PMID: 

Iran J Pharm Res. 2019 ;18(2):812-825. PMID: 31531064

Abstract Title: 

Houtt Extract Attenuates Neuronal Loss and Glial Activation in Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Kindling Model.

Abstract: 

Inflammatory reactions are closely associated with the development and progression of epilepsy. It has been shown that inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are released from activated astrocytes and microglia, are considered to be an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of epileptic disorders. Regarding the anti-inflammatory effects of nutmeg (Houtt), the present study was designed to investigate whether the nutmeg ethanolic extract could exert anticonvulsant and inhibitory effects on glial activation in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced mice model of kindling. Ethanolic extract of nutmeg was administrated intraperitoneally (i.p.) 1 hour before PTZ injection or one week before PTZ as a separate group, to become fully-kindled. The chemical components of nutmeg extract were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Immunostaining against neuronal and glial markers was performed on hippocampus sections. GC-MS data indicated that the main components of nutmeg extract are myristic acid (39.93%), elemicin (22.16%) and myristicin (11.17%). Behavioral studies showed that pre-treatment of nutmeg extract effectively reduced seizures behavior, decreased cell death, and ameliorated glial activation that is followed by PTZ administration. In conclusion, nutmeg extract might be regarded as a useful supplementary agent in epilepsy treatment through its attenuation of neuronal loss and glial activation.

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PMID: 

Front Microbiol. 2019 ;10:2152. Epub 2019 Sep 18. PMID: 31620108

Abstract Title: 

Myrislignan Exhibits Activities AgainstRH Strain by Triggering Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Abstract: 

is a widespread obligatory parasitic protozoon that infects nearly all warm-blooded animals and causes toxoplasmosis. However, the current treatments for toxoplasmosis are limited by severe side effects. Myrislignan is a natural product fromHoutt with wide pharmacological activities. In the current study, we tested the anti-activity of myrislignan bothandand explored its potential mechanism of action. The cytotoxicity of myrislignan in African green monkey kidney (Vero) cells was assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. Theeffects of myrislignan onwere determined by quantitative PCR and Giemsa staining. Anmurine model ofinfection was used to determine the efficacy of myrislignan. The changes in tachyzoites after myrislignan exposure were examined by electron microscopy. The impact of myrislignan on mitochondrial function in tachyzoites was assessed by MitoTracker Red CMXRos staining and an ATP detection kit., myrislignan inhibitedtachyzoite proliferation with a 50% effective concentration of 32.41μg/ml, and reduced the invasion of cells by tachyzoites (14.63 and 1.92% invasion rates for control and 70 μg/ml myrislignan, respectively). Importantly, myrislignan had no significant cytotoxicity against Vero cells at concentrations less than 132 μg/ml. In addition, surface shrinkage and mitochondrial damage were observed in tachyzoites after myrislignan exposure. The reduced Δand ATP levels in tachyzoites treated with myrislignan further confirmed mitochondrial damage. In themurine model, myrislignan treatment significantly reduced the parasite burden in tissues compared to no treatment. In conclusion, myrislignan had potent anti-activities bothandand these activities might involve the interruption of mitochondrial function. These data suggest that myrislignan might be a useful compound for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2020 Jan 20 ;25(2). Epub 2020 Jan 20. PMID: 31968657

Abstract Title: 

Thymoquinone Enhances Paclitaxel Anti-Breast Cancer Activity via Inhibiting Tumor-Associated Stem Cells Despite Apparent Mathematical Antagonism.

