The Use of Polysaccharide AOP30 from the Rhizome of Alpinia officinarum Hance to Alleviate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction and Inflammation via the TLR4/NfκB Signaling Pathway in Caco-2 Cell Monolayers.

Alpinia officinarum Hance is rich in carbohydrates and is flavored by natives. The polysaccharide fraction 30 is purified from the rhizome of A. officinarum Hance (AOP30) and shows excellent immunoregulatory ability when administered to regulate immunity. However, the effect of AOP30 on the intestinal epithelial barrier is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of AOP30 on the intestinal epithelial barrier using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction model and further explore its underlying mechanisms. Cytotoxicity, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, and Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran flux are measured. Simultaneously, the protein and mRNA levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins, including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1, are determined using Western blotting and reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods, respectively. The results indicate that AOP30 restores the LPS-induced decrease in the TEER value and cell viability. Furthermore, it increases the mRNA and protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1. Notably, ZO-1 is the primary tight junction protein altered in response to LPS-induced intestinal epithelial dysfunction. Additionally, AOP30 downregulates the production of TNFα via the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway. Collectively, the findings of this study indicate that AOP30 can be developed as a functional food ingredient or natural therapeutic agent for addressing intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. It sheds light on the role of AOP30 in improving intestinal epithelial function.

Synergistic effects of phosphorylation modification and protocatechuic acid copolymerization improve the physical and oxidation stability of high internal phase emulsion stabilized by perilla protein isolate.

A compact antioxidant interfacial layer was fabricated by combining phosphorylation treatment with protocatechuic acid (PA) copolymerization to enhance the physical and oxidative stability of high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) prepared using perilla protein isolate (PPI). The covalent binding between PPI and phosphate groups induced conformational changes, facilitating the interaction between PPI and PA. The formed phosphorylated PPI-PA conjugates (LPPI-PA) exhibited a reduced particle size of 196.75 nm, promoting their adsorption at the interface. HIPEs prepared by LPPI-PA conjugates showed higher storage stability due to decreased droplet size, increased interfacial protein adsorption content (90.48%), and the formation of an interconnected network within the system. Additionally, the combination of LPPI and PA anchored PA to the interface, significantly inhibiting lipid oxidation in HIPEs as evidenced by low levels of lipid hydroperoxide (30.33 µmol/g oil) and malondialdehyde (379.34 nmol/g oil). This study holds significant implications for improving the stability of HIPEs.

Sulfate glycosaminoglycan from swim bladder exerts immunomodulatory potential on macrophages via toll-like receptor 4 mediated NF-κB signaling pathways.

This study explored the immunomodulatory impact and potential mechanisms on macrophages RAW264.7 using a purified macromolecular sulfate glycosaminoglycan (SBSG) from the swim bladder, whose structure was similar to chondroitin sulfate A. The results showed that SBSG at 0.25-1 mg/mL increased the viability and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells. Meanwhile, SBSG promoted the secretion of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10), and nitric oxide (NO), as well as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). According to the RT-PCR and Western blot data, SBSG activated TLR4-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, which decreased the relative mRNA and protein levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), IκB kinase ß (IKKß), NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65. The molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation findings revealed that the main binding force between TLR4 and SBSG was conventional hydrogen bond interaction, resulting in more stable ligand receptor complexes. In summary, SBSG exhibits significant immunomodulatory potential, similar to chondroitin sulfate C. The underlying molecular mechanism involved the binding of SBSG through hydrogen bonding to TLR4 receptors, triggering the NF-κB signaling pathway to downregulate the expression of related genes and proteins. This, in turn, regulated the secretion of various cytokines that were mediated by macrophages to exert the immunity of the body.

Translation and psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the metacognitive awareness scale among nursing students.

Objective: This study endeavors to translate and psycho-metrically validate the metacognitive awareness inventory scale (MAS) for nursing students in China. Method: A total of 592 nursing students were enlisted from four universities situated in the eastern, southern, western, and northern regions of China. Content validity and reliability were evaluated using the content validity index and item-total correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients, respectively. Convergent validity examined the goodness of fit among sub-scales through the average extracted variance and composite reliability. Results: Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the first-order and second-order factor models, contributing to a cumulative variance of 89.4 and 59.5%, respectively. The Cronbach's alpha values were 0.963 and 0.801, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis outcomes indicated an excellent overall fit index for the model, satisfying the convergent validity criteria and achieving a target coefficient of 96.0%, which is consistent with the original scale structure. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the MAS (C-MAS) is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing metacognitive awareness among Chinese nursing students. Further research should consider a broader sample of nursing students across China to reinforce the scale's applicability.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction, Structural Characteristics, and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Alpinia officinarum Hance.

