PMID: 

Nutrients. 2020 Jan 20 ;12(1). Epub 2020 Jan 20. PMID: 31968635

Abstract Title: 

Carotenoids and Periodontal Infection.

Abstract: 

Periodontitis is a polymicrobial infectious disease that leads to inflammation of the gingiva, resulting in teeth loss by various causes such as inflammation-mediated bone resorption. Recently, many investigators have reported that the periodontitis resulting from persistent low-grade infection of Gram-negative bacteria such as() is associated with increased atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and other systemic diseases through blood stream. On the other hand, carotenoids belong among phytochemicals that are responsible for different colors of the foods. It is important to examine whether carotenoids are effective to the inhibition of periodontal infection/inflammation cascades. This review summarizes the advanced state of knowledge about suppression of periodontal infection by several carotenoids. A series of findings suggest that carotenoids intake may provide novel strategy for periodontitis treatment, although further study will be needed.

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PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 ;2020:9276343. Epub 2020 Jan 26. PMID: 32047529

Abstract Title: 

Antihyperglycemic Effects and Mode of Actions ofLeaf and Fruit Peel Hydroethanolic Extracts in Nicotinamide/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Abstract: 

The present study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effects of() leaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts and to suggest their probable mode of actions in nicotinamide (NA)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The leaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts were analyzed by GC-MS that indicated the presence of phytol, octadecatrienoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and octadecadienoic acid as major components in the leaf extract and vitamin E, octadecenamide,-sitosterol, and stigmasterol as major phytochemicals in the fruit peel extract. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 4.5), 15 minutes after intraperitoneal injection of NA (120 mg/kg body weight). The NA/STZ-induced diabetic rats were, respectively, treated with.leaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight/day by oral administration for 28 days. The treatment of NA/STZ-induced diabetic rats with leaf and fruit peel extracts significantly improved the impaired oral glucose tolerance and significantly increased the lowered serum insulin and C-peptide levels. The HOMA-IR (as the index of insulin resistance) and QUICKI (as a marker for insulin sensitivity), as well as HOMA-cell function were significantly alleviated as a result of treatment of diabetic rats with leaf and fruit peel extracts. In association, the elevated serum-free fatty acids, TNF-, and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased. In addition, the suppressed adipose tissue PPAR, GLUT4, adiponectin, and insulin receptor-subunit mRNA expressions were upregulated while the elevated adipose tissue resistin expression was downregulated in diabetic rats as a result of treatment with the leaf and peel extract. Based on these results, it can be concluded thatleaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts have antihyperglycemic effects which may be mediated via their insulinotropic and insulin-sensitizing effects.

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PMID: 

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020 ;2020:7147498. Epub 2020 Jan 27. PMID: 32082481

Abstract Title: 

Fruit Rich in Polyphenols Attenuates Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats via Inhibition of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress.

Abstract: 

Colla (Family: Musaceae), commonly known as banana and native to India and other parts of Asia, is very rich in nutritional value and has strong antioxidant potential. In the present study, we have developed(MB) fruit pulp powder and evaluated its cardioprotective effect in cardiac hypertrophy, which is often associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. An ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) has been used for the detection and systematic characterization of the phenolic compounds present infruit pulp. The cardioprotective effect of MB was evaluated in a rat model of isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced cardiac hypertrophy by subcutaneous administration of isoproterenol (5 mg/kg/day), delivered through an alzet minipump for 14 days. Oral administration of MB fruit pulp powder (200 mg/kg/day) significantly (

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 Feb 18:112666. Epub 2020 Feb 18. PMID: 32084552

Abstract Title: 

Antidiabetic activity of Musa x paradisiaca extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and chemical characterization by HPLC-DAD-MS.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Musa x paradisiaca L. inflorescence, known as banana blossom or banana heart, is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to investigate the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extracts and fractions prepared from the bracts and flowers of Musa x paradisiaca in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and to chemically characterize the extracts.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard aqueous extracts of the flowers, bracts, and their fractions were prepared and their chemical composition was determined tentatively by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode-array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). Changes in fasting glycemia and oral glucose tolerance were evaluated in STZ-induced diabetic rats (n = 8) treated with aqueous extracts of Musa x paradisiaca (200 mg/kg) for 20 days.RESULTS: Chemical analyses detected 21 compounds and 17 metabolites were identified, among which were glycosylated and acetylated phenylpropanoids of p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid, as well as a glycosylated flavonol and anthocyanins. Following 15 days of treatment, the bract aqueous extracts and the methanolic fraction of the flower had significant effects on the glycemic profile after glucose load in diabetic rats as compared with the untreated diabetic group.CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show the antidiabetic potential of extracts of the flowers and bracts of M. x paradisiaca.

