Mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis in atherosclerosis treatment based on network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis

Background:The present study intented to delve into the molecular mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis(C.sinensis)in treating atherosclerosis by combining network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis.Methods:We searched the databases including Traditional Chinese Medicines Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform,PubChem,and PharmMapper to screen out the active chemical ingredients of C.sinensis and the corresponding targets.The String database was used for the matching normalization of results,and the software Cytoscape 3.7.2 was adopted to establish the C.sinensis-active components-targets of action-disease network.The databases of Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database,GeneCards,Therapeutic Target Database,and DisGNET were searched to yield the major targets of atherosclerosis(AS),which were matched with the active component targets of C.sinensis to identify the potential therapeutic targets.The String database was utilized to set up the protein-protein interaction network,and Cytoscape software was applied for topological analysis,which was followed by the Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes signaling pathway analysis based on the DAVID database.Finally,the core components of C.sinensis and the targets of action were confirmed via molecular docking on AutoDock Vina and PyMOL.Results:In total,7 bioactive ingredients of C.sinensis were identified from Traditional Chinese Medicines Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database and 319 predicted targets were obtained,231 of which were associated with AS.The core targets involved in AS treatment with C.sinensis included MAPK1,SRC,PIK3R1,AKT1,and HSP90AA1.The enrichment analysis unveiled the primary pathways involved in these processes,such as pathways in cancer and lipid and atherosclerosis.Moreover,through molecular docking,it was found that the active ingredients of C.sinensis presented with strong binding capacities with their corresponding targets,and the strongest binding capacity was observed between peroxyergosterol and SRC.Conclusions:The present study revealed at the molecular level that C.sinensis played its role in AS treatment through multiple drug active components,targets of action and pathways,which would point out the direction and provide theoretic basis for future research.

冬虫夏草(Cordyceps sinensis)的随机扩增多态DNA及其遗传分化

本文对来自青藏高原3个区域5个具有代表性地方的13个冬虫夏草(Cordyceps sinensis[Berk.] Sacc.)样本进行随机扩增多态DNA(RAPD)分析。19个随机引物获得的RAPD谱带清晰并呈现多态,单个引物获得的RAPD片段数在3～10个之间。该19个引物在每个样本中扩增的RAPD片段总数平均约为65个。基于遗传距离分析,受试的13个冬虫夏草样本中,来自同一地方的样本间遗传差异甚微,同一区域不同地方的样本间遗传差异较大,不同区域的样本间遗传差异最大。这说明冬虫夏草地理群体间存在着遗传分化。应用UPGMA和NJ方法构建的分子系统树显示,来自5个地方的冬虫夏草实际上可以归并为显著不同的3个组,对应于样本来源的3个区域,提示RAPD标记在冬虫夏草群体中有显著的地区特异性。我们的结果还表明,冬虫夏草地理群体间的遗传差异度与地理距离呈正相关。因此,RAPD作为有效的遗传标记,可用于研究冬虫夏草的遗传多样性、起源以及系统演化等。

冬虫夏草(Cordyceps sinensis)菌丝体固体发酵粉化学成分的分析

本研究对一种冬虫夏草(Cordycepssinensis)菌丝体固体发酵粉的化学成份进行了分析,包括粗成份,生物活性成份,脂肪酸,氨基酸,金属元素等。冬虫夏草菌丝体固体发酵粉中3′-脱氧腺苷含量40.81μg/g、腺苷含量745.4μg/g;甘露醇的含量为165.8mg/g,多糖含量为157.3mg/g;谷氨酸,天门冬氨酸,苯丙氨酸是三大类主要氨基酸;不饱和脂肪酸是优势脂肪酸,以亚油酸,油酸为主。和文献记录的结果相比,虫草发酵粉中3′-脱氧腺苷,甘露醇的含量明显高于冬虫夏草子实体中相应成份的含量;各种氨基酸的含量和水平与冬虫夏草子实体中相应氨基酸的含量和水平相当;虫草发酵粉中的其它化学成份和冬虫夏草子实体中相应成份基本一致。

中国虫草Cordyceps sinensis的研究Ⅲ多样性初探

就中国虫草分类定种中的个种多样化趋势，结合产区生态和物种演化提出新的认识，即中国虫草是青藏高原及其相邻余脉特殊区域内物种适应与分化的结果，同时其自身也呈进一步分化的趋势．

