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The LJP61A suppressed macrophage foam cell formation and atherosclerotic progression by modulating Ca2+-calpain mediated autophagy inhibition.

Recombinant rice quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase (rQSOX) has the potential to improve the flour processing quality, but the mechanisms remain unclear. The effects of rQSOX on bread quality, dough rheology, and gluten structure and composition, with glucose oxidase as a positive control, were investigated. rQSOX addition could improve the dough processing quality, as proved by enhanced viscoelastic properties of dough as well as a softer crumb, higher specific volume, and lower moisture loss of bread. These beneficial effects were attributed to gluten protein polymerization and gluten network strengthening, evidenced by the improved concentration of SDS-insoluble gluten and formation of large gluten aggregates and the increased α-helix and β-turn conformation. Furthermore, decreased free sulfhydryl and increased dityrosine in gluten as well as improved H

Background Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide. Actinic keratosis (AK) is generally considered a precancerous lesion of cSCC. However, the pathogenesis and oncogenic processes of AK and cSCC remain elusive, especially in the context of photodamage. Methods In this study, transcriptome sequencing was performed on AK, cSCC, normal sun-exposed skin (NES) tissues, and normal non-sun-exposed skin (NNS) from 24 individuals. Bioinformatics analysis to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of 4 groups, and potential key genes of cSCC were validated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Results A total of 46,930 genes were differentially expressed in the 4 groups, including 127 genes that were differentially expressed between NES and NNS, 420 DEGs in AK compared to NES, 1,658 DEGs in cSCC compared to NES, and 1,389 DEGs in cSCC compared to AK. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the DEGs are involved in multiple pathways, including extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, immune, inflammatory, microbial infection, and other related pathways. Finally, 5 new genes (HEPHL1, FBN2, SULF1, SULF2, and TCN1) were confirmed significantly upregulated in cSCC. Conclusions Using transcriptome sequencing and integrated bioinformatical analysis, we have identified key DEGs and pathways in cSCC, which could improve our understanding of the cause and underlying molecular events of AK and cSCC. HEPHL1, FBN2, SULF1, SULF2, and TCN1 may be novel potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets of cSCC.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate farmers’ intentions to comply with pesticide application standards based on an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Design/methodology/approach Built on a TPB framework, it was examined how perceived behavioural control (PBC), behavioural goal (BG), behavioural attitude (BA) and subjective norm (SN) influenced farmers’ intention to comply with pesticide application standards. Data of 986 farmers from five major agricultural provinces in China were collected following a stratified random sampling method. Structural equation modelling was employed for hypothesis testing and analysis. Findings The results showed that PBC, BG, behavioural attitude and SN had positive impacts on farmers’ intention in abiding by the standards. Among them in determining farmers’ intention towards compliance with pesticide application standards, farmers’ PBC was found to be the most influential factor, while SN was the least influential factor. Originality/value The results indicated that the traditional TPB constructs had significant correlations with farmers’ intention to comply with pesticide standards, demonstrating the applicability of the TPB in the understanding of farmers’ decision-making in a developing country context. It is suggested that psychological factors should be taken into consideration in studying farmers’ decision-making.

Objective To explore the effect of hemofiltration combined with alprostadil on the treatment of rhabdomyolysis-related acute renal failure. Methods Forty-two patients with acute renal failure caused by rhabdomyolysis syndrome were divided into the treatment group (n=21) and control group (n=21). Creatine kinase (CK), creatinine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), urine volume (UV), APACHEⅡscore, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) before and after the treatment were measured. Results The levels of CK and CK-MB in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 1, 2, 3 and 5d after treatment (P

