PMID: 

Front Nutr. 2020 ;7:16. Epub 2020 Feb 27. PMID: 32175326

Abstract Title: 

Daily Consumption of an Anthocyanin-Rich Extract Made From New Zealand Blackcurrants for 5 Weeks Supports Exercise Recovery Through the Management of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Pilot Study.

Abstract: 

Regular exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle but evokes an oxidative and inflammatory stress. Depending upon its intensity and duration this can result in either beneficial adaptive changes or underlying tissue damage that impacts upon long-term health and individual sporting training schedules. Functional foods containing plant bioactives have potential to support exercise through management of the detrimental aspects of exercise and complement ergonomic adaptive benefits.Previously we reported that a single consumption of a 3.2 mg/kg New Zealand blackcurrant anthocyanin-rich extract (BAE) 1 h before a 30 min rowing exercise attenuated moderate exercise-mediated oxidative stress and supported innate immunity. Here we evaluate whether the efficacy of a single consumption of BAE 1 h prior to exercise is changed after extended daily BAE consumption for 5 weeks.On week 1, a single consumption of BAE 1 h before a 30 min row mediated a significant (

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PMID: 

Chem Biol Interact. 2020 Jan 25 ;316:108938. Epub 2020 Jan 8. PMID: 31926151

Abstract Title: 

Eugenol restricts Cancer Stem Cell population by degradation ofβ-catenin via N-terminal Ser37 phosphorylation-an in vivo and in vitro experimental evaluation.

Abstract: 

Eugenol a phenylpropanoid, predominantly found in clove is a very common spice in daily cuisine. It already reported to have anti-breast cancer activity. In this study, the effect of eugenol on CSC (Cancer Stem Cell) markers and its main regulatorβ-catenin both in vivo Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell line and in vitro MCF-7 cell line was investigated with that of the untreated group. The therapeutic doses were found to significantly induce apoptosis leaving normal mice and cells unaffected. The in-depth analysis revealed the downregulation of β-catenin thereby facilitating its degradation by N-terminal phosphorylation of Ser37 residue. Significant downregulation of various CSC markers was also observed in vivo after eugenol treatment those are regulated by the intracellular status of β-catenin. These findings were validated bythe effect of eugenol on the formation of the secondary sphere in vitro. Notable downregulation of the enriched stemness of secondary mammosphere was detected by the significantly decreased percentage of CD44/CD24population after eugenol treatment along with their distorted morphology and smaller the number of spheres. The underlying mechanism revealed significant downregulation ofβ-catenin and the set of CSC markers along with their reduced mRNA expression in secondary sphere culture. Therefore, it can be concluded from the study that eugenol exerts its chemotherapeutic potential by impeding β-catenin nuclear translocation thereby promoting its cytoplasmic degradation as aresult stemness is being suppressed potentially even if in the enriched state. Therefore the study contributes to reduce the cancer-induced complications associated with the CSC population. This will ultimately confer the longer and improved patient's life.

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PMID: 

J Photochem Photobiol B. 2020 Jan ;203:111773. Epub 2020 Jan 2. PMID: 31931385

Abstract Title: 

Apoptotic induction and anti-metastatic activity of eugenol encapsulated chitosan nanopolymer on rat glioma C6 cells via alleviating the MMP signaling pathway.

Abstract: 

Glioma is the prime cause of cancer allied mortality in adolescent people and it accounts about 80% of all malignant tumours. Eugenol is a major bioactive constituent present in the essential oils with numerous pharmacological benefits including nueroprotective activity. The major drawback of eugenol is its extreme volatile property and oxygen sensitivity therefore we increased the efficacy of drug; eugenol by encapsulating with chitosan polymer. Eugenol loaded chitosan polymer (EuCs) was characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, HR-TEM analysis and the encapsulation, drug release efficacy was assessed at in vitro condition. The induction of autophagy and anticancer efficacy of EuCs on glioma cells was evaluated with rat C6 glioma cells using MTT assay, acridine orange staining, immunocytochemical analysis of NFκβ protein expression and FLOW cytometric analysis. The anti-metastatic property of Eu-CS was assessed by immunoblotting and RT-PCR analysis of epithelial mesenchymal transition protein expression in EuCs treated rat C6 glioma cells. Our characterization analysis proves that EuCs possess essentialphysical and functional properties of copolymer to be utilized as a drug. Further the MTT analysis and AO staining confirms even in the presence of oncogenic inducer and autophagic inhibitors, EuCs exhibits apoptotic potency on rat C6 glioma cells. The result of immunocytochemical studies depicts the inhibition of NFκβ protein expression and flow cytometry studies confirm apoptosis induction by EuCs. The inhibition of metastasis by EuCs was proven by the decrease in epithelial mesenchymal transition protein expression in Eu-Cs treated rat C6 glioma cells. Over all our results authenticallyconfirms eugenol loaded chitosan nanopolymer persuasively induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis in rat C6 glioma cells.

