Sophora Japonica Research Articles

Functional Food Potential of Chrysanthemum morifolium, Perilla frutescens, and Sophora japonica in Managing Hyperuricemia through Dual Enzyme Inhibition.

Amid growing concerns regarding gout and hyperuricemia associated with high-protein and purine-rich diets, the need for effective prevention and management strategies with minimal side effects has become increasingly critical. This study evaluates the potential of three commonly consumed plant-based functional foods, Chrysanthemum morifolium, Perilla frutescens, and Sophora japonica, inhibiting xanthine oxidase (XO) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), key enzymes in uric acid metabolism. Results from hyperuricemia model mice indicate that this blend significantly reduces serum uric acid levels, mirroring the efficacy of conventional prevention and management strategies such as allopurinol but with fewer adverse effects. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis confirms that flavonoids are the primary bioactive agents, exhibiting a strong affinity for XO. These findings highlight the viability of integrating plant-based functional foods into comprehensive gout management strategies, underscoring their role in enhancing patient health through dietary innovation.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Cyamophila willieti (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Cyamophila willieti (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is a significant pest that adversely affects the growth of Styphnolobium japonicum and its variant, Styphnolobium japonicum f. pendula. Despite its impact, research on this species remains limited. In this study, we successfully assembled a chromosome-level genome for Cyamophila willieti using a comprehensive approach that integrated Illumina sequencing, PacBio sequencing, and Hi-C technology. The genome size was determined to be 361.61 Mb, with a scaffold N50 length of 28.90 Mb. Additionally, the genome was mapped to 13 chromosomes (N = 12 A + X), and a total of 15,841 genes were predicted, with 90.38% of them functionally annotated. In summary, the high-quality genome of Cyamophila willieti provides valuable data to support further research, including pest management strategies.

Evaluation of Ecological Service Functions of Urban Greening Tree Species in Northern China Based on the Species-Specific Air Purification Index

Urban forests, as an integral part of nature-based solutions (NBS), are significant contributors to improving urban air quality, delivering ecological service functions and environmental benefits to human health and well-being. Suitable urban forest management, including proper species selection, needs to be defined to efficiently reduce air pollutants in cities, with a focus on the removal ability of the main air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2), the ecological adaptability to O3 and NO2, and allergenic effects. This study ranked 73 urban greening tree species in northern Chinese cities based on their ability to maximize air quality and minimize disservices. This study proposed a novel Species-Specific Air Purification Index (S-API), which is suitable for air quality improvement for tree/shrub species. Urban managers are recommended to select species with an S-API > 1.47—that is, species that have a high removal capacity of PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2, are O3- and NO2-tolerant, and are non-allergenic (e.g., Castanea mollissima Blume, Ginkgo biloba L., Hibiscus syriacus L., Ilex chinensis Sims, Juniperus procumbens (Endl.) Iwata et Kusaka, Liriodendron chinense (Hemsl.) Sarg., Morus alba L., Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott, Syringa oblata Lindl., and Ulmus pumila L.). The S-API of urban greening species thus represents a potentially useful metric for air pollutant risk assessment and for selecting appropriate species for urban greening in cities facing serious air pollution challenges.

Improving AGB estimations by integrating tree height and crown radius from multisource remote sensing.

Precise estimation of forest above ground biomass (AGB) is essential for assessing its ecological functions and determining forest carbon stocks. It is difficult to directly obtain diameter at breast height (DBH) based on remote sensing imagery. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately estimate the AGB with features extracted directly from RS. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of estimating AGB from crown radius (R) and tree height (H) features extracted from multi-source RS data. Accurate information on tree height (H), crown radius (R), and diameter at breast height (DBH) can be obtained through point clouds generated by airborne laser scanning (ALS) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), respectively. Nine allometric growth equations were used to fit coniferous forests (Larix principis-rupprechtii) and broadleaf forests (Fraxinus chinensis and Sophora japonica). The fitting performance of models constructed using only "H" or "R" was compared with that of models constructed using both combined. The results showed that the quadratic polynomial model constructed with "H+R" fitted the AGB estimation better in each vegetation type, especially in the scenario of mixed tall and short coniferous forests, in which the R2 and RMSE were 0.9282 and 25.30 kg (rRMSE 17.31%), respectively. Therefore, using high-resolution data to extract crown radius and tree height can achieve high-precision, global-scale estimation of forest above ground biomass.