Abstract: 

Thymoquinone (TQ) has shown substantial evidence for its anticancer effects. Using human breast cancer cells, we evaluated the chemomodulatory effect of TQ on paclitaxel (PTX). TQ showed weak cytotoxic properties against MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells with ICvalues of 64.93± 14 µM and 165 ± 2 µM, respectively. Combining TQ with PTX showed apparent antagonism, increasing the ICvalues of PTX from 0.2± 0.07 µM to 0.7 ± 0.01 µM and from 0.1 ± 0.01 µM to 0.15 ± 0.02 µM in MCF-7 and T47D cells, respectively. Combination index analysis showed antagonism in both cell lines with CI values of 4.6 and 1.6, respectively. However, resistance fractions to PTX within MCF-7 and T47D cells (42.3 ± 1.4% and 41.9 ± 1.1%, respectively) were completely depleted by combination with TQ. TQ minimally affected the cell cycle, with moderate accumulation of cells in the S-phase. However, a significant increase in Pre-G phase cells was observed due to PTX alone and PTX combination with TQ. To dissect this increase in the Pre-G phase, apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy were assessed by flowcytometry. TQ significantly increased the percent of apoptotic/necrotic cell death in T47D cells after combination with paclitaxel. On the other hand, TQ significantly induced autophagy in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, TQ was found to significantly decrease breast cancer-associated stem cell clone (CD44+/CD24-cell) in both MCF-7 and T47D cells. This was mirrored by the downregulation of TWIST-1 gene and overexpression of SNAIL-1 and SNAIL-2 genes. TQ therefore possesses potential chemomodulatory effects to PTX when studied in breast cancer cells via enhancing PTX induced cell death including autophagy. In addition, TQ depletes breast cancer-associated stem cells and sensitizes breast cancer cells to PTX killing effects.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 Jan 20:112585. Epub 2020 Jan 20. PMID: 31972323

Abstract Title: 

Effects of Nigella sativa on endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus; A review.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Endothelial dysfunction is involved in lesion generation by the promotion of both early and late mechanism(s) of atherosclerosis such as adhesion molecules up-regulation, increased chemokine secretion and leukocyte adherence, increased cell permeability, enhanced low-density lipoprotein oxidation, cytokine elaboration, platelet activation and vascular smooth muscle cell migration, and proliferation. Nigella sativa is from the Ranunculaceae family which is used in some countries for various medicinal purposes. Nigella sativa seed has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes.AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review article summarized the therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa on endothelial dysfunction.METHODS: Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Iran Medex were considered. The search terms were"Nigella sativa"or"endothelium"and"Diabetes","endothelial dysfunction","Thymoquinone"and"anti-inflammatory effect".RESULTS: The current review shows that Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone have a protective effect on endothelial dysfunction induced by diabetes. This is done by several mechanisms such as reduction of inflammatory and apoptotic markers, improving hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and antioxidant function, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and regulating eNOS, VCAM-1 and LOX-1 genes expression that involve in the endothelial dysfunction. Thymoquinone also reduces expression and secretion of some cytokines such as MCP-1, interleukin-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and Cox-2 that result in anti-inflammation effect.CONCLUSION: Thymoquinone, the main phenolic terpene found in Nigella sativa, has several important properties such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. Therefore, Nigella sativa can improve endothelial dysfunction.

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PMID: 

Int J Biol Macromol. 2020 Jan 14. Epub 2020 Jan 14. PMID: 31953178

Abstract Title: 

Polysaccharide from Echinacea purpurea reduce the oxidant stress in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: 

Echinacea purpurea polysaccharides (EPPS) were extracted through water extract and alcohol precipitate method. Three polysaccharides were purified by DEAE cellulose, named EPPS-1, EPPS-2 and EPPS-3. The antioxidant activities in three polysaccharides were screened by free radical scavenging test and EPPS-3 possessed the best antioxidant function. Then the antioxidant activities of EPPS-3 were further explored in oxidative damage model in vitro and in vivo for the first time. The results showed that the antioxidases and the metabolism content were significantly improved in EPPS-3 group. EPPS-3 could protect hepatic tissue from the injury of CClcompared with the oxidative damage model. The mechanism research demonstrated that EPPS-3 restrained cell apoptosis and promoted Nrf2 cell signal pathway to play an antioxidant impact. Therefore, EPPS-3 an ingredient could be served as amazing gift for food industry and feed additive.

