Tatarinan T, an α-asarone-derived lignin, attenuates osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL via the inhibition of NFATc1/c-Fos expression.

We have previously reported that the lignin-like compounds, Tatarinan O (TO) and Tatarinan N (TN), extracted from the roots of Acorus tatarinowii Schott, inhibit receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis. In the present study, the potential function of the α-asarone-derived lignins, Tatarinan T (TT) and Tatarinan A (TA), to regulate RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis was investigated, and it was found that only early treatment with TT may inhibit RANKL-triggered formation of osteoclasts and resorption. The results revealed repressed expression levels of several osteoclast marker genes, including ATPase H -transporting V0 subunit d2 (Atp6v0d2), αvβ3 integrin, and osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR), following TT treatment during osteoclastogenesis.

Dioscin Inhibits Virulence Factors of .

infections present a heavy burden upon public health, with only a few drugs available, while biofilms formed by worsen this situation. Dioscin has antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects, and this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dioscin on the biofilm formation and development, as well as other virulence factors of such as morphological transition, adhesion, and extracellular secreted phospholipase. Our results showed dioscin inhibits these virulence factors and has low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells.

Calycosin Suppresses RANKL-Mediated Osteoclastogenesis through Inhibition of MAPKs and NF-κB.

Calycosin, an isoflavonoid phytoestrogen, isolated from Radix Astragali, was reported to possess anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, and osteogenic properties, but its impact on osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of calycosin on osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL. The results showed that calycosin significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation from primary bone marrow macrophages (BMMs).

Proteomics Analysis of Cellular Proteins Co-Immunoprecipitated with Nucleoprotein of Influenza A Virus (H7N9).

Avian influenza A viruses are serious veterinary pathogens that normally circulate among avian populations, causing substantial economic impacts. Some strains of avian influenza A viruses, such as H5N1, H9N2, and recently reported H7N9, have been occasionally found to adapt to humans from other species. In order to replicate efficiently in the new host, influenza viruses have to interact with a variety of host factors.

Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 prevents atherosclerosis via inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 on the development of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice. Eight-week-old ApoE(-/-) mice were fed a Western diet with or without L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 daily for 16 weeks.

Anti-allergic flavones from Arthraxon hispidus.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation for an EtOAc-soluble fraction of methanolic extract of Arthraxon hispidus, using primary cell assay with bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC), led to an isolation of six new flavones and nine known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were established by one dimensional (1D)- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic data, as luteolin 8-C-β-kerriopyranoside (1), luteolin 8-acetic acid methyl ester (2), 7-methyl-luteolin 8-C-β-(6-deoxyxylo-3-uloside) (3), apigenin 8-C-α-fucopyranoside (4), apigenin 8-C-β-fucopyranoside (5) and luteolin 8-C-β-fucopyranoside (6). All the isolates were evaluated for inhibitory activities on interleukin-6 release in the primary cultures using BMMC.

Xanthone constituents of the fruits of Garcinia mangostana with anticomplement activity.

Phytochemical investigation of a chloroform-soluble fraction of the freeze-dried fruits of Garcinia mangostana (Clusiaceace) with anticomplement activity in the classical pathway led to the identification of five known xanthones. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by interpretation of NMR and MS spectroscopic data. Of the isolates obtained, 1-isomangostin and garcinone E were found to be active constituents in the anticomplement assay used.