Celastrus Orbiculatus Research Articles

Improving predictions of range expansion for invasive species using joint species distribution models and surrogate co‐occurring species

AbstractAimsSpecies distribution models (SDMs) are often used to forecast potential distributions of important invasive or rare species. However, situations where models could be the most valuable ecologically or economically, such as for predicting invasion risk, often pose the greatest challenges to SDM building. These challenges include non‐equilibrium range expansion, low or uneven prevalence, and projecting distributions into environments that are non‐analogous to the environments used for model building.LocationMinnesota, USA.TaxonCardamine impatiens (Narrowleaf Bittercress), Celastrus orbiculatus (Oriental Bittersweet), and Humulus japonicus (Japanese Hops).MethodsWe took a novel approach to build robust species distribution models of invasive species using occurrence‐environment correlations between invasive species and co‐occurring native community members. The correlations were obtained from a joint species distribution model (JSDM) of a densely sampled database of 10,336 MN plant communities from across the state of Minnesota, USA. Positively and negatively associated native species were incorporated into the model as surrogate presences and pseudoabsences (weighted by their environmental correlations) along with invasive species occurrences records (surrogate SDMs).ResultsSurrogate models performed better than traditional SDMs in predicting occurrences along the northern invasion margin (outside the training area). Both types of models had similarly high cross‐validation metrics in the area of training. Surrogate models also predicted greater range expansion beyond the current geographic range.Main conclusionsThese results demonstrate that modelers can take advantage of detailed community data to develop SDMs that leverage surrogate native species as phytometers of environments beyond the current area of occupancy. The additional information in surrogate models generates highly effective predictions of invasive species along expanding range margins.

Heterospecific pollination by an invasive congener threatens the native American bittersweet, Celastrus scandens

Invasive plants have the potential to interfere with native species’ reproductive success through a number of mechanisms, including heterospecific pollination and hybridization. This study investigated reproductive interactions between a native North American woody vine (American bittersweet, Celastrus scandens) and an introduced congener (oriental bittersweet, C. orbiculatus). The decline of C. scandens in the eastern portion of its range is coincident with the introduction and spread of C. orbiculatus, and the two species are known to hybridize. The relationship between proximity and floral production of conspecific and heterospecific males on fertilization and hybridization rates was measured at a field site in northwestern Indiana, USA where both species occur and reproduce. We found that the invasive vine had an extreme advantage in both male and female floral production, producing nearly 200 times more flowers per staminate plant and 65 times more flowers per pistillate plant than the native. Using nuclear microsatellite DNA markers we found that hybridization rates were asymmetric; 39% of the C. scandens seeds tested were hybrids, compared to only 1.6% of C. orbiculatus seeds. The asymmetric hybridization rates were likely not solely due to greater abundance of C. orbiculatus pollen because experimental hand crosses revealed that C. scandens had a higher rate (41%) of heterospecific fertilization than C. orbiculatus (2.4%). We previously reported that few hybrids were observed in the wild, and hybrids had greatly reduced fecundity. Thus, in our system, the threat posed by heterospecific pollen is not replacement by hybrids or introgression, but rather asymmetric reproductive interference. Reproductive interference extended to distances as great as 100 meters, thus, efforts to conserve the native species must reduce its exposure to C. orbiculatus over a relatively large spatial scale.

The vascular flora of Mettler's Woods, Somerset County, New Jersey

The objective of this study was to collect and identify the plant taxa at the 26 hectare Mettler's Woods during the 2010-2012 growing seasons. We identified 105 species, in 65 genera, and in 47 families. The largest families in the flora were the Poaceae (nine species), and the Cyperaceae (eight species). Carex was the largest genus in the flora with eight species. No rare taxa were observed at the study site. Non-native Microstegium vimineum now dominates the herbaceous understory. Additionally, the death of older trees has created gaps in the forest that has favored nonnative taxa such as Celastrus orbiculatus, Lonicera japonica, and Rosa multiflora.

The biology of invasive alien plants in Canada.14.Celastrus orbiculatusThunb.

Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. is an invasive alien liana native to northern regions of Japan, Korea, China, and Russia. Since its intentional North American introduction in the 1870s, it is now found across eastern Canada and the United States. Through an extensive adventitious root system and twining growth habit, C. orbiculatus smothers and girdles surrounding vegetation, drastically altering the environment and ecosystem processes. C. orbiculatus continues to be distributed as an ornamental. In addition, birds and small mammals consume its prolific fruit and facilitate novel introductions. C. orbiculatus is susceptible to glyphosate and triclopyr. Once established, however, management intensity is compounded by its extensive root system and continual resprouting and root-suckering. The climatic requirements across eastern Canada, ease of dispersal, and rapid growth suggest that C. orbiculatus will continue to spread across its introduced range.

Celastrus orbiculatus Extract Reduces Stemness of Gastric Cancer Stem Cells by Targeting PDCD4 and EIF3H.

BackgroundCelastrus orbiculatus ethyl acetate extract (COE) has shown a strong anti-gastric cancer effect, but the understanding of its mechanism is still lacking. The results of previous studies indicated that COE may be able to inhibit the stemness of gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) by regulating PDCD4 and EIF3H expression.AimsTo explore if COE could inhibit the stemness of GCSCs by regulating PDCD4 and EIF3H expression in vitro and in vivo.ProcedureThe GCSCs model was established by stem cell-conditioned culture. Spheroid formation and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the effect of COE on the spheroid formation ability of GCSCs and the percentage of CD44+/CD24+ and ALDH+ cell subpopulations. Western blot analysis was applied to measure the expression of GCSCs biomarkers (Nanog, Oct-4, and SOX-2), PDCD4, and EIF3H in GCSCs treated with COE; and RT-PCR was performed to investigate the effect of COE on PDCD4 mRNA expression in GCSCs. An in vivo tumorigenicity experiment was also conducted to evaluate the effect of COE on tumor-initiating ability of GCSCs in vivo; and the expression of PDCD4 and EIF3H in xenograft tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.ResultsAfter culture in stem cell-conditioned medium, SGC7901 cells manifested significantly enhanced spheroid formation ability, upregulated Nanog, Oct-4, and SOX-2 expression and increased percentages of CD44+/CD24+ and ALDH+ cell subpopulations, indicating successful establishment of the GCSCs model. COE treatment significantly inhibited the spheroid formation ability of GCSCs and reduced the percentage of CD44+/CD24+ and ALDH+ cell subpopulations. The western blot analysis showed a significant decrease of Nanog, Oct-4, SOX-2, and EIF3H expression and an increase of PDCD4 expression in GCSCs after COE treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. COE treatment also significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of PDCD4 in GCSCs. In addition, COE displayed a strong inhibitory effect on the tumor-initiating ability of GCSCs in vivo and upregulated PDCD4 and downregulated EIF3H expression in xenograft tissues.ConclusionCOE may be able to inhibit GC growth by suppressing the stemness of GCSCs via regulating PDCD4 and EIF3H expression.

Some Observations on Invasive Vascular Plant Species of the Eastern United States, New York to the Florida Keys

The objective of the present study was to compare the invasive vascular plant species at city, state, National Parks, and research preserves in New York, New Jersey, South Carolina and Florida, where the author has conducted research and published his findings in refereed journals. Sites with human activity have a high percent (<50%) of invasive species. Invasive taxa have increased at “protected” sites where human impact is minimal posing a further threat to native vegetation. The deliberate introduction of exotic taxa such as Callery Pear, Kudzu, Multiflora Rose, Norway Maple, Oriental Bittersweet, and more pose a threat to native taxa.

Analysis of underivatized alditols in traditional Chinese medicines by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry based on ligand exchange chromatography

AbstractAlditols are potential chemical markers in traditional Chinese medicine for quality control purpose. For example, mannitol is one of the major compounds in Cordyceps sinensis. Galactitol is the proposed marker compound of formulated oral traditional Chinese medicine liquid “Fufangfufangteng Heji.” Development of a highly selective analytical method for unambiguous identification of selected alditols is of prime importance to assure the quality of these valued and precious traditional Chinese medicines. In this study, a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method based on ligand exchange chromatography was developed to analyze and identify underivatized alditols such as galactitol, mannitol and sorbitol in different traditional Chinese medicines. The limits of detection of these alditols ranged from 0.7 to 1.4 mg/kg. The limits of quantification of these alditols ranged from 2.3 to 4.6 mg/kg. The method has been applied in the detection of alditols in various samples such as Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, and concentrated granule of Radix Celastrus orbiculatus. The results indicated that several underivatized alditols could be identified rapidly and unambiguously by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry on ligand exchange chromatography column.

