Discovery and characterization of the covalent SARS-CoV-2 3CL inhibitors from Ginkgo biloba extract via integrating chemoproteomic and biochemical approaches.

Background: The 3C-like proteases (3CLs) are cysteine-rich homodimeric proteins and can be covalently modified by numerous natural and synthetic compounds, which in turn, block the proteolytic activity or the formation of enzymatically active dimeric forms. Although herbal medicines have been widely used to treat COVID-19, identification of the key herbal constituents that can covalently modify the 3CLs in β-coronaviruses (CoVs) remains a big challenge.

Aims: To construct a comprehensive approach for efficient discovering the covalent SARS-CoV-2 3CL inhibitors from herbal medicines.

[Analysis of peptides and proteins from Asini Corii Colla using nano LC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS].

This paper aims to systematically analyze the peptides and proteins from Asini Corii Colla(ACC) through shotgun proteomics. After high-pH reversed-phase fractionation, the proteins and peptides in the hydrolysate of ACC were further separated by nano LC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS under the following conditions: Thermo Scientific EASY column(100 μm×2 cm, 5 μm, C_(18)) as precolumn, Thermo Scientific EASY column(75 μm×100 mm, 3 μm, C_(18)) for solid phase extraction, gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid in water(mobile phase A) and 84% acetonitrile in water containing 0.

Sensing and imaging of exosomal CD26 secreted from cancer cells and 3D colorectal tumor model using a novel near-infrared fluorogenic probe.

Cancer-derived exosomes or their specific components hold great promise for early diagnosis and precise staging of cancers. This work aimed to construct a novel enzyme-activatable fluorescent substrate for real-time detection and in situ imaging of a key exosomal surface protein CD26 in various biological systems, as well as to reveal the relevance of exosomal CD26 to the tumorigenesis. For these purposes, a group of Gly-Pro amides deriving from several near-infrared fluorophores were designed on the basis of the unique prolyl-cleaving dipeptidease activity of CD26, while molecular docking simulations were applied to assess the possibility of the designed amides as CD26 specific substrates.

A TCM formula VYAC ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis via blocking mast cell degranulation and suppressing NF-κB pathway.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula (VYAC) consists of three herbs including Viola yedoensis Makino, herb (Violaceae, Viola), Sophora flavescens Aiton, root (Fabaceae, Sophora) and Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz, root and rhizome (Rutaceae, Dictamnus), has been traditionally prescribed to treat various skin diseases in clinic.

Aim Of The Study: This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of VYAC on the 2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Materials And Methods: VYAC was extracted with 70 % aqueous ethanol and lyophilized powder was used.

The long-term effects of superovulation on fertility and sexual behavior of male offspring in mice.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term effects of superovulation on fertility and sexual behavior of male offspring in mice.

Method: The mice were superovaluted, and the fertility of male offspring (F1 generation and F2 generation) were evaluated in terms of the percentage of plugs and pregnancies, serum testosterone concentrations, and sperm motility. Furthermore, the sexual behavior of male offspring and sex ratio (F1 generation and F2 generation) were measured.

In vitro maturation of oocytes is not a risk factor for adult metabolic syndrome of mouse offspring.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes on the serum cholesterol profile, glucose and insulin tolerance, blood pressure, and heart rate of adult mouse offspring.

Study Design: The serum cholesterol profile, glucose and insulin tolerance, blood pressure, and heart rate of adult offspring born from in vitro matured oocytes were compared with those of adult offspring born from in vivo matured oocytes.

Results: Offspring born from in vitro matured oocytes showed a normal serum cholesterol profile.

Effect of vitrification of mouse oocyte on the behavior of adult offspring.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of vitrification of mouse oocytes on the behavior of adult offspring.

Study Design: Oocytes from mice were vitrified, warmed and inseminated, and two-cell embryos were transferred to foster mothers. The behavioral characterization of the offspring was detected by the Morris water maze test, forced swimming test, and elevated plus maze test, and compared to that of offspring from fresh oocytes.