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Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a serious problem due to difficulties in early diagnosis and high mortality. Different approaches are adopted for the treatment and management of IFI, including prophylactic, empiric, preemptive and directed strategies.This paper reviews the type of pharmacotherapy used for antifungal prophylaxis in infants with extremely low birth weights, pediatric patients with cardiac disease, preterm neonates, pediatric oncology patients, adult cancer patients with neutropenia, adult patients with hematologic malignancy, hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients, organ transplant recipients, HIV-infected patients, immunosuppressed patients treated with moderate or high doses of corticosteroids, and patients with invasive fusariosis, candidemia, invasive candidiasis, systemic mycoses and immunocompromised patients.Azole drugs are the drugs most often used in cost-effective antifungal prophylaxis of patients with conditions such as immunodeficiency and cancer, which render them highly susceptible to IFI. Fluconazole is the most outstanding example. However, there are many azoles with different pharmacological characteristics that the physician can choose from. Echinocandins have favorable characteristics that make them useful for treating Candida infections. Antibodies, or their engineered derivatives directed against cell-wall polysaccharides and glycopeptides, and some protein epitopes of Candida albicans, appear to be a promising novel approach for prophylaxis against Candida infection and deserve further in-depth investigations.

Background and Aim: Intrarectal administration of mouse cathelin-related antimicrobial peptide (mCRAMP) reduced intestinal inflammation in mice. In the current study, we examined whether mCRAMP-transformed Lactococcus lactis given orally attained similar protective effects. Method: mCRAMP was produced and secreted from the transformed L. lactis. Murine colitis was induced by ingestion of 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 7 days. Eight or 10 log colony forming unit (cfu) L. lactis or the transformed strains with or without nisin induction were given orally as a parallel treatment with DSS. The body weight, fecal microbiota populations, clinical symptoms and histological examinations of colonic tissues were determined. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were also evaluated to reflect the degree of inflammation. A prototype anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine was used as a reference drug to compare the efficacy and mechanisms of action for ulcerative colitis (UC). Result: Compared with the control group with colitis, cathelicidin-transformed L. lactis could improve the clinical symptoms, maintain crypt integrity and preserve mucus content (P

Introduction Estrogen deficiency during menopause would increase the risk of osteoporosis. Erxian Decoction (EXD), an anti-menopausal Chinese medicinal formula with anti-osteoporotic effect, appears to be an attractive alternative for treating menopausal osteoporosis. However, the drug compatibility of component herbs in EXD according to traditional Chinese medicine theory has not been explored. In this study, the drug compatibility of EXD according to the organizing principle of Chinese medicinal formula was investigated, using anti-osteoporotic properties as a study model. Methodology Proliferation of RAW 264.7 osteoclast precursor cells and hFOB 1.19 human fetal osteoblasts was determined by MTT assay. Osteoclastogenesis of RAW 264.7 cells was assessed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Osteoprotegerin secretion from hFOB 1.19 cells was determined by ELISA. The protein levels of NF-κB, IκB, c-Fos and NFATc1 involved in osteoclastogenesis were studied by immunoblotting analysis. Results EXD inhibited the proliferation of RAW 264.7 cells while it stimulated the proliferation of hFOB 1.19 cells, which was mainly mediated by the Monarch herb ( Herba Epimedii ) and the Minister herbs ( Radix Morindae officinalis ) respectively. EXD also stimulated secretion of osteoprotegerin from hFOB 1.19 cells. EXD exerted an inhibitory effect on the differentiation of RAW 264.7 cells into mature osteoclast, as revealed in TRAP staining, which was probably mediated by the Assistant herb ( Cortex Phellodendri ) through down-regulation of NFATc1 protein. Conclusions EXD inhibited proliferation and differentiation of osteoclast precursor cells, while it stimulated proliferation of osteoblasts and osteoprotegerin secretion. The drug compatibility of EXD according to Chinese medicine theory was also demonstrated.

A 5.4-kDa antifungal peptide, with an N-terminal sequence highly homologous to defensins and inhibitory activity against Mycosphaerella arachidicola (IC(50)= 3 μM), Setospaeria turcica and Bipolaris maydis, was isolated from the seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris cv. brown kidney bean. The peptide was purified by employing a protocol that entailed adsorption on Affi-gel blue gel and Mono S and finally gel filtration on Superdex 75. The antifungal activity of the peptide against M. arachidicola was stable in the pH range 3-12 and in the temperature range 0°C to 80°C. There was a slight reduction of the antifungal activity at pH 2 and 13, and the activity was indiscernible at pH 0, 1, and 14. The activity at 90°C and 100°C was slightly diminished. Deposition of Congo red at the hyphal tips of M. arachidicola was induced by the peptide indicating inhibition of hyphal growth. The lack of antiproliferative activity of brown kidney bean antifungal peptide toward tumor cells, in contrast to the presence of such activity of other antifungal peptides, indicates that different domains are responsible for the antifungal and antiproliferative activities.

Objective: This paper mainly discusses and summarises the potential issues of pollution caused by the Mineral elements, Mercury, Lead and Arsenic, its possible impacts on the human beings and the suggested solutions. Methods: This paper is prepared by reviewing the latest academic literatures. Result: First, this article discusses two aspects including the effects of Mercury, Lead and Arsenic on the Chinese herbal medicine and the potential issues of causing the environmental pollution. And then further study its toxicity effects and the side impacts on the human bodies in order to realize the actual circumstances people are encountering nowadays. This paper will also the corresponding its treatment method of reviews. Hope this will provide a valuable reference. Conclusion: Theses issues caused by the Mineral elements are prominent nowadays, thus the ongoing researches on the impacts of pollution and the possible solutions are regarded as highly valued in order to conserve the natural environment and meanwhile safeguard the well beings of people and the future offspring.

