Current and future distribution of Forsythia suspensa in China under climate change adopting the MaxEnt model.

This study evaluated the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of Forsythia suspensa, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant, using the MaxEnt model integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS). By analyzing occurrence data from various databases and environmental variables including climate and soil factors, we forecasted the present and future (2050s and 2070s) habitat suitability of F. suspensa under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios (RCP8.5, RCP4.5, RCP2.6). Results indicated that the suitable habitats for F. suspensa were primarily located in North, East, Central, Northwest, and Southwest China, with a significant potential expansion of suitable habitats anticipated by the 2070s, particularly under the high emission scenario. The study identified precipitation and temperature as the primary environmental drivers impacting the distribution of F. suspensa. Furthermore, a northward shift in the centroid of suitable habitats under future climate scenarios suggested a potential migration response to global warming. This work provides crucial insights into the future conservation and cultivation strategies for F. suspensa amidst changing climatic conditions.

Efficacy of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl on mouse and rat models of inflammation-related diseases: a meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the fruits of the medicinal plant Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl (FS), in treating inflammation-associated diseases through a meta-analysis of animal models, and also probe deeply into the signaling pathways underlying the progression of inflammation. Materials and methods: All data analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3 and the results are presented as flow diagrams, risk-of-bias summaries, forest plots, and funnel plots. Summary estimates were calculated using a random- or fixed-effect model, depending on the value of I2. Results: Of the 710 records identified in the initial search, 11 were selected for the final meta-analysis. Each study extracted data from the model and treatment groups for analysis, and the results showed that FS alleviated the inflammatory cytokine levels in serum; oxidant indicator: reactive oxygen species; enzymes of liver function; endotoxin and regulatory cells in blood; and improved the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Conclusion: FS effectively reversed the change in acute or chronic inflammation indicators in animal models, and the regulation of multiple channel proteins in inflammatory signaling pathways suggests that FS is a good potential drug for inflammatory disease drug therapy.

Metformin improves obesity-related oligoasthenospermia via regulating the expression of HSL in testis in mice.

Researches have proposed that obesity might contribute to development of oligoasthenospermia. This study was performed to confirm whether obesity contributes to oligoasthenospermia as well as the underlying mechanisms in mice fed with a high fat diet (HFD). Meanwhile, the actions of metformin, a drug of well-known weight-lowering effect, on sperm quality in obese mice were investigated. Our results showed that HFD feeding reduced sperm quality and steroid hormone levels in mice, associated with disruptions in testicular histomorphology and spermatogenesis. Moreover, obesity increased sperm apoptosis. These effects could be prevented by metformin treatment in HFD-fed mice. Mechanistically, an increasement in lipid contents associated with decreased hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) protein expression in testes in HFD-fed mice was observed, which could be improved by metformin treatment. Then, the model of TM4 mouse Sertoli cells stimulated with palmitic acid (PA) was used to investigate the potential effect of lipid retention on testicular apoptosis and sperm quality reduction. In consistent, PA exposure elevated lipid contents as well as apoptosis in TM4 cells, which could also be improved by metformin treatment. Of note, the protein expression of HSL was reduced stimulated by PA in TM4 cells, also rescued by metformin. Then, anti-apoptosis effect of metformin would be lost with the deficiency of HSL. In summary, our study propose that obesity contributes to oligoasthenospermia by increasing sperm apoptosis induced by impaired lipid hydrolysis due to HSL down-regulation, which could be prevented with metformin treatment via regulating the expression of HSL in testis in mice.

Phillyrin: an adipose triglyceride lipase inhibitor supported by molecular docking, dynamics simulation, and pharmacological validation.

CONTEXT: Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), a key enzyme responsible for lipolysis, catalyzes the first step of lipolysis and converts triglycerides to diacylglycerols and free fatty acids (FFA). Our previous work suggested that phillyrin treatment improves insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice, which was associated with ATGL inhibition. In this study, using docking simulation, we explored the binding pose of phillyrin and atglistatin (a mouse ATGL inhibitor) to ATGL in mouse. From the docking results, the interactions with Ser47 and Asp166 were speculated to have caused phillyrin to inhibit ATGL in mice. Further, molecular dynamics simulation of 100 ns and MM-GBSA were conducted for the protein-ligand complex, which indicated that the system was stable and that phillyrin displayed a better affinity to ATGL than did atglistatin throughout the simulation period. Moreover, the results of pharmacological validation were consistent with those of the in silico simulations. In summary, our study illustrates the potential of molecular docking to accurately predict the binding protein produced by AlphaFold and suggests that phillyrin is a potential small molecule that targets and inhibits ATGL enzymatic activity. METHODS: The ATGL-predicted protein structure, verified by PROCHECK, was determined using AlphaFold. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and prime molecular mechanic-generalized born surface area were performed using LigPrep, Desmond, and prime MM-GBSA modules of Schrödinger software release 2021-2, respectively. For pharmacological validation, immunoblotting was performed to assess ATGL protein expression. The fluorescence intensity and glycerol concentration were quantified to evaluate the efficiency of phillyrin in inhibiting ATGL.