Deciphering the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective potential of kaempferol: a comprehensive investigation.

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by neuronal degradation, dysfunction, or death within the CNS. Oxidative and inflammatory stress play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. The interplay between these stressors and dysregulated cellular signaling pathways contributes to neurodegeneration. Downregulation of NRF-2 compromises antioxidant defense, exacerbating neuronal damage, while increased TLR-4/MAPK and TLR-4/NF-κB signaling promotes neuroinflammation. Excessive ROS production by NADPH oxidase leads to oxidative damage and neuronal apoptosis. The strategies targeting NRF-2, TLR-4-mediated inflammatory stress, and NADPH oxidase activity promise to mitigate neuronal damage and halt the progression of the disease. Kaempferol is a flavonoid polyphenol antioxidant found abundantly in various fruits and vegetables, including apples, grapes, tomatoes, and broccoli. It is widely found in medicinal plants including Equisetum spp., Sophora japonica, Ginkgo biloba, and Euphorbia pekinensis (Rupr.). A substantial body of in vitro and in vivo evidences have demonstrated the neuroprotective potential of kaempferol against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Kaempferol demonstrates multifaceted potential in mitigating neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in different neurodegenerative diseases through the modulation of various pathways including NRF-2, NADPH oxidase, TLR-4/MAPK, and TLR-4/NF-κB. This review article was developed through a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of research published between 2009 and 2024, sourced from multiple scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the neuroprotective effects of kaempferol, focusing on its underlying molecular mechanisms. A total of 24 research evidence were included to elucidate the molecular pathways by which kaempferol exerts its protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases.

Study of the extraction kinetics of flavonoids from the fruits of Sophora japonica L. with sunflower oil

Among the large number of biologically active substances contained in the fruits of Sophora japonica L., the extraction of flavonoids, substances of medium polarity, is particularly important. The process of extracting them with vegetable oil from fruits is quite complicated. The object of research is the kinetics of the process of extracting flavonoids from Sophora japonica L. fruits with sunflower oil. The influence of temperature, duration, and hydraulic modulus on the extraction process, as well as on the derivation of the equation of the mathematical model, is studied. Mathematical modeling methods are used in the research. Processing of experimental data for the study of extraction kinetics in the vegetable oil:vegetable raw material system is carried out using the Statistica statistical package. In order to derive the equation of the mathematical model of the process of extracting flavonoids from Sophora japonica L. with sunflower oil, the influence of temperature, duration and hydromodulus on the process of transition of the target component – flavonoids to the extract – is investigated. A mathematical model of the dependence of flavonoids on the hydromodulus (H=10–25), temperature (t=25–45 °С) and the duration of the extraction process of Sophora japonica L. (τ=2–10 h) is obtained, which makes it possible to calculate the content of flavonoids with an average relative with an error within 5 %. On the basis of the conducted experimental studies, basic technological schemes for obtaining unrefined sunflower oil of increased biological value are developed, which includes the following stages: preparation of raw materials, treatment of prepared raw materials with sunflower oil during dilution and mixing, separation of oil from raw materials by filtering. The proposed technology is promising, as its implementation is possible not only in food industry enterprises, but also in restaurant establishments, as it does not require expensive equipment, additional production premises and special training of personnel. The mathematical models of the extraction process of Sophora japonica L. with unrefined sunflower oil proposed in the work allow to select the extraction parameters with a high degree of probability and offer the consumer flavonoid-enriched sunflower oil of increased biological value.

A Novel Fluorescent/Colorimetric Dual-Signal Intelligent Detecting Platform (F/C-BMIPs) Based on "Borate-Molecular Imprinting" Collaborative Recognition for Visual Quantitative Detection of Rutin in Food Samples.