A novel aspartic protease with HIV-1 RT inhibitory activity was isolated and characterized from fruiting bodies of the wild mushroomXylaria hypoxylon. The purification protocol comprised distilled water homogenization and extraction step, three ion exchange chromatographic steps (on DEAE-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, and CM-cellulose in succession), and final purification was by FPLC on Superdex 75. The protease was adsorbed on all the three ion exchangers. It was a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of 43 kDa as estimated by SDS-PAGE and FPLC. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence was HYTELLSQVV, which exhibited no sequence homology to other proteases reported. The activity of the protease was adversely affected by Pepstatin A, indicating that it is an aspartic protease. The protease activity was maximal or nearly so in the pH range 6–8 and in the temperature range 35–60°C. The purified enzyme exhibited HIV-1 RT inhibitory activity with an IC50value of 8.3 μM, but was devoid of antifungal, ribonuclease, and hemagglutinating activities.

Objective: This paper mainly discusses the Allelopathic potential of Wheat. Methods: This paper is prepared by reviewing the latest academic literatures. Result: The green revolution in the 1960s caused an increase in the demand for food. The agricultural sector and farmers tended to spend more time on the agricultural work but the crop yield was suppressed by the weeds. Hence, the usage of herbicide insecticides, fungicides and others chemicals had been increased. Although herbicides are efficient for weed controls, the continuous uses had gradually stimulated the weeds developing an effecttive resistance to the chemicals. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is known as allelopathic against crops and weeds. Allelopathy of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has been extensively examined for its potentials in weeds management. The allelopathic activity of wheat has been attributed to hydroxamic acids, the related compounds and phenolic acids. Therefore, it could effectively reduce herbicide uses in order to maintain an eco-friendly environment and a cost-effective weed control.

Pholiota adiposa is a mushroom with excellent medicinal and nutritional properties. After culture in fermentation medium, Ph. Adiposa mycelia were filtered, lyophilized, and powdered. A crude polysaccharide (PAP) of Ph. Adiposa was prepared from the mycelial powder with hot water, centrifuged, and the resulting supernatant lyophilized. PAP was fractionated by 30%, 60%, and 80% ethanol precipitation steps to yield PAP30, PAP60, and PAP80. Subsequently PAP30-1 and PAP30-2, PAP60-1 and PAP60-2, and PAP80-1 and PAP80-2 were isolated from PAP30, PAP60, and PAP80, respectively, by ion-exchange chromatography on a DEAE-Sepharose column. Polysaccharide content increased from 43.8% in PAP to 50.54%~73.19% in PAP30-1~PAP80-2. The protein content was 4.92% at minimum in these polysaccharide products. In order to identify the chemical composition, the six polysaccharides (PAP30-1, PAP30-2, PAP60-1, PAP60-2, PAP80-1, and PAP80-2) were further purified by gel filtration on Sephacryl S-100-500. Finally, three water-soluble polysaccharides (PAP30-2a, PAP60-2b, and PAP80-2a) were obtained. HPLC analysis revealed that PAP30-2a, PAP60-2b, and PAP80-2a exhibited a molecular weight of 6.6 × 105 Da, 8.4 × 103 Da, and 3.5 × 103 Da, respectively. The glucose content in PAP80-2a, PAP60-2b, and PAP30-2a was 57.8%, 72.7%, and 68.9%, respectively. PAP30-2a, PAP60-2b, and PAP80-2a demonstrated significant differences in anti-tumor activity in mice. PAP80-2a is the optimal bioactive constituent with anti-tumor and T-lymphocyte proliferation stimulating effects.

Lipid-transfer proteins (LTPs) are basic proteins found in abundance in higher plants. LTPs play lots of roles in plants such as participation in cutin formation, embryogenesis, defense reactions against phytopathogens, symbiosis, and the adaptation of plants to various environmental conditions. In addition, LTPs from field mustard and Chinese daffodil exhibit antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells. LTPs from chili pepper and coffee manifest inhibitory activity against fungi pathogenic to humans such as Candida species. The intent of this article is to review LTPs in the plant kingdom.

A 59 kDa laccase with inhibitory activity against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (IC50=2.4 μM) was isolated from the broth of mycelial culture of the mushroomLentinus tigrinus. The isolation procedure involved ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and CM-cellulose, and gel filtration by fast protein liquid chromatography on Superdex 75. The laccase was adsorbed on both types of ion exchangers. About 95-fold purification was achieved with a 25.9% yield of the enzyme. The procedure resulted in a specific enzyme activity of 76.6 U/mg. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence was GIPDLHDLTV, which showed little similarity to other mushroom laccase and otherLentinus tigrinusstrain laccase. Its characteristics were different from previously reported laccase of otherLentinus tigrinusstrain. Maximal laccase activity was observed at a pH of 4 and at a temperature of 60°C, respectively. This study yielded the information about the potentially exploitable activities ofLentinus tigrinuslaccase.

A novel protein, designated as DOI, isolated from the Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) could be the first protein drug for the treatment of menopausal syndrome and an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is known to have undesirable side effects. DOI is an acid- and thermo-stable protein with a distinctive N-terminal sequence Gly-Ile-Gly-Lys-Ile-Thr-Thr-Tyr-Trp-Gly-Gln-Tyr-Ser-Asp-Glu-Pro-Ser-Leu-Thr-Glu. DOI was found to stimulate estradiol biosynthesis in rat ovarian granulosa cells; induce estradiol and progesterone secretion in 16- to 18-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats by upregulating expressions of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and ovarian aromatase; counteract the progression of osteoporosis and augment bone mineral density; and improve cognitive functioning by upregulating protein expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and TrkB receptors in the prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, DOI did not stimulate the proliferation of breast cancer and ovarian cancer cells, which suggest it could be a more efficacious and safer alternative to HRT.

The genus of Termitomyces purchased from the market has been identified as Termitomyces eurrhizus using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) method. An α-galactosidase from T. eurrhizus (TEG), a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of 72 kDa, was purified 146 fold by employing ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The optimum pH and temperature was 5.0 and 60 °C, respectively. TEG was stable over pH 2–6, and also exhibited good thermostablility, retaining 100% of the original activity after incubation at 60 °C for 2 h. Inhibition of the enzyme activity by N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) constituted evidence for an essential role of tryptophan in the catalytic action of the isolated enzyme. Besides 4-nitro-phenyl α-d-galactophyranoside (pNPGal), natural substrates could also be effectively hydrolyzed by TEG. Results of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) revealed complete enzymatic hydrolysis of raffinose and stachyose to galactose at 50 °C within 6 h. These properties of TEG advocate its utilization for elevating the nutritional value of soymilk.

