Microbial transformation of curcumin by Rhizopus chinensis

Abstract

Curcumin (1) is a potent antioxidant and antitumor natural product. In spite of its efficacy and safety, its clinical use is hindered mainly by poor water solubility and bioavailability. Structural modification to introduce hydrophilic functions is a promising approach to resolve this problem. In the present study we first found that curcumin could be efficiently converted into glucosides by filamentous fungi including Rhizopus chinensis IFFI 03043, Absidia coerulea AS 3.3389 and Cunninghamella elegans AS 3.1207. Curcumin 4′-O-β-d-glucoside (2), together with hexahydrocurcumin (3), was isolated from a preparative-scale biotransformation with R. chinensis IFFI 03043 and characterized fully by NMR and MS. A time-course study revealed that curcumin could be efficiently converted into curcumin 4′-O-β-d-glucoside within 8 h when administered at 0.05 mmol L^?1 and the productivity was 57%. Additionally, the biotransformation products of curcumin by different fungal strains were analyzed by LC/MS. At least 15 metabolites were detected, and the predominant biotransformation reaction was glucosylation. This study provides a simple, efficient and less expensive approach for the preparation of curcumin glucosides. The introduction of the glucosyl function might be able to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin.     

Importance of plant extract formulations in managing different pests attacking beans in new reclaimed area and under storage conditions

Field evaluation of some botanical formulations like Neem Azal T/S, Neem Azal T/S + TS/fort and petroleum ether extract of Curcuma longa for the management of different pests attacking broad bean crop in a new reclaimed area at El- Noubaria and under storage conditions has been carried out. All tested formulations could be considered efficient in controlling Aphis craccivora infesting broad bean under field conditions. As to the leafminer, the number of living Liriomyza trifolii larvae decreased significantly compared to non-treated control. The number of living larvae continued to decrease until seven days post-treatment after which an increase in their number was noticed after 14 days post-treatment. Neem Azal T/S + additive (TS/fort) ranked first in comparison to other treatments for the control of aphids and leafminers attacking broad bean in the field either by killing, deterrent or antifeedant effect. The yield of treated crop increased significantly in comparison to the control. Another spray was used before harvesting the crop with the same formulations for protection of the stored crop. Neem Azal T/S with adjuvant (TS/fort) protected broad bean seeds from weevil attack for one year. Petroleum ether extract of C. longa could protect the stored crops for two months only. The percentage weight loss in one kg stored seeds treated in the field with Neem formulation + adjuvant was very small compared with those seeds treated with petroleum ether extract of C. longa and control.     

Toxic and deterrent effects of two volatile oils against cowpea weevil,Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

The fumigant effect of Mentha piperita and Ocimum basilicum oils and their mixture against adults and eggs of Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) was evaluated. Bioassay experiments showed that Ocimum basilicum oil was significantly effective against adult and egg stage which was the least effective. However, in the fumigant toxicity experiments against adult stage, Ocimum basilicum oil at a dose of 1.0 μl/38.5 ml air caused 100% mortality (LC₅₀ = 1.88), the mixture of both oils at a dose of 6.0 μl/38.5 ml air caused 100% mortality (LC₅₀ = 10.3) and Mentha piperita oil at a dose of 80.0 μl/38.5 ml air caused 80.0% mortality (LC₅₀ = 41.224) during a one day exposure period. Regarding the oviposition deterrent activity, Ocimum basilicum oil achieved 100% oviposition deterrent (at a dose of 0.5 μl/38.5 ml air) followed by the mixture of Mentha piperita and Ocimum basilicum oils, which achieved 71.22% oviposition deterrent (at a dose of 1.0 μl/38.5 ml air) and Mentha piperita oil, which achieved 39.6% oviposition deterrent (at a dose of 5.0 μl/38.5 ml air). The essential oils and their mixtures studied here determined a significant decrease in the number of eggs hatched and in the emergence of adults. The eggs failed to hatch on using Ocimum basilicum oil at a dose of 0.6 μl/38.5 ml air. However, the number of eggs hatched decreased to 7.4 on using a mixture of oils at a dose of 2.0 μl/38.5 ml air and 14.0 with Mentha piperita oil at a dose of 80.0 μl/38.5 ml air compared with 25.0 eggs hatched in the control experiments. On the other hand, the percentage reduction in emerging adults were 100% for Ocimum basilicum oil, 90.9% for a mixture of the two oils and 72.7% for Mentha piperita oil. Results showed that Ocimum basilicum oil and Ocimum basilicum oils plus Mentha piperita oils in blend are potential alternatives to synthetic fumigants in the treatment of durable agricultural products. Successful adoption of plant oils in the protection of food commodities promises an eco-friendly option compatible with international biosafety regulations.     