Investigation of Biological Characteristics of Parasitic Fusarium Fungi from Tibetan Cordyceps sinensis

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the biological characteristics of parasitic Fusarium fungi from tibetan Cordyceps sinensis. [Method] A Fusarium strain was isolated from fresh tibetan Cordyceps sinensis as the experimental material, to observe the morphologies of Fusarium mycelium and spores. [Result] The isolated Fusarium fungus strain grew lushly on rice medium, with white and villiform myceliurn, and the villous stroma appeared in colors from beige to pink. After cultivated at （18 ± 4） ℃ for 14 d, the Fusarium strain produced milky white protrusions containing pale yellow chlamydospores, which can be divided into microconidiums and macroconidiums based on the different sizes. According to Ainsworth＇s classification system, the isolated strain belongs to Fusarium, Tuberculariales, Hyphomycetes, adelomycete subphylum. Further observation identified three types of macroconidium, and two of them showed distinct morphology, which was not described in Ainsworth＇s classification system. [Conclusion] The structure of the strain isolated from tibetan Cordyceps sinensis is significantly different from that of Fusariurn fungi recorded in relevant literatures, which requires further investigation.

Cordycepssinensis CAMT63341液态发酵多糖对小鼠若干行为学指标及免疫器官指数的影响

为评价虫草菌(Cordyceps sinensis)CAMT 63341液态发酵多糖对小鼠生长、情绪、认知和免疫的影响,将60只健康雄性昆明小鼠随机分成空白对照、灵芝多糖对照和Cordyceps sinensis CAMT 63341发酵多糖高、中、低剂量饲喂组连续喂养30 d,然后行高架十字迷宫、穿梭箱、迟发型超敏反应实验,并记录小鼠体质量和免疫器官指数。结果表明:与空白对照组相比,Cordyceps sinensis CAMT 63341发酵多糖可剂量依赖性促进小鼠生长,增加高架迷宫开放臂次数和延长停留时间,增强穿梭箱实验中主动回避能力和缩短被动回避潜伏期,提升胸腺和脾脏器官指数,其中,高剂量组达到显著(P<0.05)或极显著水平(P<0.01),接近灵芝多糖对照组,提示Cordyceps sinensis CAMT 63341液态发酵多糖具有一定的促进生长、改善情绪、增强认知和提升免疫功能。

Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial andAssessment of Fermentation Product of Cordyceps Sinensis (Cs-4) inEnhancing Aerobic Capacity and Respiratory Function ofThe Healthy Elderly Volunteers

Objective:Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a popular natural Chinese herbal medicine for invigoration, health preservation and reducing fatigue. Its natural substance has been prepared as a fermentation product of a specific strain of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4). Our objective was to assess the effect of Cs-4 on the exercise capacity of the healthy elderly people in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Methods:Thirty-seven healthy, elderly Chinese subjects were randomly assigned to receive either Cs-4 (3 g/ day) or identical placebo capsules. Their exercise performance was tested before and after 6 weeks of treatment with a symptom-limited, incremental work rate protocol on a cycle ergometer. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was measured using a metabolic chart. Anaerobic thresholds (VO26) were identified by two observers using plots of both VCO2 vs VO2 and VE/VO2 vs time. Results: After taking Cs-4 for 6 weeks, VO2max (1 88±0.13 to 2.00±0 14 L/min; P=0.050) and VO2(1.15±0.07 to 1.30±0.09 L/min; P = 0.012) were significantly increased, whereas after placebo application they were unchanged. Conclusion: These findings support the belief held in China that Cs-4 could improve oxygen uptake or aerobic capacity and ventilation function and resistance to fatigue of elderly people in exercise.

Simultaneous determination of adenine, uridine and adenosine in cordyceps sinensis and its substitutes by LC/ESI-MS

A simple, sensitive and reproducible high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with electrospray ionization method for simultaneous separation and determination of adenine, adenosine and （uridine） was developed. The analytical column is a 2.0 mm×150 mm Shimadzu VP-ODS column and volume fraction of the mobile phase is （86.5%）water, 12.0%methanol and 1.5%formic acid. 2-chloroadenosine was used as internal standard. Selective ion monitoring mode and selective ion monitoring ions at ratio of mass to electric charge of 136 for adenine, 268 for adenosine and 267 for uridine were chosen for quantitative analysis of the three active components. The results show that the regression equations and linear range are Y=0.062X+（0.005） and 2.0140.0 (μg·mL-1)for adenine, Y=0.049X+0.004 and 4.0115.0 μg·mL-1 for uridine, （Y=0.154X）+0.014 and （1.0125.0） μg·mL-1 for adenosine. The limits of detection are 0.6 μg·mL-1 for adenine, 1.0 μg·mL-1for uridine and (0.2 μg·mL-1) for adenosine. The recoveries of the three constituents are from 96.6% to 103.2%.