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PMID: 

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2020 Feb 18. Epub 2020 Feb 18. PMID: 32072695

Abstract Title: 

Orally administered mixed carotenoids protect human skin against Ultraviolet A-induced skin pigmentation: A double blind, placebo controlled, randomized clinical trial.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Photoprotection of human skin is determined as the capacity of sunscreens to prevent Ultraviolet (UV) B radiation-induced erythema and UVA radiation-induced pigmentation. It is unequivocal that, in addition to sunscreens, oral supplementation with carotenoids can protect human skin against UVB radiation-induced erythema. It is not known if this is also the case for UVA radiation-induced pigmentation.OBJECTIVE: To clinically evaluate the photoprotective effects of daily supplementation with carotenoids against UVA radiation-induced pigmentation.METHODS: In this double blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 subjects (Fitzpatrick types II-IV) were randomized to receive Nutrilite™ Multi Carotene supplement or placebo for 12-weeks. UVB-induced Minimal Erythemal dose (MED), UVA-induced Minimal Persistent Pigmentation Dose (MPPD) and skin carotenoid levels were measured at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of intervention. Skin color was evaluated by expert clinical graders and bycolorimetry . Carotenoid levels in the skin were measured by the Biozoom® device.RESULTS: In the intervention group, a significant increase in comparison with the placebo group was observed in (i) skin carotenoid levels, (ii) UVB-induced MED and (iii) UVA-induced MPPD values obtained by colorimetry.CONCLUSION: Daily supplementation with carotenoids protects human skin against both UVB-induced erythema and UVA-induced pigmentation.

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PMID: 

Br J Pharmacol. 2020 Feb 19. Epub 2020 Feb 19. PMID: 32077098

Abstract Title: 

Cannabidiol protects against high glucose-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in cardiac voltage-gated sodium channels.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of mortality in diabetic patients. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetes-associated arrhythmias are unclear. We hypothesized that high glucose, could adversely affect Nav1.5, the major cardiac sodium channel isoform of the heart, at least partially via oxidative stress. We further hypothesized that cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main constituents of Cannabis sativa, through its effects on Nav1.5, could protect against high glucose elicited oxidative stress and cytotoxicity.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: To test these ideas, we used Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells transiently co-transfected with cDNA encoding human Nav1.5α-subunit under control and high glucose conditions (50 or 100 mM for 24 hours). Several experimental and computational techniques were used including: voltage-clamp of heterologous expression systems, cell viability assays, fluorescence assays, and action potential modelling.KEY RESULTS: High glucose evoked cell death associated with elevation in reactive oxygen species, right shifted the voltage dependence of conductance and steady state fast inactivation and increased persistent current leading to computational prolongation of action potential (hyperexcitability) which could result in long QT3 arrhythmia. CBD mitigated all the deleterious effects provoked by high glucose. Perfusion with Lidocaine (a well-known sodium channels inhibitor with anti-oxidant effects), or co-incubation of Tempol (a well-known anti-oxidant) elicited protection, comparable to CBD, against the deleterious effects of high glucose.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings suggest that, through its favourable anti-oxidant and sodium channel inhibitory effects, CBD may protect against high-glucose induced arrhythmia and cytotoxicity.

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PMID: 

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2020 Jan 28:e1901018. Epub 2020 Jan 28. PMID: 31991062

Abstract Title: 

The Effect of Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 Treatment on Glycation and Diabetes Complications.

Abstract: 

SCOPE: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) induces organ damage associated with glycation, among other metabolic pathways. While therapeutic strategies have been tested to reduce the formation and impact of glycation products, results remain equivocal. Anti-diabetic therapies using probiotics have been proposed, but their effect upon glycation has not been reported. Here, the effects of the bacterial strain Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 on glycation and T2D-related complications in a mouse model of T2D are investigated.METHODS & RESULTS: Wild-type LepRand diabetic LepRlittermates receive a daily gavage of either water or the probiotic ME-3 strain (10CFU). Glycation markers, fructoselysine-derived furosine (FL-furosine) and carboxymethyllysine (CML), are quantified in four major organs and plasma using stable-isotope dilution LC-MS/MS. After 12 weeks of ME-3 treatment, diabetic mice gain less weight and exhibit an apparently improved glucose tolerance. The ME-3 treatment reduces median renal levels of FL-furosine in both genotypes by 12-15%, and renal and pulmonary free-CML in diabetic mice by 30% and 18%, respectively. Attenuated hepatic steatosis and an improved plasma lipid profile are also observed with treatment in both genotypes, while the gut microbiota profile is unchanged.CONCLUSION: L. fermentum ME-3 has therapeutic potential for reducing the formation/accumulation of some glycation products in kidneys and attenuating some common diabetes-related complications.

