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1.
Polymers (Basel) ; 15(23)2023 Nov 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38232031

ABSTRACT

Hydrogen sulfide, a colorless, flammable gas with a distinct rotten egg odor, poses severe health risks in industrial settings. Sensing hydrogen sulfide is crucial for safeguarding worker safety and preventing potential accidents. This study investigated the gas-sensing performance of an electroactive polymer (i.e., polyaniline, PANI) and its composites with active carbon (AC) (i.e., PANI-AC1 and PANI-AC3) toward H2S at room temperature. PANI-AC composites-coated IDE gas sensors were fabricated and their capability of detecting H2S at concentrations ranging from 1 ppm to 30 ppm was tested. The superior gas-sensing performance of the PANI-AC composites can be attributed to the increased surface area of the materials, which provided increased active sites for doping processes and enhanced the sensing capability of the composites. Specifically, the incorporation of AC in the PANI matrix resulted in a substantial improvement in the doping process, which led to stronger gas-sensing responses with higher repeatability and higher stability toward H2S compared to the neat PANI-coated IDE sensor. Furthermore, the as-prepared IDE gas sensor exhibited the best sensing response toward H2S at 60% RH. The use of agricultural-waste coconut husk for the synthesis of these high-performance gas-sensing materials promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices while improving the detection and monitoring of H2S gas in industrial settings.

2.
Mol Nutr Food Res ; 66(16): e2101141, 2022 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35753083

ABSTRACT

SCOPE: This study aims to investigate whether S-allylcysteine (SAC) exerts chemoprophylactic effects on foodborne carcinogenicity caused by 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) in normal human colonic mucosal epithelial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cellular thermal shift assays show that SAC has an affinity for the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) protein. Moreover, SAC may also dampen the binding of Keap1 and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by inhibiting p-p38 and increasing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (AKT), thereby inducing Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling and upregulating the ratio of glutathione (GSH) to GSH/GSSG (oxidized glutathione), which inhibits PhIP-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage. In addition, SAC significantly downregulates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway, suggesting that SAC may potentially impede the metabolic transformation of carcinogens. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings suggest that SAC protects against PhIP-induced reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage by modulating the Nrf2/AhR signaling pathway, which may have significant potential as a novel chemopreventive agent.


Subject(s)
Heme Oxygenase-1 , NF-E2-Related Factor 2 , Cysteine/analogs & derivatives , DNA Damage , Epithelial Cells/metabolism , Glutathione/metabolism , Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics , Humans , Imidazoles , Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1/metabolism , NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism , Oxidative Stress , Signal Transduction
3.
J Cosmet Dermatol ; 20(7): 2341-2349, 2021 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33200469

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ganoderma has been known as a cure for diseases since ancient times, and been used as a medicinal mushroom for more than 2000 years. By many accounts, Ganoderma lucidum extracts from fruit bodies exhibited the comparable tyrosinase inhibition activity. AIMS: To validate A. cinnamomea mycelia anti-melanogenesis activity. Ethanolic extracts of A. cinnamomea mycelia were evaluated using in vitro cell-free tyrosinase assay, cell-based and zebrafish phenotype-based method. Meanwhile, safety assessment was also conducted to ensure the feasibility as the novel ingredients in cosmetic and pharmaceutic industries. METHODS: The major regulatory enzymes being in charge of cutaneous pigmentation, was investigated in both cell-free and cellular enzyme systems, and in phenotype-based zebrafish model. A high-throughput TLC in vitro screening system was introduced to perform the initial evaluation of those with anti-melanin formation activity. RESULTS: Among the fractions, 50% ethanol extracted fraction (AC_Et50_Hex) exhibited highest anti-melanin formation activity. AC_Et50_Hex (at 100 ppm) reduced 30% intracellular melanin of B16-F10 cells through suppression of tyrosinase activity and its protein expression. For animal study, not only does AC_Et50_Hex exhibited similar depigmenting efficacy to kojic acid (56.1% vs 52.3%) with lower dosage (50 ppm vs 1400 ppm), but showed less toxicity to zebrafish. CONCLUSION: A. cinnamomea mycelium extracts can be an ideal candidate/substitute for skin-whitening since kojic acid has been reported with carcinogenic effect. AC_Et50_Hex was recognized as a potential tyrosinase inhibitor throughout in vitro and in vivo analysis studies. The mass production of A. cinnamomea mycelium from agitated fermentation realizes the natural mushroom extracts for commercial application.