Herein, a novel fluorescent/colorimetric dual-signal intelligent detecting platform (F/C-BMIPs) based on ratiometric fluorescence (BA-N-GQDs/rhodamine 6G) and collaborative recognition (borate-MIPs) was developed for on-site visual quantitative detection of rutin (RT) in food samples. Furthermore, the above detection system is transferred to the test strips, and combined with the color recognition ability of smartphones, the portable and user-friendly visualization and quantitative detection of RT (F/C-BMIPs method) is realized. Under optimal conditions, the assay system has a wide linear range of 0.2-10 μM (F-BMIPs)/0.45-10 μM (F/C-BMIPs), and 10-100 μM (F-BMIPs and F/C-BMIPs), a detection limit as low as 0.02 μM (F-BMIPs)/0.056 μM (F/C-BMIPs) (S/N = 3), highly imprinted factor (IF = 5.04), and fast fluorescence response (90 s). In addition, this method was successfully applied to the detection of RT in two real samples (raw buckwheat and Sophora japonica), and the recovery rate was 95.6%-103.5%. Therefore, this study provides a promising strategy for the on-site rapid detection of cis-diol-containing flavonoids in food samples.

RNAs associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis show anticancer effects of Flos Sophorae flavonoids extract on human hepatoma cells

Flos Sophorae, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and health tea, consists of the dried flowers and buds of the Sophora japonica L. (Leguminosae). This study assesses the in vitro anticancer efficacy of Flos Sophorae flower extract (FSFE) against the human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2, juxtaposed with its effects on normal human liver L02 cells. Cell viability was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to evaluate the effects of fruit skin flavonoid extract (FSFE) on cellular proliferation. The results indicated that FSFE significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 liver cancer cells, with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 117.98 μg/mL, while having minimal effects on normal liver L02 cells. HPLC analysis identified rutin and quercetin as components of FSFE, both recognized for their antioxidant properties. The flavonoids in Flos Sophorae exhibit potent inhibitory effects on liver cancer cells, indicating potential as a natural anticancer agent. The findings support the continued development and research into the therapeutic applications of these compounds.

Styphnolobium japonicum Fruit and Germinated Soybean Embryo Complex Extract for Postmenopausal-Symptom Relief.

Hormonal alterations during menopause result in substantial physiological changes. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used as a treatment strategy for these changes, its use remains controversial due to its associated risks. Plant isoflavones are phytoestrogens that are considered a potential alternative therapy for postmenopausal syndrome. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extracts from Styphnolobium japonicum fruit (SJF) and germinated soybean embryo (GSE) in alleviating prominent menopausal symptoms. A cell model (MCF7 human breast cancer cells) was used to investigate estrogen-like activity. A rat ovariectomy model was used to simulate estrogen depletion after menopause and to evaluate the efficacy of the SJF-GSE complex extract at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. Treatment with the SJF-GSE extract elicited estrogen-like effects, raising pS2 and estrogen receptor α expression in MCF7 cells. The extract was found to contain 48-72 mg/g sophoricoside and 8-12 mg/g soyasaponin 1, identified as active compounds. In ovariectomized rats, the extract effectively reduced body weight and fat content, alleviated vasomotor symptoms, improved vaginal mucosal health, and exerted osteoprotective effects by enhancing bone density and structure, reducing bone-resorption markers and positively altering estradiol levels and lipid profiles. The SJF-GSE extract, working synergistically, provides a safe and effective alternative to HRT for managing postmenopausal symptoms and enhancing bone health, without adverse effects. These findings support the inclusion of SJF and GSE in health-functional foods and underscore the importance of further research into plant-based therapies for menopause.

Inhibitory mechanism on tyrosinase activity of flavonoids from flower buds of Sophora japonica L

The flower buds of Sophora japonica L. (FBSJ) have long been applied as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and functional food in East Asia. In this study, extracts of FBSJ from 11 different locations were analyzed using the HPLC method to establish their HPLC fingerprints. By determining the IC50 on tyrosinase activity, it was discovered that the extract from Kunming, Yunnan Province exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity. Further analysis, including partial least squares regression coefficient analysis and grey correlation analysis, regarded kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and quercetin as the compounds with significant tyrosinase inhibitory activities. To understand the inhibition mechanism of tyrosinase activity, various analytical techniques such as enzymatic kinetic analysis, fluorescence quenching, circular dichroism (CD), molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation were employed. The results revealed that quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol exhibited higher inhibitory activity and binding energy compared with kojic acid, indicating their potential value as natural tyrosinase inhibitors. This research provides a solid theoretical foundation for studying the application and mechanism of flavonoids against tyrosinase in FBSJ.

