Tectoridin from Maackia amurensis modulates both estrogen and thyroid receptors

Effects of trichlorobisphenol A on the expression of proteins and genes associated with puberty initiation in GT1-7 cells and the relevant molecular mechanism

This study evaluated the effects of Cl3BPA on kisspeptin-G-protein coupled receptor 54 (GPR54)/gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (KGG) signals and analyzed the roles of estrogen receptor alpha (ERɑ) and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) in regulating KGG signals. The results showed that Cl3BPA at 50 μM increased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and GnRH, upregulated the protein levels of kisspeptin and the expression of fshr, lhr and gnrh1 genes related to KGG in GT1-7 cells. In addition, 50 μM Cl3BPA significantly upregulated the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2), the protein levels of GPER1 and the expression of the gper1 as well as the most target genes associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/Erk1/2 pathways. Specific signal inhibitor experiments found that Cl3BPA activated KGG signals by activating the GPER1-mediated MAPK/Erk1/2 signaling pathway at the mRNA level. A docking test further confirmed the interactions between Cl3BPA and GPER1. The findings suggest that Cl3BPA might induce precocious puberty by increasing GnRH secretion together with KGG signaling upregulation, which is driven by GPER1-mediated signaling pathway. By comparison, ClxBPAs with fewer chlorine atoms had more obvious effects on the expression of proteins and partial genes related to KGG signals in GT1-7 cells.

Oriental traditional herbal Medicine--Puerariae Flos: A systematic review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pueraria Flos (PF), a traditional herbal medicine, is botanically from the dried flowers of Pueraria lobate (Willd.) Ohwi. (Chinese: ) or Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (Chinese: ). It has a long history of thousands of years in China for awakening the spleen, clearing the lungs, relieving alcohol.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to report the up-to-date research progress in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, metabolism and therapeutic application of PF, so as to provide a strong basis for future clinical treatment and scientific research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant information on PF was collected from scientific literature databases including PubMed, CNKI and other literature sources (Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations and Chinese herbal classic books) by using the keyword "Puerariae".

RESULTS

Briefly, phytochemical research report has isolated 39 flavonoids, 19 saponins and 25 volatile oils from PF. Flavonoids and saponins are the most important bioactive compounds, and most of the quality control studies focus on these two types of compounds. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed their significant biological activities in relieving alcoholism, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidation, which provides theoretical support for the traditional use.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive analysis showed that pharmacological activity of most purified compounds from PF had not been reported. Kakkalide, tectoridin and their deglycosylated metabolites (irisolidone and tectorigenin) has been focused on excessively due to their higher content and better activities. This leads to low development and resources waste. Interestingly, PF made a breakthrough in the field of food. Many kinds of fat-lowering foods such as PILLBOX Onaka have been popular in Japan market, which received extensive attention. Therefore, we suggest that future research can be paid attention on the development of the plant's function in the field of food and medicine, as well as the transformation from experimental to clinical.

Estrogenic flavonoids and their molecular mechanisms of action

Flavonoids are a major group of phytoestrogens associated with physiological effects, and ecological and social impacts. Although the estrogenic activity of flavonoids was reported by researchers in the fields of medical, environmental and food studies, their molecular mechanisms of action have not been comprehensively reviewed. The estrogenic activity of the respective classes of flavonoids, anthocyanidins/anthocyanins, 2-arylbenzofurans/3-arylcoumarins/α-methyldeoxybenzoins, aurones/chalcones/dihydrochalcones, coumaronochromones, coumestans, flavans/flavan-3-ols/flavan-4-ols, flavanones/dihydroflavonols, flavones/flavonols, homoisoflavonoids, isoflavans, isoflavanones, isoflavenes, isoflavones, neoflavonoids, oligoflavonoids, pterocarpans/pterocarpenes, and rotenone/rotenoids, was summarized through a comprehensive literature search, and their structure-activity relationship, biological activities, signaling pathways, and applications were discussed. Although the respective classes of flavonoids contained at least one chemical mimicking estrogen, the mechanisms varied, such as those with estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, non-estrogenic, and biphasic activities, and additional activities through crosstalk/bypassing, which exert biological activities through cell signaling pathways. Such mechanistic variations of estrogen action are not limited to flavonoids and are observed among other broad categories of chemicals, thus this group of chemicals can be termed as the "estrogenome". This review article focuses on the connection of estrogen action mainly between the outer and the inner environments, which represent variations of chemicals and biological activities/signaling pathways, respectively, and form the basis to understand their applications. The applications of chemicals will markedly progress due to emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence for precision medicine, which is also true of the study of the estrogenome including estrogenic flavonoids.

Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) ameliorates articular cartilage destruction and increases movement velocity of mice with TNFα induced rheumatoid arthritis

Up to 70 million people around the world suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Current treatment options have varied efficacy and can cause unwanted side effects. New approaches are needed to treat this condition. Sialic acid modifications on chondrocyte receptors have been associated with arthritic inflammation and joint destruction. For example, the transmembrane mucin receptor protein podoplanin (PDPN) has been identified as a functionally relevant receptor that presents extracellular sialic acid motifs. PDPN signaling promotes inflammation and invasion associated with arthritis and, therefore, has emerged as a target that can be used to inhibit arthritic inflammation. Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) can target PDPN on chondrocytes to decrease inflammatory signaling cascades and reduce cartilage destruction in a lipopolysaccharide induced osteoarthritis mouse model. Here, we investigated the effects of MASL on rheumatoid arthritis progression in a TNFα transgenic (TNF-Tg) mouse model. Results from this study indicate that MASL can be administered orally to ameliorate joint malformation and increase velocity of movement exhibited by these TNF-Tg mice. These data support the consideration of MASL as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Skin-Whitening and Antiwrinkle Proprieties of Maackia amurensis Methanolic Extract Lead Compounds

(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using Maackia amurensis branch extract as a cosmetic ingredient with skin-whitening and antiwrinkle effects. (2) Methods: The skin-whitening effect of M. amurensis branch extract was confirmed by investigating α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanin synthesis and melanogenic protein expression in B16F1 cells. The antiwrinkle effect of M. amurensis branch extract was verified by assessing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression and soluble collagen content in CCD-986sk cells. The major compounds in M. amurensis branch extract were identified through isolation and characterization and confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. (3) Results: M. amurensis branch extract significantly inhibited α-MSH-induced melanin synthesis by 49%, 42%, and 18% at 50, 37.5, and 25 μg/mL concentrations, respectively, compared with the negative control (NC). M. amurensis branch extract also significantly reduced the expression of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, TRP-2, and tyrosinase in B16F1 cells. Furthermore, M. amurensis branch extracts decreased ultraviolet A-induced MMP-1 expression and increased soluble collagen synthesis in CCD-986sk cells. In addition, the major compounds present in M. amurensis branch extract were found to be formononetin, genistein, trans-resveratrol, piceatannol, and tectoridin. (4) Conclusions: M. amurensis branch extract has skin-whitening and antiwrinkle properties. Therefore, it can be used as an ingredient in functional cosmetics with skin-whitening and antiwrinkle effects.

Medicinal Importance, Pharmacological Activities and Analytical Aspects of an Isoflavone Glycoside Tectoridin

Background:

Polyphenols are a group of plant secondary metabolites that are produced in plants as a protective system against oxidative stress, UV radiation, pathogens and predator’s attack. Flavonoids are major class of plant phenolics found to be present in fruits, vegetables, tea and red wine. Tectoridin also called 40,5,7-thrihydroxy-6-methoxyisoflavone-7-Ob-D-glucopyranoside is an isoflavone glycoside found to be present in the flower of Porites lobata.

Methods:

Present work focused on the biological importance, therapeutic potential and pharmacological activities of tectoridin in medicine. Numerous scientific data has been collected from different literature databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and Scopus in order to know the health beneficial potential of tectoridin. Pharmacological data have been analyzed in the present work to know the biological effectiveness of tectoridin against human disorders. Analytical data of tectoridin have been collected and analyzed in the present work in order to know the importance of modern analytical method in the isolation, separation and identification of tectoridin.

