Enhancement of Arachidonic Acid Production by Mortierella isabellina Through Protoplast Regeneration Mutagenesis

A developed method was used for the enhancement of arachidonic acid production by M. isabellina. An orthogonal, rotatable and central composite design was applied to determine the optimum conditions for protoplast regeneration mutagenesis. The results showed that a commixture enzyme （cellulase and glusulase） at the concentration of 4%, enzymolysis temperature at 30℃ and enzymolysis time on 7.5 h were the optimal conditions, in which the lethality of M. isabellina spores was 78.4%. After mutagenesis and re-screenings, M. isabellina mutant Y-69 was obtained. GC analysis showed that the yield of arachidonic acid by Y-69 （2.92 g. L-1） was 3.56 times higher than that of the wild-type strain （0.82 g.L-1）. Pass generation tests showed that the properties of Y-69 by mutation were readily inherited.

Mutagenesis of Arachidonic Acid-producing Mortierella Isabellina and Analyses of Δ~6-desaturase Role by qPCR

Arachidonic acid （AA or ARA）, an essential to-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid （PUFA）, can be produced by Mortierella isabellina. Mutagenesis on Mortierella isabellina As3.3410 was induced to raise ARA production. The mutant strain of YZ-124 had the highest ARA of 4.72 g. L-1, which was 5.5 times higher than that of the original strain 3.3410. mRNA expression level of △ 6- desaturase was determined in five different kinds of ARA-producing Mortierella isabellina after cultured for 7 days, and in the mutant strain YZ-124 over a 3-8 day time-course. In addition, the desaturase activity and ARA content were measured at the selected time points. The lowest expression of △6-desaturase was observed in the original strain and the highest expression in the mutant strain YZ-124, which increased with increasing time in culture. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the expression levels of △6-desaturase and ARA content. Based on this, △6-desaturase played a significant role in ARA synthesis pathway in Mortierella isabellina.

Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Down-Regulation of Bcl-2 in Arachidonic Acid-Induced Apoptosis in HUVECs

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HU VECs） were treated with arachidonic acid （AA）. After 24 h exposure to AA, typical morphological changes of apoptosis were observed by Giemsa stain and transmission electron microscopy. The apoptotic ratio in HUVECs treated with 50μmol/L, 100μmol/L and 150μmol/L AA were （20.7±3.6）%, （38.6±4.3）% and （52.5±7.5） % respectively. Contrarily, low concentration of AA （425μmol/L） exerted no influence on cell viability by MTT assay. Intracellular malondialdehyde increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner upon AA treatment and for the reduced glutathione. the opposite tendency was found Western Blots show that apoplosis triggered by AA was associated with the down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression, but not with Bax and p53. Pretreatment with 50μmol/L α-tocopherol reduced AA-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, also inhibited the dowwregulation of Bcl-2/Bax ratio. These results suggested that high concentration of free AA could induce apoptosis in HUVECs probably via oxidative stress and down-regulation of Bcl-2.

A role for lipids as agents to alleviate stroke damage： the neuroprotective effect of 2-hydroxy arachidonic acid

Cerebrovascular accident（CVA）or stroke is one of the world＇s leading causes of death and permanent disability.The high social and medical costs associated with this pathology mean there is an urgent need to find effective therapies.Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery（MCAO）,mainly by clots,is the origin of most CVAs in humans.