Objective To study the effects of alprostadil on acute kidney injury after resuscitation to standard state in septic shock patients. Methods Adopting the method for random, single blind and placebo controlled trial, the patients diagnosed with acute kidney injury due to septic shock at Department of ICU, First Hospital of Lanzhou University during November 2015 to November 2016 were recruited in this study. According to early goal-directed therapy (EGDT), the patients after resuscitation were randomly divided into alprostadil group (PGE group, n=28) and control group (CON group, n=28). The patients of PGE group received the basis treatment of conventional therapy plus a slow intravenous infusion of alprostadil 10μg+100ml saline, 2 times a day for 7 days. The patients of CON group were given physiological saline in the same way, dose and speed. The general baseline data were compared between the two groups of patients. The vital signs, 24-hour urine output, serum creatinine (Cr), urea nitrogen (BUN), 24-hour urine protein and urinary NAG (N. acetyl -B- amino acid), gamma -GTP, alpha 1- microspheres, blood and urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) were monitored before and 3rd, 5th and 7th day after the therapy, and the percentage, mortality rate and ICU day of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) observed for 2 weeks. Results There wasno significant difference in the above indexes between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). Compared with the CON group after treatment, 24-hour urine output increased, urine NAG, gamma-GTP, alpha 1- microglobulin, blood and urine NGAL serum creatinine and BUN decreased significantly, and the percentage, mortality rate and the average ICU days of the patients needing CRRT within 2 weeks were also lower in PGE group, with statistically significant differences (P

Objective To evaluate the effect of alprostadil on the microcirculation and mortality after the fluid resuscitation in patients with septic shock. Methods The patients who met the criteria of septic shock admitted to our hospital from March 2015 to September 2016 were selected as the subjects. After the shock resuscitation reached the standard, they were randomly divided into control group and alprostadil group. Control group was given a standard treatment. On the basis of standard treatment, alprostadil group was given alprostadil 10μg/d plus tube. The heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), lactic acid (Lac) and urine volume were recorded at 0, 1, 3 and 7 days. The microcirculation index under the tongue including small vessel density (TvDs), perfused small microvessel density (PvDs), small vessel perfusion ratio (PPVs), microvascular flow index (MFI) and heterogeneity index (HI) were recorded at 0, 6, 24 and 72h. The patients' hospitalization time in ICU, total hospitalization time and mortality rate of follow-up 28 days were recorded. Results Forty-eight patients were enrolled in this study, of which 23 were in control group and 25 in alprostadil group. The heart rate and MAP had no significant changes in alprostadil group, but the CVP decreased significantly compared with control group (P

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of alprostadil in patients with septic shock associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods From January 2015 to June 2016, patients with septic shock associated with ARDS and meeting the inclusion criteria were involved in the study in department of critical care medicine in First Hospital of Lanzhou University and randomly divided into the control group and alprostadil group. The standard treatment was given in control group, alprostadil 10μg 2/d was given in alprostadil group on base of standard treatment. Monitoring indexes were recorded in 1, 3 and 6 days after enrollment. General condition of patients, APACHE Ⅱ score, ventilator conditions (PO2, PCO2, RR, PEEP, FiO2, oxygenation index, airway resistance, lung compliance), mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay time, hospital follow-up, 28-day follow-up, immune index (CD4+/CD8+), inflammatory markers (CRP, PCT, IL-6) were monitored. Results Sixty-five patients were included in this study, 32 in control group and 33 in alprostadil group. At 3 and 6 days after the treatment, APACHE Ⅱ score, respiratory rate (RR), the inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2), airway resistance, and C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) -6 and interleukin (IL-6) levels significantly decreased, compared with pretreatment and 1 day posttreatment, in the two groups and lower in alprostadil group than in the control group on the 6th day (P

Thirteen new cantharidin derivatives including six cantharimide-amino acid adducts (1–6), five cantharimide dimers (7–11) and two cantharimide-aromatic compound hybrids (12–13) were isolated from Mylabris phalerata Pallas. Compounds 1–5 represent the first natural products combined through cantharimide and neutral amino acids. Compounds 7–11 are the first cantharimide dimers consisting of two different cantharimide cores. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by means of NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and semi-synthesis. Compound 6 showed weak cytotoxicity against HepG2, A549 and MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 values of 15.70 ± 3.06, 20.67 ± 4.05 and 23.79 ± 4.54 μM, respectively.

