PMID: 

Folia Med (Plovdiv). 2019 Jun 1 ;61(2):249-257. PMID: 31301655

Abstract Title: 

Evaluation of Kidney Function Parameters in Diabetic Rats Following Virgin Coconut Oil Diet.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to disruption of kidney function parameters (KFPs) which are markers of kidney diseases, especially nephropathy. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been implicated in playing a significant role in DM management. However, its role on KFPs in DM is scarce.AIM: To evaluate the kidney function parameters following VCO diet in diabetic rats.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five (25) male rats of 150 – 200 g were divided into 5 groups (n=5): Non-diabetic control (Group 1), diabetes control (Group 2), diabetes + metformin (Group 3), diabetes + 10% VCO (Group 4) and diabetes + 20% VCO (Group 5). Apart from Group 1, other groups were given intraperitone-ally 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin to induce diabetes mellitus. After 72 hours, fasting hyperglycaemia was confirmed by glucose oxidase method. All the rats were fed normal rat chow for 8 weeks. At 8th week, serum and urine samples were analysed for biochemical analysis. After 8 weeks, Group 1 and Group 2 continued to be fed on normal rat chow while other groups were treated with diets (VCO) or drug (metformin) for 4 weeks. At 12th week, urine samples were collected for biochemical analysis, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture.RESULTS: There were significant differences in some KFPs in diabetes control (Group 2) compared to other experimental groups. However, there was no significant difference in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum sodium in all the groups.CONCLUSION: VCO supplementary diet improved the altered KFPs and could be a therapy for kidney problems.

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PMID: 

Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2019 Aug ;39(6):799-808. Epub 2019 Apr 22. PMID: 31011938

Abstract Title: 

Morin Alleviates Vincristine-Induced Neuropathic Pain via Nerve protective Effect and Inhibition of NF-κB Pathway in Rats.

Abstract: 

Vincristine is a toxic chemotherapeutic agent which often triggers neuropathic pain through inflammation. Morin isolated from figs (Ficus carica) exerts anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. We investigated whether morin ameliorates vincristine-induced neuropathic pain and the underlying mechanism. Vincristine was injected i.p. for 10 days (day 1-5 and day 8-12). Morin was orally administered every other day from day 1 to 21. The pain behaviors were determined by measuring paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL). The axons of sciatic nerves were stained with toluidine blue to study the histological abnormality. Function deficit of sciatic nerves was evaluated by sciatic functional index and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity. Neuronal excitability was assessed electrophysiologically and inflammatory mediators were detected using western blotting in dorsal root ganglia. The vincristine-induced reduction in PWT, PWL, and body weight gain was attenuated by morin. Morin restored the sciatic nerve deficits both histologically and functionally in vincristine-injected rats. The vincristine-induced neuronal hyperexcitability and increase in the expression of IL-6, NF-κB, and pNF-κB were abolished after morin administration. This study suggests that morin treatment suppressed vincristine-induced neuropathic pain by protecting the sciatic nerve and inhibiting inflammation through NF-κB pathway.

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PMID: 

Arch Virol. 2019 Apr ;164(4):1095-1110. Epub 2019 Feb 21. PMID: 30790105

Abstract Title: 

Evaluation of anti-dengue activity of Carica papaya aqueous leaf extract and its role in platelet augmentation.

Abstract: 

Dengue disease is characterized by a marked decrease in platelet count, which is life threatening. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral activity of an aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves (PLE) against dengue virus (DENV) and its effect on platelet augmentation. The anti-dengue activity of PLE in DENV-infected THP-1 cells was examined by immunoblotting and flow cytometry. The effect of PLE on erythrocyte damage was investigated using hemolytic and anti-hemolytic assays. Virus-infected THP-1 cells were assayed for IFN-α secretion. The effect of PLE on platelet augmentation in rats with cyclophosphamide-induced thrombocytopenia was also investigated. The platelet count of blood from the retro-orbital plexus of rats was determined on the 1, 4, 7, 11and 14day of study. On the 14day, the rats were sacrificed for histopathological examination of the liver, kidney and spleen. Plasma of thrombocytopenic rats was tested for thrombopoietin (TPO) and IL-6 secretion. The data suggest that PLE significantly decreases the expression of the envelope and NS1 proteins in DENV-infected THP-1 cells. A marked decrease in intracellular viral load upon PLE treatment confirmed its antiviral activity. This also resulted in a significant decrease in erythrocyte damage and hydrogen-peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation. A significant increase in the number of platelets was found in thrombocytopenic rats treated with PLE, along with an increase in IL-6 and TPO levels. These findings suggest that PLE can potentially be used as an antiviral agent, as it helps in platelet augmentation and exhibits antiviral activity against DENV.

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PMID: 

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 03 26 ;16(6). Epub 2019 Mar 26. PMID: 30917615

Abstract Title: 

Fluoride Exposure Induces Inhibition of Sodium/Iodide Symporter (NIS) Contributing to Impaired Iodine Absorption and Iodine Deficiency: Molecular Mechanisms of Inhibition and Implications for Public Health.

