PMID: 

Apoptosis. 2018 10 ;23(9-10):470-483. PMID: 29995207

Abstract Title: 

Flavonoids of Rosa roxburghii Tratt offers protection against radiation induced apoptosis and inflammation in mouse thymus.

Abstract: 

The present study evaluated the protective effect of the natural compound flavonoids of Rosa roxburghii Tratt (FRT) againstγ-radiation-induced apoptosis and inflammation in mouse thymus cells in vivo and in vitro. Thymus cells and mice were exposed toCoγ-ray at a dose of 6 Gy. The radiation treatment induced significant cell apoptosis and inflammation. Radiation increased the expressions of cleaved caspase 3/8-10, AIF, and PARP-1, and FRT could mitigate their activation and inhibit subsequent apoptosis in the thymus both in vitro or in vivo. Irradiation increased the mRNA expression of ICAM-1/VCAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6 and TNF-α/NF-κB. Our results also indicated that FRT alleviated gene expression of some inflammatory factors such as ICAM-1/VCAM-1, TNF-α/NF-κB, but not IL-1α/IL-6. Irradiation increased the protein expression levels of ICAM-1/VCAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6 and TNF-α/NF-Κb, and our results also indicated that FRT alleviated protein level expression of certain inflammatory factors such as ICAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6, TNF-α/NF-κB, but not VCAM-1. Our results suggested that FRT enhanced radioprotection at least partially by regulating caspase 3/8-10, AIF, and PARP-1 to reduce apoptosis and by regulating ICAM-1, IL-1α/IL-6, TNF-α/NF-κB to reduce inflammation.

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PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 ;2019:4946580. Epub 2019 Aug 20. PMID: 31531112

Abstract Title: 

Oxidative Stress and TGF-1/Smads Signaling Are Involved inFruit Extract Alleviating Renal Fibrosis.

Abstract: 

Fibrosis is involved in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases. We previously discovered thatfruit (Cili) possesses antifibrosis property in chronic renal disease, but the mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that Cili might prevent fibrosis development through mediating TGF-/Smads signaling, which is known to be involved in renal fibrosis. This study aimed to confirm the effects of freeze-dried Cili powder in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and examine TGF-/Smads signaling. Rats were randomized to (n=12/group): sham operation, UUO, UUO with losartan, UUO with moderate Cili dose (3 g/kg/d), and UUO with high Cili dose (6 g/kg/d). The rats were sacrificed after 14 days of treatment. Collagen deposition was tested using Masson's staining. TGF-/Smads signaling was examined by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Rats in the UUO group showed excessive deposition of collagen in kidney interstitium, accompanied with high levels of renal 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, renal malondialdehyde, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and proteinuria (all P

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PMID: 

J Agric Food Chem. 2020 Jan 8 ;68(1):147-159. Epub 2019 Dec 26. PMID: 31826616

Abstract Title: 

Polysaccharide fromTratt Fruit Attenuates Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia and Regulates Colon Microbiota in DiabeticMice.

Abstract: 

This study was aimed at investigating the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of a polysaccharide (RTFP) isolated fromTratt fruit on type-2 diabeticmice. The results indicated that the oral administration of RTFP could significantly decrease the body weight, fat, and liver hypertrophy and the levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and serum lipids of themice. Histopathological observation showed that RTFP could effectively protect the pancreas, liver, and epididymal fat against damage and dysfunction. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that the gene expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ (), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (), acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 (), fatty acid synthase (), and glucose-6-phosphatase () were significantly down-regulated in the liver ofmice after treatment with RTFP. Moreover, RTFP treatment reversed gut dysbiosis by lowering the-to-ratio and enhancing the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria including,S24-7 group, and. These findings suggest that RTFP can be used as a promising functional supplement for the prevention and treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus.

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PMID: 

Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Dec 31 ;9(1). Epub 2019 Dec 31. PMID: 31906130

Abstract Title: 

Hydroxytyrosol Decreases LPS- andα-Synuclein-Induced Microglial Activation In Vitro.