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PMID: 

Environ Toxicol. 2020 Feb 25. Epub 2020 Feb 25. PMID: 32096903

Abstract Title: 

Aerobic exercise and eugenol supplementation ameliorated liver injury induced by chlorpyrifos via modulation acetylcholinesterase activation and antioxidant defense.

Abstract: 

The primary metabolize of chlorpyrifos (CPF) is in the liver tissue, which it can cause oxidative damage and apoptosis in liver cells. The use of exercise with antioxidant supplements could have a protective effects in the liver tissue especially by improve mitochondria function. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of aerobic exercise and eugenol (Eu) supplementation on destructive effects of CPF in liver tissue. Sixty-four adult male albino rats were randomly divided into eight groups (eight rats in each group). Four experimental groups received intraperitoneal injection of either 3.0 mg/kg body weight CPF in dimethyl sulfoxide for six consecutive weeks. Aerobic exercise was performed 5 days per week over 4 weeks for exercise groups. Finally, the animals were sacrificed for the histomorphometric analysis and biochemical measurement in the liver tissue. The result of this study show that consumption of CPF alone, caused collagen deposition, increased apoptosis, tumor necrosis factor α, malondialdehyde, and decreased catalase, superoxide dismutase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) compared to control and exercise groups (healthy groups) in liver tissue (P ˂ .05). Prescription of exercises and Eu supplements in CPF consumer groups, neutralized this destructive effects of CPF.However, concomitant administration of Eu with exercise had better effects on liver tissue (P ˂ .05). It seems that consumption of Eu with aerobic exercise have a protective role in tissue destruction, inflammatory damage by improving antioxidant defense and modulating AChE activity in hepatocytes.

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PMID: 

J Family Med Prim Care. 2020 Jan ;9(1):327-331. Epub 2020 Jan 28. PMID: 32110613

Abstract Title: 

Antioxidant activity of eugenol inleaf extract.

Abstract: 

Background: Extracts of Piper betel are used for the treatment of various ailments since ages due to its essential properties like antioxidant, anticancer, anti-allergic etc. In the present study antioxidant activity for Piper betel leaf extract and Eugenol was assessed. Eugenol was taken as marker compound.Methods: Nitric oxide, Hydroxyl radical and Reducing power assay methods were carried out for assessment of antioxidant activity of Piper betel.Results: The antioxidant activity for Nitric oxide, Hydroxyl radical and Reducing power assay at 1000 to 62.5μg/ml was performed. The antioxidant activity of Piper betel leaf extract exhibited the IC50 value for Nitric oxide and Hydroxyl radical>1000 whereas Eugenol exhibited the IC50 value 114.34± 0.46 and 306.44 ± 5.28 respectively, for reducing power assay (RPA) Piper betel leaf extract and Eugenol revealed the RPA value ranging from 0.44-0.08 and 0.53-0.12.Conclusion: The benefits of Piper betel have been mentioned in our ancient texts. Keeping in view the emergence of various diseases and the benefits of Piper betei, there is need that every effort should be made to revive this treasure of nature into our daily supplement.

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PMID: 

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020 Mar 9. Epub 2020 Mar 9. PMID: 32152857

Abstract Title: 

Synergic effects of aerobic exercise and eugenol supplement on germ cell development and testicular tissue structure in chlorpyrifos-treated animal model.