The present study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of mouse cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) on experimental acute pancreatitis (AP). AP is a common clinical condition characterized by acute abdominal inflammation. Innate immune cells and mediators are intrinsically linked to the pathogenesis of AP. Cathelicidins are innate immunity-derived antimicrobial peptides that exert immunomodulatory effects on various host cells. However, how cathelicidins are involved and modulate the severity and inflammatory responses of AP remains unclear. In the present study, the mouse CRAMP gene‑deficient cnlp‑/‑ mice and their wild‑type C57BL/6J littermates were induced with AP by multiple hourly injections of supramaximal doses of caerulein. Serum amylase levels, pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity and histological examination were performed in order to determine the disease severity and the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Disease severity and inflammatory markers were subsequently evaluated in the control mice, cnlp‑/‑ C57BL/6J mice with AP, and wild‑type C57BL/6J mice with AP. The results demonstrated that cnlp‑/‑ mice exhibited a more severe phenotype and inflammatory response following AP induction compared with the wild‑type mice, as evidenced by increased serum amylase levels, pancreatic myeloperoxidase release, and early inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor‑α production. Histological examination confirmed that CRAMP deficiency worsened the pancreatic inflammatory condition. These results indicate that CRAMP may be considered a novel modulatory mediator in mouse experimental AP.

To better understand the characteristics and sources of ambient volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a polluted area in Chengdu, which requires air pollution control, samples were collected hourly at the Shuangliu site from August 2016 to December 2016. Online gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and a flame ionization detector (GC/MS-FID) were used to analyze the mixing ratios and compositions of the VOCs. During the sampling period, the average mixing ratios of the VOCs were (45.15±43.74)×10

Two new cucurbitane triterpenoids, kuguacin X (1) and kuguaglycoside I (2), together with three known analogs, were isolated from immature fruits of Momordica charantia. By detailed analysis of IR, NMR, and MS data, acid hydrolysis, and comparison with spectroscopic data of known compounds, the new compounds were determined to be (23E)-5 beta,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3 beta,22 xi,25-triol (1) and (23E)-5 beta,19-epoxycucurbita-6,23-dien-19-on-3 beta,25-diol 3-O-beta-D-allopyranoside (2).

Two new penterpenoid saponins, hemsloside-Ma4 (1) hemsloside-Ma5 (2), and a new diterpenoid glycoside, hemsloside-Ma6 (3), were isolated from the rhizomes of Hemsleya chinensis. By detailed analysis of the NMR spectra and chemical methods, the structures of new compounds were determined to be 3-O-beta-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 -> 3)-O-(6'-methyl ester)-beta-D-glucuropyranosyl-oleanolic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3-O-beta-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 -> 3)-O-(6'-methyl ester)-beta-D-glucuropyranosyl-oleanolic acid-28-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 -> 6)-O-beta-D-glucopy-ranoside (2), and 13 epsilon-hydroxylabda-8(17), 14-dien-18-oic acid-18-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 -> 2)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 -> 4)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (3). Diterpenoid-type compound (3) was isolated from Hemsleya genus for the first time. (C) 2015 Phytochemical Society of Europe. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical investigation of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma hainanense resulted in isolation of fourteen lanostane triterpenoids, including nine ganoderma acids and five ganoderma alcohols, together with five known compounds. Structural elucidation was determined using extensive spectroscopic technologies, Mosher's method and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Three of the compounds showed inhibitory activities against HL-60, SMMC-7721, A-549 and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 15.0-40.0 mu M. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publisher's version (útgefin grein), Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one common clinical acute abdominal disease, for which specific pharmacological or nutritional therapies remain elusive. Lactose, a macronutrient and an inducer of host innate immune responses, possesses immune modulatory functions. The current study aimed to investigate potential modulatory effects of lactose and the interplay between the nutrient and pancreatic immunity during experimentally induced AP in mice. We found that either prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of lactose time-dependently reduced the severity of AP, as evidenced by reduced pancreatic edema, serum amylase levels, and pancreatic myeloperoxidase activities, as well as by histological examination of pancreatic damage. Overall, lactose promoted a regulatory cytokine milieu in the pancreas and reduced infiltration of inflammatory neutrophils and macrophages. On acinar cells, lactose was able to suppress caerulein-induced inflammatory signaling pathways and to suppress chemoattractant tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 production. Additionally, lactose acted on pancreas-infiltrated macrophages, increasing interleukin-10 and decreasing tumor necrosis factor alpha production. Notably, lactose treatment reversed AP-associated infiltration of activated neutrophils. Last, the effect of lactose on neutrophil infiltration was mimicked by a galectin-3 antagonist, suggesting a potential endogenous target of lactose. Together, the current study demonstrates an immune regulatory effect of lactose to alleviate AP and suggests its potential as a convenient, value-added therapeutic macronutrient to control AP, and lower the risk of its systemic complications., This study was supported by funds from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant nos. 91642114, 31570915, 81573420, and 31400779, National Young 1000 Talents Plan), Jiangsu Province Recruitment Plan for High-level, Innovative and Entrepreneurial Talents, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (grant nos. JUSRP51613A and JUSRP11866) and free exploration funding from State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology (SKLF-ZZB-201702).