Distribution, Survival, and Development of Spotted Lanternfly on Host Plants Found in North America.

Studies were conducted from 2015 to 2018 to evaluate spotted lanternfly (SLF) distribution and developmental suitability of different plant species in the U.S. Tree bands on 283 trees spanning 33 species captured 21,006 SLF in 2 yr. More SLF per tree were trapped on tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae) than on other species, on average, and most adults were captured on tree-of-heaven. Frequency of detection of adult SLF was higher on tree-of-heaven than on other species but was actually equal or lower on tree-of-heaven than on all other species combined for younger SLF stages in 2015. An enclosed choice test between tree-of-heaven and black walnut Juglans nigra L. (Fagales: Juglandaceae) revealed nymphs showed little consistent preference, whereas adults consistently and significantly preferred tree-of-heaven. No-choice field sleeve studies evaluated SLF survivorship on 26 host plant species in 17 families. Ten plant species supported SLF for an average of ≥45 d, with the rest unable to support SLF for >30 d. Eight species were able to support development from first instar to adult: black walnut, chinaberry Melia azedarach L. (Sapindales: Meliaceae), oriental bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. (Celastrales: Celastraceae), tree-of-heaven, hops Humulus lupulus L. (Rosales: Cannabaceae), sawtooth oak Quercus acutissima Carruthers (Fagales: Fagaceae), butternut Juglans cinerea L, and tulip tree Liriodendron tulipifiera L. (Magnoliales: Magnoliaceae). The ability of SLF to develop to adult on hosts other than tree-of-heaven may impact pest management decisions.

Triterpenoids from Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption via c-Fos signaling

Fourteen triterpenes, lup-20(29)-ene-3β,6β-diol (1), betulin (2), lupeol caffeate (3), 3β-caffeoyloxylup-20(29)-en-6α-ol (4), betulin-3β-yl-caffeate (5), 3β-trans-feruloylbetulin (6), betulinaldehyde 3-caffeate (7), 3-O-trans-caffeoylbetulinic acid (8), dammarenediol II 3-caffeate (9), 12-oleanene-3β,6α-diol (10), 11α-hydroxy-3β-amyrin (11), nivadiol (12), 29-hydroxyfriedelin (13), and celastrusin A (14) were isolated from Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. and evaluated for their activity on receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). Compounds betulin (2), betulin-3β-yl-caffeate (5), 3β-trans-feruloylbetulin (6), and 3-O-trans-caffeoylbetulinic acid (8) significantly inhibited osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner. Among these, betulin-3β-yl-caffeate (5) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity. We demonstrated that betulin-3β-yl-caffeate (5) suppressed F-actin-ring formation and bone resorption activity. At the molecular level, betulin-3β-yl-caffeate (5) inhibited RANK-induced expression of c-Fos and the induction of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), a key transcription factor for osteoclast formation, and it also downregulated mRNA expression of osteogenesis-associated marker genes including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), and matrix metalloprotein (MMP). These results indicate that betulin-3β-yl-caffeate (5) may be a promising candidate for the treatment of osteoclast-related diseases such as osteoporosis.

