Gedunin and Azadiradione: Human Pancreatic Alpha-Amylase Inhibiting Limonoids from Neem (Azadirachta indica) as Anti-Diabetic Agents

Human pancreatic α-amylase (HPA) inhibitors offer an effective strategy to lower postprandial hyperglycemia via control of starch breakdown. Limonoids from Azadirachta indica known for their therapeutic potential were screened for pancreatic α-amylase inhibition, a known anti-diabetic target. Studies were carried out to reveal their mode of action so as to justify their hypoglycemic potential. Of the nine limonoids isolated/semi-synthesized from A.indica and screened for α-amylase inhibition, azadiradione and exhibited potential inhibition with an IC50 value of 74.17 and 68.38 μM, respectively against HPA under in vitro conditions. Further screening on AR42J α-amylase secretory cell line for cytotoxicity and bioactivity revealed that azadiradione and gedunin exhibited cytotoxicity with IC50 of 11.1 and 13.4μM. Maximal secreted α-amylase inhibition of 41.8% and 53.4% was seen at 3.5 and 3.3μM, respectively. Michaelis-Menten kinetics suggested a mixed mode of inhibition with maltopentaose (Ki 42.2, 18.6 μM) and starch (Ki' 75.8, 37.4 μM) as substrate with a stiochiometry of 1:1 for both azadiradione and gedunin, respectively. The molecular docking simulation indicated plausible π-alkyl and alkyl-alkyl interactions between the aromatic amino acids and inhibitors. Fluorescence and CD confirmed the involvement of tryptophan and tyrosine in ligand binding to HPA. Thermodynamic parameters suggested that binding is enthalpically and entropically driven with ΔG° of -21.25 kJ mol-1 and -21.16 kJ mol-1 for azadiradione and gedunin, respectively. Thus, the limonoids azadiradione and gedunin could bind and inactivate HPA (anti-diabetic target) and may prove to be lead drug candidates to reduce/control post-prandial hyperglycemia.

Epoxyazadiradione suppresses breast tumor growth through mitochondrial depolarization and caspase-dependent apoptosis by targeting PI3K/Akt pathway

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed invasive cancers among women around the world. Among several subtypes, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive and chemoresistant. Treatment of TNBC patients has been challenging due to heterogeneity and devoid of well-defined molecular targets. Thus, identification of novel effective and selective agents against TNBC is essential.

Methods

We used epoxyazadiradione to assess the cell viability, mitochondrial potential, ROS level, cell migration, apoptosis and protein expression in cell culture models of TNBC MDA-MB-231 and ER+ MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The molecular mechanism was examined in two different type of breast cancer cells in response to epoxyazadiradione. We have also analyzed the effect of epoxyazadiradione on breast tumor growth using in vivo mice model.

Results

In this study, we for the first time investigated that out of 10 major limonoids isolated from Azadirachta indica, epoxyazadiradione exhibits most potent anti-cancer activity in both TNBC and ER+ breast cancer cells. Epoxyazadiradione induces apoptosis and inhibits PI3K/Akt-mediated mitochondrial potential, cell viability, migration and angiogenesis. It also inhibits the expression of pro-angiogenic and pro-metastatic genes such as Cox2, OPN, VEGF and MMP-9 in these cells. Furthermore, epoxyazadiradione attenuates PI3K/Akt-mediated AP-1 activation. Our in vivo data revealed that epoxyazadiradione suppresses breast tumor growth and angiogenesis in orthotopic NOD/SCID mice model.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that epoxyazadiradione inhibits PI3K/Akt-dependent mitochondrial depolarisation, induces apoptosis and attenuates cell migration, angiogenesis and breast tumor growth suggesting that this compound may act as a potent therapeutic agent for the management of breast cancer.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-017-3876-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Neem Derivatives Inhibits Tau Aggregation

Tau is a phosphoprotein with natively unfolded conformation that functions to stabilize microtubules in axons. Alzheimer’s disease pathology triggers several modifications in tau, which causes it to lose its affinity towards microtubule, thus, leading to microtubule disassembly and loss of axonal integrity. This elicit accumulation of tau as paired helical filaments is followed by stable neurofibrillary tangles formation. A large number of small molecules have been isolated from Azadirachta indica with varied medicinal applications. The intermediate and final limonoids, nimbin and salannin respectively, isolated from Azadirachta indica, were screened against tau aggregation. ThS and ANS fluorescence assay showed the role of intermediate and final limonoids in preventing heparin induced cross-β sheet formation and also decreased hydrophobicity, which are characteristic nature of tau aggregation. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that limonoids restricted the aggregation of tau to fibrils; in turn, limonoids led to the formation of short and fragile aggregates. Both the limonoids were non-toxic to HEK293T cells thus, substantiating limonoids as a potential lead in overcoming Alzheimer’s disease.

