Wei Wang's research while affiliated with Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences and other places

Introduction Artemisia argyi Folium (AAF) is a traditional medicinal herb and edible plant. Analyzing the differential metabolites that affect the efficacy of AAF with different aging years is necessary. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the changing trend and differential markers of volatile and nonvolatile metabolites of AAF from different aging years, which are necessary for application in clinical medicine. Methodology Metabolites were analyzed using a widely targeted metabolomic approach based on ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Results A total of 153 volatile metabolites and 159 nonvolatile metabolites were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) could clearly distinguish AAF aged for 1 year (AF‐1), 3 years (AF‐3), and 5 years (AF‐5). Seven flavonoids and nine terpenoids were identified as biomarkers for tracking the aging years. Conclusions The metabolomic method provided an effective strategy for tracking and identifying biomarkers of AAF from different aging years. This study laid the foundation for analysis of the biological activity of Artemisia argyi with different aging years.

The effect of solar drying (SD), room-temperature shaded drying (RSD), hot-air drying (HD), vacuum freeze drying (VFD), and microwave drying (MD) was compared on the sensory quality, nutrient substances, bioactive constituents, and antioxidant activities of dried Stropharia rugosoannulata. The results revealed that, in comparison with SD, RSD, HD, and MD, VFD mushrooms exhibited a better appearance with less shrinkage and an ideal colour with lower a colour difference. Meanwhile, a significantly higher content ( p < 0.05 ) of protein, carbohydrate, total sugar, and vitamin C was retained in VFD samples. The HD and VFD samples both had abundant total free amino acids and best met the ideal protein standard. Furthermore, VFD had advantages in terms of better preserving bioactive constituents and stronger antioxidant activities compared to other treatments. Therefore, the VFD-dried S. rugosoannulata obtained a better overall quality compared to the other four drying methods.

This study sought to investigate whether Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) has a protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory injury to mammary epithelial HC-11 cells and to characterize the mechanism involved. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) method, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and IκBa, p65 NF-κB and STAT3 mRNA were determined using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), p65 and STAT3 protein expression were determined using Western blotting, respectively. GLP was shown to inhibit LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), GLP was also shown to increase IκBα mRNA expression (P < 0.01), decrease p65 and STAT3 mRNA expression (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), and decrease p-p65, p65, p-STAT3, and STAT3 protein expression in breast epithelial cells (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The findings suggest that GLP inhibits nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling by preventing IκBα degradation and p65 and STAT3 phosphorylation. This results in lower LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production and prevents inflammatory cell injury.

Objectives We investigated the protective effect of Rehmannia glutinosa oligosaccharides (RGO) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier injury among mice. Methods RGO is prepared from fresh rehmannia glutinosa by water extraction, active carbon decolorization, ion exchange resin impurity removal, macroporous adsorption resin purification, and decompression drying. LPS could establish the model for intestinal inflammation and barrier injury in mice. Three different doses of RGO were administered for three consecutive weeks. Then the weight, feces, and health status of the mice were recorded. After sacrificing the mice, their colon length and immune organ index were determined. The morphological changes of the ileum and colon were observed using Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, followed by measuring the villus length and recess depth. RT-qPCR was utilized to detect the relative mRNA expression of intestinal zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. The expression of inflammatory factors and oxidation markers within ileum and colon tissues and the digestive enzyme activities in the ileum contents were detected using ELISA. The content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon was determined with GC. The gut microbial composition and diversity changes were determined with 16S-rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The association between intestinal microorganisms and SCFAs, occludins, digestive enzymes, inflammatory factor contents, and antioxidant indexes was also analyzed. Results RGO significantly increased the weight, pancreatic index, thymus index, and colon length of mice compared with the model group. Moreover, it also improved the intestinal tissue structure and increased the expression of intestinal barrier-related junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin. The contents of IL-6, IL-17, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the intestinal tissues of mice were significantly reduced. Additionally, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) were elevated. In contrast, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased. Trypsin and pancreatic lipase activities in the ileum enhanced, and the SCFA contents such as acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in the colon increased. The study on intestinal flora revealed that RGO could enhance the abundance of intestinal flora and improve the flora structure. After RGO intervention, the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, and Akkermania bacteria in the intestinal tract of mice increased compared with the model group, while that of Actinomycetes decreased. The intestinal microbiota structure changed to the case, with probiotics playing a dominant role. The correlation analysis indicated that Lactobacillus and Ackermann bacteria in the intestinal tract of mice were positively associated with SCFAs, Occludin, ZO-1, pancreatic amylase, SOD, and CAT activities. Moreover, they were negatively correlated with inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-17, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Conclusions RGO can decrease LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and intestinal barrier injury in mice and protect their intestinal function. RGO can ameliorate intestinal inflammation and maintain the intestinal barrier by regulating intestinal flora.

