Isolation and characterization of ZK002, a novel dual function snake venom protein from with anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Pathological angiogenesis, the abnormal or excessive generation of blood vessels, plays an important role in many diseases including cancer, diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, and arthritis. Additionally, increasing evidence supports the close linkage between angiogenesis and inflammation. Snake venoms are a rich natural source of biologically active molecules and carry rich potential for the discovery of anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory modulators.

Behavioural toxicity studies of Cyclope neritea and Nassarius mutabilis exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The objective of the work was to study behavioural change of Cyclope neritea (sea snail) and Nassarius mutabilis (land snail) upon exposure to different levels of PAHs. Snail's behaviour was translated and expressed in Behavioural State Score (BSS) where the score ranged from "0" to "5" points refers to the ascending level of locomotion of a snail. A significant difference was found in snail's behaviour in 25.

The potential of Mikania micrantha (Chinese creeper) to hyperaccumulate heavy metals in soil contaminated by electronic waste.

The objective of this study is to investigate the contributions of Mikania micrantha (chinese creeper) to remediate heavy metal pollutants present in an e-waste-contaminated soil. Different proportions of e-waste soil (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% w/w) planted with Cynodon dactylon together with the test species were prepared for testing relative seed germination (RSG), relative root growth (RRG), and germination index (GI) tests. A significant higher value of GI (77.

Korean Red Ginseng extract induces angiogenesis through activation of glucocorticoid receptor.

Background: Our previous studies have demonstrated that ginsenoside-Rg1 can promote angiogenesis and through activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Furthermore, microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling has shown that Rg1 can modulate the expression of a subset of miRNAs to induce angiogenesis. Moreover, Rb1 was shown to be antiangiogenic through activation of a different pathway.

MicroRNA profiling study reveals miR-150 in association with metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in pathogenesis of human cancers. Several miRNAs have been shown to involve in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) pathogenesis through alteration of gene networks. A global view of the miRNA expression profile of clinical specimens would be the best way to screen out the possible miRNA candidates that may be involved in disease pathogenesis.

Role of G3BP1 in glucocorticoid receptor-mediated microRNA-15b and microRNA-23a biogenesis in endothelial cells.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of non-coding RNAs that play crucial roles in regulating various normal cellular responses. Recent studies revealed that the canonical miRNA biogenesis pathway is subject to sophisticated regulation. Hormonal control of miRNA biogenesis by androgen and estrogen has been demonstrated, but the direct effects of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) on miRNA biogenesis are unknown.

A Device for Performing Cell Migration/Wound Healing in a 96-Well Plate.

The cell migration/wounding assay is a commonly used method to study cell migration and other biological processes, such as angiogenesis and tumor metastasis. In this assay, cells are grown to form a confluent monolayer and a mechanical wound is created by scratching with a device. Then the migration rate of the cells towards the denuded area can be monitored by imaging.

Role of microRNA-520h in 20(R)-ginsenoside-Rg3-mediated angiosuppression.

Background: Ginsenoside-Rg3, the pharmacologically active component of red ginseng, has been found to inhibit tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis in various cancer models. Previously, we found that 20(R)-ginsenoside-Rg3 (Rg3) could inhibit angiogenesis. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to affect many biological processes, they might play an important role in ginsenoside-mediated angiomodulation.

Anti-inflammatory effects of indirubin derivatives on influenza A virus-infected human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells.

Influenza A virus (IAV) poses global threats to human health. Acute respiratory distress syndrome and multi-organ dysfunction are major complications in patients with severe influenza infection. This may be explained by the recent studies which highlighted the role of the pulmonary endothelium as the center of innate immune cells recruitment and excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines production.

Photocatalytic transformation of acesulfame: Transformation products identification and embryotoxicity study.

Artificial sweeteners have been recognized as emerging contaminants due to their wide application, environmental persistence and ubiquitous occurrence. Among them, acesulfame has attracted much attention. After being discharged into the environment, acesulfame undergoes photolysis naturally.

Ginsenoside-Rg1 induces angiogenesis by the inverse regulation of MET tyrosine kinase receptor expression through miR-23a.

Therapeutic angiogenesis has been implicated in ischemic diseases and wound healing. Ginsenoside-Rg1 (Rg1), one of the most abundant active components of ginseng, has been demonstrated as an angiogenesis-stimulating compound in different models. There is increasing evidence implicating microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of non-coding RNAs, as important regulators of angiogenesis, but the role of microRNAs in Rg1-induced angiogenesis has not been fully explored.

Proteomic analysis of exosomes from nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell identifies intercellular transfer of angiogenic proteins.

Exosomes, a group of secreted extracellular nanovesicles containing genetic materials and signaling molecules, play a critical role in intercellular communication. During tumorigenesis, exosomes have been demonstrated to promote tumor angiogenesis and metastasis while their biological functions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are poorly understood. In this study, we focused on the role of NPC-derived exosomes on angiogenesis.

The melanogenesis-inhibitory effect and the percutaneous formulation of ginsenoside Rb1.

Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) is the most predominant ginsenoside isolated from the roots of ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer).