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PMID: 

Mutagenesis. 2020 Jan 22. Epub 2020 Jan 22. PMID: 31967303

Abstract Title: 

Fructose consumption during pregnancy and lactation causes DNA damage and biochemical changes in female mice.

Abstract: 

The consumption of fructose during pregnancy can cause hyperglycaemia and may stimulate production of reactive oxygen species; however, there are only a few studies reporting whether fructose consumption during pregnancy causes DNA damage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fructose consumption on genetic and biochemical parameters in Swiss mice treated during pregnancy and lactation. For this, 15 couples of 60-day-old Swiss mice were divided into three groups of five couples: negative control (water) and two fructose groups (fructose dose of 10%/l and 20%/l). During this period, we evaluated food consumption, energy efficiency and body weight. Samples of blood were collected from the females before copulation, after the 15th day of conception and on the 21st day after the lactation period, for the glycaemic and lipid profiles as well as comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test. Comet assay and MN test evaluate DNA damage and clastogenicity, respectively. In the gestation and lactation period, the two fructose doses tested showed DNA damage as observed in the comet assay, which is associated with an increase in dietary intake, body weight, lipid profile and fasting glycaemia in females. Thus, it can be suggested that the high consumption of fructose during these periods is harmful for pregnancy and lactation.

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PMID: 

Public Health Nutr. 2020 Jan 9:1-11. Epub 2020 Jan 9. PMID: 31915093

Abstract Title: 

Association of sugar-sweetened beverage intake with risk of metabolic syndrome among children and adolescents in urban China.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: High sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake has been shown to correlate with a higher risk for CVD and metabolic disorders, while the association between SSB intake and the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains unclear. The present study aimed to explore the association between SSB intake and MetS among children and adolescents in urban China.DESIGN: A cross-sectional study involving 7143 children and adolescents was conducted in urban China. MetS definition proposed by the International Diabetes Federation was adopted. Data on SSB intake, diet, physical activity and family environment factors were obtained through questionnaires. Logistic regression models with multivariable adjustment were adopted to analyse the association between SSB intake and the risk of MetS and its components.SETTING: Primary and secondary schools in three urban cities of China.PARTICIPANTS: Children and adolescents (n 5258) aged 7-18 years.RESULTS: Among the participants, 29·9 % of them had high SSB intake (at least 0·3 servings/d) and the overall MetS prevalence was 2·7 %. Participants with high SSB intake were at higher risk for MetS (OR = 1·60; 95 % CI 1·03, 2·54) and abdominal obesity (OR = 1·55; 95 % CI 1·28, 1·83) compared with their counterparts with noSSB intake (0 servings/d).CONCLUSIONS: High SSB intake is significantly associated with increased MetS and abdominal obesity risk among children and adolescents in urban China. These results suggest that strong policies focusing on controlling SSB intake might be effective in preventing MetS and abdominal obesity.

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PMID: 

J Ren Nutr. 2020 Jan 17. Epub 2020 Jan 17. PMID: 31959496

Abstract Title: 

Nut Consumption and Renal Function Among Women With a History of Gestational Diabetes.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: Nut intake has been associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk, but few studies have examined its association with renal function. We examined associations between nut intake and renal function among women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a population with an increased risk for renal dysfunction.DESIGN AND METHODS: This study included 607 women with a history of GDM who participated in the Diabetes&Women's Health Study (2012-2014) follow-up clinical examination in Denmark. At the clinic, biospecimens were collected, and habitual intake of nuts (9 types) in the past year was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. A total of 330 women free of major chronic diseases were included in the analysis. Total nut intake was classified as none (≤1 serving/month), monthly (2-3 servings/month), weekly (1-6 servings/week), and daily (≥1 serving/day). One serving was defined as 28 g. Renal function markers included estimated glomerular rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), calculated based on plasma creatinine (mg/dL), and urinary albumin (mg/L), and creatinine (mg/dL) measurements, respectively. We estimated percent differences with 95% confidence intervals for each outcome by nut intake, adjusted for current body mass index, age, physical activity, energy intake, alcohol consumption, and vegetables intake.RESULTS: We observed a nonlinear association between total nut intake and UACR with lowest UACR values among women with weekly intake. Compared to women with weekly intake (n = 222), the adjusted UACR values were higher by 86% [95% confidence interval: 15%, 202%], 24% [-1%, 54%], and 117% [22%, 288%] among women with no (n = 13), monthly (n = 86), and daily (n = 9) intake, respectively. Compared to weekly consumers, daily nut consumers also had 9% [0%, 19%] significantly higher eGFR values, but eGFR values were similar among women with no and monthly intake.CONCLUSION: Moderate nut consumption may be beneficial to kidney health among women with prior GDM.

