NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4)as a biomarker and therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases

Diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are defined by inflammation and the damage neurons undergo due to oxidative stress. A primary reactive oxygen species contributor in the central nervous system, NADPH oxidase 4, is viewed as a potential therapeutic touchstone and indicative marker for these ailments. This in-depth review brings to light distinct features of NADPH oxidase 4, responsible for generating superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, emphasizing its pivotal role in activating glial cells, inciting inflammation, and disturbing neuronal functions. Significantly, malfunctioning astrocytes, forming the majority in the central nervous system, play a part in advancing neurodegenerative diseases, due to their reactive oxygen species and inflammatory factor secretion. Our study reveals that aiming at NADPH oxidase 4 within astrocytes could be a viable treatment pathway to reduce oxidative damage and halt neurodegenerative processes. Adjusting NADPH oxidase 4 activity might influence the neuroinflammatory cytokine levels, including myeloperoxidase and osteopontin, offering better prospects for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. This review sheds light on the role of NADPH oxidase 4 in neural degeneration, emphasizing its drug target potential, and paving the path for novel treatment approaches to combat these severe conditions.

Type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors in neurological diseases:clinical applications based on preclinical findings

Type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors,encompassing selegiline,rasagiline,and safinamide,are available to treat Parkinson's disease.These drugs ameliorate motor symptoms and improve motor fluctuation in the advanced stages of the disease.There is also evidence suppo rting the benefit of type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors on non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease,such as mood deflection,cognitive impairment,sleep disturbances,and fatigue.Preclinical studies indicate that type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors hold a strong neuroprotective potential in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases for reducing oxidative stress and stimulating the production and release of neurotrophic factors,particularly glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor,which suppo rt dopaminergic neurons.Besides,safinamide may interfere with neurodegenerative mechanisms,countera cting excessive glutamate overdrive in basal ganglia motor circuit and reducing death from excitotoxicity.Due to the dual mechanism of action,the new generation of type-B monoamine oxidase inhibitors,including safinamide,is gaining interest in other neurological pathologies,and many supporting preclinical studies are now available.The potential fields of application concern epilepsy,Duchenne muscular dystrophy,multiple scle rosis,and above all,ischemic brain injury.The purpose of this review is to investigate the preclinical and clinical pharmacology of selegiline,rasagiline,and safinamide in Parkinson's disease and beyond,focusing on possible future therapeutic applications.

Natural variation in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5B OsCOX5B regulates seed vigor by altering energy production in rice

Seed vigor is a crucial trait for the direct seeding of rice.Here we examined the genetic regulation of seed vigor traits in rice,including germination index(GI)and germination potential(GP),using a genome-wide association study approach.One major quantitative trait locus,qGI6/qGP6,was identified simultaneously for both GI and GP.The candidate gene encoding the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5B(OsCOX5B)was validated for qGI6/qGP6.The disruption of OsCOX5B caused the vigor traits to be significantly lower in Oscox5b mutants than in the japonica Nipponbare wild type(WT).Gene co-expression analysis revealed that OsCOX5B influences seed vigor mainly by modulating the tricarboxylic acid cycle process.The glucose levels were significantly higher while the pyruvic acid and adenosine triphosphate levels were significantly lower in Oscox5b mutants than in WT during seed germination.The elite haplotype of OsCOX5B facilitates seed vigor by increasing its expression during seed germination.Thus,we propose that OsCOX5B is a potential target for the breeding of rice varieties with enhanced seed vigor for direct seeding.

Enhancing metformin-induced tumor metabolism destruction by glucose oxidase for triple-combination therapy

Despite decades of laboratory and clinical trials,breast cancer remains the main cause of cancer-related disease burden in women.Considering the metabolism destruction effect of metformin(Met)and cancer cell starvation induced by glucose oxidase(GOx),after their efficient delivery to tumor sites,GOx and Met may consume a large amount of glucose and produce sufficient hydrogen peroxide in situ.Herein,a pH-responsive epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG)-conjugated low-molecular-weight chitosan(LC-EGCG,LE)nanoparticle(Met–GOx/Fe@LE NPs)was constructed.The coordination between iron ions(Fe3+)and EGCG in this nanoplatform can enhance the efficacy of chemodynamic therapy via the Fenton reaction.Met–GOx/Fe@LE NPs allow GOx to retain its enzymatic activity while simultaneously improving its stability.Moreover,this pH-responsive nanoplatform presents controllable drug release behavior.An in vivo biodistribution study showed that the intracranial accumulation of GOx delivered by this nanoplatform was 3.6-fold higher than that of the free drug.The in vivo anticancer results indicated that this metabolism destruction/starvation/chemodynamic triple-combination therapy could induce increased apoptosis/death of tumor cells and reduce their proliferation.This triple-combination therapy approach is promising for efficient and targeted cancer treatment.

Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitor Rasagiline Effects on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: In the manuscript titled Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitor Rasagiline Effects on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in Individuals with Parkinsons Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, the objective was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the effects that Rasagiline has on motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with PD. Introduction: Rasagiline is a second-generation monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor used both as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for Parkinsons Disease (PD). Methods: A systematic literature search and meta-analysis were performed with randomized control trials that investigated the effects of Rasagiline on motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with PD. The systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, and EBSCO databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Results: Fourteen studies were included in our review. There were trivial to small and statistically significant improvements in motor symptoms for individuals with PD treated with Rasagiline compared to placebo. Non-motor symptoms showed no significant improvement with Rasagiline compared to placebo in five of six meta-analyses. Results were based on very low to moderate certainty of evidence. Conclusion: 1 mg/day Rasagiline significantly improved Parkinsonian motor symptoms in individuals with PD compared with placebo. For all outcomes, the 1 mg/day Rasagiline group was favored over the placebo group.

Knockdown of NADPH oxidase 4 reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress and neuronal pyroptosis following intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage is often accompanied by oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species,which causes abnormal mitochondrial function and secondary reactive oxygen species generation.This creates a vicious cycle leading to reactive oxygen species accumulation,resulting in progression of the pathological process.Therefore,breaking the cycle to inhibit reactive oxygen species accumulation is critical for reducing neuronal death after intracerebral hemorrhage.Our previous study found that increased expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4(NADPH oxidase 4,NOX4)led to neuronal apoptosis and damage to the blood-brain barrier after intracerebral hemorrhage.The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of NOX4 in the circle involving the neuronal tolerance to oxidative stress,mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and modes of neuronal death other than apoptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage.We found that NOX4 knockdown by adeno-associated virus(AAV-NOX4)in rats enhanced neuronal tolerance to oxidative stress,enabling them to better resist the oxidative stress caused by intracerebral hemorrhage.Knockdown of NOX4 also reduced the production of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondria,relieved mitochondrial damage,prevented secondary reactive oxygen species accumulation,reduced neuronal pyroptosis and contributed to relieving secondary brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats.Finally,we used a mitochondria-targeted superoxide dismutase mimetic to explore the relationship between reactive oxygen species and NOX4.The mitochondria-targeted superoxide dismutase mimetic inhibited the expression of NOX4 and neuronal pyroptosis,which is similar to the effect of AAV-NOX4.This indicates that NOX4 is likely to be an important target for inhibiting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production,and NOX4 inhibitors can be used to alleviate oxidative stress response induced by intracerebral hemorrhage.

Value of combining the serum D-lactate, diamine oxidase, and endotoxin levels to predict gut-derived infections in cancer patients