Novel 3D Printed Biomaterials Based on Fish Scale Collagen and Plant Extracts and Its Hemostatic Efficacy

AbstractThis study focused on 3D printing‐preparation of novel biomaterials based on fish scale collagen and the following plant extracts: Eclipta alba L. Hassk leaf (EA), Piper betle L. leaf (PB), Perilla frutescens L. Britt leaf (PF), and Styphnolobium japonicum L. Schott flower bud (SJ). The characterizations of the obtained biomaterials were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy and stereo microscopy. Additionally, assessments of the biomaterials were conducted on the water contact angle, simulated body fluid contact angle, scratch resistance, color changes, and swelling degree in simulated body fluid. Furthermore, in‐vitro blood clotting time and the anti‐inflammatory ability of these biomaterials were also performed. The results indicated that the plant extracts contributed to modifying collagen, significantly improving the scratch resistance and water contact angle of the collagen/plant extract biomaterials. The plant extracts were dispersed consistently with the collagen matrix, impacting the vibrations of specific functional groups of collagen. Collagen/plant extract dressings exhibited great biocompatibility and anti‐inflammatory. The in‐vitro tests demonstrated that the ethanol EA extract notably enhanced the hemostatic effectiveness of collagen, suggesting the potential of collagen/plant extract biomaterials in hemostatic applications.

Skin and Scalp Health Benefits of a Specific Botanical Extract Blend: Results from a Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study in Urban Outdoor Workers

Environmental pollution is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to skin and scalp damage. Oral supplementation with a specific blend of four standardized botanical extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis, Lippia citriodora, Olea europaea leaf, and Sophora japonica) has been previously demonstrated to enhance skin health in individuals exposed to high environmental stress. Thus, it might represent a convenient strategy to also improve their scalp health aspect, particularly in subjects with sensitive scalps. To support these effects, a 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed in 66 women working outdoors in urban areas with high particulate matter (PM) levels and taking 250 mg of the botanical blend daily. Product efficacy was measured as follows: skin antioxidant status (FRAP); skin and scalp moisturization (corneometer), transepidermal water loss (tewameter), and oiliness (sebumeter); skin radiance and colour (spectrophotometer), elasticity and firmness (cutometer) and wrinkle depth (image analysis); and scalp clinical evaluation. Despite constant exposure to increased levels of PM, the tested product positively influenced all monitored parameters compared to both baseline and the placebo-treated group, in as early as 4 weeks. At the end of the study, key improvements included increased skin FRAP (21.9%), moisturization (9.5%), radiance (24.9%) and reduced wrinkle depth (−16.5%), dark spot pigmentation (−26.2%), and skin oiliness (−19.3%). For the scalp, moisturization increased (14.1%), TEWL decreased (−13.8%), and sebum content reduced by 16.2%. Additionally, 71% of subjects with sensitive scalps experienced reduced redness. These findings highlight the extensive benefits of the ingredient, expanding its application beyond conventional skin treatments to also alleviate scalp issues.

Potential antioxidant and cytotoxic impacts of defatted extract rich in flavonoids from Styphnolobium japonicum leaves growing in Egypt

