Ethanol extract of Kalopanax septemlobus leaf inhibits HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation via inducing cell cycle arrest at G_1 phase

Objective:To investigate the effects of an ethanol extract of Kalopanax septemlobus(Thunb.)Koidz.leaf(EEKS) on cell proliferation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its mechanisms of action.Methods:Cells were treated with EEKS and subsequently analyzed for cell proliferation and flow cytometry analysis.Expressions of cell cycle regulators were determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis and Western blotting,and activation of eyclin-associaled kinases studied using kinase assays.Results:The EEKS suppressed cell proliferation in both HepG2 and Hep3 B cells,but showed a more sensitive anli-proliferative activity in HepG2 cells.Flow cytometry analysis revealed an association between the growth inhibitory effect of EEKS and with G_1 phase cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells,along with the dephosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein(pRB) and enhanced binding of pRB with the E2 F transcription factor family proteins.Treatment with EEKS also increased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase(CDK) inhibitors,such as p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1.without any noticeable changes in G_1 cyclins and CDKs(except for a slight decrease in CDK4).Treatment of HepG2 cells with EEKS also increased the binding of p21 and p27 with CDK4 and CDK6.which was paralleled by a marked decrease in the cyclin D- and cyclin E-associated kinase activities.Conclusions:Overall,our findings suggest that EEKS may be an effective treatment for liver cancer through suppression of cancer cell proliferation via G_1,cell cycle arrest Further studies arc required to identify the active compounds in EEKS.

Antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing potential of 3β-hydroxy-△5-steroidal congeners purified from the soft coral Dendronephthya putteri

The exploration and identification of antiproliferative phytochemicals have received increased attention in medicinal chemistry. In particular, research focused on the toxicology of marine natural products has increased in recent years. Terpenoids, among many secondary metabolites, have been demonstrated to act as effective anticancer agents. Soft corals, a group of marine invertebrates, produce a variety of terpenoids with biofunctional properties. The current study presents the extraction, purification, and identification of sterol congeners from the soft coral Dendronephthya putteri. The method involves 50% chloroform-methanol extraction, polar column fractionation, and analysis through GC-MSn. Dose-dependent antiproliferative activity was observed within the sterol-rich fraction (DPCMH 2-4), which consisted of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroidal congeners. This fraction inhibited the growth of HL-60 and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 25.27±1.43 and 22.81±0.15 μg/mL, respectively. Apoptotic body formation, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptotic cell signaling pathway activation were also observed, reinforcing the dose-dependent antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activity of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroidal congeners. To our knowledge, this is the first report of anticancer agent identification from the soft coral D. putteri. Based on the observations, these steroidal congeners are promising candidates for the development of anticancer drugs.

Effects of low molecular weight polysaccharide from Sargassum thunbergii against palmitic acid-induced intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocyte and HepG2 cells

Low molecular weight polysaccharides can be isolated from Sargassum thunbergii(LMPST)and in vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects on lipids.Two natures of LMPST were attained from S.thunbergii and appraised their LMPST on palmitic acid(PA)induced lipid accretion in Hep G2,and 3T3-L1 cells.LMPST treatment lessened lipid deposition and intracellular free fatty acid and triglyceride intensities in PA-treated above mentioned cells.The mechanistic study publicized that LMPST2 significantly suppressed adipogenesis and stimulated the PA-treated 3T3-L1 cells occupied in the lipolysis pathway.Furthermore,in PA-treated Hep G2 cells,the free fatty acid oxidation was significantly increased by LMPST2.Given these constructive properties of LMPST2 from S.thunbergii,is a potential candidate for diminishing the intracellular lipids,and for a therapeutic agent in those conditions.