Dynamical influence of Cordyceps sinensis on the activity of hepatic insulinase of experimental liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Cordeceps sinensis (CS) is a herb which can inhibit the liver fibrosis. Hyperinsulinemia is common in liver cirrhosis patients. The activity of insulin degrading enzyme could reflect the metabolism of insulin. This study was to detect the dynamical effects and mechanisms of CS on the activity of hepatic insulinase in CCl4 induced liver cirrhosis in rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly allocated into three groups: normal group, model group and CS group. The rats in the normal group were sacrificed at the beginning of experi- ment, and the other two groups were sacrificed randomly at the end of the third, sixth and ninth weeks. Blood and tissue specimens were taken. Biochemical assays were used to determine the changes of alanine transaminase (ALT), albumin levels in serum. And radioimmunological assays were used to determine the changes of hyaluronic acid ( HA), insulin levels in serum and the activity of hepatic in- sulinase. RESULTS: No significant differences were seen in the se- rum levels of ALT, albumin, HA between the CS group and the model group at the third and sixth weeks (P > 0.05). The serum levels of ALT, HA in the CS group were lower than those in the model group at the ninth week (P <0.05), but the serum level of albumin in the CS group was higher than that in the model group at the ninth week (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the serum levels of insulin and the activity of hepatic insulinase between the CS and model groups at the third week and the normal group (P >0.05). The serum levels of insulin in the CS and model groups at the sixth and ninth weeks were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.05). But the activity of hepatic insulinase was lower than that in the nor- mal group ( P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01). No significant diffe- rences were found in the serum levels of insulin and the ac- tivity of hepatic insulinase between the CS and model groups at the third, sixth and ninth weeks (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CS may decrease the damage to hepato- cyte by CCl4 , and inhibit hepatic fibrogenesis. Six weeks after CCl4 administration, the activity of hepatic insulinase began decreasing. CS could not inhibit the decrease of the activity of hepatic insulinase.

<i>Cordyceps sinensis</i>Acts As an Adenosine A₃Receptor Agonist on Mouse Melanoma and Lung Carcinoma Cells, and Human Fibrosarcoma and Colon Carcinoma Cells

Cordyceps sinensis, a parasitic fungus on the larva of Lapidoptera, has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine. We previously reported that the growth of B16-BL6 mouse melanoma (B16-BL6) cells and mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells was inhibited by cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine), an ingredient of Cordyceps sinensis, and its effect was antagonized by MRS1191, a selective adenosine A3 receptor (A3-R) antagonist although adenosine (up to 100 μM) had no effect on the growth of B16-BL6 and LLC cells. In this study, we investigated whether water extracts of Cordyceps sinensis (WECS) inhibit the growth of B16-BL6 cells, LLC cells, HT1080 human fibrosarcoma (HT1080) cells and CW-2 human colon carcinoma (CW-2) cells via their A3-R. As a result, the growth of all cell lines were potently inhibited by WECS (10 μg/mL) and the inhibitory effect of WECS was significantly antagonized by MRS1191 (1 μM). Furthermore, WECS included 2.34% w/w cordycepin and 0.12% w/w adenosine as components according to the HPLC- ECD system. In conclusion, WECS inhibited the proliferation of four cancer cell lines by stimulation of A3-R and the main component in WECS with anticancer action might be cordycepin instead of adenosine.