Styphnolobium japonicum leaves are considered a rich source of flavonoids, which are the prospective basis for various therapeutic effects. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive cytotoxic studies conducted on these leaves. Therefore, this ongoing investigation aimed to detect and isolate the flavonoids present in S. japonicum leaves, and assess their antioxidant and anticancer properties. The defatted extract from S. japonicum leaves was analyzed using HPLC, which resulted in the identification of seven phenolics and six flavonoids. Rutin and quercetin were found to be the most abundant. Furthermore, a comprehensive profile of flavonoids was obtained through UPLC/ESI–MS analysis in negative acquisition mode. Fragmentation pathways of the identified flavonoids were elucidated to gain relevant insights into their structural characteristics. Furthermore, genistein 7-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside were isolated and characterized. The defatted extract rich in flavonoids exhibited significant antioxidant, iron-reducing, free radicals scavenging impacts, and remarkable cytotoxicity against the liver cell line (IC50 337.9μg/ mL) and lung cell line (IC50 55.0 μg/mL). Furthermore, the antioxidant and anticancer capacities of the three isolated flavonoids have been evaluated, and it has been observed that their effects are concentration-dependent. The findings of this research highlight the promising impact of flavonoids in cancer therapy. It is recommended that future scientific investigations prioritize the exploration of the distinct protective and therapeutic characteristics of S. japonicum leaves, which hold significant potential as a valuable natural resource.

Artificial light at night decreases leaf herbivory in typical urban areas.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is exerting growing pressure on natural ecosystems, but its impact on biological interactions remains unclear. This study aimed to assess how ALAN influences leaf functional traits and herbivory in two prevalent street tree species (Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott and Fraxinus pennsylvanica) through field surveys and paired experiments in the urban areas of Beijing, China. We found that ALAN led to increased leaf toughness and decreased levels of leaf herbivory. Additionally, ALAN showed species-specific effects on leaf nutrients, size as well as defense substances. The findings illustrate that ALAN can significantly alter some key functional traits and ecological processes (nutrient cycling, energy flow). In general, we suggest that high ALAN intensity will be detrimental to the energy flow from urban plants to higher trophic levels, posing a potential threat to the maintenance of biodiversity (e.g., arthropod diversity, bird diversity) in urban ecosystems.

Variations in the leaf economics spectrum, anatomical, ultrastructural, and stomatal traits of five tree species in the urban-rural air pollution environment

Rapid urbanization has contributed to global increases in air pollution derived from urban areas. Unlike natural forests, urban forests are exposed to higher concentrations of airborne pollutants due to the strong urban-suburban-rural pollutant emission gradients. However, there remains a pressing lack of available information pertaining to the urban air pollution-related effects on the leaf economics spectrum, anatomical, ultrastructural, and stomatal traits of tree species along an urban-rural gradient. Here, the degree to which urban air pollution impacts the adaption of greening tree species and associated service functions was assessed by sampling five common tree species (Acer pictum, Fraxinus chinensis, Koelreuteria paniculata, Salix babylonica, Sophora japonica) along urban-rural-natural forests in the Beijing metropolitan region of China. These analyses revealed a significant reduction in leaf mass per unit area (–13.4 %), leaf thickness (–16.7 %), and stomatal area (–27.5 %) with increasing proximity to areas of greater air pollution that coincide with significant increases in leaf tissue density (+12.6 %), leaf nitrogen content (+10.1 %), relative chlorophyll content (+2.7 %), and stomatal density (+11.9 %). Higher air pollution levels were associated with organelle changes including gradual disintegration of chloroplasts, larger intercellular spaces and apparent starch and plastoglobuli deposition. Air pollution was conducive to the strengthening of the trade-off potential and adaptation strategies of trees in urban ecosystems, which are associated with trees with a rapid investment return strategy associated with thick leaves and strong photosynthetic capacity. These results provide strong empirical evidence of the profound air pollution-induced changes in leaf functional traits and adaption ability of urban forest tree species.

Effects of different postharvest drying processes on flavonoid content and enzymatic activity of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott flowers for industrial and medicinal use