Comprehensive analysis reveals an arachidonic acid metabolism-related gene signature in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is highly heterogeneous,making its prognosis prediction difficult.The arachidonic acid(AA)cascade is involved in carcinogenesis.Therefore,the metabolic enzymes of the AA cascade consist of lipoxygenases(LOXs),phospholipase A2s(PLA2s),and cyclooxygenases(COXs)along with their metabolic products,including leukotrienes.Nevertheless,the prognostic potential of AA metabolism-associated PDAC has not been explored.Herein,the mRNA expression patterns and the matching clinical information of individuals with PDAC were abstracted from online data resources.We employed the LASSO Cox regression model to develop a multigene clinical signature in the TCGA queue.The GEO queue and the ICGC queue were employed as the validation queue.There was differential expression of a significant number of AA metabolism-associated genes(56.8%)between PDAC and neighboring nonmalignant tissues in the TCGA queue.Univariate Cox regression demonstrated that 13 of the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were linked to overall survival(OS)(p<0.05).A 6-gene clinical signature was developed for stratifying the PDAC patients into two risk groups,with the high-risk group patients exhibiting remarkably lower OS than the low-risk group patients(p<0.001 in the TCGA data set and the ICGC queue,and p=0.001 in the GEO data set).The multivariate Cox data revealed the risk score as an independent OS predictor(HR>1,p<0.01).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve verified the predictive potential of our signature.The expression and alteration of the six genes in PDAC were also validated using online databases.Functional analyses demonstrated that immune-linked cascades were enriched,and the immune status was remarkably different between the high-and low-risk groups.In summary,an AA metabolism-associated clinical gene signature can be applied for prognostic estimation in PDAC.

Effects of Total Saponins from Dioscorea Nipponica Makino on Monosodium Urate-Induced M1-Polarized Macrophages through Arachidonic Acid Signaling Pathway:An in vitro Study

Objective To investigate and reveal the underlying mechanism of the effect of total saponins from Dioscoreae nipponica Makino(TSDN)on the arachidonic acid pathway in monosodium urate(MSU)crystal-induced M1-polarized macrophages.Methods M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells were induced by 1µg/mL lipopolysaccharide(LPS).The methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide method was then used to screen the concentration of TSDN.MSU(500µg/mL)was used to induce the gouty arthritis model.Afterwards,10µg/L TSDN and 8µmol/L celecoxib,which was used as a positive control,were added to the above LPS and MSU-induced cells for 24 h.The mRNA and protein expressions of cyclooxygenase(COX)2,5-lipoxygenase(5-LOX),microsomal prostaglandin E synthase derived eicosanoids(mPGES)-1,leukotriene B(LTB)4,cytochrome P450(CYP)4A,and prostaglandin E_(2)(PGE_(2))were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting,respectively.The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test the contents of M1 markers,including inducible nitric oxid synthase(NOS)2,CD80,and CD86.Results TSDN inhibited the proliferation of M1 macrophages and decreased both the mRNA and protein expressions of COX2,5-LOX,CYP4A,LTB4,and PGE_(2)(P<0.01)while increased the mRNA and protein expression of mPGES-1(P<0.05 or P<0.01).TSDN could also significantly decrease the contents of NOS2,CD80,and CD86(P<0.01).Conclusion TSDN has an anti-inflammation effect on gouty arthritis in an in vitro model by regulating arachidonic acid signaling pathway.

Adipose-derived stem cells inhibit dermal fibroblast growth and induce apoptosis in keloids through the arachidonic acid-derived cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E2 cascade by paracrine

