Search Results (5)

Ginnalin A (GA), a polyphenolic compound derived from amur maple trees, has been identified as a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recognizing the pivotal role of ROS in exacerbating secondary damage during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), we fractionated GA-enriched extracts from the leaves of the amur maple tree, Acer tataricum L. subsp. ginnala (Maxim.) Wesm., using common solvents of dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EA). When co-administered for 30 min, the DCM- and EA-fractioned extracts effectively protected cardiomyocytes from H₂O₂-induced damage. ROS-sensitive probes indicated that treatment with ginnala extracts significantly reduced both intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels. Instead of enhancing the activity of antioxidative enzymes, the ginnala extracts acted as natural antioxidases, directly scavenging various ROS such as superoxide, H₂O₂, hydroxyl radical, and Fe²⁺ within just 20 min. In a MIRI rat model, the in vivo administration of ginnala extracts provided significant cardioprotection by preserving viable myocardia and enhancing cardiac functions. Additionally, treatment with ginnala extracts significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis and denatured collagen. Our study suggests that the ultrafast ROS scavenging capability of ginnala extracts offers substantial heart protection during MIRI. Incorporating ginnala extracts as a pharmacological intervention during reperfusion could effectively mitigate ROS-induced cardiac injury. Full article

Samara fossils of Acer were unearthed from the Early Miocene Hannuoba Formation in central Inner Mongolia, China. Based on macro- and micro-characteristics, they were identified as Acer pretataricum sp. nov. of section Ginnala, and cf. Acer mono of section Platanoidea. We reconstructed the dispersal routes of these two sections according to their fossil records. During the Early Eocene, section Ginnala was confined to North America. In the Late Eocene, this section expanded westward to East Asia. It was distributed widely in East Asia. In the Late Tertiary, it potentially recolonized the European and American continents. Meanwhile, section Platanoidea was distributed disjunctively in East Asia and North America during the Eocene. Members of this section likely expanded westward from East Asia into Europe in the Oligocene. By the Miocene, it had achieved extensive distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. However, by the Pliocene, it was confined to East Asia and Western Europe. It may have spread eastward from East Asia to North America during the Holocene, finally forming its current existence in North America and the Eurasian continent. This investigation reveals distinct differences in the dispersal pathways of two sections, suggesting that the reconstruction of dispersal routes for Acer taxa should be conducted separately at the section level. Full article

Acer L. species are well known as ornamental trees due to their colourful leaves in autumn season. Acer pictum subsp. mono (Maxim.) H. Ohashi (APM) and Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala (Maximowicz) Wesmael (ATG) form leaves with completely different colours in autumn, yellow and red, respectively. In response to this phenomenon, we investigated the metabolic regulation of APM and ATG in different seasons by combining metabolomics, ionomics, the antioxidant system and pigment content. The results showed that the process of senescence and discolouration exists in leaves of different Acer species, and the regulatory strategy shows species specificity. Compared with green leaves, the accumulation of primary metabolites in autumn leaves of APM was extensively depleted, chlorophyll content was decreased, and antioxidant enzymes and C6C3C6 type phenolic compounds synergistically enhanced the antioxidant capacity of plants to cope with senescence. Carotenoid content was raised, which together with phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, rutin) provides the leaves with a yellow colour. The response of chlorophyll and the antioxidant system in autumn leaves of ATG is consistent with that of APM, while sugar content increases. The increased anthocyanin content in autumn leaves of ATG explains the transition of leaves from green to the red colour, which may be accompanied by the combined effect of elements (Fe, Zn, Mn) and isoflavones. This study provides a reference for the study of colouration mechanism and seasonal adaptation in Acer L. species. Full article

Skin, the organ protecting the human body from external factors, maintains structural and tensile strength by containing many collagen fibrils, particularly type I procollagen. However, oxidative stress by ultraviolet (UV) exposure causes skin photoaging by activating collagen degradation and inhibiting collagen synthesis. Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala extract (AGE) is a herbal medicine with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, but there is no report on the protective effect against skin photoaging. Therefore, we conducted research concentrating on the anti-photoaging effect of Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala (AG) in UVB (20 mJ/cm²)-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Then, various concentrations (7.5, 15, 30 µg/mL) of AGE were treated in HDF for 24 h following UVB irradiation. After we performed AGE treatment, the matrix metalloproteinase1 (MMP1) expression was downregulated, and the type I procollagen level was recovered. Then, we investigated the mitogen-activated protein kinases/activator protein 1 (MAPK/AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, which induce collagen breakdown by promoting the MMP1 level and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results indicated that AGE downregulates the expression of the MAPK/AP-1 pathway, leading to MMP1 reduction. AGE inhibits nuclear translocation of NF-κB and inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (IκB) degradation. Therefore, it downregulates the expression of MMP1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 increased by UVB. Besides, the TGFβ/Smad pathway, which is mainly responsible for the collagen synthesis in the skin, was also analyzed. AGE decreases the expression of Smad7 and increases TGFβRII expression and Smad3 phosphorylation. This means that AGE stimulates the TGFβ/Smad pathway that plays a critical role in promoting collagen synthesis. Thus, this study suggests that AGE can be a functional material with anti-photoaging properties. Full article

Maples are common street and shade trees throughout the temperate zone. They are widely used for their wide range of ornamental traits and adaptability, particularly to urban settings. Unfortunately, some species such as Acer tataricum ssp. ginnala (Amur maple) and A. platanoides (Norway maple) have escaped cultivation to become pests or in some cases threaten native flora. However, these species remain economically important and are still asked for by name. To ameliorate potential future ecological damage from additional escapes, we have been breeding for sterile forms using ploidy manipulation and backcrossing to develop triploids. We began with a series of experiments to develop tetraploids of Amur, Norway, and trident (A. buergerianum) maples. Treatment of seedlings at the cotyledon or first true leaf stage was successful in inducing tetraploids of each species. Mortality, cytochimeras, and tetraploids varied among species. After identifying tetraploids, they were field planted alongside diploid cultivars and seedlings, which served as pollinizers in open-pollination. Seedlings derived from open-pollinated tetraploids were generally found to be a high percentage triploids. Thus far, no Norway or trident maple triploids have flowered but after three years we observed five, 22, and 22 Amur maple triploids flowering over three respective years with no seedlings recovered to date. Further evaluation is required but our findings are encouraging that the triploids we have developed thus far will be sterile and provide new cultivars for nursery growers and land managers. Full article