Raspberry Ketone Attenuates Hepatic Fibrogenesis and Inflammation via Regulating the Crosstalk of FXR and PGC-1α Signaling.

Hepatic fibrosis is a compensatory response to chronic liver injury and inflammation, and dietary intervention is recommended as one of the fundamental prevention strategies. Raspberry ketone (RK) is an aromatic compound first isolated from raspberry and widely used to prepare food flavors. The current study investigated the hepatoprotection and potential mechanism of RK against hepatic fibrosis. In vitro, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation was stimulated with TGF-ß and cultured with RK, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) agonist or inhibitor, respectively. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with thioacetamide (TAA) at 100/200 mg/kg from the first to the fifth week. Mice were intragastrically administrated with RK or Cur once a day from the second to the fifth week. In activated HSCs, RK inhibited extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, inflammation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. RK both activated FXR/PGC-1α and regulated their crosstalk, which were verified by their inhibitors and agonists. Deficiency of FXR or PGC-1α also attenuated the effect of RK on the reverse of activated HSCs. RK also decreased serum ALT/AST levels, liver histopathological change, ECM accumulation, inflammation, and EMT in mice caused by TAA. Double activation of FXR/PGC-1α might be the key targets for RK against hepatic fibrosis. Above all, these discoveries supported the potential of RK as a novel candidate for the dietary intervention of hepatic fibrosis.

Methyl vinyl ketone and its analogs covalently modify PI3K and alter physiological functions by inhibiting PI3K signaling.

Reactive carbonyl species (RCS), which are abundant in the environment and are produced in vivo under stress, covalently bind to nucleophilic residues such as Cys in proteins. Disruption of protein function by RCS exposure is predicted to play a role in the development of various diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders, but most studies on RCS have been limited to simple cytotoxicity validation, leaving their target proteins and resulting physiological changes unknown. In this study, we focused on methyl vinyl ketone (MVK), which is one of the main RCS found in cigarette smoke and exhaust gas. We found that MVK suppressed PI3K-Akt signaling, which regulates processes involved in cellular homeostasis, including cell proliferation, autophagy, and glucose metabolism. Interestingly, MVK inhibits the interaction between the epidermal growth factor receptor and PI3K. Cys656 in the SH2 domain of the PI3K p85 subunit, which is the covalently binding site of MVK, is important for this interaction. Suppression of PI3K-Akt signaling by MVK reversed epidermal growth factor-induced negative regulation of autophagy and attenuated glucose uptake. Furthermore, we analyzed the effects of the 23 RCS compounds with structures similar to MVK and showed that their analogs also suppressed PI3K-Akt signaling in a manner that correlated with their similarities to MVK. Our study demonstrates the mechanism of MVK and its analogs in suppressing PI3K-Akt signaling and modulating physiological functions, providing a model for future studies analyzing environmental reactive species.

Inhibition of mycobacteria proliferation in macrophages by low cisplatin concentration through phosphorylated p53-related apoptosis pathway.

BACKGROUND: Drug resistance is a prominent problem in the treatment of tuberculosis, so it is urgent to develop new anti- tuberculosis drugs. Here, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of cisplatin (DDP) on intracellular Mycobacterium smegmatis to tap the therapeutic potential of DDP in mycobacterial infection. RESULTS: Macrophages infected with Mycobacterium smegmatis were treated with DDP alone or combined with isoniazid or rifampicin. The results showed that the bacterial count in macrophages decreased significantly after DDP (≤ 6 µg/mL) treatment. When isoniazid or rifampicin was combined with DDP, the number of intracellular mycobacteria was also significantly lower than that of isoniazid or rifampicin alone. Apoptosis of infected cells increased after 24 h of DDP treatment, as shown by flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy detection. Transcriptome sequencing showed that there were 1161 upregulated and 645 downregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the control group and DDP treatment group. A Trp53-centered protein interaction network was found based on the top 100 significant DEGs through STRING and Cytoscape software. The expression of phosphorylated p53, Bax, JAK, p38 MAPK and PI3K increased after DDP treatment, as shown by Western blot analysis. Inhibitors of JAK, PI3K or p38 MAPK inhibited the increase in cell apoptosis and the reduction in the intracellular bacterial count induced by DDP. The p53 promoter Kevetrin hydrochloride scavenges intracellular mycobacteria. If combined with DDP, Kevetrin hydrochloride could increase the effect of DDP on the elimination of intracellular mycobacteria. In conclusion, DDP at low concentrations could activate the JAK, p38 MAPK and PI3K pathways in infected macrophages, promote the phosphorylation of p53 protein, and increase the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2, leading to cell apoptosis, thus eliminating intracellular bacteria and reducing the spread of mycobacteria. CONCLUSION: DDP may be a new host-directed therapy for tuberculosis treatment, as well as the p53 promoter Kevetrin hydrochloride.

