Structural characterization and therapeutic effect of Alhagi honey oligosaccharide on liver fibrosis in mice.

Alhagi honey is derived from the secretory granules of Alhagi pseudoalhagi Desv., a leguminous plant commonly known as camelthorn. Modern medical research has demonstrated that the extract of Alhagi honey possesses regulatory properties for the gastrointestinal tract and immune system, as well as exerts anti-tumor, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. The aim of this study was to isolate and purify oligosaccharide monomers (referred to as Mel) from camelthorn and elucidate their structural characteristics. Subsequently, the impact of Mel on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice was investigated. The analysis identified the isolated oligosaccharide monomer (α-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 3)-ß-D-Fruf-(2 â†’ 1)-α-D-Glcp), with the molecular formula C18H32O16. In a mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, Mel demonstrated significant therapeutic effects by attenuating the development of fibrosis. Moreover, it enhanced anti-oxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in liver tissues, thereby reducing oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species). Mel also improved serum albumin levels, lowered liver enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), and decreased inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6). Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting analyses confirmed the ability of Mel to downregulate hepatic stellate cell-specific markers (collagen type I alpha 1 chain, alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-beta 1. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed the influence of Mel on metabolic pathways related to glutathione, niacin, pyrimidine, butyric acid, and amino acids. In conclusion, the results of our study highlight the promising potential of Mel, derived from Alhagi honey, as a viable candidate drug for treating liver fibrosis. This discovery offers a potentially advantageous option for individuals seeking natural and effective means to promote liver health.

A polysaccharide from Alhagi honey protects the intestinal barrier and regulates the Nrf2/HO-1-TLR4/MAPK signaling pathway to treat alcoholic liver disease in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the main factors related to alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are qi stagnation and blood stasis of the five viscera. Previously, we showed that the bioactive components of Alhagi honey have various pharmacological effects in treating liver diseases, but the influence of Alhagi honey on ALD (and its mechanism of action) is not known. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the efficacy of the main active component of Alhagi honey, the polysaccharide AHPN80, in ALD and to explore the potential mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AHPN80 was isolated from dried Alhagi honey and identified by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography. Venous blood, liver tissue, and colon tissue were collected in a mouse model of alcohol-induced acute liver injury. Histology, staining (Oil Red O, Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff) and measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were used to detect histopathologic and lipid-accumulation changes in the liver and colon. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels and the content of proinflammatory cytokines in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Commercial kits were employed to detect biochemistry parameters in serum and the liver. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining kit was used to identify hepatocyte apoptosis. Expression of tight junction-associated proteins in colon tissues and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1/toll-like receptor-4/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Nrf2/HO-1/TLR4/MAPK) pathway-related proteins in liver tissues and HepG2 cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence or western blotting. RESULTS: In a mouse model of alcohol-induced acute liver injury, AHPN80 therapy: significantly improved liver parameters (cytochrome P450 2E1, alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase); reduced serum levels of LPS, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis faction-α; increased levels of IL-10 and interferon-gamma. AHPN80 reduced ALD-induced lipid accumulation and ROS production, improved alcohol-induced inflammatory damage to hepatocytes, and inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis. Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting suggested that AHPN80 might eliminate hepatic oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, repair the intestinal barrier, inhibit the LPS/TLR4/MAPK signaling pathway, and reduce liver inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: AHPN80 may activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to eliminate oxidative stress, protect the intestinal barrier, and regulate the TLR4/MAPK pathway to treat ALD in mice. AHPN80 could be a functional food and natural medicine to prevent ALD and its complications.

Structural characterization of a polysaccharide from Alhagi honey and its protective effect against inflammatory bowel disease by modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis.

The Alhagi honey polysaccharide (AHP) exhibits notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, positioning it as a promising candidate in traditional Chinese medicine. In this investigation, we successfully isolated and purified a neutral AHP, designated AHPN50-1a, subsequently elucidating its structural attributes. AHPN50-1a was found to have a molecular weight of 1.756 × 106 Da, featuring a structural motif characterized by a recurring (1→6)-α-GlcP linker. To comprehensively evaluate its therapeutic potential, we explored the protective effects of AHPN50-1 in a murine model of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Administration of AHPN50-1 at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day resulted in improved food intake, increased body weight, and increased colon length in mice with acute colitis. Simultaneously, a reduction in the disease activity index and histological scores was observed. AHPN50-1 effectively mitigated colon tissue damage, down-regulated the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α) in colon tissue, restored intestinal microbiota diversity, and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of gut microbiota metabolites, thus alleviating intestinal inflammation in mice. In summary, our findings underscore the promise of AHPN50-1 as a valuable nutritional or dietary supplement for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory bowel disease.