This study aimed to investigate fragments derived from human and bovine lactoferrins for ability to inhibit nuclear translocation of HIV-1 integrase. It was shown that human lactoferricin, human lactoferrin 1-11, and bovine lactoferrampin reduced nuclear distribution of HIV-1 integrase. Bovine lactoferrampin could inhibit both the activity and nuclear translocation of HIV-1 integrase. Human lactoferrampin, bovine lactoferricin, and bovine lactoferrin 1-11 had no effect on HIV-1 integrase nuclear translocation. Human lactoferrampin which inhibited the activity of integrase did not prevent its nuclear translocation. Human lactoferricin and lactoferrin 1-11 did not inhibit HIV-1 integrase nuclear translocation despite their ability to attenuate the enzyme activity. The discrepancy between the findings on reduction of HIV-1 activity and inhibition of nuclear translocation of HIV-1 integrase was due to the different mechanisms involved. A similar reasoning can also be applied to the different inhibitory potencies of the milk peptides on different HIV enzymes, i.e., nuclear translocation.

Background The fresh leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (Lan An) have been used in Chinese medicine for many years to treat dermatomycosis. Macrocarpal C was isolated from this herb and identified as its major antifungal component by bioassay-guided purification. This study aims to investigate the antifungal activity of macrocarpal C against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which can cause tinea pedis. Methods Fresh leaves of E. globulus were extracted with 95 % ethanol, and the resulting ethanolic extracts were dried before being partitioned with n-hexane. The n-hexane layer was then subjected to chromatographic purification to give macrocarpal C. The antifungal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of macrocarpal C was determined using the standard M38-A2 method described by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The mode of action of macrocarpal C was elucidated using three in vitro assays, including (1) a fungal membrane permeability test using SYTOX® Green; (2) a reactive oxygen species (ROS) production test using 5-(and-6)-carboxy-2′,7′-dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate as a cell-permeable fluorogenic probe; and (3) a DNA fragmentation test based on terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) detection. Terbinafine hydrochloride and nystatin were used as positive controls. Results The suppression in the growth of T. mentagrophytes following its treatment with macrocarpal C was associated with an increase in the permeability of the fungal membrane (P = 0.0043 when compared to control); an increase in the production of intracellular ROS (P = 0.0063); and the induction of apoptosis as a consequence of DNA fragmentation (P = 0.0007). Conclusion This study demonstrated that the antifungal action of macrocarpal C was associated with increases of membrane permeability, intracellular ROS and DNA fragmentation.

A novel antioxidant polysaccharide–peptide complex LB-1b from the fruiting bodies of the edible abalone mushroom (Pleurotus abalonus) was purified and identified. The structural characteristic of LB-1b was identified by FTIR (Fourier-transform IR), 13C NMR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. LB-1b is a polysaccharide–peptide complex that contains glucose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid and galactose in the molar ratio of 22.4:1:1.7:1.6 and the N-terminal sequence of its peptide moiety has also been determined. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of LB-1b, IPKERKEFQQAQHLK, showed some resemblance to antioxidant enzymes. LB-1b exhibited high antioxidant activity in erythrocyte haemolysis in vitro and the anti-proliferative activity towards hepatoma HepG2 cells and breast cancer MCF7 cells with an IC50 of 24 and 14 μM respectively. LB-1b also demonstrated hypoglycaemic activity in drug-induced diabetic mice and anti-HIV-1 RT (reverse transcriptase) with an IC50 value of 12.5 μM.

A 14.6-kDa RNase, with a pH optimum of 5.5 and a temperature optimum of 70 °C, was isolated from dried fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Lactarius flavidulus. The purification procedure involved, in succession, ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, CM-cellulose and SP-Sepharose, and finally FPLC-gel filtration on Superdex 75. The RNase was adsorbed on all three ion exchangers. The ranking of its activity toward various polyhomoribonucleotides was poly(C)poly(G)poly(A)poly(U). It suppressed proliferation of HepG2 cells and L1210 cells with an IC₅₀ of 3.19 μM and 6.52 μM, respectively. It also inhibited the activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase with an IC₅₀ of 2.55 μM.

A 20-kDa ribonuclease (RNase) was purified from fresh fruiting bodies of cultured Schizophyllum commune mushrooms. The RNase was not adsorbed on Affi-gel blue gel but adsorbed on DEAE-cellulose and CM-cellulose. It exhibited maximal RNase activity at pH 6.0 and 70°C. It demonstrated the highest ribonucleolytic activity toward poly (U) (379.5 μ/mg), the second highest activity toward poly (C) (244.7 μ/mg), less activity toward poly (A) (167.4 μ/mg), and much weaker activity toward poly (G) (114.5 μ/mg). The RNase inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase with an IC(50) of 65 μM. No effect on [(3)H-methyl]-thymidine uptake by lymphoma MBL2 cells and leukemia L1210 cells was observed at 100 μM concentration of the RNase. A comparison of RNases from S. commune and Volvariella volvacea revealed that they demonstrated some similarities in N-terminal amino acid sequence, optimum pH and polyhomoribonucleotide specificity. However, some differences in chromatographic behavior and molecular mass were observed.

Human cathelicidin LL37 and its fragments LL13-37 and LL17-32 exhibited similar potencies in inhibiting growth of the yeast Candida albicans. After treatment with 0.5 μM and 5 μM LL13-37, the hyphae changed from a uniformly thick to an increasingly slender appearance, with budding becoming less normal in appearance and cell death could be detected. Only the yeast form and no hyphal form could be observed following exposure to 50 μM LL13-37. LL13-37 at a concentration of 5 μM was able to permeabilize the membrane of yeast form as well as hyphal form of C. albicans since the nuclear stain SYTOX Green was localized in both forms. Mycelia treated with LL13-37 stained with SYTOX Green, but did not stain with MitoTracker deep red, indicating that the mitochondria were adversely affected by LL13-37. Bimane-labeled LL13-37 was able to enter some of the hyphae, but not all hyphae were affected, suggesting that LL37 impaired membrane permeability characteristics in some of the hyphae. Reactive oxygen species was detectable in the yeast form of C. albicans cells after treatment with LL13-37 but not in the untreated cells. The results suggest that the increased membrane permeability caused by LL13-37 might not be the sole cause of cell death. It might lead to the uptake of the peptide, which might have some intracellular targets.

