oxidative stress processes, serine/threonine kinase, and tyrosine kinase activity. Enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) indicated that the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways play a crucial role in AP treatment for CC. The compound-target-pathway (C-T-P) network revealed that quercetin, methylprednisolone, and caudatin may play key roles in the treatment of CC. The results of molecular docking revealed that the core compound could bind significantly to the core target. In this study, the compounds in AP were systematically analyzed qualitatively, and the core components, core targets, and mechanisms of action of AP in the treatment of CC were screened through a combination of network pharmacology tools. Providing a scientific reference for the therapeutic material basis and quality control of AP.

Dynamic Changes in Soil Phosphorus Accumulation and Bioavailability in Phosphorus-Contaminated Protected Fields

Soil phosphorus accumulation resulting in a high risk of phosphorus pollution is due to high multiple vegetable cropping indexes and excessive fertilizer input in protected fields. Therefore, this study explored the bioavailability of soil-accumulated phosphorus to improve fertilization and reduce the risk of soil phosphorus contamination in protected fields. A field trial was performed in Yanbian Prefecture, China to study the phosphorus bioavailability after continuous spinach planting without phosphate fertilizer applications. Results indicated that with increasing numbers of planting stubbles, soil inorganic phosphorus and occluded phosphorus changed little, while water-soluble and loose phosphorus, aluminum-phosphate, iron-phosphate, and calcium-phosphorus decreased first and then increased. Soil available phosphorus declined linearly. For planting spinach in protected fields, the threshold of soil phosphorus deficiency is 200 mg kg^-1. A soil phosphorus supply potential model was established between x (the soil available phosphorus) and y (the numbers of planting stubbles): y = 6.759 + 0.027x, R = 0.99, which can be used to predict how planting stubbles are needed to raise the soil available phosphorus above the critical value of phosphorus deficiency for spinach. These results will provide the theoretical guidance for rational phosphorus fertilizer applications and control agricultural, non-point pollution sources in protected fields.

Puerarin Alleviates Depression-Like Behavior Induced by High-Fat Diet Combined With Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress via Repairing TLR4-Induced Inflammatory Damages and Phospholipid Metabolism Disorders

Puerarin has been reported as a potential agent for neuro-inflammatory disorders. However, there have been no reports of using puerarin for the treatment of depression based on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)–mediated inflammatory injury. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of puerarin on depression-like rats induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The mechanism was screened by lipidomics and molecular docking and confirmed by in vivo tests. Puerarin treatment significantly improved 1% sucrose preference and ameliorated depression-like behavior in the open-field test. The antidepressive effects of puerarin were associated with decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-10) in rat hippocampal tissues and plasma. Hematoxylin–eosin (H&E), immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting results displayed that puerarin alleviated inflammatory injury by suppressing TLR4 expression and by repairing the intestine mucus barrier via enhancing the expression of claudin-1 and occludin. Non-targeted lipidomics analysis showed that the most significantly different metabolites modified by puerarin were phospholipids. Puerarin treatment–altered biomarkers were identified as PC (15:1/20:1), PE (15:1/16:1), and PI (18:2/20:1) in comparison with the HFD/CUMS group. Molecular docking modeling revealed that puerarin could bind with cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which play central roles in TLR4-mediated phospholipid metabolism. In vivo, puerarin treatment decreased the enzyme activities of cPLA2 and COX-2, resulting in lower production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in hippocampal and intestinal tissues. In conclusion, puerarin treatment reverses HFD/CUMS-induced depression-like behavior by inhibiting TLR4-mediated intestine mucus barrier dysfunction and neuro-inflammatory damages via the TLR4/cPLA2/COX-2 pathway.

Macleayins A From Macleaya Promotes Cell Apoptosis Through Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway and Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells

Macleayins A (MA), a novel compound, was isolated from Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. and Macleaya microcarpa (Maxim.) Fedde. The plant species are the member of Papaveraceae family and have been used traditionally for diverse therapeutic purposes. According to the reported studies, the chemical constituents, as well as crude extracts of these plants, could attenuate the proliferation of several cancer cell lines, such as HL-60, A549, HepG2, and MCF-7. The current study aimed to investigate the anticervical cancer activity of MA and its related molecular mechanism. Isolation of MA was carried out using various column chromatographic methods, and its structure was elucidated with ¹H NMR. The cytotoxicity of MA was determined against HeLa cell lines via CCK-8 assay. The cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion were measured by EdU labeling, Annexin-V APC/7-AAD double staining, PI staining, and transwell assay, respectively. The protein expression levels of c-Myc, β-catenin, cyclin D1, and MMP-7 in the cells were evaluated by western blotting. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade activation was verified using the Dual-Glo® Luciferase assay. We found that MA inhibited the growth of HeLa cells at 72 h (IC₅₀ = 26.88 µM) via inducing apoptotic process, reduced the proliferation rate by 29.89%, and decreased the cells migration and invasion as compared to the untreated group. It arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase and its treatment inhibited the expression of related proteins c-Myc, β-catenin, cyclin D1, and MMP-7 in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. Further, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade activation in MA-treated HeLa cells was attenuated in a dose-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate the anticancer effects of MA on a mechanistic level, thus providing a basis for MA to become a potential candidate drug for resistance of cervical carcinoma.