Alpinia officinarum Hance, a well known agricultural product in the Lei Zhou peninsula, is generally rich in polysaccharides. In order to enhance the use of A. officinarum Hance polysaccharides (AOP) in functional food, AOP was extracted using an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method, and the ultrasonic extraction parameters of AOP was optimized. Furthermore, this study investigated the physicochemical and antioxidant activities of AOPs. In addition, the structural properties were preliminarily determined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high performance size exclusion chromatography, and a Zetasizer. Ultimately, this study explored the mechanism underlying the antioxidant activities of AOP. The results showed that the optimal ultrasonic-assisted extraction parameters were as follows: ultrasonic time, 6 min; ratio of water to material, 12 mL/g; and ultrasonic power, 380 W. Under these conditions, the maximum yield of AOPs was 5.72%, indicating that ultrasonic-assisted extraction technology is suitable for extracting AOPs due to the reduced time and water usage. Additionally, AOPs were purified using graded alcohol precipitation, resulting in three fractions (AOP30, AOP50, and AOP70). AOP30 had the lowest molecular weight of 11.07 kDa and mainly consisted of glucose (89.88%). The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of AOP30 and AOP70 was lower than that of AOP50 in the ability to scavenge the ABTS radical, while a reverse trend was observed in reducing ferric ions. Notably, the antioxidant activities of AOPs were highly correlated with their polydispersity index (Mw/Mn) and Zeta potential. AOP30, a negatively charged acidic polysaccharide fraction, exhibited electron donating capacities. Additionally, it displayed strong antioxidant abilities through scavenging 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radicals and reducing ferric ions. In conclusion, the present study suggests that AOP30 could be developed as an antioxidant ingredient for the food industry.

Speciation analysis and toxicity evaluation of arsenolipids-an overview focusing on sea food.

Arsenic, which can be divided into inorganic and organic arsenic, is a toxic metalloid that has been identified as a human carcinogen. A common source of arsenic exposure in seafood is arsenolipid, which is a complex structure of lipid-soluble organic arsenic compounds. At present, the known arsenolipid species mainly include arsenic-containing fatty acids (AsFAs), arsenic-containing hydrocarbons (AsHCs), arsenic glycophospholipids (AsPLs), and cationic trimethyl fatty alcohols (TMAsFOHs). Furthermore, the toxicity between different species is unique. However, the mechanism underlying arsenolipid toxicity and anabolism remain unclear, as arsenolipids exhibit a complex structure, are present at low quantities, and are difficult to extract and detect. Therefore, the objective of this overview is to summarize the latest research progress on methods to evaluate the toxicity and analyze the main speciation of arsenolipids in seafood. In addition, novel insights are provided to further elucidate the speciation, toxicity, and anabolism of arsenolipids and assess the risks on human health.

Intervention effects of sulfate glycosaminoglycan from swim bladder against arsenic-induced damage in IEC-6 cells.

In this study, a purified macromolecular sulfate glycosaminoglycan whose structural characterization is similar to chondroitin sulfate from the swim bladder of Aristichthys nobilis, named SBSG, was used to explore the intervention effects on arsenic-induced intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) damage. Arsenic exposure led to cell membrane rupture, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage, and down-regulation of tight junction proteins expression. Treatment with SBSG could alleviate arsenic exposure-induced cell damage by decreasing the extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity and influencing mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species level, malondialdehyde content, and anti-oxidative enzyme activity. On the other hand, SBSG could promote nitric oxide production to achieve potential immunoregulation. The Western blot showed that intervention of SBSG mainly could restrain the activation of the JNK signaling pathway and up-regulate the expression of ZO-1 against arsenic-induced cell damage. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the heavy metal detoxification of SBSG on the intestinal and indicates that SBSG could be used as natural antioxidant resistant to heavy metal toxicity.

Kazinol B protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiac injury by modulating the AKT/AMPK/Nrf2 signalling pathway.

