Broussonetia Kazinoki Research Articles

TNF-α/IFN-γ로 자극된 HaCaT 및 IgE로 감작된 RBL-2H3 세포에서 닥나무 가지 추출물의 알러지 염증반응 억제 효과

Broussonetia kazinoki twig extract (BKT) is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-cancer effects and natural whitening properties. So, it is used as a raw material for cosmetics. B. kazinoki twig is also an edible raw material. B. kazinoki has been used in Asia for paper production and oriental medicine, has anti-diabetic effects, and contains various flavonoids and alkaloids. In this study, to evaluate the efficacy of BKT on allergic skin inflammatory responses, we investigated its effects on factors related to skin inflammation in HaCaT keratinocytes and allergic responses in RBL-2H3 cells. There was no cytotoxicity of the 70% ethanol extract against HaCaT and RBL-2H3 cells. In HaCaT cells, stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) increased the production of several chemokines, including thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). However, it was observed that this elevation was notably mitigated in a concentration-dependent manner upon treatment with BKT. Furthermore, BKT treatment demonstrated a significant reduction of β-hexosaminidase and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-4 in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. Thus, it is expected that BKT can be used as a natural cosmetic and food ingredient that effectively suppresses allergic inflammatory reactions.

Kazinol B protects H9c2 cardiomyocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiac injury by modulating the AKT/AMPK/Nrf2 signalling pathway

Context Kazinol B (KB), an isoprenylated flavan derived from Broussonetia kazinoki Sieb. (Moraceae) root, has long been used in folk medicine. Objective This study examines the protective effects of KB and its underlying mechanisms in hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiac injury in H9c2 rat cardiac myoblasts. Materials and methods H9c2 cells were incubated with various concentrations of KB (0, 0.3, 1, 3, 10 and 30 μM) for 2 h and then subjected to H/R insults. The protective effects of KB and its underlying mechanisms were explored. Results KB significantly elevated cell viability (1 μM, 1.21-fold; 3 μM, 1.36-fold, and 10 μM, 1.47-fold) and suppressed LDH release (1 μM, 0.77-fold; 3 μM, 0.68-fold, and 10 μM, 0.59-fold) in H/R-induced H9c2 cells. Further, 10 μM KB blocked apoptotic cascades, as shown by the Annexin-V/PI (0.41-fold), DNA fragmentation (0.51-fold), caspase-3 (0.52-fold), PARP activation (0.27-fold) and Bax/Bcl-2 expression (0.28-fold) assays. KB (10 μM) downregulated reactive oxygen species production (0.51-fold) and lipid peroxidation (0.48-fold); it upregulated the activities of GSH-Px (2.08-fold) and SOD (1.72-fold). KB (10 μM) induced Nrf2 nuclear accumulation (1.94-fold) and increased ARE promoter activity (2.15-fold), HO-1 expression (3.07-fold), AKT (3.07-fold) and AMPK (3.07-fold) phosphorylation. Nrf2 knockdown via using Nrf2 siRNA abrogated KB-mediated protective effects against H/R insults. Moreover, pharmacological inhibitors of AKT and AMPK also abrogated KB-induced Nrf2 activation and its protective function. Discussion and conclusions KB prevented H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury via modulating the AKT and AMPK-mediated Nrf2 induction. KB might be a promising drug candidate for managing ischemic cardiac disorders.

The complete chloroplast genome sequences of three Broussonetia species and comparative analysis within the Moraceae.

