PMID: 

Pharm Biol. 2020 Dec ;58(1):25-34. PMID: 31854220

Abstract Title: 

Curcumin inhibited the growth and invasion of human monocytic leukaemia SHI-1 cellsby altering MAPK and MMP signalling.

Abstract: 

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizome of the tropical plantL. (Zingiberaceae), has been considered as a cancer chemopreventive drug by American National Cancer Institute.To examine the effect of curcumin on acute monocytic leukaemia SHI-1 cells.The SHI-1 cells (1 × 10cells in 0.1 mL PBS) were injected subcutaneously into the right flanks of the female SCID mice. Curcumin dissolved in olive oil (15 and 30 mg/kg) was administered (i.p.) to mice once a day for 15 days while the control group received olive oil injection. Tumour proliferation and apoptosis were examined by PCNA, TUNEL and cleaved caspase-3 staining. The expression of MAPK, NF-κB, MMP9, MMP2 and vimentin were confirmed by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry or western blotting.Administration of curcumin significantly inhibited tumour growth, as the tumour weight decreased from 0.67 g (control) to 0.47 g (15 mg/kg) and 0.35 g (30 mg/kg). Curcumin inhibited the expression of PCNA and increased the degree of TUNEL and cleaved caspase-3 staining in tumour tissue. The results of western blotting showed that curcumin treatment inhibited NF-κB and ERK signalling while activating p38 and JNK. Moreover, curcumin attenuated the mRNA transcription and protein expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Curcumin also suppressed the level of vimentin.Our study demonstrates that curcumin can inhibit the growth and invasion of human monocytic leukaemia, suggesting the possible use of curcumin for anti-metastasis in leukaemia and the value of determining its unique target.

read more

PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Dec 24 ;250:112502. Epub 2019 Dec 24. PMID: 31881321

Abstract Title: 

Curcumin, as a pleiotropic agent, improves doxorubicin-induced nephrotic syndrome in rats.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Curcumin, a phenolic compound extracted from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), has been reported to have broad biological functions including potent antioxidant and renoprotective effects. It has been reported that Curcumin has a certain protective effect on the kidney. However, its mechanism of action needs further study.AIM OF THE STUDY: The present research aims at investigating the therapeutic effects and its underlying mechanism of curcumin on NS.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The conditionally immortalized mouse podocyte cell line was utilized to evaluate the podocyte-protective effect of curcumin and its effects on NF-κB pathway and Nrf2/ARE pathway in podocyte in vitro. Furthermore, the DOX-induced NS rats were utilized to investigate the therapeutic effects and its underlying mechanism of curcumin against NS in vivo.RESULTS: The consequences of this study revealed that curcumin activated Nrf2, inhibited NF-κB pathway and up-regulated podocin in DOX-induced podocyte. Further research results showed that curcumin can considerably alleviate proteinuria and improve hypoalbuminemia in NS rats, and lower blood lipid levels to alleviate hyperlipidemia in NS rats, indicating that curcumin has significant therapeutic effects on rat NS. Further observation by electron microscopy and detection showed that curcumin can improve renal function and podocyte injury, which may be related to the repairment of mRNA expression and podocin protein. Interestingly, the results of the blood rheology test showed that curcumin can effectively reduce whole blood viscosity (WBV) and plasma viscosity (PV), and reduce hematocrit (Hct). In addition, the oxidative stress state of kidney in NS rats was considerably reversed by curcumin, which may be achieved by activating Nrf2 and increasing the expression of antioxidantenzymes HO-1, NQO-1. We also found that NF-κB pathway is activated in the kidney of NS rats, and curcumin can inhibit the activation of NF-κB by down-regulating the expression of NF-κB p65, reducing the level of p-IκBα and up-regulating the expression of IκBα.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that curcumin, as a multifunctional agent, exerts a protective effect on DOX-induced nephrotic syndrome in rats, which provides a pharmacological basis for the further development of curcumin and also provides a basis for the advantages of multi-targeted drugs in the processing of NS.

read more

PMID: 

Molecules. 2019 Dec 30 ;25(1). Epub 2019 Dec 30. PMID: 31905820

Abstract Title: 

Neuroprotective Effects of Tetrahydrocurcumin against Glutamate-Induced Oxidative Stress in Hippocampal HT22 Cells.

