PMID: 

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019 May ;26(15):15069-15083. Epub 2019 Mar 27. PMID: 30915696

Abstract Title: 

Guarana improves behavior and inflammatory alterations triggered by methylmercury exposure: an in vivo fruit fly and in vitro neural cells study.

Abstract: 

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known environmental pollutant associated with neurological and developmental deficits in animals and humans. However, epidemiological data showed that people living in the Amazon region although exposed to MeHg do not present these effects probably due to the protective effect of certain foods. We hypothesized here if guarana, a highly caffeinated fruit and consumed on a daily basis by Amazon people, could have some protective effect against MeHg toxicity using two complementary approaches. To assess locomotor impairment and sleep disruption, we used fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) model, and to evaluate neuroinflammation, we used human SH-SY5Y neural cells by measuring inflammatory cytokines levels. Results showed that guarana had a protective effect on the locomotor activity of male fruit flies reducing the excessive sleepiness caused by MeHg and increasing daily activity. Also, guarana increased the viability of flies and attenuated neural cells mortality. In addition, guarana reduced all pro-inflammatory cytokines levels increased by MeHg, along with caspase-1, caspase -3, caspase-8, and 8-dOHG levels, whereas increased the anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine levels, which was decreased by MeHg. Our study provides new insights on the protective effects of guarana on the viability, locomotor activity, sleep, and activity patterns in vivo and the in vitro neuronal anti-inflammatory effect against MeHg toxicity.

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PMID: 

Mediators Inflamm. 2019 ;2019:1515621. Epub 2019 Jan 20. PMID: 30804705

Abstract Title: 

Inflammatory Microenvironment and Adipogenic Differentiation in Obesity: The Inhibitory Effect of Theobromine in a Model of Human Obesity In Vitro.

Abstract: 

Objective: Obesity is considered a clinic condition characterized by a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. The role of macrophages and adipocytokines in adipose tissue inflammation is in growing investigation. The physiopathological mechanisms involved in inflammatory state in obesity are not fully understood though the adipocytokines seem to characterize the biochemical link between obesity and inflammation. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect of theobromine, a methylxanthine present in the cocoa, on adipogenesis and on proinflammatory cytokines evaluated in a model of fat tissue inflammation in vitro.Methods: In order to mimic in vitro this inflammatory condition, we investigated the interactions between human-like macrophages U937 and human adipocyte cell lines SGBS. The effect of theobromine on in vitro cell growth, cell cycle, adipogenesis, and cytokines release in the supernatants has been evaluated.Results: Theobromine significantly inhibits the differentiation of preadipocytes in mature adipocytes and reduces the levels of proinflammatory cytokines as MCP-1 and IL-1in the supernatants obtained by the mature adipocytes and macrophages interaction.Conclusion: Theobromine reduces adipogenesis and proinflammatory cytokines; these data suggest its potential therapeutic effect for treating obesity by control of macrophages infiltration in adipose tissue and inflammation.

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PMID: 

Cell Physiol Biochem. 2015 ;37(3):1075-88. Epub 2015 Sep 25. PMID: 26401913

Abstract Title: 

8-oxoG DNA glycosylase-1 inhibition sensitizes Neuro-2a cells to oxidative DNA base damage induced by 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to explore the in vitro putative genotoxicity during exposure of Neuro-2a cells to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) with or without silencing of 8-oxoG DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1).METHODS: Neuro-2a cells treated with or without OGG1 siRNA were exposed to 900 MHz Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Talk signals continuously at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 W/kg for 24 h. DNA strand breakage and DNA base damage were measured by the alkaline comet assay and a modified comet assay using formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (FPG), respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and cell viability were monitored using the non-fluorescent probe 2, 7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and CCK-8 assay.RESULTS: Exposure to 900 MHz RF-EMFs with insufficient energy could induce oxidative DNA base damage in Neuro-2a cells. These increases were concomitant with similar increases in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Without OGG1 siRNA, 2 W/kg RF-EMFs induced oxidative DNA base damage in Neuro-2a cells. Interestingly, with OGG1 siRNA, RF-EMFs could cause DNA base damage in Neuro-2a cells as low as 1 W/kg. However, neither DNA strand breakage nor altered cell viability was observed.CONCLUSION: Even if further studies remain conducted we support the hypothesis that OGG1 is involved in the process of DNA base repair and may play a pivotal role in protecting DNA bases from RF-EMF induced oxidative damage.

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PMID: 

Dent Res J (Isfahan). 2019 Mar-Apr;16(2):76-80. PMID: 30820200

Abstract Title: 

Effect of theobromine in antimicrobial activity: Anstudy.