Species of Broussonetia (family Moraceae) are commonly used to make textiles and high-grade paper. The distribution of Broussonetia papyrifera L. is considered to be related to the spread and location of humans. The complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of B. papyrifera, Broussonetia kazinoki Sieb., and Broussonetia kaempferi Sieb. were analyzed to better understand the status and evolutionary biology of the genus Broussonetia. The cp genomes were assembled and characterized using SOAPdenovo2 and DOGMA. Phylogenetic and molecular dating analysis were performed using the concatenated nucleotide sequences of 35 species in the Moraceae family and were based on 66 protein-coding genes (PCGs). An analysis of the sequence divergence (pi) of each PCG among the 35 cp genomes was conducted using DnaSP v6. Codon usage indices were calculated using the CodonW program. All three cp genomes had the typical land plant quadripartite structure, ranging in size from 160,239 bp to 160,841 bp. The ribosomal protein L22 gene (RPL22) was either incomplete or missing in all three Broussonetia species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two clades. Clade 1 included Morus and Artocarpus, whereas clade 2 included the other seven genera. Malaisia scandens Lour. was clustered within the genus Broussonetia. The differentiation of Broussonetia was estimated to have taken place 26 million years ago. The PCGs' pi values ranged from 0.0005 to 0.0419, indicating small differences within the Moraceae family. The distribution of most of the genes in the effective number of codons plot (ENc-plot) fell on or near the trend line; the slopes of the trend line of neutrality plots were within the range of 0.0363-0.171. These results will facilitate the identification, taxonomy, and utilization of the Broussonetia species and further the evolutionary studies of the Moraceae family.

Studies towards the synthesis of polyhydroxylated pyrrolidine alkaloids isolated from Broussonetia kazinoki (moraceae)

The syntheses of L-AB1, L-DMDP, and the novel compounds, (−)-phenethyl-L-AB1, (−)-10′-deoxobroussonetine C, (−)-10′-deoxobroussonetine E, (−)-1′-epi-10′-deoxobroussonetine E, and (−)-(6S)-12′-hydroxydodecylmoranoline are reported. These syntheses start from d-xylose employing the Petasis borono-Mannich reaction to stereoselectively introduce the amino group, followed by a chemo- and regioselective O-mesylation to deliver the fully functionalized pyrrolidine moiety after intramolecular SN2-cyclisation. The synthesis of the latter targeted compound involved a ring expansion process of a prolinol moiety to a piperidine derivative under Mitsunobu reaction conditions. An attempted synthesis of desired ent-broussonetine C was unsuccesful due to formation of an unexpected tetrahydrofuran derivative in the final stage of the synthesis. The glycosidase inhibitory activities of four of the new target compounds against a panel of ten glycosidaes is also presented.

The Genus Broussonetia: An Updated Review of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Applications.

The Broussonetia genus (Moraceae), recognized for its value in many Chinese traditional herbs, mainly includes Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. (BP), Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold (BK), and Broussonetia luzonica (Blanco) Bureau (BL). Hitherto, researchers have found 338 compounds isolated from BP, BK, and BL, which included flavonoids, polyphenols, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, and others. Moreover, its active compounds and extracts have exhibited a variety of pharmacological effects such as antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, and its use against skin wrinkles. In this review, the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Broussonetia are updated systematically, after its applications are first summarized. In addition, this review also discusses the limitations of investigations and the potential direction of Broussonetia. This review can help to further understand the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and other applications of Broussonetia, which paves the way for future research.

Microbial Transformation and Biological Activities of the Prenylated Aromatic Compounds from Broussonetia kazinoki.

Broussonetia kazinoki has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of burns and acne, and its extracts have been found to show tyrosinase inhibitory and anticancer activities. In this study, the tyrosinase inhibitory and cytotoxic activities of B. kazinoki were explored, leading to the isolation of kazinol C (1), kazinol E (2), kazinol F (3), broussonol N (4), and kazinol X (5), of which the compounds 4 and 5 have not been previously reported. Microbial transformation has been recognized as an efficient tool to generate more active metabolites. Microbial transformation of the major compounds 1 and 3 was conducted with Mucor hiemalis, where four glucosylated metabolites (6–9) were produced from 1, while one hydroxylated (10) and one glucosylated (11) metabolites were obtained from 3. Structures of the isolated metabolites were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses. All compounds were evaluated for their tyrosinase inhibitory and cytotoxic activities. Compound 3 and its metabolites, kazinol Y (10) and kazinol F-4″-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (11), exhibited the most potent tyrosinase inhibitory activities with the IC50 values ranging from 0.71 to 3.36 µM. Meanwhile, none of the metabolites, except for kazinol C-2′,3″-di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (7), showed moderate cytotoxic activities (IC50 17.80 to 24.22 µM) against A375P, B16F10 and B16F1 cell lines.

Broussonin A- and B-mediated inhibition of angiogenesis by blockade of VEGFR-2 signalling pathways and integrin β1 expression.