Identification and validation of a cigarette smoke-related five-gene signature as a prognostic biomarker in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma.

Cigarette smoking greatly promotes the progression of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), however, the underlying molecular events has not been fully established. In this study, RCC cells were exposed to the tobacco specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK, nicotine-derived nitrosamine) for 120 days (40 passages), and then the soft agar colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays were used to explore characteristics of RCC cells. RNA-seq was used to explore differentially expressed genes. We found that NNK promoted RCC cell growth and migration in a dose-dependent manner, and RNA-seq explored 14 differentially expressed genes. In TCGA-KIRC cohort, Lasso regression and multivariate COX regression models screened and constructed a five-gene signature containing ANKRD1, CYB5A, ECHDC3, MT1E, and AKT1S1. This novel gene signature significantly associated with TNM stage, invasion depth, metastasis, and tumor grade. Moreover, when compared with individual genes, the gene signature contained a higher hazard ratio and therefore had a more powerful value for the prognosis of KIRC. A nomogram was also developed based on clinical features and the gene signature, which showed good application. Finally, AKT1S1, the most crucial component of the gene signature, was significantly induced after NNK exposure and its related AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was dramatically activated. Our findings supported that NNK exposure would promote the KIRC progression, and the novel cigarette smoke-related five-gene signature might serve as a highly efficient biomarker to identify progression of KIRC patients, AKT1S1 might play an important role in cigarette smoke exposure-induced KIRC progression.

Involvement of m6A regulatory factor IGF2BP1 in malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial Beas-2B cells induced by tobacco carcinogen NNK.

Nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is a Group 1 human carcinogen, as classified by the International Agency for Research of Cancer (IARC), and plays a significant role in lung carcinogenesis. However, its carcinogenic mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we performed colony formation assays, soft-agar assays, and tumor growth in nude mice to show that 100 mg/L NNK facilitates the malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial Beas-2B cells. Transcriptome sequencing showed that insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), a post-transcriptional regulator, was differentially expressed in NNK-induced malignant transformed Beas-2B cells (2B-NNK cells). Small interfering RNA (SiRNA) was used to downregulate the expression of the IGF2BP1 gene. The reduction in protein expression, cell proliferation rate, and colony-forming ability and the increase in the apoptosis rate of Beas-2B cells transfected with the SiRNA indicated a role for IGF2BP1 in NNK-induced malignant transformation. IGF2BP1 is an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulatory factor, but it is not known whether its association with m6A mediates the malignant transformation of cells. Therefore, we measured the overall levels of m6A in Beas-2B cells. We found that the overall m6A level was lower in 2B-NNK cells, and knocking down IGF2BP1, the overall level of m6A was restored. Hence, we concluded that IGF2BP1 is involved in the NNK-induced malignant transformation of Beas-2B cells, possibly via m6A modification. This study therefore contributes novel insights into the environmental pathogenesis of lung cancer and the gene regulatory mechanisms of chemical carcinogenesis.

Potential metabolic activities of raspberry ketone.

Novel food and food compounds interventions have attracted a lot of attention nowadays for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. Raspberry ketone (RK) is aromatic compound found within red fruits and berries, has been used as an over-the-counter product for weight loss. However, actually, the effect of RK on weight loss is still controversial, and the mechanism is largely unknown. Besides, in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of RK on the development of other metabolic diseases. In this review, we comprehensively highlighted the synthesis, bioavailability, and metabolism of RK, and summarized the progress made in our understanding of the potential biological activities of RK, including antiobesity, antidiabetes, cardioprotection, and hepatoprotection, as well as their underlying mechanisms. This paper provides a critical overview about the current findings and proposes the future studies in the area of RK on human health. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Raspberry ketone (RK) has been used for weight control for years, but this effect is controversial considering food intake. Additionally, RK is beneficial for T2DM, liver and heart injury. The underlying mechanisms of the protective effect of RK including accelerating fatty acid oxidation, balancing serum glucose level, anti-inflammation, antioxidant process, and so on. In this context, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the benefits of RK against many metabolic diseases and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms. We hope our work will be helpful for further researches on RK and improve its public recognition.