Traditionally, fresh S. japonicum flowers (SJF) and S. japonicum flowers buds (SJFB) are dried prior to further processing and use. Here, we investigated the ways in which drying techniques, including sun drying (SD), steam drying (STD), microwave drying (MD), hot air drying (HAD, 40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, 100 °C), and freeze drying (FD), alter the flavonoid composition of freshly-harvested SJF and SJFB. The flavonoid content of dried samples was determined by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Diode Array Detector (UPLC-DAD). Overall, different drying techniques had significantly different effects on the RU content, ranging from 10.63 % (HAD-80 °C) to 34.13 % (HAD-100 °C) in SJF and from 18.91 % (HAD-100 °C) to 29.16 % (HAD-40 °C) and 30.53 % (SD) in SJFB. To clarify the mechanism by which drying affects the RU content of S. japonicum flowers, we studied the activity of a rutin-hydrolyzing enzyme (RHE) isolated from SJF and SJFB using multiple separation and assay methods. According to the Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) results, the apparent molecular weight of the purified RHE was approximately 38 kDa. According to UPLC-DAD, RHE catalyzes the production of quercetin (QU) from rutin (RU), but not from other flavonoid glycosides. Drying fresh SJF and SJFB at low and high temperatures can inhibit RHE activity and prevent RU hydrolysis. Therefore, subjecting freshly-harvest SJF to HAD-100 °C, and freshly-harvest SJFB to SD or HAD-40 °C, can greatly increase the RU content. In particular, HAD is viable for large-scale application due to its simplicity and industrial feasibility.

Hyperspectral and Weather Resistant Biomimetic Leaf Enabled by Interlayer Confinement

AbstractMimicking the characteristics and achieving specific functions of biological systems is stirring but challenging. Generally, pigments in the commercial coating can only achieve a similarity in chromaticity, while cannot obtain a similarity in the solar reflective spectrum whose difficulty resides in simulating spectral characteristics simultaneously. Unfortunately, traditional organic pigments show poor weather and heat resistance. Herein, with the little difference in the color difference (ΔEab*), the high spectral similarity, as well as adjustable green peak and similar red edge slope compared with the common plants (pagoda tree leaf, etc.) in 400–2500 nm, is also attained. It is achieved by the interlayer confined organic pigment in Mg/Al‐layered double hydroxide (Mg/Al‐LDH) layers. The corresponding biomimetic leaf displays high hyperspectral performance with a spectral angle cosine of 0.9922 and heat resistance at 120 °C. The longer weather resistance than that of mechanical mixing is also demonstrated. The intercalated chromophores of sodium copper chlorophyllin in the Mg/Al‐LDH and the interlayer confinement of Mg/Al‐LDH contribute to the excellent performance. This work provides a green pigment and a biomimetic leaf requiring the same chromaticity and spectrum as green plants, filling the long‐term use demand gap for heat and weather‐resistant biomimetic vegetation.

Sophoricoside ameliorates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting Bach1/Akt pathway

BackgroundThe lack of effective treatments for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, which often leads to severe acute lung injury (ALI), poses a grave threat to human life. Sophoricoside (SOP), an isoflavone glycoside abundant in the fruit of traditional Chinese herbal Sophora japonica l., showed anti-inflammatory effects against atopic dermatitis, allergic inflammation, and lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI. However, its effect and underlying mechanism on MRSA-induced ALI remain unclear. PurposeThe aim of this study is to assess the protective effect of SOP in MRSA-induced ALI and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsIn vivo experiments were conducted using wild-type mice to establish MRSA-induced ALI mouse model, and the effects of SOP on ALI were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and several biochemical indicators. Adoptive transfer experiments and BTB and CNC homology 1 knockout (Bach1-/-) mice were also utilized in this study. In vitro studies employed murine macrophages RAW264.7 cells, primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), and primary lung macrophages to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. ResultsThe administration of SOP ameliorated MRSA-induced ALI by improving pulmonary histological damages, reducing neutrophil infiltration, suppressing oxidative stress levels, and decreasing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. In isolation experiments with ALI mouse lung macrophages and macrophage adoptive transfer experiments, SOP prevented macrophage activation, thereby reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In vitro experiments demonstrated that SOP decreased the expression of inflammatory mediators in lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, BMDMs, and primary lung macrophages. Additionally, SOP inhibited protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation and treatment with MK2206-a specific inhibitor of Akt-eliminated SOP's ability to suppress LTA-stimulated macrophage inflammation. Furthermore, stimulation with LTA or MRSA up-regulated Bach1 expression; however, deletion of Bach1 abolished the inhibitory effect of SOP on p-Akt activation as well as inflammation and ALI development. ConclusionThis study provides the first evidence that SOP effectively mitigates MRSA-induced ALI via suppressing macrophage activation through the inhibition of Bach1/Akt pathway. These findings highlight the potential of SOP as a novel therapeutic agent for treating MRSA-induced ALI.

