Girard Derivatization-Based Enrichment Strategy for Profiling the Carbonyl Submetabolome in Biological Samples.

Numerous bioactive compounds containing carbonyl groups, including aldehydes and ketones, are widely acknowledged as potential biomarkers for several diseases and are implicated in the development of metabolic disorders. However, the detection of carbonyl metabolites is hindered by challenges, such as poor ionization efficiency, low biological concentration, instability, and complexity of the sample matrix. To overcome these limitations, we developed a Girard derivatization-based enrichment (GDBE) strategy for capturing and comprehensively profiling carbonyl metabolites in biological samples.

Preparation of Rare Dehydrated Protopanaxadiol Ginsenosides from Leaves by Confined Microwave-Driven Transformation.

Rare dehydrated ginsenosides barely exist in natural ginseng plants. Herein, the confined microwave technique was utilized to transform the main ginsenosides of leaves (PNL) into dehydrated ginsenosides. The main microwave-treated products of dried PNL are dehydrated ginsenoside Rk1, Rg5, notoginsenoside SFt3, and SFt4.

A novel dual-ligand copper-based nanoflower for the colorimetric and fluorescence detection of 2,4-dichlorophenol, epinephrine and hydrogen peroxide.

Background: Nanozymes have the advantages of cost effective, simple synthesis, high durability and stability, and have been widely used in various fields. However, only a few nanomaterials with multiple enzyme-like activity have been reported, and most of the currently developed nanozymes are usually used in colorimetric or fluorescence analysis depending on a single colorimetric or fluorescence signal output. In this study, a copper-based dual-ligand biomimetic nanoflower (Cu-MN) was constructed, which demonstrated potential multiple enzyme-like activity, and was applied to the multi-mode detection of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DP), epinephrine (EP), and HO.

An integrated strategy for in-depth profiling of N-acylethanolamines in biological samples by UHPLC-HRMS.

Background: N-acylethanolamines (NAEs) are a class of naturally occurring bioactive lipids that play crucial roles in various physiological processes, particularly exhibiting neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the comprehensive profiling of endogenous NAEs in complex biological matrices is challenging due to their low abundance, structural similarity and the limited availability of commercial standards. Here, we propose an integrated strategy for comprehensive profiling of NAEs that combines chemical derivatization and a three-dimensional (3D) prediction model based on quantitative structure-retention time relationship (QSRR) using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS).

Triple three-dimensional MS/MS spectrum facilitates quantitative ginsenosides-targeted sub-metabolome characterization in notoginseng.

Although serving as the workhorse, MS/MS cannot fully satisfy the analytical requirements of quantitative sub-metabolome characterization. Because more information intrinsically correlates to more structural and concentration clues, here, efforts were devoted to comprehensively tracing and deciphering MS/MS behaviors through constructing triple three-dimensional (3×3D)-MS/MS spectrum. Ginsenosides-targeted metabolomics of notoginseng, one of the most famous edible medicinal plants, was employed as a proof-of-concept.

OGG1: An emerging multifunctional therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases caused by oxidative DNA damage.

Oxidative DNA damage-related diseases, such as incurable inflammation, malignant tumors, and age-related disorders, present significant challenges in modern medicine due to their complex molecular mechanisms and limitations in identifying effective treatment targets. Recently, 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1) has emerged as a promising multifunctional therapeutic target for the treatment of these challenging diseases. In this review, we systematically summarize the multiple functions and mechanisms of OGG1, including pro-inflammatory, tumorigenic, and aging regulatory mechanisms.

Chemical Isotope Labeling and Dual-Filtering Strategy for Comprehensive Profiling of Urinary Glucuronide Conjugates.

Glucuronidation, a crucial process in phase II metabolism, plays a vital role in the detoxification and elimination of endogenous substances and xenobiotics. A comprehensive and confident profiling of glucuronate-conjugated metabolites is imperative to understanding their roles in physiological and pathological processes. In this study, a chemical isotope labeling and dual-filtering strategy was developed for global profiling of glucuronide metabolites in biological samples.

A DNA-Modularized STING Agonist with Macrophage-Selectivity and Programmability for Enhanced Anti-Tumor Immunotherapy.

The activation of cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) and its adaptor, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), is known to reprogram the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for promoting antitumor immunity. To enhance the efficiency of cGAS-STING pathway activation, macrophage-selective uptake, and programmable cytosolic release are crucial for the delivery of STING agonists. However, existing polymer- or lipid-based delivery systems encounter difficulty in integrating multiple functions meanwhile maintaining precise control and simple procedures.

Discovery of plant chemical defence mediated by a two-component system involving β-glucosidase in Panax species.

Plants usually produce defence metabolites in non-active forms to minimize the risk of harm to themselves and spatiotemporally activate these defence metabolites upon pathogen attack. This so-called two-component system plays a decisive role in the chemical defence of various plants. Here, we discovered that Panax notoginseng, a valuable medicinal plant, has evolved a two-component chemical defence system composed of a chloroplast-localized β-glucosidase, denominated PnGH1, and its substrates 20(S)-protopanaxadiol ginsenosides.

Click chemistry-based enrichment strategy for tracing cellular fatty acid metabolism by LC-MS/MS.

Fatty acids (FAs), which were initially recognized as energy sources and essential building blocks of biomembranes, serve as the precursors of important signaling molecules. Tracing FA metabolism is essential to understanding the biochemical activity and role of FAs in physiological and pathological events. Inspired by the advances in click chemistry for protein enrichment, we herein established a click chemistry-based enrichment (CCBE) strategy for tracing the cellular metabolism of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 -3) in neural cells.

Discovery of new quaternized norharmane dimers as potential anti-MRSA agents.

