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Seed germination is the beginning of a new lifecycle, and involves many complex physiological and biochemical reactions including seed reserve mobilization in the endosperm and nutrient transport and reuse in the embryo. Although glutelin is a dominant storage protein in rice, its contribution to seed germination and its regulatory mechanisms are mostly unknown. Gibberellin (GA) and brassinosteroid (BR), two major growth-promoting phytohormones, also play positive roles in controlling seed germination. However, how GA and BR interact and coordinate seed germination and facilitate glutelin mobilization remains unclear. In the present study, biochemical and physiological analyses of seed germination indicated that both GA and BR promote seed germination and post-germination growth. Exogenous application of GA restored germination defects caused by BR deficiency or insensitivity. Proteomic and qRT-PCR results showed that the expression of several glutelin proteins and their encoding genes was induced by BR and GA in the embryo. Expression assays suggested that the increased accumulation of glutelin protein in the embryo was due to the accelerated degradation of glutelin by a cysteine proteinase (REP-1) in the endosperm. The breakdown of glutelin in the endosperm showed a strict positive correspondence with the length of the shoot. The GluA2 mutation led to reduced degradation rate of glutelin and defects in seed germination, and the promotion effect of GA on seed germination was weakened in the glua2 mutant. In vitro culture assay of rice embryos showed that glutelin mobilization functioned downstream of the GA and BR pathways to promote shoot elongation. These findings suggest a mechanism that mediates crosstalk between BR and GA in co-regulating rice seed germination and embryo growth.

Shopee was the largest e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia in 2020 by gross merchandise value and total orders. It is currently one of the leading e-commerce platforms in Malaysia. Despite the intense competition in the e-commerce space, Shopee has expanded aggressively across the Southeast Asian region over the last few years. Its successful business expansion is likely attributed to its profound competitive advantages. This study aims to examine the primary factors influencing customer satisfaction towards using Shopee for online purchasing in Malaysia. A survey questionnaire was used for data collection. A total of 100 Shopee users from Malaysia responded to the survey. The findings revealed that perceived ease of use and perceived convenience had influenced the customer satisfaction toward online purchasing on Shopee in Malaysia. Meanwhile, perceived usefulness and perceived trust did not significantly influence customer satisfaction towards Shopee in Malaysia. This study provides Shopee with valuable insights and guidance on customers’ perception of Shopee, leading to improved customer satisfaction.

Coordinated regulation of amylose and amylopectin synthesis via manipulation of SSII-2, SSII-3 and Wx expression in endosperm can improve rice eating and cooking quality. With increasing rice consumption worldwide, many researchers are working to increase the yield and improve grain quality, especially eating and cooking quality (ECQ). The rice ECQ is mainly controlled by the expression of starch synthesis-related genes (SSRGs) in endosperm. Although the Wx and SSII-3/SSIIa/ALK genes, two major SSRGs, have been manipulated to improve rice ECQ via various breeding approaches, new methods to further improve ECQ are desired. In our previous study, we enhanced rice ECQ by knocking down SSII-2 expression in the japonica Nipponbare cultivar (carrying the Wxb allele) via RNA interference. Herein, the SSII-2 RNAi was introduced into two Nipponbare-derived near-isogenic lines (NILs), Nip(Wxa) and Nip(wx), carrying Wxa and wx alleles respond for high and no amylose levels, respectively. Analysis of physicochemical properties revealed that the improved grain quality of SSII-2 RNAi transgenic lines was achieved by coordinated downregulating the expression of SSII-2, SSII-3 and Wx. To further confirm this conclusion, we generated ssii-2, ssii-3 and ssii-2ssii-3 mutants via CRISPR/Cas9 technique. The amylopectin structure of the resulting ssii-2sii-3 mutants was similar to that in SSII-2 RNAi transgenic lines, and the absence of SSII-2 decreased the amylose content, gelatinisation temperature and rapid visco-analyser profile, indicating essential roles for SSII-2 in the regulation of amylopectin biosynthesis and amylose content in rice endosperm. The effect of SSII-2 was seen only when the activity of SSII-3 was very low or lacking. Our study provides novel approaches and valuable germplasm resources for improving ECQ via plant breeding.