In the present study, we demonstrate the regulatory effects and mechanism of broussonin A and B, diphenylpropane derivatives isolated from Broussonetia kazinoki, on vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A)–stimulated endothelial cell responses in vitro and microvessel sprouting ex vivo. Treatment with broussonin A or B suppressed VEGF‐A‐stimulated endothelial cell proliferation by regulating the expression of cell cycle–related proteins and the phosphorylation status of retinoblastoma protein. In addition, treatment with broussonin A or B abrogated VEGF‐A‐stimulated angiogenic responses including endothelial cell migration, invasion, tube formation and microvessel formation from rat aortic rings. These anti‐angiogenic activities of broussonin A and B were mediated through inactivation of VEGF‐A‐stimulated downstream signalling pathways, localization of vascular endothelial‐cadherin at cell‐cell contacts, and down‐regulation of integrin β1 and integrin‐liked kinase. Furthermore, treatment with broussonin A or B inhibited proliferation and invasion of non–small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer cells. Taken together, our findings suggest the pharmacological potential of broussonin A and B in the regulation of angiogenesis, cancer cell growth and progression.

Kazinol C from Broussonetia kazinoki stimulates autophagy via endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated signaling

ABSTRACT Autophagy modulators are considered putative therapeutic targets because of the role of autophagy in cancer progression. Kazinol C, a 1,3-diphenylpropane from the plant Broussonetia kazinoki, has been shown to induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells through the activation of AMPK at high concentrations. In the present study, we found that Kazinol C induced autophagy through endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated unfolded protein response signaling in several normal and cancer cell lines at low concentrations of Kazinol C that did not induce apoptosis. Kazinol C activated the transducers of unfolded protein response signaling, leading to target gene expression, LC3-II conversion, and TFEB nuclear translocation. Chemical inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress reduced LC3-II conversion. In addition, blockade of autophagy by knockout of Atg5 or treatment with 3-MA enhanced Kazinol C-induced apoptosis. In summary, we have uncovered Kazinol C as a novel autophagy inducer and confirmed the role of autophagy as a cellular stress protector.

The chloroplast genome comparative characteristic of artificial breeding tree, a case about Broussonetia kazinoki �Broussonetia papyrifera

Broussonetia kazinoki × Broussonetia papyrifera (ZJGS) is a hybrid species in Moraceae family, which has a very complicated hybrid origin. The excellent characteristics of fast growth, strong soil and water conservation ability, high leaf protein content and stem fiber content in ZJGS make it both ecological benefits in the mining area and economically valuable. This study aims to further understand ZJGS and other Moraceae taxa through the ZJGS chloroplast (cp) genome structure and the comparison with 12 closely related Moraceae species. Among the 13 Moraceae species, the cp genome length of seven Broussonetia species (ranges from 160,239 bp to 162,594 bp) is larger than that of six Morus species (ranges from 158,459 bp to 159,265 bp). Among the 77 shared protein-coding genes (PCGs) in Moraceae species, the obvious positive selection of Ka/Ks ratios acted on petD and rpl16 genes of B. kazinoki and B. papyrifera, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on shared PCGs from 28 species shows that ZJGS is closely related to maternal B. kazinoki. These findings provide data support for the origin of ZJGS hybridization and provide genomic resources for future ZJGS resource development and molecular breeding.

In vitro anti-cancer effect of marmesin by suppression of PI3K/Akt pathway in esophagus cancer cells.

Marmesin, an important coumarin isolated from Broussonetia kazinoki, has been proposed to possess many pharmacological activities including anti-tumor activity. However, the anti-cancer effect of marmesin on esophageal cancer (EC) has not been characterized. The study aimed to explore the anti-cancer role of marmesin using EC cell lines in vitro. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 and Edu cell proliferation assays and apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expression of Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl-2, Bax, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphoryrated-PI3K (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphoryrated-Akt (p-Akt). The mechanism of action of marmesin was analyzed using network pharmacology approach. Marmesin exhibited anti-proliferative effect against EC cells, which was further confirmed by the reduced expression of Ki67 and PCNA. Marmesin exerted pro-apoptotic activity on EC cells by downregulating Bcl-2 and upregulating Bax. According to the results from network pharmacology approach, we speculated that PI3K/Akt pathway may participate in the effect of marmesin on EC cells. Additionally, the PI3K/Akt pathway was suppressed by marmesin in EC cells. Moreover, forced expression of Akt reversed the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis induced by marmesin in EC cells. Marmesin exerted anti-cancer activity in EC cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Structural characterization of prenylated compounds from Broussonetia kazinoki and their antiosteoclastogenic activity