Subject(s)
Monophenol Monooxygenase , Zebrafish , Animals , Melanins , Mycelium , Polyporales
4.
Molecules ; 24(8)2019 Apr 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31018540

ABSTRACT

Jelly fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) is used to prepare drinks and desserts in Asia, owing to the gelling capability of its pectin via endogenous pectin methylesterase (PE) catalyzation. Meanwhile, substances with PE inhibitory activity (SPEI) in jelly fig achenes (JFA) residue were noticed to be able to impede the gelation. In this study, we characterized and isolated SPEI from JFA by a series of PE inhibition-guided isolations. Crude aqueous extract of JFA residue was mixed with acetone, and 90% acetone-soluble matter was further fractionated by Diaion HP-20 chromatography. The retained fraction with dominant PE inhibitory activity was collected from 100% methanol eluate. Results from high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) and hydrolysis-induced chromogenic transition revealed the SPEI as complex tannins. Total tannins content was determined in each isolated fraction, and was closely related to PE inhibitory activity. In addition, SPEI in this study could inhibit activities of digestive enzymes in vitro and may, therefore, be assumed to act as non-specific protein binding agent.


Subject(s)
Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases/antagonists & inhibitors , Enzyme Inhibitors/isolation & purification , Ficus/chemistry , Fruit/chemistry , Plant Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Tannins/isolation & purification , Acetone/chemistry , Beverages/analysis , Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases/chemistry , Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases/isolation & purification , Chromatography, Ion Exchange , Enzyme Assays , Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry , Ficus/enzymology , Fruit/enzymology , Gels , Humans , Methanol/chemistry , Pectins/chemistry , Phase Transition , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Proteins/chemistry , Plant Proteins/isolation & purification , Solvents/chemistry , Taiwan , Tannins/chemistry , Water/chemistry
5.
Mycobiology ; 47(1): 112-119, 2019 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30988994

ABSTRACT

Compounds from Lingzhi has been demonstrated the ability for inhibiting tyrosinase (a key enzyme in melanogenesis) activity. In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenic activity from the submerged mycelial culture of Ganoderma weberianum and elucidated the skin lightening mechanism by B16-F10 murine melanoma cells. From the cellular context, several fractionated mycelium samples exhibited anti-melanogenic activity by reducing more than 40% extracellular melanin content of B16-F10 melanoma cells. In particular, the fractionated chloroform extract (CF-F3) inhibited both secreted and intracellular melanin with the lowest dosage (25 ppm). Further analysis demonstrated that CF-F3 inhibited cellular tyrosinase activity without altering its protein expression. Taken together, our study has demonstrated that the chemical extracts from submerged mycelial culture of G. weberianum have the potential to serve as an alternative anti-melanogenic agent.

6.
PLoS One ; 14(2): e0211356, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30763353

ABSTRACT

Kaoliang is a refreshing fragranced type of Chinese spirits with slight apple fragrance that comes from ethyl acetate (EA). Special aromas are produced by esterification microorganisms, which affect the taste and quality of the wine. In this study, new yeast strains were isolated from yellow water, a by-product during fermentation process. Meanwhile, the optimal culture condition was determined for its growth and EA production. Three new strains, Kazachstaniaexigua, Candida humilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were identified from yellow water. Among these strains, S. cerevisiae S5 was the new and dominant strain. Results from response surface methodology showed that S. cerevisiae S5 produced 161.88 ppm of EA, in the medium with 4.91% yeast extract, 9.82% peptone, and 20.91% glucose after 96 hours of cultivation at 27.53°C. GC analysis showed that aroma compounds, such as EA, isoamyl acetate and 2-phenylethanol increased from the sample of optimal condition when compared to the one from initial fermentation condition.


