PMID: 

Phytochemistry. 2019 Aug 23 ;167:112078. Epub 2019 Aug 23. PMID: 31450091

Abstract Title: 

Fucoidan from marine brown algae attenuates pancreatic cancer progression by regulating p53 – NFκB crosstalk.

Abstract: 

Poor pancreatic cancer (PC) prognosis has been attributed to its resistance to apoptosis and propensity for early systemic dissemination. Existing therapeutic strategies are often circumvented by the molecular crosstalk between cell-signalling pathways. p53 is mutated in more than 50% of PC and NFκB is constitutively activated in therapy-resistant residual disease; these mutations and activations account for the avoidance of cell death and metastasis. Recently, we demonstrated the anti-PC potential of fucoidan extract from marine brown alga, Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) Kützing (Sargassaceae). In this study, we aimed to characterize the active fractions of fucoidan extract to identify their select anti-PC efficacy, and to define the mechanism(s) involved. Five fractions of fucoidan isolated by ion exchange chromatography were tested for their potential in genetically diverse humanPC cell lines. All fractions exerted significant dose-dependent and time-dependent regulation of cell survival. Fucoidans induced apoptosis, activated caspase -3, -8 and -9, and cleaved Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP). Pathway-specific transcriptional analysis recognized inhibition of 57 and 38 nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathway molecules with fucoidan-F5 in MiaPaCa-2 and Panc-1 cells, respectively. In addition, fucoidan-F5 inhibited both the constitutive and Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-mediated NFκB DNA-binding activity in PC cells. Upregulation of cytoplasmic IκB levels and significant reduction of NFκB-dependent luciferase activity further substantiate the inhibitory potential of seaweed fucoidans on NFκB. Moreover, fucoidan(s) treatment increased cellular p53 in PC cells and reverted NFκB forced-expression-related p53 reduction. The results suggest that fucoidan regulates PC progression and that fucoidans may target p53-NFκB crosstalk and dictate apoptosis in PC cells.

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PMID: 

Carbohydr Polym. 2019 Nov 15 ;224:115195. Epub 2019 Aug 12. PMID: 31472848

Abstract Title: 

Fucoidan isolated from Padina commersonii inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages blocking TLR/NF-κB signal pathway.

Abstract: 

Brown seaweeds are well-known source of bioactive compounds, which are producing a variety of secondary metabolites with promising bioactive properties. Traditionally, seaweeds used as ingredients in medicine for many centuries in Asian countries. However, the protective mechanisms of many metabolites found in seaweeds are remains to be determined. Thus, applications of seaweeds are limited because of poor understanding of their structural features and mechanisms responsible for their bioactive properties. In the present study, anti-inflammatory properties of fucoidan isolated from the brown seaweed Padina commersonii (PCF) was evaluated against LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. PCF was characterized using NMR, FT-IR, and HPAE-PAD spectrum (for mono sugar composition). It was observed that PCF is rich in fucose and sulfate as well as a similar structure to the commercial fucoidan. Western blots and RT-qPCR analysis were used to determine the protective effects of PCF after LPS challenge using RAW 264.7 macrophages. According to the results, PCF significantly down-regulated LPS-activated mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, and MyD88 which are known inducers/activators of NF-κB transcriptional factors. The results, obtained from this study demonstrated PCF has a potential to inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses via blocking TLR/MyD88/ NF-κB signal transduction.

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PMID: 

Toxicol Ind Health. 2009 Jul ;25(6):429-34. PMID: 19671636

Abstract Title: 

The protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on oxidative stress in rat liver exposed to the 900 MHz electromagnetic field.

Abstract: 

In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of rats exposed to the 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF). EMF of cellular phones may affect biological systems by increasing free radical, which appear mainly to enhance LPO, and by changing the antioxidative activities of liver, thus leading to oxidative damage. CAPE, an active component of propolis extract, exhibits antioxidant properties and several studies suggest that supplementation with antioxidant can influence EMF exposure induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control (n = 10), 900 MHz EMF (n = 10) and 900 MHz EMF + CAPE (n = 10). CAPE was injected intraperitoneally for 30 days before exposure to EMF. Liver tissue was removed to study the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), xanthine oxidase (XO) and the levels of LPO. The activities of XO, CAT and level of LPO increased in the 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF) group compared with the control group, although XO, CAT activities and LPO levels were decreased by 900 MHz EMF + CAPE administration. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px decreased in the 900 MHz EMF group compared with the control group, although their levels were increased by EMF + CAPE administration. It can be concluded that CAPE may prevent the 900 MHz EMF-induced oxidative changes in liver by strengthening the antioxidant defense system by reducing reactive oxygen species and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.