The essential oils, respectively, from fresh and dried Stropharia rugosoannulata fruiting bodies, an important edible mushroom, have been studied for their chemical composition, antibacterial capacity, and antioxidant activity. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with Kovats retention index. The oils’ antibacterial test was evaluated by the microdilution method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and antioxidant activity was determined through DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing power. Twenty-nine components were identified from the fresh mushroom, and the compositions were mainly dominated by hydrocarbons (54.72%), acids (32.99%), esters (5.07%), and terpenic compounds (0.96%). Thirty-five components were identified from the dried sample, and acids (31.22%), terpenic compounds (28.7%), alcohols (12.7%), and ketones (10.48%) were the major compounds. Strong antibacterial capacity and obvious antioxidant activity were observed for both essential oils from the fresh and dried mushrooms.

Quantitative fingerprint and differences of Artemisia argyi from different varieties, picking time, aging year, and origins were analyzed combing with chemometrics. The antioxidant activity was determined and antioxidant markers of Artemisia argyi were screened. Variety WA3 was significantly different from that of the other varieties. Fingerprint peak response and antioxidant activity of Artemisia argyi picked in December were lower than samples collected in May and August. Fresh Artemisia argyi leaves were significantly superior to withered leaves and stems. Artemisia argyi aging 1–5 years presented a classification trend. Antioxidant activity of Artemisia argyi produced in Nanyang was generally superior to others origins. Peak 9, isochlorogenic acid A and 6‐methoxyluteolin contributed greatly for classification of Artemisia argyi from different variety, picking time, aging year and origin. Isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, 6‐methoxyluteolin and chlorogenic acid were selected as antioxidant marker of Artemisia argyi. The method based on quantitative fingerprint, antioxidant activity evaluation, and chemometrics was reliable to analyze the differences of Artemisia argyi samples from different sources. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Evaluations of the nutritional ingredients, biologically active materials, and pharmacological activities (antibacterial and antioxidant) of two types of Stropharia rugosoannulata, grown under the bamboo forest and in the greenhouse, respectively, were carried out in this study. The nutritional ingredient tests included moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, total carbohydrates, total sugar, mineral elements, vitamins, and amino acids. The biologically active material assays included total flavonoids, total polysaccharides, total triterpenoids, and reducing sugars. In addition, a broth microdilution susceptibility test was performed to evaluate antibacterial activity. The antioxidant activity was measured by ABTS⁺ radical scavenging, ferric-reducing power, and β-carotene bleaching assays. Results showed that two types of S. rugosoannulata were rich in protein, carbohydrate, fiber, mineral, B-group vitamins, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and reducing sugars, with low content of fat and low Na/K ratio. Besides, they were effective in antibacterial and antioxidant activities, while S. Rugosoannulata grown under the bamboo forest was better than the greenhouse one in some respects such as higher content of protein, calcium, selenium, nicotinic acid, folic acid, polysaccharides and triterpenoids, and stronger antibacterial and antioxidant activities. They were appropriate for functional food and nutritional supplements, especially bamboo forest.

