Inhibitory effect of active ingredients of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.F.on human carboxylesterases

OBJECTIVE The inhibitory effect of active ingredients of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.F.(TWHF)(celastrol,triptolide,triptonide,wilforlide A,wilforgine and wilforine)on human carboxylester⁃ase 1(CES1)and CES2 was detected to investigate the herb-drug interactions(HDIs)of TWHF.METHODS Human liver microsomes catalysed hydrolysis of 2-(2-benzoyl-3-methoxyphenyl)benzothi⁃azole(BMBT)and fluorescein diacetate(FD)were used as the probe reaction to phenotype the activity of CES1 and CES2,respectively.The residual activities of CES1 and CES2 were detected by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography(UPLC)after intervention with celastrol,triptolide,triptonide,wilforlide A,wilforgine and wilforine(100μmol·L^(-1)).Kinetics analysis,involving half inhibitory concentra⁃tion(IC_(50)),inhibition type and kinetic parameter(Ki),and in vitro-in vivo extrapolation(IVIVE),was carried out to predict the HDIs between these compounds and CES-metabolizing drugs.Molecular docking was performed to analyze the ligand-enzyme interaction.RESULTS Out of the six main con⁃stituents of TWHF,only celastrol exhibited strong inhibition towards both CES1 and CES2,with the inhibitory rates of 97.45%(P<0.05)and 95.62%(P<0.05),respectively.The IC_(50)was 9.95 and 4.02 mol·L^(-1),respectively,and the types of inhibition were all non-competitive inhibition.Based on the kinetics analysis,the Ki values were calculated to be 5.10 and 10.55μmol·L^(-1)for the inhibition of celastrol on CES1 and CES2,respectively.IVIVE indicated that celastrol might disturb the metabolic hydrolysis of clinical drugs in vivo by inhibiting CES1.Molecular docking results showed that hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts contributed to the interaction of celastrol and CESs.CONCLUSION The inhibitory effect of celastrol on CES1 and CES2 might cause HDIs with clinical drugs hydrolysed by CESs.

Enzyme inhibition assay for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex: Clinical utility for the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is usually diagnosed by the presence of characteristic histopathological features of the liver and/or antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) in the serum traditionally detected by immunofluorescence. Recently, new and more accurate serological assays for the detection of AMA, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting, and enzyme inhibition assay, have been developed. Of these, the enzyme inhibition assay for the detection of anti-pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) antibodies offers certain advantages such as objectivity, rapidity, simplicity, and low cost. Since this assay has almost 100% specificity, it may have particular applicability in screening the at-risk segment of the population in developing countries. Moreover, this assay could be also used for monitoring the disease course in PBC. Almost all sera of PBC-suspected patients can be confirmed for PBC or non-PBC by the combination results of immunoblotting and enzyme inhibition assay without histopathological examination. For the development of a "complete" or "gold standard" diagnostic assay for PBC, similar assays of the enzyme inhibition for anti-2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDC) and anti-branched chain oxo-acid dehydrogenase complex (BCOADC) antibodies will be needed in future.

Enzyme Inhibition Rate Method for Rapid Detection of Organophosphorus and Carbamate Pesticides in Cowpea

[Objectives ] The paper was to explore enzyme inhibition rate method for rapid detection of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides in cowpea. [ Methods ] Acetylcholinesterase （ACHE） was added to cowpea extract, to determine the inhibition rate of extract against enzyme. The influences of different sampiing methods and sampling parts on detection results were compared. [ Results] The positive rate of standard sampling was 18.18% higher than that of non-stand- ard sampling, and the positive rate of samples collected from cowpea tail was 16.67% higher than that collected from other parts. [ Condmions] Enzyme inhibi- tion rate method is suitable for rapid detection of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides in cowpea.

Inhibition of Porcine Small Intestinal Sucrase by Validamine

As an important medicinal intermediate with broad uses, validamine, an aminocyclitol, isolated from the enzymolysis broth of validamycins, has gained more and more attention. The absolute configuration of validamine is similar to that of a-D-glucose, and it demonstrates powerful inhibition activity on glycosidase. In this paper, the inhibitory effect of validamine on porcine small intestinal sucrase was investigated. Validamine was found to be a potent, competitive inhibitor to porcine small intestinal sucrase in vitro with an IC50 value of 6.85 X 10(-4) mol center dot L-1. Validamine exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition effect on porcine small intestinal sucrase, whereby the inhibition interaction of validamine and porcine small intestinal sucrase was a fast binding process. The inhibition of validamine on porcine small intestinal sucrase was pH-dependent.