Abstract: 

Neuroinflammation is a common feature shared by neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), and seems to play a key role in their development and progression. Microglia cells, the principal orchestrators of neuroinflammation, can be polarized in different phenotypes, which means they are able to have anti-inflammatory, pro-inflammatory, or neurodegenerative effects. Increasing evidence supports that the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern is related to the reduction of cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases. A considerable intake of plant foods, fish, and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), as well as a moderate consumption of red wine, all characteristic of the Mediterranean diet (MD), are behind these effects. These foods are especially rich in polyphenols, being the most relevant in the MD hydroxytyrosol (HT) and their derivatives present in EVOO, which have demonstrated a wide array of biological activities. Here, we demonstrate that HT is able to reduce the inflammation induced by two different stimuli: lipopolysaccharide andα-synuclein. We also study the possible molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of HT, including the study of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, and inflammasome. Our data support the use of HT to prevent the inflammation associated with PD and shed light into the relationship between MD and this neurological disorder.

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PMID: 

Neurosci Lett. 2020 Jan 18 ;716:134652. Epub 2019 Nov 25. PMID: 31778768

Abstract Title: 

Protective effect of alpha mangostin on rotenone induced toxicity in rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: 

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, late-onset, and degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system with an unknown etiology. Due to its incredible complexity in disease nature, many of the existing treatment approaches show a vain recovery in Parkinson's patients. Therefore, an in search of disease-modifying therapeutics for an effective recovery is essential. Alpha mangostin is an important polyphenolic xanthone reported for its neuroprotective effect against rotenone-inducedα-synuclein aggregation and loss of tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH)-neurons in SH-SY5Y cells. Hence, the current study aims to test its protective effect in managing the in-vivo rat model of PD. To justify this aim, adult male Sprague Dawley rats (250± 20 g) were subjected to chronic treatment of rotenone (2 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for 21 days. In parallel alpha mangostin treatment (10 mg/kg, i.p) was administered along with rotenone for 21 days. Chronic rotenone treatment for 21 days increased lipid peroxidation, nitrite concentration, and decreasedglutathione levels. Further, depletion of TH-dopaminergic neuron expression in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), and the development of motor and behavioral deficits in rotenone treated animals like cognitive impairment, muscle incoordination, and neuromuscular weakness were observed. Moreover, western blot studies ascertained the reduced normal alpha-synuclein levels and increased phosphorylatedα-synuclein levels in comparison to the vehicle-treated group. Treatment with alpha mangostin significantly restored the locomotor activity, memory deficits, and improved the levels of antioxidant enzymes. It also significantly reduced the levels of phosphorylated α-synuclein which in turn gave protection against TH-dopaminergic neuronal loss in SNc, suggesting it's anti-oxidant and anti-aggregatory potential againstα-synuclein. In conclusion through our current results, we could suggest that alpha mangostin has a potential neuroprotective effect against rotenone-induced PD and might be used as a neuroprotective agent. Further mechanistic studies on preclinical and clinical levels are required to be conductedwith alpha mangostin to avail and foresee it as a potential agent in the treatment and management of PD.

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PMID: 

Int Immunopharmacol. 2020 Jan ;78:106061. Epub 2019 Dec 9. PMID: 31821937

Abstract Title: 

Xanthone suppresses allergic contact dermatitis in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: 

Xanthone is a phenolic compound found in a few higher plant families; it has a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the activity of xanthone in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) remain to be explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of xanthone in ACD in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell), and human mast cell line (HMC-1 cell) in vitro and in an experimental murine model. The results demonstrated that treatment with xanthone reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and expression of chemokines thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. Xanthone also suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and allergic mediators in phorbol myristate acetate/A23187 calcium ionophore (PMACI)-stimulated HMC-1 cells. Xanthone significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activation of caspase-1 signaling pathway in vitro model. Additionally, xanthone administration alleviated 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced atopic dermatitis like-skin lesion by reducing the serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressing MAPKs phosphorylation. Xanthone administration also inhibited mortality due to compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock and suppressed the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction mediated by IgE. Collectively, these results suggest that xanthone has a potential for use in the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases.

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PMID: 

J Am Coll Nutr. 2019 Dec 17:1-10. Epub 2019 Dec 17. PMID: 31846399

Abstract Title: 

Short-Time Administration of Xanthone FromFruit Pericarp Attenuates the Hepatotoxicity and Renotoxicity of Type II Diabetes Mice.