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PMID: 

Microb Pathog. 2020 Feb 12:104063. Epub 2020 Feb 12. PMID: 32061821

Abstract Title: 

Antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus fermentum TcUESC01 against Streptococcus mutans UA159.

Abstract: 

Dental caries is a multifactorial chronic-infection disease, which starts with a bacterial biofilm formation caused mainly by Streptococcus mutans. The use of probiotics has shown numerous health benefits, including in the fight against oral diseases. Strains of Lactobacillus fermentum have already shown probiotic potential against S. mutans, but there are still few studies. Thus, the aim of our study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the inoculum and metabolites produced by L. fermentum TcUESC01 against S. mutans UA159. For this, a growth curve of L. fermentum was performed and both the inoculum and the metabolites formed in the fermentation were tested against the growth of S. mutans UA159 in agar diffusion tests, and only its metabolites were tested to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration and inhibition of cell adhesion. Inhibition of biofilm formation, pH drop and proton permeability were also tested with the metabolites. The zone of inhibition began to be formed at 14 h and continued until 16 h. The inoculum containing L. fermentum also showed zone of inhibition. The MIC for the metabolites was 1280 mg/mL and the MBC was obtained with a concentration higher than the MIC equal to 5120 mg/mL. Half of the MIC concentration (640 mg/mL) was required to inhibit S. mutans adhesion to the surface of the microplates. In the biofilm analyzes, the treatment with the metabolites in the tested concentration was not able to reduce biomass, insoluble glucans and alkali soluble compared to the control biofilm (p > 0.05). The metabolites also did not affect acid production and acid tolerance of S. mutans cells in biofilms compared to saline group (p > 0.05). Lactic acid (50.38%) was the most abundant organic acid produced by L. fermentum. This is the first report showing that the metabolites produced by the Lactobacillus fermentum TcUESC01 have a potential to be used as an antimicrobial agent against S. mutans, showing anti-adherence and bactericidal activity against planktonic cells of S. mutans. Thus, further studies should be carried out in order to better understand the antimicrobial activity of metabolites of L. fermentum TCUESC01.

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PMID: 

Arch Physiol Biochem. 2020 Feb 18:1-9. Epub 2020 Feb 18. PMID: 32067511

Abstract Title: 

improves lipogenesis and IRS-1/AKT/eNOS signalling pathway in the liver of high-fructose-fed rats.

Abstract: 

In the present study, we investigated the influence ofandsupplementation on lipogenesis, insulin signalling and glucose transporters in liver of high-fructose-fed rats. Fructose was given to the rats as a 20% solution in drinking water for 15 weeks.andsupplementations were performed by gastric gavage once a day during final 6 weeks. Dietary high-fructose increased hepatic weight, lipid accumulation and FASN expression as well as caused a significant reduction in IRS-1 expression, pAKT/total AKT and peNOS/total eNOS ratios, but an elevation in GLUT2 and GLUT5 mRNAs in the liver.supplementation decreased hepatic weight, triglyceride content and FASN expression as well as improved IRS-1/AKT/eNOS pathway and GLUT2 expression in the liver of high-fructose-fed rats. However,supplementation exerted a restoring effect on lipid accumulation by decreasing FASN expression, and regulating effect on IRS-1 and GLUT2 expressions.

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PMID: 

Acta Endocrinol (Buchar). 2019 Jul-Sep;15(3):289-294. PMID: 32010345

Abstract Title: 

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OFOIL ON MYOCARDIUM IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS.

Abstract: 

Background: To evaluate the protective effect ofoil (NSO) on the myocardium in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Materials and methods: Thirty-two 7-8-week-old female Wistar albino rats (300-350 g) were equally divided into 4 groups: nondiabetic untreated animals (control), diabetes mellitus (DM), NSO, and DM+NSO groups. For the induction of diabetes, 45 mg/kg streptozotocin was applied to the rats in the DM and DM+NSO groups as a single intraperitoneal dose. NSO (400 mg/kg) was orally administered through an intragastric catheter once a day over 21 days. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the myocardium were evaluated histopathologically and immunohistochemically.Results: Compared to the control, NSO, and DM+NSO groups, the myocardial tissue samples from the rats in the DM group had significantly higher myositis, hyaline degeneration, and Zenker's necrosis. Moreover, the Bcl-2 expressions were significantly higher in the control, NSO, and DM+NSO groups than in the DM group.Conclusion: NSO has a protective effect on the myocardium of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, most likely via suppressing apoptosis.

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