Background:The clinical features of keloids consist of aberrant proliferation,secretion,differentiation and apoptosis of keloid dermis-derived fibroblasts(KFBs).Notably,the apoptosis rate of KFBs is lower than the proliferation rate.Though the anti-fibrotic effect of adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs)on keloids has become a hot topic of research,the exact anti-fibrotic mechanism of the paracrine effect remains unclear.This study aimed to find out how the conditioned medium of ADSCs(ADSC-CM)exerts an anti-fibrotic effect in KFBs.Methods:KFBs and ADSCs were extracted and cultured.Then,ADSC-CM was prepared.Whether ADSC-CM could inhibit KFB growth and induce apoptosis was verified by the use of a cell counting kit-8,an 5-Ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine(Edu)kit and flow cytometry.The expressions of cyclooxygenase-1(COX-1),COX-2,caspase 3 and B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)in ADSC-CM-cultured KFBs were tested by real-time PCR and western blotting.To clarify the role of COX-2 in ADSC-CM-induced KFB apoptosis,a specific COX-2 inhibitor,celecoxib,was applied to KFBs cultured in ADSC-CM.Moreover,we tested the production of arachidonic acid(AA)and prostaglandin E2(PGE2)by ELISA.Then,we established a keloid transplantation model in a nude mouse to validate the therapeutic effect in vivo.Results:The proliferation ability of KFBs cultured in ADSC-CM was found to be weakened and apoptosis was significantly increased.Caspase 3 expression was significantly upregulated and Bcl-2 was downregulated in ADSC-CM-cultured KFBs.Furthermore,ADSC-CM strikingly elevated COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions,but COX-1 expression was unaltered.COX-2 inhibitors reduced ADSC-CM-induced apoptosis.Additionally,COX-2 inhibition blocked the elevation of caspase 3 and reversed the decrease in Bcl-2 expression.ADSC-CM increased PGE2 levels by 1.5-fold and this effect was restrained by COX-2 inhibition.In the nude mouse model,expressions of AA,COX-2 and PGE2 were higher in the translated keloid tissues after ADSC-CM injection than in the controls.Conclusions:We showed activation of the COX-2/PGE2 cascade in KFBs in response to ADSC-CM.By employing a specific COX-2 inhibitor,COX-2/PGE2 cascade activation played a crucial role in mediating the ADSC-CM-induced KFB apoptosis and anti-proliferation effects.

Arachidonic acid Metabolism in Galactosamine／Endotoxin Indudced Acute Liver injury in Rats

The changes of the levels of LTC4, PGI2 and TXA2 in the liver tissue in SD rats with GaIN/LPS-induced acute liver injury was studied with radioimmunoassay (RIA). As a result,12h after the administration of GaIN/LPS, serum AST (398±37u), ALT (565 ±43u) increased (P<0.001 ) and the concentration of TXA2 (12188±588pg/g· w· wt) in liver tissue increased sigiuficantly(p<0.001), while the content of LTC4 (9713± 3557ng/g·w·wt ) and PGI2 (1748±560 pg/g· w·wt) in liver tissue were not obviously changed(p>0.05) and the inflammatory changes of the pathological findings were observed. The improvement of serum ALT (300±168u)(p< 0.05) and AST(273±424 u) (P<0. 05) and histopathological damage was observed after the administration of diethylcarbamazine (DEC), a LTA4 synthesis inhibitor, the liver TXA2(12740±699) concentration significantly increased (P<0. 001), while the levels of LTC4 (8179±1653) and PGI2 (2320±630) were not obviously changed. Serum ALT (536±74u) and AST (416± 41u)(P> 0. 05) levels and histopathology did not change with administration of indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, but the liver LTC4 (12166±13027) contents increased (P<0.05 ) and TXA2 (1868±791) reduced significantly (P<0. 001). The present study suggests that arachidonic acid metabolism in rats with acute liver injury are significantly abnormal. Leukotrienes and thromboxane are important inflammatory mediators in the liver injury.

Metabolic flux analysis on arachidonic acid fermentation

The analysis of flux distributions in metabolic networks has become an important approach for understand-ing the fermentation characteristics of the process.A model of metabolic flux analysis of arachidonic acid(AA)synthesis in Mortierella alpina ME-1 was established and carbon flux distributions were estimated in different fermentation phases with different concentrations of N-source.During the expo-nential,decelerating and stationary phase,carbon fluxes to AA were 3.28%,8.80%and 6.97%,respectively,with sufficient N-source broth based on the flux of glucose uptake,and those were increased to 3.95%,19.21%and 39.29%,respectively,by regulating the shifts of carbon fluxes via fermentation with limited N-source broth and adding 0.05% NaNO_(3) at 96 h.Eventually AA yield was increased from 1.3 to 3.5 g·L^(−1).These results suggest a way to improve AA fermentation,that is,fermentation with limited N-source broth and adding low concentration N-source during the stationary phase.