Results:

Scientific data analysis revealed the biological importance and therapeutic benefit of tectoridin in medicine, signifying the therapeutic potential of tectoridin in the healthcare systems. Biological activities of tectoridin are mainly due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, anti-angiogenic, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, estrogenic, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity. However effectiveness of tectoridin against rat lens aldose reductase, nitric oxide, skeletal and cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum and enzymes have been also presented in this work. Analytical data signified the importance of modern analytical techniques for the separation, identification and isolation of tectoridin.

Conclusion:

Present work signified the biological importance and therapeutic benefit of tectoridin in the medicine and other allied health sectors.

Tectorigenin attenuates the OGD/R-induced HT-22 cell damage through regulation of the PI3K/AKT and the PPARγ/NF-κB pathways

Tectorigenin (TEC) is an effective compound that derived from many plants, such as Iris unguicularis, Belamcanda chinensis and Pueraria thunbergiana Benth. Evidence suggested that TEC has anti-tumor, anti-oxidant activity, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, there has some evidence indicated that TEC is a potential anti-stroke compound; however, its specific roles and associated mechanism have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant activity and anti-apoptosis effects of TEC on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced HT-22 cells, and clarified the relevant mechanisms. Here, we observed that TEC significantly promoted cell survival, impeded cell apoptosis, inhibited ROS and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α production in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells. Moreover, TEC activated PI3K/AKT signal pathway, increased PPARγ expression and inhibited NF-κB pathway activation in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells. Further studies indicated that PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 activated NF-κB pathway after TEC treatment in OGD/R-induced HT-22 cells. Also, PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002, PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 and NF-κB activator LPS both reversed the effects of TEC on OGD/R-induced HT-22 cell biology. Taken together, this research confirmed that TEC benefit to HT-22 cell survival and against OGD/R damage through the PI3K/AKT and PPARγ/NF-κB pathways. These results indicated that TEC might be an effective compound in the treatment for ischemic brain injury.

Identification of tectoridin as the inhibitor of FTO by isothermal titration calorimetric and spectroscopic methods

The characteristics of binding between tectoridin and the fat mass and obesity-associated protein were investigated.

Effects of Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) gene expression and transcriptional signaling pathways

PURPOSE

Oral cancer causes over 120,000 deaths annually and affects the quality of life for survivors. Over 90% of oral cancers are derived from oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (OSCCs) which are generally resistant to standard cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. OSCC cells often exhibit increased TGFβ and PDPN receptor activity compared to nontransformed oral epithelial cells. Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) can target the PDPN receptor and has been identified as a novel agent that can be used to treat oral cancer. However, mechanisms by which MASL inhibits OSCC progression are not yet clearly defined.

METHODS

Here, we performed cell migration and cytotoxicity assays to assess the effects of MASL on OSCC motility and viability at physiologically relevant concentrations. We then performed comprehensive transcriptome analysis combined with transcription factor reporter assays to investigate the how MASL affects OSCC gene expression at these concentration. Key data were then confirmed by western blotting to evaluate the effects of MASL on gene expression and kinase signaling activity at the protein level.

RESULTS

MASL significantly affected the expression of about 27% of approximately 15,000 genes found to be expressed by HSC-2 cells used to model OSCC cells in this study. These genes affected by MASL include members of the TGFβ-SMAD, JAK-STAT, and Wnt-βCTN signaling pathways. In particular, MASL decreased expression of PDPN, SOX2, and SMAD5 at the RNA and protein levels. MASL also inhibited SMAD and MAPK activity, and exhibited potential for combination therapy with doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, results from this study indicate that MASL decreases activity of JAK-STAT, TGFβ-SMAD, and Wnt-βCTN signaling pathways to inhibit OSCC growth and motility. These data suggest that further studies should be undertaken to determine how MASL may also be used alone and in combination with other agents to treat oral cancer.