Background: Hepatitis C is a global health concern that represents a major cause of liver disease and socioeconomic burden. Currently, there is no vaccine that protects against this infection or drug that treats it effectively. The current treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection does not produce a sustained virologic response. Therefore, discovery and identification of a new drug for HCV treatment is a high priority. Camel milk is a traditional medicine that could improve the control of HCV. Objectives: To assess the potential effect of casein purified from camel milk on HCV cellular infectivity in a tissue culture model. Materials and Methods: Casein was purified from defatted camel milk to electrophoretic homogeneity. PBMCs and HepG2 and HeLa cell lines were used. Three kinds of experiments were conducted. HCV was directly interacted with casein and then mixed with different cell types, casein was incubated with the cells and then exposed to HCV, and the HCV pre-infected cells were treated with casein at different concentrations and time intervals. Non-infected cells were used to assess cytotoxicity and the apoptosis effect of casein. Results:Direct interaction of casein (with or without α-lactalbumin) with neither the virus nor the cells prevented HCV cell entry. However, casein with α-lactalbumin induced a cytotoxic effect in HepG2 and HeLa cell lines but not in human naive leukocytes. At all concentrations tested, casein with α-lactalbumin could induce apoptosis in both infected and non-infected HepG2 cells. Conclusions: Camel milk casein (with or without α-lactalbumin) did not demonstrate any anti-HCV activity. However, the cellular apoptotic cascade was initiated in HepG2 and HeLa cells treated with casein (with α-lactalbumin) but not in naive leukocytes. ARTICLE INFO

The pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is poorly understood. To evaluate an autoimmunization-induced experimental SS model, we firstly observed the phenotype of lymphocyte infiltration in the enlarged submandibular gland (SG). Furthermore, significant activation of caspase-3 and a high ratio of Bax-to-Bcl-2 were detected, indicating the inflammatory apoptosis associated with developmental foci. Meanwhile, the dysregulated cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression, were found to be over-expressed. A progressive decrease of aquaporin 5 and its subcellular translocation from apical to basal membrane in SG was found to be associated with the abnormally expressed M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. This pattern was found to be similar to that seen in human SS and possibly contributed to the saliva secretion deficiency. Thus, this autoimmunization-induced model recapitulates the key features of human SS and may have potential for studying the pathogenesis of human SS.

A β-glucosidase gene (bglI) from Trichoderma reesei was cloned into the pPIC9 vector and integrated into the genome of Pichia pastoris GS115. Under the control of the methanol-inducible alcohol oxidase (AOX) promoter and using Saccharomyces cerevisiae secretory signal peptide (α-factor), the recombinant β-glucosidase was expressed and secreted into the culture medium. The maximum recombinant β-glucosidase activity achieved was 60 U/ml, and β-glucosidase expression reached 0.3 mg/ml. The recombinant 76 kDa β-glucosidase was purified 1.8-fold with 26% yield and a specific activity of 197 U/mg. It was optimally active at 70°C and pH 5.0.

In the present study, two antioxidant micromolecular components (L2f-2 and L2f-3) and an antioxidant macromolecular component LB2 were extracted from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) rhizomes. MS, FTIR (Fourier-transform IR) spectroscopy and NMR were used to identify these compounds. L2f-2 was (+/−)-gallocatechin, L2f-3 was (−)-catechin and LB2 was a polysaccharide–protein complex with a molecular mass of 18.8 kDa. LB2 was identified as a polysaccharide sulfate containing α/β-pyranose and α-furanose according to its FTIR spectrogram. It was composed of mannose, rhamnose, glucose, galactose and xylose with a molar ratio 2:8:7:8:1. The antioxidant components L2f-2, L2f-3 and LB2 strongly inhibited HIV-1 RT (reverse transcriptase) and IN (integrase). LB2 inhibited RT with an IC50 value of 33.7 μM. It also exhibited the highest HIV-1 3′-processing inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 5.28 μM. Both L2f-2 and L2f-3 up-regulated the expression of IL-2 (interleukin-2) and down-regulated IL-10, while LB2 exhibited positive regulation on IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10. Moreover, L2f-3 and LB2 might inhibit HIV-1 directly by down-regulating TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α). These natural antioxidant components with antiviral and immunoregulatory activities could be potentially important for anti HIV-1 drug development and application to HIV-1 therapy.

A novel serine protease, with a molecular mass of 19 kDa and the N-terminal sequence of ARTPEAPAEV, was isolated from dried fruiting bodies of the mushroom Pholiota nameko . The purification protocol comprised ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, Q-Sepharose and SP-Sepharose, and gel filtration on Superdex 75. It was unadsorbed on DEAE-cellulose and Q-Sepharose but adsorbed on SP-Sepharose. It exhibited an optimum temperature at 50°C, an optimum pH at pH 8.8, a Km of 5.64 mg/mL and a Vmax of 0.98 μmol/min/mL against substrate casein. A number of metal ions inhibited the enzyme including Pb 2+ , Mn 2+ , Ca 2+ , Hg 2+ , Zn 2+ , Cu 2+ , Co 2+ , Fe 3+ and Al 3+ , with the inhibition of the last two cations being the most potent. K + and Mg 2+ slightly enhanced, while Li + moderately potentiated the activity of the protease. The protease was strongly inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), suggesting that it is a serine protease.