Inhibition of protein kinase B by Palmitate in the insulin signaling of HepG2 cells and the preventive effect of Arachidonic acid on insulin resistance

Elevated plasma levels of free fatty acids(FFAs)may contribute to insulin resistance(IR)that is characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus.In this study,we investigated the effects of two fatty acids,palmitate(PA)and arachidonic acid(AA)on glycogenesis under insulin signaling in HepG2cells,a transformed hepatic carcinoma cell line.In the presence of 200μmol of palmitate,insulin(10−7 mol/L)stimulation of glycogenesis was inhibited,as evidenced by increased glucose in the medium and decreased intracellular glycogen.Wortmannin(WM),a specific inhibitor of PI3K,dramatically decreased the amount of intracellular glycogen in cells without PA incubation.However,glycogen in PA treated cells was not significantly changed by WM,indicating that PA may also act on PI3K.Interestingly,AA restored the effects of WM inhibition on glycogenesis in PA cells.Western blot analysis demonstrated that PA in the absence of WM increased phosphorylated glycogen synthase(inactive form of GS)and decreased phosphorylated protein kinase B(active form of PKB),causing a reduction of intracellular glycogen.AA,however,reversed the effects of PA on GS and PKB.Furthermore,inhibition of protein kinase C(PKC)by a specific inhibitor chelerythrine chloride(CC)abolished the inhibitory effect of PA on glycogen synthesis by decreasing phosphorylated GS and increasing phosphorylated PKB.However,the effect of CC in the presence of PA disappeared when AA was also present.Our results suggest that there is a disruption of the insulin signaling pathway between PKB and GS when the cells were exposed to PA,contributing to IR.PA may also interrupt the PKC signaling pathway.In contrast,AA could rescue glycogenesis impaired by PA.

Synthesis of symmetrical medium-and long-chain triacylglycerols rich in arachidonic acid at sn-2 position for infant formula

Medium-and long-chain triacylglycerols(MLCT)rich in arachidonic acid(ARA)at sn-2 position were synthesized by a two-step enzymatic method.Firstly,sn-2 monoacylglycerols(MAG)were synthesized at a temperature of 25℃ by enzymatic alcoholysis.The MAG with 69.42%ARA at sn-2 position were obtained by solvent extraction and low temperature solvent crystallization.Secondly,the MLCT rich in ARA at sn-2 position and capric acid(CA)at sn-1,3 positions were produced by enzymatic esterification.Under the optimal conditions(MAG:CA=1:3(mol/mol),0.05 MPa vacuum,8% Lipozyme RM IM,5 h,25℃),the content of triacylglycerol was up to 93.60%.The triacylglycerol in the form of C10:0-C20:4-C10:0(including isomers)was about 40.43%.The ARA contents in the total and sn-2 fatty acid composition of the final product were 32.35%and 51.12%,respectively.MLCT rich in ARA at sn-2 position were successfully produced and the product has the potential application for functional food and infant formula.

The Property and Application of Arachidonic Acid

Arachidonic acid (AA) is one of the most important PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) in human body. A high-yield arachidonic acid-producing strain (mortierella alpina) was selected by ion implantation (the relative content of arachidonic acid is 70.2% among all fatty acids). This paper mainly introduced the structure, distribution, source, physiologic healthcare function and application of AA.

New insights into the interactions between the gut microbiota and the inflammatory response to ulcerative colitis in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate and possible mechanisms of action for treatment with PE&AFWE