Medicinal Plants to Strengthen Immunity during a Pandemic

The development of new effective anti-coronavirus drugs and therapies is important, but it requires significant human, financial and, most importantly, time expenditures. The current pandemic is neither the first nor the last. Humanity has already accumulated considerable survival experience. We cannot do without prevention and epidemiological protection measures. This study reviews medicinal plants that grow in Northeast Asia and whose antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory characteristics are already known, also in the framework of the prevention and treatment of pneumonia of various etiologies. The need for a comprehensive approach to maintaining immunodefences, including functional foods and positive emotions, is emphasized. In the period of pandemics, it is important to research various areas that allow to us accumulate a critical mass of information and cope with the next global disease.

Tectoridin inhibits osteoclastogenesis and bone loss in a murine model of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease that typically affects older adults and that remains a major threat to global public health owing to its high morbidity and mortality rates. In those with osteoporosis, excess osteoclast (OC)-mediated resorption of bone tissue can lead to an imbalance in normal bone metabolism resulting in the onset of diseases including postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). In the present study, we found that the natural Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC derivative tectoridin can reduce bone loss in ovariectomized mice. TRAP staining further revealed that tectoridin suppresses OC differentiation in a dose-dependent fashion, and qPCR analyses indicated that this compound also dose-dependently inhibits the RANKL-induced upregulation of OC marker genes including Trap, Ctsk, ATP60, DC-Stamp, c-Fos, and NFATc1 in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). Tectoridin treatment further suppressed actin ring formation and in vitro bone resorption as determined via F-actin staining and scanning electron microscopy. At the mechanistic level, we found that tectoridin was capable of inhibiting osteoclastogenesis at least in part owing to its ability to interfere with NF-κB pathway activation. In addition, we confirmed that tectoridin was able to protect against in vivo estrogen-deficiency-associated bone loss. Together, these results suggest that tectoridin can inhibit osteoclastogenesis and OC functionality in the context of PMOP at least in part via modulating RANKL-induced NF-κB signaling.

The Interaction Test of Binary Mixtures of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Using In Vitro Bioassays

Typical environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as estradiol valerate (EV), diethylstilbestrol (DES), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), and bisphenol A (BPA) have a strong reproductive and developmental toxicity at low concentrations. However, information on their joint toxicity is scarce. In this study, we evaluated the combined effects of EV and other four EDCs (DES, DEHP, MEHP, and BPA) on the human breast MCF-7 cells by detecting the cell proliferation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) protein expression using equal concentration ratio method. The results showed that, after exposure for 24, 48, and 72 h, single EV, DES, and BPA can promote the proliferation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, and EV has the strongest effect in inducing cell proliferation. DEHP and MEHP cannot induce MCF-7 cell proliferation for all exposure time, while cell proliferation induced by EV was significantly attenuated by DES, BPA, DEHP, and MEHP when they mixed with EV. For intracellular ROS, single EV, BPA, DES, DEHP, and MEHP elevated intracellular ROS levels for different exposure time. Similar to the cell proliferation, DES and BPA decreased intracellular ROS levels induced by EV when they mixed with EV for 24 h. EV, DES, and BPA exposed alone or combined with EV upregulated the ERα protein expression. However, DEHP and MEHP exposed alone or combined with EV had no effect on ERα protein expression, indicating that DEHP or MEHP could attenuate ERα protein expression upregulated by EV. These results showed that the joint toxicity of binary mixtures of EV and other EDCs do not interact in a synergistic fashion in inducing cell proliferation, intracellular ROS levels, and ERα protein expression. These findings have important implications in the human risk assessments of EV mixed with other EDCs in the environment.

Calycosin and 8-O-methylretusin isolated from Maackia amurensis as potent and selective reversible inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase-B