In vitro and in vivo cytochrome P450 3A enzyme inhibition by Aframomum melengueta and Dennettia tripetala extracts

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of two commonly used herbs, Aframomum melengueta(A. melengueta) and Dennettia tripetala(D. tripetala) on CYP 3A enzymes. Methods: In vitro inhibition of the enzymes were assessed with microsomes extracted from female albino rats using erythromycin-N-demethylation assay(EMND) method while their in vivo effects were measured by estimating simvastatin plasma concentrations in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using non-compartmental anaysis as implemented in Win Nonlin pharmacokinetic program. Results: EMND assay with intestinal microsomes indicated that aqueous extracts of D. tripetala and A. melengueta significantly(P < 0.05) inhibited intestinal CYP 3A activity at both 50 μg and 100 μg concentrations. Petroleum ether extract of D. tripetala and ethanol extracts of A. melengueta inhibited intestinal CYP3 A activity at 100 μg but not at 50 μg concentrations. All the extracts showed an in vitrodose dependent CYP 3A inhibition with liver microsomes. In vivo analysis showed that pretreatment with the extracts enhanced systemic absorption of simvastatin with reductions in metabolizing enzymes activity as indicated in significant increases in maximal concentration, area under curve, area under moment curve and mean resident time of simvastatin(P < 0.05). Conclusions: Herbal preparations containing these plants' extracts should be used with caution especially in patients on CYP450 3A substrate medications.

Purification and Characterization of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Inhibition Peptides from Sandworm Sipunculus nudus

Three angiotensin I converting enzyme(ACE) inhibition peptides were isolated from sandworm Sipunculus nudus protein hydrolysate prepared using protamex. Consecutive purification methods, including size exclusion chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC), were used to isolate the ACE inhibition peptides. The amino acid sequences of the peptides were identified as Ile-Asn-Asp, Val-Glu-Pro-Gly and Leu-Ala-Asp-Glu-Phe. The IC_(50) values of the purified peptides for ACE inhibition activity were 34.72 μmol L^(-1), 20.55 μmol L^(-1) and 22.77 μmol L^(-1), respectively. These results suggested that S. nudus proteins contain specific peptides that can be released by enzymatic hydrolysis. This study may provide an experimental basis for further systematic research, rational development and clinical utilization of sandworm resources.

Metabolic enzyme inhibitory abilities, in vivo hypoglycemic ability of palmleaf raspberry fruits extracts and identification of hypoglycemic compounds

The unripe palmleaf raspberry,namely Fupenzi(FPZ),is an important medicinal and edible food.This study aims to evaluate the potential of FPZ extracts prepared with different approaches in attenuating hyperglycemia,gout,Alzheimer’s disease,and pigmentation,to obtain the enriching fraction and to identify the major active compounds.Results indicated that FPZ extracts showed weak activity against acetylcholinesterase,considerable ability against tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase,but excellent inhibition onα-glucosidase.Ultrasound-assisted 40%ethanol extract(40EUS)gave the highest phenolics content,and the bestα-glucosidase inhibition(IC_(50)=0.08μg/mL),which is 877-fold higher than that of positive control acarbose.The 40%ethanol eluting fraction of 40EUS showed the strongestα-glucosidase inhibition with the IC_(50) value of 37.79 ng/mL,it could also effectively attenuate the fasting blood glucose level and oral glucose tolerance of C57BL/6 mice.Twenty-six compounds were identified from 40%ethanol fraction by using HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS,hydrolysable tannins(including 11 ellagitannins and 4 gallotannins)were the major compounds,phenolic acids came to the second.Above results could provide important technical supporting for the further application and research of FPZ in health foods and drugs against diabetes.