Background:Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),comprising Crohn's disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC),is a heterogeneous state of chronic intestinal inflammation.Intestinal innate immunity,including innate immune cells,defends against pathogens and excessive entry of gut microbiota,while preserving immune tolerance to resident intestinal microbiota,and may be characterized by its capacity to produce a rapid and nonspecific reaction.The association between microbiota dysbiosis and the pathogenesis of IBD is complex and dynamic.When the intestinal ecosystem is in dysbiosis,the reduced abundance and diversity of intestinal gut microbiota make the host more vulnerable to the attack of exogenous and endogenous pathogenic gut microbiota.The aim of our study was to comprehensively assess the relationship between microbial populations within UC,the signaling pathways of pathogenic gut microbe therein and the inflammatory response,as well as to understand the effects of using PE&AFWE(poppy extract[Papaver nudicaule L.]and Artemisia frigida Willd.extract)on UC modulation.Methods:A UC mouse model was established by inducing SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice using dextrose sodium sulfate(DSS).Based on metagenomic sequencing to characterize the gut microbiome,the relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and gut microbiota was further studied using random forest and Bayesian network analysis methods,as well as histopathological analysis.Results:(1)We found that the 5 gut microbiota with the highest relative abundance of inflammatory bowel disease UC model gut microbiota were consistent with the top 5 ranked natural bacteria.There were three types of abundance changes in the model groups:increases(Chlamydiae/Proteobacteria and Deferribacteres),decreases(Firmicutes),and no significant changes(Bacteroidetes).The UC model group was significantly different from the control group,with 1308 differentially expressed species with abundance changes greater than or equal to 2-fold.(2)The proportion of the fecal flora in the UC group decreased by 37.5%in the Firmicutes and increased by 14.29%in the proportion of Proteobacteria compared to the control group before treatment.(3)The significantly enriched and increased signaling pathways screened were the'arachidonic acid metabolic pathway'and the'phagosomal pathway',which both showed a decreasing trend after drug administration.(4)Based on the causal relationship between different OTUs and the UC model/PE&AFWE administration,screening for directly relevant OTU networks,the UC group was found to directly affect OTU69,followed by a cascade of effects on OTU12,OTU121,OTU93,and OTU7,which may be the pathway of action that initiated the pathological changes in normal mice.(5)We identified a causal relationship between common differentially expressed OTUs and PE&AFWE and UC in the pre-and post-PE&AFWE-treated groups.Thereby,we learned that PE&AFWE can directly affect OTU90,after which it inhibits UC,inhibiting the activity of arachidonic acid metabolic pathway by affecting OTU118,which in turn inhibits the colonization of gut microbiota by OTU93 and OTU7.(6)Histopathological observation and scoring(HS)of the colon showed that there was a significant difference between the model group and the control group(p<0.001),and that there was a significant recovery in both the sulfasalazine(SASP)and the PE&AFWE groups after the administration of the drug(p<0.0001).Conclusion:We demonstrated causal effects and inflammatory metabolic pathways in gut microbiota dysbiosis and IBD,with five opportunistic pathogens directly contributing to IBD.PE&AFWE reduced the abundance of proteobacteria in the gut microbiota,and histopathology showed significant improvement.

Effects of dietary hemp seed oil to sows on fatty acid profiles,nutritional and immune status of piglets

Background:The oil from industrial hemp seeds(Cannabis sativa)is an ideal source of stearidonic acid,which is a precursor fatty acid for the long-chained n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.These fatty acids are important for neonatal development,health and immunity.Hemp seed oil has been investigated for the influence on human health,but research on the impact in pig nutrition is scarce.The aim of our research was to study the effect of dietary hemp seed oil relative to soybean oil to lactating sows on the transfer of fatty acids to the off-spring and the effect on piglets’immune and nutritional status.Results:The fatty acid composition of the hemp seed and the soybean oil influenced the fatty acid composition of sow plasma,colostrum and mature milk.The highest proportion of C18:3n-3,C18:4n-3 and C20:4n-6 was obtained in mature milk fat of sows fed 5%hemp seed oil diet when compared to the other dietary fat sources(5%soybean oil or a 50:50 mix of hemp and soybean oil at 5%).The effect of dietary oil supplementation to sows was reflected in the plasma fatty acids profile of piglets.Notably the proportion of C20:5n-3 and C22:5n-3 was the highest in plasma of piglets suckling sows fed hemp seed oil-containing diets,whereas no C18:4n-3 could be detected hence indicating conversion ofα-linolenic acid(ALA)and stearidonic acid(SDA)to the longer chained n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.Dietary fat source also influenced number of born piglets,their weight gain during first week,plasma concentration of glucose and IgG,and haematological profile.Conclusions:The hemp seed oil resulted in direct maternal supply with n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids(LCPUFA),especially ALA and SDA,and piglets were able to convert these fatty acids obtained via the sow milk intake to C20:5n-3 and C22:5n-3.Furthermore,some interesting effects of the 5%hemp seed oil was obtained with regard to piglet initial body weight gain and glucose,which could be of interest for further research,i.e.,the capability of hemp seed oil to benefit piglets during early life.