Subject(s)
Acetates/metabolism , Candida/chemistry , Rivers/microbiology , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/chemistry , Saccharomycetales/chemistry , Acetates/analysis , Batch Cell Culture Techniques , Candida/isolation & purification , Candida/metabolism , Chromatography, Gas , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/isolation & purification , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism , Saccharomycetales/isolation & purification , Saccharomycetales/metabolism , Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis , Water Microbiology
7.
Dev Comp Immunol ; 90: 1-9, 2019 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30031870

ABSTRACT

Lectin is a protein with multiple functions. In this study, the full-length cDNA of the Agrocybe aegerita lectin (AAL) gene was cloned, recombinant AAL (AAL-His) was expressed, and the activities of AAL-His were analyzed. Northern blot analysis showed that the major AAL transcript is approximately 900 bp. Sequence analysis showed that the coding region of AAL is 489 bp with a transcription start site located 39 nucleotides upstream of the translation initiation codon. In an agglutination test, AAL-His agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes at 12.5 µg/ml. AAL-His also showed antiviral activity in protecting shrimp from white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. This anti-WSSV effect might be due to the binding of AAL-His on WSSV virions via the direct interactions with four WSSV structural proteins, VP39B, VP41B, VP53A and VP216. AAL demonstrates the potential for development as an anti-WSSV agent for shrimp culture. It also implies that these four AAL interaction WSSV proteins may play important roles in virus infection.


Subject(s)
Agrocybe/genetics , Antigens, Fungal/genetics , DNA Virus Infections/immunology , Lectins/genetics , Penaeidae/immunology , Transgenes/genetics , White spot syndrome virus 1/physiology , Animals , Antiviral Agents/metabolism , Cloning, Molecular , Erythrocyte Aggregation , Immunity, Innate , Lectins/metabolism , Penaeidae/virology , Protein Binding , Viral Proteins/metabolism
8.
J Food Drug Anal ; 26(1): 135-144, 2018 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29389548

ABSTRACT

Cordycepin is one of the most crucial bioactive compounds produced by Cordyceps militaris and has exhibited antitumor activity in various cancers. However, industrial production of large amounts of cordycepin is difficult. The porcine liver is abundant in proteins, vitamins, and adenosine, and these ingredients may increase cordycepin production and bioconversion during C. militaris fermentation. We observed that porcine liver extracts increased cordycepin production. In addition, air supply (2 h/d) significantly increased the cordycepin level in surface liquid-cultured C. militaris after 14 days. Moreover, blue light light-emitting diode irradiation (16 h/d) increased cordycepin production. These findings indicated that these conditions are suitable for increasing cordycepin production. We used these conditions to obtain water extract from the mycelia of surface liquid-cultured C. militaris (WECM) and evaluated the anti-oral cancer activity of this extract in vitro and in vivo. The results revealed that WECM inhibited the cell viability of SCC-4 oral cancer cells and arrested the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondrial fission) were observed in SCC-4 cells treated with WECM for 12 hours. Furthermore, WECM reduced tumor formation in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis through the downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, vascular endothelial growth factor, and c-fos expression. The results indicated that porcine liver extracts irradiated with blue light light-emitting diode and supplied with air can be used as a suitable medium for the growth of mycelia and production of cordycepin, which can be used in the treatment of oral cancer.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Biological Products/pharmacology , Cordyceps/drug effects , Cordyceps/metabolism , Deoxyadenosines/biosynthesis , Deoxyadenosines/pharmacology , Liver Extracts/pharmacology , Animals , Cell Cycle/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cricetinae , Disease Models, Animal , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Humans , Male , Mitochondria/drug effects , Mitochondria/metabolism , Mouth Neoplasms , Swine , Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
9.
J Food Drug Anal ; 25(1): 62-70, 2017 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28911544

ABSTRACT

Black garlic is obtained from fresh garlic (Allium sativum L.) that has been fermented for a period of time at a controlled high temperature (60-90°C) under controlled high humidity (80-90%). When compared with fresh garlic, black garlic does not release a strong offensive flavor owing to the reduced content of allicin. Enhanced bioactivity of black garlic compared with that of fresh garlic is attributed to its changes in physicochemical properties. Studies concerning the fundamental findings of black garlic, such as its production, bioactivity, and applications, have thus been conducted. Several types of black garlic products are also available in the market with a fair selling volume. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge of changes in the components, bioactivity, production, and applications of black garlic, as well as the proposed future prospects on their possible applications as a functional food product.


