BACKGROUND Steroids remain the primary treatment for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis(AAH),though there is little available tools to predict patient response to steroids.It was hypothesized that phosphatidylethanol...BACKGROUND Steroids remain the primary treatment for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis(AAH),though there is little available tools to predict patient response to steroids.It was hypothesized that phosphatidylethanol(PEth)value will inversely corre-late with response to steroid therapy based on Lille score in AAH.AIM To assess the relationship of patient factors,focusing on pre-steroid therapy PEth value,to steroid therapy response in AAH.METHODS A retrospective case control study was performed on patients who received≥4 days of steroid therapy for AAH at our hospital between July 1,2019 and June 30,2022.A total of 2087 patients were screened for AAH and those treated with steroids were included for statistical analysis utilizing independent sample t-test and for categorical variables using the χ^(2) test.RESULTS No correlation was found between PEth value,pre-steroids abstinence length,or number of drinks per week pre-steroids and response to steroids.Non-responder status significantly correlated with older age(P=0.024),lower albumin(P=0.003),and higher bilirubin(P=0.010)pre-steroids.Our study suggests that age,pre-steroid albumin,and pre-steroid bilirubin levels may predict nonresponse to steroid therapy.Non-responders have increased incidence of death and higher medical costs.CONCLUSION Identifying non-responders through these identified factors should prompt early referral for liver transplantation.Future prospective studies with larger population size are needed to assess the efficacy of combined pre-steroid age,albumin,bilirubin and other biochemical markers as predictors of steroid response.展开更多
GAME15, a scaffold protein, orchestrates the biosynthesis of steroidal glycoalkaloids (a class of compounds with known defensive properties) and steroidal saponins (which contribute to plant defense) in Solanaceae pla...GAME15, a scaffold protein, orchestrates the biosynthesis of steroidal glycoalkaloids (a class of compounds with known defensive properties) and steroidal saponins (which contribute to plant defense) in Solanaceae plants, essential for their defense mechanisms. By assembling key enzymes at the endoplasmic reticulum, GAME15 ensures efficient metabolite production, preventing toxic intermediate diffusion. This breakthrough in plant defense biosynthesis opens opportunities for metabolic engineering, enabling the production of valuable metabolites in non-native hosts and offering potential strategies for crop protection, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.展开更多
BACKGROUND Childhood nephrotic syndrome(NS)outcomes vary widely based on steroid responsiveness and complications.AIM To evaluate steroid response,outcomes,and the use of steroid-sparing medications in children with n...BACKGROUND Childhood nephrotic syndrome(NS)outcomes vary widely based on steroid responsiveness and complications.AIM To evaluate steroid response,outcomes,and the use of steroid-sparing medications in children with nephrotic syndrome in Jordan.METHODS This retrospective study evaluated the demographics and outcomes of 122 children aged 1-18 years with NS between 2011 and 2021 across three centers in Jordan.The outcomes assessed included steroid sensitivity rates,dependence,frequent relapses,complications[chronic kidney disease(CKD),end-stage kidney disease(ESKD)],infections,and need for steroid-sparing treatment.RESULTS Of 64%were boys;median age of disease onset was 4 years.Steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant NS(SRNS)were observed in 81.1%and 18.9%of patients,respectively;28.7%and 9%had steroid-dependent and frequently relapsing NS,respectively.Kidney biopsies were conducted in 46.7%,the most common finding was minimal change disease in 56.1%;82.6%of biopsied SRNS cases showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.The median time to first relapse was 9 months.41.8%of patients required steroidsparing medications,with cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil being the most frequently used.Despite these treatments,relapse occurred in 11.5%of cases.Infections,primarily urinary tract infections,affected 24.6%of patients,7.4%progressed to high-grade CKD,and 6.6%required dialysis.SRNS was significantly associated with hematuria,hypertension,and ESKD.CONCLUSION Most patients were steroid sensitive,with minimal change being the most common.Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was the predominant histopathology in the steroid-resistant cases.SRNS patients had worse outcomes,with more infections,CKD,and ESKD.展开更多
Cardiac sarcoidosis(CS)is a rare but serious manifestation of sarcoidosis that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to arrhythmias and heart failure.The inflammatory process in CS is characterized by th...Cardiac sarcoidosis(CS)is a rare but serious manifestation of sarcoidosis that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to arrhythmias and heart failure.The inflammatory process in CS is characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas in the myocardium,which can disrupt normal cardiac function and conduction.Corticosteroids are the primary therapeutic agents used to manage CS,particularly during the acute inflammatory phase,as they help reduce inflammation and improve cardiac function.However,the long-term use of steroids poses risks,including opportunistic infections and metabolic complications.Advanced imaging techniques,such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography,play a crucial role in diagnosing CS and assessing myocardial involvement.These imaging modalities also aid in risk stratification for arrhythmic events,guiding therapeutic decisions such as the initiation of steroid therapy and the potential placement of implantable cardioverterdefibrillators.This review synthesizes current evidence regarding the role of steroid therapy in managing CS and its implications for cardiac arrhythmias,emphasizing the need for individualized treatment strategies to optimize patient outcomes.展开更多
Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL)is a rapid condition of hearing impairment,typically occurring over 72 hours and affecting the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways.The etiology of SSNHL remains larg...Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL)is a rapid condition of hearing impairment,typically occurring over 72 hours and affecting the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways.The etiology of SSNHL remains largely idiopathic,with potential causes including viral infections,vascular occlusions,and autoimmune disorders.Traditional treatment primarily involves systemic corticosteroids,but their efficacy is inconsistent,leading to exploring alternative and adjunctive therapies such as intratympanic steroid(ITS)injections.Objective This Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis intends to determine the effectiveness of ITS injections as an initial treatment,combined therapy,or salvage treatment for SSNHL compared to systemic steroids alone.Methods An inclusive study was performed through the PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library databases,encompassing publications published from 2015 to 2024.Case-control studies,cohort studies,randomized controlled trials(RCTs),and systematic reviews were included.Two separate reviewers read the studies and extracted data on steroid administration methods,study outcomes,and risk of bias(ROB)using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool and RevMan 5.4.Results The review included 12 studies with varied designs,including prospective RCTs,systematic reviews,and retrospective analyses.Combined ITS and systemic steroid therapy showed superior hearing recovery compared to systemic steroids alone in several studies.ITS alone demonstrated variable efficacy,with some studies indicating benefits,particularly as a salvage therapy.ROB assessment revealed variability in methodological rigor,with studies like those of Li&Ding et al.