The Antiaging Effect of Active Fractions and Ent-11α-Hydroxy-15-Oxo-Kaur-16-En-19-Oic Acid Isolated from Adenostemma lavenia (L.) O. Kuntze at the Cellular Level

Novel TORC1 inhibitor Ecl1 is regulated by phosphorylation in fission yeast

Extender of chronological lifespan 1 (Ecl1) inhibits target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) and is necessary for appropriate cellular responses to various stressors, such as starvation, in fission yeast. However, little is known about the effect of posttranslational modifications on Ecl1 regulation. Thus, we investigated the phosphorylation levels of Ecl1 extracted from yeast under conditions of sulfur or metal starvation. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that Ecl1 was phosphorylated at Thr7, and the level was decreased by starvation. The phosphorylation-mimetic mutation of Thr7 significantly reduced the effects of Ecl1-induced cellular responses to starvation, suggesting that Ecl1 function was suppressed by Thr7 phosphorylation. By contrast, regardless of starvation exposure, TORC1 was significantly suppressed, even when Thr7 phosphorylation-mimetic Ecl1 was overexpressed. This indicated that Ecl1 suppressed TORC1 regardless of Thr7 phosphorylation. We newly identified that Ecl1 physically interacted with TORC1 subunit RAPTOR (Mip1). Based on these evidences, we propose that, Ecl1 has dual functional modes: quantity-dependent TORC1 inhibition and Thr7 phosphorylation-dependent control of cellular function.

Low-Molecular Weight Compounds that Extend the Chronological Lifespan of Yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Yeast is an excellent model organism for research for regulating aging and lifespan, and the studies have made many contributions to date, including identifying various factors and signaling pathways related to aging and lifespan. More than 20 years have passed since molecular biological perspectives are adopted in this research field, and intracellular factors and signal pathways that control aging and lifespan have evolutionarily conserved from yeast to mammals. Furthermore, these findings have been applied to control the aging and lifespan of various model organisms by adjustment of the nutritional environment, genetic manipulation, and drug treatment using low-molecular weight compounds. Among these, drug treatment is easier than the other methods, and research into drugs that regulate aging and lifespan is consequently expected to become more active. Chronological lifespan, a definition of yeast lifespan, refers to the survival period of a cell population under nondividing conditions. Herein, low-molecular weight compounds are summarized that extend the chronological lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, along with their intracellular functions. The low-molecular weight compounds are also discussed that extend the lifespan of other model organisms. Compounds that have so far only been studied in yeast may soon extend lifespan in other organisms.

Investigations of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Potential of Extract and Its Active Fractions from the Leaves of Horsfieldia spicata (Roxb.) J. Sinclair

This study was undertaken to analyse the potential bioactivities including antibacterial, antioxidant and antidiabetic derived from the methanolic extract and the column chromatography ethyl acetate fraction (AcOEt Fr) of Horsfieldia spicata leaves. Methanolic extract and 4 other fractions was calculated for total phenol and flavonoid contents along with tested for antibacterial, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Interestingly, the AcOEt Fr had the highest value for total flavonoid content and the best antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. Therefore, the AcOEt Fr was further separated using column chromatography technique for obtaining 9 selected fractions namely fraction 1 (F1) - fraction 9 (F9) which were further tested. The results showed that the AcOEt column chromatography fractions namely F2, F3, F4 and F6 had the best clear inhibition antibacterial value against all bacterial tested. In addition, these fractions also exhibited better Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) values than others. Antioxidant, 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assayed indicated that AcOEt Fr had the strongest IC50 value of 47.30 μg/mL. Further, F4 column chromatography fraction showed the best inhibition against α-Glucosidase enzyme related to antidiabetic activity with an IC50 value of 6.11 μg/mL. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis identified that F4 derived from AcOEt fraction had several compounds belonging to the flavonoid and phenolics such as 3',5-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone, 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)chromone, and Kadsurenin I.

Rapid discrimination of the native medicinal plant Adenostemma lavenia from its adulterants using PCR-RFLP

Background

In Taiwan, the aerial part of Adenostemma lavenia (Al) is used in the form of herbal tea or in a folk remedy primarily to mitigate inflammatory conditions in the lungs and liver. Due to the excellent health benefits of Al against inflammation, it has become increasingly crucial and in great demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Al has been found to be adulterated with Wedelia biflora, Sigesbeckia orientalis, and/or Wedelia chinensis because of similarities in appearance and vernacular names.

Methods

This study aimed to develop a PCR-RFLP DNA molecular method for the authentication of Al. The restriction enzyme BsrI was used according to the sequencing and alignment results of PCR products in the ITS2 regions of Al and its adulterants. Gel electrophoresis resulted in the clear separation of Al and its adulterants into two distinct categories.

Results

In conclusion, the PCR-RFLP authentication method developed herein provides an easy, rapid, and accurate method to distinguish Al from its adulterants to assure user health and safety.