An insight review on the neuropharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and toxicity of mitragynine.

Mitragynine is one of the main psychoactive alkaloids in Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (kratom). It has opium-like effects by acting on µ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptors in the brain. The compound also interacts with other receptors, such as adrenergic and serotonergic receptors and neuronal Ca2+ channels in the central nervous system to have its neuropharmacological effects. Mitragynine has the potential to treat diseases related to neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as its modulation on the opioid receptors has been reported extensively. This review aimed to provide an up-to-date and critical overview on the neuropharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and safety of mitragynine as a prospective psychotropic agent. Its multiple neuropharmacological effects on the brain include antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, sedative, stimulant, cognitive, and anxiolytic activities. The potential of mitragynine to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms related to opioid dependence, its pharmacokinetics and toxic effects were also discussed. The interaction of mitragynine with various receptors in the brain produce diverse neuropharmacological effects, which have beneficial properties in neurological disorders. However, further studies need to be carried out on mitragynine to uncover its complex mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic profiles, addictive potential, and safe dosage to prevent harmful side effects.

Folic acid enhances the cardiovascular protective effect of amlodipine in renal hypertensive rats with elevated homocysteine.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the actions of amlodipine-folic acid (amlodipine-FA) preparation on hypertension and cardiovascular in renal hypertensive rats with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), so as to provide experimental basis for clinical research of amlodipine folic acid tablets. METHODS: Rats model of renal hypertension with HHcy were established. The rats were randomly divided into groups of model, amlodipine, folic acid (FA) and amlodipine-FA of various dosages. Normal rats were used as normal control group. Blood pressure, Hcy as well as plasma NO, ET-1 and hemodynamics were assayed. Histological alterations of heart and abdominal aorta were also examined. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, blood pressure, plasma Hcy, and NO of the rats in model group were significantly increased, while the plasma ET-1 was decreased. Compared with the normal group, the animals in the model group had reduced cardiac function, thickened wall of the aorta and narrowed lumen. In FA group and amlodipine group, the rat plasma NO was increased while ET-1 was decreased, the protective effect of amlodipine-FA group on endothelial cells was further enhanced. In amlodipine group, the rat hemodynamics (LVSP, LVEDP and ±dp/dtmax, et al.) and vascular damage were significantly reduced, while in amlodipine-FA group, the heart function were further improved, and myocardial and vascular hypertrophy were significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: As compared to amlodipine alone, amlodipine -FA can lower both blood pressure and plasma Hcy, significantly enhancing vascular endothelial function to protect the heart and blood vessel in renal hypertensive rats with HHcy.

Protective effects of Pudilan Tablets against osteoarthritis in mice induced by monosodium iodoacetate.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complicated disorder that is the most prevalent chronic degenerative joint disease nowadays. Pudilan Tablets (PDL) is a prominent traditional Chinese medicine formula used in clinical settings to treat chronic inflammatory illnesses. However, there is currently minimal fundamental research on PDL in the therapy of joint diseases. As a result, this study looked at the anti-inflammatory and anti-OA properties of PDL in vitro and in vivo, as well as the mechanism of PDL in the treatment of OA. We investigated the anti-OA properties of PDL in OA mice that were generated by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). All animals were administered PDL (2 g/kg or 4 g/kg) or the positive control drug, indomethacin (150 mg/kg), once daily for a total of 28 days starting on the day of MIA injection. The CCK-8 assay was used to test the vitality of PDL-treated RAW264.7 cells in vitro. RAW264.7 cells that had been activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of PDL. In the MIA-induced OA model mice, PDL reduced pain, decreased OA-induced cartilage damages and degradation, decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum, and suppressed IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA expression levels in tibiofemoral joint. In RAW264.7 cells, PDL treatment prevented LPS-induced activation of the ERK/Akt signaling pathway and significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. In conclusion, these results suggest that PDL is involved in combating the development and progression of OA, exerts a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the knee joint, and may be a promising candidate for the treatment of OA.

Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan prevents oligoasthenospermia due to TAp73 suppression by affecting cellular junction remodeling in testicular tissue in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan (WZYZW) is a classic Chinese herbal preparation, which has a significant clinical efficacy in tonifying the kidney and benefiting the sperm, and is widely used in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia with a long history. TAp73 inhibition results in the decrease of sperm quality, but the therapeutic mechanism of WZYZW on oligoasthenospermia caused by TAp73 gene inhibition remains elusive. AIMS OF STUDY: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether TAp73 suppression leads to oligoasthenospermia and the application of WZYZW treatment in condition of TAp73 suppression. METHODOLOGY: C57BL/6 male mice were injected with Pifithrin-α (2.5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 30 days to induce TAp73 suppression model, with WZYZW at 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg were administrated in parallel. The blood, testis and epididymis were collected, with organ coefficient calculated. Makler sperm counter was used to analyze the density, motility, survival and malformation rate of sperm. Apoptosis of sperm was analyzed by flow cytometry. Serum hormone levels were determined using ELISA. HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe histopathological changes of testis in blood-testis barrier (BTB), ectoplasmic specialization (ES) and other cell junctions. Expressions of cell adhesion factors including TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin, Nectin-2 and Occludin were determined by RT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS: Compared to control mice, TAp73 inhibition dramatically decreased the epididymal coefficient, sperm quality, and serum testosterone (T) level, while increasing apoptosis in sperm in mice. HE staining and TEM showed that the tight junction (TJ) and apical ES structure were seriously abnormal in the testis in mice with TAp73 inhibition. Additionally, the expression of Occludin protein was elevated, while that of TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin, and Nectin-2 reduced in model mice. WZYZW treatment ameliorated testicular spermatogenic dysfunctions in TAp73 suppressed mice, restoring the decreased sperm quality, serum T level and testicular histopathological changes of TJ and ES, as well as decreasing sperm malformation rate and apoptosis. Moreover, WZYZW reversed the expressions of Occludin, TAp73, Integrin-α6, N-cadherin and Nectin-2 in TAp73 suppressed mice. CONCLUSIONS: By impairing spermatogenesis and maturation, TAp73 inhibition led to oligoasthenospermia in mice. WZYZW could rescue the oligoasthenospermia associated with TAp73 inhibition via affecting the dynamic remodeling of cellular junctions in testicular tissues in mice.

Effective separation of protein from Polygonatum cyrtonema crude polysaccharide utilizing ionic liquid tetrabutylammonium bromide.

Extraction of plant polysaccharides often results in a large amount of proteins, which is hard to eliminate from the crude extract, and conventional approaches for deproteinization are time-consuming and often involve hazardous organic solvents. In this study, ionic liquid tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) was used to create an ionic liquid aqueous two-phase system (ILATPS) for the separation of the polysaccharide (PcP) and protein extracted from the rhizome of Polygonatum cyrtonema. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was first applied to assess the feasibility of the ILATPS, and MgSO4 was determined to be the most suitable inorganic salt. By adopting the Taguchi experiment with an L9 (3^4) orthogonal array, it was found that the best condition for the efficient separation of crude PcP was at 25°C, with 1.5 g of TBABr, 15 mg of PcP, and 2.0 g of MgSO4, with the extraction efficiency for the protein and polysaccharide as 98.6% and 93.5%, respectively. The purified PcP was homogeneous, and its weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 7,554 Da. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated the PcP comprised mannose, galactose, glucose, galacturonic acid, arabinose, and rhamnose at a molar ratio of 33:13:8:3.5:2:1. This approach offers a practical tactic to purify polysaccharides of plant origin.

Phillyrin restores metabolic disorders in mice fed with high-fat diet through inhibition of interleukin-6-mediated basal lipolysis.