Ginsenoside compound K induces apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via activation of apoptosis-inducing factor.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a high incidence rate in Southern China. Although there are conventional therapies, the side effects and toxicities are not always tolerable for patients. Recently, the tumoricidal effect of ginsenosides on different cancer cells has been studied.

Ginseng extracts restore high-glucose induced vascular dysfunctions by altering triglyceride metabolism and downregulation of atherosclerosis-related genes.

The king of herbs, Panax ginseng, has been used widely as a therapeutic agent vis-à-vis its active pharmacological and physiological effects. Based on Chinese pharmacopeia Ben Cao Gang Mu and various pieces of literature, Panax ginseng was believed to exert active vascular protective effects through its antiobesity and anti-inflammation properties. We investigated the vascular protective effects of ginseng by administrating ginseng extracts to rats after the induction of diabetes.

Current evidence for the hepatoprotective activities of the medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea.

Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) is an endemic mushroom species of Taiwan, and has been demonstrated to possess diverse biological and pharmacological activities, such as anti-hypertension, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, and immunomodulation. This review focuses on the inhibitory effects of AC on hepatitis, hepatocarcinoma, and alcohol-induced liver diseases (e.g.

Saikosaponin-d Enhances the Anticancer Potency of TNF-α via Overcoming Its Undesirable Response of Activating NF-Kappa B Signalling in Cancer Cells.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α ) was reported as anticancer therapy due to its cytotoxic effect against an array of tumor cells. However, its undesirable responses of TNF- α on activating NF- κ B signaling and pro-metastatic property limit its clinical application in treating cancers. Therefore, sensitizing agents capable of overcoming this undesirable effect must be valuable for facilitating the usage of TNF- α -mediated apoptosis therapy for cancer patients.

Ginsenoside Rb₁ induces type I collagen expression through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta.

Wrinkle formation is one of the primary characteristics of skin aging, the major cause of wrinkle is the loss of structural protein type I collagen in dermal layer of skin. Topical application of natural substances to reduce wrinkle is gaining attention in recent years. Although a number of polyphenoic compounds are suggested to prevent ultraviolet-induced wrinkle, very few of them are able to increase type I collagen synthesis directly.

Review of biological and pharmacological activities of the endemic Taiwanese bitter medicinal mushroom, Antrodia camphorata (M. Zang et C. H. Su) Sh. H. Wu et al. (higher Basidiomycetes).

Antrodia camphorata is an extremely rare fungus native to the forested regions of Taiwan. It is also a traditional Chinese medicine, and Taiwanese aborigines applied it for treating liver diseases and protecting from food and drug intoxication. Scientific studies have demonstrated that A.

Stereoisomers ginsenosides-20(S)-Rg₃ and -20(R)-Rg₃ differentially induce angiogenesis through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma.

Ginsenosides are considered the major constituents that are responsible for most of the pharmacological actions of ginseng. However, some ginsenosides exist as stereoisomeric pairs, detailed and molecular exposition based on the structural differences of ginsenoside stereoisomers has not been emphasized in most studies. Here we explore the functional differences of ginsenoside Rg₃ stereoisomers on angiogenesis.

An indirubin derivative, E804, exhibits potent angiosuppressive activity.

Angiogenesis, the development of neovessels from pre-existing vessels, is obligatory for solid tumors survival, growth, invasion, and metastasis. Many anti-angiogenic agents are small molecules originated from natural sources. Recently, angiosuppressive effects of indirubin and its derivatives, the active components in indigo-producing herbs, have been shown to possess anti-viral and anti-inflammatory potentials.

Dual functions of ginsenosides in protecting human endothelial cells against influenza H9N2-induced inflammation and apoptosis.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Panax ginseng is a precious traditional Chinese herbal medicine which has been utilized as herbal tonic for improving immunity. The active component, ginsenosides have been shown to possess various pharmacological functions including immunomodulation and cardiovascular protection.

Aim Of The Study: To investigate the immunomodulatory effect and anti-apoptotic effect of ginsenosides on avian influenza-infected human endothelial cells, and to present evidence for the cardiovascular protection by ginseng during influenza infection.

The ginsenoside protopanaxatriol protects endothelial cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced cell injury and cell death by modulating intracellular redox status.

Ginsenosides, the active components of the famous Chinese herb ginseng, have been suggested to possess cardiovascular-protective effects. The mechanism of ginsenosides is believed to be associated with their ability to prevent cellular oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to explore the cytoprotective effects of the ginsenoside protopanaxatriol (PPT) on hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced endothelial cell injury and cell death.

Role of microRNA-214 in ginsenoside-Rg1-induced angiogenesis.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that act as post-transcriptional gene modulators. Ginsenoside-Rg1, one of the active components of ginseng, has been confirmed as an angiogenesis inducer. Using miRNA microarray analysis, a total of 17 (including miR-214) and 5 miRNAs were found to be down- or up-regulated by Rg1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), respectively.

Pharmacogenomics and the Yin/Yang actions of ginseng: anti-tumor, angiomodulating and steroid-like activities of ginsenosides.

In Chinese medicine, ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) has long been used as a general tonic or an adaptogen to promote longevity and enhance bodily functions.