Bioinformatics and network pharmacology identify the therapeutic role and potential targets of diosgenin in Alzheimer disease and COVID-19

Objective: This study aims to investigate the potential targets of diosgenin for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) through the utilization of bioinformatics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques. Methods: Differential expression genes (DEGs) shared by AD and COVID-19 were enriched by bioinformatics. Additionally, regulatory networks were analyzed to identify key genes in the Transcription Factor (TF) of both diseases. The networks were visualized using Cytoscape. Utilizing the DGIdb database, an investigation was conducted to identify potential drugs capable of treating both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and COVID-19. Subsequently, a Venn diagram analysis was performed using the drugs associated with AD and COVID-19 in the CTD database, leading to the identification of diosgenin as a promising candidate for the treatment of both AD and COVID-19.SEA, SuperPred, Swiss Target Prediction and TCMSP were used to predict the target of diosgenin in the treatment of AD and COVID-19, and the target of diosgenin in the treatment of AD and COVID-19 was determined by Wayne diagram intersection analysis with the differentially expressed genes of AD and COVID- 19. Their Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were analyzed jointly. Genomes The Protein Protein Interaction (PPI) network of these drug targets was constructed, and core targets with the highest correlation were screened out. The binding of diosgenin to these core targets was analyzed by molecular docking. Results: Through enrichment and cluster analysis, it was found that the biological processes, pathways and diseases enriched by DEGs in AD and COVID-19 were all related to inflammation and immune regulation. These common DEGs and Trust databases were used to construct AD and COVID-19 TFs regulatory networks. Diosgenin was predicted as a potential drug for the treatment of AD and COVID-19 by network pharmacology, and 36 targets of diosgenin for the treatment of AD and 27 targets for COVID-19 were revealed. The six core targets with the highest correlation were selected for molecular docking with diosgenin using CytohHubba to calculate the scores. Conclusions: This study firstly revealed that the common TFs regulatory network of AD and COVID-19, and predicted and verified diosgenin as a potential drug for the treatment of AD and COVID-19. The binding of diosgenin to the core pharmacological targets for the treatment of AD and COVID-19 was determined by molecular docking, which provides a theoretical basis for developing a new approach to clinical treatment of AD and COVID-19.

Determination of Total Lignanoids in Tangjiangshenkang Granules by Two-Wavelength Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry

[Objectives] To establish a determination method for the content of total lignanoids in Tangjiangshenkang granules. [Methods] Two-wavelength ultraviolet spectrophotometry (TWBS) was used to scan arctiin control solution, chlorogenic acid control solution and Tangjiangshenkang granule test solution in the range of 200-400 nm. In the ultraviolet scanning diagram of arctiin reference solution, the maximum absorption wavelength of 280 nm was determined as the determination wavelength λ 1, the detection wavelength in the ultraviolet scanning diagram of chlorogenic acid reference solution ( λ 1=280 nm) was determined, and 350 nm was the reference wavelength λ 2;the content of total lignosides in Tangjiangshenkang granules was determined with arctiin as the reference substance. [Results] The precision, accuracy, and durability of this method were fine. The concentration of arctiin was linearly correlated with the absorbance difference in the range of 0.007 95-0.071 55 mg/mL ( r =0. 999 9). The average recovery of arctiin was 100.8%, and the RSD value was 1.04% ( n =6). Calculated as arctiin, three batches of Tangjiangshenkang granules contain no less than 20% of total lignosides. [Conclusions] The method has the advantages of simple operation, good accuracy, precision and reliable stability. It can be used as the content determination and quality control method of total lignosides in Tangjiangshenkang granules.

Rapid accuracy determining DNA purity and concentration in heavy oils by spectrophotometry methods

DNA analysis is the core of biotechnology applied in petroleum resources and engineering. Traditionally accurate determination of DNA purity and concentration by spectrometer is the first and critical step for downstream molecular biology research. In this study, three different spectrophotometry methods, BPM, NDTT and NPMTTZ were compared for their performance in determining DNA concentration and purity in 32 oil samples, and molecule methods like quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and high-throughput sequence were also performed to help assess the accuracy of the three methods in determining DNA concentration and purity. For ordinary heavy oil (OHO), extra heavy oil (EHO) and super heavy oil (SHO), the characteristics of high viscosity (η), density (ρ) and resin plus asphaltene content will affect the DNA extraction and UV determination. The DNA concentration was decreased as density increased: OHO (11.46 ± 18.34 ng/μL), EHO (6.68 ± 9.67 ng/μL) and SHO (6.20 ± 7.83 ng/μL), and the DNA purity was on the reverse: OHO (1.31 ± 0.27), EHO (1.54 ± 0.20), and SHO (1.83 ± 0.32). The results suggest that spectrophotometry such as BPM and NPMTTZ are qualitatively favorite methods as the quick non-consumable methods in determining DNA concentration and purity of medium oil and heavy oil.

