Cloning and functional characterization of volatile-terpene synthase genes from Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana.

Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana is significant as a precious and endemic plant in Taiwan. The trunk, renowned for its excellent texture and color, is ideal for construction materials and furniture.

Exploring the inhibitory activity and mechanism on lipid production in 3T3-L1 cells by hot water extract derived from Acacia confusa flowers.

Acacia confusa Merr. (Fabaceae) (A. confusa) is a native tree species of Taiwan, commonly found in the low-altitude mountains and hilly areas of the Hengchun Peninsula.

Composition Characterization of Leaf Essential Oil and Its Anti-Inflammatory Activity Mechanisms.

This study investigates the composition characteristics and anti-inflammatory activity mechanisms of the essential oil from the leaves of . is a perennial herb commonly found in East Asia, traditionally used to treat various ailments. The essential oil extracted through water distillation, primarily contains 1,8-cineole (13.

Essential Oils Induce ROS-Mediated Autophagy and Apoptosis by Targeting SIRT1 in Colon Cancer Cells.

Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer that affects both sexes and has a poor prognosis due to aggressiveness and chemoresistance. Essential oils isolated from (CF-EOs) have been shown to demonstrate anti-termite, antifungal, anti-mosquito, and anti-microbial activities. However, the anticancer effects of CF-EOs are not yet fully understood.

Savinin Triggers Programmed Cell Death of Ray Parenchyma Cells in Heartwood Formation of Hayata.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between lignan biosynthesis and programmed cell death (PCD) of ray parenchyma cells during the heartwood formation of Taiwania ( Hayata). Since the PCD of ray parenchyma cells and the synthesis of lignans are the two main processes involved in the formation of heartwood, both of which need to be completed through gene regulation. Based on the results of genomics and bioinformatics analysis, that the PCD of tracheids are induced by genotoxic, and the PCD of ray parenchyma cells is induced by biological factors, such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, which could induce oxidative stress.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Constituents from Hayata Leaves and Their Mechanisms.

is an endemic species of Taiwan. Although most Cinnamomum plants have significant biological activity, the bioactivity investment of is rare. Since inflammation plays an important role in many diseases, anti-inflammatory compounds can be developed into healthcare products.

Antcin A, a phytosterol regulates SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated metabolic alteration in THP-1 cells explored by the H-NMR-based metabolomics approach.

The mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated perturbations of metabolic pathways and modulation of antcin A, a steroid-like compound isolated from Taiwanofungus camphoratus, are not studied. Here, we investigated the metabolic alteration by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the regulatory effect of antcin A on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced metabolic changes in the Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced human monocytes (THP-1) using proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( H-NMR) and MetaboAnalyst 5.0 software.

Cloning and functional characterization of three sesquiterpene synthase genes from Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsumura.

Terpene synthase (TPS) analysis may contribute to a better understanding of terpenoids biosynthesis and the evolution of phylogenetic taxonomy. Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsumura is an endemic and valuable conifer of Taiwan. Its excellent wood quality, fragrance, and durability make it become the five precious conifers in Taiwan.

Anti-Melanogenic Activity of Wood Essential Oil and Its Chemical Composition Analysis.

(Cupressaceae) is one of the five precious woods of Taiwan. In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenic activity of wood essential oil (CFEO) and its bioactive components in vitro. Initially, CFEO exhibited strong mushroom tyrosinase activity in the cell-free mushroom tyrosinase assay system with an IC value of 2.

Elucidation of the core betalain biosynthesis pathway in Amaranthus tricolor.

Amaranthus tricolor L., a vegetable Amaranthus species, is an economically important crop containing large amounts of betalains. Betalains are natural antioxidants and can be classified into betacyanins and betaxanthins, with red and yellow colors, respectively.

Color variation in young and senescent leaves of Formosan sweet gum (Liquidambar formosana) by the gene regulation of anthocyanidin biosynthesis.

In certain plants, leaf coloration occurs in young and senescent leaves; however, it is unclear whether these two developmental stages are controlled by the same regulatory mechanisms. Formosan sweet gum (Liquidambar formosana Hance) is a subtropical deciduous tree species that possesses attractive autumnal leaf coloration. The color of young leaves is closer to purplish red, while senescent leaves are more orange-red to dark red.

Phylogenetically distant group of terpene synthases participates in cadinene and cedrane-type sesquiterpenes accumulation in Taiwania cryptomerioides.

Along with the species evolution, plants have evolved ways to produce a different collection of terpenoids to accommodate its biotic and abiotic environment, and terpene synthase (TPS) is one of the major contributors to various terpene compounds. The timber of a monotypic and relictual conifer species of Cupressace, Taiwania cryptomerioides, has excellent durability, and one of the essential factors for Taiwania to resist decay and insect pests is sesquiterpene. Compared to other conifers, Taiwania has much higher abundance of cadinene-type sesquiterpenes, and the presence of cedrene-type sesquiterpenes.