An undescribed 1,3-diphenylpropane derivative, kazinol V and six undescribed prenylated flavonoids, broussonols F–H and broussonols K–M were isolated from the roots of Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold, together with 12 known compounds. This is the first report of the isolation and structure determination of broussonol I from a natural source. The chemical structure of the undescribed compounds was determined using conventional NMR and HRMS data. Absolute configurations were assigned using time-dependent density functional theory calculations and Electronic Circular Dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. The isolated compounds were screened for their effects on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation using RAW264.7 cells. Among them, broussonols F, G, and K showed strong, dose-dependent antiosteoclastogenic activities. Broussonol K exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity and possessed bone resorption suppressive activity.

Cloning and characterization of a UDP-glucose dehydrogenase gene from mulberry Broussonetia kazinoki * Broussonetia papyifera

Uridine diphosphate glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) is a key enzyme in the hemicellulose and pectin biosynthesis pathway and participates in the regulation of growth and development in plants. In this study, we isolated a BpUGDH gene from paper mulberry (Broussonetia kazinoki × Broussonetia papyifera) and analyzed its function and expression characteristics. The results show that the BpUGDH was expressed in all organs of paper mulberry with a higher expression in stems than in leaves and roots. A pBpUGDH::GUS gene construct was highly expressed in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings, and its expression was induced by a low temperature, methyl jasmonate, gibberellin A3, ethylene, and auxin. The overexpression of BpUGDH increased the soluble sugar content, promoted the accumulation of hemicellulose, and enhanced the vegetative growth of transgenic plants. These results provide a basis for regulating the growth and adaptability of paper mulberry and improving its utilization value via genetic modification of the BpUGDH gene.