Studies on the Combined Derivative Spectrophotometry

The combined derivative spectrophotometry developed in this paper is a new method, which can be used to determine multicomporent mixture simultaneously and may improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the measurement remarkably. Two practical tests were carried out to verify the correctness of the theory, and the results are satisfactory.

Rapid measurement of indocyanine green retention by pulse spectrophotometry: a validation study in 70 patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis before hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The indocyanine green (ICG) retention test is the most popular liver function test for selecting patients for major hepatectomy. Traditionally, it is done using spectrophotometry with serial blood sampling. The newly- developed pulse spectrophotometry is a faster alternative, but its accuracy on Child-Pugh A cirrhotic patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma has not been well documented. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of the LiMON , one of the pulse spectrophotometry systems, in measuring preoperative ICG retention in these patients and to devise an easy formula for conversion of the results so that they can be compared with classical literature records where ICG retention was measured by the traditional method. METHODS: We measured the liver function of 70 Child-Pugh A cirrhotic patients before hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma from September 2008 to January 2009. ICG retention at 15 minutes measured by traditional spectrophotometry (ICGR15) was compared with ICG retention at 15 minutes measured by the LiMON (ICGR15(L)). RESULTS: The median ICGR15 was 14.7% (5.6%-32%) and the median ICGR15(L) was 10.4% (1.2%-28%). The mean difference between them was -4.3606. There was a strong correlation between ICGR15 and ICGR15(L) (correlation coefficient, 0.844; 95% confidence interval, 0.762-0.899). The following formula was devised: ICGR15=1.16×ICGR15(L)+2.73.CONCLUSIONS: The LiMON provides a fast and repeatable way to measure ICG retention at 15 minutes, but with constant underestimation of the real value. Therefore, when comparing results obtained by traditional spectrophotometry and the LiMON, adjustment of results from the latter is necessary, and this can be done with a simple mathematical calculation using the above formula.

Crystal Structures, Stability, and Solubility Evaluation of a 2:1 Diosgenin-Piperazine Cocrystal

A cocrystal of diosgenin with piperazine in 2:1 stoichiometry was successfully synthesized.The solid form was prepared by liquid assisted grinding,slurry and crystallization methods.The cocrystal was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction,differential scanning calorimetry,thermogravimetric analysis,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,and structure determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction,the hydrogen bonds formed into fish bone structure along the[010]direction and all the molecules packed into 3D layer structure along a axis.After formation of cocrystal,the solubility of diosgenin was improved,and the solubility value in 0.2%SDS solution was approximately 1.5 times as large as that of the parent material.

Polarographic Analysis of Diosgenin in Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H.Wright

目的:研究采用线性扫描极谱技术,测定薯蓣皂苷元(C_(27)H_(42)O_3,简称皂素)的分析方法。方法:用硫酸水解黄姜粉末,以乙醇提取薯蓣皂苷元,再用线性扫描极谱法进行测定。结果:在 pH=5.3±0.5的 B-R 缓冲溶液和0.1 mol·L^(-1)氯化钾底液中,薯蓣皂苷元产生极谱还原波,其一阶导数波的峰电位在-1.05 V(vs.SCE)处,峰电流与薯蓣皂苷元的浓度在一定浓度范围内有良好的线性关系,r=0.9989。建立了薯蓣皂苷元的极谱分析方法,成功地测定了黄姜中的薯蓣皂苷元,并讨论了极谱波的产生机理。结论:方法简便可行,结果准确可靠。本方法对黄姜中薯蓣皂苷元的测定结果与 Liebermann-Barcharad 光度法一致。

Inhibitory Effect of Diosgenin on Experimentally Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats

This study investigated the effect of diosgenin,a natural sapogenin possessing various pharmacological activities,on benign prostatic hyperplasia（BPH） in rats and the possible mechanisms.BPH was established in the castrated rats by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate.Animals were randomly divided into four groups（n=10 each）：model group（0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose）;positive control group（3 mg/kg finasteride）;two diosgenin groups（50 and 100 mg/kg）.The drugs were intragastricaly given in each group for consecutive 3 weeks.Another 10 rats with no testicles cut off served as negative controls and they were subcutaneously injected with 0.1 m L olive oil per day and then treated with 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose.After 3-week administration,the prostate index and serum PSA level were determined,and histopathological examination was carried out.The levels of MDA,SOD and GPx in prostates were also measured.Additionally,the expression of Bcl-2,Bax and p53 was examined using Western blotting.The results showed that the prostate index and serum PSA level were significantly decreased,and the pathological changes of the prostate gland were greatly improved in diosgenin groups as compared with the model group.Elevated activities of SOD and GPx,and reduced MDA level were also observed in diosgenin-treated rats.In addition,the expression of Bcl-2 in prostates was down-regulated,whereas that of Bax and p53 was up-regulated in diosgenin-treated rats.These results indicated that diosgenin was effective in inhibiting testosterone propionate-induced prostate enlargement and may be a candidate agent for the treatment of BPH.

Determination of Mecruy at Trace Level in Natural Water Samples by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry after Cloud Point Extraction Preconcentration

A method for the determination of trace mercury in water samples by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrophotometry after cloud point extraction was proposed in the present work. The effects of pH, concentration of surfactant, and equilibration time on cloud point extraction were discussed. The enhancement factor of 20 and the detection limit of 0.039 μg/L were obtained for mercury with relative standard deviation of 4.8% （n = 11）.

A review on pharmacological and analytical aspects of diosgenin:a concise report

Diosgenin is a steroidal sapogenin found in plants such as Dioscorea nipponoca,Solanum incanum,Solanum xanthocarpum and Trigonella foenum graecum.Diosgenin,biologically active phytochemicals have been used for the treatment of various types of disorder such as leukemia,inflammation,hypercholesterolemia and cancer.It is also able to prevent bone loss to the same extent as that of oestrogen.It is a typical initial intermediate for synthesis of steroidal compounds,oral contraceptives and sex hormones.Dioscorea,Costus and Trigonella are mainly used for the production of diosgenin.On the basis of literature survey it divulges that diosgenin has very impressive pharmacological profile and could be used as a medicine for the treatment of different types of disorders in the future.Thus,the present work aims to provide collective information in concern with its pharmacological activity and phytoanalytical techniques.This review will be beneficial to researches for the development of an alternative method for the treatment of innumerable diseases from diosgenin.

Catalytic Spectrophotometry for Vanadium Determination Based on Oxidation of Arsenazo Ⅲ by Bichromate

A catalytic spectrophotometry for the determination of trace amount of vanadium was developed based on its catalytic effect on the oxidation of arsenazo by potassium bichromate in weak acidic medium. The optimized conditions for determinations are: cK2Cr2O7=3.010-5 molL-1, carsenazo =3.010-5 molL-1, pH=4.0, t=90. The calibration graph is linear for 0.020.2 gml-1, and the detection limit is 0.02 gml-1 V. The apparent active energy of this catalytic reaction is 21.72 kJmol-1. Most foreign ions do not interfere with the determination of vadadium, except for Fe() and Co(), and their interferences could be eliminated by ion exchange. The present method has been used to make the determination of vanadium in human hair, tea, potato and wastewater, and the results were satisfactory.

The Simultaneous Determination of Five Components Including Acetaminophen by Ridge Regression Spectrophotometry

Ridge regression spectrophotometry(LHG)is used for thesimultaneous determination of five components(acetaminophen,p-aminophenol, caffeine, chlorphenamine maleate and guaifenesin)incough syr- up. The computer program of LHG is based on VB language.The difficulties in overlapping of absorption spectrums of fivecompounds are overcome by this procedure. The experimental resultsshow that the recovery of each component is in the range from97.9/100 to 103.3/100 and each component obtains satisfactory resultswithout any pre-separation.