‘香槟’月季的组织培养和试管开花诱导

本文对‘香槟’月季（80sachinensis‘Xiangbin’）的组织培养技术和诱导试管开花进行了研究。结果表明：以茎段为外植体能诱导获得无菌苗,适宜的启动培养基为MS＋6-BA1．0mg-L-1＋IBA0．1mg·L-1,幼芽继代增殖的最佳培养基是MS＋6．BA1．0mg·L-1。＋IBA0．1～0．2mg·L-1,诱导生根的适宜培养基为1／2MS＋NAA0．3mg·L-1,生根率达80．0％。诱导试管开花的适宜培养基为MS＋6．BA0．5mg·L-1＋NAA0．1mg·L-1最适宜的诱导试管开花的蔗糖含量是30g·L-1;在三角瓶中培养,试管花可以正常开放,在培养瓶中培养花芽不能正常开放;MS培养基中增加2倍磷的含量,可以提高花芽诱导率,为25．O％;诱导试管开花的最适培养条件为温度21℃,光照强度80～100μmol·m-2．s-1,光照时间16h—d-1。     

基于全基因组数据华根霉产真菌毒素分析

【目的】在对中国传统优势浓香型白酒产业中重要功能微生物华根霉菌株CCTCCM201021全基因组测序的基础上,以生物信息学的方法和手段主要针对真菌毒素的合成代谢途径及关键基因进行分析,考察微生物在食品工业应用中的安全性。【方法】应用Illumina平台Solexa测序技术对华根霉进行基因组测序,运用SOAPdenovo组装软件进行拼接,并进行一系列生物信息分析,考察根霉素、小孢根霉素及典型丝状真菌毒素代谢的主要途径及相关基因,包括PKS、NRPS与PKS-NRPS混合代谢途径;萜类化合物代谢和其他代谢途径等,判断华根霉是否具有产真菌毒素的潜在危害性。【结果】测序结果表明华根霉全基因组大小为45.70 Mb左右,GC含量为36.99%。通过基因预测软件分析得到基因17 676个,共注释基因13 243个。通过进化树与同源基因比较分析,与目前基因组测序完成的仅有的3株接合菌基因组相比,序列相似性普遍偏低,与华根霉存在较为显著的差异,但同源基因的相似性在60%左右。代谢分析表明,华根霉中仅存在较少聚酮合成、萜类化合物合成途径代谢基因,存在大量异源物质降解途径基因。【结论】华根霉基本不具备产目前已知的真菌毒素的关键基因或合成能力,可以认为其发酵产品是相对安全的。在酿造过程中,不仅可作为糖化菌,在混菌发酵时,对部分具有抑菌能力的抗生物质具有降解功能,是发酵工业中应用的相对安全的重要生产菌。     