Objective:This is a retrospective observational cohort study.The objective of this retrospective observational cohort study was to evaluate the value of the combined serum D-lactic acid,diamine oxidase(DAO),and endotoxin levels to predict intestinal barrier impairment and gut-derived infection(GDI)in cancer patients.Methods:Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or palliative care treatment at our hospital were enrolled in the study.The serum concentrations of DAO,D-lactic acid,and endotoxin were determined using the intestinal barrier function biochemical index analysis system.The patients'infection information came from the hospital's Medicom Prescription Automatic Screening System and themedical records.Three hundred fifty-three cancer patients were included in the study(53.8%female,73.7%cancer stage IV,27.8%had bowel obstruction).Results:The total incidence of GDI was 33.4%(118/353).The median length of hospital stay was 16 days for patients with GDI,compared with 7 days for patients without GDI(P<0.001).The media hospitalization costs were¥27,362.35 for patients with GDI compared with¥11,614.08 for patients without GDI(P<0.001).The serum concentrations of DAO,D-lactic acid,and endotoxin were significantly higher in patients with GDI.As malignant bowel obstruction(MBO)worsened,the concentrations of DAO,D-lactic acid,and endotoxin increased.Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that the DAO,endotoxin,IL-6,and C-reactive protein levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of GDI.In addition,we also found a fivefold increased risk of infection in patients withMBO compared with those without bowel obstruction(OR=6.210,P<0.001).All of the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUCs)for DAO,D-lactate,and endotoxin to predict GDI were<0.7(AUC=0.648,P<0.001;AUC=0.624,P<0.01;AUC=0.620,P<0.01,respectively).However,when the parameters were combined(DAO+D-lactate+endotoxin),the predictive power increased significantly(AUC=0.797,P<0.001).Moreover,combining these intestinal barrier indicators and the presence of MBO had better power to predict GDI than either alone(AUC=0.837,P<0.001).Conclusions:Combining the serum DAO,D-lactic acid,and endotoxin levels was a better predictor of GDI than any of the indicators alone,and combining these with the diagnosis of MBO could further improve the efficacy for predicting GDI.

Phylogeny of Apaturinae Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome OxidaseⅠ Gene

The phylogenetic relationships of genera in the subfamily Apaturinae were examined using mtDNA sequence data from 1,471 bp of cytochrome oxidase subunit Ⅰ （COI）. The mitochondrial COI gene from a total of 16 species in 11 genera were sequenced to obtain mtDNA data, along with those of 4 species obtained from GenBank, to construct the MP and the NJ trees using Athyma jina, Penthema adelma, Polyura nepenthes, and Charaxes bernardus as outgroups. The transitions at the third codon positions of the COI data set were found saturated, but they were retained for analysis, because they contain the majority of the phylogenetic information. The impacts of equal weight assumptions for all characters in the parsimonious analysis were assessed by potential alternations in clades in response to different transition/transversion weighting schemes. The results indicated four distinct major groups in Apaturinae. Moreover, several well supported and stable clades were found in the Apaturinae. The study also identified undetermined taxon groups whose positions were weakly supported and were subject to changes under different weighting schemes. Within the Apaturinae, the clustering results are approximately identical to the classical morphological classification. The mtDNA data suggest the genus Mimathyma as a monophyletic group. Lelecella limenitoides and Dilipa fenestra have close relationship with very strong support in all phylogenetic trees. It also supports the taxonomic revision of removing several species from Apatura to other genera, namely Mimathyma schrenckii, M. chevana, M. nycteis, Chitoria subcaerulea, C. fasciola, C. pallas, and Helcyra subalba.

The Phylogenetic Relationships among Four Subspecies of the Genus Locusta Based on Sequences of Three Subunit of Cytochrome Oxidase

[Objective] The aim was to explore the phylogenetic relationships among four subspecies of the genus Locusta.[Method] The sequences of three subunits of cytochrome oxidase of Locusta migratoria tibetensis and Locusta migratoria manilensis were amplified and sequenced（COⅠ 1 539 bp,COⅡ 684 bp,CO Ⅲ 792 bp,with the total of 3 015 bp）.The corresponding sequenses of Locusta migratoria migratoria and Locusta migratoria migratorioides were obtained from GenBank and constructed a multiple alignment.Phylogenic trees of four subspecies of L.migratoria were constructed by Neighbor-Joining,Maximum-parsimony and Bayesian,respectively.[Result] The average content of A ＋ T in three subunits of four subspecies was 69.57%;the third site of codon showed the highest A ＋ T content,and the COⅠ had the highest A ＋ T content（87.6%）;The nucleotide substitution mainly occurred at the third site of codon,and the nucleotide replacement rate of CO Ⅱ was the highest.The second site of codon was conservative,so the replacement rate was in the range of 5.9%-15%.The start codon of COⅠ was CCG or ACG.Genetic distances among four subspecies were ranged from 0.001 to 0.076.The relationship between L.m.tibetensis and Locusta migratoria manilensis was the closest,followed by L.m.migratorioides and L.m.migratorioides,while the genetic distance between L.m.tibetensis and L.m.migratorioides was the largest.[Conclusion] The phylogenetic relationships among four subspecies of Locusta migratoria is L.m.tibetensis,L.m.manilensis,L.m.migratoria,L.m.migratorioides.