Anti-melanogenic properties of FBCC-EP850 derived from Carex pumila Thunb

Objective:To elucidate the anti-melanogenic potential of Carex pumila Thunb.extract(FBCC-EP850).Methods:A collection of 180 plant extracts was tested for inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase activity using an in vitro assay.Among them,FBCC-EP850 exhibited the most promising inhibitory activity.Further analysis was conducted to investigate its mechanisms and therapeutic potential in reducing melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish larvae.Results:FBCC-EP850 inhibited mushroom tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner,with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 45.83μg/mL.FBCC-EP850 at concentrations up to 50μg/mL demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma cells and no adverse effects on zebrafish larvae.Treatment with 50μg/mL of FBCC-EP850 significantly reducedα-melanocyte stimulating hormone-induced melanin production and suppressed cellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 melanoma cells.Additionally,FBCC-EP850 at 25 and 50μg/mL effectively diminished hyperpigmentation inα-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated zebrafish larvae.Its anti-melanogenic action could be attributed to modulation of the cAMP-CREB-MITF signaling pathway.Conclusions:Carex pumila extract can inhibit melanogenesis by modulating the cAMP-CREB-MITF signaling pathway,which can be used as a promising candidate for treating hyperpigmentation disorders.

Anti-obesity effects of fucoidan from Sargassum thunbergii in adipocytes and high fat diet induced obese mice through inhibiting adipogenic specific transcription factor

The prevalence of obesity has increased and is a health concern worldwide.Due to the concerns regarding synthetic anti-obesity treatments,nowadays natural products become a trend.Previous studies proved that there is a potential to use marine algae as anti-obesity agents.Therefore,in this study,the lipid inhibitory effect of crude polysaccharide of amyloglucosidase-assisted hydrolysate from Sargassum thunbergii(STAC)and its fucoidan fractions(STAFs)on 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese mice were investigated.According to the results,the STAF3,showed the highest xylose content and exhibited significant inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation by downregulating adipogenic and lipogenic proteins in 3T3-L1 cells.Furthermore,oral supplementation with STAC significantly declined gain in body weight and fat weight,and serum lipid contents in an HFD-induced obesity mouse model.Structural and chemical characterizations demonstrated that puritied STAF3 has consistent surface morphology and small particle size,with similar structural characteristics as commercial fucoidan.Together,these results indicate that STAC and purified STAF3 from Sargassum thunbergia is a potent source to develop as ananti-obesity agents or functional food products to counter obesity.

Antidiabetic effects of chitooligosaccharides on pancreatic islet cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of chitooligosaccharides on proliferation of pancreatic islet cells, release of insulin and 2 h plasma glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.METHODS: In vitro, the effect of chitooligosaccharides on proliferation of pancreatic islet cells and release of insulin was detected with optical microscopy, colorimetric assay, and radioimmunoassay respectively. In vivo, the general clinical symptoms, 2 h plasma glucose, urine glucose, oral glucose tolerance were examined after sixty days of feeding study to determine the effect of chitooligosaccharides in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS: Chitooligosaccharides could effectively accelerate the proliferation of pancreatic islet cells. Chitooligosaccharides (100 mg/L) had direct and prominent effect on pancreastic β cells and insulin release from islet cells. All concentrations of chitooligosaccharides could improve the general clinical symptoms of diabetic rats, decrease the 2 h plasma glucose and urine glucose, and normalize the disorders of glucose tolerance.CONCLUSION: Chitooligosaccharides possess various biological activities and can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Protective effects of Ecklonia cava extract on the toxicity and oxidative stress induced by hair dye in in-vitro and in-vivo models

Oxidative hair dyes containingρ-phenylenediamine(PPD)are reported to induce an allergic reaction by promoting oxidative stress when absorbed through the skin.Despite the associated risk,these hair dyes remain popular owing to their convenience and sharpness of color.This makes it important to minimize the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by PPD-containing hair dyes.Ecklonia cava extract has been evaluated in different studies for its protective effects against external stress in fibroblasts and keratinocytes.Our study was aimed at using in-vitro and in-vivo models to investigate the extract’s effects on cytotoxicity of and oxidative stress induced by PPD-containing hair dyes.Analysis of CIEL*a*b*Color space was first used to determine the range of E.cava extract that would not interfere with the coloring ability of the dye upon addition.Subsequently,the set ranges of E.cava extract(5% and 7%)were added to the hair dye and their toxicity assessed by evaluating the viability of fibroblasts and keratinocytes.The effects on developmental phenotypes and induction of oxidative stress by hair dye were evaluated and compared with those of hair dyes containing different contents of E.cava extract using an in-vivo zebrafish model.Our results showed that E.cava extract in hair dye could significantly decrease the cytotoxicity and levels of oxidative stress caused by hair dyes containing PPD in both in-vitro and in-vivo models.These results suggest that the addition of 7% E.cava extract to 250μg/mL hair dye does not interfere with the coloring ability of the dye while showing significant protective eff ects against the hair dye.The study proposes that the use of E.cava extract as an adduct to hair dyes containing PPD reduces the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by these hair dyes.

Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ultrasonicassistant extracted polyphenol-rich compounds from Sargassum muticum

Polypehnol is an important,potentially bioactive component of Sargassum muticum.In this study,ultrasonic assisted extraction of polyphenol-rich substances was performed using a 38%ethanol solution at a solid:liquid ratio of 1:30 at 68℃ for 32min,determined by single-factor and response surface methodology(RSM)optimization.The content of polyphenol was 5.66mg/g in the crude extract.Further extraction showed that the polyphenol mainly distributed in ethyl acetate(SKEE)and water phases(SKEW).The anti-oxidation test by electron spin resonance(ESR)spectrum showed that the SKEE had the strongest scavenging activity on DPPH(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)and alkyl radicals.SKEE was shown noncytotoxic but could inhibit the generation of cellular ROS,showing protective effects in H2O2 and AAPHinduced Vero cells and UV-B irradiated HaCaT cells.SKEE also signifi cantly inhibited the release of NO of LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.Therefore,the polyphenol-rich extracts in ethanol and ethyl acetate showed excellent anti-oxidant and anti-infl ammatory activities,which is beneficial to the development of high-value bio-substances.

Ethanol extract of Chondracanthus tenellus(Harvey)Hommersand attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory and oxidative response by blocking the NF-κB,MAPKs,and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways

Objective:To investigate whether the ethanol extract of Chondracanthus tenellus(Harvey)Hommersand,a type of red algae,could exhibit anti-inflammatory potential in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated macrophages.Methods:The ethanol extract of Chondracanthus tenellus was applied to 100 ng/mL LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells,and cell viability,phagocytic ability,levels of pro-inflammatory factors,and the production of reactive oxygen species were measured.To identify the underlying mechanism of the ethanol extract of Chondracanthus tenellus,the expression of inflammation-regulated genes was estimated.Results:The ethanol extract of Chondracanthus tenellus had no cytotoxic effect at concentrations below 300μg/mL,and reduced the LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide(NO)and prostaglandin E2.Furthermore,the extract markedly suppressed the expression of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2,as well as the production of reactive oxygen species.The LPS-induced up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines was attenuated by treatment with the ethanol extract of Chondracanthus tenellus,reducing their extracellular secretion.The Chondracanthus tenellus extract also inhibited LPS-mediated activation of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB).In addition,the phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases(MAPKs)and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K)/Akt was markedly increased by LPS,which was significantly abolished by the Chondracanthus tenellus extract.Conclusions:Our findings indicate that the ethanol extract of Chondracanthus tenellus exhibited potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through downregulating the NF-κB,MAPKs,and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.tenellus extract.Conclusions:Our findings indicate that the ethanol extract of Chondracanthus tenellus exhibited potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through downregulating the NF-κB,MAPKs,and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Methanol extract of Codium fragile inhibits tumor necrosis factor-ɑ-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 and invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 cells by suppressing nuclear factor-κB activation

Objective:To evaluate whether the methanol extract of Codium fragile(MECF) regulates tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)-induced invasion of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by suppressing matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9).Methods:Reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and western blot analysis were performed to analyze the expression of MMP-9 and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) subunits,p65 and p50,and IκB in MDA-MB-231 cells.3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay was used for cell viability.MMP-9 activity and invasion were measured by gelatin zymography and a matrigel invasion assay,respectively.NF- κB activity was measured by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and luciferase activity.Results:MECF had no effects on cell viability up to a concentration of 100 μg/mL in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells regardless of the presence of TNF-α.MDA-MB-231 cells that were stimulated with TNF-α showed a marked increase of invasion compared to the untreated control,whereas pretreatment with MECF downregulated the TNF-α-induced invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells.Additionally,zymography,western blot analysis,and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) confirmed that MECF decreased TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression and activity which is a key regulator for cancer invasion.According to an electrophoretic morbidity shift assay,pretreatment with MECF in MDA-MB-231 cells significantly decreased the TNF-α-induced DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor- κB(NF- κB),which is an important transcription factor for regulating cancer invasion-related genes such as MMP-9.Furthermore,treatment with MECF sustained the expression of p65 and p50 in response to TNF-α in the cytosolic compartment.The luciferase assay demonstrated that MECF attenuated TNF-α-induced NF- κB luciferase activity.Conclusion:MECF exhibited its antiinvasive capability by downregulating TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression,resulting from the suppression of NF- κB activity in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.

Ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme induce apoptosis in human prostate cancer PC3 cells via modulating a ROS-dependent pathway

Objective:To investigate whether ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme could induce apoptosis in human prostate cancer PC3 cells.Methods:Cell viability was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide.Apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)were measured using flow cytometry in PC3 cells.DNA damage was assessed by nuclear staining and DNA fragmentation assay.Expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins were determined by Western blotting assays.Activities of caspase-3,-8,and-9 were determined by colorimetric assay.Moreover,intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation was detected using a flow cytometer and fluorescence microscope.Results:Treatment of PC3 cells with ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme inhibited proliferation,which was associated with induction of apoptosis,and accompanied by increased expression of Fas,Fas-ligand(Fas L),Bax and t Bid,and decreased expression of Bcl-2.In addition,ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme reduced c-Flip expression and activated caspase-8,-9 and-3,resulting in an increase in poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP)cleavage.However,in the presence of a pan-caspase inhibitor,ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis were significantly attenuated.Ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme also destroyed the integrity of mitochondria due to the loss of MMP,leading to cytosolic release of cytochrome c.Moreover,the levels of ROS were markedly increased by treatment with ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme,which was significantly suppressed by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine.Further investigation of whether ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme-induced apoptosis was related to the generation of ROS was conducted and the results showed that N-acetyl-L-cysteine fully blocked ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme-induced apoptotic events including loss of MMP,activation of caspase-3,the cytosolic release of cytochrome c and cytotoxicity.Conclusions:Ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme have chemopreventive potential via induction of ROS-dependent apoptosis.Therefore,ethanol extracts of Hizikia fusiforme may be useful for developing effective and selective natural sources to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.

Aqueous extract of freeze-dried Protaetia brevitarsis larvae promotes osteogenesis by activating β-catenin signaling

Objective:To investigate the effect of an aqueous extract of Protaetia brevitarsis(AEPB)on osteogenesis using preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and zebrafish larvae.Methods:Flow cytometric analysis was used to measure the cytotoxicy.Alkaline phosphatase activity was detetmined using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as a substrate.Calcium deposition was detected using alizarin red staining along with osteogenic marker expression in preosteoblast MC3T3E1 cells.In addition,vertebral formation in zebrafish larvae was detected using calcein staining and osteogenic gene expression.Results:AEPB highly promoted the expression of osteogenic markers including runt-related transcription factor 2,osterix,and alkaline phosphatase,along with elevated levels of mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells.Moreover,AEPB accelerated vertebral formation in zebrafish larvae accompanied by upregulated expression of osteogenic genes.FH535,an inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin,suppressed AEPB-induced osteogenic gene expression and vertebral formation,indicating that AEPB stimulates osteogenesis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Conclusions:AEPB stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation by activatingβ-catenin.Therefore,AEPB is a promising material that induces osteogenesis,and is useful for the treatment of bone resorption diseases.

Immunostimulatory effect of ethanol extract of Chondracanthus tenellus in RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro

Objective:To investigate whether ethanol extracts of Chondracanthus tenellus(EECT)could improve immunomodulatory property of murine monocyte/macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.Methods:Cell viability,phagocytic ability,and nitric oxide were measured.The levels of prostaglandin E2 and cytokines were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.Expression of immunoregulatory response protein was detected by Western blotting assay.Results:As the concentration of EECT increased,the morphology of the cells changed to a typical active macrophage shape,and the phagocytic activity increased significantly.EECT also effectively enhanced the production and secretion of immunomodulatory mediators,such as nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2,and cytokines.In addition,compared with the control group,EECT markedly stimulated the expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)and myeloid differentiation factor 88,one of the TLR4 adapter molecules.Furthermore,EECT promoted the nucleus translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)by increasing the phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitor of NF-κB-α,indicating activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.Meanwhile,similar trends were found in cells treated with lipopolysaccharide as a positive control.Conclusions:Taken together,the results indicate that EECT has an immunomodulatory effect by increasing the production of immunomodulatory mediators and cytokines through activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.EECT could be used as a potential candidate for medication or dietary supplements to increase immune activity.