Production and characterization of exopolysaccharides in mycelial culture of Cordyceps sinensis fungus Cs-HK1 with different carbon sources

The effects of different carbon sources(sugars) on the production and molecular properties of exopolysaccharides(EPS) were evaluated in the mycelial liquid culture of a medicinal fungus Cordyceps sinensis Cs-HK1. Galactose or mannose was used(at 5 g·L^(-1)) as a secondary carbon source with glucose(35 g·L^(-1)) at the mass ratio of 1:7. Mannose was consumed notably since the first day of culture, but galactose was not even after glucose was exhausted.The volumetric yield of EPS in culture was increased slightly with the addition of galactose and decreased with mannose. The monosaccharide composition of EPS was also different, e.g., on day 8, the glucose contents of EPS were 76%with the addition of mannose, 59% with galactose, compared with 62% with glucose only. The molecular weight distribution of EPS was also affected by the secondary carbon source, being generally lower compared with that with glucose only. The results suggested that the addition of galactose improved the total yield of EPS in culture while mannose can improve the yield of glucan constituent of EPS.

Collecting Ophiocordyceps sinensis:an emerging livelihood strategy in the Garhwal,Indian Himalaya

In the Garhwal of Uttarakhand, India, the Bhotiya, an ethnically and culturally distinct tribal group, were historically engaged in seasonal migration(i.e. transhumance) to take advantage of scarce mountain resources and trade relations with Tibet. This livelihood practice has all but disappeared.Households are adapting to these changing circumstances by engaging in the collection and sale of the valuable alpine medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, widely known as Cordyceps. The collection of this fungus has exploded, emerging as a lucrative yet high-risk livelihood strategy for many Bhotiya communities.The Bhotiyas' historic herding and trade-based interactions and knowledge of these alpine environments where Cordyceps are found uniquely positions them to access this valuable biological resource. Elsewhere in the Himalayan region, some households are earning as much as two-thirds of their income from the collection of Cordyceps; in China Cordyceps is now listed as an endangered species due to intense over-exploitation in the Tibetan Plateau.This paper seeks to fill the void in the scientific literature on the social, ecological and economic aspects of the emerging Cordyceps trade in the Garhwal. Our study investigates the socio-spatial dimensions of Cordyceps collection in the high alpine meadows. We document how a fusion of local knowledge and practice with alpine mountain systems has served to reinvigorate the economic integrity of mountain communities at a time of rapid socioeconomic change and to reimagine a new relationship between alpine resources and community well-being.The article offers suggestions to address the sustainability of both Cordyceps collection and livelihood activities which hinge on this fungus population. We find a need for(1) community-based conservation measures that are rooted in(2) secure resource access rights for local communities to continue sustainable collection and sale of Cordyceps and(3) participatory-and science-based processes for determining appropriate local collection numbers.

Hpyerglycemic Effect of a Mixture of Sea Cucumber and Cordyceps Sinensis in StreptozotocinInduced Diabetic Rat

Sea cucumber and cordyceps sinensis are used as both food and traditional medicines in Asia. This study was carried out in order to investigate the hpyerglycemic effect of a mixture of sea cucumber （Apostichopusjaponicas） and cordyceps sinensis （Cor-dyceps militaris） （SCC） in diabetic rat and explore the mechanism underlining such an effect. The diabetic model rat was induced with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin （STZ）. The diabetic model rats were randomly divided into control group （0.9% NaC1）, low dose group （300 mg SCC.（kg body weight）-1） and high dose group （1200 mg SCC （kg body weight）-l）. Sodium chloride and SCC were intragastrically administered once a day for 35 d. Changes in fasting serum glucose and serum insulin content, oral glucose tolerance and liver and muscle glycogen content were routinely evaluated. Pancreas tissue and β-cells of islets were observed under both optical and transmission electronic microscope, respectively. The abundance of glucose metabolism-relating genes in gastrocnemius and epididymal adipose tissue was determined with either reverse transcription PCR （RT-PCR） or western blotting. Results showed that SCC significantly decreased fasting serum glucose content, improved glucose tolerance and increased serum insulin and glycogen content; repaired STZ-injured β-cells of diabetic rat, and increased the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase （PI（3）K）, protein kinase B （PKB） and glucose transporter 4 （Glut4） encoding protein in both gastroenemius and adipose tissue, and Glut4 encoding gene in peripheral tissue. Our findings demonstrated that SCC exerted an anti-hyperglycemic effect by repairing β-cells and promoting insulin-mediated signal transduction pathway in insulin-sensitive gastrocnemius and adipose tissue.

