PMID: 

Infect Drug Resist. 2019 ;12:2251-2257. Epub 2019 Jul 22. PMID: 31413602

Abstract Title: 

Association between vitamin D and latent tuberculosis infection in the United States: NHANES, 2011-2012.

Abstract: 

Background: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a precursor of active tuberculosis diseases and an important issue in the United States and worldwide. The association between vitamin D deficiency and LTBI is poorly understood.Methods: From 2011 to 2012, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) assessed LTBI (according to tuberculin skin testing and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube) and measured serum levels of vitamin D. We evaluated the association between LTBI and vitamin D using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for known confounders.Results: The LTBI group had a lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level than the non-LTBI group (=0.0012). The adjusted risk of LTBI was significantly higher among participants with serum 25(OH)D levels

read more

PMID: 

Fitoterapia. 2019 Jul 5 ;137:104261. Epub 2019 Jul 5. PMID: 31284019

Abstract Title: 

Anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of constituents isolated from the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba var. inermis Rehder.

Abstract: 

Three new sesquilignans, zijusesquilignans A-C (1-3), together with fifteen known compounds (4-18), were isolated from fruits of Ziziphus jujuba var. inermis Rehder (Rhamnaceae). Their chemical structures were established using spectroscopic analyses including 1D- and 2D-NMR, HR-EIMS, and ECD spectra. These compounds were assessed for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production. Of these compounds, 1-3 and 17 displayed inhibitory effects on NO production, with ICvalues ranging from 18.1 to 66.4 μM. Pretreatment with 1 and 17 significantly suppressed LPS-induced expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein in cells. Moreover, compounds 1-3, 7, 9, and 17 exhibited cytotoxic activities against three human tumor cell lines, with ICvalues ranging from 8.4 to 44.9 μM.

read more

PMID: 

J Food Biochem. 2019 Aug 1:e12998. Epub 2019 Aug 1. PMID: 31373040

Abstract Title: 

Jujube honey induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell via DNA damage, p53 expression, and caspase activation.

Abstract: 

Jujube honey, a very popular honey in China, has been shown to own numerous biological properties. However, the anticancer effect and the underlying mechanisms of jujube honey in HepG2 cells have not been investigated to date. This study was designed to evaluate jujube honey-induced apoptosis and its molecular mechanism in HepG2 and the following results were obtained. Firstly, treatment with jujube honey blocked cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase, reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), induced DNA damage, and upregulates p53 expression. Secondly, pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bad were upregulated and antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL were downregulated. Lastly, caspase activation and apoptotic death occurred in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, this study showed that jujube honey induces HepG2 cell apoptosis via DNA damage, p53 expression, and caspase activation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: We demonstrate the molecular mechanism by which jujube honey triggers apoptosis in HepG2 cells. This new insight provided useful information on the use of jujube honey as a potentialtherapeutic and preventive agent.

read more

PMID: 

Front Microbiol. 2019 ;10:263. Epub 2019 Feb 25. PMID: 30858831

Abstract Title: 

Antimicrobial Activity ofHoney and Characterization of Its Bioactive Compounds in Comparison With Important Commercial Honeys.

Abstract: 

There is an urgent need for new effective antimicrobial agents since acquired resistance of bacteria to currently available agents is increasing. The antimicrobial activity of Mono-floralhoney produced from Australian grownwas compared with the activity of commercially available honeys derived fromspecies and with Jarrah honey for activity against clinical and non-clinical strains of(methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant strains),, and. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) forhoney was in the range of 6-25% (w/v) for all species examined. The MICs forhoneys were generally similar to those ofhoney, but MICs were higher for Super manuka and Jarrah honeys and lower for Tea tree honey. Staphylococci were more susceptible to all honeys thanand. Pretreatment of honey with catalase increased the bacterial growth at MIC of Tea tree honey (35%), Super Manuka (15%), Jarrah honeys (12%), andhoney (10%), indicating variable contributions of hydrogen peroxide to antimicrobial activity. Manuka and Jelly bush honeys retained their antimicrobial activity in the presence of catalase, indicating the presence of other antimicrobial compounds in the honey. An LC-MS/MS method was developed and used to identify possible antimicrobial phenolic compounds inhoney and flowers, and five commercial honeys. The chemical markers characteristic ofhoney and honeys oforigin were phenyllactic acid and methyl syringate. Overall, the bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity inhoney suggested a possible use for topical application and in wound care.

read more

PMID: 

Microorganisms. 2019 Aug 13 ;7(8). Epub 2019 Aug 13. PMID: 31412630

Abstract Title: 

Evaluation of Physiological Effects Induced by Manuka Honey Uponand.