Abstract: 

Insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) with increased oxidative stress, structural destruction, and hemostasis of testicular tissue leads to male infertility. The present study investigated the protective effect of exercise (Exe) and eugenol supplementation (Sup) on CPF-induced testicular spermatogenic disorders in male rats. In this experimental study, 21 adult male albino rats were divided into seven groups, control (Co: 6 weeks), CPF (6 weeks), Co + Oil (2 weeks healthy food and 4 weeks oil), Co + Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO: 6 weeks), CPF + Sup (2 weeks CPF and 4 weeks CPF + Sup), CPF + Exe (2 weeks CPF and 4 weeks CPF + Exe), and CPF + Exe + Sup (2 weeks CPF and 4 weeks CPF + Exe + Sup) group. All treatments were done intraperitoneally (5 days a week). Exe groups were subjected to run at moderate exercise intensity for 5 days per week over 6 weeks. DMSO groups were administered to the equal volume of vehicle for 6 consecutive weeks. Finally, the animals were sacrificed with Co2 gas and then alterations in testicular histology and sperm parameters were evaluated. Protein expression of PLZF and IGFα in the CPF group showed a significant decrease compared with the control group (p ˂ 0.001 for both). It was shown that CPF + Exe + Sup (p ˂ 0.001) and CPF + Sup (p ˂ 0.01) groups had asignificant increase in protein expression of PLZF, but the protein expression of IGFα showed a significant increase just in the CPF + Exe + Sup group (p ˂ 0.001). Also, CPF caused a significant decrease in Leydig counts, Sertoli cell count, spermatogonium counts, spermatocyte cell count, spermatid cell count, and tunica thickness as well as a significant increase in testicle diameter (p ˂ 0.01) and ducts diameter compared with the control group. It seems that aerobic exercise with eugenol supplementation suppresses the disruption effects of CPF on testicular tissue (cellular and structural) by increasing the antioxidant capacity and improving the secretion of sex hormones. Therefore, the aerobic exercise with supplement of the eugenol has potential therapeutic targets for male infertility that need further study.

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PMID: 

Front Pharmacol. 2020 ;11:84. Epub 2020 Feb 21. PMID: 32153404

Abstract Title: 

Eugenol Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Enhancing AutophagyAMPK-mTOR-P70S6K Pathway.

Abstract: 

Eugenol, as an active compound isolated from Acorus gramineus, has been shown to protect against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Nonetheless, the detailed neuroprotective mechanisms of eugenol in cerebral I/R injury have not been elaborated. In the present study, cerebral I/R injury model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. HT22 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) to mimic cerebral I/R injury. The results showed that eugenol pre-treatment relieved cerebral I/R injury as evidenced by improving neurological deficits and reducing infarct volume. Autophagy was induced by MCAO, which was further promoted by eugenol administration. Moreover, rapamycin, an activator of autophagy, promoted eugenol-induced decreases in neurological score, infarct volume, brain water content, and apoptosis. However, pretreatment with 3-MA, an inhibitor of autophagy, led to the opposite results. Similarly, eugenol pretreatment increased the viability and restrained apoptosis of OGD/R-challenged HT22 cells. OGD/R-induced autophagy was strengthened by eugenol. Mechanically, eugenol promoted autophagy through regulating AMPK/mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathwayand. In conclusion, pretreatment with eugenol attenuated cerebral I/R injury by inducing autophagyAMPK/mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway.

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PMID: 

PM R. 2020 Mar 11. Epub 2020 Mar 11. PMID: 32168417

Abstract Title: 