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PMID: 

Am J Clin Nutr. 2020 Jan 22. Epub 2020 Jan 22. PMID: 31968071

Abstract Title: 

Yogurt consumption in relation to mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes: a prospective investigation in 2 cohorts of US women and men.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Although a link between regular yogurt consumption and mortality appears plausible, data are sparse and have yielded inconsistent results.OBJECTIVES: We examined the association between regular yogurt consumption and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality among US women and men.METHODS: A total of 82,348 women in the Nurses' Health Study and 40,278 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer in 1980 (women) or 1986 (men) were followed up until 2012. Yogurt consumption was assessed by updated validated FFQs.RESULTS: During 3,354,957 person-years of follow-up, 20,831 women and 12,397 men died. Compared with no yogurt consumption, the multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) of mortality were 0.89 (0.86, 0.93), 0.85 (0.81, 0.89), 0.88 (0.84, 0.91), and 0.91 (0.85, 0.98) for≤1-3 servings/mo, 1 serving/wk, 2-4 servings/wk, and>4 servings/wk in women (P-trend = 0.34), respectively. For men, the corresponding HRs (95% CIs) were 0.99 (0.94, 1.03), 0.98 (0.91, 1.05), 1.04 (0.98, 1.10), and 1.05 (0.95, 1.16), respectively. We further noted inverse associations for cancer mortality (multivariable-adjusted HR comparing extreme categories: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.98; P-trend = 0.04) and CVD mortality (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.08; P-trend = 0.41) in women, although the latter was attenuated in the multivariable-adjusted model. Replacement of 1 serving/d of yogurt with 1 serving/d of nuts (women and men) or whole grains (women) was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, whereas replacement of yogurt with red meat, processed meat (women and men), and milk or other dairy foods (women) was associated with a greater mortality.CONCLUSIONS: In our study, regular yogurt consumption was related to lower mortality risk among women. Given that no clear dose-response relation was apparent, this result must be interpreted with caution.

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PMID: 

Maedica (Buchar). 2019 Sep ;14(3):254-259. PMID: 31798741

Abstract Title: 

Prominent Pancreatic Lipase Inhibition and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of a Myristica fragrans Ethanolic Extract in vitro. Potential Role in Obesity Treatment.

Abstract: 

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and lipase inhibitory potential of various extracts of Myristica fragrans (in vitro).Ethanolic extracts of Myristica fragrans were studied for their free radical scavenging and lipase inhibitory potentials by using porcine lipase, PNPB and DPPH. All results were obtained by applying active formulas and calculating the percentage of inhibition.Among all extracts, Myristica fragrans ethanolic extract has shown the strongest pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity at 100ìg/mL (66.24%), with the closest potency to tthat of the standard drug, Orlistat (81.57%). This extract has also exhibited a potent antioxidant activity. The findings of the present study clearly showed that DPPH free radical scavenging activity of MFE produced 88% inhibition at 5 mg/mL as comparedto standard ascorbic acid, which was 90%.Ethanolic extracts of Myristica fragrans had a marked PL inhibitory action and antioxidant effect. Therefore, based on this research evidence, they could be aternatively used for obesity treatment.

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