Abstract: 

Several studies have explored the antimicrobial properties of manuka honey (MkH). However, the data available regarding antibacterial action mechanisms are scarcer. The aim of this study was to scrutinize and characterize primary effects of manuka honey (MkH) upon the physiological status ofand(as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria models, respectively), using flow cytometry (FC) to reveal its antibacterial action mechanisms. Effects of MkH on membrane potential, membrane integrity and metabolic activity were assessed using different fluorochromes in a 180 min time course assay. Time-kill experiments were carried out under the same conditions. Additionally, MkH effect on efflux pumps was also studied in anstrain with an over-expression of several efflux pumps. Exposure of bacteria to MkH resulted in physiological changes related to membrane potential and membrane integrity; these effects displayed slight differences among bacteria. MkH induced a remarkable metabolic disruption as primary physiological effect uponand was able to block efflux pump activity in a dose-dependent fashion in thestrain.

read more

PMID: 

Food Funct. 2019 Aug 1 ;10(8):4593-4607. Epub 2019 Jul 10. PMID: 31289794

Abstract Title: 

Ferulic acid protects against methotrexate nephrotoxicity via activation of Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling and PPARγ, and suppression of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis.

Abstract: 

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI) and represents a major problem in the clinical setting. We investigated the possible involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in methotrexate (MTX)-induced nephrotoxicity and the protective potential of ferulic acid (FA), pointing out the role of PPARγ and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Rats that received MTX showed a significant increase in circulating creatinine and urea, and kidney Kim-1 levels along with multiple histological alterations. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels showed a significant increase in the kidney of rats that received MTX, while antioxidant defenses were diminished. FA ameliorated kidney function markers, prevented histological alterations, suppressed ROS production and enhanced antioxidant defenses. FA inhibited MTX-induced inflammasome activation as showed by the decreased phosphorylation of NF-κB, and expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β. MTX caused apoptosis marked by increased expression of BAX, cytochrome c and caspase-3, and suppressed Bcl-2, effects that were significantly reversed in FA-treated groups. In addition, FA up-regulated Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling and PPARγ expression in the kidney of MTX-induced rats. In conclusion, activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may represent a new mechanism for MTX nephrotoxicity. FA up-regulated PPARγ and Nrf2 signaling, prevented overproduction of ROS, and suppressed NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis and apoptosis in the kidney of MTX-induced rats.

read more

PMID: 

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2019 Aug 8:e1900327. Epub 2019 Aug 8. PMID: 31394019

Abstract Title: 

Antidepressant-like Effect of Ferulic Acid via Promotion of Energy Metabolism Activity.

Abstract: 

SCOPE: Ferulic acid (FA), a natural phenolic phytochemical abundantly present in whole grains, herbs, and dried fruits, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. In the present study, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects of FA in male ICR mice using tail suspension test (TST) and explored its molecular mechanisms.METHODS AND RESULTS: Oral administration of FA at a dose of 5 mg/kg for 7 days significantly reduced immobility of mice compared to vehicle-administered control group. Microarray and real-time PCR analyses revealed that FA upregulated the expression of several genes associated with cell survival and proliferation, energy metabolism, and dopamine synthesis inmice limbic system of brain. Interestingly, we found that FA, unlike antidepressant drug bupropion, strongly promoted energy metabolism. Additionally, FA increased catecholamine (dopamine and noradrenaline), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and ATP levels and decreased glycogen levels in the limbic system of the mice brain.CONCLUSION: Our research provides the first evidence that FA enhances energy production, which could be the underlying mechanism of the antidepressant-like effects of FA observed in this study. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

read more

PMID: 

Epilepsy Res. 2019 Aug 5 ;156:106183. Epub 2019 Aug 5. PMID: 31404716

Abstract Title: 

Ferulic acid ameliorates pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures by reducing neuron cell death.