Subject(s)
Garlic , Hot Temperature , Humidity , Plant Extracts
10.
Carbohydr Polym ; 151: 827-833, 2016 Oct 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27474630

ABSTRACT

A bacterial cellulose (BC) producing strain isolated from fermented fruit juice was identified as Komagataeibacter intermedius (K. intermedius) FST213-1 by 16s rDNA sequencing analysis and biochemical characteristics test. K. intermedius FST213-1 can produce BC within pH 4-9 and exhibit maximum BC production (1.2g/L) at pH 8 in short-term (4-day) cultivation. Results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, water content, thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical property indicated that BC produced from K. intermedius FST213-1 exhibits higher water content ability (99.5%), lower thermostability (315°C), lower crystallinity (79.3%) and similar mechanical properties in comparison with the specimen from model BC producer, Gluconacetobacter xylinus 23769. Based on these analyses, the novel based-resistant strain K. intermedius FST213-1 can efficiently produce BC, which can be applied for industrial manufacturing with potential features.


Subject(s)
Acetobacteraceae/isolation & purification , Acetobacteraceae/metabolism , Cellulose/biosynthesis , Fermentation , Fruit and Vegetable Juices/microbiology , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Temperature
11.
Molecules ; 21(5)2016 Apr 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27136519

ABSTRACT

Chemotherapy is the main approach for treating advanced and recurrent carcinoma, but the clinical performance of chemotherapy is limited by relatively low response rates, drug resistance, and adverse effects that severely affect the quality of life of patients. An association between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chemotherapy resistance has been investigated in recent studies. Our recent studies have found that the aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum (AESN) is a crucial ingredient in some traditional Chinese medicine formulas for treating various types of cancer patients and exhibits antitumor effects. We evaluated the suppression of EMT in MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with AESN. The mitochondrial morphology was investigated using Mitotracker Deep-Red FM stain. Our results indicated that AESN markedly inhibited cell viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells through apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest mediated by activation of caspase-3 and production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, mitochondrial fission was observed in MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with AESN. In addition to elevation of E-cadherin, downregulations of ZEB1, N-cadherin, and vimentin were found in AESN-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These results suggested that AESN could inhibit EMT of MCF-7 breast cancer cells mediated by attenuation of mitochondrial function. AESN could be potentially beneficial in treating breast cancer cells, and may be of interest for future studies in developing integrative cancer therapy against proliferation, metastasis, and migration of breast cancer cells.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/metabolism , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects , Mitochondria/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Solanum nigrum/chemistry , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Cadherins/metabolism , Caspase 3/metabolism , Cell Cycle/drug effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Female , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects , Humans , MCF-7 Cells
12.
Anim Sci J ; 87(8): 989-96, 2016 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26608104

ABSTRACT

For this study, we aimed to assess the dose-response antiosteoporotic effects of the middle section of velvet antlers (VAs) from sika deers (Cervus nippon) fed with different types of fodders. VAs prepared from farmed sika deers fed with feed mixtures containing sorghum distillery residue (VA-SDR) or without SDR (SDR replaced with hay, VA-Hay) were divided into upper (VAU), middle (VAM) and basal (VAB) sections. The chemical constituents of the middle sections obtained from each VA type were compared, and their antiosteoporotic activities were evaluated using rats with ovaries removed surgically (ovariectomy, OVX). The VA-Hay exhibited markedly increased iron and cysteine levels, whereas the VA-SDR exhibited markedly increased level of alcoholic extract and testosterone. Both VA-Hay- and VA-SDR-treated rats exhibited increased femur strength compared with the control group. However, VA-SDR exhibited greater bone-strengthening effects than did VA-Hay. The serum osteocalcin and estradiol levels were significantly moderated in the VA-Hay group alone. These results suggest that VA-SDR and VA-Hay prevent the loss of bone strength, and preserve trabecular architecture connectivity in an estrogen-deficient state. However, differences in the chemical compositions of different forages may be responsible for the varying antiosteoporotic mechanisms observed. Thus, the addition of SDR in deer forage may enhance antiosteoporosis activity in VAs, and confer considerable economic and ecological benefits.