A monomeric 5.5-kDa protein with hemolytic activity toward rabbit erythrocytes was isolated from seeds of Albizia lebbeck by using a protocol that involved ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose and SP-Sepharose, hydrophobic interaction chromatography on Phenyl-Sepharose, and gel filtration on Superdex 75. It was unadsorbed on both Q-Sepharose and SP-Sepharose, but adsorbed on Phenyl-Sepharose. Its hemolytic activity was fully preserved in the pH range 0-14 and in the temperature range 0-100 °C, and unaffected in the presence of a variety of metal ions and carbohydrates. The hemolysin reduced viability of murine splenocytes and inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and HepG2 hepatoma cells with an IC₅₀ of 0.21, 0.97, and 1.37 μM, respectively. It impeded mycelial growth in the fungi Rhizoctonia solani with an IC₅₀ of 39 μM but there was no effect on a variety of other filamentous fungi, including Fusarium oxysporum, Helminthosporium maydis, Valsa mali and Mycosphaerella arachidicola. Lebbeckalysin inhibited growth of Escherichia coli with an IC₅₀ of 0.52 μM.

A dimeric hemagglutinin with a relative molecular mass of 62000 was purified from seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris cultivar “Legumi secchi”. The chromatographic protocol included the use of Blue-Sepharose, Q-Sepharose, and Superdex 75. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the hemagglutinin resembled those of other Phaseolus hemagglutinins. Its hemagglutinating activity was stable from 0 °C to 60 °C, and pH 4–11. It inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (IC 50 of 17.3 μM) and suppressed the proliferation of breast cancer MCF-7 cells (IC 50 of 0.2 μM). However, it was devoid of antifungal activity. The hemagglutinin-treated MCF-7 cells showed a number of changes, including cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, phosphatidylserine externalisation and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation. The hemagglutinin-induced apoptosis through the death receptor-mediated pathway involved Fas ligands, caspase-8 activation, BID truncation, p53 release, caspase-9 activation and Lamin A/C truncation. The understanding of the apoptotic mechanism may be of value for application in tumor therapy.

In this study, a rhamnose-binding lectin from the roe of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) was purified and characterized, and its biological activities were examined in several model systems. Chinook salmon roe lectin had a molecular mass of 30 kDa and agglutinated rabbit and bovine erythrocytes. The hemagglutination activity of the lectin was not affected by metal ions. The lectin was stable up to 70 °C and between pH 4 and pH 11. Chinook salmon roe lectin did not exert antifungal activity toward the fungal species tested and did not exhibit mitogenic response toward mouse splenocytes up to a concentration of 5 mg/mL. The lectin had selective antiproliferative activity toward human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and hepatoma Hep G2 cells. It also induced the production of nitric oxide from mouse peritoneal macrophages. This is the first report that demonstrates these biological activities from chinook salmon roe lectin.

The advent of sugar-immobilized gold nano-particles (SGNPs), lipid-based nanoparticles, nano-chromatography and nano-electrophoresis has revolutionized the methodology for protein purification and proteomic research. This review provides an overview on the effective method developed for fast purification of protein from extracts using SGNPs. In addition, the current application of microfluidic systems for analytical purposes in biochemistry will also be explored that include the micro total analysis systems (µ-TAS) and lab-on-a-chip (LOC) analyses which are capable of isolation and detection of protein at the nanogram level. Finally, we describe why the lipid-based nano-particles (LBNPs) can enable the analysis in microchip electroseparation and how anionic and cationic LBNPs can be used for protein separation.

A 20.9-kDa metalloprotease was isolated from dried fruiting bodies of the wild basidiomycete mushroom Lepista nuda. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the protease was seen to be ATFVLTAATNTLFTA, thus displaying no similarity with the sequences of previously reported metalloproteases. The protease was purified using a procedure that entailed ion-exchange chromatography on CM-Cellulose, Q-Sepharose, and Mono S, and FPLC-gel filtration on Superdex 75. The protease functioned at an optimum pH of 7.0 and an optimum temperature of 50 degrees C. It was also noted that the protease demonstrated a proteolytic activity of 1,756 U/mg toward casein. The Km of the purified protease toward casein was 6.36 mg/ml at a pH of 7.0 and with a temperature of 37 degrees C, whereas the Vmax was 9.11 microgram ml(-1) min(-1). The activity of the protease was adversely affected by EDTA-2Na, suggesting that it is a metalloprotease. PMSF, EGTA, aprotinin, and leupeptin exerted no striking inhibitory effect. The activity of the protease was enhanced by Fe2+, but was curtailed by Cd2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, and Fe3+ ions. The protease also exhibited inhibitory activity against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase with an IC50 value of 4.00 micrometer. The IC50 values toward hepatoma Hep G2 and leukemia L1210 cells in vitro were 4.99 micrometer and 3.67 micrometer, respectively.

Melatonin signaling dysfunction has been associated with the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Genetic analysis has also associated the occurrence of AIS with the MT2 gene. Thus, we determined whether there is abnormality in the protein expression of melatonin receptors (MT) in AIS osteoblasts. In this study, we recruited 11 girls with severe AIS and eight normal subjects for intraoperative bone biopsies. MT1 and MT2 receptor protein expressions in the isolated osteoblasts were detected. Also, cell proliferation assay using different melatonin concentrations (0, 10(-9), 10(-5), 10(-4) m) was carried out. The results showed that both MT1 and MT2 receptors are expressed in osteoblasts of the controls. While MT1 receptors were expressed in osteoblasts of all AIS subjects, osteoblasts of only 7 of 11 AIS showed expression of MT2 receptors. Melatonin stimulated control osteoblasts to proliferate. However, proliferation of AIS osteoblasts without expression of MT2 receptor, after treatment with melatonin, was minimal when compared with control and AIS osteoblasts with MT2 receptor expression. The proliferation of AIS osteoblasts with MT2 receptor was greater than those without. This is the first report demonstrating a difference between AIS and normal osteoblasts in the protein expression of MT2 receptor. The results suggest that there is a possible functional effect of MT2 receptor on osteoblast proliferation. AIS osteoblasts without expression of MT2 receptor showed the lowest percentage of viable cells after melatonin treatment. This possibly indicates the modulating role of melatonin through MT2 receptor on the proliferation of osteoblasts.

Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS) is increasingly recognized as a cause of various neurological disorders but a high index of suspicion is important to make the diagnosis. We report two Chinese patients with GLUT1DS, one of which had a novel mutation in the SLC2A1 gene.

A dimeric 64-kDa lectin was purified from seeds of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivar number 1. The purification protocol entailed Q-Sepharose, Affi-gel blue gel, Mono S and Superdex 75. The lectin-enriched fraction was adsorbed on Q-Sepharose and Affi-gel blue gel and desorbed using 1M NaCl in the starting buffer. Hemagglutinating activity was adsorbed on Mono S and eluted with a linear 0.3-1 M NaCl gradient. Gel filtration on Superdex 75 yielded a single absorbance peak which appeared as a single 32-kDa in sodium dodecyl sulfate poylacylamide gel electrophoresis. Full hemagglutinating activity was observed when the lectin was exposed to a pH ranging from 3 to 11. About 50% activity remained at pH 12, and about 25% at pH 0 to pH 2. Activity was totally abolished at pH 13-14. The activity was completely preserved when the ambient temperature was 20 °C-60 °C. However, only 50% and 12.5% of the activity remained at 65 °C and 70 °C, respectively. Activity was barely discernible at 75 °C and completely abrogated at and above 80 °C. Hemagglutinating activity of the lectin was inhibited by glucuronic acid. Maximum mitogenic activity of the lectin toward murine splenocytes occurred at a lectin concentration of 0.488 µM. The mitogenic activity was nearly eliminated in the presence of 250 mM glucuronic acid. The lectin did not exhibit antiproliferative activity toward hepatoma (HepG2) cells, breast cancer (MCF7) cells, and nasopharynegeal carcinoma CNE stage 1 and stage 2 cells. It was also devoid of significant anti-HIV reverse transcriptase activity.

Protease inhibitors (PIs) and hemagglutinins are defense proteins produced by many organisms. From Chinese mini-black soybeans, a 17.5-kDa PI was isolated using chromatography on Q-Sepharose, SP-Sepharose, and DEAE-cellulose. A 25-kDa hemagglutinin was purified similarly, but using Superdex 75 instead of DEAE-cellulose in the final step. The PI inhibited trypsin and chymotrypsin (IC50= 7.2 and 8.8 μM). Its trypsin inhibitory activity was stable from pH 2 to pH 13 and from 0∘C to 70∘C. The hemagglutinin activity of the hemagglutinin was stable from pH 2 to pH 13 and from 0∘C to 75∘C. The results indicated that both PI and hemagglutinin were relatively thermostable and pH-stable. The trypsin inhibitory activity was inhibited by dithiothreitol, signifying the importance of the disulfide bond to the activity. The hemagglutinating activity was inhibited most potently by D (+)-raffinose and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, suggesting that the hemagglutinin was specific for these two sugars. Both PI and hemagglutinin inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (IC50= 3.2 and 5.5 μM), proliferation of breast cancer cells (IC50= 9.7 and 3.5 μM), and hepatoma cells (IC50= 35 and 6.2 μM), with relatively high potencies.

An antifungal peptide with a defensin-like sequence and exhibiting a molecular mass of 7.3kDa was purified from dried seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris 'Cloud Bean'. The isolation procedure entailed anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, affinity chromatography an Affi-gel blue gel, cation exchange chromatography on SP-Sepharose, and gel filtration by fast protein liquid chromatography on Superdex 75. Although the antifungal peptide was unadsorbed on DEAE-cellulose, it was adsorbed on both Affi-gel blue gel and SP-Sepharose. The antifungal peptide exerted antifungal activity against Mycosphaerella arachidicola with an IC(50) value of 1.8 μM. It was also active against Fusarium oxysporum with an IC(50) value of 2.2 μM. It had no inhibitory effect on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase when tested up to 100 μM. Proliferation of L1210 mouse leukemia cells and MBL2 lymphoma cells was inhibited by the antifungal peptide with an IC(50) of 10 μM and 40 μM, respectively.

A monomeric alanine aminopeptidase was purified to a single band in SDS–PAGE from bovine skeletal muscle by using a procedure including ammonium sulphate fractionation, adsorption on DEAE–cellulose, gel filtration on Ultrogel ACA 34, and adsorption on hydroxyapatite. Molecular weight determination by gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis yielded a molecular size of 60 kDa. The aminopeptidase activity was optimal at pH 8.0 and 37 °C. It was totally abolished by Co 2+ and Zn 2+ ions, and almost completely inhibited by bestatin and Mn 2+ . The activity was strongly inactivated by phenylmethansulfonyl fluoride, Mg 2+ , and Fe 3+ ions but stimulated by pepstatin and EDTA. However the activity was not affected by Ca 2+ , puromycin and iodoacetate. When compared with its activity toward Ala-β-naphthylamides (Ala-βNA), the enzyme exhibited 15–17% as much activity toward Pro- and Leu-βNA, 4–6% activity toward Met- and Arg-βNA, and negligible or no activity toward Glu- and Ser-βNA.

Herba Epimedii is a Chinese herbal medicine with proven efficacy in treating cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis, and in improving sexual and neurological functions. This efficacy is found to be related to the potent anti-oxidative ability of Herba Epimedii and its flavonoid components, with icarrin as the main effective constituent, along with polysaccharides and vitamin C. These ingredients have been proven to be effective against oxidative-stress related pathologies (cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and inflammation) in animal rodent models and in vitro studies. Their anti-oxidative properties are found to be related to an inductive effect on endogenous free-radical scavenging enzymes such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase and the inherent electron-donating ability of flavonoids.

A pumpkin 2S albumin with ribonuclease (RNase) activity was purified from pumpkin seeds ( Cucurbita sp.) by liquid chromatographic techniques. It manifested potent RNase activity toward baker’s yeast RNA and calf liver RNA, and some polyhomoribonucleotides, including poly(A), poly(U) and poly(C) but not poly(G). Moreover, it was able to hydrolyze total RNA of both animal and plant origins. Ions such as Na + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Zn 2+ inhibited its RNase activity. Since RNase activity has not been previously reported in 2S albumins, this work may shed further light on the biological importance of this group of proteins.