Biological Properties of Chitosan Films with Different Degree of Deacetylation

Chitin and chitosan films were prepared by solution casting method. Chitosan specimens used in this study were deacetylated by 50.4%, 69.2%, 85.5% and 96.3%. Their water content, protein adhesion ability, cytocompatibility, cell adhesion ability, in vitro and vivo degradability and biocompatibility were evaluated. Results indicated that with the degree of deacetylation （DD） between 50% and 70%, the chitosan showed higher water content. The higher the DD, the stronger protein adhesion ability the chitosan had. All the films have good cytocompatibility and the films with higher DD have better cell adhesion ability. Chitin films degraded more rapidly than others, which disappeared in 2 to 4 weeks after they were implanted in subcutaneous tissue and musculature. Their inflammatory reaction became weaker as the films degraded. As the DD got higher, the films degraded slower. The films of DD 85.5% and DD 90.3% even didn＇t disappeared in 12 weeks after they were implanted. Their inflammatory reaction was mild at the beginning of degradation, and became severe in 4 to 8 weeks, then weaken at last. This basic result can be very helpful for tissue engineering.

Aqueous extract of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae increases mTOR-mediated growth rate in zebrafish larvae

Objective:To evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of Protaetia brevitarsis(AEPB)on the growth of zebrafish and preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells.Methods:The effects of AEPB on the linear growth and the expression of growth-related genes in zebrafish and MC3T3-E1 cells were assessed using various molecular techniques.Furthermore,the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway in AEPB-induced growth was investigated by employing the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin.Results:AEPB administration led to a significant and dose-dependent increase in zebrafish larvae growth over time.Additionally,AEPB treatment upregulated the expression of growth hormone-1(GH-1),insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1),growth hormone receptor-1(GHR-1),and cholecystokinin-a(CCKA)in zebrafish.Similarly,AEPB stimulated the expression and release of IGF-1 and accelerated mTOR expression in MC3T3-E1 cells.In addition,rapamycin hindered AEPB-induced linear growth in zebrafish larvae and suppressed the expression of growth-promoting genes by inhibiting mTOR activation.Conclusions:AEPB shows growth-promoting effects by upregulating growth-related genes and activating the mTOR signaling pathway.Further investigations are warranted to elucidate its mechanisms of action and explore its potential application in the development of growth-enhancing supplements for various purposes.

Role of marine natural products in the development of antiviral agents against SARS‑CoV‑2:potential and prospects

A novel coronavirus,known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),has surfaced and caused global concern owing to its ferocity.SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019;however,it was only discovered at the end of the year and was considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization.Therefore,the develop-ment of novel potent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and future outbreaks is urgently required.Numerous naturally occurring bioactive substances have been studied in the clinical setting for diverse disorders.The intricate infection and replication mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 offers diverse therapeutic drug targets for developing antiviral medicines by employing natural products that are safer than synthetic compounds.Marine natural products(MNPs)have received increased attention in the development of novel drugs owing to their high diversity and availability.Therefore,this review article investigates the infection and replication mechanisms,including the function of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and structure.Furthermore,we highlighted anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic intervention efforts utilizing MNPs and predicted SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor design.

Identification and Evaluation of a Panel of Ginsenosides from Different Red Ginseng Extracts with Nootropic Effect

Red ginseng has been gradually discovered to have pharmacological and physiological effects. It is well known that the most important bioactive components of ginseng are ginsenosides. The nootropic effect of ginsenosides from nine different red ginseng extracts was evaluated here. Nine groups of mice were perfused with different concentrations of nine red ginseng extracts, respectively, and two groups of mice with distilled water. The nootropic effect of ginsenosides on mice was evaluated with behavior tests and a biochemical indicator study. The extracts were identified by rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（RRLC-Q-TOF-MS）. Furthermore, principal component analysis（PCA） was used to analyze the contribution of chemical components from different ginseng groups. The extracts with the most and the weakest effective nootropic were found. It is notable that extract processing is a very important factor to decide pharmacological functions of ginseng extracts. As a conclusion, the most effective extract method for ginsenosides has been found. A panel of 13 ginsenosides has been screened out as chemical markers with nootropic effect, which include high level ginsenosides Ra0, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Re, Rd, and Rgl and low level ginsenosides mRb1, mRc, mRb2, mRd, and F2. Low level ginsenosides were first time to be discovered as possible nootropic compounds. This method may shed light on fast discovery of bioactive compounds of medicinal plants with low level compounds.