Predicting the spatial structure of membrane protein and B-cell epitopes of the MPXV_VEROE6 strain of monkeypox virus.

By targeting the membrane (M) proteins of monkeypox virus (MPXV) strain VEROE6, we analyzed its evolutionary hierarchy and predicted its dominant antigenic B-cell epitope to provide a theoretical basis for the development of MPXV epitope vaccines and related monoclonal antibodies. In this study, phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the nucleic acid sequences of MPXV and the amino acid sequences of M proteins. The 3D structure of the MPXV_VEROE6 M proteins was predicted with AlphaFold v2.0 and the dominant antigenic B-cell epitopes were comprehensively predicted by analyzing parameters such as flexible segments, the hydrophilic index, the antigenic index, and the protein surface probability. The results showed that the M protein of MPXV_VEROE6 contained 377 amino acids, and their spatial configuration was relatively regular with a turning and random coil structure. The results of a comprehensive multiparameter analysis indicated that possible B-cell epitopes were located in the 23-28, 57-63, 67-78, 80-93, 98-105, 125-131, 143-149, 201-206, 231-237, 261-270, 291-303, and 346-362 amino acid segments. This study elucidated the structural and evolutionary characteristics of MPXV membrane proteins with the aim of providing theoretical information for the development of epitope vaccines, rapid diagnostic reagents, and monoclonal antibodies for monkeypox virus.

Cinnamaldehyde induces apoptosis and enhances anti-colorectal cancer activity via covalent binding to HSPD1.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Although surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy/chemotherapy are the mainstays of CRC treatment, the efficacy is unsatisfactory due to several limitations, including high drug resistance. Accordingly, there is a dire need for new drugs or a novel combination approach to treat this patient population. Herein, we found that cinnamaldehyde (CA) could exert an antitumor effect in HCT-116 cell lines. Target fishing, molecular imaging, and live-cell tracing using an alkynyl-CA probe revealed that the heat shock 60 kDa protein 1 (HSPD1) protein was the target of CA. The covalent binding of CA with HSPD1 altered its stability. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that CA could induce cell apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and enhanced anti-CRC activity both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, CA combined with different chemotherapeutic agents was beneficial to patients resistant to anti-CRC drug therapy.

A Review Concerning the Polysaccharides Found in Edible and Medicinal Plants in Xinjiang.

Approximately 110 types of medicinal materials are listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, both for medicinal purposes and for use as food. There are several domestic scholars who have carried out research on edible plant medicine in China and the results are satisfactory. Though these related articles have appeared in domestic magazines and journals, many of them are yet to be translated into English. Most of the research stays in the extraction and quantitative testing stage, and there are a few medicinal and edible plants that are still under in-depth study. A majority of these edible and herbal plants are also highly enriched in polysaccharides, and this has an effect on immune systems for the prevention of cancer, inflammation, and infection. Comparing the polysaccharide composition of medicinal and edible plants, the monosaccharide and polysaccharide species were identified. It is found that different polysaccharides of different sizes have different pharmacological properties, with some polysaccharides containing special monosaccharides. The pharmacological properties of polysaccharides can be summarized as immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and anti-hyperlipemic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. There have been no poisonous effects found in studies of plant polysaccharides, probably because the substances have a long history of use and are safe. In this paper, the application potential of polysaccharides in medicinal and edible plants in Xinjiang was reviewed, and the research progress in the extraction, separation, identification, and pharmacology of these plant polysaccharides was reviewed. At present, the research progress of plant polysaccharides in medicines and food in Xinjiang has not been reported. This paper will provide a data summary for the development and utilization of medical and food plant resources in Xinjiang.

Comparison of the efficacy of gossypol acetate enantiomers in rats with uterine leiomyoma.

