Effects of heat on the biological activity of wild Cordyceps sinensis

Background:Current methods of extending the storage time of wild Cordyceps sinensis adversely affect the nutritive and medicinal value of the product.Thus,this study was designed to investigate the effects of heat treatment,a relatively safe storage extension method,on the biological activity of wild C.sinensis.Methods:Samples were heated to 60,80,or 100℃ for 15,30,or 60 minutes.SOD activity in wild C.sinensis before and after heating was assayed using a standard colorimetric assay.Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity was measured using the plasmid-nicking assay.Cordycepin content was analyzed using HPLC.Polysaccharide content was measured using the phenol sulfuric method.The Student's t-test was used for comparison.Results:After heating at 60,80,100℃ for 15,30,60 minutes,respectively,no significant reduction in DNase activity or polysaccharide dissolution was noted (P >.05).Interestingly,heating at 80℃ for 30 minutes led to a significant increase in the SOD activity of C.sinensis (P <.05).In addition,heating at 60℃ for 60 minutes or at 80℃ for 15 minutes significantly increased cordycepin dissolution (P <.05).Other heat treatments had no significant effects on SOD activity or cordycepin dissolution (P >.05).Conclusions:These results suggested that heat treatment does not adversely affect SOD or DNase activity,polysaccharide content,or cordycepin dissolution.Thus,heat treatment might be a safe processing method to extend the storage time of wild C.sinensis without compromising biological activity.

FGF21 increases the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib under hypoxia

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a common disease in human history and one of the main causes of cancer-related death.Insufficient oxygen supply in the tumor microenvironment forces cancer cells to survive in a mild hypoxia environment.Fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21),a member of the FGF family,has become the focus of public attention due to its outstanding achievements in diabetes and lipid lowering.However,the mechanism of FGF21 in HCC remains unclear.Objective:The aims of this study were to clarify whether or not FGF21 could increase the sensitivity of HCC to sorafenib(SORA)under hypoxia and explore the possible mechanism.Methods:In this study,by using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide cell viability test,plate clone formation test,western blot analysis,Hoechst/propidium iodide double staining experiment,flow cytometry,quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,and subcutaneous tumor transplantation in mice,we studied the effects of recombinant human FGF21 combined with SORA on hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo.FGF21 could enhance the phosphorylation of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3(Smad3)under anaerobic conditions.When combined with SORA,FGF21 could increase the sensitivity of hepatoma cells to SORA and inhibit the growth and migration of hepatoma cells.Results:FGF21 may increase the sensitivity of HCC to SORA by enhancing the phosphorylation of Smad3 through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway under hypoxia.Conclusion:Our study suggested the possibility of combination therapy for SORA and FGF21 on HCC.