Determination of Cordyceps Sinensis/Betaine Compound Feed Nutriment by HPLC

[Objective] The aim was to conduct HPLC analysis on Cordyceps Sinensis/Betaine compound feed nutriment. [Method] Cordyceps Sinensis/Betaine compound feed nutriment was under HPLC analysis to determine separation of Cordyceps Sinensis effluent and betaine. [Result] Different compositions in Cordyceps Sinensis/etaine compound feed nutriment would be well separated by the method. [Conclusion] The method provides a suitable platform of separation and analysis for Cordyceps Sinensis /Betaine compound feed nutriment.

The effect of Cordyceps Sinensis in the prognosis on patients receiving chemotherapy with malignant tumors:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:The efficacy of Cordyceps Sinensis(CS)on malignant tumors remains controversial.We undertook a systematic meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical studies on this issue.Method:A comprehensive literature search(by the end of Sep.31,2017)was conducted in following electronic databases:China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP database,Wan fang database(VIP),PubMed,Medline,and EMBASE.Relevant studies were included according to inclusion criteria.Pooled relative risk was estimated by using the fixed effects model or random effects model according to heterogeneity.Data were extracted independently and the standardized mean deviation(SMD)of the calculated results was obtained.Result:After selection,8 of 729 studies were included.The result showed that CS combined with chemotherapeutic drugs was favorable for the treatment of malignant tumor.The amount of CD3^+T cells in the experimental group was signi行cantly higher than that in the control group(SMD=0.86;95%CI=0.02,1.70;P<0.01;I2=91%).The amount of CD4^+T cells in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(SMD=0.95;95%CI=0.22,1.68;P<0.01;I2=88%).The amount of CD8^+T cells in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(SMD=-0.07;95%CI=-0.30,0.17;P=0.32;I^2=14%).The rate of CD4^+/CD8^+T cells in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group(SMD=27.76;95%CI=25.25,30.28;P=0.39;I^2=0%).And CS may retard the declining trend of KPS functional status evaluation(RR=0.46,95%CI=0.2780,0.7350;P<0.01),thus improving the patients'life quality.Conclusion:The current evidence suggested that CS is favorable to improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs in patients with malignant tumors,probably by improving immune system function.

Protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract on rat brain microvascular endothelial cells injured by oxygen-glucose deprivation

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract (CSE)on injury of primary cultured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMECs) induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD).Methods:We isolated and cultured primary rBMECs in order to establish an in vitro OGD model.Cellular activity was detected using a cell counting kit to determine the appropriate dosage.The rBMECs were divided into control,model,low-,mid-,and high-dose (5,10,20 μg.mL-1) CSE groups under OGD for 6 hours.CSE was dissolved in cell culture medium to the appropriate concentration,passed through a 0.22 μm sterile filter,and administered for 12 hours before and during OGD.Cellular morphology was observed under a microscope.Lactate dehydrogenase level in cultural supernatant,superoxide dismutase activity,and the content of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in cells were tested by colorimetric methods.Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 beta in cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:After 12-hour administration of CSE at the concentration of 5,10,20 iμg.mL-1 before and during OGD,compared with the model group,the CSE groups obviously alleviated the damage of rBMECs induced by OGD,inhibited the apoptosis and the necrosis of the cells,and improved cellular morphology of rBMECs.Additionally,compared with the model group,CSE also restrained lactate dehydrogenase leakage in hypoxic cells (P <.01),significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity (P <.05),and reduced the levels of nitric oxide,malondialdehyde,tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-1 beta (P <.05).Conclusion:C.sinensis extract plays a significant role in protecting injured primary cultured rBMECs induced by OGD.The mechanism may be related with the increase of cellular antioxidative capacity and anti-inflammatory effect.

