Hydrogen sulfide:a luminous future in the postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables

Hydrogen sulfide(H_(2)S)has emerged as a signaling molecule that plays a crucial role in the postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables.This review summarizes the various functions of H_(2)S such as delaying ripening and senescence,enhancing the resistance to cold and disease,and emphasizes the underlying mechanisms.Appropriate concentrations of H_(2)S primarily operate through stimulating the antioxidant system,while showing positive effects on physiological metabolism relevant to storage quality and shelf life including energy,sugar,proline,phenolic,membrane lipid and cell wall metabolism.Moreover,H_(2)S may reduce storage loss by modulating the expression patterns of senescence-related genes,like those linked to ethylene.The coordination of H_(2)S and nitric oxide(NO)combats ethylene-derived negative effects during ripening and senescence.High concentrations of H_(2)S not only act as a regulator to induce disease resistance,but also as a fungicide to inhibit the growth and pathogenicity of fungi.The intricate crosstalk between H_(2)S and other molecules exists via synergistic and antagonistic roles based on protein persulfidation,which is the major signaling process of H_(2)S and appears to compete with other post-translational modifications(PTMs)for the same cysteine residues.This review summarizes H_(2)S synthesis pathways and also discusses the correlation between the signals of H_(2)S,Ca^(2+)and ABA,while highlighting the intrinsic mechanisms of H_(2)S performing its functions in postharvest preservation.

Integrated Systems Biology and Chemical Biology Approach to Exploring Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicines

After thousands of years of development, traditional Chinese medicines （TCMs） have evolved into a complete scientific system characterized by multiple components, targets, and pathways, which mediates numerous pharmacological activities and efficacies. The development of ＂-omics＂ technology, including systems biology and network pharmacology, has enabled the illustration of TCMs from a more systematic view. Although the network adequately reflects the overall philosophy of TCMs, its complexity hinders the relevant research to a hover. In addition, the strategies involved appear to be in contrast to the original concise and efficacious disease therapy oriented focus on classic Chinese material medica （CMM）. Based on the established holistic view and reductionism, in this review, we discuss an integrated systems biology and chemical biology research approach that will facilitate and accelerate the understanding of the mechanisms of TCMs. Furthermore, we are optimistic that it will elucidate the associated interactions between active natural products and their targets, and ultimately improve the strategies for complex disease therapies.

Correlation Analysis between Visceral Manifestation Theories on Xuanfa and Effect of Adrenergic Receptors

Chinese visceral manifestation theory states that lung dominates qi,regulates breathing,and governs Xuanfa（dispersing）and Sujiang（descending）.Clarifying this theory with modern physiological and pathological knowledge has been considered as an important part of complementary and alternative medicine therapy.Previous studies found that most Xuanfa drugs contained pharmacodynamic ingredients related to adrenergic receptors（ARs）signal transduction.The association of Xuanfa,with the control of breath movement,nutrient transfer,spreading heat to regulate temperature,and helping the heart control blood circulation,coincides with the physiological function of organs dominated by ARs-regulated sympathetic postganglionic fibers.Therefore,we hypothesize that Xuanfa is closely related to ARs-regulated signal transduction.By modern biological knowledge,we tried to evaluate and expound the correlation between the molecular mechanisms of modern physiology or pathology and Xuanfa or Sujiang theory.Ultimately,the research and development of modern drugs should fully expect the guidance from Chinese visceral manifestation theory,and the application of this principle will guide the prevention and clinical treatment of a variety of refractory diseases caused by a change in environment,climate,or lifestyle.