Polysaccharides of Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl.: Extraction, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation

The roots of Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. are a famous traditional Chinese medicinal herb and are also used as health food. However, information about polysaccharides from S. ningpoensis (SNPS) is very limited. We applied the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) process to extract SNPS. The UAE conditions were optimized using single-factor experiments and response surface analysis. Under the optimized conditions of ultrasonic power of 550 W, extraction time of 26 min, and extraction temperature at 50°C, the highest yield of 13.47% ± 1.63% was obtained, which was in accordance with the predicted value of 13.71%. In comparison with traditional hot water extraction, the optimized UAE method significantly increased the extraction yield with lower extraction temperature and shorter extraction time. Furthermore, the in vitro antioxidant evaluation showed that EC50 values of SNPS were 2.43 ± 0.21, 4.40 ± 0.35, and 0.56 ± 0.062 mg/mL for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical, hydroxyl free radical, and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, respectively. The anti-inflammatory potential of SNPS was detected in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced ICR mice. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that SNPS significantly improved LPS-stimulated inflammatory response by decreasing mRNA and protein expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the extraction process of SNPS established in this study is reliable, and SNPS possesses potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which will provide a theoretical basis for guiding the clinical application of S. ningpoensis.

Isolation and identification of alkaloids from Macleaya microcarpa by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS and their cytotoxic activity in vitro, antiangiogenic activity in vivo

Background

Extensive bioactivities of alkaloids from the genus Macleaya (Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. and Macleaya microcarpa (Maxim.) Fedde) have been widely reported, as well as more and more concerned from the scientific communities. However, systematic research on the phytochemical information of M. microcarpa is incomplete. The aim of this study was to rapidly and conveniently qualitative analyze alkaloids from M. microcarpa by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-fight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–Q-TOF-MS) using accurate mass weight and characteristic fragment ions, furthermore separate and identify the main alkaloids, test antitumor activity in vitro and antiangiogenic activity in vivo.

Results

A total of 14 alkaloids from fruits of M. microcarpa were identified by UHPLC–Q-TOF-MS, including 5 protopines, 2 benzophenanthridines, 1 dimer, 1 dihydrobenzophenanthridines and 5 unknown structure compounds. Two major alkaloids were isolated by various column chromatographic methods. Their structures were determined by NMR data and related literatures. The two major alkaloids were evaluated for intro cytotoxic activities against HL-60, MCF-7, A-549, and in vivo antiangiogenic activity using transgenic zebrafish.

Conclusions

Current qualitative method based on UHPLC–Q-TOF-MS technique provided a scientific basis for isolation, structural identification, and in vitro or in vivo pharmacological further study of alkaloids from M. microcarpa in the future.

Limonin attenuates the stemness of breast cancer cells via suppressing MIR216A methylation

Limonin has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects, however, its roles in tumor progression remain unclear. This work aims to investigate the roles and related mechanism of limonin in the stemness of breast cancer cells. Here, we found that limonin attenuated the stemness of breast cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, evident by the decreasing the capacity of cell spheroid formation, expression of stemness markers and ALDH1 activity, whereas had no toxicity on non-tumorigenic cells. Additionally, limonin enhanced adriamycin sensitivity of breast cancer cells and attenuated adriamycin resistance in adriamycin-resistant breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, limonin decreased MIR216A methylation level and thus increased miR-216a-3p expression. Furthermore, miR-216a-3p could directly bind to WNT3A and thus inactivated Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Therefore, our results indicate that limonin could attenuate the stemness and chemoresistance via inhibiting MIR216A methylation and subsequently suppressing Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

LC-MS guided isolation of three pairs of enantiomeric alkaloids from Macleaya cordata and their enantioseparations, antiproliferative activity, apoptosis-inducing property

(±)-Macleayins F-H (1-3), three pairs of new enantiomeric alkaloid dimers, along with four known alkaloids (4-7) as their plausible biogenetic precursors, were isolated from the aerial parts of Macleaya cordata. Compounds 1-3 were obtained under the guidance of LC-MS investigation, and their structures were elucidated by analysis of the 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The racemic mixtures were successfully separated by chiral HPLC, and the absolute configurations of enantiomers were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. Compounds 1-7 showed antiproliferative activity against HL-60 with IC₅₀ values of 1.34-41.30 μM, especially compounds 1-2 exhibited the best inhibitory activity against HL-60 cell lines. In addition, the preliminary mechanism investigation for compound 2 using Annexin V/7-AAD double-staining assay, DAPI staining assay and JC-1 staining method, indicated that 2 inhibited cancer cell proliferation potentially through inducing apoptosis via the mitochondria-related pathway and arrested cell cycle of HL-60 cells at S phase.

Visualization of pancreaticobiliary reflux in anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction by secretin-stimulated dynamic magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

PURPOSE

To assess the utility of secretin-stimulated dynamic MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for the visualization of pancreaticobiliary reflux in patients with anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (PBJ).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ten controls and seven patients diagnosed as having anomalous PBJ were prospectively examined by dynamic MRCP after secretin injection using a breath-hold, single-shot turbo spin-echo T2-weighted sequence. The optimal MRCP section was repeated 35 times at approx. 10-second interval after secretin injection; the acquisition time was 4 s per image. The signal intensity (SI) changes of the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts, presence or absence of intraluminal signal void, caliber change of the bile duct, duodenal filling, and peak time of the SI ratio of the extrahepatic bile duct after secretin injection were compared between the controls and patients.

RESULTS

In the controls, the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts showed neither enhancement nor caliber change over the observation period, providing no apparent peak time. Of the seven patients, the extrahepatic bile duct showed retrograde enhancement and sequential delay in occurrence of the peak time from its distal third to its proximal third (n = 6) with a signal void in its distal part (n =4); its caliber increased subsequently to pancreatic secretion (n = 5); the intrahepatic bile ducts showed a slight enhancement following SI increase of the proximal extrahepatic bile duct (n = 6); duodenal filling grade tended to be lower in the patients than volunteers (P<.005).

CONCLUSION

In patients with anomalous PBJ pancreaticobiliary reflux were demonstrated by dynamic secretin-stimulated MRCP.