BZR1 and BES1 are key transcription factors of brassinosteroid (BR) signaling and represent the integration node of numerous signaling cascades. Their direct target genes have been identified, and BZR1/BES1-DNA interactions have been experimentally verified. Importantly, BZR1/BES1 also integrate different growth and development events via direct protein-protein interactions. For instance, DELLAs, PIFs, ARF6, and PKL, all directly interact with BZR1/BES1, forming a BZR1/BES1-centered regulatory network to coordinate cell elongation. By dissecting various BZR1/BES1-mediated BR responses, the concept that BZR1/BES1 act as an integration hub in multisignal-regulated plant growth and development was developed. The regulation of BZR1/BES1 is dynamic and multifaceted, including phosphorylation status, activity, and stability. Moreover, certain epigenetic modification mechanisms are involved in BZR1/BES1's regulation of gene expression. Herein, we review recent advances in BZR1/BES1-mediated molecular connections between BR and other pathways, highlighting the central role of the BZR1/BES1 interactome in optimizing plant growth and development.

N,N′-diisobutyloxycarbonyl-N″,N‴-(1,3-propylene)-bisthiourea ( L ) and its silver(I) and gold(I) complexes were designed and synthesized. Treatment of 1,3-propanediamine with the isothiocyanate i PrCH 2 OC(O)NCS yielded bisthiourea L with over 90% yield. Treatment of L with AgNO 3 in CH 3 CN afforded coordination polymer {[Ag( L )(NO 3 )·CH 3 CN]} n ( 1 ) with layer structure, while with HAuCl 4 in CH 3 CN resulted in reduction of Au 3+ to Au + to yield molecular [Au( L )Cl] ( 2 ). Ligand L and complexes 1 and 2 were fully characterized by IR, 1 H NMR, UV–Vis, cyclic voltammetry and element analysis. The X-ray diffraction analysis displays that the bisthiourea L behaves as sulfur donor to coordinate to Ag and Au atom with μ 3- (S, μ 2 -S′,S′) and μ 2 -S, S′ coordination mode in 1 and 2 , respectively.

Wound healing impairment is increasingly recognized to be a consequence of hyperglycemia-induced dysfunction of endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin exhibits potential for the improvement of endothelial function and the wound healing process. However, the underlying mechanisms for the observed beneficial effects of metformin application remain to be completely understood. The present study assessed whether metformin, a widely used therapeutic drug for T2DM, may accelerate wound closure in T2DM db/db mice. Genetically hyperglycemic db/db mice were used as the T2DM model. Metformin (250 mg/kg/day; intragastric) was administered for two weeks prior to EPC collection and wound model creation in db/db mice. Wound healing was evaluated by alterations in the wound area and the number of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-positive cells. The function of the isolated bone marrow-derived EPCs (BM-EPCs) was assessed by a tube formation assay. The number of circulating EPCs, and the levels of intracellular nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2−) were detected by flow cytometry. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) expression was determined by western blot analysis. It was observed that treatment with metformin accelerated wound healing, improved angiogenesis and increased the circulating EPC number in db/db mice. In vitro, treatment with metformin reversed the impaired BM-EPC function reflected by tube formation, and significantly increased NO production while decreasing O2− levels in BM-EPCs from db/db mice. In addition, TSP-1 expression was markedly attenuated by treatment with metformin in cultured BM-EPCs. Metformin contributed to wound healing and improved angiogenesis in T2DM mice, which was, in part, associated with stimulation of NO, and inhibition of O2− and TSP-1 in EPCs from db/db mice.