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PMID: 

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2015 Sep ;34(9):983-91. PMID: 26107345

Abstract Title: 

An Overview of Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Safety: 2006 to 2015.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: A quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4) type 6/11/16/18 vaccine (GARDASIL/SILGARD®) has been licensed in many countries around the world for the prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers and precancers, as well as external genital warts causally related to HPV types 6/11/16/18. Across 7 phase 3 clinical trials involving more than 29,000 males and females ages 9-45 years, vaccination was generally well tolerated. Because of its expected public health benefit in reducing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, the vaccine has been implemented in the national vaccination programs of several countries, with over 178 million doses distributed worldwide.METHODS: Extensive efforts to assess the safety of the vaccine in routine practice have been conducted over the past 9 years since licensure, including more than 15 studies in more than 1 million preadolescents, adolescents and adults from various countries. Most have been performed in the general population although there have been some in special populations (pregnant women, HIV-infected individuals and those with systemic lupus erythematosus).RESULTS: We present a summary of the published, postlicensure safety data from active and passive surveillance. Only syncope, and possibly skin infections were associated with vaccination in the postlicensure setting. Serious adverse events, such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, autoimmune diseases (including Guillain-Barre Syndrome and multiple sclerosis), anaphylaxis, venous thromboembolism and stroke, were extensively studied, and no increase in the incidence of these events was found compared with background rates.CONCLUSIONS: These results, along with the safety data from the prelicensure clinical trials, confirm that the HPV4 vaccine has a favorable safety profile. Key policy, medical and regulatory organizations around the world have independently reviewed these data and continue to recommend routine HPV vaccination.

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PMID: 

Curr Pharm Des. 2019 ;25(11):1200-1209. PMID: 31465280

Abstract Title: 

Sulfated Polysaccharides from Macroalgae for Bone Tissue Regeneration.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Utilization of macroalgae has gained much attention in the field of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food and bioenergy. Macroalgae has been widely consumed in Asian countries as food from ancient days and proved that it has potential bioactive compounds which are responsible for its nutritional properties. Macroalgae consists of a diverse range of bioactive compounds including proteins, lipids, pigments, polysaccharides, etc. Polysaccharides from macroalgae have been utilized in food industries as gelling agents and drug excipients in the pharmaceutical industries owing to their biocompatibility and gel forming properties. Exploration of macroalgae derived sulfated polysaccharides in biomedical applications is increasing recently.METHODS: In the current review, we have provided information of three different sulfated polysaccharides such as carrageenan, fucoidan and ulvan and their isolation procedure (enzymatic precipitation, microwave assisted method, and enzymatic hydrolysis method), structural details, and their biomedical applications exclusively for bone tissue repair and regeneration.RESULTS: From the scientific results on sulfated polysaccharides from macroalgae, we conclude that sulfated polysaccharides have exceptional properties in terms of hydrogel-forming ability, scaffold formation, and mimicking the extracellular matrix, increasing alkaline phosphatase activity, enhancement of biomineralization ability and stem cell differentiation for bone tissue regeneration.CONCLUSION: Overall, sulfated polysaccharides from macroalgae may be promising biomaterials in bone tissue repair and regeneration.

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PMID: 

Fitoterapia. 2019 Mar ;133:56-61. Epub 2018 Dec 21. PMID: 30579769

Abstract Title: 

Cytotoxic and antibacterial triterpenoids from the roots of Morinda officinalis var. officinalis.

Abstract: 

Seven new pentacyclic triterpenoids including six ursane-type, marinoids A-F (1-6), and one oleanane-type, marinoid G (7), along with five known analogues (8-12), were separated from the roots of Morinda officinalis var. officinalis. Their structures were assigned by spectroscopic means especially analysis of 2D NMR data, with the absolute configurations of 1 and 2 being determined via comparison of their experimental ECD spectra with the computed ones. Selective compounds displayed cytotoxic activity against two human osteosarcoma cell lines and also antibacterial effects against one Gram positive and one Gram negative strains.

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PMID: 

Int J Microbiol. 2019 ;2019:4623807. Epub 2019 Aug 1. PMID: 31467551

Abstract Title: 

Effect of Prebiotics-Enhanced Probiotics on the Growth of.

Abstract: 

predominantly creates an acidic environment in an oral cavity. This results in dental demineralization and carious lesions. The probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that modulate the bacterial balance in the digestive system. Prebiotics are defined as nondigestible oligosaccharides that are utilized for the selective stimulation of the beneficial microorganisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the prebiotics, galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), for enhancing the probioticATCC 4356, for inhibiting(A32-2) for the prevention of dental caries. The growth rate of thesignificantly decreased when cocultured within the GOS-supplemented medium at 3%, 4%, and 5%. In the FOS-supplemented medium, the growth rate ofsignificantly decreased in all concentrations when cocultured with. There was no significant difference in the growth rate ofin all concentrations of either GOS or FOS. It can be concluded that the growth rate ofwas significantly retarded when cocultured withand the proper concentration of prebiotics. These prebiotics have potential for a clinical application to activate the function of the naturally intraoralto inhibit.