Hydroxyphenyl Butanone Induces Cell Cycle Arrest through Inhibition of GSK3ß in Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the top three gastrointestinal malignancy in morbidity and mortality. The abnormal activation of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway is considered to be a key factor in the occurrence and development of CRC. Novel inhibitor discovery against key factor in WNT pathway is important for CRC treatment and prevention. METHODS: Cell proliferation was detected after hydroxyphenyl butanone treatment in human colorectal cancer HCT116, LOVO, and normal colonic epithelial NCM460 cells. Colony formation, cell invasion ability, and cell cycle were detected with and without GSK-3ß knockdown. RESULTS: Hydroxyphenyl butanone induces cycle arresting on G1-S phase of colorectal cancer cell line through GSK3ß in Wnt/ß-catenin pathway and inhibits malignant biological manifestations of cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion. The inhibition in the high concentration group is stronger than that in the low concentration group, and the antitumor effect is different for different tumor cells. Under the same concentration of natural hydroxyphenyl butanone, the inhibition on normal colonic epithelial cells is significantly lower than that on tumor cells. The natural hydroxyphenyl butanone with medium and low concentration could promote the proliferation of normal colonic epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: This study illustrated natural hydroxyphenyl butanone as new inhibitor of GSK3ß and revealed the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects in colorectal cancer.

Agrimol B present in Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb impedes cell cycle progression of cancer cells through G0 state arrest.

Cancer recurrence poses a significant challenge. At the cellular level, recurrence takes place as a result of reactivation of dormant cancer cells residing at G0 phase. The aim of the study was to identify compounds that can trap prostate and lung cancer cells in G0 phase from a new Chinese herb recipe, Astringent recipe, consisting of Radix Paeoniae Alba, Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, Fructus Mume, Fritillaria thunbergii Miq., Ganoderma Lucidum Karst, and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge. Astringent recipe impeded cell cycle progression in prostate and lung cancer cells by rounding them up at G0 phase by flow cytometric analysis of cancer cells stained with Hoechst 33342 and Pyronin Y, respectively, for DNA and RNA. The anti-cancer efficacy of the recipe was found to be attributable to Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. Further study established that agrimol B, a polyphenol derived from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb, contributed to the activity of the herb. The action of agrimol B on the cancer cells was likely derived from its effect on c-MYC, SKP2 and p27 by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Oral administration of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb or agrimol B reduced growth of prostate cancer cell xenograft in animal. In conclusion, Agrimol B can enrich for prostate and lung cancer cells in G0 state and influence key regulators that govern G0 status.

RNAi-mediated gene knockdown of progesterone 5ß-reductases in Digitalis lanata reduces 5ß-cardenolide content.

KEY MESSAGE: Studying RNAi-mediated DlP5ßR1 and DlP5ßR2 knockdown shoot culture lines of Digitalis lanata, we here provide direct evidence for the participation of PRISEs (progesterone 5ß-reductase/iridoid synthase-like enzymes) in 5ß-cardenolide formation. Progesterone 5ß-reductases (P5ßR) are assumed to catalyze the reduction of progesterone to 5ß-pregnane-3,20-dione, which is a crucial step in the biosynthesis of the 5ß-cardenolides. P5ßRs are encoded by VEP1-like genes occurring ubiquitously in embryophytes. P5ßRs are substrate-promiscuous enone-1,4-reductases recently termed PRISEs (progesterone 5ß-reductase/iridoid synthase-like enzymes). Two PRISE genes, termed DlP5ßR1 (AY585867.1) and DlP5ßR2 (HM210089.1) were isolated from Digitalis lanata. To give experimental evidence for the participation of PRISEs in 5ß-cardenolide formation, we here established several RNAi-mediated DlP5ßR1 and DlP5ßR2 knockdown shoot culture lines of D. lanata. Cardenolide contents were lower in D. lanata P5ßR-RNAi lines than in wild-type shoots. We considered that the gene knockdowns may have had pleiotropic effects such as an increase in glutathione (GSH) which is known to inhibit cardenolide formation. GSH levels and expression of glutathione reductase (GR) were measured. Both were higher in the Dl P5ßR-RNAi lines than in the wild-type shoots. Cardenolide biosynthesis was restored by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) treatment in Dl P5ßR2-RNAi lines but not in Dl P5ßR1-RNAi lines. Since progesterone is a precursor of cardenolides but can also act as a reactive electrophile species (RES), we here discriminated between these by comparing the effects of progesterone and methyl vinyl ketone, a small RES but not a precursor of cardenolides. To the best of our knowledge, we here demonstrated for the first time that P5ßR1 is involved in cardenolide formation. We also provide further evidence that PRISEs are also important for plants dealing with stress by detoxifying reactive electrophile species (RES).