Subject(s)
Animal Feed/classification , Antlers/anatomy & histology , Antlers/chemistry , Bone Density Conservation Agents , Deer , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/drug therapy , Tissue Extracts/isolation & purification , Tissue Extracts/pharmacology , Animal Feed/analysis , Animals , Compressive Strength/drug effects , Cysteine/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Estradiol/blood , Female , Femur/physiology , Humans , Iron/metabolism , Osteocalcin/blood , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/metabolism , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Testosterone/metabolism
13.
J Food Sci Technol ; 52(5): 2982-9, 2015 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25892799

ABSTRACT

Amyloid-beta (Abeta) protein is a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, it has been reported that oxidative stress is involved in the biochemical pathway by which Abeta can lead to neuronal dysfunction. Recently, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3) have been reported to protect against AD. However, these omega-3 fatty acids are frequently obtained from fish oil and may contain heavy metals. In this study, we utilized Nannochloropsis oceanica to produce omega-3 fatty acid. We observed that when urea levels (nitrogen source) were lowered from 2 to 0.2 g/L in Nannochloropsis oceanica cultures, EPA production increased. Moreover, EPA in Nannochloropsis oceanica effectively promoted antioxidant activity to counter the Abeta-induced oxidative stress in Neuro-2A cells. These results indicate that Nannochloropsis oceanica may be potentially used as a therapeutic agent or as a functional food that promotes protection against AD.

14.
J Food Sci Technol ; 52(2): 1110-6, 2015 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25694726

ABSTRACT

Fagopyrum tataricum is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of 75 % ethanol extract of buckwheat (EEB) and rutin on carbohydrate-metabolized enzymes, including α-amylase and α-glucosidase, which are related to hyperglycemia. The rutin dosage (40 µg/mL) was equivalent to that of EEB (200 µg/mL). In addition, the antioxidant and antiglycation activities of EEB and rutin were investigated. Results showed that both EEB and rutin exerted free radical (DPPH and ABTS) scavenging activity. They also attenuated protein glycation to lower the generation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) through the suppression of fructosamine and α-dicarbonyl compounds. Moreover, EEB and rutin also inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity. Taken together, these findings suggest that EEB and rutin may reduce oxidative stress, AGEs formation, and carbohydrate-metabolized enzymes hence EEB may use as protection agent in diabetic patients.

15.
Dev Comp Immunol ; 49(1): 7-18, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25445906

ABSTRACT

A series of deletion and mutation assays of the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) immediate-early gene WSSV108 promoter showed that a Krüppel-like factor (KLF) binding site located from -504 to -495 (relative to the transcription start site) is important for the overall level of WSSV108 promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays further showed that overexpressed recombinant Penaeus monodon KLF (rPmKLF) formed a specific protein-DNA complex with the (32)P-labeled KLF binding site of the WSSV108 promoter, and that higher levels of Litopenaeus vannamei KLF (LvKLF) were expressed in WSSV-infected shrimp. A transactivation assay indicated that the WSSV108 promoter was strongly activated by rPmKLF in a dose-dependent manner. Lastly, we found that specific silencing of LvKLF expression in vivo by dsRNA injection dramatically reduced both WSSV108 expression and WSSV replication. We conclude that shrimp KLF is important for WSSV genome replication and gene expression, and that it binds to the WSSV108 promoter to enhance the expression of this immediate-early gene.


Subject(s)
Arthropod Proteins/metabolism , Genes, Immediate-Early/genetics , Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism , Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics , Viral Proteins/genetics , White spot syndrome virus 1/genetics , Amino Acid Sequence , Animals , Arthropod Proteins/genetics , Base Sequence , Binding Sites/genetics , Blotting, Western , Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay , Gene Expression Regulation, Viral , Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics , Immediate-Early Proteins , Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics , Molecular Sequence Data , Penaeidae/genetics , Penaeidae/metabolism , Penaeidae/virology , Protein Binding , RNA Interference , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Transcriptional Activation , Viral Proteins/metabolism , Virus Replication/genetics , White spot syndrome virus 1/metabolism , White spot syndrome virus 1/physiology
16.
PLoS One ; 9(1): e85779, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24465701

