PMID: 

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jan 23 ;17(3). Epub 2020 Jan 23. PMID: 31979393

Abstract Title: 

Toxic Effects of the Mixture of Phthalates and Bisphenol A-Subacute Oral Toxicity Study in Wistar Rats.

Abstract: 

Phthalates and bisphenol A, classified as endocrine disruptors, have weak estrogenic, anti-androgenic properties, and affect thyroid hormone regulation. The aim of this study on male rats was to compare the subacute toxic effects of low doses of single compounds (bis (2 -ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and bisphenol A (BPA)) with the effects of their mixture through different biochemical, hormonal, and hematological parameters. Rats were divided into five experimental groups: Control (corn oil), DEHP (50 mg/kg b.w./day), DBP (50 mg/kg b.w./day), BPA (25 mg/kg b.w./day), and MIX (50 mg/kg b.w./day DEHP + 50 mg/kg b.w/day DBP + 25 mg/kg b.w./day BPA). Animals were sacrificed after 28 days of oral treatment and blood was collected for further analysis. The results demonstrated that the mixture produced significant changes in lipid profile, liver-related biochemical parameters, and glucose level. Furthermore, the opposite effects of single substances on the thyroxine level have been shown in comparison with the mixture, as well as a more pronounced effect of the mixture on testosterone level. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on the toxicology of mixtures and gives one more evidence of the paramount importance of mixture toxicity studies, especially in assessing the endocrine disruptive effects of chemicals.

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PMID: 

Ann Oncol. 2019 May ;30(5):733-743. Epub 2019 Dec 4. PMID: 31987340

Abstract Title: 

Vitamin D supplementation and total cancer incidence and mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Previous meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of vitamin D supplementation and total cancer incidence and mortality found inconsistent results, and most included trials administered generally low doses of vitamin D (≤1100IU/day). We updated the meta-analysis by incorporating recent RCTs that have tested higher doses of vitamin D supplements.MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and Embase were searched from the inception to November 2018. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a random-effects model.RESULTS: For total cancer incidence, 10 trials were included [6537 cases; 3-10years of follow-up; 54-135nmol/l of attained levels of circulating 25(OH) vitamin D [25(OH)D] in the intervention group]. The summary RR was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.93-1.03; P = 0.42; I= 0%). The results remained null across subgroups tested, including even when attained 25(OH)D levels exceeded 100nmol/l (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83-1.09; P = 0.48; I= 26%). For total cancer mortality, five trials were included [1591 deaths; 3-10years of follow-up; 54-135nmol/l of attained levels of circulating 25(OH)D in the intervention group]. The summary RR was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.79-0.96; P = 0.005; I= 0%), which was largely attributable to interventions with daily dosing (as opposed to infrequent bolus dosing). No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed by attained levels of circulating 25(OH)D (P= 0.83), with RR being 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78-0.98; P = 0.02; I= 0%) for≤100nmol/l and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.70-1.03; P = 0.11; I= 0%) for>100nmol/l.CONCLUSIONS: In an updated meta-analysis of RCTs, vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced total cancer mortality but did not reduce total cancer incidence.

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PMID: 

Oman Med J. 2020 Jan ;35(1):e83. Epub 2020 Jan 5. PMID: 31993223

Abstract Title: 

The Possible Link Between Vitamin D Levels and Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration.

Abstract: 

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the possible correlation between serum vitamin D levels and exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including 95 patients with exudative AMD and 95 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. The participants' serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels were measured, and the results were classified into three categories: deficient (30.0 ng/mL). We compared serum 25(OH)D3 levels between the two study groups and the AMD ratio between the patients with deficient serum 25(OH)D3 levels and those with levels in the sufficient and insufficient ranges.Results: The median 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly lower in patients with AMD compared to the control subjects (0.042). The frequencies of patients with AMD among the vitamin D categories were statistically significant (0.043). Subgroup analysis showed that the frequency of patients with AMD and deficient vitamin D levels was significantly higher than that found in the patients who had sufficient and/or insufficient ranges of vitamin D levels (55.0% vs. 36.0%,0.043, respectively).Conclusions: Serum 25(OH)D3 levels may have an impact on the neovascular type of AMD. As 25(OH)D3 levels decrease, the frequency of AMD increases.

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PMID: 

Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2019 Jul – Aug;13(4):2375-2380. Epub 2019 Jun 11. PMID: 31405646

Abstract Title: 

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: Randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial.

Abstract: 

AIM: Diabetes increases the odds of depression and depression is often associated with poor glycemic control and complications of diabetes. Vitamin D is also believed to improve glycemic control and ameliorate depressive symptoms. Therefore, we examined effects of vitamin D monotherapy (without antidepressant drugs) on depressive symptoms in Type 2 diabetic patients with mild to moderate depressive symptoms.METHODS: We conducted 12 weeks, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial on 68 subjects with T2DM and mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Subjects received 100 μg (4000 IU) vitamin D (n = 32) or placebo (n = 34) daily. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II-PERSIAN) was applied for assessment of the severity of depression. Depression scores and metabolic profiles were measured at the beginning and end of trail.RESULTS: after 3 months of vitamin D supplementation, mean values of 25(OH) D increased from 15.5 ± 8.8 to 32.2 ± 8.9 ng/ml (p-value

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PMID: 

J Photochem Photobiol B. 2020 Jan ;203:111731. Epub 2019 Dec 4. PMID: 31935633

Abstract Title: 

Low-level laser therapy attenuates lung inflammation and airway remodeling in a murine model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Relevance to cytokines secretion from lung structural cells.

Abstract: 

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and chronic inflammatory disease with a poor prognosis and very few available treatment options. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been gaining prominence as a new and effective anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent. Can lung inflammation and the airway remodeling be regulated by LLLT in an experimental model of IPF in C57Bl/6 mice? The present study investigated if laser attenuates cellular migration to the lungs, the airway remodeling as well as pro-fibrotic cytokines secretion from type II pneumocytes and fibroblasts. Mice were irradiated (780 nm and 30 mW) and then euthanized fifteen days after bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Lung inflammation and airway remodeling were evaluated through leukocyte counting in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and analysis of collagen in lung, respectively. Inflammatory cells in blood were also measured. For in vitro assays, bleomycin-activated fibroblasts and type II pneumocytes were irradiated with laser. The pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines level in BALF as well as cells supernatant were measured by ELISA, and the TGFβ in lung was evaluated by flow cytometry. Lung histology was used toanalyze collagen fibers around the airways. LLLT reduced both migration of inflammatory cells and deposition of collagen fibers in the lungs. In addition, LLLT downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulated the IL-10 secretion from fibroblasts and pneumocytes. Laser therapy greatly reduced total lung TGFβ. Systemically, LLLT also reduced the inflammatory cells counted in blood. There is no statistical difference in inflammatory parameters studied between mice of the basal group and the laser-treated mice. Data obtained indicate that laser effectively attenuates the lung inflammation, and the airway remodeling in experimental pulmonary fibrosis is driven to restore the balance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in lung and inhibit the pro-fibrotic cytokines secretion from fibroblasts.

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PMID: 

Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2020 Jan 14 ;91(4):251-255. Epub 2020 Jan 14. PMID: 31937091

Abstract Title: 

The association of Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols can improve quality of life in patients affected by prostatitis-like symptoms.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: Chronic prostatitis syndrome is a bothering and poorly understood condition. Many patients report genitourinary pain and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms as a main complaint. Many different pharmacological or behavioural therapies are prescribed in daily clinical practice, but efficacy data are still lacking. The aim of our study was to test the efficacy and safety of a transrectal delivered association of Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols for the relief of prostatitis – like symptoms.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients affected by chronic/recurrent prostatitis – like symptoms were prospectively enrolled in our study from December, 2016 to December, 2018. Patients were screened at baseline through clinical examination and validated questionnaires administration: Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Inclusion criteria were: age≥ 18; prostatitis symptoms persisting for at least 3 of the last 6 months; CPSI pain domain score ≥ 5; previous negative Meares-Stamey test. Treatment consisted on the administration of 1 suppository containing Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols, once a day for 20 days. Theprimary endpoint of the study was the improvement of quality of life after treatment, defined by a reduction of ≥ 2 points, or ≥ 25%, of mean CPSI pain domain score, compared to baseline. Secondary endpoints were the improvement of post-treatment CPSI total score and the analysis of treatment -related adverse events. All patients were re-evaluated 1 month after treatment.RESULTS: 40 patients were enrolled in our study. Median age (Inter – Quartile Range IQR) was 51.5 (41.5-63.2) years. Mean baseline CPSI scores were: 22.15 (total score), 9.67 (pain domain), 5.15 (micturition domain) and 7.35 (quality of life domain), respectively. No significant adverse events were reported. At 1 month follow-up, CPSI scores appeared modified as follows: 16.40 (total score, p = 0.001); 6.92 (pain domain; p = 0.001; 4.02 (micturition domain, p = 0.09); 5.45 (quality of life domain, p = 0.002). Mean CPSI pain domain score reduction was -2.75 points (-28.5%). Mean CPSI total score reduction was -5.75 points (-26%).CONCLUSIONS: The association of Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols can reduce genitourinary pain and then improve quality of life of men affected by bothersome prostatitis – like symptoms.

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PMID: 

Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2020 Jan 26. Epub 2020 Jan 26. PMID: 31985381

Abstract Title: 

Fractions of Boswellia serrata suppress LTA4, LTC4, Cyclooxygenase-2 activities and mRNA in HL-60 Cells and reduce lung inflammation in BALB/c mice.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Purified fractions from a Boswellia serrata Roxb. Ex. Colebr. (Burseraceae) extract (ETOH and DCM) contain biologically active compounds that are well known for having inflammation inhibitory properties. In this work, the purified fractions were tested in-vitro for LTC4, LTA4 and COX-2 activities using ELISA and qPCR was performed to determine gene regulation in human leukemia (HL-60) Cells. Two D-imaging tomography was performed to determine the anti-inflammatory activities of the fractions in BALB/c mouse model of lung inflammation.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anti-inflammatory activities of bioactive compounds of Boswellia serrata purified fractions.METHODS: In-vitro MTT assay was performed in HL-60 cell lines for measuring the toxicity/viability of the cells. ELISA tests were performed for evaluating LTA4, LTC4 and COX-2 activities. qPCR was performed to evaluate the expression of mRNA in HL-60 cells. In-vivo experiments were performed in OVA sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice at two doses of Boswellia serrata purified fraction containing 6% Boswellic acid of 50 and 100mg/kg body weight were given orally and the standard drug dexamethasone (DXA, 4 mg/kg body weight) and reduction in lung inflammation was assessed by using an IVIS Xenogen in-vivo fluorescence imaging system.RESULTS: A purified fraction of Boswellia serrata ETOH extracts reduced leukotriene-C4-synthase activity by 52%, leuktotriene-A4-hydrolase activity by 22% and COX-2 activity by 99% with an IC50 of 12.5µg/ml. Intragastric administration of the purified fraction of Boswellia serrata at two doses of 50mg/kg b.w. and 100mg/kg b.w., respectively along with 2-3% HPMC resulted in a ~51% (P value

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PMID: 

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019 ;1182:159-180. PMID: 31777018

Abstract Title: 

Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on Brain Injury.

Abstract: 

Neurological dysfunction and death are common events leading to acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease account for a significant and increasing proportion of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum, Lingzhi), one of highly nutritious and significantly effective medicinal herbs, has been used for clinical applications for thousands of years. Several researches have shown that it has a wide range of brain damage protection, such as amelioration of Alzheimer's disease, therapeutic effect on epilepsy, and the protective effect on neural cells in stroke injury. This chapter reviews the neuroprotective effects of G. lucidum and its extracts on brain injury diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, epilepsy, and other neurodegenerative diseases, and the potential clinical applications.

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PMID: 

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019 ;1182:181-199. PMID: 31777019

Abstract Title: 

Protective Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on Cardiovascular System.

Abstract: 

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, rheumatic heart diseases, and other conditions. CVDs are one of the most major causes of morbidity and mortality around the world, taking the lives of 17.9 million people every year. Several investigations have shown the influence of Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum, Lingzhi) on some metabolic markers, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), blood pressure, and oxidative damage. G. lucidum potentially reduces the risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases. Some studies found that G. lucidum prevented from heart damage in a variety of disease models, such as streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic, high-fat-diet-induced diabetic, isoprenaline (ISO)-induced myocardial hypertrophy, acute ethanol-induced heart toxicity, and transverse aortic constriction (TAC) models. This chapter summarizes putative preventive and therapeutic effects of G. lucidum on cardiovascular diseases and the potential clinical use of G. lucidum involved in these effects.

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PMID: 

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019 ;1182:201-215. PMID: 31777020

Abstract Title: 

Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on Diabetes.

Abstract: 

As extracts from Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum, Lingzhi) have been reported to be an alternative adjuvant treatment for diabetes, numerous of work have been carried out on it. Among the many biologically active constituents of Ganoderma, polysaccharides, proteoglycans, proteins, and triterpenoids have been shown to have hypoglycemic effects. Based on our research and other references, this article discusses the antidiabetic effect of Ganoderma mediated by protecting pancreas islet; inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a promising therapeutic target of diabetes; decreasing lymphocyte infiltration; and increasing the antibody detection of insulin in diabetic mice. This review summarizes researches about the hypoglycemic action effects of polysaccharides, proteoglycans, proteins, and triterpenoids from Ganoderma as a guide for future research on diabetes and its complications. In addition, clinical studies with diabetic indexes are reviewed.

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