(2020)and Devantier et al.(2022)showing low risk,while others exhibited higher risks,particularly in random sequence generation and allocation concealment.Conclusion The findings suggest that ITS injections,particularly when combined with systemic steroids,can enhance hearing recovery in SSNHL patients.However,variability in study outcomes and methodological quality underscores the need for standardized protocols and further high-quality RCTs.This analysis underscores the prospective advantages of ITS therapy while stressing the need for stringent study designs to enhance SSNHL treatment methodologies.展开更多
Diabetic macular edema(DME)is a common cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients.It is caused by an increase in the permeability of the perifoveal capillaries and a disruption of the blood retinal-barrier.The pa...Diabetic macular edema(DME)is a common cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients.It is caused by an increase in the permeability of the perifoveal capillaries and a disruption of the blood retinal-barrier.The pathogenesis of DME is multifactorial.Several therapeutic modalities have been proposed for the treatment of DME.Corticosteroid treatments have emerged as an alternative therapy for persistent DME or refractory to conventional laser photocoagulation and other modalities,due to anti-inflammatory,anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and anti-proliferative effects.Many studies have demonstrated the beneficial therapeutic effect of corticosteroids with improvement to both retinal thickness and visual acuity in short-term on the treatment of DME.Peribulbar and intravitreal injections have been used to deliver steroids for DME with frequent injections due to the chronic and recurrent nature of the disease.Steroid-related side effects include elevated intraocular pressure,cataract,and injection related complications such as endophthalmitis,vitreous hemorrhage,and retinal detachment particularly with intravitreal steroid injections.In order to reduce the risks,complications and frequent dosing of intravitreal steroids,intravitreal implants have been developed recently to provide sustained release of corticosteroids and reduce repeated intravitreal injections for the management of DME.展开更多
Azoospermia,defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate,is a well-documented consequence of exogenous testosterone(ET)and anabolic–androgenic steroid(AAS)use.These agents suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary–go...Azoospermia,defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate,is a well-documented consequence of exogenous testosterone(ET)and anabolic–androgenic steroid(AAS)use.These agents suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal(HPG)axis,leading to reduced intratesticular testosterone levels and impaired spermatogenesis.This review examines the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying azoospermia and outlines therapeutic strategies for recovery.Azoospermia is categorized into pretesticular,testicular,and post-testicular types,with a focus on personalized treatment approaches based on the degree of HPG axis suppression and baseline testicular function.Key strategies include discontinuing ET and monitoring for spontaneous recovery,particularly in patients with shorter durations of ET use.For cases of persistent azoospermia,gonadotropins(human chorionic gonadotropin[hCG]and follicle-stimulating hormone[FSH])and selective estrogen receptor modulators(SERMs),such as clomiphene citrate,are recommended,either alone or in combination.The global increase in exogenous testosterone use,including testosterone replacement therapy and AAS,underscores the need for improved management of associated azoospermia,which can be temporary or permanent depending on individual factors and the type of testosterone used.Additionally,the manuscript discusses preventive strategies,such as transitioning to short-acting testosterone formulations or incorporating low-dose hCG to preserve fertility during ET therapy.While guidelines for managing testosterone-related azoospermia remain limited,emerging research indicates the potential efficacy of hormonal stimulation therapies.However,there is a notable lack of well-structured,controlled,and long-term studies addressing the management of azoospermia related to exogenous testosterone use,highlighting the need for such studies to inform evidence-based recommendations.展开更多
A chemical investigation on the cultures extract of the basidiomycete Armillaria gallica Marxm.&Romagn.led to the isolation of eight compounds,including a new steroid armillanal D(1),a new natural product VD2-1(8)...A chemical investigation on the cultures extract of the basidiomycete Armillaria gallica Marxm.&Romagn.led to the isolation of eight compounds,including a new steroid armillanal D(1),a new natural product VD2-1(8)and six known compounds.The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D-NMR spectra analysis,HR-ESI-MS,and electronic circular dichroism(ECD)spectra.The inhibitory activity of these compounds except 8 on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in Nigericin-induced mouse macrophage(J774A.1)cells was evaluated.Chaxine C(6)exhibited potential anti-inflammatory activity in vitro with IC50 value of(4.97±0.81)μmol/L.展开更多
Unlike most plants, members of the genus Solanum produce cholesterol and use this as a precursor for steroidal glycoalkaloids. The production of the compounds begins as a branch from brassinosteroid biosynthesis, whic...Unlike most plants, members of the genus Solanum produce cholesterol and use this as a precursor for steroidal glycoalkaloids. The production of the compounds begins as a branch from brassinosteroid biosynthesis, which produces cholesterol that is further modified to produce steroidal glycoalkaloids. During the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, genetic engineering could alter the formation of cholesterol from provitamin D3(7-dehydrocholesterol) and produce vitamin D3. Cholesterol is a precursor for many steroidal glycoalkaloids, including a-tomatine and esculeoside A. Alpha-tomatine is consumed by mammals and it can reduce cholesterol content and improve LDL:HDL ratio. When there is a high a-tomatine content, the fruit will have a bitter flavor, which together with other steroidal glycoalkaloids serving as protective and defensive compounds for tomato against insect, fungal, and bacterial pests. These compounds also affect the rhizosphere bacteria by recruiting beneficial bacteria. One of the steroidal glycoalkaloids, esculeoside A increases while fruit ripening. This review focuses on recent studies that uncovered key reactions of the production of cholesterol and steroidal glycoalkaloids in tomato connecting to human health, fruit flavor, and plant defense and the potential application for tomato crop improvement.展开更多