4-(Phenylsulfanyl) Butan-2-One Attenuates the Inflammatory Response Induced by Amyloid-ß Oligomers in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that causes irreversible impairment of central vision, and effective treatment is not yet available. Extracellular accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aß) in drusen that lie under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been reported as one of the early signs of AMD and was found in more than 60% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Extracellular deposition of Aß can induce the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS in RPE cells. Thus, finding a compound that can effectively reduce the inflammatory response may help the treatment of AMD. In this research, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of the coral-derived compound 4-(phenylsulfanyl) butan-2-one (4-PSB-2) on Aß1-42 oligomer (oAß1-42) added to the human adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19). Our results demonstrated that 4-PSB-2 can decrease the elevated expressions of TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS via NF-κB signaling in ARPE-19 cells treated with oAß1-42 without causing any cytotoxicity or notable side effects. This study suggests that 4-PSB-2 is a promising drug candidate for attenuation of AMD.

(E)4-[4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl]but-3-en-2-one mitigates radiation-induced chromosome damage in BALB/c mouse bone marrow.

We examined the effects of administration of (E) 4-[4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl]but-3-en-2-one (DMAP) on radiation-induced chromosome damage in mice. Mice were whole-body exposed to γ-rays, 0-4 Gy, and then immediately administered DMAP, 20 mg/kg. After 24 h, mice were sacrificed, femora were removed, marrow was extracted, and chromosome aberrations were scored in the bone marrow cells. With vehicle-only (saline or oil) treatment, radiation dose-dependent damage was seen in aberrant cells, chromosome breaks, chromatid breaks, centric rings, di-, tri-, and tetracentrics, acentric fragments, total aberrations, polyploidy, and pulverization. Post-administration of DMAP was protective as it reduced chromosome damage. DMAP treatment may be a useful protective agent following radiation accidents or radiotherapy.

Male-lure type, lure dosage, and fly age at feeding all influence male mating success in Jarvis' fruit fly.

Males of certain Dacini fruit flies are strongly attracted to, and feed upon, plant secondary compounds such as methyl eugenol, raspberry ketone and zingerone. The consumed lure is generally found to induce physiological and behavioural changes that enhance the mating performance of lure-fed males. Male Bactrocera jarvisi respond strongly to zingerone from a young age, but only weakly respond to raspberry ketone. We hypothesized that this selective lure-response would be reflected in the physiological importance of the lure to the fly. We found that zingerone feeding by young males resulted in significantly greater mating success in competitive mating trials with lure-deprived flies, but the mating advantage was lost in older males. Lure dosage had a significant effect on the duration of the mating advantage, for example when fed 20 µg of zingerone, the advantage lasted only 1 day post-feeding, but when fed of 50 µg zingerone the advantage lasted 7 days. Raspberry ketone feeding did not confer any mating advantage to males except at one dosage (50 µg) for 1 day after feeding. When given a choice, B. jarvisi females preferred to mate with zingerone-fed versus to raspberry ketone-fed males. This study revealed lure, dosage and age of fly at time of lure administration are all important factors for maximising lure-enhanced fruit fly mating performance. These findings contribute to a better theoretical understanding of the evolution of fruit fly-lure interactions and may help improve fruit fly pest management via the Sterile Insect Technique through semiochemical-mediated enhancement of sterile male mating performance.

Oxidative Oligomerization of DBL Catechol, a potential Cytotoxic Compound for Melanocytes, Reveals the Occurrence of Novel Ionic Diels-Alder Type Additions.