Nineteen compounds were isolated from the stems of Maackia amurensis by activity-guided screening for new human monoamine oxidase-B (hMAO-B) inhibitors. Among the compounds isolated, flavonoids calycosin (5) and 8-O-methylretusin (6) were found to potently and selectively inhibit hMAO-B (IC₅₀ = 0.24 and 0.23 μM, respectively) but not hMAO-A with high selectivity index (SI) values (SI = 293.8 and 81.3, respectively). In addition, 5 and 6 reversibly and competitively inhibited hMAO-B with K_i values of 0.057 and 0.054 μM, respectively. A pterocarpan (-)-medicarpin (18) was also observed to strongly inhibit hMAO-B (IC₅₀ = 0.30 μM). Most of the compounds weakly inhibited AChE, except isolupalbigenin (13) (IC₅₀ = 20.6 μM), which suggested 13 be considered a potential dual function inhibitor of MAO-B and AChE. Molecular docking simulation revealed that the binding affinities of 5 and 6 for hMAO-B (both -9.3 kcal/mol) were higher than those for hMAO-A (-7.4 and -7.2 kcal/mol, respectively). Compound 5 was found to interact by hydrogen bonding with hMAO-B at Cys172 residue (distance: 3.250 Å); no hydrogen bonding was predicted between 5 and hMAO-A. These findings suggest that compounds 5 and 6 be considered novel potent, selective, and reversible hMAO-B inhibitors and candidates for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Bisphenol AF exerts estrogenic activity in MCF-7 cells through activation of Erk and PI3K/Akt signals via GPER signaling pathway

The negative health effects of bisphenol A (BPA) due to its estrogenic activity result in the increasing usage of alternative bisphenols (BPs) including bisphenol AF (BPAF). To comprehensive understand health effects of BPAF, the MCF-7 cells were used to investigate the effects of BPAF on cell proliferation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and calcium ion (Ca²⁺) level. The molecular mechanisms of cell biological responses caused by BPAF were investigated by analyzing target protein expression. The results showed that low-concentration BPAF induces significant effects on MCF-7 cells, including promoting cell proliferation and elevating intracellular ROS and Ca²⁺ levels. BPAF in low concentration significantly enhances the protein expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα), G protein-coupled receptor (GPER), c-Myc, and Cyclin D1, as well as increases phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) in MCF-7 cells. After the addition of ERα, GPER, and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, phosphorylations of Erk and Akt were both inhibited. In addition, specific signal inhibitors significantly attenuated the effects of BPAF. Silencing of GPER also markedly decreased BPAF induced cell proliferation. The present results suggested that BPAF can activate PI3K/Akt and Erk signals via GPER, which, in turn, stimulate cellular biological effects induced by BPAF. ERα also plays a critical role in BPAF induced cellular biological effects.

The Anti-neuroinflammatory Activity of Tectorigenin Pretreatment via Downregulated NF-κB and ERK/JNK Pathways in BV-2 Microglial and Microglia Inactivation in Mice With Lipopolysaccharide

The activation of microglia is decisively involved with the neurodegeneration observed in many neuroinflammatory pathologies, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Tectorigenin (TEC) is an isoflavone isolated from various medicinal plants, such as Pueraria thunbergiana Benth, Belamcanda chinensis, and Iris unguicularis. In the present study, the neuroinflammatory effects of TEC were evaluated in both lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated BV-2 microglial and mouse models. TEC remarkably inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. TEC also inhibits the production and expression of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. In addition, TEC suppressed the LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) to regulate the inflammatory mediators, such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), TNF-α, and IL-6. These results indicate that TEC may inhibit neuronal inflammation through the downregulation of inflammatory mediators, including iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 by suppressing NF-κB/ERK/JNK-related signaling pathways. Furthermore, cotreatment with TEC and ERK inhibitor SCH772984 or JNK inhibitor SP600125 suppressed the overproduction of LPS-induced NO production in BV-2 cells. Consistent with the results of in vitro experiments, an LPS-induced brain inflammation mouse model, administration of TEC effectively decrease the levels of malondialdehyde, iNOS in hippocampus, and prevented increases in the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the serum. TEC showed marked attenuation of microglial activation. Finally, TEC inhibited protein expression of toll-like receptor 4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 in LPS-activated BV-2 microglia and mouse models. Taken altogether, the cumulative findings suggested that TEC holds the potential to develop as a neuroprotective drug for the intervention of neuroinflammatory disorders.