명승 부안 채석강ㆍ적벽강 일원의 경관관리를 위한 관속식물상 연구

This research was conducted to provide basic information for landscape management, natural resource 􀁆􀁒􀁑􀁖􀁈􀁕􀁙􀁄􀁗􀁌􀁒􀁑􀀃􀁄􀁑􀁇􀀃􀁘􀁗􀁌􀁏􀁌􀁝􀁄􀁗􀁌􀁒􀁑􀀃􀁗􀁋􀁕􀁒􀁘􀁊􀁋􀀃􀁖􀁜􀁖􀁗􀁈􀁐􀁄􀁗􀁌􀁆􀀃􀁕􀁈􀁖􀁈􀁄􀁕􀁆􀁋􀀃􀁒􀁑􀀃􀃀􀁒􀁕􀁄􀀃􀁄􀁑􀁇􀀃􀁏􀁄􀁑􀁇􀁖􀁆􀁄􀁓􀁈􀀃􀁆􀁋􀁄􀁑􀁊􀁈􀁖􀀃􀁒􀁉􀀃􀀶􀁆􀁈􀁑􀁌􀁆􀀃􀀶􀁌􀁗􀁈􀀃 (No. 13) Chaeseokgang and Jeokbyeokgang Cliffed Coasts, Buan. A total of 183 taxa of vascular plants were identified, the detail being 65 families, 138 genus, 157 species, 1 subspecies, 23 varieties, and 2 forms. There were only two ferns and two gymnosperms, but also 175 types of angiosperms were 􀁌􀁇􀁈􀁑􀁗􀁌􀂿􀁈􀁇􀀏􀀃􀁚􀁋􀁌􀁆􀁋􀀃􀁌􀁖􀀃􀀜􀀘􀀑􀀙􀀈􀀃􀁒􀁉􀀃􀁗􀁋􀁈􀀃􀁗􀁒􀁗􀁄􀁏􀀑􀀃􀀤􀁐􀁒􀁑􀁊􀀃􀁗􀁋􀁈􀀃􀁓􀁏􀁄􀁑􀁗􀁖􀀃􀁕􀁈􀁖􀁈􀁄􀁕􀁆􀁋􀁈􀁇􀀏􀀃􀁗􀁋􀁈􀀃􀁗􀁄􀁛􀁒􀁑􀀃􀁚􀁌􀁗􀁋􀀃􀁗􀁋􀁈􀀃􀁊􀁕􀁈􀁄􀁗􀁈􀁖􀁗􀀃􀁑􀁘􀁐􀁅􀁈􀁕􀀃 􀁚􀁄􀁖􀀃􀀦􀁒􀁐􀁓􀁒􀁖􀁌􀁗􀁄􀁈􀀃􀁚􀁋􀁌􀁆􀁋􀀃􀁕􀁈􀁆􀁒􀁕􀁇􀁈􀁇􀀃􀀕􀀙􀀃􀁗􀁜􀁓􀁈􀁖􀀑􀀃􀀤􀀃􀁗􀁒􀁗􀁄􀁏􀀃􀁒􀁉􀀃􀀗􀀃􀁗􀁄􀁛􀁄􀀃􀁒􀁉􀀃􀁈􀁑􀁇􀁈􀁐􀁌􀁆􀀃􀁓􀁏􀁄􀁑􀁗􀁖􀀃􀁚􀁈􀁕􀁈􀀃􀁌􀁇􀁈􀁑􀁗􀁌􀂿􀁈􀁇􀀞􀀃􀀦􀁏􀁈􀁐􀁄􀁗􀁌􀁖􀀃 brachyura, Populus tomentiglandulosa, Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold, and Saussurea eriophylla Nakai, while two taxa of endangered plants were identified; Koelreuteria paniculata and Glehnia littoralis. There were a total of 10 taxa in case of naturalized plants, including Brassica campestris subsp. napus var. nippo-oleifera Makino, Lepidium virginicum L., Chenopodium ficifolium Sm., and Phytolacca americana L., with the naturalization rate being 5.5%. According to the analysis of naturalized degrees of the naturalized plants, there were 7 plants with 5th degree of naturalization while there were one species for each 4th, 3rd, and 2nd degrees, and there were no 1st degree plant. The vegetation in the Gyeokpo-ri area is divided into 13 plant communities. The representative plant colonies include Pinus thunbergii colony, Pinus thumbergii-Quercus variabilis colony, Pinus thunbergii-Quercus acutissima colony, Carpinus turczaninovii Hance-Pinus thunbergii colony, Carpinus turczaninovii Hance colony, and Clerodendrum trichotomum -Euonymus japonicus colony, with Pinus thunbergii colony taking up 53.55% of the total. As the vegetation in Scenic Site Chaeseokgang and Jeokbyeokgang Cliffed Coasts, Buan mainly consist of Pinus thunbergii colony and mixed pinus thunbergii forest, the vegetation landscape does not become different throughout four seasons, and one can feel partial seasonal changes because deciduous trees, such as Quercus species and Carpinus turczaninovii Hance, are spread in parts.

Broussoflavonol B from Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold Exerts Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Activity through Downregulating FoxM1.

Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate due to poor rates of early diagnosis. One tumor suppressor gene in particular, p53, is frequently mutated in pancreatic cancer, and mutations in p53 can inactivate normal wild type p53 activity and increase expression of transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FoxM1). Overexpression of FoxM1 accelerates cellular proliferation and cancer progression. Therefore, inhibition of FoxM1 represents a therapeutic strategy for treating pancreatic cancer. Broussoflavonol B (BF-B), isolated from the stem bark of Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold has previously been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. This study aimed to investigate whether BF-B exhibits anti-pancreatic cancer activity and if so, identify the underlying mechanism. BF-B reduced cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and inhibited cell migration and invasion of human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells (p53 mutated). Interestingly, BF-B down-regulated FoxM1 expression at both the mRNA and protein level. It also suppressed the expression of FoxM1 downstream target genes, such as cyclin D1, cyclin B1, and survivin. Cell cycle analysis showed that BF-B induced the arrest of G0/G1 phase. BF-B reduced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½ (ERK½) and expression of ERK½ downstream effector c-Myc, which regulates cell proliferation. Furthermore, BF-B inhibited cell migration and invasion, which are downstream functional properties of FoxM1. These results suggested that BF-B could repress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by inactivation of the ERK/c-Myc/FoxM1 signaling pathway. Broussoflavonol B from Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold may represent a novel chemo-therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer.