CONTEXT: Kazinol B (KB), an isoprenylated flavan derived from Broussonetia kazinoki Sieb. (Moraceae) root, has long been used in folk medicine. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the protective effects of KB and its underlying mechanisms in hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiac injury in H9c2 rat cardiac myoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H9c2 cells were incubated with various concentrations of KB (0, 0.3, 1, 3, 10 and 30 µM) for 2 h and then subjected to H/R insults. The protective effects of KB and its underlying mechanisms were explored. RESULTS: KB significantly elevated cell viability (1 µM, 1.21-fold; 3 µM, 1.36-fold, and 10 µM, 1.47-fold) and suppressed LDH release (1 µM, 0.77-fold; 3 µM, 0.68-fold, and 10 µM, 0.59-fold) in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. Further, 10 µM KB blocked apoptotic cascades, as shown by the Annexin-V/PI (0.41-fold), DNA fragmentation (0.51-fold), caspase-3 (0.52-fold), PARP activation (0.27-fold) and Bax/Bcl-2 expression (0.28-fold) assays. KB (10 µM) downregulated reactive oxygen species production (0.51-fold) and lipid peroxidation (0.48-fold); it upregulated the activities of GSH-Px (2.08-fold) and SOD (1.72-fold). KB (10 µM) induced Nrf2 nuclear accumulation (1.94-fold) and increased ARE promoter activity (2.15-fold), HO-1 expression (3.07-fold), AKT (3.07-fold) and AMPK (3.07-fold) phosphorylation. Nrf2 knockdown via using Nrf2 siRNA abrogated KB-mediated protective effects against H/R insults. Moreover, pharmacological inhibitors of AKT and AMPK also abrogated KB-induced Nrf2 activation and its protective function. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: KB prevented H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury via modulating the AKT and AMPK-mediated Nrf2 induction. KB might be a promising drug candidate for managing ischemic cardiac disorders.

Ceramides from Sea Red Rice Bran Improve Health Indicators and Increase Stress Resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans through Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling (IIS) Pathway and JNK-1.

The antiaging effects of sea red rice bran in vivo, a new saline-tolerant sea rice byproduct containing high levels of ceramides (Cers), remain unknown. This study aimed to explore the antiaging effects exerted by Cers from sea red rice bran on Caenorhabditis elegans, assess its health indicators as well as tolerance, and then reveal the mechanism of action of Cers in prolonging the mean life span through genetic studies. The results indicated that the mean life span of Cers-treated C. elegans were dose-dependent in the range of 0.10-0.50 mg/mL. Additionally, Cers improved nematode motility, reduced lipofuscin accumulation, and enhanced resistance to heat stress and antioxidant enzyme activity. Genetic studies showed that Cers treatment had altered nematode gene expression. In addition, insulin/IGF-1 and jnk-1/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways successfully demonstrated the longevity effects of Cers intake. In short, these results suggest that Cers enhance the resistance of C. elegans and prolong its life span.

A natural heparinoid from mollusc Meretrix lusoria: Purification, structural characterization, and antithrombotic evaluation.

Heparinoid, a sulfate polysaccharide derived from marine organisms was attracted largely attention due to its versatile activities. A naturally occurring heparinoid (M2) that was extracted from the mollusk Meretrix lusoria and used in this investigation shown strong antithrombotic action. UV-Vis, FT-IR, SAX-HPLC, and NMR were used to explore the structural characteristics of M2, results indicated that M2 similar with heparin, its average molecular weight was 22.58 kDa. Which was primarily made up of→4)-α-IdoA2S-(1→4)-α-GlcNS6S-(1→ (31.19%), →4)-ß-GlcA-(1→4)-α-GlcNAc (1→ (23.21%), →4)-ß-GlcA-(1→4)-α-GlcNS (1→ (13.87%), →4)-α-IdoA2S-(1→4)-α-GlcNS (1→ (8.95%), →4)-ß-GlcA-(1→4)-α-GlcNAc6S (1→ (7.39%) and →4)-ß-GlcA-(1→4)-α-GlcNS6S (1→ (7.63%). The antithrombotic activity of M2 was evaluated using measurements of the anticoagulant effect in vitro and the fibrinolytic capability in vitro and in vivo, and M2 has 122.4 U/mg of anticoagulant activity and 1.41 U/mg of fibrinolytic activity, respectively. Additionally, a mouse tail-cutting model was used to assess the bleeding effect in real time, it found that M2 had a reduced hemorrhagic risk than heparin. Consequently, M2 could be exploited to develop functional foods or medications with antithrombotic properties.