Dual-wavelength dual-indicator catalytic kinetic spectrophotometry for determination of trace Ru(Ⅲ)

A new dual-wavelength dual-indicator catalytic kinetic spectrophotometric method for the determination of trace Ru(III)was studied.This method was based on Ru(III)-catalyzing oxidation of Arsenazo I and indigo carmine by potassium bromate in sulfuric acid.The absorbances of the catalytic and noncatalytic systems were measured at 510 and610 nm,respectively.Under the optimum conditions,the linear range of determination is 0–0.12 lgáml-1and the detection limit is 1.21 9 10-4lgáml-1.The method was applied for the determination of trace Ru(III)in ore samples with satisfactory results.

Determination of Trace Amount of Yttrium with Bromopyrogallol Red by solid-phase Spectrophotometry

A simple and sensitive method for the determination of trace amount of yttrium by solid-phase spectrophotometry has been studied. Yttrium can form a 1 : 1 complex with bromopyrogallol red (BPR) on resin, which was determined directly at 605 nm, pH=6.5. It has a highly sensitivity (epsilon = 6.3 x 10(6)) which is 300-fold higher than the corresponding spectrophotometry in solution. The method was applied to the determination of yttrium in churchite.

Concentration determination of gold nanoparticles by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry

While engineered nanoparticles are widely used and maybe eventually released into the environment,natural nanoparticles are also commonly found in the Earth system.Nanoparticles may critically affect the geochemical migration of associated elements and pose potential threats to the ecological environment.It is necessary to establish an accurate and reliable method for measuring the concentration of nanoparticles.AAS is one of the most commonly used methods for the concentration determination of nanoparticles.However,till now,there has been no systematic report on how experimental variables affect AAS measurements.In this study,we used gold nanoparticles(AuNPs) as an example and studied the influences of a list of factors on the concentration determination of AuNPs by AAS,including digestion method,ionization interference,acidic medium,background correction method,and organic matter.We demonstrate that all these factors may have varying degrees of influence on the measured gold concentrations.When the gold colloid is digested at room temperature for more than 8 h or at 60℃ for more than 2 h,and the system contains a low concentration of organic matter,AAS can accurately measure the AuNP concentration at ppm-level.The deuterium lamp background deduction method is not recommended to use for samples with lower gold concentrations.

Novel diosgenin derivative attenuates hippocampal neurogenesis and cognition impairment through blocking microglial activation underlying NF-κB and JNK MAPK signaling in LPS induced-adult mice

OBJECTIVE Diosgenin(DG), a naturally occurring steroidal saponin, has been reported to offer a variety ofpharmacological activities including anti-diabetic and anti-tumor activity, anti-inflammatory and anti-AD. However, the clinical application of DG is limited by its extremely low solubility and poor pharmacokinetic profile. In the present report,a novel diosgenin derivative with improved water-solubility was synthesized and its effect on the LPS-impaired hippocampal neurogenesis, cognition function and underlying mechanism was investigated. METHODS The effects of DG derivative on the adult hippocampal neurogenesis and cognition decline were investigated in a central LPS-induced inflammatory mice model, along with the fundamental mechanisms in vivo and in vitro using LPS-stimulated microglial BV2 cells. RESULTS DG derivative attenuates LPS-impaired neurogenesis by ameliorating the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells(NSCs), and prolonging their survival. The impaired neurogenesis in the hippocampal DG triggered the cognitive function, and that treatment of Arg-DG led to the recovery of cognitive decline. Arg-DG also suppressed the production of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines in hippocampal DG by blocking microglial activation. In in vitro study, Arg-DG inhibited the production of nitric oxide(NO), nitric oxide synthase(i NOS), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) expression, and prostaglandin D2 production(PGD2), as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin(IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α). The anti-inflammatory effect of Arg-DG was regulated by NF-κB and MAPK JNK signaling both in vivo, and in LPS-stimulated microglial BV2 cells. CONCLUSION These results suggest that Arg-DG might have the potential to treat the neurodegenerative disorders resulting from microgliamediated neuroinflammation.

Study on New Sensitive Method of Determination of Phosphorus by Solid Phase Spectrophotometry

The use of solid phase spectrophotometry for the determination of trace phosphorus in the system of phosphomolybdate-fructose is described. The adsorption of the system on anion-exchange resin is reported.