Six new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids, karavilagenin F (1), karavilosides XII and XIII (2, 3), momordicines VI, VII, and VIII (4, 5 and 6), along with four known ones, 5 beta,19-epoxy-25-methoxycucurbita-6,23-diene-3 beta,19-diol (7), 5 beta,19-epoxycucurbita-6, 23-diene-3 beta,19,25-triol (8), kuguacin R (9), and (19R,23E)-5 beta,19-epoxy-19-methoxycucurbita-6,23,25-trien-3 beta-ol (10), were isolated from the stems and leaves of Momordica charantia L. Their chemical structures were elucidated by extensive 1D NMR and 2D NMR (HSQC, HMBC, COSY, and ROESY), MS experiments, and CD spectrum. Compound 6 showed weak cytotoxicity against five human cancer cells lines with IC50 values of 143-20.5 mol/L. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Three new compounds, including two diterpenoids, nemoralisins H and I (1 and 2), and a limonoid, 2-methoxy khayseneganin E (3), along with four known constituents (4–7), were isolated from the leaves and twigs of Swietenia mahagoni. Their chemical structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis. The cytotoxities of these isolated constituents were assayed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13659-014-0006-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The solution properties of four fractions (LPI–IV) from crude longan pulp polysaccharides (LP3) were analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography combined with laser light scattering, viscometry, complex formation with Congo red, and atomic force microscopy. Their radii of gyration (z1/2) were 43.3, 62.6, 43.2 and 77.3 nm, exponents of z1/2 = k Mwv were 0.04, 0.50, 0.52 and 0.02, and intrinsic viscosities ([η]) were 9.945, 25.38, 308.2 and 452.1 mL/g, respectively. Moreover, the dependence of [η] on Mw was established to be [η] = 5.3 × 10−2Mw0.61 (mL/g). LPI had both a sphere-like conformation and a triple-helix structure, and LPII–IV existed as flexible chains. LP3, LPI, LPII and LPIII all exhibited direct inhibitory effects on A549, HeLa and HepG2 cells in a positive dose-dependent manner in the range of 50–400 µg/mL. The activities of LPIII, especially the inhibition of HepG2 cell proliferation, were stronger than those of others, which may be partly related to its flexible conformation. The present results support the cancer therapeutic potential of longan polysaccharides.

Five sesquiterpene-based meroterpenoids with three kinds of new skeletons [1, 2, 3, (+)-4, and (−)-4] were isolated from the leaves of Myrtus communis. Compound 1 featured a new carbon skeleton with an unprecedented octahydrospiro[bicyclo[7.2.0]undecane-2,2′-chromene] tetracyclic ring system, which possessed two preferred conformations detected by variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy experiments. In addition, the structure of reported myrtucommulone K was revised to be compound 3. The plausible biosynthetic pathways of these meroterpenoids and their cytotoxicities are discussed.

The aim of this work was to investigate the core structure of a Dendrobium huoshanense polysaccharide DHPD1 required for the inhibition of lens epithelial cell apoptosis. In order to obtain the fragments containing the core domain, pectinase was employed to hydrolyze DHPD1. After 24h reaction, it is interesting that the hydrolyzation seemed to be stopped, leading to a final enzymatic fragment DHPD1-24 with molecular weight about 1552Da. Compared to DHPD1, although the bioactivity is decreased, DHPD1-24 remained the ability to inhibit the H2O2-induced apoptosis of human lens epithelial (HLE) cells via suppressing the MAPK signaling pathways. These results suggested that DHPD1-24 might be the core domain required for DHPD1 to inhibit HLE cell apoptosis. Methylation analysis showed DHPD1-24 was composed of (1→5)-linked-Araf, (1→3,6)-linked-Manp, 1-linked-Glcp, (1→4)-linked-Glcp, (1→6)-linked-Glcp, (1→4,6)-linked-Glcp, (1→6)-linked-Galp and 1-linked-Xylp in a molar ratio of 1.06:1.53:2.11:2.04:0.93:0.91:0.36:1.01. Moreover, the primary structural features of DHPD1-24 were characterized by NMR spectrum.