A Comparative Study on Detection of the Expression of Alternative Oxidase in Tobacco Callus with the Monoclonal Antibody Against Alternative Oxidase and Antibody Against-Synthetic Polypeptide Antibody

从经过不同温度处理的烟草 (NicotianarusticaL .)愈伤组织中提取并纯化线粒体蛋白 ,分别与交替氧化酶的单克隆抗体和抗合成多肽抗体进行免疫杂交。结果表明 :交替氧化酶的含量随温度的下降而显著上升 ;单克隆抗体的特异性较高于抗合成多肽抗体 ,但后者与交替氧化酶同样有良好的亲和性。因此 ,用合成多肽方法制备的抗体可以用于交替氧化酶的研究中。

高等植物赤霉素生物合成关键组分GA20-oxidase氧化酶基因的研究进展

GA-20氧化酶(GA-20 oxidase)是重要的GA生物合成和调控酶,直接催化生成有生物活性的GAs,是一种多功能酶,最显著的特点就是负反馈调节。GA20-氧化酶在植物发育和生理过程中起着重要的调控作用。综述了高等植物体内GA20氧化酶基因的克隆及表达调控研究及其对株高、纤维、开花、产量性状等影响,重点阐述了GA20氧化酶基因与激素、光周期、抗性等之间的相互作用,以便更好地揭示GA-20氧化酶信号网络系统及其作用机制。

The Mediation of Defense Responses of Ginseng Cells to an Elicitor from Cell Walls of Colletotrichum lagerarium by Plasma Membrane NAD(P)H Oxidases

NAD(P)H oxidases were detected in suspension cultured cells of ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer). The activities of these enzymes were induced by an elicitor (Cle) extracted from cell walls of Col-letotrichum lagerarium. In addition, Cle induced an oxidative burst and enhanced the synthesis of saponin, activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) , accumulation of chalcone synthase (CHS) and the transcription of a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein gene ( hrgp ) . Pre-treatments with DPI and quinacrine (two inhibitors of mammalian neutrophil plasma membrane NADPH oxidase) for 30 min prior to Cle addition blocked the NAD(P)H oxidase activity induced by Cle. These inhibitors also inhibited the release of H2C2, the synthesis of saponin, PAL activity and CHS accumulation. Our data revealed homology between plasma membrane NAD(P)H oxidases of mammalian neutrophil cells and ginseng suspension cells. They also indicated that deactivated NAD(P)H oxidases catalysed the release of H2O2 and that H2O2 was functioning as a second messenger stimulating PAL activity, saponin synthesis and hrgp transcription. Elevations of Ca2 + and protein phos-phorylation/dephosphorylation were required for this defense process. We propose that NAD(P)H oxidases mediate the processes of Cle-induced defense responses in ginseng suspensions, and postulate the existence of a signalling cascade including extracellular Cle stimulation, activation of plasma membrane NAD(P)H oxidases, release of H2O2, and the intracellular responses of metabolism and gene transcription in ginseng suspension cells.