Regulatory effects of marine polysaccharides on gut microbiota dysbiosis: A review.

The gut microbiota dysbiosis is a state which the physiological combinations of flora are transformed into pathological combinations caused by factors such as diets, pollution, and drugs. Increasing evidence shows that dysbiosis is closely related to many diseases. With the continuous development and utilization of marine resources, marine polysaccharides have been found to regulate dysbiosis in many studies. In this review, we introduce the types of dysbiosis and the degree of it caused by different factors. We highlight the regulating effects of marine polysaccharides on dysbiosis as a potential prebiotic. The mechanisms of marine polysaccharides to regulate dysbiosis including protection of intestinal barrier, regulatory effect on gut microbiota, alteration for related metabolites, and some other possible mechanisms were summarized. And we aim to provide some references for the high-value utilization of marine polysaccharides and new targets for the treatment of gut microbiota dysbiosis by this review.

Anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects of a degraded sulfate glycosaminoglycan from swimming bladder.

Low molecular weight sulfate glycosaminoglycan has attracted more attention recently for its great bioactivity. In the present study, a degraded sulfate glycosaminoglycan (named D-SBSG) was prepared from swimming bladder by enzymatic depolymerization, the structure characteristics of D-SBSG and its effects on blood coagulation and inflammation in vitro was investigated. HPGPC analysis showed that the molecular weight (Mw) of SBSG was 115.84 kDa, while the Mw of D-SBSG was 4.96 kDa. The bioactivities had arose dramatic differences, though its main molecule structure had little change after enzymatic degradation. Compared with heparin sodium, relatively milder anticoagulant activity in vitro, which were positively associated with molecular weight, were found in SBSG and D-SBSG. In contrast, the results of anti-inflammatory assays indicated that D-SBSG with the lower molecular weight possessed higher bioactivity than SBSG. Additionally, the D-SBSG inhibited the LPS-induced inflammatory in RAW264.7 macrophages by down-regulation of inflammatory mediators, both of NF-κB (including p65) and MAPK (including p38) signaling pathways to exert its anti-inflammatory function. These results indicated that enzymolysis is a viable strategy for degradation of sulfate glycosaminoglycan, and D-SBSG could be a promising ingredient for inflammation management.

Extraction Optimization, UHPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Ceramides from Sea Red Rice Bran.

As a new type of salt-tolerant rice, sea red rice contains more minerals, proteins, and lipid compounds, and, in particular, its by-product rice bran may be used to replace other commercial rice brans as the main source of ceramides (Cers). However, the extraction rate of Cers is generally low, and it is crucial to seek an efficient extraction method. This study optimized the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of Cers from sea red rice bran using response surface methodology (RSM) and obtained a Cers yield of 12.54% under optimal conditions involving an extraction temperature of 46 °C, an extraction time of 46 min, and a material-to-liquid ratio of 5 g/mL. The Cers content in sea red rice bran was preliminarily analyzed using thin-layer chromatography, and the Cers content was determined via UHPLC-Triple-TOF-MS/MS after purification and separation using silica column chromatography. Forty-six different types of Cers were identified in sea red rice bran, of which Cer 18:0/24:0 (2OH), Cer 18:0/26:0, Cer 18:0/26:0 (2OH), and Cer 18:0/24:0 accounted for 23.66%, 17.54%, 14.91%, and 11.96%. Most of the Cers structures were mainly composed of sphingadienine. A biological activity assay indicated that Cers extracted from sea red rice bran had significant antioxidant and anti-aging properties. These findings indicate that the extracted Cers show great potential for applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Preparation and Characterization of Nano-Selenium Decorated by Chondroitin Sulfate Derived from Shark Cartilage and Investigation on Its Antioxidant Activity.