// Ying-Hui Tong 1, * , Bo Zhang 2, * , You-You Yan 2 , Yun Fan 3 , Jia-Wen Yu 1 , Si-Si Kong 1 , Dan Zhang 2 , Luo Fang 1 , Dan Su 3 and Neng-Ming Lin 2 1 Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China 2 Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Translational Medicine Research Center, Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China 3 Key Laboratory Diagnosis and Treatment Technology on Thoracic Oncology (Esophagus, Lung), Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Neng-Ming Lin, email: lnm1013@163.com Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), prognosis, dual-negative expression Received: January 12, 2017 Accepted: April 03, 2017 Published: April 25, 2017 ABSTRACT Functional studies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients revealed that hyperactivation of the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway facilitates tumor growth. We examined the usefulness of Nrf2 and NQO1 as indicators of prognosis in NSCLC. Tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissue samples were collected from 215 NSCLC patients who had tumor resections between 2006 and 2011. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect Nrf2 or NQO1 expression. The correlation between Nrf2 or NQO1 expression and survival outcomes was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Levels of Nrf2 and NQO1 were elevated in tumor tissues. In particular, Nrf2 was elevated in nearly all tumor cells. NQO1 expression positively correlated with Nrf2 expression ( P = 0.039). Nrf2 expression positively correlated with lymph node metastasis ( P = 0.001) and negatively correlated with tumor differentiation ( P = 0.032). As compared with either Nrf2 or NQO1 alone, dual-negative expression of Nrf2 and NQO1 was more predictive of superior overall survival ( P = 0.020) and disease free survival ( P = 0.037). Subgroup analyses showed that females, nonsmokers, and patients with advanced-stage NSCLC were suitable populations in which to evaluate prognosis based on Nrf2 and NQO1 co-expression. These results indicate that dual-negative expression of Nrf2 and NQO1 is predictive of a better prognosis in NSCLC patients.

This paper presents a new solution to reduce the thermal interference of vertical U-tube ground heat exchanger (UGHE): pipe insulation installed on the upward branch pipe of the U-tube. 3-dimensional numerical models of the UGHE with and without pipe insulation were developed to simulate the heat transfer process around the UGHE. The models were verified with previously published data. The effects of pipe insulation on outlet temperature, soil temperature, heat exchange rate per unit length of borehole depth and soil temperature recovery ratio were investigated. The effects of inlet velocity of heat transfer fluid (HTF) and the thermal conductivity of backfill material were also studied to fully assess the effects of the insulation. The results indicate that the average outlet temperature of HTF, soil temperature near the upward branch pipe and soil temperature recovery ratio all increased and the thermal interference can be effectively weakened when pipe insulation was installed.

To establish the quantitative detection method for Pinellia ternata in Banxia decoction by polymerase chain reaction( PCR) and to explore a suitable quantitative analysis method for medicinal materials in liquid preparation of traditional Chinese medicine.The PCR method was adopted for analyzing Pinellia ternata in Banxia decoction based on the specific detection of ITS region. The PCR amplification products were analyzed with agarose gel electrophoresis. The relationship between the percentage of Pinellia ternata in Banxia decoction with the PCR products were established. In addition,Real-Time PCR assay and agarose gel electrophoresis were applied in the quantitative detection.Accurate quantitative analysis of Pinellia ternata medicinal materials can be achieved by two methods,and a better linear correlation in the standard curve( r = 0. 9943) were obtained with agarose gel electrophoresis method.A high specificity and sufficient reproducibility PCR technology with agarose gel eletroghoresis method has been established for the quantitative detection of Pinellia ternata in Banxia decoction. The quantitative detection of medicinal materials in decoction based on PCR technology was reported for the first time.