山茱萸提取物对慢性肾功能衰竭大鼠的肾保护作用及对oxidase/ROS/ERK信号通路的影响

目的:探讨山茱萸提取物对慢性肾功能衰竭(CRF)大鼠的肾保护作用及对氧化酶(oxidase)/活性氧(ROS)/细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)信号通路的影响。方法:将40只雄性SD大鼠分为正常组、模型组、阳性药组和山茱萸组,每组10只。除正常组外,其余各组按0.25 g/(kg·d)的剂量灌胃腺嘌呤溶液,连续给予21 d制备CRF模型。模型制备成功后,阳性药组按0.75 g/(kg·d)的剂量给予黄葵胶囊,山茱萸组按0.60 g/(kg·d)的剂量给予山茱萸提取物,正常组和模型组给予等量生理盐水,持续28 d。对肾组织进行病理学检查及评分,同时检测肾功能指标、血清中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)含量及肾脏中相关蛋白的含量。结果:正常组大鼠肾脏病理未观察到损伤迹象;模型组出现弥漫肾小球和肾小管萎缩、炎性细胞浸润和间质纤维化等病变;阳性药组肾小球和肾小管萎缩、炎性细胞浸润和间质纤维化等病变较模型组减轻;山茱萸组肾小球和肾小管萎缩、炎性细胞浸润和间质纤维化等病变程度介于模型组和阳性药组之间。与正常组比较,模型组炎症评分、纤维化评分及尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(SCr)、尿蛋白(UP)、TNF-α、IL-6、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、NADPH氧化酶1(NOX1)、ROS、磷酸化ERK(p-ERK)含量均增加(P<0.05);与模型组比较,阳性药组和山茱萸组炎症评分、纤维化评分及BUN、SCr、UP、TNF-α、IL-6、α-SMA、NOX1、ROS、p-ERK含量均降低(P<0.05);与阳性药组比较,山茱萸组炎症评分、纤维化评分及BUN、SCr、UP、TNF-α、IL-6、α-SMA、NOX1、ROS、p-ERK含量均增加(P<0.05)。结论:山茱萸提取物可以通过抑制肾组织炎症反应和纤维化对CRF大鼠起到一定的保护作用,其机制可能与oxidase/ROS/ERK信号通路有关。

Activation of Plasma Membrane NADPH Oxidase and Generation of H_2O_2 Mediate the Induction of PAL Activity and Saponin Synthesis byEndogenous Elicitor in Suspension-Cultured Cells of Panax ginseng

Endogenous elicitor, termed cellulase-degraded cell wall (CDW), was prepared from the cell wall of suspension-cultured ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) cells via cellulase degradation. CDW activated the NADPH oxidase activity of isolated plasma membranes and stimulated in vivo H2O2 generation in ginseng cell suspensions. CDW also increased the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), expression of a P. ginseng squalene epoxidase (sqe) gene and saponin synthesis. NADPH oxidase inhibitors inhibited both in vitro NADPH oxidase activity and in vivo H2O2 generation. Induction of PAL activity, saponin synthesis and sqe gene expression were all inhibited by such inhibitor treatments and reduced by incubation with catalase and HA scavengers. These data indicate that activation of NADPH oxidase and generation of H2O2 are essential signalling events mediating defence responses induced by the endogenous elicitor(s) present in CDW.

赤霉素诱导甘蔗GA20-Oxidase基因实时荧光定量PCR分析

本研究以喷清水甘蔗幼茎作为对照(即未处理),经过赤霉素处理后6h、12h、24h和48h的甘蔗幼茎为处理,分别进行取样并提取RNA,反转录获得cDNA作模板,利用SYBR GreenⅠ成功构建了目的基因(GA20-oxidase)和内参基因(GAPDH)的标准品和标准曲线。结果表明:内参基因与目的基因的起始模板浓度与Ct之间呈良好线性关系,决定系数分别为r2=0.998、r2=0.995;溶解曲线均显单峰型,证明扩增的特异性比较好,可对基因表达进行相对定量。定量结果表明:目的基因未处理的表达量最大,赤霉素处理后表达量持续下降,在6h达到最低值,12h后逐渐上升,但到48h又明显下降,且所有处理的表达量均低于未处理,6h、12h、24h和48h比对照的表达量分别下降了24.75%、13.18%、10.23%和20.34%。本实验研究GA20-oxidase基因在赤霉素处理后的表达情况,为进一步克隆甘蔗GA20氧化酶基因全长序列、研究该基因在甘蔗节间伸长过程中的表达调控及甘蔗茎间伸长中的作用机理提供理论依据。

Semicarbazide-Sensitive Amine Oxidase对血糖调节作用研究

Semicarbazide-Sensitive Amine Oxidase(SSAO)是一类在人体内广泛分布但生理功能尚不清楚的酶。本研究中我们首次在动物模型上发现了SSAO活性对大鼠血糖的影响。通过使用SSAO的高选择性抑制剂MDL-72974A以及它的内源性底物甲胺等对动物进行处理,研究血糖与SSAO活性的关系。SSAO活性用同位素标记法以14C-苯甲胺为底物进行测定,血糖则采用己糖激酶法测定。此外我们还测定了尿甲醛排泄以考察SSAO催化脱氨反应是否发生。实验结果显示,抑制SSAO活性可以导致动物血糖升高,并且SSAO底物甲胺可以降低糖尿病鼠血糖。这些结果表明SSAO可能在血糖调节方面有某种作用,进一步研究将对发展糖尿病治疗策略有重要意义。