Abstract: 

The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) is the plasma membrane glycoprotein that mediates active iodide transport in the thyroid and other tissues, such as the salivary, gastric mucosa, rectal mucosa, bronchial mucosa, placenta and mammary glands. In the thyroid, NIS mediates the uptake and accumulation of iodine and its activity is crucial for the development of the central nervous system and disease prevention. Since the discovery of NIS in 1996, research has further shown that NIS functionality and iodine transport is dependent on the activity of the sodium potassium activated adenosine 5'-triphosphatase pump (Na+, K+-ATPase). In this article, I review the molecular mechanisms by which F inhibits NIS expression and functionality which in turn contributes to impaired iodide absorption, diminished iodide-concentrating ability and iodine deficiency disorders. I discuss how NIS expression and activity is inhibited by thyroglobulin (Tg), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and how fluoride upregulates expression and activity of these biomarkers. I further describe the crucial role of prolactin and megalin in regulation of NIS expression and iodine homeostasis and the effect of fluoride in down regulating prolactin and megalin expression. Among many other issues, I discuss the potential conflict between public health policies such as water fluoridation and its contribution to iodine deficiency, neurodevelopmental and pathological disorders. Further studies are warranted to examine these associations.

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PMID: 

Res Vet Sci. 2019 May 15 ;125:24-35. Epub 2019 May 15. PMID: 31125819

Abstract Title: 

Hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity induced by gamma-radiation and the modulatory protective effect of Ficus carica in male albino rats.

Abstract: 

It is well-known that gamma radiation initiates generation of free radicals which prompting serious cellular damages in biological systems. In the present study, we investigated the role of Ficus carica, a natural antioxidant substance, in modulating changes in liver and kidney functions, antioxidant enzyme's gene expression, and apoptosis, in male albino rats exposed to gamma radiation. A total of 40 rats were used in this experiment and divided equally into 4 groups: Group 1, rats administered distilled HO (Control); Group 2, rats administered F. carica; Group 3, rats irradiated; and Group 4, rats treated with F. carica and irradiated. Groups 3 and 4 were exposed to whole-body gamma radiations at a dose level of 8 Gy and with a dose rate of 0.762 Gy/min. F. carica was administered to rats by gavage, for 3 consecutive weeks, before exposure to radiation. Five rats were sacrificed from each group at intervals of 24 and 72 h after cessation of treatment. The results revealed marked increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in liver, a decrease in albumin level and increase in urea level in kidney. Irradiation resulted in cytotoxic effects as indicated by elevation in antioxidant enzyme's gene expression at 24 h, the opposite was observed at 72 h. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that cytochrome c and p53 expressions significantly increased following exposure to radiation. Oral administration of F. carica pre-irradiation as a natural product plays a modulatory protective and anti-apoptotic role against cells damaged by free radicals induced by whole-body irradiation.

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PMID: 

Heliyon. 2019 Jun ;5(6):e01962. Epub 2019 Jun 22. PMID: 31294113

Abstract Title: 

Preliminary studies on the formulation of immune stimulating complexes using saponin fromleaves.

Abstract: 

There have been several modifications in the use of immune stimulating complexes as adjuvants, such as the replacement of phospholipids with saponin content. Not much research has been done on the use of local alternatives. This actually instigated the use of a local alternative saponin source fromleaves to formulate Iscomatrix adjuvant. The Iscomatrix samples used in this study were formulated using different methods (the rapid injection, the reversed rapid injection, the slow/dropwise injection and the reversed slow/dropwise injection methods). Furthermore, the quantity of the components was also varied. These formulated samples were compared with other adjuvants and analysed for their ability to induce antibody and cell mediated immune responses using animal model i.e. mice. The results showed that the Iscomatrix samples formulated, were able to induce significant humoral and antibody mediated immune response (ranging from 16.7 % – 38.88 %) and they also elicited cell mediated immune response (ranging from 8.33 % – 16.7 %) when compared to the models that were administered with antigen only. Further characterizations were made, such as pH, UV scanning, Scanning Electron Microscopy. The analysis revealed that the samples were slightly soluble in distilled water with a neutral pH ranging from 7.26 – 7.43. The UV analysis also indicated that they all had a close range of absorption peaks (between 266.8-269.37 nm). Saponin fromleaves can be used to formulate Iscomatrix adjuvant capable of stimulating cell mediated and antibody mediated immune responses.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Jul 16 ;11(7). Epub 2019 Jul 16. PMID: 31315213

Abstract Title: 

Nutraceutical Potential ofin Metabolic Syndrome.

Abstract: 

L. is a well-known fruit worldwide, and its highest production occurs in tropical and subtropical regions. The pulp contains vitamins A, C, and E, B complex vitamins, such as pantothenic acid and folate, and minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, as well as food fibers. Phenolic compounds, such as benzyl isothiocyanate, glucosinolates, tocopherols (α and δ), β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene and carotenoids, are found in the seeds. The oil extracted from the seed principally presents oleic fatty acid followed by palmitic, linoleic and stearic acids, whereas the leaves have high contents of food fibers and polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins, pro-anthocyanins, tocopherol, and benzyl isothiocyanate. Studies demonstrated that the nutrients present in its composition have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, protecting it against cardiovascular illnesses and preventing harm caused by free radicals. It has also been reported that it aids in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and in the reduction of cholesterol levels. Thus, both the pulp and the other parts of the plant (leaves and seeds) present antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic actions, which, in turn, can contribute to the prevention and treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

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PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 ;2019:4912631. Epub 2019 Jun 20. PMID: 31320913

Abstract Title: 

Antioxidant Properties of UnripeFruit Extract and Its Protective Effects against Endothelial Oxidative Stress.