Abstract: 

Background: This study aims to compare the antimicrobial activity of theobromine and two commercially available kid's fluoride toothpastes.Materials and Methods: study a chocolate-based nonfluoride toothpaste, Theobromine (Group A) and two commercially available kid's fluoride toothpaste, Kidodent (Group B), Colgate kids toothpaste (Group C) were used in this study. Freeze-dried stock culture of the strains of,,, andwas cultured in their respective selective media. Dentifrices were added to the wells punched out in the culture media and incubated. The zones of inhibition were measured to find out the antimicrobial activity. all data statistically analyzed SPSS using Kolmogorov-Smironov and Shapiro-Wilk's tests. one-way ANOVA was done and Turkey's honest significant differencetest was done for pairwise comparison≤ 0.001.Results: Theobromine showed a greater zone of inhibition, which was statistically significant when compared to other two kid's fluoride toothpastes.Conclusion: Theobromine shows more antimicrobial effect against,, and, whereas almost a neutral effect with. Theobromine though nonfluoridated toothpaste showed greater zones of inhibition than other commercially available fluoridated kid's toothpastes.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Apr 20 ;11(4). Epub 2019 Apr 20. PMID: 31010016

Abstract Title: 

Theobromine Improves Working Memory by Activating the CaMKII/CREB/BDNF Pathway in Rats.

Abstract: 

Theobromine (TB) is a primary methylxanthine found in cacao beans. cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor, which is involved in different brain processes that bring about cellular changes in response to discrete sets of instructions, including the induction of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) has been strongly implicated in the memory formation of different species as a key regulator of gene expression. Here we investigated whether TB acts on the CaMKII/CREB/BDNF pathway in a way that might improve the cognitive and learning function in rats. Male Wistar rats (5 weeks old) were divided into two groups. For 73 days, the control rats (CN rats) were fed a normal diet, while the TB-fed rats (TB rats) received the same food, but with a 0.05% TB supplement. To assess the effects of TB on cognitive and learning ability in rats: The radial arm maze task, novel object recognition test, and Y-maze test were used. Then, the brain was removed and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was isolated for Western Blot, real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Phosphorylated CaMKII (p-CaMKII), phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB), and BDNF level in the mPFC were measured. In all the behavior tests, working memory seemed to be improved by TB ingestion. In addition, p-CaMKII and p-CREB levels were significantly elevated in the mPFC of TB rats in comparison to those of CN rats. We also found that cortical BDNF protein and mRNA levels in TB rats were significantly greater than those in CN rats. These results suggest that orally supplemented TB upregulates the CaMKII/CREB/BDNF pathway in the mPFC, which may then improve working memory in rats.

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PMID: 

J Chem Neuroanat. 2016 09 ;75(Pt B):105-10. Epub 2015 Sep 21. PMID: 26391347

Abstract Title: 

Maternal exposure to a continuous 900-MHz electromagnetic field provokes neuronal loss and pathological changes in cerebellum of 32-day-old female rat offspring.

Abstract: 

Large numbers of people are unknowingly exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from wireless devices. Evidence exists for altered cerebellar development in association with prenatal exposure to EMF. However, insufficient information is still available regarding the effects of exposure to 900 megahertz (MHz) EMF during the prenatal period on subsequent postnatal cerebellar development. This study was planned to investigate the 32-day-old female rat pup cerebellum following exposure to 900MHz EMF during the prenatal period using stereological and histopathological evaluation methods. Pregnant rats were divided into control, sham and EMF groups. Pregnant EMF group (PEMFG) rats were exposed to 900MHz EMF for 1h inside an EMF cage during days 13-21 of pregnancy. Pregnant sham group (PSG) rats were also placed inside the EMF cage during days 13-21 of pregnancy for 1h, but were not exposed to any EMF. No procedure was performed on the pregnant control group (PCG) rats. Newborn control group (CG) rats were obtained from the PCG mothers, newborn sham group (SG) rats from the PSG and newborn EMF group (EMFG) rats from the PEMFG rats. The cerebellums of the newborn female rats were extracted on postnatal day 32. The number of Purkinje cells was estimated stereologically, and histopathological evaluations were also performed on cerebellar sections. Total Purkinje cell numbers calculated using stereological analysis were significantly lower in EMFG compared to CG (p

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PMID: 

Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. 2015 Aug ;21(8):737-41. PMID: 26442304

Abstract Title: 

[Protective effect of Liuweidihuang Pills against cellphone electromagnetic radiation-induced histomorphological abnormality, oxidative injury, and cell apoptosis in rat testes].