Fatty Acid Treatment with Pure Omega-3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester for Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: Differences between Branded (EPADEL®) and Generic Products

Background: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have some protective benefits for patients with coronary artery and cerebrovascular diseases. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) drugs are prescribed as branded (B: EPADEL?) or generic products but no data exist concerning the differences in treatment outcomes between these products. Methods and Results: We investigated the differences in the serum levels of EPA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA), and the EPA/AA ratios through blood sampling six months after daily administration of 1800 mg of EPADEL? and a generic EPA drug was initiated for 96 patients with cardiovascular diseases. All patients received these PUFA treatments while continuing with baseline therapy. After 6 months of administration, EPADEL? produced better results than the generic (G) product (EPA;baseline: 59.4 ± 25.5 μg, B: 215.5 ± 58.8 μg, G: 199.7 ± 63.8 μg, B vs G, p < 0.0005;AA;baseline: 197.4 ± 44.6 μg, B: 158.3 ± 36.3 μg, G: 163.6 ± 38.9 μg, B vs G, p < 0.02, as mean ± SD). Conclusions: There were clear differences between EPA branded and the generic products. Further study is required to determine whether the benefits from the branded product justify the higher price compared to the generic drug cost.

Dietary arachidonate in milk replacer triggers dual benefits of PGE2 signaling in LPS-challenged piglet alveolar macrophages

Background: Respiratory infections challenge the swine industry, despite common medicinal practices. The dual signaling nature of PGE2(supporting both inflammation and resolution) makes it a potent regulator of immune cell function. Therefore, the use of dietary long chain n-6 PUFA to enhance PGE2 effects merits investigation.Methods: Day-old pigs(n = 60) were allotted to one of three dietary groups for 21 d(n = 20/diet), and received either a control diet(CON, arachidonate = 0.5% of total fatty acids), an arachidonate(ARA)-enriched diet(LC n-6,ARA = 2.2%), or an eicosapentaenoic(EPA)-enriched diet(LC n-3, EPA = 3.0%). Alveolar macrophages and lung parenchymal tissue were collected for fatty acid analysis. Isolated alveolar macrophages were stimulated with LPS in situ for 24 h, and m RNA was isolated to assess markers associated with inflammation and eicosanoid production.Culture media were collected to assess PGE2 secretion. Oxidative burst in macrophages was measured by: 1)oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification(via Seahorse), 2) cytoplasmic oxidation and 3) nitric oxide production following 4, 18, and 24 h of LPS stimulation.Results: Concentration of ARA(% of fatty acids, w/w) in macrophages from pigs fed LC n-6 was 86% higher than CON and 18% lower in pigs fed LC n-3(P < 0.01). Following LPS stimulation, abundance of COX-2 and TNF-α mRNA(P < 0.0001), and PGE2 secretion(P < 0. 01) were higher in LC n-6 PAM vs. CON. However, ALOX5 abundance was1.6-fold lower than CON. Macrophages from CON and LC n-6 groups were 4-fold higher in ALOX12/15 abundance(P < 0.0001) compared to LC n-3. Oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates increased over 4 h following LPS stimulation(P < 0.05) regardless of treatment. Similarly, increases in cytoplasmic oxidation(P < 0.001)and nitric oxide production(P < 0.002) were observed after 18 h of LPS stimulation but were unaffected by diet.Conclusions: We infer that enriching diets with arachidonic acid may be an effective means to enhance a stronger innate immunologic response to respiratory challenges in neonatal pigs. However, further work is needed to examine long-term safety, clinical efficacy and economic viability.