Prevention of Oxidative Stress-Induced Pancreatic Beta Cell Damage by Broussonetia Kazinoki Siebold Fruit Extract Via the ERK-Nox4 Pathway.

Pancreatic beta cells are vulnerable to oxidative stress, which causes beta cell death and dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold (BK) is a widely used herbal medicine, but its potential effects against beta cell death-induced diabetes have not been studied. Therefore, we investigated the protective effect of an ethanolic extract of BK fruit (BKFE) against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced toxicity in pancreatic beta cells. Intraperitoneal injection of STZ in mice induced hyperglycemia; however, oral administration of BKFE significantly decreased the blood glucose level as well as HbA1c levels. BKFE treatment improved glucose tolerance and increased body weight in diabetic mice. Moreover, BKFE treatment resulted in increased serum insulin levels and insulin expression in the pancreas as well as decreased 4-hydroxynonenal levels induced by oxidative stress. Treatment with STZ decreased cell viability of mouse insulinoma cells (MIN6), which was blocked by BKFE pretreatment. BKFE significantly inhibited apoptotic cells and decreased the expression levels of cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) induced by STZ treatment. Production of reactive oxygen species in STZ-treated MIN6 cells was also significantly decreased by treatment with BKFE. Erk phosphorylation and Nox4 levels increased in STZ-treated MIN6 cells and the pancreas of mice injected with STZ and this increase was inhibited by treatment with BKFE. Inhibition of Erk phosphorylation by treatment with the PD98059 inhibitor or siRNA Erk also blocked the expression of Nox4 induced by STZ treatment. In conclusion, BKFE inhibits Erk phosphorylation, which in turn prevents STZ-induced oxidative stress and beta cell apoptosis. These results suggested that BKFE can be used to prevent or treat beta cell damage in diabetes.

Distinct physiological and transcriptional responses of leaves of paper mulberry (Broussonetia kazinoki × B. papyrifera) under different nitrogen supply levels.

Paper mulberry, a vigorous pioneer species used for ecological reclamation and a high-protein forage plant for economic development, has been widely planted in China. To further develop its potential value, it is necessary to explore the regulatory mechanism of nitrogen metabolism for rational nitrogen utilization. In this study, we investigated the morphology, physiology and transcriptome of a paper mulberry hybrid (Broussonetia kazinoki×B. papyrifera) in response to different nitrogen concentrations. Moderate nitrogen promoted plant growth and biomass accumulation. Photosynthetic characteristics, concentration of nitrogenous compounds and activities of enzymes were stimulated under nitrogen treatment. However, these enhancements were slightly or severely inhibited under excessive nitrogen supply. Nitrite reductase and glutamate synthase were more sensitive than nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase and more likely to be inhibited under high nitrogen concentrations. Transcriptome analysis of the leaf transcriptome identified 161,961 unigenes. The differentially expressed genes associated with metabolism of nitrogen, alanine, aspartate, glutamate and glycerophospholipid showed high transcript abundances after nitrogen application, whereas those associated with glycerophospholipid, glycerolipid, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism were down-regulated. Combined with weighted gene coexpression network analysis, we uncovered 16 modules according to similarity in expression patterns. Asparagine synthetase and inorganic pyrophosphatase were considered two hub genes in two modules, which were associated with nitrogen metabolism and phosphorus metabolism, respectively. The expression characteristics of these genes may explain the regulation of morphological, physiological and other related metabolic strategies harmoniously. This multifaceted study provides valuable insights to further understand the mechanism of nitrogen metabolism and to guide utilization of paper mulberry.

Functionalized cellulose to remove surfactants from cosmetic products in wastewater

A flocculant composed of paper mulberry dicarboxylic cellulose (PM-DCC) made from using paper mulberry (Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold and Zucc.) has been developed to reduce the amount of inorganic coagulants needed to remove surfactants in wastewater. The characteristics of PM and soda pulp were determined according to the degree of polymerization, α-cellulose, lignin, free sugar, and extract contents. FTIR, XRD, the aldehyde content, the carboxyl content and coagulant-flocculation experiments were conducted to confirm the properties of PM-DCC and paper mulberry dialdehyde cellulose (PM-DAC). A dramatic removal efficiency (95.62 %) was revealed when 0.3 % PM-DCC was added into a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) solution with 1% FeCl3·6H2O at pH 2. This means that PM-DCC contributes to both a lower amount of inorganic coagulant needed and a reduction of water pollution by an ecofriendly method.