Triterpenoid profiling and functional characterization of the initial genes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis in neem (Azadirachta indica)

BACKGROUND

Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is one of the richest sources of skeletally diverse triterpenoids and they are well-known for their broad-spectrum pharmacological and insecticidal properties. However, the abundance of Neem triterpenoids varies among the tissues. Here, we delineate quantitative profiling of fifteen major triterpenoids across various tissues including developmental stages of kernel and pericarp, flower, leaf, stem and bark using UPLC-ESI(+)-HRMS based profiling. Transcriptome analysis was used to identify the initial genes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Based on transcriptome analysis, two short-chain prenyltransferases and squalene synthase (AiSQS) were cloned and functionally characterized.

RESULTS

Quantitative profiling revealed differential abundance of both total and individual triterpenoid content across various tissues. RNA from tissues with high triterpenoid content (fruit, flower and leaf) were pooled to generate 79.08 million paired-end reads using Illumina GA ΙΙ platform. 41,140 transcripts were generated by d e novo assembly. Transcriptome annotation led to the identification of the putative genes involved in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Two short-chain prenyltransferases, geranyl diphosphate synthase (AiGDS) and farnesyl diphosphate synthase (AiFDS) and squalene synthase (AiSQS) were cloned and functionally characterized using transcriptome data. RT-PCR studies indicated five-fold and ten-fold higher relative expression level of AiSQS in fruits as compared to leaves and flowers, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Triterpenoid profiling indicated that there is tissue specific variation in their abundance. The mature seed kernel and initial stages of pericarp were found to contain the highest amount of limonoids. Furthermore, a wide diversity of triterpenoids, especially C-seco triterpenoids were observed in kernel as compared to the other tissues. Pericarp, flower and leaf contained mainly ring-intact triterpenoids. The initial genes such as AiGDS, AiFDS and AiSQS involved in the isoprenoids biosynthesis have been functionally characterized. The expression levels of AiFDS and AiSQS were found to be in correlation with the total triterpenoid content in individual tissues.

Comparative functional characterization of eugenol synthase from four different Ocimum species: Implications on eugenol accumulation

Isoprenoids and phenylpropanoids are the major secondary metabolite constituents in Ocimum genus. Though enzymes from phenylpropanoid pathway have been characterized from few plants, limited information exists on how they modulate levels of secondary metabolites. Here, we performed phenylpropanoid profiling in different tissues from five Ocimum species, which revealed significant variations in secondary metabolites including eugenol, eugenol methyl ether, estragole and methyl cinnamate levels. Expression analysis of eugenol synthase (EGS) gene showed higher transcript levels especially in young leaves and inflorescence; and were positively correlated with eugenol contents. Additionally, transcript levels of coniferyl alcohol acyl transferase, a key enzyme diverting pool of substrate to phenylpropanoids, were in accordance with their abundance in respective species. In particular, eugenol methyl transferase expression positively correlated with higher levels of eugenol methyl ether in Ocimum tenuiflorum. Further, EGSs were functionally characterized from four Ocimum species varying in their eugenol contents. Kinetic and expression analyses indicated, higher enzyme turnover and transcripts levels, in species accumulating more eugenol. Moreover, biochemical and bioinformatics studies demonstrated that coniferyl acetate was the preferred substrate over coumaryl acetate when used, individually or together, in the enzyme assay. Overall, this study revealed the preliminary evidence for varied accumulation of eugenol and its abundance over chavicol in these Ocimum species. Current findings could potentially provide novel insights for metabolic modulations in medicinal and aromatic plants.

Tracing the biosynthetic origin of limonoids and their functional groups through stable isotope labeling and inhibition in neem tree (Azadirachta indica) cell suspension

BACKGROUND

Neem tree serves as a cornucopia for triterpenoids called limonoids that are of profound interest to humans due to their diverse biological activities. However, the biosynthetic pathway that plant employs for the production of limonoids remains unexplored for this wonder tree.