Characterization and evaluation of a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system containing tectorigenin, an isoflavone with low aqueous solubility and poor permeability

The purpose of this study was to characterize and evaluate tectorigenin-loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (TG-SMEDDS), a previously studied preparation, and further confirm the improvement of TG in solubility and bioavailability. The appearance of TG-SMEDDS was clear and transparent, with good mobility. The microemulsion formed by TG-SMEDDS was globular, edge smooth, clear-cut, and distribution homogeneous under transmission electron microscope. The stability studies revealed that TG-SMEDDS remained stable at room temperature for at least 3 months. TG-SMEDDS showed excellent dissolution behavior that more than 90% of TG was released in only 5 min. The in situ intestinal perfusion studies indicated enhancement of absorption in four tested intestinal segments, and the main absorption site of TG was changed to duodenum. In addition, TG-SMEDDS showed significantly higher Cmax and AUC values (11-fold and 5-fold higher values, respectively; P < 0.05) than TG, and the absolute oral bioavailability of TG-SMEDDS was 56.33% (5-fold higher than that of crude TG). What's more, the AUC0-t of crude TG and TG-SMEDDS in bile duct non-ligation rats were 6.05 and 2.80 times, respectively, than that in bile duct ligation rats, indicating the existence of enterohepatic circulation and the secretion of bile could significantly affect the absorption of TG. Further studies showed that even the bile duct was ligation, TG-SMEDDS can still keep a better oral bioavailability (179.67%, compared with crude TG in the bile duct non-ligation rats). Therefore, our study implies that SMEDDS containing TG could be an effective strategy for the oral administration of TG.

Anti-Endometriotic Effects of Pueraria Flower Extract in Human Endometriotic Cells and Mice

Pueraria flowers have been used as a vegetable and an ingredient for tea and jelly. In this study, we investigated the effects of Pueraria flower extract (PFE) on endometriosis, a common gynaecological disease characterised by local sterile inflammation of peritoneal cavity. PFE suppressed the adhesion of human endometriotic cells 11Z and 12Z to human mesothelial Met5A cells. In addition, PFE significantly inhibited the migration of 11Z and 12Z cells as shown by wound-healing and transwell migration assays. PFE reduced the protein and mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in endometriotic cells. Moreover, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 was activated by PFE treatment, and an ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, significantly inhibited PFE-inhibited cell migration in endometriotic cells. Furthermore, PFE significantly suppressed endometriotic lesion formation in a mouse model. These data suggest that Pueraria flower is a potential anti-endometriotic agent for the inhibition of endometriotic cell adhesion, migration, and MMP expression.

Activation of G protein-coupled receptor 30 by thiodiphenol promotes proliferation of estrogen receptor α-positive breast cancer cells

Many studies have been shown that environmental estrogen bisphenol A (BPA) can activate nuclear receptor (estrogen receptor alpha, ERα) or membrane receptor (G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR30) in breast cancer cells and exerts genomic or nongenomic actions inducing cell proliferation. 4,4'-thiodiphenol (TDP) as one of BPA derivatives exhibits more potent estrogenic activity than BPA does. However, comparatively little is known about the ways in which TDP interferes with these signaling pathways and produces cell biological changes. This study evaluated the effect of TDP on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and intercellular calcium (Ca²⁺) fluctuation in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The underlying molecular mechanism of cell proliferation induced by TDP was analyzed by examining the activation of ERα and GPR30-mediated phosphatidylinotidol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and extracellular-signa1regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling pathways. The results showed that exposure to 0.1-10 μM TDP for 24, 48, and 72 h significantly increased viability of MCF-7 cells. At the same concentration range, TDP exposure for 3 and 24 h markedly elevated ROS production and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels. In addition, 0.01-1 μM TDP significantly increased the expression of ERα, GPR30, p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 protein. Specific protein inhibitors blocked phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT and decreased TDP-induced cell proliferation. These findings show that TDP activated the GPR30-PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 pathways, and the resulting interaction with ERα stimulated MCF-7 cell proliferation. Our results indicate a novel mechanism through which TDP may exert relevant estrogenic action in ERα positive cancer cells.