To explore the value of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).R banding technique was used for karyotype analysis in 43 cases of CLL, and fluorescence in situ hybridization（FISH） technique was used for analysis of 5 genes in 43 cases of CLL, including D13S25, RB1,ATM, P53 and CEP 12 .The detection rate of chromosome abnormality was 9.3％ for the 43 cases. The chromosome karyotype abnormality was involoved in the number abnormality and the structural abnormality, including No. 2, 6, 14, and sex chromosome. The patients with normal chromosome karyotype were more common（79.1％）. At the same time, mitotic figure in 5 CLL patients did not observed. The positive rate of FISH detection was 55.8％(24/43). Among which, D13S25 deletion was the highest and reached to 37.2％, followed by RB1 deletion（20.9％）, CEP 12 amplification（16.3％）, ATM deletion（9.3％） and P53 deletion（7.0％）. In 24 FISH-positive cases, 20 cases displayed the normal chromosome karyotype, and in 3 cases the mitotic figure was absent. There was only one case of abnormal chromosome, which was not involved in the positive gene tested by FISH.FISH is an important means of CLL genetic detection, which can greatly raise the detection rate of cytogenetics abnormalities in CLL, but the probe quantity is limited, so it is necessary to use FISH technology combined with chromosome karyotype analysis so as to improve the detection rate of abnormal cytogenetics, and provide the basis for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of CLL.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are essential plant-specific steroidal hormones that regulate diverse growth and developmental processes in plants. We evaluated the effects of OsDWF4, a gene that encodes a rate-limiting enzyme in BR biosynthesis, on both rice yield and quality when driven by the Gt1 or Ubi promoter, which correspond to seed-specific or constitutive expression, respectively. Generally, transgenic plants expressing OsDWF4 showed increased grain yield with more tillers and longer and heavier seeds. Moreover, the starch physicochemical properties of the transgenic rice were also improved. Interestingly, OsDWF4 was found to exert different effects on either rice yield or quality when driven by the different promoters. The overall performance of the pGt1::OsDWF4 lines was better than that of the pUbi::OsDWF4 lines. Our data not only demonstrate the effects of OsDWF4 overexpression on both rice yield and quality but also suggest that a seed-specific promoter is a good choice in BR-mediated rice breeding programs.

Light and brassinosteroid (BR) are master environmental stimulus and endogenous cue for plant growth and development respectively. Great progress has been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms on the cross-talk between light and BR. However, little is known about how BZR1, the pivotal integration node, is regulated by light and dark. Here, we demonstrated that an intact BR signaling pathway is essential for dark-induced hypocotyl elongation. Consequent expression assay showed that light–dark switch affected BZR1 phosphorylation and accumulation. Moreover, blocking the 26S proteasome pathway promoted the accumulation of both phosphorylated and dephosphorylated BZR1 proteins. Restriction of new protein biosynthesis had multiple effects on BZR1 phosphorylation status and stability, relying on the availability of light and the 26S proteasome pathways. Furthermore, sugar treatment strikingly enhanced the accumulation of total BZR1 under either light or dark conditions, likely by repressing transcript abundance of MAX2, a gene encoding an E3 ligase for BZR1. Finally, light-regulated phosphorylation change of BZR1 requires the existence of endogenous BR as well as functional BIN2 and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Taken together, our results depicted a light-involved complex regulation network of BZR1 stability and phosphorylation status.

Refractory wound is a dreaded complication of diabetes and is highly correlated with EPC dysfunction caused by hyperglycemia. Acarbose is a widely used oral glucose-lowering drug exclusively for T2DM. Previous studies have suggested the beneficial effect of acarbose on improving endothelial dysfunction in patients with T2DM. However, no data have been reported on the beneficial efficacy of acarbose in wound healing impairment caused by diabetes. We herein investigated whether acarbose could improve wound healing in T2DMdb/dbmice and the possible mechanisms involved. Acarbose hastened wound healing and enhanced angiogenesis, accompanied by increased circulating EPC number indb/dbmice. In vitro, a reversed BM-EPC dysfunction was observed after the administration of acarbose indb/dbmice, as reflected by tube formation assay. In addition, a significantly increased NO production was also witnessed in BM-EPCs from acarbose treateddb/dbmice, with decreased O2levels. Akt inhibitor could abolish the beneficial effect of acarbose on high glucose induced EPC dysfunction in vitro, accompanied by reduced eNOS activation. Acarbose displayed potential effect in promoting wound healing and improving angiogenesis in T2DM mice, which was possibly related to the Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.