In the present study, a selenium-chondroitin sulfate (SeCS) was synthesized by the sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) and ascorbic acid (Vc) redox reaction using chondroitin sulfate derived from shark cartilage as a template, and characterized by SEM, SEM-EDS, FTIR and XRD. Meanwhile, its stability was investigated at different conditions of pH and temperatures. Besides, its antioxidant activity was further determined by the DPPH and ABTS assays. The results showed the SeCS with the smallest particle size of 131.3 ± 4.4 nm and selenium content of 33.18% was obtained under the optimal condition (CS concentration of 0.1 mg/mL, mass ratio of Na2SeO3 to Vc of 1:8, the reaction time of 3 h, and the reaction temperature of 25 °C). SEM image showed the SeCS was an individual and spherical nanostructure and its structure was evidenced by FTIR and XRD. Meanwhile, SeCS remained stable at an alkaline pH and possessed good storage stability at 4 °C for 28 days. The results on scavenging free radical levels showed that SeCS exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity than SeNPs and CS, indicating that SeCS had a potential antioxidant effect.

Chitosan/Alginate Nanoparticles for the Enhanced Oral Antithrombotic Activity of Clam Heparinoid from the Clam Coelomactra antiquata.

Chitosan/alginate nanoparticles (DG1-NPs and DG1/Cur-NPs) aiming to enhance the oral antithrombotic activity of clam heparinoid DG1 were prepared by ionotropic pre-gelation. The influence of parameters, such as the concentration of sodium alginate (SA), chitosan (CTS), CaCl2, clam heparinoid DG1, and curcumin (Cur), on the characteristics of the nanoparticles, were investigated. Results indicate that chitosan and alginate can be used as polymer matrices to encapsulate DG1, and nanoparticle characteristics depend on the preparation parameters. Nano-particles should be prepared using 0.6 mg/mL SA, 0.33 mg/mL CaCl2, 0.6 mg/mL CTS, 7.2 mg/mL DG1, and 0.24 mg/mL Cur under vigorous stirring to produce DG1-NPS and DG1/Cur-NPS with small size, high encapsulation efficiency, high loading capacity, and negative zeta potential from approximately -20 to 30 mV. Data from scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed no chemical reaction between DG1, Cur, and the polymers; only physical mixing. Moreover, the drug was loaded in the amorphous phase within the nanoparticle matrix. In the acute pulmonary embolism murine model, DG1-NPs enhanced the oral antithrombotic activity of DG1, but DG1/Cur-NPs did not exhibit higher antithrombotic activity than DG1-NPs. Therefore, the chitosan/alginate nanoparticles enhanced the oral antithrombotic activity of DG1, but curcumin did not further enhance this effect.

Antithrombotic Activity of Heparinoid G2 and Its Derivatives from the Clam Coelomactra antiquata.

Clam heparinoid G2 (60.25 kDa) and its depolymerized derivatives DG1 (24.48 kDa) and DG2 (6.75 kDa) prepared from Coelomactra antiquata have been documented to have excellent fibrinolytic and anticoagulant activity. In this study, to further explore the antithrombotic activity of G2, DG1 and DG2, azure A, sheep plasma, and clot lytic rate assays were used to determine their anticoagulant and thrombolytic activity in vitro. The results indicated that the anticoagulant titer of G2 was approximately 70% that of heparin and the thrombolytic activity of DG2 was greater than G2, DG1, and heparin activities. Moreover, in a carrageenan-induced venous thrombosis model, oral administration of G2 and DG1 each at 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg for 7 days significantly reduced blacktail thrombus formation, increased tissue-type plasminogen activator, fibrin degradation products, and D-dimer levels, decreased von Willebrand factor and thromboxane B2 levels, and restored phylum and genus abundance changes of intestinal bacteria. DG2 had no antithrombotic effect. At 20 mg/kg, G2, DG1, and heparin had comparable antithrombotic activities, and DG1 at 40 mg/kg had more muscular antithrombotic activity than G2. Thus, DG1 could be an antithrombotic oral agent owing to its more robust antithrombotic activity and lower molecular weight.

Anticoagulant and Fibrinolytic Properties of Two Heparinoid Compounds Prepared from Shrimp Waste.

Heparinoid, a type of compound that has structures similar to heparin, has been found in marine organisms such as shrimp head. This shrimp waste products were used to prepare, characterize, and evaluate the antithrombotic effect of heparinoid. Two heparinoid compounds were obtained from shrimp head, and the main fraction F1 was →4)-GlcA-(1→3)-GalNAc-(1→ with Ara, while the minor fraction F2 composed mainly of the backbone as →4)-ß-D-GlcA (or IdoA)-(1→4)-ß-D-GlcN (or GlcNAc)-(1→. Both F1 and F2 could extend activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time concentration-dependently, and F2 has stronger activity than F1 at the same concentration. The potential anticoagulant mechanism of F1 and F2 may relate to their combination with more antithrombin III, which binds to and potentiates the action of antithrombin as well as inhibiting coagulation factors Xa and IIa, preventing blood clot formation. Furthermore, heparinoid F1 and F2 were found to have high fibrinolytic capability in vitro and in vivo via activating the self-fibrinolytic system. In conclusion, heparinoids (F1 and F2) derived from shrimp head wastes could be used as candidate compounds to prevent thrombosis while posing a lower hemorrhagic risk.