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-caused infections greatly threaten public health. The discovery of natural-product-based anti-MRSA agents for treating infectious diseases has become one of the current research focuses.

Objectives: This study aims to identify promising anti-MRSA agents with a clear mechanism based on natural norharmane modified by quaternization or dimerization.

Ginsenoside Rk2, a dehydroprotopanaxadiol saponin, alleviates alcoholic liver disease via regulating NLRP3 and NLRP6 inflammasome signaling pathways in mice.

Heavy alcohol consumption results in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) with inadequate therapeutic options. Here, we first report the potential beneficial effects of ginsenoside Rk2 (Rk2), a rare dehydroprotopanaxadiol saponin isolated from streamed ginseng, against alcoholic liver injury in mice. Chronic-plus-single-binge ethanol feeding caused severe liver injury, as manifested by significantly elevated serum aminotransferase levels, hepatic histological changes, increased lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the liver.

Tissue-engineered edible bird's nests (TeeBN).

Edible bird's nests (EBN)-the nests of swiftlet birds harvested from the wild- are high-end healthcare food in East Asia, while their excessive harvesting poses increasing ecological, environmental, and food safety concerns. Here, we report for the first time a tissue-engineering (TE) approach for fabricating EBNs substitutes by integrating the technologies of three-dimensional (3D) printing and live cell culture. The engineered products, tissue-engineered edible bird's nests (TeeBN), comprise two layers.

Total saponins from Panax japonicus attenuate acute alcoholic liver oxidative stress and hepatosteatosis by p62-related Nrf2 pathway and AMPK-ACC/PPARα axis in vivo and in vitro.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Panax japonicus (T. Nees) C.A.

Macromolecule-based hydrogels nanoarchitectonics with mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative medicine: A review.

The role of regenerative medicine in clinical therapies is becoming increasingly vital. Under specific conditions, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiating into mesoblastema (i.e.

Biotransformation of the saponins in Panax notoginseng leaves mediated by gut microbiota from insomniac patients.

Saponins extracted from Panax notoginseng leaves by methanol or water could be orally administrated for insomnia with very low bioavailability, which might be bio-converted by gut microbiota to generate potential bioactive products. Moreover, gut microbiota profiles from insomniac patients are very different from healthy subjects. We aimed to compare the metabolic characteristics and profiles of the two saponins extract by incubation with gut microbiota from insomniac patients.

Biopolymer Food Packaging Films Incorporated with Essential Oils.

Petroleum-based packaging materials are typically nonbiodegradable, which leads to significant adverse environmental and health issues. Therefore, developing novel efficient, biodegradable, and nontoxic food packaging film materials has attracted increasing attention from researchers. Due to significant research and advanced technology, synthetic additives in packaging materials are progressively replaced with natural substances such as essential oils (EOs).

Chemical Stability of a Chinese Herbal Spirit Using LC-MS-Based Metabolomics and Accelerated Tests.

As a prevalent medicinal liquor among Chinese people, a type of Chinese herbal spirit from Jing Brand Co., Ltd (CHS-J) is a newly developed health beverage with the health functions of anti-fatigue and immune enhancement. The researchers from the enterprise found that the contents of several components in CHS-J samples have been significantly decreasing during the stated storage period, as detected by the HPLC-UV method, which would make a great challenge for quality control of CHS-J.

Integrating diverse plant bioactive ingredients with cyclodextrins to fabricate functional films for food application: a critical review.

The popularity of plant bioactive ingredients has become increasingly apparent in the food industry. However, these plant bioactive ingredients have many deficiencies, including low water solubility, poor stability, and unacceptable odor. Cyclodextrins (CDs), as cyclic molecules, have been extensively studied as superb vehicles of plant bioactive ingredients.

Red yeast rice ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through inhibiting lipid synthesis and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated hepatic inflammation in mice.

Background: Red yeast rice (RYR), a nutraceutical with a profound cholesterol-lowering effect, was found to attenuate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice. Despite monacolin K in RYR being a specific inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMCGR), the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of RYR against NAFLD are not fully elucidated.

Methods: Using a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding and a cellular model of HepG2 cells challenged by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and palmitic acid (PA), the possible molecular mechanisms were exploited in the aspects of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome and mTORC1-SREBPs signaling pathways by examining the relevant gene/protein expressions.

Natural and synthetic β-carboline as a privileged antifungal scaffolds.

The discovery of antifungal agents with novel structure, broad-spectrum, low toxicity, and high efficiency has been the focus of medicinal chemists. Over the past decades, β-carboline scaffold has attracted extensive attention in the scientific community due to its potent and diverse biological activities with nine successfully marketed β-carboline-based drugs. In this review, we summarized the current states and advances in the antifungal activity of natural and synthetic β-carbolines.

Cyclodextrin-Containing Hydrogels: A Review of Preparation Method, Drug Delivery, and Degradation Behavior.

Hydrogels possess porous structures, which are widely applied in the field of materials and biomedicine. As a natural oligosaccharide, cyclodextrin (CD) has shown remarkable application prospects in the synthesis and utilization of hydrogels. CD can be incorporated into hydrogels to form chemically or physically cross-linked networks.

Full Collision Energy Ramp-MS Spectrum in Structural Analysis Relying on MS/MS.

Albeit frequently being overlooked, MS spectrum variation against collision energy (CE) implies auxiliary structural clues for / values. Online energy-resolved MS (ER-MS) provides the opportunity to acquire the trajectory of ion intensity against CE for any fragment ion of interest, thus exactly offering the desired momentum to empower the conventional MS spectrum at a certain CE forward to a full-CE ramp MS spectrum (FCER-MS). Efforts were made here to construct an FCER-MS spectrum and to evaluate its potential toward structural analysis.