Protective Effect ofCelastrus orbiculatusThunb Extract on Cultured Neuroglial Cells Damaged by Manganese Dioxide, a Parkinsonism Inducer

본 연구는 이산화망간(MnO2)의 신경독성과 이에 대한 노박덩굴 추출물의 보호 효과를 C6 glioma 세포를 배양하여 조사하였다. 본 연구를 위하여 세포생존율을 비롯하여 지질산화(LP) 억제능 및 XO 저해능과 같은 항산화 분석을 시행하였다. 그 결과 MnO2는 배양 세포에 처리한 농도에 비례하여 세포생존율을 유의하게 감소시켰으며, 이 과정에서 XTT50값은 146.7 μM로 나타나 Borenfreund and Puerner의 독성판정기준에 따라 중간독성(mid-cytotoxic)인 것으로 나타났다. 또한, 항산화제의 일종인 kaempferol (KAE)은 MnO2의 독성에 의해 손상받은 세포의 생존율을 유의하게 증가시킴으로써 MnO2의 독성을 방어하였다. 한편, MnO2 독성에 대한 노박덩굴(CO) 추출물의 영향 조사에 있어서, CO 추출물은 배양 세포에 MnO2만을 처리한 것에 비하여 세포생존율을 유의하게 증가시킴으로써 MnO2의 독성을 효과적으로 방어하였다. 이와 동시에 높은 LP 억제능과 XO 저해능과 같은 항산화 효과를 보여주었다. 이상의 결과에서 MnO2의 독성에 산화적 손상이 관여하고 있음을 알 수 있었으며, CO 추출물은 LP 억제능과 XO 저해능과 같은 항산화능에 의하여 MnO2의 독성을 효과적으로 방어한 것을 확인였다. 따라서, CO 추출물과 같은 천연소재는 파킨슨병 유발제인 MnO2와 같이 산화적 손상과 관련된 질환적 중금속 독성을 경감 내지는 개선할 수 있는 유용한 물질이라 생각된다.

Emerging invasion threat of the liana Celastrus orbiculatus (Celastraceae) in Europe

The woody vineCelastrus orbiculatus(Celastraceae), Oriental bittersweet, is an alien species that recently has been found to be spreading in Europe. Many aspects of its biology and ecology are still obscure. This study evaluates the distribution and habitats, as well as size and age of stands ofC. orbiculatusin Lithuania. We investigated whether meteorological factors affect radial stem increments and determined seedling recruitment in order to judge the plant’s potential for further spread in Europe. We studied the flower gender ofC. orbiculatusin four populations in Lithuania and found that all sampled individuals were monoecious, although with dominant either functionally female or male flowers. Dendrochronological methods enabled us to reveal the approximate time of the first establishment of populations ofC. orbiculatusin Lithuania. The youngest recorded individual with fruits was determined to be 10 years old. Analysis of radial increments revealed no reliable correlations with meteorological conditions. Therefore, we conclude that climatic conditions in the region are favourable for the growth, reproduction, and invasion of this species.C. orbiculatusproduces viable seeds, successfully reproduces and spreads within and around the established stands. The presence of seedlings and two- to four-year-old saplings in the population confirms constant generative recruitment. Available information on the distribution ofC. orbiculatusin Europe revealed its existence in 13 countries. In total, 58 occurrences of this species have been recorded in Europe so far. We consider that the lag period lasted until 2005 and that the exponential population growth phase has now set in. In Lithuania, the invaded area is quite small (0.51 ha); however, the total estimated invaded area in Europe could be about 250 ha. At the current stage of invasion and distribution in Europe, measures for control, management, and eradication ofC. orbiculatushave a chance of being effective and economically feasible.

Celastrus Orbiculatus Extracts Inhibit the Metastasis through Attenuating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Human Gastric Cancer.

Rapamycin receptor inhibitors have been applied in the clinic and achieved satisfactory therapeutic effect recently. The mechanisms did not clearly show how the Celastrus Orbiculatus Extracts (COE) inhibited the expression of the mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) in human gastric cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the COE inhibited the metastasis through the mTOR signaling pathway in human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells. The abnormal expression level of mTOR protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in human gastric cancer tissue. The MGC-803/mTOR- cells were constructed by knockdown of mTOR using lentivirus infection technique. The human gastric cancer MGC-803/mTOR- cells were treated with different concentrations (20, 40, 80 μg/ml) of COE for 24 hours. The ability of cell metastasis was analyzed by the cell invasion and migration assay. The expression levels of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were detected by Western Blotting. COE inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of MGC-803/mTOR- cells in a concentrationdependent manner. The expression of E-cadherin protein increased, and the expression of N-cadherin and Vimentin decreased simultaneously in the MGC-803/mTOR- cells. 4EBP1, p-4EBP1, P70S6k, p-P70S6k, mTOR, p-mTOR, PI3K and Akt proteins in MGC-803/mTOR- cells were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. COE could not only inhibit cell growth, invasion and migration, but also inhibit the epithelialmesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells. The molecular mechanism of COE inhibited the metastasis which may be related to the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway. This study provides ideas for the development of new anti-gastric cancer drugs.