Acute alcohol-associated hepatitis(AAH)is a life-threatening condition with high mortality,and steroid therapy remains the mainstay of treatment despite variable efficacy.The study by Sabatose et al explores patient f...Acute alcohol-associated hepatitis(AAH)is a life-threatening condition with high mortality,and steroid therapy remains the mainstay of treatment despite variable efficacy.The study by Sabatose et al explores patient factors distinguishing responders and non-responders to steroid therapy for AAH,focusing on phosphatidylethanol(PEth)-a biomarker of alcohol consumption-and other clinical variables.Their findings indicate that PEth,abstinence duration,and pretreatment alcohol intake do not predict steroid response,while older age,lower pre-steroid albumin,and higher pre-steroid bilirubin are associated with nonresponse.Non-responders exhibit higher mortality and healthcare costs,underscoring the need for early identification to guide liver transplantation referrals.This commentary evaluates the implications of these findings-specifically,how prioritizing pre-steroid albumin,bilirubin,and age over alcohol biomarkers can improve clinical decision-making by reducing unnecessary steroid exposure and expediting transplantation referrals for high-risk non-responders-contextualizes them within existing literature,and highlights directions for future research to optimize AAH management.展开更多
Microplastics and nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals(EDCs),raising significant concerns about their impact on human health.Research highlights the h...Microplastics and nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals(EDCs),raising significant concerns about their impact on human health.Research highlights the hazardous effects of MPs/NPs on both male and female reproductive systems,influencing germ cells,embryo development,and progeny.Additionally,studies show that MPs/NPs affect the gene expression of anabolic steroid hormones in vitro and in vivo,inducing reproductive toxicity through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation.Considering these adverse effects,identifying natural compounds that can mitigate the toxicity of MPs/NPs is increasingly important.Plants offer a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can counteract these harmful effects.Among these,anthocyanins,natural colorants responsible for the vibrant hues of fruits and flowers,exhibit a wide range of biological activities,including antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-neoplastic properties.Moreover,anthocyanins can modulate sex hormone levels and alleviate reproductive toxicity.Cyanidin-3-glucoside(C3G),one of the most extensively studied anthocyanins,shows promise in reducing reproductive toxicity,particularly in females,and in protecting male reproductive organs,including the testis and epididymis.This protective effect is believed to result from its interaction with steroid receptors,specifically the androgen and estrogen receptors(ERs).These findings highlight the need to explore the mechanisms by which anthocyanins mitigate the reproductive toxicity caused by MPs/NPs.This review provides novel insights into how natural compounds can be leveraged to lessen the impact of environmental contaminants on human health,especially concerning reproductive health.展开更多
BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)are at an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia,contributing to significant morbidity and mortality.While previous studies have identified various risk factors,i...BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)are at an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia,contributing to significant morbidity and mortality.While previous studies have identified various risk factors,including medications and comorbidities,the independent contribution of IBD to pneumonia risk remains unclear.We hypothesized that the increased pneumonia risk is primarily driven by factors other than IBD itself.AIM To investigate the relative contributions of IBD,comorbidities,and medications to pneumonia risk in patients with IBD.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the All of Us Research Program database(2010-2022).We matched 2810 participants with IBD 1:1 with controls using four propensity score models:(1)Demographics/Lifestyle only;(2)Plus comorbidities;(3)Plus medications;and(4)All factors combined.Then we used Cox proportional hazards models to assess pneumonia risk and logistic regression to evaluate risk factors.RESULTS In the primary analysis of 5620 matched participants,IBD was not independently associated with increased pneumonia risk[hazard ratio(HR)=1.07,95%CI:0.84-1.35]when matched for all factors.However,participants with IBD had significantly higher risk(HR=2.08,95%CI:1.56-2.78)when matched only for demographics and lifestyle factors.Within the IBD cohort,a high comorbidity burden(Charlson Comorbidity Index≥10)[odds ratio(OR)=12.20,95%CI:6.69-23.00]and systemic steroid use(OR=2.26,95%CI:1.21-4.64)were independently associated with increased pneumonia risk.CONCLUSION Comorbidities and systemic steroids,rather than IBD itself,drive pneumonia risk.Management should focus on these factors and prioritize vaccination in high-risk patients.展开更多
Highlights●Natural variations in the SGT3 promoter TATA box repeats directly modulate gene expression and SGAs content in tubers,providing a novel molecular marker for low-steroidal glycoalkaloids(SGAs)breeding.●The...Highlights●Natural variations in the SGT3 promoter TATA box repeats directly modulate gene expression and SGAs content in tubers,providing a novel molecular marker for low-steroidal glycoalkaloids(SGAs)breeding.●The SGT3 promoter haplotype with(TA)10exhibits signifcantly higher transcriptional activity,correlating with high SGAs content,while the(TA)13haplotype is linked to low SGAs in natural germplasms.展开更多
Estrus represents a critical phase in the porcine reproductive cycle and relies on functional ovarian development and coordinated steroidogenesis.Granulosa cells(GCs)mediate these processes by secreting estradiol(E_(2...Estrus represents a critical phase in the porcine reproductive cycle and relies on functional ovarian development and coordinated steroidogenesis.Granulosa cells(GCs)mediate these processes by secreting estradiol(E_(2))and progesterone(P_(4)),which are essential for follicular maturation and ovulatory competence.While circular RNAs(circRNAs)have been implicated in steroid hormone synthesis,their involvement in the regulation of gilt estrous remains unclear.In this study,circRNA sequencing was performed on ovarian tissues of estrus(ES)and non-estrus(NES)gilts,resulting in the identification of a novel circRNA,termed circular SHOC2 leucine rich repeat scaffold protein(circSHOC2),which exhibited marked up-regulation in ES ovaries.Functional assays demonstrated that circSHOC2 overexpression enhanced E_(2)and P_(4)synthesis and increased the protein levels of key steroidogenic enzymes.Mechanistic investigation revealed that circSHOC2 sponges miR-130b-5p.Silencing miR-130b-5p significantly enhanced E_(2)and P_(4)production,along with the up-regulation of steroidogenic proteins.Additionally,miR-130b-5p targeted ASH1-like histone lysine methyltransferase(ASH1L),while its overexpression significantly inhibited ASH1L.Cotransfection experiments revealed that ASH1L mitigated the inhibitory effects of miR-130b-5p on E_(2)and P_(4)synthesis in GCs.These findings establish a regulatory axis in which circSHOC2 modulates steroidogenic capacity in porcine GCs via the miR-130b-5p/ASH1L pathway,offering mechanistic insight into the molecular basis of gilt estrus and providing potential targets to enhance reproductive efficiency.展开更多