A new iridoid, named nudifloside (1), together with three known compounds, was isolated from the EtOH extract of the aerial parts of Callicarpa nudiflora Hook. The structures were elucidated by a study of their physical and spectral data. Nudifloside (1) and the isolated known compound linearoside (2) displayed inhibitory effects towards chronic myelogenous leukaemia K562 cell line, with IC(50) values of 20.7 and 36.0 microg mL(-1), respectively.

A new prenylated xanthone (1), named caloxanthone N, together with two known constituents, gerontoxanthone C (2) and 2-hydroxyxanthone (3), was isolated from the ethanolic extract of the twigs of Calophyllum inophyllum. Their structures were completely elucidated using a combination of 1D, 2D NMR techniques (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY) and HR-ESI-MS analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxicity against chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line (K562) with IC50 values of 7.2 and 6.3 microg ml(- 1), respectively.

The functional approach and molecular biological mechanism of polysaccharides from Dendrobium huoshanense. C. Z. Tang et S. J. Cheng (Orchidaceae) on anticataract activity were assessed. Rats with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 45 mg kg− 1) were used as the animal model of diabetic cataract. Administration of polysaccharides from Dendrobium huoshanense. (HPS) caused a significant body weight increase at dosages of 50, 100, and 200 mg kg− 1 day− 1, whereas blood sugar was decreased. Compared with rats without therapy, the opacity of lenses was abated in groups treated with HPS. Taking into account NO and NOS levels in lenses, 70.2 μ mol mg− 1 protein of NO and 23.4 U mg− 1 protein of NOS were obtained with a dosage of HPS at 200 mg kg− 1day− 1, which all decreased more than 33% compared with those in the rats without therapy. RT-PCR analysis also showed that the inhibitory response of iNOS gene expression was in a dose-dependent manner with HPS treatment. To restrain advanced gly...

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas encompassing a cascade of cellular and molecular events. It starts from premature activation of zymogens with the involvement of innate immune system to a potential systemic inflammatory response and multiple organ failure. Leukocytes are the major cell population that participate in the propagation of the disease. Current understanding of the course of AP is still far from complete, limiting treatment options mostly to conservative supportive care. Emerging evidence has pointed to modulation of the immune system for strategic therapeutic development, by mitigating the inflammatory response and severity of AP. In the current review, we have focused on the role of innate immunity in the condition and highlighted therapeutics targeting it for treatment of this challenging disease.The current review has aimed to elaborate in-depth understanding of specific roles of innate immune cells, derived mediators and inflammatory pathways that are involved in AP. Summarizing the recent therapeutics and approaches applied experimentally that target immune responses to attenuate AP.The current state of knowledge on AP, limitations of presently available therapeutic approaches and the promise of therapeutic implications of innate immune system in AP are discussed.

A new isocoumarin, (3R*, 4S*)-6,8-dihydroxy-3,4,7-trimethylisocoumarin (1), and five known compounds were isolated from mangrove endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. 091402. The structures of all the compounds were elucidated by analysis of spectrometric data.

A new compound 8-chloro-5,6,7-trihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenethyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromen-4-one (1) was isolated from the Chinese eaglewood [Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg]. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of spectral data. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against human gastric cancer cell line (SGC-7901) in vitro by MTT method with the IC(50) value of 14.6 mu g/mL. (C) 2008 Wen Li Mei. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Background Fibroblast specific protein-1 (S100A4) is related with many fibrotic diseases, but its role in the pathogenesis of pleural fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. Then we aim to investigate the expression and effect of fibroblast specific protein-1 (S100A4) in pleural tuberculosis and, subsequently, pleural fibrosis. Methods The expression of S100A4 in pleura was examined in 30 patients with pleural tuberculosis and 5 control (disease-free) patients by immunohistochemistry using the streptavidin-peroxidase (S-P) conjugated method. Results The expression of S100A4 in pleura was mainly distributed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells, and the positive rate was 90.0% (27 out of 30 patients with pleural tuberculosis). There were no expressions of S100A4 in the control group. In the pleura of all 30 patients with pleural tuberculosis, S100A4 had a higher expression in the two- to eight-week duration of the disease. Conclusions S100A4 plays an important role in the phenotypic transformation of pleural mesothelial cells and the development of pleural fibrosis.