Abstract: 

It has been proven that high consumption of fruit and vegetable lowers the risks of cardiovascular and other oxidative stress-related diseases. Here we evaluated the effects of a tropical fruit, unripe(UCP), on endothelial protection against oxidative damage induced by HO. The antioxidant properties of UCP were investigated using the assays of FRAP and ORAC and specific ROS scavenging activities (HO, O, OH, HOCl). Cytoprotective property was tested in human endothelial cell line EA.hy926 with respect to cell survival, intracellular ROS levels, antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPX), survival/stress signaling (AKT, JNK, p38), and nuclear signaling (Nrf2, NF-kB). UCP processed high antioxidant activity and scavenging activity against HO>OH>O>HOCl, respectively. UCP improved cell survival in the milieu of ROS reduction. While SOD was increased by UCP, CAT activity was enhanced when cells were challenged with HO. UCP had no impact on HO-activated AKT, JNK, and p38 signaling but significantly decreased nuclear NF-B levels. The overactivation of Nrf2 in response to oxidative stress was constrained by UCP. In conclusion, UCP protected endothelial cells against oxidative damage through intracellular ROS reduction, enhanced CAT activity, suppression of NF-kB, and prohibition of Nrf2 dysregulation. Thus, UCP might be a candidate for development of nutraceuticals against CVD and oxidative-related diseases and conditions.

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PMID: 

Public Health Nutr. 2019 Jul 10:1-9. Epub 2019 Jul 10. PMID: 31290381

Abstract Title: 

Maternal diet during lactation and breast-feeding practices have synergistic association with child diet at 6 years.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: Children breast-fed during infancy consume more fruits and vegetables than formula-fed children. This pattern is likely due, in part, to infant learning from flavours of the mother's diet transmitted through breast milk, but more research is needed to understand associations between early flavour exposures and later dietary patterns. We examined whether breast-feeding and maternal fruit and vegetable consumption during nursing were synergistically associated with higher child fruit and vegetable consumption.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of breast-feeding duration, maternal diet postpartum and child diet. Complete breast-feeding and maternal diet data were available for 1396 mother-child dyads; multiple imputation was used for missing data in other variables. In separate multivariable logistic regression models, we estimated the adjusted odds of high child fruit or vegetable consumption at 12 months or 6 years as a function of breast-feeding duration, maternal fruit or vegetable consumption during nursing, and their interaction.SETTING: The Infant Feeding Practices Study II and Year 6 Follow-Up.PARTICIPANTS: Mother-child dyads followed from birth to 6 years during 2005-2012 in the USA.RESULTS: Longer breast-feeding duration was associated with high child fruit and vegetable consumption at 12 months. At 6 years, the interaction between breast-feeding duration and maternal vegetable consumption was associated with high child vegetable consumption.CONCLUSIONS: Higher maternal vegetable consumption and longer breast-feeding duration were synergistically associated with high child vegetable consumption at 6 years, independent of sociodemographic characteristics and fruit and vegetable availability. Exposures to vegetable flavours through breast milk may promote later child vegetable consumption.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Jul 9 ;11(7). Epub 2019 Jul 9. PMID: 31323989

Abstract Title: 

Human Breast Milk Promotes the Secretion of Potentially Beneficial Metabolites by ProbioticDSM 17938.

Abstract: 

Human breast milk (HBM) may have beneficial effects onDSM 17938 (LR 17938) -mediated immunomodulation. We aimed to determine the effects of HBM on proliferation of LR 17938 in vitro and its associated proteins and metabolites in culture, in order to provide mechanistic insights into the health benefits of LR 17938. LR 17938 was cultured anaerobically in MRS bacterial culture media, HBM (from 6 mothers), and 2 types of cow-milk formula. The colony-forming unit (CFU) was calculated to evaluate LR 17938 growth. Sixteen-hour-fermented supernatants were used for metabolomics, and bacterial lysates were used for proteomics analysis. We found that growth of LR 17938 was 10 times better in HBM than in formula. We detected 261/452 metabolites upregulated when LR 17938 cultured in HBM compared to in formula, mainly participating in the glyoxylate cycle (succinate), urea cycle (citrulline), methionine methylation (N-acetylcysteine), and polyamine synthesis (spermidine). The significantly up-regulated enzymes were also involved in the formation of acetyl-CoA in the glyoxylate cycle and the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. In conclusion, HBM enhances the growth of LR 17938 compared to formula and promotes LR 17938-associated metabolites that relate to energy and antioxidant status, which may be linked to the physiological effects of.

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