Systemic steroid treatment can modify the histological features of a temporal artery biopsy,leading to debate about the value of performing the biopsy after 2 weeks of steroid use.The aim of this study was to examine ...Systemic steroid treatment can modify the histological features of a temporal artery biopsy,leading to debate about the value of performing the biopsy after 2 weeks of steroid use.The aim of this study was to examine the results of temporal artery biopsies in patients who have been on systemic steroids for over two weeks.In this observational study,a retrospective review of patients who underwent temporal artery biopsy between January 2018 and October 2023 at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital was performed,with scrutiny of the histology reports for features of giant cell arteritis.Patients who were on systemic steroids for more than 2 weeks at the time of performing the temporal artery biopsy were studied with histological evaluation of temporal artery biopsy specimens was performed by consultant histopathologists experienced in vasculitis diagnosis.Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.A total of 60 patients were identified to have signs in keeping with or suggestive of giant cell arteritis on histological examination of temporal artery specimens.Mean duration of steroid treatment before performing the temporal artery biopsy was 2.7 weeks(range,0 days to 13 weeks).Nineteen(31%)patients had received more than 2 weeks of steroid treatment at the time of temporal biopsy.In our study,histological features in temporal artery biopsy specimens from patients who had received more than 2 weeks of steroid therapy showed similarities to classical features noted in untreated patients,but with some differences,such as a milder and patchier inflammatory cell infiltrate,fewer histiocytes,and residual scarring.Therefore,in patients posing a diagnostic dilemma due to equivocal clinical features,a temporal artery biopsy can still be considered,even if they have been on long-term steroids,if the treating clinicians feel that it will aid the diagnosis and management.展开更多
Dear Editor,We present the reported case of steroid-induced glaucoma(SIG)treated by trabeculectome tunneling trabeculoplasty(3T).The 3T procedure is a new minimally invasive glaucoma surgery designed to protect and en...Dear Editor,We present the reported case of steroid-induced glaucoma(SIG)treated by trabeculectome tunneling trabeculoplasty(3T).The 3T procedure is a new minimally invasive glaucoma surgery designed to protect and enhance the function of the trabecular meshwork(TM)while reducing resistance to outflow of atrial fluid^([1]).A 20-year-old male patient experienced an elevation in intraocular pressure(IOP)and subsequently progressed to SIG after continuously using tobramycin-dexamethasone eyedrops for one year.Trabeculotomy of the right eye was performed.展开更多
Steroids continue to be the cornerstone of immune suppression since the early days of organ transplantation.Steroids are key component of induction protocols,maintenance therapy and in the treatment of various forms o...Steroids continue to be the cornerstone of immune suppression since the early days of organ transplantation.Steroids are key component of induction protocols,maintenance therapy and in the treatment of various forms of rejection.Prolonged steroid use resulted in significant side effects on almost all the body organs owing to the presence of steroid receptors in most of the mammalian cells.Kidney allograft recipients had to accept the short and long term complications of steroids because of lack of effective alternatives.This situation changed with the introduction of newer and more effective immune suppression agents with a relatively more acceptable side effect profile.As a result,the clinicians have been contemplating if it is the time to abandon the unquestionable reliance on maintenance steroids in modern transplantation practice.This review aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of various steroid-minimization approaches(steroid avoidance,early steroid withdrawal,and late steroid withdrawal)in kidney transplant recipients.A meticulous electronic search was conducted through the available data resources like SCOPUS,MEDLINE,and Liverpool University library e-resources.Relevant articles obtained through our search were included.A total number of 90 articles were eligible to be included in this review[34 randomised controlled trials(RCT)and 56 articles of other research modalities].All articles were evaluating the safety and efficacy of various steroidfree approaches in comparison to maintenance steroids.We will cover only the RCT articles in this review.If used in right clinical context,steroid-free protocols proved to be comparable to steroid-based maintenance therapy.The appropriate approach should be tailored individually according to each recipient immunological challenges and clinical condition.展开更多
The objective of the research is to develop a quantitative method by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography/ quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UHPLC/Q-TOF MS） for the analysis of seven major steroid...The objective of the research is to develop a quantitative method by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography/ quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UHPLC/Q-TOF MS） for the analysis of seven major steroidal saponins （timosaponin N, timosaponin El, timosaponin BII, timosaponin B, anemarrhenasaponin I, anemarrhenasaponin A2, and timosaponin AIII） in Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. The complete separation of these seven steroidal saponins was achieved within 18 min with an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column using an acetonitrile-water （contain 0.1% formic acid） gradient system. The limits of quantitation （LOQ）, 0.18-0.75 ng/pL for seven steroidal saponins, were determined experimentally. The limits of detection （LOD） were found to be 0.05-0.22 ng/μL for these saponins. The correlation coefficients （r2） for calibration curves varied from 0.9902 to 0.9979. This method showed good repeatability for the quantification of these saponins in rhizomes ofA. asphodeloides, with intra-day and inter-day variations of less than 5.0% for seven steroidal saponins. The recoveries of seven steroidal saponins were from 97.13% to 101.98%. The validated method was successfully applied to quantifying seven steroidal saponins in various sources ofA. asphodeloides （different collecting places or processing methods） and Zhimu concentrate-granules （ZMCG）.展开更多