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Liuweidihuang Pills in relieving cellphone electromagnetic radiation-induced histomorphological abnormality, oxidative injury, and cell apoptosis in the rat testis.METHODS: Thirty adult male SD rats were equally randomized into a normal, a radiated, and a Liuweidihuang group, the animals in the latter two groups exposed to electromagnetic radiation of 900 MHz cellphone frequency 4 hours a day for 18 days. Meanwhile, the rats in the Liuweidihuang group were treated with the suspension of Liuweidihuang Pills at 1 ml/100 g body weight and the other rats intragastrically with the equal volume of purified water. Then all the rats were killed for observation of testicular histomorphology by routine HE staining, measurement of testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels by colorimetry, and determination of the expressions of bax and bcl-2 proteins in the testis tissue by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Compared with the normal controls, the radiated rats showed obviously loose structure, reduced layers of spermatocytes, and cavitation in the seminiferous tubules. Significant increases were observed in the MDA level (P

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PMID: 

Food Chem Toxicol. 2019 May ;127:101-109. Epub 2019 Mar 7. PMID: 30851367

Abstract Title: 

Cocoa intake attenuates renal injury in Zucker Diabetic fatty rats by improving glucose homeostasis.

Abstract: 

Glucotoxicity (high levels of glucose) is a major factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. Cocoa has anti-diabetic effects by lowering glucose levels. However, whether cocoa exerts beneficial effects on the renal cortex glucose homeostasis and the molecular mechanisms responsible for this possible protective activity remain largely unknown. Thus, the potential anti-diabetic properties of cocoa on insulin signalling, glucose transporters and gluconeogenic enzymes were evaluated in the renal cortex of Zucker Diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Male ZDF rats were fed a control or cocoa-rich diet (10%), and Zucker Lean animals received the control diet. ZDF rats supplemented with cocoa (ZDF-Co) showed decreased body weight gain, glucose and insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and structural alterations in renal cortex. Moreover, cocoa-rich diet ameliorated insulin resistance by reverting decreased tyrosine-phosphorylated-insulin receptor levels and by preventing the inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3/glycogen synthase pathway (GSK-3/GS) in the renal cortex of ZDF-Co rats. Cocoa antihyperglycaemic effect also appeared to be mediated through the diminution of phosphoenolpyruvate-carboxykinase (PEPCK), glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase), sodium-glucose-co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2), and glucose-transporter-2 (GLUT-2) levels in ZDF-Co rat's renal cortex. These findings demonstrate that cocoa alleviates renal injury by contributing to maintain the glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetic ZDF rats.

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2019 Feb 23 ;24(4). Epub 2019 Feb 23. PMID: 30813439

Abstract Title: 

Relationship between Cocoa Intake and Healthy Status: A Pilot Study in University Students.

Abstract: 

Due to its polyphenol content, cocoa's potential health effects are attracting much attention, showing, among other things, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and neuroprotective actions. However, there is very limited information regarding the effect of cocoa on human immunity. This study aimed to establish the relationship between cocoa consumption and health status, focusing on physical activity habits and allergy prevalence in young people. For this, a sample of 270 university students was recruited to complete a food frequency questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a lifestyle and health status questionnaire. The results were analysed by classifying the participants into tertiles defined according to their cocoa consumption: low (LC), moderate (MC), and high (HC) consumers. The consumption of cocoa inversely correlated with physical activity and the MC group had significantly less chronic disease frequency than the LC group. The percentage of allergic people in the MC and HC groups was lower than that in the LC group and, moreover, the cocoa intake, especially moderate consumption, was also associated with a lower presence of allergic symptoms. Thus, from these results a positive effect of cocoa intake on allergy can be suggested in the young population.

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PMID: 

Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2015 ;28(4):751-9. PMID: 26216313

Abstract Title: 

Influence of electromagnetic field (1800 MHz) on lipid peroxidation in brain, blood, liver and kidney in rats.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is the evaluation of the influence of repeated (5 times for 15 min) exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) of 1800 MHz frequency on tissue lipid peroxidation (LPO) both in normal and inflammatory state, combined with analgesic treatment.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) as the end-product of the lipid peroxidation (LPO) was estimated in blood, liver, kidneys, and brain of Wistar rats, both healthy and those with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced persistent paw inflammation.RESULTS: The slightly elevated levels of the MDA in blood, kidney, and brain were observed among healthy rats in electromagnetic field (EMF)-exposed groups, treated with tramadol (TRAM/EMF and exposed to the EMF). The malondialdehyde remained at the same level in the liver in all investigated groups: the control group (CON), the exposed group (EMF), treated with tramadol (TRAM) as well as exposed to and treated with tramadol (TRAM/EMF). In the group of animals treated with the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) we also observed slightly increased values of the MDA in the case of the control group (CON) and the exposed groups (EMF and TRAM/EMF). The MDA values concerning kidneys remained at the same levels in the control, exposed, and not-exposed group treated with tramadol. Results for healthy rats and animals with inflammation did not differ significantly.CONCLUSIONS: The electromagnetic field exposure (EMF), applied in the repeated manner together with opioid drug tramadol (TRAM), slightly enhanced lipid peroxidation level in brain, blood, and kidneys.

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