PMID: 

Complement Ther Med. 2019 Oct ;46:69-72. Epub 2019 Jul 30. PMID: 31519290

Abstract Title: 

Oatmeal interventions in severe insulin resistance on the intensive care unit: A case report.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: To report on the potential effectiveness of hypocaloric, plant-based short-term dietary oatmeal interventions in the treatment of insulin resistance in critically ill patients on the intensive care unit.CLINICAL FEATURES AND OUTCOME: A 67-year-old female with type 2 diabetes was admitted to our hospital with suspected pneumonia. The patient developed acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and was diagnosed with pneumogenic sepsis requiring invasive ventilation and an immediate transfer to our medical intensive care unit. Within 48 h the patient developed severe to extreme insulin resistance and required more than 200 units of insulin per day. Based on the"Noorden diet"described in 1903, a modified hypocaloric (700 kcal) and plant-based dietary oatmeal intervention was performed to"break"insulin resistance and to improve glycaemic control. For two days, the patient received a low-fat diet that restricted carbohydrates to whole-grain oats (180 g) and included small amounts of vegetables (60 g). Enteral feeding was done via nasogastric tube. During and after the intervention, glycaemic control improved significantly. A significant reduction in total daily insulin requirements was achieved during and after the intervention.CONCLUSIONS: Hypocaloric, plant-based short-term dietary oatmeal interventions significantly reduced mean blood glucose levels and mean required daily insulin doses in a critically ill and septic patient on the intensive care unit.

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PMID: 

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2008 Feb ;116(2):132-4. Epub 2007 Dec 20. PMID: 18095234

Abstract Title: 

Clinical benefit of a short term dietary oatmeal intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes and severe insulin resistance: a pilot study.

Abstract: 

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the potential effectiveness of 'carbohydrate days' as a dietary intervention to overcome insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n=14) with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance as defined by a dosage of more than 1 IU/day (*)kg BW were consecutively enrolled in this prospective study. Primary outcomes were daily insulin requirement and mean blood glucose levels which were evaluated before, after, and 4 weeks after the intervention.RESULTS: All patients had a metabolic syndrome, 75% had microvascular and 57.1% macrovascular complications. Hospital setting and diabetes adapted diet alone led to improved glycemic control with a mean blood glucose 158+/-47 mg/dl. Intervention with two days of oatmeal diet further decreased mean blood glucose to 118+/-37 mg/dl (p

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PMID: 

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2019 Dec 31:1-5. Epub 2019 Dec 31. PMID: 31889455

Abstract Title: 

Ameliorative effects of quercetin on folliculogenesis in diabetic mice: a stereological study.

Abstract: 

A high risk of reproductive disorders can be seen in diabetic pregnancy. Reproductive disorders associated with diabetes may result from alterations in the function of the ovary. In this study, we investigated the ameliorative effects of quercetin as a phytoestrogen and antidiabetic agent on the folliculogenesis in diabetic mice. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were treated with 30 mg/kg/day quercetin for four weeks. The volume of ovary, follicles, and corpus luteum were significantly decreased in the diabetic mice. The number of growing follicles (secondary, antral, and Graafian follicles) and corpus luteum was significantly decreased in the diabetic mice. Also, the volumeof oocytes was significantly decreased in antral and Graafian follicles. Our results indicated that the administration of quercetin in diabetic mice increased the volume of the ovary and growing follicles, the number of growing follicles and corpus luteum. It also significantly decreased the numberof atretic follicles. As a result, it may be concluded that the impaired follicular growth and development caused by hyperglycemia in diabetic mice can be alleviated by quercetin treatment.

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PMID: 

Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2020 Jan ;24(1):69-79. Epub 2020 Dec 20. PMID: 31908576

Abstract Title: 

Quercetin-induced apoptosis ameliorates vascular smooth muscle cell senescence through AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.

Abstract: 

Aging is one of the risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. During the progression of cellular senescence, cells enter a state of irreversible growth arrest and display resistance to apoptosis. As a flavonoid, quercetin induces apoptosis in various cells. Accordingly, we investigated the relationship between quercetin-induced apoptosis and the inhibition of cellular senescence, and determined the mechanism of oxidative stress-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) senescence. In cultured VSMCs, hydrogen peroxide (HO) dose-dependently induced senescence, which was associated with increased numbers of senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase-positive cells, decreased expression of SMP30, and activation of p53-p21 and p16 pathways. Along with senescence, expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was observed to increase and the levels of proteins related to the apoptosis pathway were observed to decrease. Quercetininduced apoptosis through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. This action led to the alleviation of oxidative stress-induced VSMC senescence. Furthermore, the inhibition of AMPK activation with compound C and siRNA inhibited apoptosis and aggravated VSMC senescence by reversing p53-p21 and p16 pathways. These results suggest that senescent VSMCs are resistant to apoptosis and quercetin-induced apoptosis attenuated the oxidative stress-induced senescence through activation of AMPK. Therefore, induction of apoptosis by polyphenols such as quercetin may be worthy of attention for itsanti-aging effects.