RESULTS

Herein, we report the tracing of limonoid biosynthetic pathway through feeding experiments using ¹³C isotopologues of glucose in neem cell suspension. Growth and development specific limonoid spectrum of neem seedling and time dependent limonoid biosynthetic characteristics of cell lines were established. Further to understand the role of mevalonic acid (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways in limonoid biosynthesis, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC)- tandem mass spectrometry based structure-fragment relationship developed for limonoids and their isotopologues have been utilized. Analyses of labeled limonoid extract lead to the identification of signature isoprenoid units involved in azadirachtin and other limonoid biosynthesis, which are found to be formed through mevalonate pathway. This was further confirmed by treatment of cell suspension with mevinolin, a specific inhibitor for MVA pathway, which resulted in drastic decrease in limonoid levels whereas their biosynthesis was unaffected with fosmidomycin mediated plastidial methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway inhibition. This was also conspicuous, as the expression level of genes encoding for the rate-limiting enzyme of MVA pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) was comparatively higher to that of deoxyxylulose-phosphate synthase (DXS) of MEP pathway in different tissues and also in the in vitro grown cells. Thus, this study will give a comprehensive understanding of limonoid biosynthetic pathway with differential contribution of MVA and MEP pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Limonoid biosynthesis of neem tree and cell lines have been unraveled through comparative quantification of limonoids with that of neem tree and through ¹³C limonoid isotopologues analysis. The undifferentiated cell lines of neem suspension produced a spectrum of C-seco limonoids, similar to parental tissue, kernel. Azadirachtin, a C-seco limonoid is produced in young tender leaves of plant whereas in the hard mature leaves of tree, ring intact limonoid nimocinol accumulates in high level. Furthermore, mevalonate pathway exclusively contributes for isoprene units of limonoids as evidenced through stable isotope labeling and no complementation of MEP pathway was observed with mevalonate pathway dysfunction, using chemical inhibitors.

Camptothecin-producing endophytic bacteria from Pyrenacantha volubilis Hook. (Icacinaceae): A possible role of a plasmid in the production of camptothecin

BACKGROUND

Camptothecin (CPT), a quinoline alkaloid, is a potent inhibitor of eukaryotic topoisomerase I. Because of this property, several derivatives of CPT are used as chemotherapeutic agents. CPT is produced by several plant species belonging to the Asterid clade as well as by a number of endophytic fungal associates of these plants. In this study, we report the production of CPT by four bacterial endophytes and show the possible role of a plasmid in the biosynthesis of CPT.

METHODS

Endophytic bacteria were isolated from leaves, stems and fruits of Pyrenacantha volubilis Hook. (Icacinanceae). The bacterial isolates were purified and analyzed for production of CPT by ESI-MS/MS and NMR analysis. Bacterial identity was established based on the morphology and 16s rRNA sequence analysis. Crude extracts of the bacterial endophytes were evaluated for their cytotoxicity using colon cancer cell lines. The role of plasmid in the production of CPT was studied by purging the plasmid, using acriflavine, as well as reconstituting the bacteria with the plasmid.

RESULTS

Four bacterial isolates, Bacillus sp. (KP125955 and KP125956), Bacillus subtilis (KY741853) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (KY741854) were found to produce CPT in culture. Both based on ESI-MS/MS and NMR analysis, the identity of CPT was found to be similar to that produced by the host plant. The CPT was biologically active as evident by its cytotoxicity against colon cancer cell line. The production of CPT by the endophyte (Bacillus subtilis, KY741853) attenuated with sub-culture. A likely role of a plasmid in the production of CPT was established. A 5 kbp plasmid was recovered from the bacteria. Bacterial isolate cured of plasmid failed to produce CPT.

CONCLUSION

Our study implies a possible role of a plasmid in the production of CPT by the endophytic bacteria and opens up further work to unravel the exact mechanisms that might be involved.