Biochemical characterization of diterpene synthases of Taiwania cryptomerioides expands the known functional space of specialized diterpene metabolism in gymnosperms.

Taiwania cryptomerioides is a monotypic gymnosperm species, valued for the high decay resistance of its wood. This durability has been attributed to the abundance of terpenoids, especially the major diterpenoid metabolite ferruginol, with antifungal and antitermite activity. Specialized diterpenoid metabolism in gymnosperms primarily recruits bifunctional class-I/II diterpene synthases (diTPSs), whereas monofunctional class-II and class-I enzymes operate in angiosperms.

Dysfunctional high density lipoprotein failed to rescue the function of oxidized low density lipoprotein-treated endothelial progenitor cells: a novel index for the prediction of HDL functionality.

Lipid metabolic disorders play critical roles in atherogenesis. Traditionally, it has been suggested that reduced high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels might be an important morbidity indicator for cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it has been argued that therapeutically raising HDL levels may reduce atherogenesis in patients with dyslipidemia.

trans-3-Methoxy-5-hydroxystilbene (MHS) from the rhizome of Alpinia nantonensis inhibits metastasis in human lung cancer cells.

Background: Alpinia nantoensis (Zingiberaceae) is an aromatic plant endemic to Taiwan, which is used as food flavoring and traditional herbal medicine. The biological activities of compounds isolated from this plant are rarely investigated.

Purpose: The present study was aimed to investigate the anti-metastatic potential of trans-3‑methoxy‑5-hydroxystilbene (MHS) a major stilbene isolated from the rhizomes of A.

Effectiveness and Safety of Standard- and Low-Dose Rivaroxaban in Asians With Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Low-dose rivaroxaban (10 mg/day) has been widely used in Asia for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), although there is a lack of evidence regarding its effectiveness. In Asians, it is unclear whether low-dose rivaroxaban is equally effective as that of the standard dose or is associated with less bleeding risk.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of standard-dose (15 or 20 mg/day) and low-dose (10 mg/day) rivaroxaban in Asians with AF.

Association between renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade and future osteoporotic fracture risk in hypertensive population: A population-based cohort study in Taiwan.

Tissue renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation in sites of osteoporosis had been demonstrated in animal studies; however, the possibility of RAAS blockade to prevent future osteoporotic fracture had rarely been verified in clinical studies. We Used the Taiwan Longitudinal Health insurance database 2000 to 2008, the cohort study comprised patients age over 40 with a recorded new diagnosis of hypertension between January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2008, in addition, patients who had diagnosis of osteoporosis before the date of cohort enter were excluded. After the definite diagnosis of hypertension, each patient was followed until osteoporotic fracture happened or the end of 2008.

Eotaxin-2 increased toll-like receptor 4 expression in endothelial cells and exacerbates high-cholesterol diet-induced atherogenesis .

Eotaxin-2 is a potent chemoattractant. High concentration of eotaxin-2 triggers the inflammation and tumor metastasis. Inhibition of eotaxin-2 may protect experimental atherogenesis although the mechanism is still unclear.

Thrombomodulin regulates monocye differentiation via PKCδ and ERK1/2 pathway in vitro and in atherosclerotic artery.

Thrombomodulin (TM) modulates the activation of protein C and coagulation. Additionally, TM regulates monocyte migration and inflammation. However, its role on monocyte differentiation is still unknown.

Phytoplasma SAP11 alters 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine biosynthesis in Nicotiana benthamiana by suppressing NbOMT1.

Phytoplasmas are bacterial phytopathogens that release virulence effectors into sieve cells and act systemically to affect the physiological and morphological state of host plants to promote successful pathogenesis. We show here that transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana lines expressing the secreted effector SAP11 from Candidatus Phytoplasma mali exhibit an altered aroma phenotype. This phenomenon is correlated with defects in the development of glandular trichomes and the biosynthesis of 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP).

The GroEL protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis regulates atherogenic phenomena in endothelial cells mediated by upregulating toll-like receptor 4 expression.

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) is a bacterial species that causes periodontitis. GroEL from P.

Metabolite Profiling and Comparison of Bioactivity in Antrodia cinnamomea and Antrodia salmonea Fruiting Bodies.

Antrodia cinnamomea is a precious edible mushroom endemic to Taiwan that has been claimed to have significant health promotion activities. Antrodia salmonea is a new species of the genus Antrodia. In this study, we compared the metabolites and bioactivity of A.