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PMID: 

Front Microbiol. 2019 ;10:3150. Epub 2020 Jan 21. PMID: 32038583

Abstract Title: 

The Antifungal Peptide MCh-AMP1 Derived FromInhibitsGrowth via Inducing ROS Generation and Altering Fungal Cell Membrane Permeability.

Abstract: 

The rise of antifungal drug resistance inspecies responsible for life threatening candidiasis is considered as an increasing challenge for the public health. MCh-AMP1 has previously been reported as a natural peptide fromL. flowers with broad-spectrum antifungal activity against human pathogenic molds and yeasts. In the current study, the mode of action of synthetic MCh-AMP1 was investigated against, the major etiologic agent of life-threatening nosocomial candidiasis at cellular and molecular levels.ATCC 10231 was cultured in presence of various concentrations of MCh-AMP1 (16-64μg/mL) and its mode of action was investigated using plasma membrane permeabilization assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, potassium ion leakage and ultrastructural analyses by electron microscopy. MCh-AMP1 showed fungicidal activity againstat the concentrations of 32 and 64μg/mL. The peptide increased fungal cell membrane permeability as evidenced by elevating of PI uptake and induced potassium leakage from the yeast cells. ROS production was induced by the peptide inside the fungal cells to a maximum of 64.8% at the concentration of 64 μg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed cell deformation as shrinkage and folding of treated yeast cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed detachment of plasma membrane from the cell wall, cell depletion and massive destruction of intracellular organelles and cell membrane of the fungal cells. Our resultsdemonstrated that MCh-AMP1 causedcell death via increasing cell membrane permeability and inducing ROS production. Therefore, MCh-AMP1 could be considered as a promising therapeutic agent to combatinfections.

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PMID: 

J Pharmacopuncture. 2019 Dec ;22(4):204-209. Epub 2019 Dec 31. PMID: 31970017

Abstract Title: 

Efficacy of Chamomile in the Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Abstract: 

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) encompasses a vast array of physical and psychological symptoms. Of the herbal supplements mentioned for remedy PMS symptoms, chamomile used as an effective herbal medicine. The overall purpose of this review was to determine the efficacy of chamomile on the treatment PMS. An extensive research review using Web of Science, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register database, PubMed, Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Psych INFO, Social Science Research Network, SID, Google Scholar, Iran Doc, Magiran and Iran Medex. Eligible studies were identified from English and Persian databases, published between 1990 and 2019. Studies were screened independently by two researchers who performed the data extraction. Of Twenty-seven studies identified, Eight RCTs met our inclusion criteria. Chamomile has been used to treat PMS relief because of therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory effects (Chamazulene andα-Bisabolol); anti-spasmodic effects (Apigenin, Quercetin, and Luteolin, Metoxicomarin, Matrisin, and Phytoestrogens); anti-anxiety effects (Glycine, Flavonoid). The results of this review show that Chamomile is effective for the treatment of PMS. Based on these results, we believe that Chamomile can be used as good herbal medicine to treat in women with PMS.

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PMID: 

Antiinflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem. 2020 Jan 23. Epub 2020 Jan 23. PMID: 31976849

Abstract Title: 

Quercetin decreased alveolar bone loss and apoptosis in experimentally induced periodontitis model in Wistar rats.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Quercetin is a flavonoid which has potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effect. Purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of quercetin on alveolar bone loss and histopathological changes in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups: non-ligated control(C, n=8) group; periodontitis(P, n=8) group; ligature and low dose quercetin group(75 mg/kg/day quercetin, Q75 group, n=8); ligature and high dose quercetin group(150 mg/kg/day quercetin, Q150 group, n=8). Silk ligatures were placed at gingival margin of lower first molars of mandibular right quadrant. Study duration was 15 days, and animals were sacrificed end of this period. Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured and tissues were immunohistochemically examined, matrix metalloproteinase 8(MMP 8), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1(TIMP 1), Cysteine-aspartic proteases 3(Caspase 3), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP) positive osteoclast cells, osteoblast, and neutrophil counts were also determined.RESULTS: Alveolar bone loss was highest in P group, and differences among P, Q75, and Q150 groups were significant. Both doses of quercetin decreased TRAP+ osteoclast cells and increased osteoblast cells. Inflammation in P group was also higher than those of C, Q75, and Q150 groups indicating anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin. iNOS, MMP-8, and caspase-3 levels were highest, and TIMP-1 expression was lowest in P group; differences were statistically significant.CONCLUSION: Within limits of this study, it can be suggested that quercetin administration may reduce alveolar bone loss by increasing osteoblastic activity, decreasing osteoclastic activity, apoptosis, and inflammation in an experimental model of periodontitis.