Azadirachta indica triterpenoids promote osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in vitro and in vivo

Terpenoids were isolated using chromatographic purification through solvent purification technique and identified as Azadirone (1), Epoxyazadiradione (2) Azadiradione (3) Gedunin (4) Nimbin (5) Salannin (6) Azadirachtin A (7) and Azadirachtin B (8) from Azadirachta indica. Out of eight compounds, only three compounds had osteogenic activity and enhanced osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and mineralization in osteoblast cells. Active compounds stimulated osteogenic genes ALP, RunX-2 and OCN expressions in vitro, but Azadirachtin A had a maximum ability to stimulate osteoblast differentiation and mineralization compared to other two active compounds. For in vivo study, Azadirachtin A injected subcutaneously in pups, which enhanced osteogenic gene expressions and promoted bone formation rate significantly. Here, we conclude that active compounds of Azadirachta indica have osteogenic activity and Azadirachtin A has a beneficial effects on bone.

Whole-Cell Mediated 11β-Hydroxylation on the Basic Limonoid Skeleton by Cunninghamella echinulata

Regio- and stereoselective 11β-hydroxylation was achieved on the basic limonoid skeleton through microbial transformation. Whole cells of Cunninghamella echinulata efficiently converted basic limonoids such as epoxyazadiradione, azadiradione, and gedunin to their 11β-hydroxy analogues as the sole metabolite. Fermentation conditions affecting the efficiency (96%) of biotransformation including substrate concentration, incubation period, pH, and temperature were optimized. The position and stereochemistry of hydroxyl functionality on the isolated metabolites were established through extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric studies (1D, 2D NMR, ESI-MS, and MS/MS).

Lipase catalyzed synthesis of antimicrobial andrographolide derivatives

In this data article we describe screening of various lipases for the regioselective acylation of Andrographolide. Each lipase was screened with seven acyl donors. Amano lipase AK from Pseudomonas fluorescens was used for the synthesis of two new acylated andrographolide derivatives. Two new compounds, andrographolide-14-propionate and andrographolide-14-caproate were characterized by various spectral studies. These two derivatives showed more antimicrobial activity than andrographolide.

Way toward "dietary pesticides": molecular investigation of insecticidal action of caffeic acid against Helicoverpa armigera

Bioprospecting of natural molecules is essential to overcome serious environmental issues and pesticide resistance in insects. Here we are reporting insights into insecticidal activity of a plant natural phenol. In silico and in vitro screening of multiple molecules supported by in vivo validations suggested that caffeic acid (CA) is a potent inhibitor of Helicoverpa armigera gut proteases. Protease activity and gene expression were altered in CA-fed larvae. The structure-activity relationship of CA highlighted that all the functional groups are crucial for inhibition of protease activity. Biophysical studies and molecular dynamic simulations revealed that sequential binding of multiple CA molecules induces conformational changes in the protease(s) and thus lead to a significant decline in their activity. CA treatment significantly inhibits the insect's detoxification enzymes, thus intensifying the insecticidal effect. Our findings suggest that CA can be implicated as a potent insecticidal molecule and explored for the development of effective dietary pesticides.

Limonoid biosynthesis 3: Functional characterization of crucial genes involved in neem limonoid biosynthesis

Neem (Azadirachta indica L.) is well known for its medicinal, agricultural, and pesticidal applications since ages. The secondary metabolites, limonoids, confer these biological properties, wherein over 150 different limonoids have been reported from neem. To understand limonoid biosynthesis, we analyzed tissue-specific (kernel, pericarp, leaves, and flower) transcriptome that resulted in the identification of one farnesyl diphosphate synthase (AiFDS), one squalene synthase (AiSQS), three squalene epoxidases (AiSQE1, AiSQE2, and AiSQE3), two triterpene synthases (AiTTS1 and AiTTS2), cycloartenol synthase (AiCAS), two cytochrome P450 reductases, and ten cytochrome P450 systems. Comparative tissue-expression analysis indicated that AiFDS, AiSQS, AiSQE3, and AiTTS1 are expressed higher in the kernel than in the other tissues. Heterologously expressed recombinant AiTTS1 produced tirucalla-7,24-dien-3β-ol as the sole product. Expression profile data, phylogeny with triterpene synthases from Meliaceae and Rutaceae families, real-time PCR of different tissues, and transient transformation revealed the involvement of tirucalla-7,24-dien-3β-ol synthase (AiTTS1) in limonoid biosynthesis. Further, mutagenesis studies of AiTTS1 indicated that Y125 and F260 are probably involved in stabilization of dammarenyl cation. A 2.6-fold increase in production of tirucalla-7,24-dien-3β-ol was observed when AiSQE1 was co-expressed with mutant AiTTS1 in a yeast system. Furthermore, we functionally characterized the highly expressed cytochrome P450 reductases and cycloartenol synthase. This study helps in further analysis and identification of genes involved in limonoid biosynthesis in Meliaceae/Rutaceae and their production in a metabolically tractable heterologous system.

