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Received Dec 29, 2017; Accepted Mar 19, 2018
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1. Introduction
Interleukin 6 (IL-6), which is involved in various physiological functions including neurodevelopment, haematopoiesis, bone metabolism, and immunity [1–4], is implicated in many inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, and plays an important role in inflammation and immune diseases [5–7]. Thus, after the binding of IL-6 to its receptors, such as membrane-bound or soluble receptors (IL-6R or sIL-6R), the IL-6 complex induces the dimerization and phosphorylation of glycoprotein 130 (gp130). Activation of the IL-6 complex leads to a signalling cascade involving the Janus kinases (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). STAT3 is a member of the STAT family of proteins, and STAT3 plays a role in the response to growth factors and cytokines such as IL-6 [8]. STAT3 is phosphorylated by receptor-associated JAK2 to form homo- or heterodimers and then translocates to the nucleus where it acts as a transcription activator [9]. JAK2 provides “instructions” for producing proteins that promote the growth, development, and proliferation of cells and mediates essential signalling events involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. JAK2/STAT activation has been observed in several types of cancer and tumours, including multiple myeloma, leukaemia, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer [10, 11]. The JAK2/STAT signalling pathways is thus very important for cell growth and differentiation, and natural products that target JAK2/STAT have potential for the treatment of cancer and tumours [11].
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. (AB) has beneficial effects on human health, including antioxidant, antihypertension, antiviral, antimutagenic, and skin and liver (antihepatotoxic) protective activities [12, 13]. In Asia, AB has been used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases. Although the components of AB, such as oligostilbenes [14] and phenolics [15], have been reported, the phytochemical constituents of AB are not well known. Therefore, the development of new technologies to identify the bioactive compounds in AB will increase the value of this medicinal plant and will present unique challenges and opportunities for further study.
Thus, the objectives of the present study were to (1)...