28-Hydroxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-29-oic Acid, a Triterpene Acid from Celastrus Orbiculatus Extract, Inhibits the Migration and Invasion of Human Gastric Cancer Cells In Vitro.

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common tumor and has the third-highest mortality rate among various malignant tumors, and the survival rate of patients is low. Celastrus orbiculatus extract has been shown to inhibit the activity of a variety of tumors. This study explored the inhibitory effect of the oleanane-type triterpenoid acid 28-hydroxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-29-oic acid molecule from Celastrus orbiculatus extract on gastric cancer cell invasion and metastasis and determined its mechanism. 28-Hydroxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-29-oic acid was first diluted to various concentrations and then used to treat SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells. Cell proliferation was assessed by an MTT (thiazole blue) assay. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to assess cell invasion and migration. High-content imaging technology was used to further observe the effects of the drug on cell invasion and migration. Western blotting was used to assess the effects on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the effects on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins and phosphorylation-related proteins. We found that 28-Hydroxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-29-oic acid inhibited the migration and invasion of SGC-7901 and BGC-823 gastric cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Consequently, 28-hydroxy-3-oxoolean-12-en-29-oic acid decreased the expression of EMT-related proteins and MMPs in gastric cancer cells and reduced protein phosphorylation, inhibiting the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells.

Natural Plants Compounds as Modulators of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a self-regulated physiological process required for tissue repair that, in non-controled conditions may lead to fibrosis, angiogenesis, loss of normal organ function or cancer. Although several molecular pathways involved in EMT regulation have been described, this process does not have any specific treatment. This article introduces a systematic review of effective natural plant compounds and their extract that modulates the pathological EMT or its deleterious effects, through acting on different cellular signal transduction pathways both in vivo and in vitro. Thereby, cryptotanshinone, resveratrol, oxymatrine, ligustrazine, osthole, codonolactone, betanin, tannic acid, gentiopicroside, curcumin, genistein, paeoniflorin, gambogic acid and Cinnamomum cassia extracts inhibit EMT acting on transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smads signaling pathways. Gedunin, carnosol, celastrol, black rice anthocyanins, Duchesnea indica, cordycepin and Celastrus orbiculatus extract downregulate vimectin, fibronectin and N-cadherin. Sulforaphane, luteolin, celastrol, curcumin, arctigenin inhibit β-catenin signaling pathways. Salvianolic acid-A and plumbagin block oxidative stress, while honokiol, gallic acid, piperlongumine, brusatol and paeoniflorin inhibit EMT transcription factors such as SNAIL, TWIST and ZEB. Plectranthoic acid, resveratrol, genistein, baicalin, polyphyllin I, cairicoside E, luteolin, berberine, nimbolide, curcumin, withaferin-A, jatrophone, ginsenoside-Rb1, honokiol, parthenolide, phoyunnanin-E, epicatechin-3-gallate, gigantol, eupatolide, baicalin and baicalein and nitidine chloride inhibit EMT acting on other signaling pathways (SIRT1, p38 MAPK, NFAT1, SMAD, IL-6, STAT3, AQP5, notch 1, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, FAK/AKT, Hh). Despite the huge amount of preclinical data regarding EMT modulation by the natural compounds of plant, clinical translation is poor. Additionally, this review highlights some relevant examples of clinical trials using natural plant compounds to modulate EMT and its deleterious effects. Overall, this opens up new therapeutic alternatives in cancer, inflammatory and fibrosing diseases through the control of EMT process.

Cytotoxic abietane and kaurane diterpenoids from Celastrus orbiculatus.