Effects of genistein and equol on human and rat testicular 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 activities

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of genistein and equol on 3β-hydroxysteroid de- hydrogenase （3β-HSD） and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 （17β-HSD3） in human and rat testis microsomes. These enzymes （3β-HSD and 17β-HSD3）, along with two others （cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme and cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17-20 lyase）, catalyze the reactions that convert the steroid cholesterol into the sex hormone testosterone. Genistein inhibited 3β-HSD activity （0.2 μmol L^-1 pregnenolone） with half-maximal inhibition or a half-maximal inhibitory concentration （IC50） of 87 ± 15 （human） and 636 ± 155 nmol L^-1 （rat）. Genistein＇s mode of action on 3β-HSD activity was competitive for the substrate pregnenolonrge and noncompetitive for the cofactor NAD＋. There was no difference in genistein＇s potency of 3β-HSD inhibition between intact rat Leydig cells and testis microsomes. In contrast to its potent inhibition of 3β-HSD, genistein had lesser effects on human and rat 17β-HSD3 （0.1 μmol L^-1 androstenedione）, with an IC50 〉 100μmol L^-1. On the other hand, equol only inhibited human 3β-HSD by 42%, and had no effect on 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD3 in rat tissues. These observations imply that the ability of soy isoflavones to regulate androgen biosynthesis in Leydig cells is due in part to action on Leydig cell 3β- HSD activity. Given the increasing intake of soy-based food products and their potential effect on blood androgen levels, these findings are greatly relevant to public health.

Medium Optimization for Antifungal Active Substance Production from Streptomyces Lydicus Using Response Surface Methodology

Response surface methodology was used to optimize the medium for antifungal active substance production from Streptomyces lydicus E12 in flask cultivation. Initially, the component factors, which influence antifungal substance production, were studied by varying one factor at a time. Starch, soybean cake powder, K2HPO4·3H2O and MgSO4·7H2O were found to have a significant effect on the production of antifungal substances by the traditional design. Then, a Box–Behnken design was applied for further optimization. A quadratic model was found to fit antifungal active substance production. The analysis revealed that the optimum values of the tested variable were starch 84.96 g/L, soybean cake powder 4.13 g/L, glucose 5 g/L, MgSO4·7H2O 1.23 g/L, K2HPO4·3H2O 2.14 g/L and NaCl 0.5 g/L. The test result of 67.44% antifungal inhibition agreed with the prediction and increased by 14.28% in comparison with the basal medium. © 2016, Tianjin University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Characterization of Carboxylesterase Associated with Malathion Insensitivity in the Field Population of the Oriental Migratory Locust

Carboxylesterases （CarEs） from two field populations of the oriental migratory locust, Locusta migratoria manilensis （Meyen）, were examined to try to understand their contribution to malathion insensitivity. The CarEs activities in Wudi population （WD） were 1.75- and 1.50-fold significantly higher than those in Huangliu population （HL） when a-naphthyl acetate （a-NA） and [3-naphthyl acetate were used as substrates, respectively. Such elevated CarEs activities presented in the WD could be because of an increased staining intensity of the a-NA-hydrolyzing CarEs as shown on the nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Inhibition studies of CarEs using paraoxon and malaoxon indicated that CarE activities in the HL were more strongly inhibited than those in the WD. Furthermore, a 449-bp DNA fragment of CarE was obtained from L. migratoria manilensis. Hemiquantity reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that CarE gene expression level in the WD was higher than that in the HL. The higher CarE activities and the increased CarE mRNA level in the WD appeared to be associated with decreased susceptibility to malathion in the WD due to the application of organophosphorus insecticides.

Pediococcus Acidilactici Inhibit Biofilm Formation of Food-Borne Pathogens on Abiotic Surfaces

In this study, we aimed to examine the inhibitory effect of PA003, a Pediococcus acidilactici that produces lactic acid and antimicrobial peptides pediocin, on pathogenic biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces. PA003 and pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) were used to evaluate auto-aggregation, hydrophobicity, biofilm formation and biofilm formation inhibition on stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride and glass slides in terms of exclusion, displacement and competition. The results showed the highest auto-aggregation abilities were observed for one of the E. coli strains EAggEC (E58595) and the highest hydrophobic strain was observed with EPEC (E2348/69) (51.9%). The numbers of biofilm cells of E. coli, S. Typhimurium, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes on stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride and glass slide coupons were effectively reduced by approximately 4 log CFU/coupon. These results demonstrate that lactic acid bacteria can be used as an alternative to effectively control the formation of biofilms by food-borne pathogens. © 2016, Tianjin University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Comparative Study of Malathion Toxicity and General Esterases in Larvae and Adults from a Field Population of Oxya chinensis (Thunberg) (Orthoptera: Acridoidea)