Polyphyllin I (PPI), a bioactive component extracted from Paris polyphylla, was reported to have potent anticancer activities in previous studies. However, there were few reports on the effects and underlying mechanism of PPI in human acute myeloid leukemia cells. The present study demonstrated that PPI had an inhibitory effect through inducing apoptosis and autophagy in THP-1 and NB4 cells. PPI induced apoptosis via activating JNK pathway, as evidenced by the decreased Bcl-2 levels and increased Bax, cleaved-caspase-3 and phosphorylated-JNK expressions. In addition, PPI promoted autophagy as evidenced with increased expressions of LC3-II and Beclin-1 in western blot and autophagic vacuoles in MDC staining, which was associated with the inhibition of AKT-mTOR pathway. Furthermore, JNK inhibitor SP600125 and autophagy inhibitor 3-MA were employed to evaluate the role of apoptosis and autophagy in PPI-induced cell death. We found that autophagy and apoptosis were both causes of cell death induced by PPI. These data suggested that PPI could be a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of human acute myeloid leukemia.

This paper presents a mathematical model for simulating the heat transfer process in a latent heat thermal energy storage tank containing spherical capsules that can be used in conventional air-conditioning systems. The thermal performance, including the melting point and melting latent heat, of a new phase change material (PCM), which is developed for use in conventional air-conditioning systems, is studied. The buoyancy of the encapsulated PCM during the melting process was specifically considered. The numerical method studied was an effective heat capacity method. An experimental cool storage air-conditioning system with a storage tank was designed and constructed. The model was validated by comparing the numerical results with experimental measurements. The effects of heat transfer fluid (HTF) inlet temperature, Stefan number, flow rate of heat transfer fluid, the complete discharging time, cold storage capacity of the storage tank and distribution of water temperature in the cold storage device were investigated. The results of the study indicate that although an increased flow rate does not appreciably change the total storage capacity, changing the inlet temperature does have an effect on total storage capacity.

Background Endothelial dysfunction has been suggested as a possible causal link between hyperglycemia and microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus. The effect of metformin on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is still unclear. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that metformin could accelerate wound healing by improving the impaired EPC functions in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Methods Streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg/d × 5 d, i.p.) was injected to induce type 1 diabetes in male C57BL/6 mice. Mice were treated with metformin (250 mg/kg/d, i.g.) for consecutive 14 days. Wound closure was evaluated by wound area and number of CD31 stained capillaries. Functions of bone marrow-endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs) were assessed by tube formation and migration assays, and expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was determined by western blot analysis. Results Metformin accelerated wound closure and stimulated angiogenesis in diabetic mice. The number of circulating EPCs was increased significantly in metformin treated diabetic mice. Abilities of tube formation and migration of BM-EPCs were impaired in diabetic mice, which were improved by metformin. Expression of both phosphorylated-AMPK and phosphorylated-eNOS was significantly increased, and nitric oxide (NO) production was enhanced by metformin in BM-EPCs of diabetic mice. In vitro, metformin improved impaired BM-EPC functions, and increased phosphorylated-eNOS expression and NO production in cultured BM-EPCs caused by high glucose, which was prevented by the AMPK inhibitor compound C. Conclusions Our results suggest that metformin could improve BM-EPC functions in STZ-induced diabetic mice, which was possibly dependent on the AMPK/eNOS pathway. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-016-0408-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background & AimsMetformin is currently the most widely used first-line hypoglycemic agent for diabetes mellitus. Besides glucose-lowering action, there is increasingly interest in the potential anti-inflammatory action of this drug. In the present study, we investigated the actions of metformin on experimental insulitis using STZ-induced diabetic mice.MethodsMice with acute diabetes induced by STZ were administered metformin by gavage. Changes of blood glucose and body weight, and the daily amount of food and water intake were measured. Pancreatic tissues were collected for histologic analyses. Pathological assessment and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to determine the effect of metformin on insulitis. Inflammatory cytokines in the pancreas and insulin levels were measured through ELISA analysis.ResultsMetformin significantly reduced blood glucose levels and improved aberrant water intake behavior in experimental diabetic mice. No significant differences were observed in terms of body weight and food intake behavior in metformin-treated animals. In the STZ-induced model of diabetes, we found the appearance of pronounced insulitis. However, metformin administration reduced the severity of insulitis assessed by blind pathological scoring. In addition, metformin treatment improved insulin levels in experimental diabetic mice. ELISA assay revealed decreased levels of inflammatory response marker IL-1βand TNF-αin the pancreatic tissues following metformin treatment.ConclusionMetformin attenuated insulitis in the STZ-induced mice model of diabetes. This islet-protective effect might be partly correlated with the anti-inflammatory action of metformin.