ABSTRACT

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a large enveloped virus. The WSSV viral particle consists of three structural layers that surround its core DNA: an outer envelope, a tegument and a nucleocapsid. Here we characterize the WSSV structural protein VP11 (WSSV394, GenBank accession number AF440570), and use an interactome approach to analyze the possible associations between this protein and an array of other WSSV and host proteins. Temporal transcription analysis showed that vp11 is an early gene. Western blot hybridization of the intact viral particles and fractionation of the viral components, and immunoelectron microscopy showed that VP11 is an envelope protein. Membrane topology software predicted VP11 to be a type of transmembrane protein with a highly hydrophobic transmembrane domain at its N-terminal. Based on an immunofluorescence assay performed on VP11-transfected Sf9 cells and a trypsin digestion analysis of the virion, we conclude that, contrary to topology software prediction, the C-terminal of this protein is in fact inside the virion. Yeast two-hybrid screening combined with co-immunoprecipitation assays found that VP11 directly interacted with at least 12 other WSSV structural proteins as well as itself. An oligomerization assay further showed that VP11 could form dimers. VP11 is also the first reported WSSV structural protein to interact with the major nucleocapsid protein VP664.


Subject(s)
Viral Envelope Proteins/metabolism , White spot syndrome virus 1/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation, Viral , Immunoprecipitation , Molecular Sequence Data , Protein Binding , Protein Multimerization , Reproducibility of Results , Time Factors , Transcription, Genetic , Two-Hybrid System Techniques , Viral Envelope Proteins/chemistry , Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics , Viral Envelope Proteins/ultrastructure , Virion/metabolism , White spot syndrome virus 1/genetics , White spot syndrome virus 1/ultrastructure
17.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 151(1): 352-60, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24212078

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Velvet antlers (VA) have been claimed for centuries to have numerous medical benefits including strengthen bones. To investigate and compare the anti-osteoporotic activities from different sections of VA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh VA prepared from farmed sika deers (Cervus nippon) was divided into upper (VAU), middle (VAM), and basal (VAB) sections. The chemical constituents and anti-osteoporotic effect of different sections from VA were evaluated using ovariectomized rats. RESULTS: Levels of water-soluble extracts, diluted alcoholic extract, amino acids, testosterone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and testosterone plus estradiol significantly differed among the different sections. Levels of these constituents were significantly higher in the upper section than in the basal section. Moreover, levels of testosterone and IGF-1 of the VAM were also significantly higher than those of the VAB. Calcium level increased downward from the tip with statistical significance. The strength of vertebrae increased in all VA-treated groups compared to the control, but only treatment with VAU and VAM increased the strength of the femur and the microarchitecure of the trabecular bone. Alkaline phosphatase levels of VAU- and VAM-treated groups significantly decreased, but osteocalcin did not significantly change. Moreover, VAU and VAM dose-dependently increased proliferation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells. CONCLUSION: Our study provides strong evidence for the regional differences in the effectiveness of velvet antler in treating osteoporosis. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the bioactive chemical constituents associated with the anti-osteoporotic effects of velvet antler.


Subject(s)
Antlers , Bone Density/drug effects , Bone and Bones/drug effects , Osteoporosis/prevention & control , 3T3 Cells , Animals , Antlers/chemistry , Biomechanical Phenomena , Bone and Bones/ultrastructure , Calcium/metabolism , Deer , Drug Administration Schedule , Estradiol/chemistry , Female , Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/chemistry , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Mice , Ovariectomy , Random Allocation , Rats , Testosterone/chemistry
18.
Food Funct ; 4(5): 794-802, 2013 Apr 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23584161

ABSTRACT

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is a healthy and nutritionally important food item. In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective effects of 75% ethanol extracts from tartary buckwheat (EEB) against ethanol- and carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver damage. EEB were administered to C57BL/6 mice (ethanol induction) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (CCl(4) induction) for 4 and 8 consecutive weeks, respectively. The major active compounds, rutin and quercetin, were also administered to ethanol- and CCl(4)-induced animals. EEB inhibited increase in serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the ethanol- and CCl(4)-induced animals; similar effects were found after rutin and quercetin administration. Moreover, EEB elevated the antioxidant enzyme activities, including those of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and inhibited the levels of hepatic inflammation in the ethanol- and CCl(4)-treated animals. This study suggests that EEB exerts hepatoprotection via promoting anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties against oxidative liver damage.