Abstract: 

To investigate the neuroprotective effect of ferulic acid (FA) in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures model in rat, the motor response, spatial learning ability and memory capability of the rats were assessed. Both the antioxidation and anti-apoptosis pathways were also investigated. In this study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 12 in each group). For 28 days, the rats were administered saline alone (i.p. normal saline, NS group), PTZ (40 mg/kg, i.p., PTZ group) once daily to induce seizures, or FA (i.p. 60 mg/kg) 20 min before being given PTZ (40 mg/kg, i.p., FA + PTZ group) to assess the neuroprotectiveeffect of FA. The motor response of the rats was analysed with the Racine scale. The spatial learning and memory capacity of the rats were assessed by the Morris water maze test. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured, and both in situ staining withthe DNA-binding bisbenzimide Hoechst 33258 and TUNEL assays were used to assess apoptosis. Western blotting was used to further analyse the expression of Apaf-1, caspase-9, caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bid, Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cytochrome c. The results showed that compared to the those of the PTZ group,FA pre-treatment significantly (p 

read more

PMID: 

Inflammopharmacology. 2019 Jul 15. Epub 2019 Jul 15. PMID: 31309485

Abstract Title: 

Paeoniflorin inhibits Th1 and Th17 cells in gut-associated lymphoid tissues to produce anti-arthritis activities.

Abstract: 

Paeoniflorin shows distinct anti-arthritis and immunoregulatory activities, but its rather low bioavailability via oral administration greatly challenges its known mechanism of in vivo activity. Our data showed that oral administration, instead of intraperitoneal injection, of paeoniflorin significantly reduced the polyarthritis index by 44.4%, reduced paw swelling by 18.4% and delayed the onset of arthritis in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. Oral paeoniflorin treatment also downregulated the systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (by 52.2%), TNF-α (by 57.7%) and IL-1β (by 34.1%). A pharmacokinetic study revealed that the maximal plasma concentration of paeoniflorin after oral administration was 4.8 ± 1.9 μM in the CIA mice, much lower than the effective concentration in vitro (30 μM). In contrast, paeoniflorin was highly concentrated in the gut content, intestine and Peyer's patches. T cell analysis showed that paeoniflorin markedly reduced transcription factors of Th1 and Th17, inhibited Th1 by 22.2% and 23.1% and Th17 by 43.2% and 25.4% (p 

read more

PMID: 

Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2019 Aug 6. Epub 2019 Aug 6. PMID: 31385777

Abstract Title: 

Anticancerous effect of rutin against HPV- C33A cervical cancer cells via G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Nowadays the potential therapeutic role of various bioflavonoids including Curcumin, Luteolin and Resveratrol has currently been well-documented in a vast range of fatal complications including synaptic failure and cancers. These bioflavonoids are widely being implemented in the treatment of various cancers as these possess anti-cancerous, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, these are also used as a better alternative to conventional therapies since; these are non-toxic to cells and having no or least side effects. Notably, the pertinent therapeutic role of Rutin in cervical cancer is still unsettled however its anti-cancerous role has already been reported in other cancers including prostate and colon cancer. Rutin (Vitamin P or Rutoside) is a polyphenolics flavonoid exhibiting multi-beneficial roles against several carcinomas.OBJECTIVE: Despite the evidence for its several biological activities, the anticancer effects of Rutin on human cervical cancer (C33A) cells remain to be explored. In this study, the anticancer potential of Rutin was investigated by employing the key biomarkers such as nuclear condensation reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).RESULTS: Our findings showed that Rutin treatment reduced the cell viability, induced significant increase in ROS production and nuclear condensation in dose dependent manner. Moreover, Rutin provoked apoptosis by inducing decrease in MMP and activation of caspase-3. Cell cycle analysis further confirmed the efficacy of Rutin by showing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase.CONCLUSION: Thus, our study is envisaged to open up interests for elucidating Rutin as an anti-cancerous agent against cervical cancer.

read more