Características de dormideros comunales de Loros Habladores (<i>Amazona aestiva</i><i></i><i></i>) en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina: una población fuera de su rango de distribución natural

Psittacines are often illegally captured and sold as pets. The historical capture of specimens and the deforestation of the native forest have had negative consequences on psittacine species at a global level. Locally, individuals retained as pets and subsequently released have been able to establish outside their native range, and may even become invasive. The Turquoise-fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) is wanted as a pet for its ability to imitate sounds. Specimens released in the 1980s and 1990s in the City of Buenos Aires, established a population 750 km of the limit of their natural range. In 2015 and 2018, we detected roosts in the neighborhood of Saavedra and Parque Chas-Agronomía respectively. In this work we aimed to gain new knowledge about this population, its feeding sites, roosts and behavior. The two roosts studied were located on urban trees (mainly Platanus acerifolia), and are the only ones recorded so far in Buenos Aires. We recorded an average of 243 individuals in 2021 and 180 in 2022. We recorded 12 sites within a 20 km radius of the active roost where the Turquoise-fronted Parrot was observed. Parrots leave the roost at dawn and return at dusk. They consume fruits of Platanus acerifolia, Melia azedarach, Eriobotrya japonica, Styphnolobium japonicum, among others. These roosts may constitute a new resource for urban ecotourism, giving value to this species that persists outside its natural range where it is threatened.

A prospective cohort study on the improvement of disease-free progression survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma by combining Sophora japonica granules with targeted and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

e16187 Background: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of combining Sophora japonica granules with targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had not undergone systemic treatment. Methods: A prospective cohort study design was adopted (ChiCTR2400079626), collecting HCC patients visited the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2023. All patients received targeted therapy and ICIs treatment. "Whether Sophora japonica granules were combined during treatment" was considered as the exposure factor. Patients who met this exposure factor were included in the exposure group (n = 48), and those who did not meet this factor were included in the non-exposure group (n = 44). The disease-free survival (PFS), six-month PFS rate, and subgroup analysis between two groups. Results: The PFS of the exposure group was 8.9 months (m), and that of the non-exposure group was 5m(P = 0.001 HR = 0.50, 95%CI (0.32~0.78)). The six-month PFS rates were 66.7% compared to 34.1%(P = 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that in subgroups with hepatitis, cirrhosis, vascular invasion, extrahepatic metastasis, tumor maximum diameter ≥5cm, combined TKI, the exposure group had significantly longer PFS than the non-exposure group (respectively: 9m VS 5m, 10m VS 4m, 13m VS 3m, 8.3m VS 4m, 9m VS 4m, 9m VS 5m),(P < 0.05). In the subgroup with a history of alcohol consumption, the exposure group's PFS was extended by 9 m (14m VS 5m; P = 0.010); in the subgroup with baseline AFP ≥400ng/ml, PFS was extended by 6m (9m VS 3m; P = 0.017), and in the subgroup with baseline AFP < 400ng/ml, PFS was also extended by 2.9m (8.9m VS 6m; P = 0.024), with all differences being statistically significant. Multivariate analysis showed that extrahepatic metastasis was an independent prognostic factor, with a disease progression risk 1.77 times higher than that of patients without extrahepatic metastasis [HR = 1.77, 95%CI (1.11~2.81), P = 0.016]. Combining Sophora japonica granules was a protective factor [HR = 0.53, 95%CI (0.33~0.84), P = 0.006], reducing the risk of disease progression in HCC patients treated with targeted therapy and ICIs by 47%. Conclusions: Combining Sophora japonica granules can extend the progression-free survival of HCC patients treated with targeted therapy and ICIs, increase the six-month PFS rate, and significantly reduce the risk of disease progression. The survival benefit was more pronounced in subgroups with vascular invasion and a history of alcohol consumption, with PFS exceeding one year. After combining Sophora japonica granules, the survival benefit improved more in the ICIs + TKI subgroup compared to the ICIs + bevacizumab subgroup. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2400079626.