糖类对冬虫夏草菌Ophiocordyceps sinensis芽生孢子产量及毒力的影响

冬虫夏草(Chinese cordyceps)是食药两用的传统名贵资源。其人工培养需要冬虫夏草菌Ophiocordyceps sinensis的优质芽生孢子。为获得高产量及高感染力芽生孢子,本研究测定不同糖类培养基对冬虫夏草菌芽生孢子产量及毒力(对小金蝠蛾Thitarodes xiaojinensis幼虫的存活率、携菌率和僵虫率)的影响。两个冬虫夏草菌株于含6种糖(葡萄糖、果糖、阿拉伯糖、麦芽糖、蔗糖和海藻糖)的液体培养基中分别培养30 d、45 d和60 d,计数芽生孢子产量并将收集的孢子注射感染两个品系的小金蝠蛾6龄幼虫,置于不同温度下观察幼虫的存活率、携菌率及僵虫率。结果显示:不同糖源培养基中芽生孢子的产量差异显著,其中含麦芽糖培养基中芽生孢子产量最高;注射菌株和幼虫品系对被注射幼虫的存活率无显著差异;不同糖源培养基获得的芽生孢子对蝠蛾幼虫的存活率无显著差异,对携菌率和僵虫率产生影响;以含麦芽糖为糖源的培养基、芽生孢子培养时间显著影响被注射幼虫的存活率与僵虫率,其中培养30 d的冬虫夏草菌所注射的幼虫的存活率、僵虫率显著高于60 d的;温度也显著影响被注射幼虫的存活率、僵虫率,10℃的幼虫存活率和僵虫率显著高于14℃、18℃的。研究结果为培养优质冬虫夏草芽生孢子,提高被侵染蝙蝠蛾幼虫僵虫率提供了参考。

Progress in preventive effects of cordyceps sinensis on ischemic brain

Cerebral ischemia is due to cerebral blood supply disorders caused by ischemia and hypoxia resulting in localized ischemic brain necrosis or brain softening of the disease,leading to irreversible brain damage and subsequent loss of neuronal function is a serious threat to human health One of several diseases.For patients with cerebral ischemia,often the lack of effective and extensive treatment.In addition,cerebral ischemia with morbidity,morbidity and mortality are characterized by high,so by the medical profession at home and abroad attention.As a traditional Chinese medicine,cordyceps sinensis(CS)is a complex of ergot fungus,which is parasitized on the larvae of the bat-moth family.The compound is composed of cordycepin,cordyceps polysaccharide,cordyceps sinensis peptides,ergosterol,mannitol,fatty acids and trace elements such as a variety of ingredients,with a wide range of pharmacological effects.Over the years,domestic and foreign scholars on the pharmacological effects of cordyceps sinensis were more comprehensive study of its prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia is also deepening,found that cordyceps sinensis on cerebral ischemia with anti-inflammatory,reduce oxidative damage and neuronal ischemia damage,reduce neuronal apoptosis,improve memory cognition,reduce thrombosis,inhibit NO production,enhance mitochondrial energy supply,scavenging free radicals and other prevention and treatment.But no relevant review.In this paper,the domestic and foreign literatures on the prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia by cordyceps sinensis were summarized,analyzed and summarized in order to provide useful information for the research and further development of cordyceps sinensis.

Systematic screening and structural characterization of dipeptides using offline 2D LC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS:A case study of Cordyceps sinensis

Cordyceps sinensis(C.sinensis)is a widely used and highly valuable traditional Chinese medicine.Several dipeptides have been detected in C.sinensis,but current scientific knowledge of its chemical makeup remains limited.In this study,an improved approach that integrates offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography(2D LC)separation,precursor ion list,library screening,and diagnostic ion filtering was established to systematically screen and characterize dipeptides in C.sinensis.Offline 2D LC integrating hydrophilic interaction LC and reverse phase separations was established to eliminate interference and identify the target dipeptides.A library containing the potential 400 dipeptides was created,and a precursor ion list with all theoretical precursor ions was adopted to trigger the MS/MS scan with high sensitivity.To identify dipeptides,the type and connection sequence of amino acids were determined according to the product ions.Ile and Leu residues were differentiated for the first time according to the characteristic ion at m/z 69.07.Ultimately,170 dipeptides were identified or tentatively characterized from C.sinensis,and most are reported for the first time in this species herein.In addition,the identified dipeptides were also applied for discrimination among the three Cordyceps species,and 11 markers were identified.The obtained results provide a deeper understanding of the chemical basis of C.sinensis.

Cordyceps Sinensis prevents contrast-induced nephropathy in diabetic rats by inhibiting p38 MAPK and Akt/mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathways

Objectives:Apoptosis is recognized as an important mechanism in contrast-induced nephropathy(CIN).Cordyceps sinensis(CS),a time-honored tonic food and herbal medicine in China,can improve the microcirculation,increase the tolerance to ischemia in patients with microcirculatory disorders.As CS has been found to be renoprotective and anti-apoptotic in multiple kidney injuries,we hypothesized that CS would prevent CIN.The objective of this research is to study the mechanism of CS on tubular epithelial cell apoptosis in diabetic CIN rats.