Protective effect of sulfated polysaccharides from a Celluclast-assisted extract of Hizikia fusiforme against ultraviolet B-induced photoaging in vitro in human keratinocytes and in vivo in zebrafish

Our previous study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of sulfated polysaccharides from a Celluclastassistedextract of Hizikia fusiforme (HFPS). The results indicate that HFPS possesses potent antioxidant activity and suggestthe potential use of HFPS to combat photoaging. In this study, we investigated the ultraviolet (UV) protective effect of HFPSin vitro in keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and in vivo in zebrafish. The results indicate that HFPS significantly reduced thelevel of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improved the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. In addition,HFPS remarkably decreased apoptosis formation in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner. The in vivotest results also demonstrate that HFPS significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels, cell death, NO production, and lipidperoxidation levels in UVB-irradiated zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that HFPS possessesstrong in vitro and in vivo UV-protective effects, making it a potential ingredient in the cosmeceutical industry.

Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium Attenuates Physical Stress by Supressing ACTH-Induced Cortisol in Zebrafish

Objective:To determine the effects of Hydrangeae Dulcis Folium(EHDF)on physical stress,changes in the whole-body cortisol level and behaviour in zebrafish(Danio rerio).Methods:One hundred and seventy-four fish were randomly divided into 4[adrenocorticotropin hormone(ACTH)challenge test:4 fish per group]or 6 groups(behavioural test:10–12 fish per group,whole-body cortisol:4 fish per group).Net handling stress(NHS)was used to induce physical stress.Fish were treated with vehicle or EHDF(5–20 mg/L)for 6 min before they were exposed to stress.And then,fish were sacrificed for collecting body fluid from whole-body or conducted behavioural tests,including novel tank test and open field test,and were evaluated to observe anxiety-like behaviours and locomotion.In addition,to elucidate the mode of action of the anti-stress effects of EHDF,ACTH(0.2 IU/g,i.p.)challenge test was performed.Results:The increased anxiety-like behaviours in novel tank test and open field test under stress were prevented by treatment with EHDF at 5–20 mg/L(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the unstressed group,which was not treated with NHS,the whole-body cortisol level was significantly increased by treatment with NHS(P<0.05).Compared with the NHS-treated stressed control group,pre-treatment with EHDF at concentrations of 5–20 mg/L for 6 min significantly prevented the NHS-increased whole-body cortisol level(P<0.05).In addition,ACTH challenge test showed that EHDF completely blocked the effects of ACTH on cortisol secretion(P<0.05).Conclusion:EHDF may be a good antistress candidate and its mechanism of action may be related to its positive effects on cortisol release.

First molluscan antimicrobial peptide hydramacin in Manila clam:molecular characterization and expression analysis

Objective:To investigate molecular characterization and the immune responses of Manila clam hydramacin(Rp-hdmc).Methods:cDNA sequence of hydramacin was isolated from Manila clam transcriptome database.Molecular characterization of hydramacin cDNA was performed by BLAST and SWISS-MODEL bioinformatics programs.Tissue-specific expression and transcriptional regulation after Vibrio tapetis challenge was done by quantitative real time PCR.Results:Rp-hdmc has 291 bp open reading frame(ORF),encoding 97 amino acids with a mature hydramacin consisting of 77 amino acid residues.In un-challenged clam,Rp-hdmc was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues and the highest expression level was detected in gill.After pathogenic bacteria Vibrio tapetis challenge,Rp-hdmc mRNA was up-regulated in gill and hemocytes.Conclusions:We identified hydramacin cDNA(Rp-hdmc)from mollusk Manila clam that shows the characteristic features of hydramacin sequence.It has eight cysteine residues with four disulfide linkages,three helices and two β-strands in secondary structure.Expression results after V.tapetis challenges suggest that Rp-hdmc is involved in immune response against pathogenic bacteria.