Pinocembrin-7-Methylether Protects SH-SY5Y Cells Against 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Neurotoxicity via Modulating Nrf2 Induction Through AKT and ERK Pathways.

The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of pinocembrin-7-methylether (PME), a natural bioflavonoid, in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced models of Parkinson's disease in vivo and in vitro. First, we found that PME decreased apoptosis in 6-OHDA-intoxicated SH-SY5Y cells. PME also blocked several 6-OHDA-induced mitochondrial apoptotic cascades, including loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase 3 and PARP activation, and a decrease in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Also, PME suppressed 6-OHDA-induced oxidative stress while increasing antioxidant enzymatic activity. Further investigations indicated that PME significantly enhanced nuclear accumulation of Nrf2, improved ARE promoter activity, and upregulated HO-1 and NQO1 expression levels. In addition, siRNA-mediated Nrf2 knockdown abolished PME-induced anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects. Interestingly, we found that PME promoted phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, whereas pharmacological inhibition of AKT or ERK pathways diminished PME-induced Nrf2 activation and protective actions. Moreover, PME attenuated 6-OHDA-induced loss of dopaminergic neurons and ameliorated locomotor deficiency in zebrafish, supporting the neuroprotective actions of PME in vivo. In summary, we found that PME conferred neuroprotection against 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in PD models in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, our findings suggest that activation of Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling cascades contributes to PME-induced anti-oxidative and neuroprotective actions, which are at least partially mediated by AKT and ERK pathways.

Isolation and Identification of Antiarthritic Constituents from Glycine tabacina and Network Pharmacology-Based Prediction of Their Protective Mechanisms against Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Glycine tabacina (Labill.) Benth is an edible medicinal herb for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment in folk medicine. Current phytochemical research on this dried herb led to the isolation of eight new coumestans, named glytabastan A-H (1-8), and twenty-three known compounds 9-31. Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods. The antiarthritic activities of all isolates were evaluated, and the results showed that coumestans 1-6 and 8-10 could inhibit arthritic inflammation in vitro, while coumestans 1, 2, 9, and 10 significantly blocked the osteoclastogenesis induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF) κB ligand (RANKL). Moreover, network pharmacological analysis revealed that the anti-RA effect of G. tabacina involved multitargets, multipathways such as PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, and various biological processes such as inflammatory response and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways. These results suggested that this species and its novel coumestans could serve as potential antiarthritic agents for functional food or medicinal use.

Energy Consumption, Colour, Texture, Antioxidants, Odours, and Taste Qualities of Litchi Fruit Dried by Intermittent Ohmic Heating.

To reduce the cost of dried litchi fruit, the processing characteristics and physicochemical properties of litchi were investigated using drying by intermittent ohmic heating (IOH) (intermittent air drying (IAD)) generated by BaTiO3 resistance. Litchi fruit pulp were dried at 70 °C with an air velocity of 1.8 m/s; the drying intermittent profiles were as follows: (1) 20 min drying-on and 5 min drying-off; (2) 20 min drying-on and 10 min drying-off; and (3) 20 min drying-on and 15 min drying-off, which correspond to pulse ratios (PRs) of 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8, respectively. After drying, the water content, energy consumption, vitamin C content, total phenolic content, colour, taste, and odour qualities were assessed. The results suggested that IOH drying requires lower energy consumption and yields higher quality products. The energy consumption of intermittent air drying ranged from 341 kJ∙g-1 to 427 kJ∙g-1. The IAD of 1.2 and 1.5 PR reduced the browning of litchi fruits and gained better product quality. The major components of odour and tastes were explored in dried litchi. The rising PR of IAD enabled a lower retention of methane and sulphur-organic aroma and a higher assessing value of bitterness taste. This study revealed that BaTiO3 is suitable for IOH drying and it resulted in more merits of dried litchi fruit.