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The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) is a key cytosolic pattern recognition receptor that senses diverse pathogen- and host-originated threat signals. Aberrant activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various complex inflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, the detailed regulation mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome and its pathogenic roles in the inflammation progression remain to be fully elucidated. Fluorescent imaging with small molecule probe can provide valuable visualization information on the expression, occupancy and bio-distribution of target protein. Herein, we reported a series of diarylsulfonylurea NLRP3 fluorescent inhibitors bearing an amino benzodiazole fluorophore. Compared to the previously reported NLRP3 fluorescent probes, these inhibitors are more structurally concise and membrane permeable due to no additionally appended fluorophore via a linker. Among this series, compound 13a exhibited the most potent cellular NLRP3 inhibitory effect with an IC

Two new sesquiterpenoid lactone derivatives, linderin A (

This study was performed to identify changes to microbial composition after treatment with synbiotics in patients with functional constipation and to define the key microbiota in the pathogenesis of functional constipation. Fecal samples from 53 patients diagnosed with chronic functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. After treatment with synbiotics for 1 month, fecal samples were collected from 36 patients; after a total of 3 months, fecal samples were collected from 15 patients. The outcomes were compared with the intestinal microbiota profiles of 53 healthy community volunteers. The microbiota in the constipation group differed from that in the treatment group and healthy group. After synbiotic treatment for 1 and 3 months, the abundance of Escherichia/Shigella decreased, whereas that of Prevotella_9 and Lactococcus increased. Comparison of the microbiota among the three groups showed that Prevotella_9 was the characteristic bacteria that decreased in the constipation group and increased in the treatment group. Synbiotic treatment can improve the microbiota in patients with constipation. Identification of the key bacterial genus is important to reveal the mechanism and provide a reliable theoretical basis of synbiotic treatment. It will also promote relevant research of microbiota treatment and individualized treatments.

Objective To probe into the expression features of EZH2 and DNMT1 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and the relations between the expression and the main clinical pathological parameters of TNBC. Methods The clinical and pathological data of 209 cases of breast cancer (including 131 cases of TNBC and 78 cases of non-TNBC) in Guangzhou Kingmed Center for Clinical Laboratory from Jan. 2008 to May 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemistry SP assay was performed to determine the expressions of EZH2 and DNMT1 in 209 paraffin-embedded specimens of breast cancer and 65 specimens of normal tissue (more than 4cm away from tumor). The differences of protein expression in the specimens were compared, and correlation analysis was performed to disclose the relationship between protein expression and clinico-pathological indices. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the positive expression-related factor of EZH2 and DNMT1. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to analyse the interrelation of EZH2 and DNMT1 in TNBC. Results The positive expression rates of EZH2 in TNBC, non-TNBC and adjacent breast tissue were 86.3%, 89.7% and 40.0%, respectively, while the positive expression rates of DNMT1 were 63.4%, 66.6% and 44.6%, respectively. The positive expression rates of EZH2 and DNMT1 were higher in both TNBC and non-TNBC tissues than in adjacent breast tissue (P0.05), but the positive expression of EZH2 in TNBC was related to the pathological grade, tumor size and lymph node metastasis (P

Phytochemical investigation of the seeds of Celosia cristata led to the isolation of a new phenolic compound, celosialdehyde, together with 21 known compounds including seven phenolic compounds, four flavonoids, three fatty acids, three saponins, two glycerides, one steroid, and one triterpenoid. The structures of these compounds were characterized and identified by spectral analyses. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 2, 7–10, 13, and 15–22 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Continued chemical investigation on the fruits of Aesculus pavia L. resulted in theisolation and identification of two new oleanolic acid saponins, namely vaccaroside A (1) andvaccaroside B (2). The isolated furostanol saponins were evaluated for cytotoxic activity againsthuman normal amniotic and human lung carcinoma cell lines using neutral red and MTT assays.In vitro experiments showed significant cytotoxicity in a dose dependent manner with IC50 valuesin the range of 27.80–79.02 μM.

Three novel compounds with spiro-5, 6-lactone ring skeleton has been isolated from the fermentation broth of Massrison sp. which could be isolated repeatedly from wild Rehmannia glutinosa. Psetariae oryza P-2b was applied to guide fractionation of bioactive compounds produced by Massrison sp. The molecular structures were established by a variety of one- and two-dimensional NMR experiments and the compounds with similar skeleton were reported for the first time from endophytic fungi of terraneous plant. Antifungal and cytotoxic activities of the compounds were tested, compounds 2 and 3 displayed stronger antifungal and cytotoxic activities. The compounds have the potential to be antibiotic against fungal pathogens and tumor cells.

Two new oleanolic acid saponins, namely celosin A (1) and celosin B (2), together with six known compounds, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, β-daucosterol, hexacosoic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid, were isolated from the ethanolic extract of Semen celosiae. The structures of celosin A (1) and celosin B (2) were determined by spectral analysis (including 1D- and 2D-NMR). The hepatoprotective activity of 1 and 2 with oral doses 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg kg⁻¹ were investigated by carbon tetrachloride CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The results indicate that they have significant hepatoprotective effects, and that these hepatoprotective effects may be due to the antioxidant capability.

Constituents of the fruits of Rubus corchorifolius were investigated. A new compound, namely rubusin A (1), along with three known compounds, was isolated and characterized. Among them, the new compound exhibited significant activity against kidney deficiency, and quercetin and kaempferol were isolated from the fruits of R. corchorifolius for the first time.

Two new oleanolic acid saponins, namely celosin C (1) and celosin D (2), were isolated from the ethanol extract of Semen celosiae. Their structures were identified as celosin C (1) and celosin D (2) by spectroscopic and chemical analyses. The hepatoprotective activity of 1 and 2 with oral dose 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg, respectively, were investigated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The results indicate that they have significant hepatoprotective effects (p

A new triterpenoid saponin, named semenoside A (1), was isolated from Semen Celosia cristatae. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR, HR-FAB-MS and ESI-MS techniques, and physicochemical properties. The hepatoprotective activity of semenoside A with an oral dose of 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0mg/kg, respectively, were investigated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The results indicated that it had significant hepatoprotective effects (p < 0.01).

Constituents of the fruits of Peatasites tatewakianus were investigated. A new compound, namely bakkenolide-VI (1), was isolated. The structures was elucidated on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR, TOF-MS and ESI-MS techniques, and physicochemical properties. The neuroprotective activity of the new compound was assayed with primary cultured neurons exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation and oxidative insults.

Two new oleanolic acid saponins, namely celosin A (1) and celosin B (2), together with six known compounds, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, β-daucosterol, hexacosoic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid, were isolated from the ethanolic extract of Semen celosiae. The structures of celosin A (1) and celosin B (2) were determined by spectral analysis (including 1D- and 2D-NMR). The hepatoprotective activity of 1 and 2 with oral doses 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg kg⁻¹ were investigated by carbon tetrachloride CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The results indicate that they have significant hepatoprotective effects, and that these hepatoprotective effects may be due to the antioxidant capability.