Protective Effects of Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold Fruit Extract against Palmitate-Induced Lipotoxicity in Mesangial Cells.

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most serious complications of diabetes. Lipotoxicity in glomerular mesangial cells is associated with the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Paper mulberry, Broussonetia kazinoki Siebold (BK), has been used in oriental medicine for human health problems. However, to date, the beneficial effect of BK fruit has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of an ethanolic extract of BK fruit (BKFE) against palmitate- (PA-) induced toxicity in mesangial cells. BKFE significantly increased the viability of PA-treated SV40 MES13 cells. BKFE significantly inhibited PA-induced apoptosis and decreased the expression of apoptotic genes, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP. Moreover, BKFE inhibited the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes, such as BiP, phosphorylated eIF2α, cleaved ATF6, and spliced XBP-1, in PA-treated SV40 MES13 cells. BKFE decreased PA-induced ROS production. In addition, BKFE activated the transcription factor Nrf2 and increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes. However, knockdown of Nrf2 using siRNA suppressed this BKFE-induced increase in antioxidant enzyme expression. Furthermore, the protective effect of BKFE on PA-induced apoptosis was significantly reduced by Nrf2 knockdown. In conclusion, BKFE induced the expression of antioxidant enzymes via activation of Nrf2 and protected against PA-induced lipotoxicity in mesangial cells.

Therapeutic effects of a liquid bandage prepared with cellulose powders from Styelaclava tunics and Broussonetiakazinoki bark: Healing of surgical wounds on the skin of Sprague Dawley rats.

Cellulose in different forms has extensively been applied in biomedical treatments, including scaffolding, tissue engineering and tissue formation. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of a liquid bandage (LB) prepared with cellulose powders from Styela clava tunics (SCT) and Broussonetia kazinoki bark (BSLB) for healing cutaneous wounds, the remedial effects of a low concentration (LoBSLB) and a high concentration (HiBSLB) of BSLB on skin regeneration and toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Results indicated that the total area of skin involved in the surgical wound was lower in the BSLB-treated group compared with the Vehicle-treated group at days 4–12, although some variations were observed in the HiBSLB-treated group. In addition, the BSLB-treated group showed significantly enhanced width of the re-epithelialization region and epidermal thickness when compared with the Vehicle-treated group. Furthermore, significant stimulation in the expression level of collagen-1 and the signaling pathway of VEGF after topical application of BSLB was indicated. No liver or kidney toxicities were detected for either doses of BSLB. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that BSLB accelerates the process of wound healing in surgical skin wounds of Sprague Dawley rats through stimulation of re-epithelialization and connective tissue formation, without any accompanying significant toxicity.

A Review of Current Research on Natural Skin Whitening Products

In the Eastern world, having white skin is considered a key factor for looking beautiful, resulting in many consumers desiring to have white skin and continuous growth in the whitening cosmeceuticals market. Hundreds of companies, including AmorePacific and LG Household & Health Care, have developed and released products in this market, increasing their range in a systematic and strategic manner through market survey and analysis. In the cosmetics industry, it is important to develop high-performance chemicals that are suited to the properties of the skin. However, safety is even more critical because these products will be applied to the human body, and side effects of whitening agents and drugs have recently been reported. Therefore, there is a need for continued research not only to improve these properties but also to enhance mid- and long-term growth in the market. The aim of this study was to review current research on natural skin whitening products and to examine their ingredients, with a particular focus on Prunus persica Flos, Phellodendron amurense , Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau, Zanthoxylum schnifolium , Dendropanax morbifera , and Broussonetia kazinoki . Prunus persica Flos, Phellodendron amurense and Dendropanax morbifera have shown the high inhibition rate of melanin biosynthesis, and Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau and Zanthoxylum schnifolium have shown the inhibition of oxidization by inhibiting tyrosinase. Broussonetia kazinoki have shown the effect of anti-oxidant by eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS).