PMID: 

3 Biotech. 2020 Feb ;10(2):50. Epub 2020 Jan 16. PMID: 32002341

Abstract Title: 

Synergistic effect of ascorbic acid and taurine in the treatment of a spinal cord injury-induced model in rats.

Abstract: 

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in severe damage, which causes functional alterations together with loss of autonomic functions, sensations, and muscle functioning. This injury leads to apoptosis of neurons and oligodendrocytes, which further leads to dysfunction of the spinal cord due to axonal degeneration and demyelination. Taurine is non-proteogenic and an essential amino acid, which plays a major role in the growth and development of brain cells. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is found in various foods and is known to prevent scurvy. In this study, we have investigated the therapeutic effect of ascorbic acid and taurine against SCI-induced rats. The rats were divided into the following groups: sham, control, 100 mg/kg of taurine, 100 mg/kg of ascorbic acid, and 100 mg/kg of taurine + 100 mg/kg of ascorbic acid. Treatment was continued daily for 45 consecutive days. The combined treatment of taurine and ascorbic acid decreased caspase-3, bax, pro-NGF, and p53 mRNA expression by more than 30% compared to individual treatments. The combined treatment of taurine and ascorbic acid reduced caspase-3 and p53 expression by 33.7% and 44%, respectively, compared to individual treatments. The combined treatment of taurine and ascorbic acid decreased mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) compared to the individual treatments of taurine and ascorbic acid. The combined treatment of taurine and ascorbic acid also significantly recovered altered antioxidant markers, and induced lipid peroxidation to near normal levels. In summary, apoptotic, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were significantly decreased in SCI-induced rats treated with taurine and ascorbic acid.

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PMID: 

Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2020 Feb 3:1-11. Epub 2020 Feb 3. PMID: 32008465

Abstract Title: 

Vitamin C supplementation had no side effect in non-cancer, but had anticancer properties in ovarian cancer cells.

Abstract: 

Vitamin C (Vit C) has been widely used in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Nevertheless, the clinical results are still inconclusive. Using non-cancer (HOSEpiC) and cancer OVCAR-3 cells cultured in basal medium or in ovarian cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-supplemented medium, we estimated the dose-dependent effect of Vit C on sodium-ascorbate coSVCT1, SVCT2) and g(GLUT1) protein expression. Additionally, the action of Vit C on cell proliferation (alamarBlue), membrane permeability (LDH assay), caspase3 activity, the selected cell cycle and apoptosis pathway, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP) protein expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity was determined. We showed different effects of Vit C on the expression of the co-transporter in non-cancer and cancer cells. In non-cancer cells, Vit C, at a pharmacological concentration, increased SVCT2 and decreased GLUT1, while the opposite effect was noted in cancer cells. In cancer cells, Vit C, in a pharmacological dose, decreased cell proliferation through an inhibitory effect on cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) (4.4-fold; p 

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PMID: 

J Am Heart Assoc. 2020 Feb 4 ;9(3):e014213. Epub 2020 Jan 30. PMID: 32013700

Abstract Title: 

Vitamin C Intravenous Treatment In the Setting of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Results From the Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled CITRIS-AF Pilot Study.

Abstract: 

Background Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), but high levels of post-procedure inflammation predict adverse clinical events. Ascorbic acid (AA) has shown promise in reducing inflammation but is untested in this population. We sought to test the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effects on inflammatory biomarkers in the CITRIS-AF (Vitamin C Intravenous Treatment In the Setting of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation) pilot study. Methods and Results Patients scheduled to undergo AF ablation (N=20) were randomized 1:1 to double-blinded treatment with AA (200 mg/kg divided over 24 hours) or placebo. C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were obtained before the first infusion and repeated at 24 hours and 30 days. Pain levels within 24 hours and early recurrence of AF within 90 days were recorded. Median and interquartile range were aged 63 (56-70) years, 13 (65%) men, and 18 (90%) white. Baseline data were similar between the 2 groups except ejection fraction. Baseline C-reactive protein levels were 2.56 (1.47-5.87) mg/L and similar between groups (=0.48). Change in C-reactive protein from baseline to 24 hours was +10.79 (+6.56-23.19) mg/L in the placebo group and +3.01 (+0.40-5.43) mg/L in the AA group (=0.02). Conversely, change in interleukin-6 was numerically higher in the AA group, though not statistically significant (=0.32). One patient in each arm developed pericarditis; no adverse events related to the infusions were seen. There were no significant differences between aggregated post-procedure pain levels within 24 hours or early recurrence of AF (both>0.05). Conclusions High-dose AA is safe and well tolerated at the time of AF ablation and may be associated with a blunted rise in C-reactive protein, although consistent findings were not seen in interleukin-6 levels. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the potential benefit in improving clinically relevant outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://ift.tt/1xHjpsE. Unique identifier: NCT03148236.

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PMID: 

J Hazard Mater. 2019 Nov 28:121774. Epub 2019 Nov 28. PMID: 32001102

Abstract Title: 

Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and its alternatives and child neurodevelopment at 2 years.

Abstract: 

While increasing evidence has shown that prenatal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is adversely associated with child neurodevelopment, little is known about the neurodevelopmental effects of BPA alternatives, such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). We aimed to evaluate the relationships of repeated measurements of bisphenol exposure during pregnancy with child neurodevelopment. From 2014-2015, 456 mother-child pairs were included in the present study. Each had a spot urine sample in the first, second, and third trimester, respectively, during pregnancy for BPA, BPS, and BPF measurements. Children's neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 2 years. In adjusted models, children's psychomotor development index scores decreased across quartiles of BPS concentrations [-5.52 (95 % CI: -10.06, -0.99) in the 4th quartile vs. 1 st quartile, P-trend = 0.01]. Each 10-fold increase in BPA concentrations was related to lower mental development index scores only in the second trimester [-2.87 (95 % CI: -4.98, -0.75), P = 0.04]. However, prenatal BPF exposure was not significantly associated with child neurodevelopment. We provide evidence that prenatal exposure to BPA and BPS may affect child neurodevelopment.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2020 Jan 28 ;12(2). Epub 2020 Jan 28. PMID: 32012983

Abstract Title: 

Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A (BPA) Triggers Systemic Para-Inflammation and is Sufficient to Induce Airway Allergic Sensitization in Mice.

Abstract: 

Allergic airway diseases are accompanied by increased permeability and an inflammatory state of epithelial barriers, which are thought to be susceptible to allergen sensitization. Although exogenous drivers (proteases, allergens) of epithelial barrier disruption and sensitization are well studied, endogenous contributors (diet, xenobiotics, hormones, and metabolism) to allergic sensitization are much less understood. Xenoestrogens are synthetic or natural chemical compounds that have the ability to mimic estrogen and are ubiquitous in the food and water supply of developed countries. By interfering with the estrogen produced by the endocrine system, these compounds have the systemic potential to disrupt the homeostasis of multiple tissues. Our study examined the potential of prototypical xenoestrogen bisphenol A (BPA) to disrupt epithelial homeostasisand promote allergic responses. We found that BPA exposure in epithelial culturessignificantly inhibited epithelial cell proliferation and wound healing, as well as promoted the expression of the innate alarmin cytokine TSLP in a time-and dose-dependent manner., the exposure to BPA through water supply or inhalation induced a systemic para-inflammatory response by promoting the expression of innate inflammatory mediators in the skin, gut, and airway. In a murine tolerogenic antigen challenge model, chronic systemic exposure to BPA was sufficient to induce airway sensitization to innocuous chicken egg ovalbumin in the complete absence of adjuvants. Mechanistic studies are needed to test conclusively whether endocrine disruptors may play an upstream role in allergic sensitization via their ability to promote a para-inflammatory state.

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PMID: 

Food Res Int. 2020 Feb ;128:108782. Epub 2019 Nov 8. PMID: 31955755

Abstract Title: 

Kombuchas from green and black teas have different phenolic profile, which impacts their antioxidant capacities, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities.

Abstract: 

UPLC-QTOF-MSphenolic profile of kombuchas produced from the fermentation of green tea or black tea at 25 °C for 10 days was investigated along with the determination of their antioxidant capacities, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities. Overall, 127 phenolic compounds (70.2% flavonoids, 18.3% phenolic acids, 8.4% other polyphenols, 2.3% lignans and 0.8% stilbenes) were identified, with103 phenolic compounds reported for the first time in kombuchas. A greater diversity and abundance of phenolic compounds was detected in black tea kombucha, which resulted in a higher antioxidant capacity. However, the green tea kombucha was the only one that presented antibacterial activity againstall the bacteria tested and an increased antiproliferative activity against the cancer cell lines, which was attributed to the presence of catechins among the most abundant phenolic compounds and verbascoside as an exclusive compound. Thus, the type of tea used in the kombucha production interferesin its bioactive composition and properties.

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PMID: 

Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2019 Oct ;22(10):1158-1165. PMID: 31998457

Abstract Title: 

Filtered Kombucha tea ameliorates the leaky gut syndrome in young and old mice model of colitis.

Abstract: 

Objectives: Zonula occludens proteins (ZO-1 and ZO-2) are important intracellular tight junction (TJ)-associated proteins that link the cell cytoskeleton to the trans-membrane TJ proteins. Destruction of TJ proteins is called the"leaky gut syndrome"and has been observed in some of the gastrointestinal diseases such as the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). So, therapeutic approaches aim to restore the expression of TJ proteins and reduce intestinal permeability. Healing effect of Kombucha tea (KT), so-called long-life mushroom, on the gastrointestinal system, particularly its extraordinary healing effects on intestinal ulcers has been purported traditionally and rarely reported scientifically. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of filtered KT (fKT) in young and old mice model of colitis.Materials and Methods: Leaky gut was induced in two groups of young and old age using dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water for seven days. Then, fKT was administered to the mice affected by colitis and compared with the age-matched normal and untreated animals with colitis.Results: Survival rate of the fKT-treated young and old animals with colitis increased and weight loss decreased. Accordingly, digestive disorders characterized by bleeding and diarrhea were improved in fKT-treated mice. Molecular and histological examination indicated that expression of ZO-1 and ZO-2 was significantly improved in fKT-treated mice.Conclusion: Our results suggest KT as a promising therapeutic candidate to reduce intestinal permeability. Young animals with colitis showed more severe clinical signs and less survival rate than old mice with colitis, but this group responded better to fKT treatment than the old mice.

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PMID: 

Ann Palliat Med. 2019 Dec 22. Epub 2019 Dec 22. PMID: 32008337

Abstract Title: 

Epigallocatechin gallate reduces uric acid levels by regulating xanthine oxidase activity and uric acid excretion in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from tea leaves on hyperuricemia and explores the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.METHODS: The effects of EGCG on proliferation of BRL 3A rat liver cells were evaluated by CCK8 and after stimulation by xanthine the uric acid and xanthine oxidase (XOD) levels were evaluated by a kit; In an in vivo experiment, rats were treated with oxonic acid potassium salt combined with ethylamine pyrimidine to induce high uric acid hematic disease (7 days), The serum uric acid levels and XOD levels were evaluated by a kit, The expressions of OTA1 and GLUT9 were detected by RT-qPCR and Immunohistochemical.RESULTS: EGCG had no effect on proliferation, and significantly reduced serum uric acid levels and inhibited XOD activity (P

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PMID: 

Contemp Clin Dent. 2019 Jan-Mar;10(1):81-85. PMID: 32015647

Abstract Title: 

Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Green Tea Mouth Rinse and Green Tea Gel on the SalivaryandColony Count in 12-18-year-old Teenagers: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract: 

Aims: Green tea is an antibacterial agent with no significant side effect. This feature makes green tea safe for children to use. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of green tea gel and mouth rinse on salivary level ofandof teenagers aged 12-18 years.Subjects and Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial study, 30 children aged 12-18 years were included in the study according to the inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into two groups. Participants in mouth rinse group were asked to rinse their mouth with 0.5% green tea mouthwash twice a day for 2 weeks. In the gel group, participants were requested to brush their teeth with 0.5% green tea gel twice a day for 2 weeks. After 4 weeks of washout period, mouthwash group applied the gel and the gel group rinsed the mouthwash for 2 weeks and with the same instruction as mentioned. Colony count ofandwas determined before and after intervention and data were analyzed usingtest.Results: According to the independenttest, there was no significant difference in the salivary levels of S. mutans before and after intervention regarding age and gender (= 0.33). Results from paired-test showed significant decrease in the mean count ofandcolonies in both groups before and after intervention (

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PMID: 

Biomed Pharmacother. 2020 Jan 28 ;125:109893. Epub 2020 Jan 28. PMID: 32004975

Abstract Title: 

Green tea and black tea inhibit proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells via the PI3K/Akt and MMPs signalling pathway.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Black tea and green tea were produced via different processing techniques from the same tea leave variety. Then, biochemical components of the two water extracts were analysed to study cell apoptosis, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells induced by black tea and green tea.METHOD: The monomer components of the black tea and green tea extracts were analysed by colorimetry and HPLC, with MTT assay and colony formation assays used to assess cell proliferation and viability. The effects of black tea and green tea on apoptosis of HepG2 cells were verified by flow cytometry, with wound healing and Transwell experiments used to detect cell invasion and metastasis. The expression of PI3K/Akt signalling and apoptosis-related proteins as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulatory factor in HepG2 cells were determined by western blotting after black tea and green tea treatment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Black tea and green tea extracts demonstrated different degrees of inhibition of cell migration and invasion, with green tea inducing more HepG2 cell apoptosis. In addition, green tea and black tea extracts inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells and induced apoptosis via PI3K/Akt, and inhibited cell migration and invasion through the MMPs signalling pathway. This study revealed the effects of fermented (black tea) and non-fermented tea (green tea) on liver cancer cells, providing a basis for the investigation of tea extracts for their anti-tumour potential.

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