The exposure of human skin to 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone (raspberry ketone, RK) is known to cause chemical/occupational leukoderma. RK is a carbonyl derivative of 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol (rhododendrol), a skin whitening agent that was found to cause leukoderma in skin of many consumers. These two phenolic compounds are oxidized by tyrosinase and the resultant products seem to cause cytotoxicity to melanocytes by producing reactive oxygen species and depleting cellular thiols through o-quinone oxidation products. Therefore, it is important to understand the biochemical mechanism of the oxidative transformation of these compounds. Earlier studies indicate that RK is initially oxidized to RK quinone by tyrosinase and subsequently converted to a side chain desaturated catechol called 3,4-dihydroxybenzalacetone (DBL catechol). In the present study, we report the oxidation chemistry of DBL catechol. Using UV-visible spectroscopic studies and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, we have examined the reaction of DBL catechol with tyrosinase and sodium periodate. Our results indicate that DBL quinone formed in the reaction is extremely reactive and undergoes facile dimerization and trimerization reactions to produce multiple isomeric products by novel ionic Diels-Alder type condensation reactions. The production of a wide variety of complex quinonoid products from such reactions would be potentially more toxic to cells by causing not only oxidative stress, but also melanotoxicity through exhibiting reactions with cellular macromolecules and thiols.

NPY/NPF-Related Neuropeptide FLP-34 Signals from Serotonergic Neurons to Modulate Aversive Olfactory Learning in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Aversive learning is fundamental for animals to increase chances of survival. In addition to classical neurotransmitters, neuropeptides have emerged to modulate such complex behaviors. Among them, neuropeptide Y (NPY) is well known to promote aversive memory acquisition in mammals. Here we identify an NPY/neuropeptide F (NPF)-related neuropeptide system in Caenorhabditis elegans and show that this FLP-34/NPR-11 system is required for learning negative associations, a process that is reminiscent of NPY signaling in mammals. The Caenorhabditis elegans NPY/NPF ortholog FLP-34 displays conserved structural hallmarks of bilaterian-wide NPY/NPF neuropeptides. We show that it is required for aversive olfactory learning after pairing diacetyl with the absence of food, but not for appetitive olfactory learning in response to butanone. To mediate diacetyl learning and thus integrate the aversive food context with the diacetyl odor, FLP-34 is released from serotonergic neurons and signals through its evolutionarily conserved NPY/NPF GPCR, NPR-11, in downstream AIA interneurons. NPR-11 activation in the AIA integration center results in avoidance of a previously attractive stimulus. This study opens perspectives for a deeper understanding of stress conditions in which aversive learning results in excessive avoidance.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Aversive learning evolved early in evolution to promote avoidance of dangerous and stressful situations. In addition to classical neurotransmitters, neuropeptides are emerging as modulators of complex behaviors, including learning and memory. Here, we identified the evolutionary ortholog of neuropeptide Y/neuropeptide F in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and we discovered that it is required for olfactory aversive learning. In addition, we elucidated the neural circuit underlying this avoidance behavior, and we discovered a novel coordinated action of Caenorhabditis elegans neuropeptide Y/neuropeptide F and serotonin that could aid in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying stress disorders in which excessive avoidance results in maladaptive behaviors.

Raspberry Ketone [4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Butanone] Differentially Effects Meal Patterns and Cardiovascular Parameters in Mice.

Raspberry ketone (RK; [4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone]) is a popular nutraceutical used for weight management and appetite control. We sought to determine the physiological benefits of RK on the meal patterns and cardiovascular changes associated with an obesogenic diet. In addition, we explored whether the physiological benefits of RK promoted anxiety-related behaviors. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were administered a daily oral gavage of RK 200 mg/kg, RK 400 mg/kg, or vehicle for 14 days. Commencing with dosing, mice were placed on a high-fat diet (45% fat) or low-fat diet (10% fat). Our results indicated that RK 200 mg/kg had a differential influence on meal patterns in males and females. In contrast, RK 400 mg/kg reduced body weight gain, open-field total distance travelled, hemodynamic measures (i.e., reduced systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP and mean BP), and increased nocturnal satiety ratios in males and females. In addition, RK 400 mg/kg increased neural activation in the nucleus of the solitary tract, compared with vehicle. RK actions were not influenced by diet, nor resulted in an anxiety-like phenotype. Our findings suggest that RK has dose-differential feeding and cardiovascular actions, which needs consideration as it is used as a nutraceutical for weight control for obesity.