The susceptibility of Oxya chinensis to malathion was compared in larvae and adults from a field population, collected from Jinyuan outskirt, Shanxi Province. The results showed that Oxya chinensis was more susceptible to malathion in the adult stage than in the larval stage. The LD50 values for malathion susceptibility of Oxya chinensis were 4.94 and 2.44 mg g-1 body weight in the larvae and adults respectively. The results indicated that the larvae were 2.02-fold less susceptible to malathion than the adults. The general esterases and the kinetics were characterized and compared between the two life stages and between females and males. Larval preparations of Oxya chinensis were more active than adult preparations in females and males. The larvae showed 1.18-, 1.49-, and 1.17- fold higher specific activities than the adults in females with α-NA, α-NB and β-NA respectively. In males, the ratios were 1.34-, 1.70-, and 1.06-fold. Female preparations were more active than those of males in the adults. The reverse results were observed in the larvae where male preparations were more active than female preparations. Kinetic studies showed that Km values of general esterases hydrolyzing α-NA, α-NB, and β-NA in the adult stage were 1.36-, 1.32- and 1.39-fold respectively, higher than those in the larval stage in females. In males, the ratios were 1.24-, 2.14-, and 1.20-fold. The esterase from male insects had a higher affinity (lower Km value) to the substrate than those from females. The results also showed that the Vmax values of general esterase hydrolyzing α-NA, α-NB, and β-NA in the two stages were similar. From the results of bioassays and biochemical analyses, it has been inferred that a higher level of resistance to malathion in larvae than in adults would appear to result from differences in the expression of resistance mechanisms in these two life stages. Enhanced esterase activities appeared to play a major role in resistance to malathion in both larvae and adults. From the analysis of inhibition in vitro, the esterases in the two life stages were B-type, and carboxylesterases were predominant enzymes in the composition of the esterases in the two stages.

Comparisons of Properties of Acetylcholinesterase from Two Field-Collected Populations of Oxya chinensis Thunberg(Orthoptera:Acrididae)and the Role of Acetylcholinesterase in the Susceptibility to Malathion

In this study, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was extracted from two field-collected populations of Oxya chinensis (XinxiangCity, Henan Province and Changzhi City, Shanxi Province). AChE activities were decreased when concentrations of ATCincreased, showing a characteristic phenomenon of substrate inhibition at high concentration in both populations. Suchinhibition occurred at relatively low concentration for AChE from Xinxiang population but relatively high for AChE fromChangzhi population. The kinetic study showed that there were no significant differences between the two populations inthe Km values. The Km value in Changzhi population was only 1.09-fold higher than that in Xinxiang population. However,significant differences were observed between the two populations in Vmax values. The Vmax value in Changzhi populationwas 1.32-fold higher than that in Xinxiang population. The inhibition study in vitro showed that the AChE from bothpopulations exhibited similar rank order in sensitivity to inhibition by three OPs, as determined by comparison of theirbimolecular rate constants (ki), from the most potent inhibition to the least was chlopyrifos-oxon > paraoxon >demeton-s-methyl for AChE from the two populations and that the ki values in Xinxiang population were lower than those in Changzhipopulation. The I50 values of AChE from Xinxiang population were 4.84-, 2.66-, and 1.92-fold less sensitive to inhibition byparaoxon, chlopyrifos-oxon, and demeton-s-methyl. These results were consistent with the results in bioassay. It isinferred that AChE insensitivity to OP insecticides plays an important role in the differences of insusceptibility of Oxyachinensis to malathion between the two populations.

Determination of mercury and nickel by amperometric biosensor prepared with thermostable lactate dehydrogenase

Response of biosensor prepared with the thermostable bacterial LDH enzyme was analyzed in the presence of mercury and nickel.For electrode preparation,the enzyme was purified and immobilized on a gold sheet coated by PGA-pyrrole polymeric material.The working electrode was tested at increasing concentration of lactate in the presence of two different concentrations of mercury and nickel.Current response of biosensor decreased from 0.32 μA to 0.09 μA and 4.13 μA to 2.63 μA when 25×10-7 mmol/L mercury and 17×10-5 mmol/L nickel were included in the working solution,respectively.Sensitivity of the electrode decreased from 0.010 2 μA/（mmol·L-1） to 0.0043 μA/（mmol·L-1） in the presence of 25×10-7 mmol/L mercury.On the other hand,the presence of nickel did not result in a decrease in electrode sensitivity.The results pointed out that the prepared biosensor is useful to detect mercury in a sample containing both mercury and nickel together.