Background Sepsis is a common disease that continues to increase in incidence in the world. Diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, may make the situation worse. Diabetic patients are at increased risk for common infections. This study was designed to investigate the role of glibenclamide on myocardial injury by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice (STZ-mice). Methods LPS was used to induce endotoxemia in STZ-mice. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were measured by MPA-HBBS. Serum epinephrine level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Myocardial injury was examined by light and transmission electron microscope and TUNEL staining. Macrophage infiltration was measured by immunohistochemistry. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in myocardial tissue and serum in STZ-mice, and in conditional medium of primary cultured peritoneal macrophages were determined by ELISA. Nalp3 and Caspase-1 protein levels were measured by Western blotting analysis. Results STZ administration decreased body weight and increased blood glucose in C57BL/6 mice. LPS injection caused decreases of heart rate and mean arterial pressure, and elevated serum epinephrine level in C57BL/6 mice. Compared with control mice without STZ treatment, LPS induced more severe myocardial injury and macrophage infiltration in STZ-mice, which was attenuated by pretreatment of glibenclamide. LPS stimulation enhanced the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in both cardiac tissue and serum. Glibenclamide pretreatment significantly inhibited the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Either high glucose or LPS increased the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the conditional medium of peritoneal macrophages. Glibenclamide treatment suppressed the increase of IL-1β level induced by high glucose and LPS. Furthermore, Nalp3 and Caspase-1 levels were markedly increased by high glucose plus LPS, and both proteins were significantly inhibited by glibenclamide treatment. Conclusions We conclude that glibenclamide could attenuate myocardial injury induced by LPS challenge in STZ-mice, which was possibly related to inhibiting inflammation through Nalp3 inflammasomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12933-014-0106-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To develop a UPLC method for the simultaneous determination of liquiritin, narirutin, hesperidin, ammonium glycyrrhetate, honokiol and magnolol in Huoxiang Zhengqi oral liquid.A Zorbax Eclipse C18 column was used with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0. 05% phosphate acid by gradient elution at the detection wavelength of 220 nm. The flow rate was 0.42 mL x min(-1) and the column temperature was 30 degrees C.The calibration curves were linear in the ranges of 0.001 7-0.034, 0.003 4-0.068, 0.006 4-0.128, 0.012 8-0.256, 0.003 2-0.064, 0.006 4-0.128 microg, respectively. The average recoveries were 103.3%, 98.39%, 98.29%, 102.1%, 98.45%, 102.2% with RSDs of 2.1%,1.0%, 0.50%, 2.3%, 0.9%, 2.0%, respectively.The UPLC method was simple, rapid and accurate, it could be used for quality control of Huoxiang Zhengqi oral liquid.

Determination of myriocin-like long-chain bases (MLBs) is important for physiological and pharmacological studies of Cordyceps. Herein, a simple and sensitive reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method, based on the pre-column derivatization with O-phthalaldehyde, was developed for the simultaneous determination of four MLBs, namely myriocin, phytosphingosine, sphingosine and sphinganine in Cordyceps. The chromatographic and derivatization conditions were intensively optimized, and the structures of the derivatives were confirmed by mass spectra. The developed method was applied for the analysis of four MLBs in C. sinensis, C. militaris, C. cicadae and C. gunnii and cultured C. cicadae, which also could be used for the fast determination of the MLBs in pharmaceutical products and biological fluids.