OzNOxESI: A Novel Mass Spectrometry Ion Chemistry for Elucidating Lipid Double-Bond Regioisomerism in Complex Mixtures

Double bond (C═C) position isomerism in unsaturated lipids can indicate abnormal lipid metabolism and pathological conditions. Novel chemical derivatization and mass spectrometry-based techniques are under continuing development to provide more accurate elucidation of lipid structure in finer structural detail. Here, we introduce a new ion chemistry for annotating lipid C═C positions, which is highly efficient for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based lipidomics. This ion chemistry relies on the online derivatization of lipid C═C with ozone and nitrogen oxides upon fragmentation by tandem mass spectrometry, yielding characteristic product ions capable of unambiguously annotating C═C regioisomers. The new workflow was thoroughly evaluated with various glycerophospholipids and fatty acids and applied to human plasma lipid extract, successfully identified and quantified 270 glycerophospholipid and 36 fatty acid C═C isomers with an in-house developed software, OzNOx Companion, for automated data analysis.

Beet supplementation mitigates post-exercise inflammation

Objectives

This study investigated the efficacy of a mixed beet-based supplement (BEET) versus placebo (PL) in countering inflammation during recovery from 2.25 h of intensive cycling in 20 male and female cyclists. A multi-omics approach was used that included untargeted proteomics and a targeted oxylipin panel.

Methods

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design was used with two 2-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Supplementation periods were followed by a 2.25 h cycling bout at close to 70%VO2max. The BEET supplement provided 212 mg of nitrates per day, 200 mg caffeine from green tea extract, 44 mg vitamin C from Camu Camu berry, B-vitamins from quinoa sprouts (40% Daily Value for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6), and 2.5 g of a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps sinensis and Inonotus obliquus. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (overnight fasted state), immediately post-exercise, and at 1.5 h-, 3 h-, and 24 h-post-exercise.

Results

The 2.25 h cycling bout increased plasma levels of 41 of 67 oxylipins detected. BEET supplementation significantly increased plasma nitrate (NO3 -) and nitrite (NO2 -) (sum, NO3 - + NO2 -) concentrations (interaction effect, p < 0.001) and two anti-inflammatory oxylipins [18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) and 4-hydroxy-docosahexanoic acid (4-HDoHE)]. The untargeted proteomics analysis identified 616 proteins (458 across all times points), and 2-way ANOVA revealed a cluster of 45 proteins that were decreased and a cluster of 21 that were increased in the BEET versus PL trials. Functional enrichment supported significant BEET-related reductions in inflammation-related proteins including several proteins related to complement activation, the acute phase response, and immune cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation.

Discussion

Intake of a BEET-based supplement during a 2-week period was linked to higher plasma levels of NO3 - + NO2 -, elevated post-exercise levels of two anti-inflammatory oxylipins, and a significant decrease in a cluster of proteins involved in complement activation and inflammation. These data support that 2-weeks intake of nitrate from a mixed beet-based supplement moderated protein biomarkers of exercise-induced inflammation in athletes.

A Multiomics Evaluation of the Countermeasure Influence of 4-Week Cranberry Beverage Supplementation on Exercise-Induced Changes in Innate Immunity

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the effect of a 4-week unsweetened cranberry beverage (CRAN) (317 mg polyphenols) versus placebo beverage (PLAC) ingestion (240 mL/day) on moderating exercise-induced changes in innate immunity.

METHODS

Participants included 25 male and female non-elite cyclists. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover design was used with two 4-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Supplementation periods were followed by an intensive 2.25 h cycling bout. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (in an overnight fasted state) and at 0 h, 1.5 h, 3 h, and 24 h post-exercise. Stool and urine samples were collected pre- and post-supplementation. Outcome measures included serum creatine kinase, myoglobin, and cortisol, complete blood counts, plasma untargeted proteomics, plasma-targeted oxylipins, untargeted urine metabolomics, and stool microbiome composition via whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing.