Enzymes inhibitory property,antioxidant activity and phenolics profile of raw and roasted red sorghum grains in vitro

Whole grain cereals are important dietary sources for management of metabolic diseases due to the bioactive components they contain.Hence,this study investigated enzymes(pancreatic lipase,-amylase,-glucosidase,xanthine oxidase and angiotensin 1-converting enzyme)inhibitory property,antioxidant activity and phenolics profile of raw and roasted red sorghum(Sorghum bicolor)grains in vitro.Extracts of flours of raw and roasted(150◦C and 180◦C,for 20 min)grains were assayed for enzymes inhibitory and antioxidant activities using spectrophotometric methods;while their phenolic constituents were characterized using HPLC-DAD.The raw grains exhibited strong enzymes inhibitory and antioxidant activities,and contained phenolic acids(gallic,chlorogenic,caffeic,ellagic and p-coumaric acids)and flavonoids(quercetin,luteolin and apigenin).However,whereas the enzymes inhibitory activity and levels of the phenolic compounds in the grains decreased significantly(p<0.05)with increasing roasting temperature,the antioxidant activity increased.Hence,roasting at high temperature may not be recommended for the optimum retention of the enzymes inhibitory property and phenolic compounds of red sorghum grains.

Methanol extracts of Brachystegia eurycoma and Detarium microcarpum seeds flours inhibit some key enzymes linked to the pathology and complications of type 2 diabetes in vitro

The inhibitory effect of methanol extracts of Brachystegia eurycoma and Detarium microcarpum seeds flours on some key enzymes[α-amylase,α-glucosidase and aldose reductase(AR)]linked to the pathology and complications of type 2 diabetes(T2D);and their antioxidant properties were evaluated.The antioxidant properties evaluated were DPPH•and ABTS•^+scavenging abilities,reducing power,and antioxidant phytochemicals(total phenolics,tannins,total flavonoids and total saponins).Extracts of both flours inhibitedα-amylase,α-glucosidase and AR in a dose-dependent manner.The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations(IC50)of B.eurycoma onα-amylase,α-glucosidase,AR and lipid peroxidation were lower than those of D.microcarpum,indicating that it had stronger inhibitory potency than D.microcarpum.B.eurycoma also had significantly(P<0.05)higher DPPH•and ABTS•^+scavenging abilities,and reducing power than D.microcarpum.The antioxidant phytochemicals(total phenolics,tannins,total flavonoids and total saponins)were also significantly(P<0.05)higher in B.eurycoma than D.microcarpum.The inhibitory effect of B.eurycoma and D.microcarpum extracts onα-amylase,α-glucosidase and AR activities may be attributed to the combined action of their polyphenols and total saponins,and this may be a possible mechanism of action providing support for their use in managing hyperglycemia and the complications of T2D.

Effects of Yanhusuo(Rhizoma Corydalis),Baizhi(Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)and Their Combination Extracts on Cytochrome P450 Activities in Rats

Background:Yuanhu Zhitong Prescription(元胡止痛方,YZP),a well-known herbal prescription for an analgesic effect,is recorded in the China Pharmacopoeia,consisting of Yanhusuo(Rhizoma Corydalis)and Baizhi(Radix Angelicae Dahuricae).Objective:To explore the influence of 70%EtOH extracts from Yanhusuo(Rhizoma Corydalis),Baizhi(Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)and YZP on the CYP450s,especially the differences between the single drug and prescription.Materials and methods:Cocktail probe drugs method was used to evaluate Cytochrome P450 activities in rat liver microsomes,including CYP1A2,CYP2D1,CYP2C11,CYP2C6 and CYP3A1,after rats repeatedly administrated with the extracts of Yanhusuo(Rhizoma Corydalis),Baizhi(Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)and YZP for 7 days.Results:Yanhusuo(Rhizoma Corydalis)extracts significantly increased the activities of CYP1A2,2C6 and 3A1,and inhibited that of 2D1.Baizhi(Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)extracts significantly increased the activities of CYP1A2 and inhibited that of 2D1 and 2C11.YZP extracts exhibited the same effect with single drugs.Conclusion:These results might partly interpret the TCM compatibility.Moreover,co-administration of prescriptions containing Yanhusuo(Rhizoma Corydalis),Baizhi(Radix Angelicae Dahuricae)or YZP should consider a potential herb(drug)-drug interaction medicated by the induction of CYP1A2,2C6 and 3A1 and inhibition of CYP2D1 and 2C11 enzymes.

Novel semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase inhibitor screening from anti-obesity drugs using HPLC-MS based technique

Semicarbazide-sensitive the metabolism of glucose and fat, amine oxidase （SSAO） has been considered to be associated with and elevated SSAO activity was observed in obese patients. In the present study, an in vitro SSAO activity-based method was developed to screen inhibitors from 15 an- ti-obesity drugs. Among the fifteen anti-obesity drugs, four drugs including caffeine, fenfluramine, bumetanide and amfebutamone inhibited SSAO activity, and caffeine was the most effective one. When the concentration of caffeine was 1.4 mmol/L, the inhibition ratio was 31.9% and 18.8% in rabbit serum and rat adipose tissue, respectively. Inhibition of SSAO activity by caffeine was also confirmed in the in vivo study, showing the inhibition ratio of 15.6% on serum SSAO. Caffeine pro- vides a natural source of inhibition of SSAO activity and may be a promising inhibitor for the study of SSAO.

Rhus longipes (Engl.) infusions improve glucose metabolism and mitigate oxidative biomarkers in ferrous sulfate-induced renal injury

Objective:To explore the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Rhus longipes(R.longipes)leaf and stem bark aqueous infusions.Methods:R.longipes leaf and stem bark infusions were characterized via gas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy(GC-MS)analysis.In vitro antioxidant and carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzyme inhibitory activities of R.longipes infusions were determined.Additionally,the modulatory effects of R.longipes infusions on intestinal glucose absorption,muscle glucose uptake,and biomarkers of renal oxidative injury were evaluated.Molecular docking was performed to determine the binding affinities of the identified compounds from the leaf and stem bark infusions on carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes.Results:GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytocompounds,including palmitoleic acid,octadecanamide,24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and L-ascorbic acid.The bark infusion had significantly higher total phenolic contents compared with the leaf infusion,with better DPPH scavenging[IC_(50):(10.50±1.03)μg/mL]and ferric reducing[IC_(50):(9.85±0.32)μg/mL]activities(P<0.05).Both R.longipes infusions at their highest concentrations significantly increased glucose uptake in yeast suspension and rat psoas muscle with marked suppression of glucose absorption in the rat jejunum(P<0.05).With no cytotoxicity on Vero cells,the infusions lowered lipid peroxidation,increased cellular reduced glutathione concentration,and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in renal homogenate treated with FeSO_(4).Conclusions:R.longipes shows antioxidant and antidiabetic activities and could be a potential therapeutic candidate for diabetes.

Crystal Structures of Urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator in Complex with 4-(Aminomethyl) Benzoic Acid and 4-(Aminomethyl-phenyl)-methanol

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator （uPA） is a trypsin-like serine protease and plays a key role in several biological processes, including tissue remodeling, cell migration, and matrix degradation. The inhibitors of uPA have been shown to prevent the spread of metastasis and tumor growth, and accordingly uPA is widely recognized as a target for the treatment of cancer. In this work, we report the crystal structures of the complexes of uPA with its inhibitors： 4- （aminomethyl）-benzoic acid （AMBA） and 4-（aminomethyl-phenyl）-methanol （AMPM）, both at a resolution of 2.35 А. The inhibitory constants of these two inhibitors were measured by a chromogenic competitive assay, and it was found that AMBA is a better inhibitor for uPA （Ki = 2.68 mM） than AMPM （Ki = 13.99 mM）. The structural study shows that the binding mode of inhibitor AMBA on uPA is similar to that of AMPM on uPA, both docked into the active site S1 pocket of uPA. Structural details of these complexes are provided to explain the difference of inhibitory constants.