The function of white adipose tissue as an energy reservoir is impaired in obesity, leading to lipid spillover and ectopic lipid deposition. Adipose tissue inflammation can reduce the efficacy of lipid storage in adipocytes by augmenting basal lipolysis through producing interleukin-6 (IL-6). Therefore, pharmacological compounds targeting adipose tissue inflammation or IL-6 signaling might have the potential to combat obesity. This study aims to investigate the impact of Phillyrin, which is frequently used for treating respiratory infections in clinics in China, on obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions. Firstly, a mouse model of diet-induced obesity is used to assess the pharmacological applications of Phillyrin on obesity in vivo. Secondly, ex vivo culture of adipose tissue explants is utilized to investigate actions of Phillyrin on IL-6-linked basal lipolysis. Thirdly, a mouse model of IL-6 injection into visceral adipose tissue is explored to confirm the anti-basal lipolytic effect of Phillyrin against IL-6 in vivo. The results show that Phillyrin treatment reduces circulating level of glycerol, decreases hepatic steatosis and improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice. Meanwhile, Phillyrin attenuates obesity-related inflammation and IL-6 production in adipose tissue in obese mice. Furthermore, Phillyrin treatment results in resistance to IL-6-induced basal lipolysis in adipose tissue through suppressing expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) both in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, these findings suggest that Phillyrin can restrain lipid efflux from inflamed adipose tissue in obesity by inhibiting IL-6-initiated basal lipolysis and ATGL expression, and thus is a potential candidate in the treatment of obesity-associated complications.

A Comprehensive Review with Updated Future Perspectives on the Ethnomedicinal and Pharmacological Aspects of Moringa oleifera.

Moringa oleifera is an ancient remedy plant, known as the miraculous plant due to its many prominent uses and significant health benefits. It is a nutrient-rich plant, with exceptional bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols that possess several medicinal properties. Many significant studies have been carried out to evaluate the ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties of M. oleifera in various applications. Therefore, this comprehensive review compiles and summarizes important findings from recent studies on the potential properties of different parts of M. oleifera. The pharmacological properties of M. oleifera have been studied for various potential biological properties, such as cardio-protective, anti-oxidative, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-diabetic and anti-carcinogenic effects. Therefore, the potential of this plant is even more anticipated. This review also highlights the safety and toxicity effects of M. oleifera treatment at various doses, including in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials from human studies.

Impacts of COVID-19 Travel Restriction Policies on the Traffic Quality of the National and Provincial Trunk Highway Network: A Case Study of Shaanxi Province.

According to recent research, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted road traffic quality. This study aims to analyze the impacts of COVID-19 travel restriction policies on the traffic quality of the national and provincial trunk highway network (NPTHN) in Shaanxi Province. We collected the traffic data of the NPTHN for three consecutive years (from 2019 to 2021), before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, including weekly average daily traffic, weekly traffic interruption times, weekly traffic control time, weekly traffic accidents, weekly traffic injuries, and weekly traffic deaths. Using descriptive statistics and dynamic analysis methods, we studied the safety and service levels of the NPTHN. We set up an assessment model of the NPTHN operational orderliness through dissipative structure theory and entropy theory to study the operational orderliness of the NPTHN. Results show that in 2020, the service level, safety level, and operational orderliness of the NPTHN dropped to the lowest levels. The pandemic was gradually brought under control, and the travel restriction policies were gradually reduced and lifted. The adverse impacts on the operational orderliness of the NPTHN decreased, but the operational orderliness did not yet recover to the pre-pandemic level. Meanwhile, the service and safety levels of the NPTHN did not recover. Taken together, the COVID-19 travel restriction policies had adverse impacts on the traffic quality of the NPTHN in Shaanxi Province.

Review on the Pharmacological Properties of Phillyrin.

Phillyrin is an effective lignan glycoside extracted from a traditional Chinese medicine Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl (Oleaceae). It mainly exists in the roots, stems, leaves and fruits of the plant, with the highest content in the leaves. In terms of its medicinal application, there are a large number of experimental data proving its pharmacological effects in vitro and in animal models, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-tumor, etc. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic experiments have also shown phillyrin's high effectiveness and low toxicity. Despite more than one thousand studies in the literature on phillyrin retrievable from Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI, few reviews on its pharmacological activities have been presented conclusively. In this paper, we aimed to summarize the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characteristics of phillyrin from the current literature, focusing on its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antiviral, antibacterial, hepatoprotective and anti-cancer effects, hoping to come up with new insights for its application as well as future studies.

Study on the mechanism of Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan-medicated serum interfering with the mitochondrial permeability transition pore in the GC-2 cell induced by atractyloside.