The fermentation with mold metarrhizium anisopliae has been carried out to determine the relationship between mycelial morphology and growth.Like the biomass concentration,the mycelial morphology seems to be coupled t...The fermentation with mold metarrhizium anisopliae has been carried out to determine the relationship between mycelial morphology and growth.Like the biomass concentration,the mycelial morphology seems to be coupled to growth phases:the fractal dimension,a feature calculated from the morphological images,increases during the late lag phase and the early exponential phase,and culminates at a value near 2.4 at half of the exponential phase.This can be attributed to the marked change of rough and smooth pellet proportions during growth and the change can be well expressed by the fractal analysis of mycelial morphology.The mycelial morphology is also strongly related to the biotransformation activity:a mycelial sample was withdrawn from the culture to use for fractal analysis before the steroid substrate (16α,17α epoxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione) was added;the higher fractal dimension corresponds to the higher conversion rate of steroid biotransformation.And the maximum of fractal dimension appeared prior to the maximum of biomass concentration.It is therefore possible to utilize the fractal dimension curve to supervise the fermentation process more timely and availably than to use the conventional biomass curve to do.展开更多
Two new C 27 steroidal glycosides, named ophiopojaponin A (1) and B (2), together with two known ones, were isolated from the tubers of the famous traditional Chinese herb Ophiopogon japonicus Ker_Gawl. The spect...Two new C 27 steroidal glycosides, named ophiopojaponin A (1) and B (2), together with two known ones, were isolated from the tubers of the famous traditional Chinese herb Ophiopogon japonicus Ker_Gawl. The spectroscopic and chemical evidence revealed their structures to be pennogenin 3_O_[2′_O_acetyl_α_L_rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)]_β_D_xylopyranosyl (1→3)_β_D_glucopyranoside (1), 26_O_β_D_glucopyranosyl_(22ξ, 25R)_3β, 14α, 22ξ, 26_tetrahydroxyfurost_5_ene 3_O_α_L_rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)_β_D_glucopyranoside (2), diosgenin 3_O_[α_L_rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)]_β_D_xylopyrano_syl (1→3)_β_D_glucopyranoside (3) and ruscogenin 1_O_[α_L_rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)]_β_D_xylopyranosyl (1→3)_β_D_fucopyranoside (4).展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Steroids remain the primary treatment for severe alcohol-associated hepatitis(AAH),though there is little available tools to predict patient response to steroids.It was hypothesized that phosphatidylethanol(PEth)value will inversely corre-late with response to steroid therapy based on Lille score in AAH.AIM To assess the relationship of patient factors,focusing on pre-steroid therapy PEth value,to steroid therapy response in AAH.METHODS A retrospective case control study was performed on patients who received≥4 days of steroid therapy for AAH at our hospital between July 1,2019 and June 30,2022.A total of 2087 patients were screened for AAH and those treated with steroids were included for statistical analysis utilizing independent sample t-test and for categorical variables using the χ^(2) test.RESULTS No correlation was found between PEth value,pre-steroids abstinence length,or number of drinks per week pre-steroids and response to steroids.Non-responder status significantly correlated with older age(P=0.024),lower albumin(P=0.003),and higher bilirubin(P=0.010)pre-steroids.Our study suggests that age,pre-steroid albumin,and pre-steroid bilirubin levels may predict nonresponse to steroid therapy.Non-responders have increased incidence of death and higher medical costs.CONCLUSION Identifying non-responders through these identified factors should prompt early referral for liver transplantation.Future prospective studies with larger population size are needed to assess the efficacy of combined pre-steroid age,albumin,bilirubin and other biochemical markers as predictors of steroid response.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971314)the Open Fund of State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization(SKLTOF20210122).
文摘GAME15, a scaffold protein, orchestrates the biosynthesis of steroidal glycoalkaloids (a class of compounds with known defensive properties) and steroidal saponins (which contribute to plant defense) in Solanaceae plants, essential for their defense mechanisms. By assembling key enzymes at the endoplasmic reticulum, GAME15 ensures efficient metabolite production, preventing toxic intermediate diffusion. This breakthrough in plant defense biosynthesis opens opportunities for metabolic engineering, enabling the production of valuable metabolites in non-native hosts and offering potential strategies for crop protection, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
文摘BACKGROUND Childhood nephrotic syndrome(NS)outcomes vary widely based on steroid responsiveness and complications.AIM To evaluate steroid response,outcomes,and the use of steroid-sparing medications in children with nephrotic syndrome in Jordan.METHODS This retrospective study evaluated the demographics and outcomes of 122 children aged 1-18 years with NS between 2011 and 2021 across three centers in Jordan.The outcomes assessed included steroid sensitivity rates,dependence,frequent relapses,complications[chronic kidney disease(CKD),end-stage kidney disease(ESKD)],infections,and need for steroid-sparing treatment.RESULTS Of 64%were boys;median age of disease onset was 4 years.Steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant NS(SRNS)were observed in 81.1%and 18.9%of patients,respectively;28.7%and 9%had steroid-dependent and frequently relapsing NS,respectively.Kidney biopsies were conducted in 46.7%,the most common finding was minimal change disease in 56.1%;82.6%of biopsied SRNS cases showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.The median time to first relapse was 9 months.41.8%of patients required steroidsparing medications,with cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil being the most frequently used.Despite these treatments,relapse occurred in 11.5%of cases.Infections,primarily urinary tract infections,affected 24.6%of patients,7.4%progressed to high-grade CKD,and 6.6%required dialysis.SRNS was significantly associated with hematuria,hypertension,and ESKD.CONCLUSION Most patients were steroid sensitive,with minimal change being the most common.Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was the predominant histopathology in the steroid-resistant cases.SRNS patients had worse outcomes,with more infections,CKD,and ESKD.
文摘Cardiac sarcoidosis(CS)is a rare but serious manifestation of sarcoidosis that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to arrhythmias and heart failure.The inflammatory process in CS is characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas in the myocardium,which can disrupt normal cardiac function and conduction.Corticosteroids are the primary therapeutic agents used to manage CS,particularly during the acute inflammatory phase,as they help reduce inflammation and improve cardiac function.However,the long-term use of steroids poses risks,including opportunistic infections and metabolic complications.Advanced imaging techniques,such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography,play a crucial role in diagnosing CS and assessing myocardial involvement.These imaging modalities also aid in risk stratification for arrhythmic events,guiding therapeutic decisions such as the initiation of steroid therapy and the potential placement of implantable cardioverterdefibrillators.This review synthesizes current evidence regarding the role of steroid therapy in managing CS and its implications for cardiac arrhythmias,emphasizing the need for individualized treatment strategies to optimize patient outcomes.