Hydroxyethoxy phenyl butanone, a new cosmetic preservative, does not cause bacterial cross-resistance to antimicrobials.

Introduction. Biocide-induced cross-resistance to antimicrobials in bacteria has been described and is a concern for regulators. We have recently reported on a new protocol to predict the propensity of biocide to induce phenotypic resistance in bacteria.Aim. To measure bacterial propensity to develop antimicrobial resistance following exposure to a new cosmetic preservative developed by L'Oréal R and I.Methodology. Well-established antimicrobials including triclosan (TRI) and benzalkonium chloride (BZC) and a new molecule hydroxyethoxy phenyl butanone (HEPB) were investigated for their antimicrobial efficacy, effect on bacterial growth, and their potential to induce resistance to chemotherapeutic antibiotics using a new predictive protocol.Results. The use of this predictive protocol with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed that TRI and BZC significantly affected bacterial growth, MICs and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). There was no change in antibiotic susceptibility profile following exposure to BZC, but E. coli became intermediate resistant to tobramycin following treatment with TRI (0.00002 % w/v). HEPB did not change the antimicrobial susceptibility profile in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus but E. coli became susceptible to gentamicin. TRI exposure resulted in bacterial susceptibility profile alteration consistent with the literature and confirmed the use of TRI as a positive control in such a test.Conclusion. Data produced on the propensity of a molecule to induce bacterial resistance is useful and appropriate when launching a new preservative.

Identification and Characterization of Nematicidal Volatile Organic Compounds from Deep-Sea Virgibacillus dokdonensis MCCC 1A00493.

Root-knot nematode diseases cause severe yield and economic losses each year in global agricultural production. Virgibacillus dokdonensis MCCC 1A00493, a deep-sea bacterium, shows a significant nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita in vitro. However, information about the active substances of V. dokdonensis MCCC 1A00493 is limited. In this study, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from V. dokdonensis MCCC 1A00493 were isolated and analyzed through solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Four VOCs, namely, acetaldehyde, dimethyl disulfide, ethylbenzene, and 2-butanone, were identified, and their nematicidal activities were evaluated. The four VOCs had a variety of active modes on M. incognita juveniles. Acetaldehyde had direct contact killing, fumigation, and attraction activities; dimethyl disulfide had direct contact killing and attraction activities; ethylbenzene had an attraction activity; and 2-butanone had a repellent activity. Only acetaldehyde had a fumigant activity to inhibit egg hatching. Combining this fumigant activity against eggs and juveniles could be an effective strategy to control the different developmental stages of M. incognita. The combination of direct contact and attraction activities could also establish trapping and killing strategies against root-knot nematodes. Considering all nematicidal modes or strategies, we could use V. dokdonensis MCCC 1A00493 to set up an integrated strategy to control root-knot nematodes.

Effect of cattle-specific estrus molecules on libido and semen production of zebu bulls under tropical climate.