Wuzi-Yanzong-Wan (WZYZW) is a classic prescription for male infertility. Our previous investigation has demonstrated that it can inhibit sperm apoptosis via affecting mitochondria, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of the present study was to explore the actions of WZYZW on mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in mouse spermatocyte cell line (GC-2 cells) opened by atractyloside (ATR). At first, WZYZW-medicated serum was prepared from rats following oral administration of WZYZW for 7 days. GC-2 cells were divided into control group, model group, positive group, as well as 5%, 10%, 15% WZYZW-medicated serum group. Cyclosporine A (CsA) was used as a positive control. 50 µmol·L-1 ATR was added after drugs incubation. Cell viability was assessed using CCK-8. Apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry and TUNEL method. The opening of mPTP and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected by Calcein AM and JC-1 fluorescent probe respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), cyclophilin D (CypD), adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), cytochrome C (Cyt C), caspase 3, 9 were detected by RT-PCR (real time quantity PCR) and Western blotting respectively. The results demonstrated that mPTP of GC-2 cells was opened after 24 hours of ATR treatment, resulting in decreased MMP and increased apoptosis. Pre-protection with WZYZ-medicated serum and CsA inhibited the opening of mPTP of GC-2 cells induced by ATR associated with increased MMP and decreased apoptosis. Moreover, the results of RT-qPCR and WB suggested that WZYZW-medicated serum could significantly reduce the mRNA and protein levels of VDAC1 and CypD, Caspase-3, 9 and CytC, as well as a increased ratio of Bcl/Bax. However, ANT was not significantly affected. Therefore, these findings indicated that WZYZW inhibited mitochondrial mediated apoptosis by attenuating the opening of mPTP in GC-2 cells. WZYZW-medicated serum inhibited the expressions of VDAC1 and CypD and increased the expression of Bcl-2, which affected the opening of mPTP and exerted protective and anti-apoptotic effects on GC-2 cell induced by ATR.

An insight into the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects and mechanisms of Moringa oleifera.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are sporadic maladies that affect patients' lives with progressive neurological disabilities and reduced quality of life. Neuroinflammation and oxidative reaction are among the pivotal factors for neurodegenerative conditions, contributing to the progression of NDs, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and Huntington's disease (HD). Management of NDs is still less than optimum due to its wide range of causative factors and influences, such as lifestyle, genetic variants, and environmental aspects. The neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory activities of Moringa oleifera have been documented in numerous studies due to its richness of phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review highlights up-to-date research findings on the anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of M. oleifera, including mechanisms against NDs. The information was gathered from databases, which include Scopus, Science Direct, Ovid-MEDLINE, Springer, and Elsevier. Neuroprotective effects of M. oleifera were mainly assessed by using the crude extracts in vitro and in vivo experiments. Isolated compounds from M. oleifera such as moringin, astragalin, and isoquercitrin, and identified compounds of M. oleifera such as phenolic acids and flavonoids (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, (-)-epicatechin, and isoquercitrin) have been reported to have neuropharmacological activities. Therefore, these compounds may potentially contribute to the neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory effects. More in-depth studies using in vivo animal models of neurological-related disorders and extensive preclinical investigations, such as pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and bioavailability studies are necessary before clinical trials can be carried out to develop M. oleifera constituents into neuroprotective agents.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis on White and Blue Flowers of Platycodon grandiflorus to Elucidate Genes Involved in the Biosynthesis of Anthocyanins.

BACKGROUND: Platycodon grandiflorus has long been used in Northeast Asia as a food and folk medicine to treat various diseases. The intense blue color of P. grandiflorus corolla is its characteristic feature. OBJECTIVES: By comparing deep transcriptomic data of P. grandiflorus and its white cultivar, we intended to elucidate the molecular mechanisms concerning the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in this plant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We sampled blue mature flowers (PgB) and yellow young buds (PgY) of P. grandiflorus. Meanwhile, mature flowers (PgW) of P. grandiflorus white cultivar were also collected for RNA extraction and next-generation sequencing. After high-throughput sequencing, Trinity software was applied for de novo assembly and the resultant 49934 unigenes were subjected for expression analysis and annotation against NR, KEGG, UniProt, and Pfam databases. RESULTS: In all, 32.77 Gb raw data were generated and the gene expression profile for the flowers of P. grandiflorus was constructed. Pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that genes involved in flavone and flavonol biosynthesis were differently expressed. CONCLUSIONS: The extremely low expression of flavonoid-3',5'-hydroxylase in PgY and PgW was regarded as the reason for the formation of its white cultivar. Our findings provided useful information for further studies into the biosynthetic mechanism of anthocyanins.

