White Ecotypes Research Articles

Unlocking Potentially Therapeutic Phytochemicals in Capadulla (Doliocarpus dentatus) from Guyana Using Untargeted Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics.

Doliocarpus dentatus is thought to have a wide variety of therapeutic phytochemicals that allegedly improve libido and cure impotence. Although a few biomarkers have been identified with potential antinociceptive and cytotoxic properties, an untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach has never been undertaken to identify therapeutic biofingerprints for conditions, such as erectile dysfunction, in men. This study executes a preliminary phytochemical screening of the woody vine of two ecotypes of D. dentatus with renowned differences in therapeutic potential for erectile dysfunction. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was used to screen for flavonoids, terpenoids, and other chemical classes found to contrast between red and white ecotypes. Among the metabolite chemodiversity found in the ecotype screens, using a combination of GNPS, MS-DIAL, and SIRIUS, approximately 847 compounds were annotated at levels 2 to 4, with the majority of compounds falling under lipid and lipid-like molecules, benzenoids and phenylpropanoids, and polyketides, indicative of the contributions of the flavonoid, shikimic acid, and terpenoid biosynthesis pathways. Despite the extensive annotation, we report on 138 tentative compound identifications of potentially therapeutic compounds, with 55 selected compounds at a level-2 annotation, and 22 statistically significant therapeutic biomarkers, the majority of which were polyphenols. Epicatechin methyl gallate, catechin gallate, and proanthocyanidin A2 had the greatest significant differences and were also relatively abundant among the red and white ecotypes. These putatively identified compounds reportedly act as antioxidants, neutralizing damaging free radicals, and lowering cell oxidative stress, thus aiding in potentially preventing cellular damage and promoting overall well-being, especially for treating erectile dysfunction (ED).

Social network differences and phenotypic divergence between stickleback ecotypes

Abstract Elucidating the mechanisms underlying differentiation between populations is essential to our understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes. While social network analysis has yielded numerous insights in behavioral ecology in recent years, it has rarely been applied to questions about population differentiation. Here, we use social network analysis to assess the potential role of social behavior in the recent divergence between two three-spined stickleback ecotypes, “whites” and “commons”. These ecotypes differ significantly in their social behavior and mating systems as adults, but it is unknown when or how differences in social behavior develop. We found that as juveniles, the white ecotype was bolder and more active than the common ecotype. Furthermore, while there was no evidence for assortative shoaling preferences, the two ecotypes differed in social network structure. Specifically, groups of the white ecotype had a lower clustering coefficient than groups of the common ecotype, suggesting that groups of the white ecotype were characterized by the formation of smaller subgroups, or “cliques”. Interestingly, ecotypic differences in the clustering coefficient were not apparent in mixed groups composed of whites and commons. The formation of cliques could contribute to population divergence by restricting the social environment that individuals experience, potentially influencing future mating opportunities and preferences. These findings highlight the insights that social network analysis can offer into our understanding of population divergence and reproductive isolation.

Flexibility of nuptial colouration in a unique ecotype of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Nuptial colouration in animals may serve as a signal of competitor and (or) mate quality during breeding. In many temperate fishes, nuptial colouration develops during discrete breeding seasons and is a target of sexual selection. We examine nuptial colouration and behaviour of a unique ecotype of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus, 1758), wherein males turn from dull brown-grey to pearlescent white during the breeding season. The main goal of this work was to determine the relative role of white colouration in intersexual competition and mate choice. In a combination of field and laboratory work, we found that males are brightest white when engaging in courtship activities in the presence of a female; this indicates that white colouration may be primarily related to enhancing signalling during mate attraction. White colouration intensity increased as the breeding season progressed and may be related to an influx of conspecifics. Colour change from cryptic grey to bright white occurred rapidly (<90 s) and may be deployed to enhance behavioural signals. We conclude that bright white colouration in the white ecotype is a potential signal of mate quality and may have evolved from a previously existing capacity for colour plasticity in common threespine stickleback.

Screenning Bioactive Compounds from Allium sativum as HER2 Inhibitors Targeting Breast Cancer by Docking Methods

Screenning Bioactive Compounds from Allium sativum as HER2 Inhibitors Targeting Breast Cancer by Docking Methods

Tissue-Specific Accumulation of Sulfur Compounds and Saponins in Different Parts of Garlic Cloves from Purple and White Ecotypes.

This study set out to determine the distribution of sulfur compounds and saponin metabolites in different parts of garlic cloves. Three fractions from purple and white garlic ecotypes were obtained: the tunic (SS), internal (IS) and external (ES) parts of the clove. Liquid Chromatography coupled to High Resolution Mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), together with bioinformatics including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Clustering (HCL) and correlation network analyses were carried out. Results showed that the distribution of these metabolites in the different parts of garlic bulbs was different for the purple and the white ecotypes, with the main difference being a slightly higher number of sulfur compounds in purple garlic. The SS fraction in purple garlic had a higher content of sulfur metabolites, while the ES in white garlic was more enriched by these compounds. The correlation network indicated that diallyl disulfide was the most relevant metabolite with regards to sulfur compound metabolism in garlic. The total number of saponins was almost 40-fold higher in purple garlic than in the white variety, with ES having the highest content. Interestingly, five saponins including desgalactotigonin-rhamnose, proto-desgalactotigonin, proto-desgalactotigonin-rhamnose, voghieroside D1, sativoside B1-rhamnose and sativoside R1 were exclusive to the purple variety. Data obtained from saponin analyses revealed a very different network between white and purple garlic, thus suggesting a very robust and tight coregulation of saponin metabolism in garlic. Findings in this study point to the possibility of using tunics from purple garlic in the food and medical industries, since it contains many functional compounds which can be exploited as ingredients.