Zebu bulls are a shy breeder and they exhibit optimum libido in the presence of females with estrus phase. Continuous semen collection with the use of male dummy leads to lack of adequate sexual stimulation. Therefore, the present study was designed to test the effect of estrus-specific molecule(s) for effective sexual preparation of donor bulls. The bulls were divided into normal and poor libido group, five bulls in each group by taking 1-month control study data after collecting the information of individual bull's sexual behaviour during semen collection by regular semen collector. The bulls were never being exposed to female animals and semen was collected by an artificial vagina. The ten animals were exposed to a glycerol-water solution (50/50 v:v) as control and then exposed to estrus-specific molecules one by one. The estrus-specific molecules like squalene, 1-iodoundecane, acetic acid, coumarin, propionic acid, oleic acid, and 2-butanone were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Company, USA, and the molecules were solubilised individually in a non-pressurised aerosol dispenser as 1.0% concentration in glycerol-water solution (50/50, v:v). Identical bulls were used as the control and exposed to each molecule one by one by giving a refractory period of 14 days. A nasal spray of acetic acid or 2-butanone significantly (p < 0.05) reduced reaction time (RT) and total time taken to ejaculate (TTTE) in normal libido bull group. Semen volume, sperm concentration, and the total number of sperm per ejaculation obtained did not show significant improvement in the normal libido group of bulls after the application of estrus-specific molecules as compared to the control. In poor libido group, acetic acid, oleic acid, and 2-butanone application showed significant (p < 0.01) improvement in RT and TTTE as compared to the control group, whereas semen production variables like sperm concentration and total sperm output per ejaculation increased significantly (p < 0.05) except semen volume. There was significant (p < 0.01) reduction in RT (%) and TTTE (%) after the application of acetic acid followed by 2-butanone and oleic acid. The sperm concentration and total sperm output per ejaculation were more after the application of each molecule but significant increase (p < 0.05) in sperm concentration was observed with 2-butanone (11.42%), acetic acid (11.42%), and oleic acid (10.13%), whereas total sperm output per ejaculation increased significantly (p < 0.05) only after the application of acetic acid and 2-butanone (24.75% and 26.84%). Hence, it can be concluded that acetic acid, 2-butanone, and oleic acid are effective for better sexual preparation of Sahiwal bulls and total sperm output per ejaculation.

NOX1/NADPH oxidase regulates the expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 and maintains intracellular glutathione levels.

The involvement of superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase (NOX) in the cytotoxic effects of cigarette smoke extracts has been documented. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and NOX isoform involved have not been fully clarified. Among the different NADPH oxidase isoforms identified so far, NOX1 and NOX4 were found to be expressed in rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes. When H9c2 cells were exposed to acrolein or methyl vinyl ketone (MVK), major toxic components of cigarette smoke extracts, a dose-dependent decline in cell viability was observed. Unexpectedly, disruption of Nox1 as well as Nox4 significantly exacerbated cytotoxicity induced by acrolein or MVK. Compared with Nox4-disrupted cells, Nox1-disrupted cells were more vulnerable to acrolein and MVK at lower concentrations. Disruption of Nox1 markedly attenuated the levels of total and reduced glutathione (GSH) in H9c2 clones. Reduction in the cystine level in the culture medium to deplete intracellular GSH significantly exacerbated acrolein or MVK-induced cytotoxicity. Nox1 disruption neither attenuated the level of glutamate-cystine antiporter protein nor the activity of glutamate-cysteine ligase, both rate-limiting factors for GSH synthesis. On the other hand, increased expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), which mediates glutathione efflux, was demonstrated in Nox1-disrupted cells. The augmented toxicity of acrolein and MVK in these cells was partially but significantly blunted in the presence of an MRP1 inhibitor, reversan. Taken together, these results show that NOX1/NADPH oxidase regulates the expression of MRP1 to maintain intracellular GSH levels in cardiomyocytes and protect against cytotoxic components of cigarette smoke extracts. A novel crosstalk between NOX1 and MRP1 was demonstrated in this study.

Suppression of isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in rats by raspberry ketone via activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) controls the lipid and glucose metabolism and also affects inflammation, cell proliferation and apoptosis during cardiovascular disease. Raspberry ketone (RK) is a red raspberry (Rubusidaeus, Family-Rosaceae) plant constituent, which activates PPAR-α. This study was conducted to assess the cardioprotective action of RK against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity. Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (six rats/group). Rats were orally administered with RK (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively) and fenofibrate (standard, 80 mg/kg) for 28 days and ISO was administered (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously) on 27th and 28th day. Administration of ISO in rats significantly altered hemodynamic and electrocardiogram patterns, total antioxidant capacity, PPAR-α, and apolipoprotein C-III levels. These myocardial aberrations were further confirmed during infarct size, heart weight to body weight ratio and immunohistochemical assessments (caspase-3 and nuclear factor-κB). RK pretreatment (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly protected rats against oxidative stress, inflammation, and dyslipidemia caused by ISO as demonstrated by change in hemodynamic, biochemical and histological parameters. The results so obtained were quite comparable with fenofibrate. Moreover, RK was found to have binding affinity with PPAR-α, as confirmed by docking analysis. PPAR-α expression and concentration was also found increased in presence of RK which gave impression that RK probably showed cardioprotection via PPAR-α activation, however direct binding study of RK with PPAR-α is needed to confirm this assumption.