Natural Compound 2-Chloro-1,3-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzene, Isolated from Hericium Erinaceus, Inhibits Fungal Growth by Disrupting Membranes and Triggering Apoptosis

In this study, 2-chloro-1,3-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzene (CDM), a natural product with anti-Candida albicans activity, was discovered from the Hericium erinaceus mycelium. The minimum inhibitory concentration of CDM was 62.5 μg/mL. Moreover, structural analogues of CDM obtained from chemical synthesis were applied to explore the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of CDM against C. albicans. It was found that methoxy groups, halogen atoms (except fluorine atoms), and methoxy-meta-position methyl groups in the structure of CDM were the key active groups. Furthermore, we investigated the anti-C. albicans mechanism of CDM. Experiments suggested that CDM destroyed the cell membrane of C. albicans, including the cytoplasmic membrane and mitochondrial membrane, and caused the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction, which ultimately led to apoptosis of C. albicans. In addition, CDM had no toxicity on human normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells exposed to a concentration of 125 μg/mL. Experiments showed that CDM reduced the damage of C. albicans to the visceral tissue of infected mice and improved the survival rate of mice. Our research provides a scientific basis for the discovery of effective and safe anti-C. albicans drugs from H. erinaceus.

Meta-analysis of the impact of cross-cultural training on adjustment, cultural intelligence, and job performance

Purpose

This research aims to provide an updated meta-analysis of cross-cultural training effectiveness through quantitatively reviewing the links between cross-cultural training and three outcomes: adjustment, cultural intelligence and job performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from 37 independent samples from 1991 through August 2021 involving a total of 7,040 trainees, the author adopt random-effects meta-analyses method to assess the relationships between cross-cultural training and three outcomes and examine potential moderators (i.e. training phase, training method and rating source) that influence these relationships.

Findings

The meta-analytical results mainly support our hypotheses. Cross-cultural training -adjustment exhibits a medium and significant positive effect, whereas cross-cultural training is positive significantly related to job performance and cultural intelligence of small effect sizes. Training method and data source significantly moderate the cross-cultural training's impact on cultural intelligence and performance correspondingly.

Originality/value

This study considers longitudinal statistics for measuring cross-cultural training effectiveness, breaking down the inadequacy of cross-sectional measurement and covers sub-dimensions of cross-cultural training outcomes to provide more comprehensive and advanced evidence of cross-cultural training effectiveness for the latest 30 years.

Effect and Mechanism of TL1A Expression on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition during Chronic Colitis-Related Intestinal Fibrosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent evidences reveal that epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) exacerbates the process of intestinal fibrosis. Tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A (TL1A) is a member of the tumor necrosis family (TNF), which can take part in the development of colonic inflammation and fibrosis by regulating immune response or inflammatory factors. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the possible contribution of TL1A in onset and progression of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis through EMT.

METHODS

Colonic specimens were obtained from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and control individuals. The expression levels of TL1A and EMT-related markers in intestinal tissues were evaluated. Furthermore, the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, HT-29, was stimulated with TL1A, anti-TL1A antibody, or BMP-7 to assess EMT process. In addition, transgenic mice expressing high levels of TL1A in lymphoid cells were used to further investigate the mechanism of TL1A in intestinal fibrosis.

RESULTS

High levels of TL1A expression were detected in the intestinal specimens of patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and were negatively associated with the expression of an epithelial marker (E-cadherin), while it was positively associated with the expression of interstitial markers (FSP1 and α-SMA). Transgenic mice with high expression of TL1A were more sensitive to dextran sodium sulfate and exhibited severe intestinal inflammation and fibrosis. Additionally, the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway may be involved in TL1A-induced EMT, and the expression of IL-13 and EMT-related transcriptional molecules (e.g., ZEB1 and Snail1) was increased in the intestinal specimens of the transgenic mice. Furthermore, TL1A-induced EMT can be influenced by anti-TL1A antibody or BMP-7 in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

TL1A participates in the formation and process of EMT in intestinal fibrosis. This new knowledge enables us to better understand the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis and identify new therapeutic targets for its treatment.