Celastrus orbiculatus is a medicinal plant belonging to the Celastraceae family. In this survey on the secondary metabolites of plants for obtaining antitumor substances, the chemical constituents of the stems of C. orbiculatus were investigated. Nortriptonoterpene (1), a new C19-norabietane diterpenoid, together with six other known abietane-type diterpenoids (2-7) and five known kaurane-type diterpenoids (8-12) were isolated and identified from the EtOAc extract of C. orbiculatus. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, including UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD, and NMR experiments, and by comparison with literature data. Compound 1 is a new C19-norabietane diterpenoid with 19 carbons. All compounds except for 10 and 11 were isolated from C. orbiculatus for the first time. The NMR data of 9 were reported for the first time. Compounds 1, 7 and 11 showed cytotoxicities against SGC-7901 with IC50 values of 63.2, 80.9 and 56.7μM, respectively.

Celastrus orbiculatus Extracts Inhibit Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth by Targeting mTOR Signaling Pathways.

To characterize the molecular mechanism underlying the antineoplastic activity of Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. extracts (COE). The human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) knockdown expressed (HepG2/mTOR) were constructed using molecular biological technology. In vitro, the HepG2/mTOR- cells were treated with COE at various concentrations (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 µ g/mL). Cell viability was determined using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. According to the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value (140 mg/L), the concentrations of COE in the subsequent experiment was set to alleviate cytotoxicity. The HepG2/mTOR- cells were divided into 5 groups: negative control (untreated), COE treatment groups (40, 80, 120 mg/L COE) and positive control group (cisplatin, DDP, 2 mg/L), respectively. Wild-type HepG2 cells were used as a blank control. The effects of COE on the cell apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), respectively. The protein expression levels of mTOR signal pathways were determined by Western blotting. In vivo, HepG2/mTOR- cells (2 × 106 cell/mice) were subcutaneously injected into the right flank of nude mice. Thirty-six female nude mice were randomly assigned to 6 groups according to body weight (6 mice per group) as follows: solvent vehicle control, Banmao Capsule treated group (BM, 195 mg/kg), Tegafur, Gimeracil and Oteracil Potassium Capsules (10 mg/kg) treated group, and different dosages of COE (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) groups. Tumor growth was monitored and immunohistochemical staining was used to examine the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in tumor tissues. COE inhibited the proliferation significantly in a concentration-dependent manner in HepG2/mTOR- cells (P<0.01). COE significantly induced the apoptosis of HepG2/mTOR- cells (P<0.01), and the apoptotic bodies can be observed under TEM. COE significantly inhibits the proteins expression of mTOR-related signal pathways. In vivo, COE significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice (P<0.01). Moreover, the results showed that COE down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and up-regulated the levels of Bax and caspase-3 protein (P<0.01). COE was a potential chemotherapeutic drug in HCC treatments via targeting mTOR signal pathway.

The antithrombotic activity of the active fractions from the fruits of Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb through the anti-coagulation, anti-platelet activation and anti-fibrinolysis pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditional Chinese medicine Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb (C. orbiculatus) with peel and seeds is mainly composed of flavonoids, sesquiterpenes and tripenes. According to the Traditional Chinese medicine standard of Liaoning province (2009), it has been long used to invigorate blood circulation. Aim of the studyTo identify the antithrombus fraction and components of C. orbiculatus, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe antithrombus effects of C. orbiculatus fractions were evaluated in vitro by plasma recalcification time (PRT). The antithrombus effect of NST-50, the most effective fraction, was further investigated in acute pulmonary embolism (APE) mice and FeCl3-induced carotid arterial thrombus rats. Bleeding assessment was also carried out to assess the side effects of NST-50. In addition, the content of total flavonoids and active components of NST-50 was also quantified. ResultsNine flavonoids were detected in NST-50 as main components with the content of 44.70%. Next, NST-50 was found with significant anticoagulation activity by prolonging the plasma recalcification time (PRT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT) and prothrombin time (PT) and decreasing the content of fibrinogen (FIB). Furthermore, NST-50 administration markedly suppressed the level of TXB2 and PAI-1, while significantly up-regulated the level of 6-keto-PGF1a and t-PA (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe results demonstrated that NST-50 could be valuable in clinical application against acute coronary syndrome, venous thromboembolisms and cerebrovascular thrombosis. It was possible that the anticoagulation action of NST-50 could be related to the regulation of TXA2 - PGI2 and t-PA - PAI-1 pairs.