Tschimganine has different targets for chronological lifespan extension and growth inhibition in fission yeast

Tschimganine inhibits growth and extends the chronological lifespan in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We synthesized a Tschimganine analog, Mochimganine, which extends the lifespan similar to Tschimganine but exhibits a significantly weaker growth inhibition effect. Based on the comparative analysis of these compounds, we propose that Tschimganine has at least 2 targets: one extends the lifespan and the other inhibits growth.

The role of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling cascade in mechanobiology and bone health

In conjunction with advancements in modern medicine, bone health is becoming an increasingly prevalent concern among a global population with an ever-growing life expectancy. Countless factors contribute to declining bone strength, and age exacerbates nearly all of them. The detrimental effects of bone loss have a profound impact on quality of life. As such, there is a great need for full exploration of potential therapeutic targets that may provide antiaging benefits and increase the life and strength of bone tissues. The Keap1-Nrf2 pathway is a promising avenue of this research. The cytoprotective and antioxidant functions of this pathway have been shown to mitigate the deleterious effects of oxidative stress on bone tissues, but the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms by which this occurs are not yet fully understood. Presently, refined animal and loading models are allowing exploration into the effect of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway in a tissue-specific or even cell-specific manner. In addition, Nrf2 activators currently undergoing clinical trials can be utilized to investigate the particular cellular mechanisms at work in this cytoprotective cascade. Although the timing and dosing of treatment with Nrf2 activators need to be further investigated, these activators have great potential to be used clinically to prevent and treat osteoporosis.

Antiaging Properties of the Ethanol Fractions of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) Bud and Leaf at the Cellular Levels: Study in Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The exposure of reactive oxygen species is one of the aging triggers at cellular level. The antioxidants have been used as strategic efforts in overcoming the accumulation of ROS. Previous research using crude extracts of clove bud and leaves showed its potential as an antioxidant agent. However, no data were available regarding the antioxidant and antiaging activities of subsequent fractions of clove extracts. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the antioxidant and antiaging activities of the n-hexane and ethanol fractions from clove bud and leaves. Antioxidant and antiaging activities were tested at the cellular level using the yeast model Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The highest flavonoid content was shown by clove leaf n-hexane fraction (25.6 mgQE·g−1). However, ethanol fraction of clove bud (FEB) showed the highest antioxidant activity based on TBA and antiglycation assays. FEB (8 μg·mL−1) and leaf ethanol fraction (FEL) (10 μg·mL−1) were able to induce yeast tolerance against oxidative stress. In addition, FEB could induce mitochondrial activity and delay the G1 phase of the cell cycle. FEB was found to be rich in gallic acid and (15Z)-9,12,13-trihydroxy-15-octadecenoic. Based on the data, FEB shows the potential antiaging activity, which is promising for further development as biopharmaceutical product formulations.

Antiaging and Antioxidant Bioactivities of Asteraceae Plant Fractions on the Cellular Functions of the Yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Research on antioxidants has been gaining worldwide attention because of their essential applications for medicinal purposes. In this study, we conducted bioprospecting of six Asteraceae plants as the source of antiaging and antioxidant agents. Water and chloroform fractions from Ageratum conyzoides L., Dichrocephala integrifolia (L.f.) Kuntze, Galinsoga parviflora (Cav.), Mikania micrantha Kunth, Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski, and Synedrella nodiflora L. were collected and assayed for their in vitro antioxidant activities and potential antiaging properties using the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe as the model organism. Based on the in vitro assay, the water fractions of S. trilobata showed a strong antioxidant activity. Interestingly, all treatment solutions promoted the stress tolerance phenotype of S. pombe to strong H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress conditions. Moreover, compared with the treatments without plant extract/fraction, all extract and fraction treatments, except the chloroform fractions of A. conyzoides, promoted yeast cell longevity. Strong induction of mitochondria activity was found following the treatments with the extracts and fractions of S. nodiflora, D. integrifolia, and M. micrantha and likely mimicked the calorie restriction-induced lifespan. Interestingly, S. nodiflora water fractions significantly upregulated the mRNA transcripts of the Pap1-mediated core environmental stress response, namely, ctt1 gene in S. pombe. These data indicated that the fractions of Asteraceae plants had potential antioxidant and antiaging activities through various cellular modulations. S. nodiflora water fraction has been shown to have antioxidant and antiaging activities in S. pombe, by modulating stress tolerance response, inducing mitochondrial activity, and increasing the ctt1 gene expression. Compounds analysis identified that S. nodiflora water fraction contained some primarily compounds including oxyphyllacinol, valine, and sugiol.