Abstract: 

Our previous studies reported that xanthone can protect from hyperglycemia-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) via possessing antioxidant activity. An attempt has been made to evaluate the protective effect of xanthone against hepatotoxicity and renotoxicity of high-fat-diet and single-dose-streptozotocin-induced DM mice.In this research,antioxidant and antidiabetic assays were performed.oral glucose and maltose tolerance test, metabolic parameters, plasma biochemical markers, oxidative status, etc. were evaluated in experimental mice. In addition, liver/kidney tissue histology and kidney apoptosis were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays, respectively.Xanthone exhibited potentantioxidant and antidiabetic activity. Xanthone treatments to diabetic mice significantly ( 

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PMID: 

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 31 ;21(1). Epub 2019 Dec 31. PMID: 31906096

Abstract Title: 

Physiological and Metabolic Effects of Yellow Mangosteen () Rind in Rats with Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome.

Abstract: 

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of disorders that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This study has investigated the responses to rind of yellow mangosteen (), usually discarded as waste, in a rat model of human metabolic syndrome. The rind contains higher concentrations of phytochemicals (such as garcinol, morelloflavone and citric acid) than the pulp. Male Wistar rats aged 8-9 weeks were fed either corn starch diet or high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet for 16 weeks, which were supplemented with 5% freeze-driedfruit rind powder during the last 8 weeks. We characterised metabolic, cardiovascular, liver and gut microbiota parameters. High-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-fed rats developed abdominal obesity, hypertension, increased left ventricular diastolic stiffness, decreased glucose tolerance, fatty liver and reducedwith increasedin the colonic microbiota.fruit rind powder attenuated these changes, improved cardiovascular and liver structure and function, and attenuated changes in colonic microbiota.fruit rind powder may be effective in metabolic syndrome by appetite suppression, inhibition of inflammatory processes and increased fat metabolism, possibly related to changes in the colonic microbiota. Hence, we propose the use offruit rind as a functional food to ameliorate symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

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PMID: 

Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Dec ;7(12):4063-4075. Epub 2019 Nov 21. PMID: 31890186

Abstract Title: 

Protective effects of mung bean (L.) and pea (L.) against high-fat-induced oxidative stress.

Abstract: 

Hyperlipidemia is closely related to oxidative stress, and it has been proved that the intake of legumes can protect the body from chronic diseases related to oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of mung beans and peas against high-fat-diet-induced rats. It was found that, with 50% addition of mung beans or peas, the intake of mung beans and peas could significantly restore the levels of serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Liver staining also showed that high-fat diet (HFD) led to liver lesions, whereas whole-grain intake could significantly relieve these symptoms. Compared with the HFD group, the antioxidant defense system and antioxidant gene expression in administered legume groups improved markedly. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the two legume extracts were determined. Characterization showed that the ethanol extracts of mung beans and peas possessed high antioxidant activities, for their ability to scavenge ABTS and DPPH, reduce Feand their antilipid peroxidation capacity. Treatments with ethanol extracts at different doses could restore the levels of intracellular lipid, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant enzyme activities in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells. All these results suggested that mung beans and peas or their extracts may be utilized as good candidates of natural antioxidant agents.

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PMID: 

Foods. 2019 Dec 23 ;9(1). Epub 2019 Dec 23. PMID: 31877918

Abstract Title: 

Mung Bean Protein Hydrolysates Protect Mouse Liver Cell Line Nctc-1469 Cell from Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Cell Injury.

Abstract: 

Mung bean is nutritious and rich in protein (19.5%-33.1%). However, there are few studies on mung bean protein active peptides so the mung bean protein hydrolysates (MBPHs) were investigated for evaluating their ability to clear intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulating the ability of antioxidant enzymes on NCTC-1469 cells. Results showed that MBPHs, MBPHs-I (molecular weight10 kDa) could all improve the survival rate of cells compared with the model group. MBPHs, MBPHs-I, and MBPHs-II could significantly decrease the content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and reduce the generation of malonaldehyde (MDA) at a concentration of 0.4 mg/mL. Regarding the intracellular ROS, the result showed that MBPHs-I significantly reduced the production of ROS (from 58.3% to 26.6%) and had a dose-dependent relationship. In addition, the amino acid analysis showed that MBPHs-I had a balanced amino acid composition. MBPHs-I is rich in lysine but was deficient in cereals. Therefore, the hydrophobic and aromatic amino acids in MBPHs-I were high, which could improve its antioxidant activity. According to the results, MBPHs-I was the best and most potent natural antioxidant and it can contribute to drug development and medical application.

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