Gossypol acetate (GA), as the product of racemic gossypol and acetic acid conjugated by hydrogen bond, is hydrolyzed into gossypol to exert its effect on treating uterine leiomyoma (UL), which has been listed in China. But hypokalemia and mild changes of liver function limit its clinical application. It had been reported that the biological activities of gossypol optical isomers were different. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether there were differences in the efficacy of gossypol enantiomers and whether a single gossypol optical isomer could alleviate adverse reactions in the treatment of UL. The results indicated that (-)-GA and (+)-GA had significant therapeutic effect on rats with UL. Interestingly, (-)-GA could better significantly ameliorate the pathological structure, inhibit the secretion of estrogen, and downregulate the expression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) and progesterone receptor (PR) than (+)-GA. Additionally, (-)-GA could better evidently decrease the symptoms of abnormally elevated inflammatory factors caused by UL. In contrast, (-)-GA and (+)-GA had certain effects on potassium ion concentration in serum, liver and kidney function, and the effects of (+)-GA on liver function were more obvious than (-)-GA. These findings will be of great significance to the drug development of gossypol optical isomers.

Extraction process and composition identification of anthocyanins from xinjiang wild Prunus cerasifera fruit peel.

To extract anthocyanins from wild Prunus cerasifera fruit peel and to identify the main compositions. The effects of extraction solvent, solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time and extraction temperature on the extraction rate of anthocyanins were determined using colorimetric method, differential spectrophotometry and L9 (34) orthogonal experiment. The structure of the anthocyanins extracted from wild Prunus cerasifera fruit peel was preliminarily identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. And hydroxyl radical scavenging rate and DPPH radical scavenging rate were used to investigate the antioxidant activity of Xinjiang cherry anthocyanin in vitro. The highest extraction rate of anthocyanins was acquired under the conditions including 1% HCl-methanol, solid-to-liquid ratio =1:5, extraction temperature 55°C and extraction time 80 minutes. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry results showed that the main compositions of anthocyanins were cyanidin 3-galactoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-xyloside. The results of antioxidant test showed that Xinjiang cherry anthocyanin had certain scavenging effect on 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylphenylhydrazine (DPPH•) and hydroxyl radical (•OH), but was weaker than Vc. Findings from this study provide evidence for extraction process and composition identification of anthocyanins from Xinjiang wild Prunus cerasifera fruit peel.

High-throughput immunosensor chip coupled with a fluorescent DNA dendrimer for ultrasensitive detection of cardiac troponin T.

A novel fluorescence (FL) imaging platform was established for ultrasensitive and rapid detection of cardiac troponin T (cTnT), based on a high-throughput immunosensor chip and a DNA dendrimer capped with a large number of fluorescent dyes (FDD@Cy5). Through an enzyme-free and step-by-step strategy, FDD@Cy5 was self-assembled facilely. After the formation of a sandwich immunocomplex and biotin-streptavidin conjugation, FDD@Cy5 could be captured on the chip. FL signals emerged from Cy5 under external light and the enrichment of Cy5 on the dendrimer led to signal amplification. A FL image containing 90 spots could be collected instantaneously by laser confocal scanning microscopy and the brightness of all the spots corresponded to the concentrations of target cTnT. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor chip coupled with FDD@Cy5 exhibited an excellent detection limit of 0.10 pg L-1, a wide linear range from 0.20 pg L-1 to 2.0 ng L-1, a sample consumption down to 3.0 µL and a maximum throughput of 45 tests per h. The proposed approach was also applied to cTnT quantitation in serum samples with acceptable accuracy, providing a new avenue for early diagnosis and the prognosis evaluation of acute myocardial infarction.

Saccharum Alhagi polysaccharide-1 and -2 promote the immunocompetence of RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro.

The in vitro immune activities of Saccharum Alhagi polysaccharides (SAP) have been previously studied. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of SAP-1 and SAP-2 on the activity of RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. RAW264.7 cells were treated with 150, 300 and 600 mg/l concentrations of SAP-1 (a 50% alcohol precipitation) and SAP-2 (an 80% alcohol precipitation) or with 10 mg/l lipopolysaccharide. Untreated cells were used as a negative control. An MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of the cells, and Hoechst 33528 staining was conducted in order to visualize the cell nuclei. Additionally, the Griess method was used to measure nitric oxide (NO) levels. A neutral red uptake assay was performed to determine the phagocytic activity of the macrophages, and ELISAs were performed to detect cytokine levels. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the mRNA expression of certain cytokines. The results demonstrated that SAP increased the proliferative activity and activated the immune function of RAW264.7 cells, and was lacking in cytotoxicity. In addition, SAP-1 exhibited a stronger effect in promoting RAW264.7 cell proliferation than did SAP-2. Furthermore, SAP-1 and SAP-2 significantly increased the level of NO, with the effect of SAP-1 being stronger than that of SAP-2. SAP-1 increased the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells and promoted the secretion of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by RAW264.7 cells, with an effect that was stronger than that of SAP-2. Finally, different concentrations of SAP-1 or SAP-2 had distinct effects in upregulating the expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, nuclear factor-κB and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA. The results of the present study demonstrate that SAP is capable of enhancing the immune activity of mouse macrophages.