文摘Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL)is a rapid condition of hearing impairment,typically occurring over 72 hours and affecting the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways.The etiology of SSNHL remains largely idiopathic,with potential causes including viral infections,vascular occlusions,and autoimmune disorders.Traditional treatment primarily involves systemic corticosteroids,but their efficacy is inconsistent,leading to exploring alternative and adjunctive therapies such as intratympanic steroid(ITS)injections.Objective This Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis intends to determine the effectiveness of ITS injections as an initial treatment,combined therapy,or salvage treatment for SSNHL compared to systemic steroids alone.Methods An inclusive study was performed through the PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library databases,encompassing publications published from 2015 to 2024.Case-control studies,cohort studies,randomized controlled trials(RCTs),and systematic reviews were included.Two separate reviewers read the studies and extracted data on steroid administration methods,study outcomes,and risk of bias(ROB)using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool and RevMan 5.4.Results The review included 12 studies with varied designs,including prospective RCTs,systematic reviews,and retrospective analyses.Combined ITS and systemic steroid therapy showed superior hearing recovery compared to systemic steroids alone in several studies.ITS alone demonstrated variable efficacy,with some studies indicating benefits,particularly as a salvage therapy.ROB assessment revealed variability in methodological rigor,with studies like those of Li&Ding et al.(2020)and Devantier et al.(2022)showing low risk,while others exhibited higher risks,particularly in random sequence generation and allocation concealment.Conclusion The findings suggest that ITS injections,particularly when combined with systemic steroids,can enhance hearing recovery in SSNHL patients.However,variability in study outcomes and methodological quality underscores the need for standardized protocols and further high-quality RCTs.This analysis underscores the prospective advantages of ITS therapy while stressing the need for stringent study designs to enhance SSNHL treatment methodologies.
文摘Diabetic macular edema(DME)is a common cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients.It is caused by an increase in the permeability of the perifoveal capillaries and a disruption of the blood retinal-barrier.The pathogenesis of DME is multifactorial.Several therapeutic modalities have been proposed for the treatment of DME.Corticosteroid treatments have emerged as an alternative therapy for persistent DME or refractory to conventional laser photocoagulation and other modalities,due to anti-inflammatory,anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and anti-proliferative effects.Many studies have demonstrated the beneficial therapeutic effect of corticosteroids with improvement to both retinal thickness and visual acuity in short-term on the treatment of DME.Peribulbar and intravitreal injections have been used to deliver steroids for DME with frequent injections due to the chronic and recurrent nature of the disease.Steroid-related side effects include elevated intraocular pressure,cataract,and injection related complications such as endophthalmitis,vitreous hemorrhage,and retinal detachment particularly with intravitreal steroid injections.In order to reduce the risks,complications and frequent dosing of intravitreal steroids,intravitreal implants have been developed recently to provide sustained release of corticosteroids and reduce repeated intravitreal injections for the management of DME.
文摘Azoospermia,defined as the absence of sperm in the ejaculate,is a well-documented consequence of exogenous testosterone(ET)and anabolic–androgenic steroid(AAS)use.These agents suppress the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal(HPG)axis,leading to reduced intratesticular testosterone levels and impaired spermatogenesis.This review examines the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying azoospermia and outlines therapeutic strategies for recovery.Azoospermia is categorized into pretesticular,testicular,and post-testicular types,with a focus on personalized treatment approaches based on the degree of HPG axis suppression and baseline testicular function.Key strategies include discontinuing ET and monitoring for spontaneous recovery,particularly in patients with shorter durations of ET use.For cases of persistent azoospermia,gonadotropins(human chorionic gonadotropin[hCG]and follicle-stimulating hormone[FSH])and selective estrogen receptor modulators(SERMs),such as clomiphene citrate,are recommended,either alone or in combination.The global increase in exogenous testosterone use,including testosterone replacement therapy and AAS,underscores the need for improved management of associated azoospermia,which can be temporary or permanent depending on individual factors and the type of testosterone used.Additionally,the manuscript discusses preventive strategies,such as transitioning to short-acting testosterone formulations or incorporating low-dose hCG to preserve fertility during ET therapy.While guidelines for managing testosterone-related azoospermia remain limited,emerging research indicates the potential efficacy of hormonal stimulation therapies.However,there is a notable lack of well-structured,controlled,and long-term studies addressing the management of azoospermia related to exogenous testosterone use,highlighting the need for such studies to inform evidence-based recommendations.
文摘A chemical investigation on the cultures extract of the basidiomycete Armillaria gallica Marxm.&Romagn.led to the isolation of eight compounds,including a new steroid armillanal D(1),a new natural product VD2-1(8)and six known compounds.The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D-NMR spectra analysis,HR-ESI-MS,and electronic circular dichroism(ECD)spectra.The inhibitory activity of these compounds except 8 on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in Nigericin-induced mouse macrophage(J774A.1)cells was evaluated.Chaxine C(6)exhibited potential anti-inflammatory activity in vitro with IC50 value of(4.97±0.81)μmol/L.
文摘Unlike most plants, members of the genus Solanum produce cholesterol and use this as a precursor for steroidal glycoalkaloids. The production of the compounds begins as a branch from brassinosteroid biosynthesis, which produces cholesterol that is further modified to produce steroidal glycoalkaloids. During the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, genetic engineering could alter the formation of cholesterol from provitamin D3(7-dehydrocholesterol) and produce vitamin D3. Cholesterol is a precursor for many steroidal glycoalkaloids, including a-tomatine and esculeoside A. Alpha-tomatine is consumed by mammals and it can reduce cholesterol content and improve LDL:HDL ratio. When there is a high a-tomatine content, the fruit will have a bitter flavor, which together with other steroidal glycoalkaloids serving as protective and defensive compounds for tomato against insect, fungal, and bacterial pests. These compounds also affect the rhizosphere bacteria by recruiting beneficial bacteria. One of the steroidal glycoalkaloids, esculeoside A increases while fruit ripening. This review focuses on recent studies that uncovered key reactions of the production of cholesterol and steroidal glycoalkaloids in tomato connecting to human health, fruit flavor, and plant defense and the potential application for tomato crop improvement.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82170406 and No.81970238.
文摘Acute alcohol-associated hepatitis(AAH)is a life-threatening condition with high mortality,and steroid therapy remains the mainstay of treatment despite variable efficacy.The study by Sabatose et al explores patient factors distinguishing responders and non-responders to steroid therapy for AAH,focusing on phosphatidylethanol(PEth)-a biomarker of alcohol consumption-and other clinical variables.Their findings indicate that PEth,abstinence duration,and pretreatment alcohol intake do not predict steroid response,while older age,lower pre-steroid albumin,and higher pre-steroid bilirubin are associated with nonresponse.Non-responders exhibit higher mortality and healthcare costs,underscoring the need for early identification to guide liver transplantation referrals.This commentary evaluates the implications of these findings-specifically,how prioritizing pre-steroid albumin,bilirubin,and age over alcohol biomarkers can improve clinical decision-making by reducing unnecessary steroid exposure and expediting transplantation referrals for high-risk non-responders-contextualizes them within existing literature,and highlights directions for future research to optimize AAH management.