Ultrasound Acupuncture for Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin is frequently used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. However, peripheral neuropathy is a severe adverse effect of oxaliplatin that may persist and impact quality of life.OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential effects of ultrasound acupuncture for the alleviation of symptoms related to oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) among metastatic colorectal cancer patients.DESIGN: A prospective cohort pilot study.SETTING: Education and research hospital.PARTICIPANTS: Patients with a diagnosis of stages II-IV colorectal cancer treated with oxaliplatin-based treatment regimens and with the presence of OIPN symptoms (n = 17).INTERVENTIONS: Pulsed therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz) at bilateral acupuncture points of PC6, PC7, BL60 and KI1 were administered for 5 min/point daily for 12 d.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS), Chemotherapy-induced Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (CINQ), quantitative touch-detection threshold, cold-trigger pain withdrawal latency and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) were measured at baseline (day 0), pre-intervention (day 12, post wash-out period), post-intervention (day 24) and final follow-up (day 54). A P values of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: Scores of PQAS and CINQ significantly improved post ultrasound acupuncture at post-intervention and follow up compare to both base-line and pre-intervention. Similar trends were also observed for the Quantitative Sensory Testing where touch-detection threshold significantly decreased and cold-trigger pain withdrawal latency significantly increased post ultrasound acupuncture. Patients also showed an improvement on Quality of Life outcomes as measured by QLQ-C30 post-intervention and at follow up.CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound acupuncture could potentially be an effective intervention for OIPN symptoms for colorectal cancer patients. However, larger and randomized clinical trials with placebo controls are needed to confirm such effect. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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PMID: 

Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Mar ;99(11):e19071. PMID: 32176032

Abstract Title: 

Acupuncture attenuates postoperative inflammation in patients after craniotomy: A prospective, open-label, controlled trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: It is important to manage inflammation after craniotomy. It may be prudent to reduce the excessive usage of antibiotics and to add supplementary treatments like acupuncture, which would be effective and safe. However, there are only a few studies available to date on the effects of acupuncture on anti-inflammatory response after craniotomy. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture in patients after a craniotomy.METHODS: This study was a single-center, prospective, open-label, controlled trial. Forty-four subjects who underwent craniotomy for an unruptured aneurysm, facial spasm, or brain tumor were allocated to either an acupuncture group or a control group. Both groups received postoperative routine care in the Department of Neurosurgery. The subjects in the acupuncture group also received a total of 6 acupuncture treatments sessions within 8 days after craniotomy. Acupuncture treatments included acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and intradermal acupuncture. The serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels were assessed four times within 7 days after surgery. The presence of fever, use of additional antibiotics, presence of infection including pneumonia or urinary tract infection, and safety were also reviewed.RESULTS: The IL-1β levels of subjects who underwent aneurysmal clipping were significantly lower in the acupuncture group (P = .02). TNF-α levels of subjects who underwent aneurysmal clipping at the seventh postoperative day were also significantly lower in the acupuncture group (P = .03). Six cases of fever of unknown origin were observed in the control group, while none were seen in the acupuncture group, revealing that the incidence of fever was significantly lower in the acupuncture group (P = .02). No adverse events occurred during the trial.CONCLUSION: Acupuncture showed a possibility of alleviating inflammation by attenuating the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and significantly reduced the incidence of fever of unknown origin in patients after craniotomy. Acupuncture would be suitable as an adjunctive therapy to alleviate inflammation after craniotomy.

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PMID: 

Tohoku J Exp Med. 2011 08 ;224(4):251-6. PMID: 21705850

Abstract Title: 

Absolute humidity as a deterministic factor affecting seasonal influenza epidemics in Japan.

Abstract: 

Influenza epidemics occur periodically during the winter season in temperate areas. Characteristic features of winter include low temperature and low humidity. Humidity is expressed in two different ways: absolute humidity (AH) defined as absolute amount of water in the air, and relative humidity (RH) defined as the relative proportion of water in the air in comparison to the maximum water vapor. There have been many arguments for RH as a determinant factor for influenza epidemics. On the other hand, we have been putting emphasis on AH on the basis of our epidemiological observations. In this context, a recent experimental and theoretical study by other investigators has shown that AH correlates with influenza survival, transmission, and seasonality. Accordingly, we collected meteorological and influenza epidemiological data from 46 prefectures in temperate Japan for 1991-1995 and 1999-2009, and analyzed 2,392 sets of weekly compiled data for each season year by using multiple linear regression analysis, in which the numbers of influenza cases were regarded as a function of AH and RH. We found that the standardized partial regression coefficient for AH was consistently stronger than that for RH with statistical significance. In addition, AH increased and decreased significantly at the time of the epidemic onset and subsidence in seven and twelve out of fourteen influenza seasons, respectively, whereas RH did so in none and two out of fourteen influenza seasons. Thus, we have substantiated our quarter-century-old assertion that AH strongly correlates with the onset and subsidence of influenza epidemics.

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