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PMID: 

Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Aug 26. Epub 2019 Aug 26. PMID: 31465803

Abstract Title: 

The chemical character of polysaccharides from processed Morindae officinalis and their effects on anti-liver damage.

Abstract: 

The medicinal plant Morinda officinalis How and its root have long been used in traditional medicines in China. The aims of the present study were to investigate the chemical composition and liver-protective effect of crude polysaccharides (MOP-100) from the processed root of Morinda officinalis against Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced liver damage in vivo and vitro. The processed root of the herbal medicine was extracted with water at 100 °C, then precipitated with ethanol, dialyzed and freeze-dried to obtain MOP-100. The molecular weight of MOP-100 was a wide distribution. However, the processed root was extracted consecutively at 60 °C and 100 °C to obtain two crude polysaccharides MOP-60 and MOP-60-100. MOP-60 mainly contained an inulin-type fructooligosaccharide with molecular weight of 2071 Da. MOP-100 significantly inhibited the infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages into liver, improved the hepatic injury induced by ConA in mice. It stimulated the proliferation of human liver LO2 cells and decreased thecell death induced by ConA. MOP-100 also significantly inhibited the HBeAg secretion of Hep2.5.5 hepatocytes in vitro. MOP-60 and MOP-60-100 both exhibited good activity of protecting hepatocytes against ConA-induced damage in vitro. These results suggested Morinda officinalis polysaccharides exertsignificant hepatoprotective effect, and it might be used for treatment of immune-mediated liver disease in the future.

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PMID: 

Carbohydr Polym. 2019 Aug 15 ;218:46-52. Epub 2019 Apr 23. PMID: 31221342

Abstract Title: 

Characterization and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Passiflora edulis Sims peel under different degradation methods.

Abstract: 

Water extracted polysaccharide from P. edulis peel (WPEP) was degraded using hydrochloric acid, ultrasonic-assisted hydrochloric acid, andα-amylase to obtained A-WPEP (acid hydrolysis WPEP), U-WPEP (ultrasonic-assisted acid hydrolysis WPEP), and M-WPEP (Enzymatic hydrolysis WPEP), respectively, and its relationship between structure and antioxidant activities was studied. Results showed that the solubility, internal crystalline, triple helical and surface structure of WPEP's degradation products was damaged to varying degree. Moreover, their antioxidant activities were lower compared with that of WPEP. The solubility of WPEP, A-WPEP, U-WPEP, and M-WPEP was 9.84, 6.78, 6.98, and 9.56 mg/mL, respectively. The ICvalues of their DPPH radical scavenging rates were 0.29, 1.34, 0.42 and 0.98 mg/mL, respectively. The complex formed by the degradation product with Congo red also showed different degrees of red shift in the alkaline solution. Enzymatic method had the least damage to the triple helical structure of WPEP compared with acid and ultrasonic-assisted acid method, and the better integrity of triple helical structure, the higher its antioxidant activities.

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PMID: 

J Clin Exp Dent. 2019 May ;11(5):e457-e463. Epub 2019 May 1. PMID: 31275519

Abstract Title: 

Efficacy of chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and tulsi extract mouthwash in reducing halitosis using spectrophotometric analysis: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: 

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of tulsi extract mouthrinse in reducing halitosis as compared to chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide mouthrinses using spectrophotometric analysis.Material and Methods: It was a parallel, single center, double blinded randomized controlled trial of 15 days duration. A total of 300 participants were screened, out of which 45 subjects those fulfilled inclusion criteria of age range 17-35 years were included in the trial. The participants were randomly provided with tulsi, hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine mouthwashes (control group) to use 10 ml twice daily for 15 days. Clinical measurements were taken at baseline and 15 days using arbitrary 0-5 scale for organoleptic odor assessments, spectrophotometric analysis for Volatile Sulphide Compounds (VSCs) from saliva samples, Löe&Silness gingival index and Silness&Löe plaque index.Results: After intervention, organoleptic, VSCs, gingival and plaque scores showed statistically significant decrease in all the three study groups. The mean percentage reduction in VSC and organoleptic scores was significantly greater in chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide groups than in the tulsi group and the mean percentage reduction in plaque and gingival scores was significantly greater in chlorhexidine group than in hydrogen peroxide and tulsi group.Conclusions: Tulsi may not have the efficacy of chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide mouthrinses. But, Tulsi is effective in reducing halitosis, plaque and gingivitis and with its lack of side effects&cost effectiveness, can be an effective&economic tool to deal with halitosis. The spectrophotometric technique appears to be a promising method for evaluation of oral malodor.Halitosis, tulsi mouthwash, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, spectrophotometric analysis.

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