A dimeric 70-kDa chymotrypsin inhibitor with substantial N-terminal sequence homology to serine protease inhibitors was isolated from Acacia confusa seeds. The chymotrypsin inhibitor was purified using a protocol that entailed ion exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose, SP-Sepharose and fast protein liquid chromatography-gel filtration on Superdex 75. The chymotrypsin inhibitor was unadsorbed on both Q-Sepharose and SP-Sepharose. Its chymotrypsin inhibitory activity was stable from pH 3 to 10 and from 0 to 50 degrees C. It exerted antiproliferative activity toward breast cancer MCF-7 cells with an IC(50) of 10.7+/-4.2 microM. It inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase with an IC(50) of 8+/-1.5 microM. It was devoid of antifungal activity toward a variety of fungal species. The distinctive features of the chymotrypsin inhibitor included dimeric nature, a high molecular mass, lack of trypsin inhibitory activity, highly potent HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity, specific antitumor activity and relatively high pH-stability.

A novel laccase from Tricholoma mongolicum was purified by using a procedure which entailed ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, CM-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, and FPLC-gel filtration on Superdex 75. The purified enzyme was obtained with a specific activity of 1480 U/mg-protein and a final yield of 15%. It was found to be a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of 66 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence was GIGPVADLYVGNRIL, similar to some but different other mushroom laccase. The optimum pH and temperature for the purified enzyme were pH 2 to pH 3 and 30 degrees C, respectively. It displayed a low K(m) toward 2,7-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazolone-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and high K(cat)/K(m) values. The purified laccase oxidized a wide range of lignin-related phenols, but exerted maximal activity on ABTS. It was significantly inhibited by Hg(2+) ions, and remarkably stimulated by Cu(2+) ions. It inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and proliferation of hepatoma HepG2 cells and breast cancer MCF7 cells with an IC50 of 0.65 microM, 1.4 microM, and 4.2 microM, respectively, indicating that it is also an antipathogenic protein.

Lectins, a class of proteins that reversibly and non-enzymatically bind specific sugars, have been purified from different kinds of legumes. In this study, a 48-kDa lectin (KBL) was purified from Korean large black soybeans using liquid chromatography. The specific hemagglutinating activity of the KBL was 4096 titer/mg. EDTA-induced loss of hemagglutinating activity of KBL could be recovered by addition of Fe(3+) ions and some divalent cations as Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), and Pb(2+). Sugars such as D-(+)-galactose, D-(+)-raffinose, L-(+)-arabinose, alpha-D-(+)-melibiose, and alpha-lactose could inhibit the hemagglutinating activity of the lectin. Furthermore, the protein showed high thermal stability as well as stability over a wide range of pH values. KBL inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity with an IC(50) of 1.38 microM. However, it was destitute of cytokine releasing, mitogenic, ribonuclease and antifungal activities. In addition, inhibitory activity toward nasopharyngeal cell lines was undetectable in KBL at concentrations up to 20 microM.

A protease with a molecular mass of 28 kDa, designated as hmsp, was isolated from fresh fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Hypsizigus marmoreus. The purification protocol entailed ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, CM-cellulose, and FPLC-gel filtration on Superdex 75. The protease was unadsorbed on DEAE-cellulose but adsorbed on CM-cellulose. hmsp was thermolabile, and exhibited a temperature optimum at 50 °C and a pH optimum at pH 7.5. The activity of the protease was adversely affected by PMSF, EGTA and aprotinin, indicating that it is a serine protease. Based on the N-terminal sequence, the cDNA of hmsp was cloned by using RACE combined with the TAIL-PCR method. The deduced protease sequence contained a signal peptide with 19 amino acids, a pro-region with 82 amino acids, and a mature protease with 285 amino acids and a molecular mass of 28.07 kDa. It possessed the three active sites characteristic of the subtilisin family (S8A). hmsp demonstrated 63%, 57% and 44% identity in amino acid sequence respectively to Absp1, Absp2, and Gf-spr1, which are serine proteases from Agaricus bisporus and Grifola frondosa.

A novel laccase from the edible mushroom Clitocybe maxima was purified and characterized. The purification protocol involved ammonium sulfate saturation, ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, SP-Sepharose, and Q-Sepharose, and gel filtration by fast protein liquid chromatography on Superdex 75. It was a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of 62 kDa as estimated by SDS-PAGE. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence was DIGPVTPLAI, which exhibited partial sequence homology to those of published mushroom laccases. Its optimum pH was 3.0 and its optimum temperature was 60 °C. It manifested degrading activity towards a variety of phenolic compounds. The most sensitive substrate for the enzyme was 2,7′-azinobis[3-ethylbenzothiazolone-6-sulfonic acid]diammonium salt (ABTS), with a K m of 61.7 μM at pH 3.0 and 37 °C. The ranking of degradation activity toward phenolic substrates was ABTS > hydroquinone > N,N-dimethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine > pyrogallol > catechol > 2-methylcatechol. The laccase showed antiproliferative activity against Hep G2 and MCF-7 tumor cells with IC 50 of 12.3 μM and 3.0 μM, respectively. It also lowered the activity of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase with an IC 50 of 14.4 μM.

A dimeric 64 kDa HA (haemagglutinin) was isolated with a high yield from dried Phaseolus vulgaris cultivar ‘French bean number 35’ seeds. It inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma HepG2 cells and breast cancer MCF-7 cells with an IC50 of 100 and 2 μM respectively. After exposure of MCF-7 cells to the HA for 24 h, a number of changes were detected in the cells. Growth arrest in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases was observed. The number of cells undergoing early apoptosis and late apoptosis increased. Disruption of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and disorganization of the inner mitochondrial membrane were induced. Western-blot analysis disclosed that the HA induced apoptosis through the death receptor-mediated pathway.