Effect of Celastrus orbiculatus in inhibiting Helicobacter pylori induced inflammatory response by regulating epithelial mesenchymal transition and targeting miR-21/PDCD4 signaling pathway in gastric epithelial cells

BackgroundThe extract of Celastrus orbiculatus (COE) have been studied for anti-Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) activity and anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. However, the molecular mechanism by which COE inhibits H. pylori-induced inflammatory response has not been fully elucidated so far.MethodsThe effects of COE on viability, morphological changes, inflammatory cytokine secretion, protein and mRNA expression were analyzed by MTT assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, western blot and real-time PCR (RT-PCR), respectively. The methylation level of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) promoter was investigated by methylation-specific PCR.(MSP) .ResultsCOE effectively inhibited the H.pylori-induced inflammatory response by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The methylation level of PDCD4 promoter was suppressed by COE, which increased the expression ofPDCD4. Moreover, COE could inhibit microRNA-21 (miR-21) expression, as shown by an enhancement of its target gene PDCD4. Furthermore, both miR-21 over-expression and PDCD4 silencing attenuated the anti-inflammatory effect.of COE.ConclusionsCOE inhibits H. pylori induced inflammatory response through regulating EMT, correlating with inhibition of miR-21/PDCD4 signal pathways in gastric epithelial cells.

Seed predation and passage time through the digestive tract of captive golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana)

Seed predation and dispersal by mammals are two key processes affecting the dynamics of plant populations and regeneration of forest trees. Colobine monkeys often consume fruits and are usually assumed to be seed predators, but their role as seed dispersers is unclear, especially dispersal universality of small seeds by colobine species. We conducted feeding experiments using the fruits of twelve tree species on four captive individuals of golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) at the breeding center in Shennongjia National Park. A large proportion of seeds (mean: 70.1%; range: 34.7–100.0%) were destroyed on passing through the digestive tract of the monkeys. The mean retention time (MRT) of seeds in the gut of monkeys was approximately 36 h (range: 28.4–41.7 h). Furthermore, the percentages of seed destruction (PSD) varied among plant species, as did the MRT. But neither PSD nor MRT was correlated with seed size. Golden snub-nosed monkeys appear to be both mild seed predators and potential seed dispersers, particularly of seeds less than 4.3 mm wide. The dispersal of seeds of Celastrus orbiculatus and Rubia ovatifolia may be positively affected by these primates. The role of colobine monkeys for seed dispersal need to be further attention in the future studies.

Celastrus Orbiculatus Extract Potentiates the Sensitivity of Cisplatin Via Caspase-Depenent Apoptosis in Gastric Cancer.

Cisplatin-based treatment often leads to therapeutic failure because the acquisition of cisplatin resistance. The combination of cisplatin with other agents has been recognized as a promising strategy to overcome cisplatin resistance. Celastrus orbiculatus is a traditional Chinese medicine from Celastraceae family with multiple pharmacological activities. We previously found that the ethyl acetate extract of Celastrus orbiculatus (COE) exhibited significant antitumor activity in gastric cancer. Here, we asked whether COE could increase the sensitivity of cisplatin. We use CCK8 assay to show synergistic cytotoxicity of COE and cisplatin. Then, PI single staining and FITC-Annexin V/PI double staining were used to observe apoptotic cells through flow cytometry. The proteins of caspase signaling pathway were examined by Western blotting. COE and cisplatin showed synergistic cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner in BGC 823 and SGC 7901 gastric cancer cells, and COE could increase the number of apoptotic cells upon cisplatin treatment in vitro. Moreover, our results indicated that COE could enhance cisplatin-induced activation of caspase-8 or caspase- 9/caspase-3/PARP1 signaling pathways. The xenograft study further confirmed that COE increased the sensitivity of cisplatin in vivo. Our findings provided new evidence that COE could increase the sensitivity of cisplatin on the antitumor effect.