Subject(s)
Fagopyrum/chemistry , Liver/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Quercetin/pharmacology , Rutin/pharmacology , Alanine Transaminase/antagonists & inhibitors , Alanine Transaminase/blood , Alkaline Phosphatase/antagonists & inhibitors , Alkaline Phosphatase/blood , Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Aspartate Aminotransferases/antagonists & inhibitors , Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood , Carbon Tetrachloride/adverse effects , Catalase/blood , Ethanol/adverse effects , Ethanol/metabolism , Glutathione Peroxidase/blood , Glutathione Reductase/blood , Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects , Liver/enzymology , Liver/pathology , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Reactive Oxygen Species , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism
19.
Food Microbiol ; 33(1): 55-60, 2013 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23122501

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus thermophilus is a thermophilic lactic acid bacterium which is used as the starter organism for the fermentation of yoghurt and some cheese. In the present study, S. thermophilus BCRC 14085 was subjected to cold shock treatment by exposure at 10 °C for 2 h. The effect of cold shock on the susceptibility of S. thermophilus in subsequent lethal stress environments such as simulated gastric juice (pH 2.0-3.0), bile solution (2.0%) and various organic acids (0.75 M, pH 3.5) including propionic, lactic, acetic, citric and tartaric acid was investigated. In addition, the survival of cold-shocked and non-shocked S. thermophilus exposed to disinfectants, Clidox-S and Quatricide, were compared. Results revealed that cold shock enhanced the tolerance of S. thermophilus in the presence of simulated gastric juice (pH 2.5 and 2.8), while in bile solution, the population increase of cold-shocked cells is higher than that of non-shocked cells after 12 h of incubation. Furthermore, the susceptibility of S. thermophilus, regardless of cold shock, to organic acid varied with the kinds of organic acid examined. The cold-shocked S. thermophilus showed a significantly less survival (P < 0.05) than that of the non-shocked cells when exposed to lactic or acetic acid. Furthermore, cold shock reduced the survival of S. thermophilus when exposed to Quatricide but not Clidox-S.


Subject(s)
Acids/pharmacology , Bile Acids and Salts/pharmacology , Disinfectants/pharmacology , Gastric Juice/chemistry , Streptococcus thermophilus/drug effects , Cold Temperature , Microbial Viability/drug effects , Streptococcus thermophilus/growth & development
20.
Molecules ; 17(9): 10574-85, 2012 Sep 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22951396

ABSTRACT

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), both velvet antlers (VA) and VA blood can tonify qi, essence, and marrow, nourish the blood, and invigorate bones and tendons. In TCM, the combination of VA and VA blood is believed to have superior pharmacological effects. Scientific evidence supporting the traditional therapeutic preference for redder antler is needed. The effectiveness of the combination therapy of VA middle sections (VAMs) and VA blood (VAM-B) was first examined in promoting proliferation of mouse osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1). The anti-osteoporotic activity of VAM-B (ratio of VAM:VA blood = 1:0.2) was evaluated with ovariectomized (OVX) rats at a dose of 0.2 g/kg. In VAM-B-treated OVX rats, the body weight decreased 10.7%, and the strength of vertebrae and the femur respectively increased 18.1% and 15.4%, compared to the control. VAM-B treatment also recovered the estrogen-related loss of the right tibial trabecular bone microarchitecture. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) significantly decreased, but estradiol did not significantly change in serum of VAM-B-treated OVX rats. We also provide an effective strategy to enhance the anti-osteoporotic activity of VAM. In conclusion, our results provide scientific evidence supporting the traditional therapeutic preference of redder antler and indicate that VAM-B is a potential therapeutic agent for managing osteoporosis.


Subject(s)
Antlers , Blood , Bone Density/drug effects , Bone and Bones/drug effects , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Alkaline Phosphatase/metabolism , Animals , Body Weight/drug effects , Cell Line , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Deer , Female , Femur/drug effects , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Ovariectomy , Random Allocation , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Spine/drug effects
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