Isolation, purification, and structural elucidation of polysaccharides from Alhagi-honey.

The polysaccharide extract (PE) of Uyghur medicinal preparation Alhagi-honey was prepared by water extraction and alcohol precipitation method. The purified polysaccharide AP1-1 was obtained from PE by macroporous adsorption resin chromatography, DEAE cellulose chromatography, and Sephadex gel chromatography; the homogeneity and the molecular weight of AP1-1 were determined by gel filtration; and the acid hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, and NMR analysis were used to analyze the chemical structure of AP1-1. The result showed that AP1-1 was a homogeneous polysaccharide, whose relative molecular weight was 9.97 × 10(4). Through high-performance capillary electrophoresis analysis, we found that its molecular structure was composed of mannose, glucose, galactose, and galacturonic acid with a molar ratio of about 1.1:1.9:3.9:2.1. The main chain of AP1-1 was mainly made up of → 4)ß-d-GalpA-(1 → 4)ß-d-GalpA-(1 → 4)-ß-d-Galp-(1 → 4)-ß-d-Galp-(1 → 6)α-d-Glcp-(1 → 4)α-d-Glcp(1 → , while the side chain is composed of → 6)-α-d-Glcp and 2-CH3-α-d-Man.

[Determination of elements in branches and leaves and the fruits of Sorbus tianschanica Ruper. from different habitats in Xinjiang by microwave digestion-ICP-AES].

The contents of ten elements Ca, K, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and As in branches and leaves and the fruits of Sorbus tianschanica Ruper. from different habitats in Xinjiang were determined by ICP-AES using microwave digestion. The study indicated that the contents of elements in branches and leaves and the fruits of Sorbus tianschanica Ruper. from different habitats in Xinjiang are different, and the contents of elements in branches are richer than that in the fruits of Sorbus tianschanica Ruper. The contents of Ca, K, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu are all high, and the harmful elements such as Pb and As are low. The results provide scientific basis for the development and utilization of the medicinal resource of Sorbus tianschanica Ruper. in Xinjiang.

[Studies on chemical constituents from EtOAc fraction of Sorbus tianschanica].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Sorbus tianschanica. METHOD: The compounds were isolated and purified by recrystallization and chromatography with silica gel and resin. Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral analysis. RESULT: Seven compounds were isolated from the EtOH extraction and six structures were identified as benzoic acid (1), benzyl-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2), ursolic acid (3), 2alpha-hydroxyursolic acid (4), hyperoside (5), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (6). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-5 were isolated from S. tianschanica for the first time.

[Determination of the contents of fourteen elements in urine of Xinjiang kuitun fluorine poisoning and arsenic-fluoride poisoning patients by ICP-AES].

A method of determining the contents of K, Na, Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Al, Ba, Co, Cu, Ni, Sr, Cr and Ti, fourteen elements, in urine of Xinjiang Kuitun fluorine poisoning and arsenic-fluoride poisoning patients was developed. The operation conditions of ICP-AES, and the lowest test concentration, precision and linear ranges were studied. The relative standard deviation of the method was 0.24%-2.47% (n=10), the average recoveries were 90.4%-00.5%. The contents of K and Na in urine of fluorine poisoning and arsenic-fluoride poisoning patients were higher than those of healthy contrast group. The contents of Ba, Co, Cu, Ni and Cr in the urine of arsenic-fluoride poisoning patients were higher than those of fluorine poisoning patients and healthy contrast group (P < 0.05). The contents of P, Ca, Mg, Zn, Al, Sr and Ti do not have statistic significance (P > 0.05). The method was sensitive, simple and accurate. The experiment data was reliable.

[Studies on the chemical constituents in root of Rheum rhizastachyum].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents from the root and rhizome of Rheum rhizastachyum. METHOD: The compounds were isolated by column chromatography on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, MCI-gel CHP-20P separately and their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectral technology. RESULT: Six compounds were isolated and identified as chrysophanol, emodin, gallic acid, sucrose, 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-chrysophanols, 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-emodin. CONCLUSION: All the compounds were obtained from this plant for the first time.