Novel functional association of rat testicular membrane-associated cytosolic glutathione S transferases and cyclooxygenase in vitro

Aim:To analyze the role of cytosolic glutathione S-transferases (cGSTs) and membrane-associated cytosolic GSTs (macGSTs) in prostaglandin biosynthesis and to evaluate the possible interaction between glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and cyclooxygenase (COX) in vitro.Methods:SDS-PAGE analysis was undertaken for characterization of GSTs,thin layer chromatography (TLC) to monitor the effect of GSTs on prostaglandin biosynthesis from arachi- donic acid (AA) and spectrophotometric assays were done for measuring activity levels of COX and GSTs.Results: SDS-PAGE analysis indicates that macGSTs have molecular weights in the range of 25-28 kDa.In a coupled assay involving GSTs,arachidonic acid and cyclooxygenase-1,rat testicular macGSTs produced prostaglandin E2 and F2~, while the cGSTs caused the generation of prostaglandin D2,E2 and F_(2α).In vitro interaction studies on GSTs and COX at the protein level have shown dose-dependent inhibition of COX activity by macGSTs and vice versa.This effect, however,is not seen with cGSTs.The inhibitory effect of COX on macGST activity was relieved with increasing concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH) but not with 1-chloro 2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB).The inhibition of COX by macGSTs,on the other hand,was potentiated by glutathione.Conclusion:We isolated and purified macGSTs and cGSTs from rat testis and analyzed their involvement in prostaglandin biosynthesis.These studies reveal a revers- ible functional interaction between macGSTs and COX in vitro,with possible interactions between them at the GSH binding site of macGSTs.

Evaluation of Angelicae sinensis radix as a promising treatmentoption for hyperlipidemia based on network pharmacology

Background: Angelicae sinensis radix has been widely applied in traditional Chinese medicine while little isexplored in its potential mechanism. This study aims to elucidate the effective components and defattingmechanism based on network pharmacology. Methods: Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems PharmacologyDatabase and Analysis Platform was screened to collect the possible active ingredients and their CAS and SMILESwas searched in Pubchem, which further used for reverse molecular docking in Swiss Target Prediction database toobtain potential targets. Hyperlipidemia-related molecules were obtained from GeneCards database, and thepredicted targets of Angelicae sinensis radix for hyperlipidemia treatment were selected by Wayne diagram. Formechanism analysis, the protein-protein interactions were constructed with String, the Gene Oncology enrichmentanalysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were conducted in DAVID. Results: Usingnetwork-based systems biology analysis, we predicted that 5 active ingredients in Angelicae sinensis radix hasantilipemic effects with 71 potential targets. Through Gene Oncology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes andGenomes analysis, we found that the related signaling pathways mainly involved in arachidonic acid metabolism,and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. The related genes are ALOX5, CYP2C19, EPHX2, PTGS1, PTGS2,ADRB1, and ADRB3. Conclusion: Angelicae sinensis radix may alleviate hyperlipidemia through arachidonic acidmetabolism, and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. ALOX5, CYP2C19, EPHX2, PTGS1, PTGS2, ADRB1, andADRB3 may be new targets for treatment.

RELATION OF MALIGNANT TUMOR TO PROSTACYCLIN AND THROMBOXANE

The level of 6-keto-PGF1αand thromboxane B2(TXB2) in Plasma was determined with radioimmunoassay in 58 normal subjects and 92 Patients with various cancers(including lung,hepatic,gastric,esophageal and pancreatic carcinoma).The results showed that 6-keto-PGF1α.In plasma was 10.21±2.75 Pg/ml,and TXB2 146.03±37.31 Pg/ml in normal individuals,the ratio of 6-keto-PGF1α to TXB2 was 0.07;while in cancer Patients 6-keto-PGF1αwas 27.5±16.9 Pg/ml and TXB2 315.4±173.4 Pg/ml, the ratio of 6-keto-PGF1αto TXB2 was 0.08.The values of 6-keto-PGF1αand TXB2 in plasma of cancer patients were 2.69 folds and 2.16 folds higher than that of the two groups,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.01).It indicates that the synthesis and release of PGI2 and TXA2 of cancer tissues increases greatly as compared to the normals.The study also revealed that the size of tumor,metastasis and histological classification had no obvious relation to PGs.