Evaluation of effect of acupuncture needle corrosion on body tissue during electrical stimulation

Purpose: The current research reports antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities of petal extracts from differently colored Camellia ecotypes. Methods: Five Camellia japonica ecotypes were chosen for petal extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were determined. For radical scavenging activities, DPPH andUWLC analysis were conducted. Results: For total phenolic compounds, five ecotypes showed the ranges of 4.8mg of GAE (gallic acid equivalent) perg dry weight (DW) to 19.6mg of GAE for white and pinkish petals, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the petal extracts (represented in IC50)was highest (3.8 g·mL1) for the pinkish ecotype and lowest (43.1 g·mL-1) for the white ecotype when compared to the IC50 value for ascorbic acid (13.6 g·mL-1) as a positive control. The results demonstrate that the efficient DPPH radical scavenging activity of the pinkish ecotype was partly attributed to higher phenolic compounds. Activities of two antioxidant enzymes, catalase and peroxidase, were different among the ecotypes, indicating the presence of ecotype-specific detoxifying processes. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the potential use of the Camellia petals as an antioxidant resource, but there was a genotypic difference in total amount and antioxidant activities, indicating that more broad screening of the genotypes is necessary. Contact: Geung-Joo Lee, gjlee@cnu.ac.kr

Camellia Petal Extracts and Genotypic Variations in Antioxidant Activity

Purpose: The current research reports antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities of petal extracts from differently colored Camellia ecotypes. Methods: Five Camellia japonica ecotypes were chosen for petal extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds were determined. For radical scavenging activities, DPPH andUWLC analysis were conducted. Results: For total phenolic compounds, five ecotypes showed the ranges of 4.8mg of GAE (gallic acid equivalent) perg dry weight (DW) to 19.6mg of GAE for white and pinkish petals, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the petal extracts (represented in IC50)was highest (3.8 g·mL1) for the pinkish ecotype and lowest (43.1 g·mL-1) for the white ecotype when compared to the IC50 value for ascorbic acid (13.6 g·mL-1) as a positive control. The results demonstrate that the efficient DPPH radical scavenging activity of the pinkish ecotype was partly attributed to higher phenolic compounds. Activities of two antioxidant enzymes, catalase and peroxidase, were different among the ecotypes, indicating the presence of ecotype-specific detoxifying processes. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the potential use of the Camellia petals as an antioxidant resource, but there was a genotypic difference in total amount and antioxidant activities, indicating that more broad screening of the genotypes is necessary. Contact: Geung-Joo Lee, gjlee@cnu.ac.kr

Antioxidant and radical-scavenging activities of petal extracts of Camellia japonica ecotypes

Camellia japonica is the most well-known species of the genus Camellia, which is native to Korea, Japan, and China. In this study, the antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities of petal extracts of Camellia ecotypes with different colors were evaluated. For total phenolic compounds, five ecotypes were grouped into low [(4.8 mg·g−1 of dry weight (DW) GAE (gallic acid equivalent)], medium (6.0–6.2 mg·g−1) and high (19.6 mg·g−1) groups for white, red, and pink colors, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the petal extracts, presented as a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), was the greatest (3.8 μg·mL−1) in the pink ecotype and least (43.1 μg·mL−1) in the white ecotype as compared to ascorbic acid (13.6 μg·mL−1). The results demonstrated that the efficient DPPH radical scavenging activity of the pink ecotype was partly due to higher contents of phenolic compounds. Activities of two antioxidant enzymes, catalase and peroxidase, varied among the ecotypes, indicating the presence of ecotype-specific detoxifying processes. Camellia petals had higher amounts of antioxidants as well as excellent reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities that were dependent on the petal color.

Spermiogram of the White Ecotype of Sahel Bucks in Maiduguri Metropolis

Spermiogram of the White Ecotype of Sahel Bucks in Maiduguri Metropolis

Occurrence of saponins and sapogenols in Andean crops

AbstractSamples of bitter seeds of local ecotypes and cultivars of lupin (Lupin mutabilis), white and yellow ecotypes of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Wild) and a local ecotype of amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) grown in the Peruvian highlands were analysed for total saponin content and sapogenol composition. Sweet cultivars of L albus and L luteus cultivated in mild‐rainy lowlands of Chile were also analysed for comparison. Fast atom bombardment‐mass spectrometry (FAB‐MS) of the saponin extracts and gas chromatography (GC) analysis of the sapogenols after acid hydrolysis of the crude extract‐were used for the identification and quantification of saponins. It was found that L albus and amaranth had undetectable levels of saponins making them attractive for human consumption. The cultivars and ecotypes of L mutabilis contained saponin levels in the range of 229.8–390.5 mg k−1. FAB‐MS showed the presence of soya saponins I and II, whereas GC allowed the identification of soya sapogenols A and B. The same saponin composition was determined in L luteus whose total content was 55.3 mg kg−1. Saponin composition in quinoa seeds comprised oleanolic acid and three other sapogenols identified as hederagenin, phytolaccagenic acid and deoxyphytolaccagenic acid. Oleanolic acid saponins were found to be the main class of saponin in quinoa seeds sampled for this study. The yellow ecotype of quinoa presented a significantly higher content of saponins and of oleanolic acid as compared to white ecotypes. Since only one ecotype of amaranth was analysed, the nutritional significance of no detectable saponin needs further study. It was concluded that the environmental conditions in the Peruvian highlands are determinants of the amount and composition of saponins present in bitter lupine and quinoa.