Antiaging and Skin Irritation Potential of Four Main Indonesian Essential Oils

Essential oils possess antiaging properties due to their antioxidant activity. This study aims to determine the antiaging activities of four main Indonesian essential oils and their irritation potential on the skin. The spot yeast and in vivo rat skin with UVB exposure methods were used to analyze the antiaging activity of essential oils on aging triggered by endogenous and exogenous factors, respectively. Meanwhile, patch tests and clinical evaluations were used for the skin irritation potential analysis. The antiaging activity results from the endogenous factor showed that the use of clove, patchouli, nutmeg, and citronella oils increased yeast viability at concentrations of 20, 40, 60, and 100 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, nutmeg, cloves, citronella, and patchouli oils decreased the wrinkle score on rat skin after UVB exposure (exogenous factor). The skin irritation potential results of patchouli, nutmeg, citronella, and clove oils were none (0), slightly (0.02), moderately (0.09), and very irritating (0.39), respectively.

Diversity of Adenostemma lavenia, multi-potential herbs, and its kaurenoic acid composition between Japan and Taiwan

Adenostemma lavenia (L.) Kuntze (Asteraceae) is widely distributed in tropical regions of East Asia, and both A. lavenia and A. madurense (DC) are distributed in Japan. In China and Taiwan, A. lavenia is used as a folk medicine for treating lung congestion, pneumonia, and hepatitis. However, neither phylogenic nor biochemical analysis of this plants has been performed to date. We have reported that the aqueous extract of Japanese A. lavenia contained high levels of ent-11α-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (11αOH-KA; a kaurenoic acid), which is a potent anti-melanogenic compound. Comparison of chloroplast DNA sequences suggested that A. lavenia is originated from A. madurense. Analyses of kaurenoic acids revealed that Japanese A. lavenia and A. madurense contained high levels of 11αOH-KA and moderate levels of 11α,15OH-KA, while Taiwanese A. lavenia mainly contained 9,11αOH-KA. The diverse biological activities (downregulation of Tyr, tyrosinase, gene expression [anti-melanogenic] and iNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase, gene expression [anti-inflammatory], and upregulation of HO-1, heme-oxygenase, gene expression [anti-oxidative]) were associated with 11αOH-KA and 9,11αOH-KA but not with 11α,15OH-KA. Additionally, 11αOH-KA and 9,11αOH-KA decreased Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) protein levels, which was accompanied by upregulation of protein level and transcriptional activity of Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor-2) followed by HO-1 gene expression. 11αOH-KA and 9,11αOH-KA differ from 11α,15OH-KA in terms of the presence of a ketone (αβ-unsaturated carbonyl group, a thiol modulator) at the 15^th position; therefore, thiol moieties on the target proteins, including Keap1, may be important for the biological activities of 11αOH-KA and 9,11αOH-KA and A. lavenia extract.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Adenostemma lavenia (Asteraceae) and phylogenetic analysis with related species

Adenostemma lavenia is a perennial medical herb in the family Asteraceae. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genome of A. lavenia. The complete chloroplast genome size is 150,063 bp with a GC content of 37.63%. The A. lavenia chloroplast genome is a typical quadripartite structure, including a large single-copy region (LSC) of 82,017 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,142 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 24,952 bp each. A total of 114 unique genes, including 29 tRNA genes, four rRNA genes, and 81 protein-coding genes were found in the chloroplast genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. lavenia is more closely related with Chromolaena odorata.

Extension of chronological lifespan in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

There are several examples in the nature wherein the mechanism of longevity control of unicellular organisms is evolutionarily conserved with that of higher multicellular organisms. The present microreview focuses on aging and longevity studies, particularly on chronological lifespan (CLS) concerning the unicellular eukaryotic fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In S. pombe, >30 compounds, 8 types of nutrient restriction, and >80 genes that extend CLS have been reported. Several CLS control mechanisms are known to be involved in nutritional response, energy utilization, stress responses, translation, autophagy, and sexual differentiation. In unicellular organisms, the control of CLS is directly linked to the mechanism by which cells are maintained in limited‐resource environments, and their genetic information is left to posterity. We believe that this important mechanism may have been preserved as a lifespan control mechanism for higher organisms.

Bergenin Monohydrate Attenuates Inflammatory Response via MAPK and NF-κB Pathways Against Klebsiella pneumonia Infection

Background:Klebsiella pneumonia has emerged as a critical pathogen causing severe clinical problems, such as pneumonia and sepsis. Meanwhile, intensified drug resistance induced by antibiotic therapy necessitates discovering novel and active molecules from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treatment.

Methods and results: In this study, the isolated Bergenin monohydrate showed an anti-inflammatory effect in Klebsiella-infected mice. We initially investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and cytoprotection against oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, a specific dose of Bm can effectively ameliorate lung injury and suppress the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and PEG2. Moreover, Bm was also shown to reduced the levels of MPO, MDA and increased SOD and GSH activities. Moreover, we assessed the intracellular signaling molecules including p38, ERK, JNK, IκB, NF-κB-p65 by western blotting and verified through MAPK and NF-κB pathways inhibition experiments. These results reveal that Bm executed its effects via the classical MAPK signaling pathway and NF-κB pathway.

Conclusion: Given its underlying anti-inflammatory effect, Bm may be used as a promising therapeutic against Klebsiella-induced infection, thus providing a benefit for the future clinical therapy of pneumonia and medicine design.