柴胡提取物诱导人类白血病细胞HL-60的细胞凋亡及其机理研究

柴胡提取物诱导人类白血病细胞HL-60的细胞凋亡从而抑制其细胞生长.为了研究该过程的作用机理,我们研究了丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPKs),包括胞外信号调节激酶(ERK1/2),c-jun氨基末端蛋白激酶(JNK)和p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK),在该过程中的磷酸化特征与动态变化.结果表明,柴胡提取物显著的增加了p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶和胞外信号调节激酶(ERK1/2)的磷酸化作用,其增加值在测试范围内与测试剂量和作用时间成正相关,但在柴胡提取物诱导人类白血病细胞HL-60的细胞凋亡过程中,没有发现对氨基末端蛋白激酶(JNK)表现出磷酸化活性.柴胡提取物诱导白血病HL-60的细胞凋亡部分归结于对p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶的上调节作用,这种上调节作用能够受到p38 MAPK特异性的抑制剂SB203580的部分逆转,而MEK的抑制剂U0126则对柴胡提取物诱导HL-60细胞凋亡过程中的胞外信号调节激酶(ERK1/2)的磷酸化具有显著的协同效应.这是首次报道柴胡提取物在诱导人白血病细胞HL-60细胞凋亡过程中参与p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶的磷酸化,同时柴胡提取物作为胞外信号调节激酶(ERK1/2)抑制剂的协同作用物具有相应的药物学功能.     

Influence of an aqueous extract of Ligustrum lucidum and an ethanol extract of Schisandra chinensis on parameters of antioxidative metabolism and spleen lymphocyte proliferation of broilers

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels of two extracts, an aqueous extract of Ligustrum lucidum (AELL), and an ethanol extract of Schisandra chinensis (EESC) on growth performance, parameters of antioxidative status and spleen lymphocyte proliferation of broilers, respectively. The results showed that neither AELL nor EESC had significant effects on growth performance of broilers. However, malondialdehyde concentration in heart and liver of the broilers were significantly decreased by feeding AELL or EESC. Superoxide dismutase activity in heart, liver, and kidney of broilers were improved by feeding different dosages of AELL or EESC. In contrast, glutathione reductase activity in serum, heart and kidney of broilers was not affected by experimental treatment. In addition, spleen lymphocyte proliferation of broilers was significantly enhanced by feeding different dosages of AELL or EESC. In conclusion, the results suggested that either AELL or EESC may improve antioxidant status and immune function of broilers.     

天敌昆虫蠋蝽的研究进展与展望

蠋蝽是农林业上一种重要的捕食性天敌昆虫,可以捕食美国白蛾、马铃薯甲虫、棉铃虫、盲椿象等多种害虫。本文对近些年来蠋蝽的形态学、生物学、人工饲养、营养基因组学、储存技术、控害能力等作一阐述,并对蠋蝽应用前景进行了展望。     

不结球白菜种质资源对TuMV的抗性鉴定与评价

分别利用苗期人工接种鉴定及ELISA检测方法,对127份不结球白菜种质资源进行芜菁花叶病毒(TuMV)的抗性鉴定。结果显示,苗期人工接种鉴定的病情指数(DI)分布在3.55~95.68之间,不同种质间表现出较大的抗性差异。不同抗性级别的次数分布图基本符合正态分布,略向感病区域偏离。基于病情指数的聚类分析结果与抗病性分级基本一致。通过苗期鉴定共筛选获得高抗TuMV的不结球白菜种质6份,抗病种质13份,其主要农艺性状表现出一定的多样性。其中叶面皱缩和具有刺毛的抗病材料所占比例较高,可能与TuMV抗性存在一定的相关性。ELISA检测结果显示,117份供试种质的P/N值分布在3.10~25.37之间,不同种质间表现出病毒含量的差异,但与DI值未呈现明显相关性,可作为抗病材料筛选的辅助指标。     

星天牛寄主选择研究

为了明确华南地区星天牛主要寄主植物种类,本文筛选了21种有代表性的植物,对星天牛进行了室内、室外寄主选择试验。结果表明,星天牛在不同植物上的取食量和刻槽数量差异极显著,偏好在砂糖橘、苦楝、金桔和柠檬上取食,在砂糖橘、柠檬、金桔和小叶紫薇上刻槽产卵,取食对象和刻槽产卵对象不一致。研究证实,星天牛能在华南地区砂糖橘、玫瑰和柠檬三种植物上完成生活史,是星天牛的寄主植物。