RNAi Plasmid Construction of PttGA 20-oxidase Gene

[Objective] Genetic Engineering technology was used to regulate the expression of PttGA20-oxidase gene thus restrained plant height growth and internode elongation for cultivating dwarfed plant.[Method] Based on the RNAi principle,the gene specific sequences of PttGA20-oxidase in the antisense and sense orientations interrupted by a gene sequence from GUS were cloned into a binary vector pBI121.The selection marker gene npt Ⅱ was replaced with bar gene to RNAi plasmid.[Result] After undergone different endonuclease restrictions,the constructed constraint vector released different segments whose sizes were similar to that of target segment,which demonstrated that the RNAi plasmid of PttGA20-oxidase gene was successfully constructed.[Conclusion] The experiment provided a new way for culturing dwarfed plant.

Isolation and analysis of pepper ACC oxidase gene partial sequence

Ethylene plays an extensive role in plant growth and development.. 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate （ACC） oxidase （ACO） is the key enzyme in ethylene biosynthesis. In this study, a 354 g DNA and a 213 bp cDNA base pair （bp） candidate fragment was amplified from pepper with primers derived from the ACO sequence （AJ011109） reported by Ernesto. The putative new gene was analyzed by bioinformatics tools.

Changes of plasma D(-) -lactate, diamine oxidase and endotoxin in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Plasma D(-)-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO) can reflect patients' intestinal mucosal condition. We evaluated the changes of plasma D (-)-lactate, DAO and endotoxin activities and their significance in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Fifty liver cirrhosis patients were enrolled into experimental group and 30 healthy people into control group. The plasma levels of D(-)-lactate, DAO and endo- toxin were detected spectrophotographically. RESULTS: The level of D(-)-lactate was significantly high- er in the experimental group than that in the control group (P<0.01). Significant differences of D (-)-lactate levels were observed in Child-Pugh subgroups of the experimen- tal group (P <0. 01). The level of DAO was significantly higher in the experimental group than that in the control group (P <0.01), but the level of DAO in Child-Pugh sub- group C was significantly lower than that in Child-Pugh subgroup B (P<0.01). The level of endotoxin was signifi- cantly increased in the experimental group except Child Pugh subgroup A (P<0.01). The plasma levels of D(-) lactate, DAO and endotoxin were positively correlated with each other (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that both plasma D(-) lactate and DAO activity are sensitive markers for early diagnosis of gut failure and endotoxemia in patients with liver cirrhosis. The impairment of intestinal barrier func- tion may be one of the critical reasons for deterioration of liver cirrhosis.

Inhibition of Xanthine Oxidase Activity by Gnaphalium Affine Extract

Objective To evaluate the inhibitory effect of Gnaphalium affine extracts on xanthine oxidase(XO) activity in vitro and to analyze the mechanism of this effect. Methods In this in vitro study, Kinetic measurements were performed in 4 different inhibitor concentrations and 5 different xanthine concentrations(60, 100, 200, 300, 400 μmol/L). Dixon and Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis were used to determine Ki values and the inhibition mode for the compounds isolated from Gnaphalium affine extract. Results Four potent xanthine oxidase inhibitors were found in 95% ethanolic(v/v) Gnaphalium affine extract. Among them, the f lavone Eupatilin exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on XO with a inhibition constant(Ki) of 0.37 μmol/L, lower than the Ki of allopurinol(4.56 mol/L), a known synthetic XO inhibitor. Apigenin(Ki of 0.56 μmol/L, a proportion of 0.0053‰ in Gnaphalium affine), luteolin(Ki of 2.63 μmol/L, 0.0032‰ in Gnaphalium affine) and 5-hydroxy-6,7,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone(Ki of 3.15 μmol/L, 0.0043‰ in Gnaphalium affine) also contributed to the inhibitory effect of Gnaphalium affine extract on XO activity. Conclusions These results suggest that the use of Gnaphalium affine in the treatment of gout could be attributed to its inhibitory effect on XO. This study provides a rational basis for the traditional use of Gnaphalium affine against gout.