In vitro profiling of toxicity and endocrine disrupting effects of bisphenol analogues by employing MCF-7 cells and two-hybrid yeast bioassay

The potentially adverse health implications of bisphenol A (BPA) have led to increasing use of alternative bisphenols (BPs). However, little is known about the toxicity of alternative BPs. In this study, the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, intracellular ROS formation, and Ca²⁺ fluctuation effects of BPs on MCF-7 cells were evaluated. At the same time, the estrogenic and thyroidal hormone effect potentials of six BPs were also evaluated using two-hybrid yeast bioassay. The results showed that most BPs at 0.01-1 μM significantly increased cell viability in MCF-7 cells and at higher exposure concentrations of 25-100 μM, they caused a significant decrease of cell viability. At the same time, these BPs also at 25-100 μM significantly increased LDH release of MCF-7 cells. In addition, several BPs at 10-50 μM resulted in a significantly concentration-depended increase in DNA-damaging effect on MCF-7 cells and elevated ROS production. Most BPs at 0.0001-10 μM significantly increased intracellular Ca²⁺ level. These results showed that bisphenol AF (BPAF) and thiodiphenol (TDP) exerted cell biological effect, estrogenic, and thyroidal effect potentials greater than those of BPA. The cytotoxicity and endocrine disrupting effects of other BPs are similar to or slightly lower than those of BPA. Therefore, as potential alternatives to BPA, endocrine disrupting effects and potential health harm of alternative BPs to human can also not be ignored. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 278-289, 2017.

In vitro toxicity assessment of sediment samples from Huangpu River and Suzhou River, Shanghai, China

Sediments are the ultimate sink for many toxic organic contaminants released into aquatic environment. The present study evaluated the toxicity effect of 13 surface sediment samples from Huangpu River and Suzhou River, East China using two-hybrid yeast bioassays for estrogenic and thyroidal effects and H4IIE rat hepatoma cell bioassay for ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity. Toxicity was expressed as 17β-estradiol equivalent (E2-EQ), 3,3',5-triiodothyronine equivalent (T3-EQ), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) equivalent (TEQ). At the same time, the causality between the observed EROD activity and concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was examined. The results showed that the total estrogenic effects in sediments ranged from 0.06 to 1.21 μg E2-EQ kg(-1) dry weight (dw), the thyroidal effects ranged from 4.68 to 69.9 μg T3-EQ kg(-1) dw, and significantly positive correlations were found between lgT3-EQs and lgE2-EQs. The AhR agonist effects varied from 26.5 to 148.3 ng TEQ kg(-1) dw. Chemical analysis-derived TEQs contributed by PAHs ranged from 13.8 to 66.0 ng kg(-1) dw accounting for 27.2-109.9 % with mean of 48.9 % of TEQbio, indicating that PAHs made important contributions to the EROD effects of sediment extracts from the two rivers. The present study would provide meaningful information for further analysis and risk evaluation for organic pollutants in Huangpu River and Suzhou River.

Inhibition of hypoxia-induced cyclooxygenase-2 by Korean Red Ginseng is dependent on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

Background

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a traditional herbal medicine made by steaming and drying fresh ginseng. It strengthens the endocrine and immune systems to ameliorate various inflammatory responses. The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 pathway has important implications for inflammation responses and tumorigenesis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a transcription factor that regulates not only adipogenesis and lipid homeostasis, but also angiogenesis and inflammatory responses.

Methods

The effects of the KRG on inhibition of hypoxia-induced COX-2 via PPARγ in A549 cells were determined by luciferase assay, Western blot, and/or quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The antimigration and invasive effects of KRG were evaluated on A549 cells using migration and matrigel invasion assays.

Results and conclusion

We previously reported that hypoxia-induced COX-2 protein and mRNA levels were suppressed by KRG. This study examines the possibility of PPARγ as a cellular target of KRG for the suppression of hypoxia-induced COX-2. PPARγ protein levels and PPARγ-responsive element (PPRE)-driven reporter activities were increased by KRG. Reduction of hypoxia-induced COX-2 by KRG was abolished by the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662. In addition, the inhibition of PPARγ abolished the effect of KRG on hypoxia-induced cell migration and invasion.

Discussion

Our results show that KRG inhibition of hypoxia-induced COX-2 expression and cell invasion is dependent on PPARγ activation, supporting the therapeutic potential for suppression of inflammation under hypoxia. Further studies are required to demonstrate whether KRG activates directly PPARγ and to identify the constituents responsible for this activity.