RESULTS

Urine CRAN-linked metabolites increased significantly after supplementation, but no trial differences in alpha or beta microbiota diversity were found in the stool samples. The 2.25 h cycling bout caused significant increases in plasma arachidonic acid (ARA) and 53 oxylipins (FDR q-value < 0.05). The patterns of increase for ARA, four oxylipins generated from ARA-cytochrome P-450 (CYP) (5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-diHETrEs), two oxylipins from linoleic acid (LA) and CYP (9,10-DiHOME, 12,13-DiHOME), and two oxylipins generated from LA and lipoxygenase (LOX) (9-HODE, 13-HODE) were slightly but significantly higher for the CRAN versus PLAC trial (all interaction effects, p < 0.05). The untargeted proteomics analysis showed that two protein clusters differed significantly between the CRAN and PLAC trials, with CRAN-related elevations in proteins related to innate immune activation and reduced levels of proteins related to the regulation of the complement cascade, platelet activation, and binding and uptake of ligands by scavenger receptors. No trial differences were found for cortisol and muscle damage biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

CRAN versus PLAC juice resulted in a significant increase in CRAN-related metabolites but no differences in the gut microbiome. CRAN supplementation was associated with a transient and modest but significant post-exercise elevation in selected oxylipins and proteins associated with the innate immune system.

Gut prevotella copri abundance linked to elevated post-exercise inflammation

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the linkage between gut microbiome taxa and exercise-induced inflammation.

METHODS

Twenty-five cyclists provided 4 stool samples during a 10-week period and cycled vigorously for 2.25 h at 67% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in a laboratory setting. Blood samples were collected pre- and post-exercise, with additional samples collected at 1.5 h-, 3 h-, and 24 h-post-exercise. Primary outcomes included stool microbiome composition and alpha diversity via whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing (averaged from 4 stool samples) and a targeted panel of 75 plasma oxylipins. A total of 5719 taxa were identified, and the 339 that were present in more than 20% of stool samples were used in the analysis. Alpha diversity was calculated by evenness, and the Analysis of Composition of Microbiomes (ANCOM) differential abundance analysis was performed using QIIME2. A composite variable was calculated from 8 pro-inflammatory oxylipins generated from arachidonic acid (ARA) and cytochrome P-450 (CYP).

RESULTS

ARA-CYP oxylipins were significantly elevated for at least 3 h post-exercise (p < 0.001); they were strongly and positively related to Prevotella copri (P. copri) abundance (R2 = 0.676, p < 0.001) and negatively related to gut microbiome alpha diversity (R2 = 0.771, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This analysis revealed for the first time a novel, positive relationship between gut microbiome P. copri abundance in cyclists and post-exercise pro-inflammatory oxylipins. These data demonstrate that about two-thirds of the wide variance in inflammation following prolonged and intensive exercise is largely explained by the abundance of a single gut bacterial species: P. copri.

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap MS/MS-based profiling and quantification of limonoids in Meliaceae plants

Meliaceae plants have been extensively used in agriculture, folklore, and traditional medicine. They are the major storehouses for structurally diverse limonoids (meliacins) possessing various bioactivities like antifeedant, insecticidal, antimicrobial, etc. However accurate detection of these tetranortriterpenes from the vast pool of metabolites in plant tissue extracts or biological sample is a crucial challenge. Though the mass spectrum (MS) provides the molecular mass and the corresponding elemental composition, it cannot be relied precisely. The exact identification of a specific metabolite demands the MS/MS spectrum containing the signature product ions. In the present study, we have developed the UHPLC Q-Orbitrap-based method for identification, quantification, and characterization of limonoids in different plant tissue extracts requiring minimum plant material. Using this method, we carried out the limonoid profiling in different tissue extracts of sixteen Meliaceae plants and the identification of limonoids was performed by comparing the retention time (RT), ESI-( +)-MS spectrum, and HCD-MS/MS of the purified fifteen limonoids used as reference standards. Our results revealed that early intermediates of the limonoid biosynthetic pathway such as azadiradione, epoxyazadiradione, and gedunin occurred more commonly in Meliaceae plants. The MS/MS spectrum library of the fifteen limonoids generated in this study can be utilized for identification of these limonoids in other plant tissue extracts, botanical fertilizers, agrochemical formulations, and bio pesticides.