An antiproliferative ribonuclease with a new N-terminal sequence was purified from fruiting bodies of the edible wild mushroom Russula delica in this study. This novel ribonuclease was unadsorbed on DEAE-cellulose, but absorbed on SP-Sepharose and Q-Sepharose. It had a molecular mass of 14 kDa as judged by fast protein liquid chromatography on Superdex 75 and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Its optimal pH and optimal temperature were pH 5 and 60 degrees , respectively. The ranking of its activity toward various polyhomoribonucleotides was poly C > poly G > poly A > poly U. It could inhibit proliferation of HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cells with an IC50 value of 8.6 microM and 7.2 microM, respectively. It was devoid of antifungal and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity.

The use of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) as a food and medicine for improving human vision has a long history all over the world. However, there is lack of convincing evidence from rigorous clinical trials or scientific research. This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of bilberry extracts on the cell viability, cell cycle and the expression of hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans of cultured human corneal limbal epithelial cells. The data showed that bilberry extracts had no cytotoxicity to the corneal limbal epithelial cells at a wide range of concentrations (10(-9)-10(-4) M, equalized to the content of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside). Bilberry extract (10(-6), 10(-5) and 10(-4) M) increased cell viability after 48 h incubation. The number of cells decreased in G(0)/G(1) phase and increased prominently in S and G(2)/M phases after treatment with bilberry extracts at a high concentration (10(-4) M). The expression of glycosaminoglycans increased prominently after incubation with bilberry extracts (10(-7) and 10(-4) M) for 48 h while no significant changes were observed for the expression of hyaluronic acid. The results indicated that bilberry extract may be beneficial for the physiological renewal and homeostasis of corneal epithelial cells.

A dimeric lectin with a molecular weight of 60 kDa and high hemagglutinating activity was isolated from fresh fruiting bodies of the wild mushroom Russula delica. The lectin was composed of two identical subunits, each with a molecular weight of 30 kDa. It was adsorbed on both SP-Sepharose and Q-Sepharose and unadsorbed on DEAE-cellulose. Its hemagglutinating activity was stable up to 70 degrees C, and in HCl and NaOH solutions of concentrations up to 25 and 12.5 mM, respectively. The activity was inhibited by inulin and o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside. Al3+, Fe3+ and Zn2+ ions, but not by Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+ ions. Mg2+ ions at 10 mM concentration potentiated the hemagglutinating activity of the lectin. Russula delica lectin was devoid of mitogenic activity toward mouse splenocytes, but potently inhibited proliferation of HepG2 hepatoma and MCF 7 breast cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 0.88 microM and 0.52 microM, respectively. It potently inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activity with an IC50 of 0.26 microM.

A 15-kDa RNase was purified from Pleurotus djamor using ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence was different from previously reported RNase sequences of mushrooms belonging to the genus of Pleurotus and other genera. The RNase exhibited maximal RNase activity at pH 4.6 and 60 degrees C. Its activity toward polyhomoribonucleotides was poly(U)poly(C)poly(A)poly(G). It inhibited proliferation of hepatoma cells and breast cancer cells. The ranking of inhibitory potencies of metal ions on RNase activity was Fe(3+)Al(3+)Ca(2+)Hg(2+). The isolated RNase had a distinctive N-terminal sequence and optimum pH. It exhibited antiproliferative activity on tumor cells.

A 33.5-kDa serine protease designated as helvellisin was isolated from dried fruiting bodies of the wild ascomycete mushroom Helvella lacunosa . It was purified by using a procedure which entailed ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, CM-Sepharose, Q-Sepharose, and FPLC-gel filtration on Superdex 75. The protease was characterized by unique N-terminal amino acid sequence, thermostability and pH stability. The protease exhibited a pH optimum of 11.0 and a temperature optimum of 65 °C, with about 40% activity remaining at 87 °C and pH 5 and 13. Helvellisin demonstrated a protease activity of 14 600 U/mg toward casein. The K m of the purified protease for casein was 3.81 mg/ml at pH 11.0 and 37 °C. The V max was 5.35 × 10 − 2 mg ml − 1 min − 1 . It was adversely affected by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, suggesting that it is serine protease. The activity of the protease was enhanced by Mg 2+ , Fe 2+ and Mn 2+ , but was curtailed by Cu 2+ , Hg 2+ and Fe 3+ . It was devoid of antifungal and ribonuclease activities.

A lectin designated asHericium erinaceumagglutinin (HEA) was isolated from dried fruiting bodies of the mushroomHericium erinaceumwith a chromatographic procedure which entailed DEAE-cellulose, CM-cellulose, Q-Sepharose, and FPLC Superdex 75. Its molecular mass was estimated to be 51 kDa and its N-terminal amino acid sequences was distinctly different from those of other isolated mushroom lectins. The hemagglutinating activity of HEA was inhibited at the minimum concentration of 12.5 mM by inulin. The lectin was stable at pH 1.9–12.1 and at temperatures up to C, but was inhibited by , , and ions. The lectin exhibited potent mitogenic activity toward mouse splenocytes, and demonstrated antiproliferative activity toward hepatoma (HepG2) and breast cancer (MCF7) cells with an of 56.1 M and 76.5 M, respectively. It manifested HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity with an of 31.7 M. The lectin exhibited potent mitogenic activity toward murine splenocytes but was devoid of antifungal activity.

A purification protocol that comprised ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, affinity chromatography on Affi-gel blue gel, ion exchange chromatography on SP-Sepharose, and gel filtration by FPLC on Superdex 75 was complied to isolate two trypsin inhibitors from Phaseolus vulgaris cv “White Cloud Bean”. Both trypsin inhibitors exhibited a molecular mass of 16 kDa and reduced the activity of trypsin with an I C 5 0 value of about 0.6 𝜇 M. Dithiothreitol attenuated the trypsin inhibitory activity, signifying that an intact disulfide bond is indispensable to the activity. [Methyl- 3 H ] thymidine incorporation by leukemia L1210 cells was inhibited with an I C 5 0 value of 28.8 𝜇 M and 21.5 𝜇 M, respectively. They were lacking in activity toward lymphoma MBL2 cells and inhibitory effect on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and fungal growth when tested up to 100 𝜇 M.