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PMID: 

Neuroscience. 2020 Jan 23 ;430:47-62. Epub 2020 Jan 23. PMID: 31982469

Abstract Title: 

Quercetin Reduces Ischemic Brain Injury by Preventing Ischemia-induced Decreases in the Neuronal Calcium Sensor Protein Hippocalcin.

Abstract: 

Calcium acts as a second messenger that mediates physiologic functions, such as metabolism, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Hippocalcin is a neuronal calcium sensor protein that regulates intracellular calcium concentration. Moreover, it prevents neuronal cell death from oxidative stress. Quercetin has excellent antioxidant properties and preventative effects. We studied modulation of hippocalcin expression by quercetin treatment in cerebral ischemic injury and glutamate-induced neuronal cell damage. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with vehicle or quercetin (10 mg/kg) 1 h prior to pMCAO, and cerebral cortical tissues were isolated 24 h after pMCAO. Quercetin improved pMCAO-induced neuronal movement deficit and infarction. pMCAO induced a decrease in hippocalcin expression in the cerebral cortex. However, quercetin treatment attenuated this pMCAO-induced decrease. In cultured hippocampal cells, glutamate excitotoxicity dramatically increased the intracellular calcium concentration, whereas quercetin alleviated intracellular calcium overload. Moreover, Western blot and immunocytochemical studies showed reduction of hippocalcin expression in glutamate-exposed cells. Quercetin prevented this glutamate-induced decrease. Furthermore, caspase-3 expression in hippocalcin siRNA transfection conditions is higher than caspase-3 expression in un-transfection conditions. Quercetin treatment attenuated the increase of caspase-3. Taken together, theseresults suggest that quercetin exerts a preventative effect through attenuation of intracellular calcium overload and restoration of down-regulated hippocalcin expression during ischemic injury.

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PMID: 

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020 ;2020:9585047. Epub 2020 Feb 10. PMID: 32104545

Abstract Title: 

The Effects and Mechanism of Quercetin Dietary Supplementation in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Arbor Acre Broilers.

Abstract: 

Quercetin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, is widely distributed as a secondary metabolite in the plant kingdom. Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM). The present study investigated the effects of quercetin dietary supplementation on streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced hyperglycemic Arbor Acre (AA) broilers by determining the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), biochemical indicators, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines content, antioxidant enzymes activities in tissues, and mRNA expression of genes relating to the insulin signaling pathway. Three hundred one-day-old healthy AA broilers were randomly assigned into 5 treatments; A, control healthy broilers; B, STZ-induced broilers; C, STZ-induced broiler dietary supplemented with 0.02% quercetin; D, STZ-induced broiler dietary supplemented with 0.04% quercetin; and E, STZ-induced broiler dietary supplemented with 0.06% quercetin. The results showed that quercetin supplementation relieved the side effects of STZ-induced oxidative stress by changing activities of antioxidant enzymes, decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, activating expression of genes relating to PI3K/PKB signaling pathway that modulate glucose metabolism and reduce oxidative damage, thereby decreasing FBG and increasing FINS levels. These findings suggest that quercetin exhibits a protective effect in STZ-induced hyperglycemic AA broilers via decreasing oxidative stress.

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PMID: 

Onco Targets Ther. 2020 ;13:513-523. Epub 2020 Jan 16. PMID: 32021294

Abstract Title: 

Quercetin Enhanced Paclitaxel Therapeutic Effects Towards PC-3 Prostate Cancer Through ER Stress Induction and ROS Production.

Abstract: 

Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers threatening public health worldwide. Although chemotherapy plays an important role in treating prostate cancer, it leads to many adverse effects and is prone to drug resistance. Quercetin, a natural product, is used in traditional Chinese medicine because of its strong antitumor activity and few side effects.Methods: In this study, we combined quercetin and paclitaxel to kill prostate cancer cells in vivo and in vitro, and we investigated the relevant mechanism of this combination treatment. After the cancer cells were treated with quercetin or/and paclitaxel, cell growth inhibition, apoptosis, the cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and several endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling pathway related gene expressions were evaluated.Results: The combined treatment with quercetin and paclitaxel significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, inhibited cell migration, dramatically induced ER stress to occur, and increased ROS generation. In a PC-3 cancer-bearing murine model, this combination treatment exerted the most beneficial therapeutic effects, and quercetin increased the cancer cell-killing effects of paclitaxel, with nearly no side effects compared with the single paclitaxel treatment group.Conclusion: Combination treatment possessed enhanced anti-cancer effects, and these results will provide a basis for treating prostate cancer using a combination of quercetin and paclitaxel.

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