Methyl syringate, a TRPA1 agonist represses hypoxia-induced cyclooxygenase-2 in lung cancer cells

BACKGROUND

We have previously found that methyl syringate is a specific and selective agonist of the human transient receptor potential channel ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and suppresses food intake and gastric emptying in imprinting control region mice. Because TRPA1 has been implicated in inflammatory responses, and inflammation and tumorigenesis are stimulated by the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E2 pathway in hypoxic cancer cells.

PURPOSE

This study examined the effects of methyl syringate on hypoxia-induced COX-2 in human distal lung epithelial A549 cells.

STUDY DESIGN

The effect of the methyl syringate on suppression of hypoxia-induced COX-2 in A549 cells were determined by Western blot and/or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The anti-invasive effect of methyl syringate was evaluated on A549 cells using matrigel invasion assay.

RESULTS

Methyl syringate suppressed hypoxia-induced COX-2 protein and mRNA expression and promoter activity and reduced hypoxia-induced cell migration and invasion and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor. These effects were antagonized by a TRPA1 antagonist, implying their mediation by the TRPA1 pathway.

CONCLUSION

Together, these results indicate that methyl syringate inhibits the hypoxic induction of COX-2 expression and cell invasion through TRPA1 activation. These findings suggest that methyl syringate could be effective to suppress hypoxia-induced inflammation and indicate an additional functional effect of methyl syringate.

Thyroid hormone-disrupting activity and ecological risk assessment of phosphorus-containing flame retardants by in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches

In recent years, phosphorus-containing flame retardants (PFRs) have been frequently detected in various environmental media and biota - and in humans - as the result of steady increase in global usage of PFRs. However, studies on the potential health and ecological risks of PFRs are still scarce. In this study, we investigated the thyroid hormone-disrupting activity and ecological risk of nine frequently detected PFRs by in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches. Results from the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that tributyl phosphate (TNBP), tricresyl phosphate (TMPP), tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCIPP) and tris(2-chloro-1-(chloromethyl)ethyl)phosphate (TDCIPP) exerted thyroid receptor β (TRβ) antagonistic activity, with the values of RIC20 of 5.2 × 10(-7), 2.7 × 10(-7), 1.2 × 10(-6) and 6.8 × 10(-6) M, respectively. Molecular docking platform simulations suggested that the observed effects may be attributed to direct binding of PFRs to TR. Results from the T-screen assay indicated that TNBP and TMPP showed T3 antagonistic activity and thus significantly decreased the viability of GH3 cell lines in the presence of T3. The exposure assay using Xenopus tropicalis embryos revealed the potential teratogenic effect of TNBP, TMPP, TCIPP and TDCIPP. In conclusion, our studies revealed that some PFRs were potential thyroid hormone disruptors and may cause health and ecological risks. However, the mode of action of PFRs on TR remains uncertain. The correlation between the predicted affinity and the amplitude of the effect observed in cell based assay is encouraging, but not decisive. Further in vitro binding experiments of TR and PFRs are required. At the same time, the results provided here also demonstrated that multi-model approaches are of great importance to comprehensively evaluate the potential risks of emerging contaminants.

Electrochemical behavior of tectoridin and its sensitive determination based on L-arginine modified electrode

A simple, inexpensive and highly sensitive voltammetric method for the determination of tectoridin was developed using a poly(L-Arginine) modified electrode. The redox character of tectoridin at proposed electrode was studied systematically and some dynamic parameters were calculated for the first time. A reasonable reaction mechanism of tectoridin on the poly(L-Arginine)/GCE was also dicussed and proposed, which could be a reference for the pharmacological action of tectoridin in clinical study. And the electroanalytical method for determination of tectoridin was established by differential pulse voltammograms (DPV). Under optimum conditions, the response peak currents were linear relationship with tectoridin concentrations in the range of 5.0×10(-8)-2.0×10(-6) mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 4.0×10(-8) mol L(-1). Therefore, the high sensitivity for tectoridin sensing at the proposed electrode was achieved, and the proposed method could also be used to detect tectoridin in the Chinese medicinal herb Blackberrylily with satisfactory results.