Forsythoside A is the main active ingredient in the Chinese medicine Forsythia suspensa, which has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidation, and immunoregulatory effects. It is reported that Forsythoside A can significantly inhibit the replication of the avian infectious bronchitis virus(IBV) in cells, but there is no report in chickens. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Forsythoside A on IBV-M41, experiments were designed using 120 chickens at 12 days of age. The chickens were randomly divided into eight groups: Forsythoside A high-, medium-, and low-dose prevention groups, Forsythoside A high-, medium-, and low-dose treatment groups, model control group and normal control group. All chickens, except the normal control group, were inoculated with 0.2 ml of IBV-M41 at 15 days of age.The antiviral effects were evaluated by clinical signs, weight, histopathology, T-,B-lymphocyte proliferation, T-lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels.The results showed that the infection rate in each Forsythoside A prevention group was significantly lower than that in the treatment group and model control group (P < 0.05). The recovery rate in each Forsythoside A treatment group was significantly higher than that in the model control group (P < 0.05), and the recovery rate in high- and medium-dose treatment group was the highest, at up to 86.67%. Lymphocytic transformation ability significantly improved in the prevention and treatment groups. Forsythoside A significantly improved the CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T-lymphocyte of infected chickens. The cytokine level was able to maintain high concentrations of IL-2 and IFN-α for a long time and maintain a dynamic IL-4-concentration balance. A number of results showed that Forsythoside A had both preventive and therapeutic effects in IBV-M41-infected chickens, among which the high-dose (80 mg/kg/d) prevention group，the high- (80 mg/kg/d) and medium (40 mg/kg/d) -dose treatment group had significant effects.

Background The roots and rhizomes of Cimicifuga yunnanensis Hsiao are commonly used as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic remedies and detoxification agents in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although C. yunnanensis has been considered as supplementary medicine for several disorders, the antitumor effect of this herb and its key components has not been explored. Materials and methods The rhizomes of C. yunnanensis were isolated by chromatographic techniques. Structures of isolated compounds were identified based on spectroscopic methods and comparison with published data. The in vitro anticancer activities of purified components were also performed by MTT experiments. The in vivo anticancer activities were examined by subcutaneous tumor model or a breast cancer liver metastasis model. Results In this study, we aimed to identify and characterize the effective antitumor components from the rhizomes of C. yunnanensis. By bioassay-guided fractionation techniques and chemical characterization, 12 cycloartane triterpenes and four chromones were isolated, among them, 11 compounds were identified in this genus at first. The identified two compounds showed dramatic inhibitory activities against breast cancer cells: compound 4 (23-epi-26-deoxyactein) and compound 13 (cimigenol). Then, we examined the antitumor effect of these two selective candidate chemicals on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells in vivo and found that they could reduce tumor growth in subcutaneous tumor model or breast cancer liver metastasis model. Conclusion These results suggested that the selective compounds isolated from C. yunnanensis Hsiao could be the promising new agents for TNBC treatment.

Two independent field trials were performed in Guizhou and Hunan, China in 2013 to investigate the dissipation and residue levels of saisentong in tobacco and soil. A novel and accurate method using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection was developed and validated to determine saisentong levels in tobacco and soil. The average recovery of saisentong at fortification levels of 0.5, 2.5, 5.0 and 50.0 mg kg⁻¹ in fresh tobacco ranged from 75.92 to 107.40% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.94 to 7.55%, that at fortification levels of 0.5, 2.0 and 5.0 mg kg⁻¹ in tobacco powder ranged from 74.96 to 94.43% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.38 to 8.14%, and that at fortification levels of 0.1, 0.5 and 5.0 mg kg⁻¹ in soil ranged from 86.90 to 100.0% with an RSD of 1.38 to 4.62%. The limit of detection (LOD) of saisentong was 0.15 mg•kg⁻¹ in tobacco and 0.03 mg kg⁻¹ in soil, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.5 mg kg⁻¹ in tobacco and 0.1 mg kg⁻¹ in soil, respectively. For field experiments, the half-lives of saisentong in tobacco from Guizhou and Hunan were 5.9 and 1.6 days, respectively; those in soil were 14.7 and 12.0 days, respectively. The results suggest that the saisentong dissipation curves followed the first-order kinetic. The terminal residues of saisengtong in tobacco ranged from 0.5 to 9.39 mg kg⁻¹ at pre-harvest intervals (PHI) of 7, 14 and 21 days.