基金supported by two grants:the Ministry of Education and Culture,Finland Seed Funding–Finland-China Food and Health Network(FCFH)2023,University of Eastern Finlandand the Scientific Research Foundation of Zhejiang A&F University,China(Grant No.:2023CFR008).
文摘Microplastics and nanoplastics(MPs/NPs)are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals(EDCs),raising significant concerns about their impact on human health.Research highlights the hazardous effects of MPs/NPs on both male and female reproductive systems,influencing germ cells,embryo development,and progeny.Additionally,studies show that MPs/NPs affect the gene expression of anabolic steroid hormones in vitro and in vivo,inducing reproductive toxicity through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammation.Considering these adverse effects,identifying natural compounds that can mitigate the toxicity of MPs/NPs is increasingly important.Plants offer a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can counteract these harmful effects.Among these,anthocyanins,natural colorants responsible for the vibrant hues of fruits and flowers,exhibit a wide range of biological activities,including antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-neoplastic properties.Moreover,anthocyanins can modulate sex hormone levels and alleviate reproductive toxicity.Cyanidin-3-glucoside(C3G),one of the most extensively studied anthocyanins,shows promise in reducing reproductive toxicity,particularly in females,and in protecting male reproductive organs,including the testis and epididymis.This protective effect is believed to result from its interaction with steroid receptors,specifically the androgen and estrogen receptors(ERs).These findings highlight the need to explore the mechanisms by which anthocyanins mitigate the reproductive toxicity caused by MPs/NPs.This review provides novel insights into how natural compounds can be leveraged to lessen the impact of environmental contaminants on human health,especially concerning reproductive health.
基金Supported by The Interdisciplinary Guided Network for Investigation,Translation and Equity for the All of Us Research Program,No.OT2 OD031915.
文摘BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)are at an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia,contributing to significant morbidity and mortality.While previous studies have identified various risk factors,including medications and comorbidities,the independent contribution of IBD to pneumonia risk remains unclear.We hypothesized that the increased pneumonia risk is primarily driven by factors other than IBD itself.AIM To investigate the relative contributions of IBD,comorbidities,and medications to pneumonia risk in patients with IBD.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the All of Us Research Program database(2010-2022).We matched 2810 participants with IBD 1:1 with controls using four propensity score models:(1)Demographics/Lifestyle only;(2)Plus comorbidities;(3)Plus medications;and(4)All factors combined.Then we used Cox proportional hazards models to assess pneumonia risk and logistic regression to evaluate risk factors.RESULTS In the primary analysis of 5620 matched participants,IBD was not independently associated with increased pneumonia risk[hazard ratio(HR)=1.07,95%CI:0.84-1.35]when matched for all factors.However,participants with IBD had significantly higher risk(HR=2.08,95%CI:1.56-2.78)when matched only for demographics and lifestyle factors.Within the IBD cohort,a high comorbidity burden(Charlson Comorbidity Index≥10)[odds ratio(OR)=12.20,95%CI:6.69-23.00]and systemic steroid use(OR=2.26,95%CI:1.21-4.64)were independently associated with increased pneumonia risk.CONCLUSION Comorbidities and systemic steroids,rather than IBD itself,drive pneumonia risk.Management should focus on these factors and prioritize vaccination in high-risk patients.
基金financially supported by the Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research,China(2021B0301030004)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32360757,U2202206 and 32361143517)the Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects,China(202201AT070037,202501AS070012)。
文摘Highlights●Natural variations in the SGT3 promoter TATA box repeats directly modulate gene expression and SGAs content in tubers,providing a novel molecular marker for low-steroidal glycoalkaloids(SGAs)breeding.●The SGT3 promoter haplotype with(TA)10exhibits signifcantly higher transcriptional activity,correlating with high SGAs content,while the(TA)13haplotype is linked to low SGAs in natural germplasms.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1300303,2021YFF1000602)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32472878)China Agriculture Research System(CARS-35-PIG)。
文摘Estrus represents a critical phase in the porcine reproductive cycle and relies on functional ovarian development and coordinated steroidogenesis.Granulosa cells(GCs)mediate these processes by secreting estradiol(E_(2))and progesterone(P_(4)),which are essential for follicular maturation and ovulatory competence.While circular RNAs(circRNAs)have been implicated in steroid hormone synthesis,their involvement in the regulation of gilt estrous remains unclear.In this study,circRNA sequencing was performed on ovarian tissues of estrus(ES)and non-estrus(NES)gilts,resulting in the identification of a novel circRNA,termed circular SHOC2 leucine rich repeat scaffold protein(circSHOC2),which exhibited marked up-regulation in ES ovaries.Functional assays demonstrated that circSHOC2 overexpression enhanced E_(2)and P_(4)synthesis and increased the protein levels of key steroidogenic enzymes.Mechanistic investigation revealed that circSHOC2 sponges miR-130b-5p.Silencing miR-130b-5p significantly enhanced E_(2)and P_(4)production,along with the up-regulation of steroidogenic proteins.Additionally,miR-130b-5p targeted ASH1-like histone lysine methyltransferase(ASH1L),while its overexpression significantly inhibited ASH1L.Cotransfection experiments revealed that ASH1L mitigated the inhibitory effects of miR-130b-5p on E_(2)and P_(4)synthesis in GCs.These findings establish a regulatory axis in which circSHOC2 modulates steroidogenic capacity in porcine GCs via the miR-130b-5p/ASH1L pathway,offering mechanistic insight into the molecular basis of gilt estrus and providing potential targets to enhance reproductive efficiency.