Remodeling of Macrophages in White Adipose Tissue under the Conditions of Obesity as well as Lipolysis.

Adipose tissue macrophages (ATM) are a major source of low-grade inflammation in obesity, and yet reasons driving ATM accumulation in white adipose tissue (WAT) are not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggested that ATM underwent extensive remodeling in obesity. In addition to abundance, ATM in obesity were lipid-laden and metabolically reprogrammed, which in turn was tightly related to their functional alterations and persistence in obesity. Herein, we aimed to discuss that activation of lipid sensing signaling associated with metabolic reprogramming in ATM was indispensible for their migration, retention, or proliferation in obesity. Likewise, lipolysis also induced similar but transient ATM remodeling. Therefore, we assumed that obesity might share overlapping mechanisms with lipolysis in remodeling ATM. Formation of crown-like structures (CLS) in WAT was presumably a common event initiating ATM remodeling, with a spectrum of lipid metabolites released from adipocytes being potential signaling molecules. Moreover, adipose interlerkin-6 (IL-6) exhibited homologous alterations by obesity and lipolysis. Thus, we postulated a positive feedback loop between ATM and adipocytes via IL-6 signaling backing ATM persistence by comparison of ATM remodeling under obesity and lipolysis. An elucidation of ATM persistence could help to provide novel therapeutic targets for obesity-associated inflammation.

Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genome of Juncus effusus L.

Juncus effusus L., a perennial herbaceous species of family Juncaceae, is distributed mainly in warm areas worldwide. We studied the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of J. effusus through next-generation sequencing technology. The whole cp genome contained 170,612 base pairs, with the GC ratio as 35.99%. The 70 genes annotated from the cp genome include 32 protein coding genes, eight rRNA genes and 30 tRNA genes. The genome's large single-copy region (LSC) was 80,640 bp, with the small single-copy region (SSC) 64,718 bp, and inverted repeat (IR) 12,627 bp. Furthermore, a phylogenetic tree was generated to evaluate evolutionary relationship between J. effusus and relevant species. This study will be beneficial for the further understanding and application of J. effusus.

The complete chloroplast genome of Abutilon theophrasti medic (Malvaceae).

Abutilon theophrasti Medic is a traditional Chinese medicine, which can be seen nearly everywhere in China. In order to study its complete chloroplast genome, we collected leaves and obtained chloroplast genome information through next-generation sequencing. It showed that the genome whole length is 160,331 bp, resulted from 24,578,194 raw reads with 3,669,530,829 bases in total, and the GC contents ratio is 36.90%. Besides, the large single-copy region (LSC) is 89,006 bp, the small single-copy region (SSC) 20,149 bp, and inverted repeat (IR) 25,588 bp. The chloroplast genome encodes 76 genes, which contains 38 protein genes, five rRNA genes, and 33 tRNA. By conducting phylogenetic analysis for A.theophrasti, plants from genus Gossypium demonstrated close relationship with it.

Establishment of an oligoasthenospermia mouse model based on TAp73 gene suppression.

Background: Oligoasthenospermia is one of the main causes of male infertility. Researchers usually use chemical drugs to directly damage germ cells to prepare oligoasthenospermia models, which disregards the adhesion and migration between spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells. TAp73 is a critical regulator of the adhesin of germ cell; thus, we sought to explore a novel oligoasthenospermia model based on TAp73 gene suppression. Methods: Mice in the Pifithrin-α group were injected intraperitoneally with 2.5 mg/kg Pifithrin-α (TAp73 inhibitor) daily for 30 consecutive days. Reproductive hormone levels and epididymal sperm quality, as well as the network morphology of Sertoli cells were tested. Results: Sperm density, motility, and the relative protein and mRNA expression of TAp73 and Nectin 2 were obviously decreased in the Pifithrin-α group compared with the normal control group. No significant distinction was observed in the relative mRNA and protein expression of ZO-1. Furthermore, the tight junctions (TJs) and apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES) were destroyed in the Pifithrin-α group. Conclusion: The above results indicate that we successfully established a new oligoasthenospermia mouse model. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of the roles of TAp73 genes during spermatogenesis and provides new research objects for further oligospermia research and future drug discovery.