Poly(ADP‑ribose) polymerase‑1 (PARP‑1) plays a critical role in inflammatory pathways. The PARP‑1 inhibitor, 5‑aminoisoquinolinone (5‑AIQ), has been demonstrated to exert significant pharmacological effects. The present study aimed to further examine the potential mechanisms of 5‑AIQ in a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‑induced colitis. Colitis conditions were assessed by changes in weight, disease activity index, colon length, histopathology and pro‑inflammatory mediators. The colonic expression of PARP/NF‑κB and STAT3 pathway components was measured by western blot analysis. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportion of T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the spleen. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR were employed to determine the expression of the transcription factors retinoic acid‑related orphan receptor and forkhead box protein P3. The results demonstrated that 5‑AIQ reduced tissue damage and the inflammatory response in mice with experimental colitis. Moreover, 5‑AIQ increased the proportion of Treg cells and decreased the percentage of Th17 cells in the spleen. Furthermore, following 5‑AIQ treatment, the main components of the PARP/NF‑κB and STAT3 pathways were downregulated. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the PARP‑1 inhibitor, 5‑AIQ, may suppress intestinal inflammation and protect the colonic mucosa by modulating Treg/Th17 immune balance and inhibiting PARP‑1/NF‑κB and STAT3 signaling pathways in mice with experimental colitis.

Impatiens longshanensis (The LSID for the name Impatiens longshanensis is: 77219154-1) sp. nov. and I. lihengiana (The LSID for the name I. lihengiana is: 77219153-1) sp. nov., from Hunan, China, are described and illustrated here. The molecular phylogenetic study suggests that I. longshanensis and I. lihengiana should be placed in the I. sect. Impatiens. A detailed description, diagnostic characters between the two new species and allied species, pollen and seed morphology, and color photographs are provided. In addition, based on wide sampling, we found that the longifilamenta group, an endemic group to China, whose members have basal lobes of lateral united petals with long filamentous hairs, shows significant morphological variability. In this paper, we discuss the taxonomic significance of morphological characteristics within this group. Based on a literature review and observation of living materials in the field, an updated identification key for this group is also proposed.

Impatiens longiaristata (Balsaminaceae), a new species from western Sichuan Province in China, is described and illustrated here based on morphological and molecular data. It is similar to I. longiloba and I. siculifer, but differs in its lower sepal with a long arista at the apex of the mouth, spur curved downward or circinate, and lower petal that is oblong-elliptic and two times longer than the upper petal. Molecular analysis confirmed its placement in sect. Racemosae. Simultaneously, during the inspection of the protologues and type specimens of allied species, it was found that the types of two names from this section were syntypes based on Article 9.6 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen Code). According to Articles 8.1, 9.3, and Recommendations 9A.1, 9A.2, and 9A.3, the lectotypes of these two names are here designated.

A new species, Impatiens lhunzeensis (Balsaminaceae), and a new record of I. leptocarpa from southern Xizang, China are reported and described in this study. Based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence, both I. lhunzeensis and I. leptocarpa are assigned to I. sect. Racemosae. The new species forms a clade with I. drepanophora, I. eubotrya and I. principis, while I. leptocarpa is phylogenetically close to I. radiata and I. harae. The new species has a sympatric distribution with and is morphologically similar to both I. radiata and I. harae, but differs by the hairy stem, the densely hairy leaf blade, the raceme inflorescence, the reniform dorsal petals, the navicular lower sepal, the broadly ovate to sub-orbicular upper petals and the triangular oblong lower petals.

Impatiens longyangensis and I. yaojiapingensis, two new species from Gaoligong Mountains, Yunnan, China, are described here. The former species is morphologically similar to I. shangjiangensis, but differs by its shorter petioles and peduncle, ovate bract, shortly saccate lower sepal with a longer spur and suborbicular dorsal petal. The latter is similar to I. sterilis, and differs by its pubescent leaf, petiole with one to three pairs of clavate glands, persistent bract, lower sepal with a straight spur and suborbicular dorsal petal. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ITS and plastid atpB-rbcL sequences shows that the two new species belong to I. sect. Racemosae.