文摘Systemic steroid treatment can modify the histological features of a temporal artery biopsy,leading to debate about the value of performing the biopsy after 2 weeks of steroid use.The aim of this study was to examine the results of temporal artery biopsies in patients who have been on systemic steroids for over two weeks.In this observational study,a retrospective review of patients who underwent temporal artery biopsy between January 2018 and October 2023 at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital was performed,with scrutiny of the histology reports for features of giant cell arteritis.Patients who were on systemic steroids for more than 2 weeks at the time of performing the temporal artery biopsy were studied with histological evaluation of temporal artery biopsy specimens was performed by consultant histopathologists experienced in vasculitis diagnosis.Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.A total of 60 patients were identified to have signs in keeping with or suggestive of giant cell arteritis on histological examination of temporal artery specimens.Mean duration of steroid treatment before performing the temporal artery biopsy was 2.7 weeks(range,0 days to 13 weeks).Nineteen(31%)patients had received more than 2 weeks of steroid treatment at the time of temporal biopsy.In our study,histological features in temporal artery biopsy specimens from patients who had received more than 2 weeks of steroid therapy showed similarities to classical features noted in untreated patients,but with some differences,such as a milder and patchier inflammatory cell infiltrate,fewer histiocytes,and residual scarring.Therefore,in patients posing a diagnostic dilemma due to equivocal clinical features,a temporal artery biopsy can still be considered,even if they have been on long-term steroids,if the treating clinicians feel that it will aid the diagnosis and management.
基金Supported by Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2024MS471)。
文摘Dear Editor,We present the reported case of steroid-induced glaucoma(SIG)treated by trabeculectome tunneling trabeculoplasty(3T).The 3T procedure is a new minimally invasive glaucoma surgery designed to protect and enhance the function of the trabecular meshwork(TM)while reducing resistance to outflow of atrial fluid^([1]).A 20-year-old male patient experienced an elevation in intraocular pressure(IOP)and subsequently progressed to SIG after continuously using tobramycin-dexamethasone eyedrops for one year.Trabeculotomy of the right eye was performed.
文摘Steroids continue to be the cornerstone of immune suppression since the early days of organ transplantation.Steroids are key component of induction protocols,maintenance therapy and in the treatment of various forms of rejection.Prolonged steroid use resulted in significant side effects on almost all the body organs owing to the presence of steroid receptors in most of the mammalian cells.Kidney allograft recipients had to accept the short and long term complications of steroids because of lack of effective alternatives.This situation changed with the introduction of newer and more effective immune suppression agents with a relatively more acceptable side effect profile.As a result,the clinicians have been contemplating if it is the time to abandon the unquestionable reliance on maintenance steroids in modern transplantation practice.This review aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of various steroid-minimization approaches(steroid avoidance,early steroid withdrawal,and late steroid withdrawal)in kidney transplant recipients.A meticulous electronic search was conducted through the available data resources like SCOPUS,MEDLINE,and Liverpool University library e-resources.Relevant articles obtained through our search were included.A total number of 90 articles were eligible to be included in this review[34 randomised controlled trials(RCT)and 56 articles of other research modalities].All articles were evaluating the safety and efficacy of various steroidfree approaches in comparison to maintenance steroids.We will cover only the RCT articles in this review.If used in right clinical context,steroid-free protocols proved to be comparable to steroid-based maintenance therapy.The appropriate approach should be tailored individually according to each recipient immunological challenges and clinical condition.
基金Major National Science and Technology Projects (Grant No. 2009ZX09102-106, 2011ZX09102-002-09)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81274053)
文摘The objective of the research is to develop a quantitative method by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography/ quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UHPLC/Q-TOF MS） for the analysis of seven major steroidal saponins （timosaponin N, timosaponin El, timosaponin BII, timosaponin B, anemarrhenasaponin I, anemarrhenasaponin A2, and timosaponin AIII） in Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. The complete separation of these seven steroidal saponins was achieved within 18 min with an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column using an acetonitrile-water （contain 0.1% formic acid） gradient system. The limits of quantitation （LOQ）, 0.18-0.75 ng/pL for seven steroidal saponins, were determined experimentally. The limits of detection （LOD） were found to be 0.05-0.22 ng/μL for these saponins. The correlation coefficients （r2） for calibration curves varied from 0.9902 to 0.9979. This method showed good repeatability for the quantification of these saponins in rhizomes ofA. asphodeloides, with intra-day and inter-day variations of less than 5.0% for seven steroidal saponins. The recoveries of seven steroidal saponins were from 97.13% to 101.98%. The validated method was successfully applied to quantifying seven steroidal saponins in various sources ofA. asphodeloides （different collecting places or processing methods） and Zhimu concentrate-granules （ZMCG）.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China forYoung Researcher !(No.2 960 60 0 8) Tianjin Natural ScienceFoundation!
文摘The fermentation with mold metarrhizium anisopliae has been carried out to determine the relationship between mycelial morphology and growth.Like the biomass concentration,the mycelial morphology seems to be coupled to growth phases:the fractal dimension,a feature calculated from the morphological images,increases during the late lag phase and the early exponential phase,and culminates at a value near 2.4 at half of the exponential phase.This can be attributed to the marked change of rough and smooth pellet proportions during growth and the change can be well expressed by the fractal analysis of mycelial morphology.The mycelial morphology is also strongly related to the biotransformation activity:a mycelial sample was withdrawn from the culture to use for fractal analysis before the steroid substrate (16α,17α epoxy 4 pregnene 3,20 dione) was added;the higher fractal dimension corresponds to the higher conversion rate of steroid biotransformation.And the maximum of fractal dimension appeared prior to the maximum of biomass concentration.It is therefore possible to utilize the fractal dimension curve to supervise the fermentation process more timely and availably than to use the conventional biomass curve to do.
文摘Two new C 27 steroidal glycosides, named ophiopojaponin A (1) and B (2), together with two known ones, were isolated from the tubers of the famous traditional Chinese herb Ophiopogon japonicus Ker_Gawl. The spectroscopic and chemical evidence revealed their structures to be pennogenin 3_O_[2′_O_acetyl_α_L_rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)]_β_D_xylopyranosyl (1→3)_β_D_glucopyranoside (1), 26_O_β_D_glucopyranosyl_(22ξ, 25R)_3β, 14α, 22ξ, 26_tetrahydroxyfurost_5_ene 3_O_α_L_rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)_β_D_glucopyranoside (2), diosgenin 3_O_[α_L_rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)]_β_D_xylopyrano_syl (1→3)_β_D_glucopyranoside (3) and ruscogenin 1_O_[α_L_rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)]_β_D_xylopyranosyl (1→3)_β_D_fucopyranoside (4).