Abstract: 

In the central nervous system, glutamate is a major excitable neurotransmitter responsible for many cellular functions. However, excessive levels of glutamate induce neuronal cell death via oxidative stress during acute brain injuries as well as chronic neurodegenerative diseases. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a major secondary metabolite of curcumin, and its possible mechanism against glutamate-induced cell death. We prepared THC using curcumin isolated from(turmeric) and demonstrated the protective effect of THC against glutamate-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells. THC abrogated glutamate-induced HT22 cell death and showed a strong antioxidant effect. THC also significantly reduced intracellular calcium ion increased by glutamate. Additionally, THC significantly reduced the accumulation of intracellular oxidative stress induced by glutamate. Furthermore, THC significantly diminished apoptotic cell death indicated by annexin V-positive in HT22 cells. Western blot analysis indicated that the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases including c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-related kinases 1/2, and p38 by glutamate was significantly diminished by treatment with THC. In conclusion, THC is a potent neuroprotectant against glutamate-induced neuronal cell death by inhibiting the accumulation of oxidative stress and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases.

read more

PMID: 

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019 Oct ;71(Suppl 1):883-886. Epub 2019 Jan 29. PMID: 31742088

Abstract Title: 

Use of Aloe Vera and Turmeric Paste as a Supplementary Medicine in Oral Submucosal Fibrosis: A Pilot Study.

Abstract: 

Oral submucosal fibrosis is the major health issue affecting 2.5 million Indian population under the age of 40 years. All the available treatments give only symptomatic relief which is short lived.The incidence of Oral submucosal fibrosis still rising alarmingly and there is a dire need to search for an effective and safe remedy because of lack of present therapies to either provide a complete cure or treating the patients at the cost of adverse effects. A total of 140 clinically diagnosed patients with Oral submucosal fibrosis (diagnosed on the basis of reduction in interincisal distance on maximum mouth opening and palpable fibrous bands involving oralmucosa) within the age range of 18-50 years with decreased interincisal opening were selected (time period 1.5 year). These patients were given Inj. Triamcinolone (40 mg) and Inj Hyaluronidase every 21 days. Pt was divided in 2 groups (each containing both males and females) those receiving Triamcinolone ointment alone BD (control) and those receiving Triamcinolone ointment BD along with turmeric&aloe vera paste combination (test). A statistically significant improvement was seen in both burning sensation and mouth opening in both males and females. The result of the study shows that the synergistic action of these herbs results in higher efficacy and highly potent Oral submucosal fibrosis treatment.

read more

PMID: 

Chin J Integr Med. 2020 Jan 10. Epub 2020 Jan 10. PMID: 31919748

Abstract Title: 

Combination of Korean Red Ginseng Extract and Hydrogen-Rich Water Improves Spermatogenesis and Sperm Motility in Male Mice.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of hydrogen-rich Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) water (HRGW) mixture on the spermatogenesis and sperm motility of mice of different ages.METHODS: Eighty young (3 month-old) and aged (12 month-old) male mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n =10 per group) including control group, hydrogen-rich water (HRW) group (10 mL/kg daily), KRG group (50 mg/kg daily) and HRGW group (10 mL/kg and 50 mg/kg daily) by an oral zoned needle for 4 weeks. Sperm count and motility were measured using sperm suspension released from cauda epididymis. Serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum have also been estimated. Tubular changes were examined through histological hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expression of antioxidation (PPx3, PPx4, GSTm5 and GPx4), spermatogenesis (inhibin-a, neptin-2 and CREM), antiaging (SIRT1 and SIRT2), and angiogenesis [visfatin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] related genes were examined through real-time polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS: HRW and KRG treatment stimulated spermatogenesis followed by increasing sperm production and sperm motility (P

read more

PMID: 

Molecules. 2019 Dec 19 ;25(1). Epub 2019 Dec 19. PMID: 31861678

Abstract Title: 

Deuterium-Depleted Water as Adjuvant Therapeutic Agent for Treatment of Diet-Induced Obesity in Rats.

Abstract: 

In this study, we present the potential application of deuterium-depleted water (DDW) for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of obesity in rats. We tested the hypothesis that DDW can alleviate diet-induced obesity (DIO) and its associated metabolic impairments. Rats fed a high-fat diet had an increased body weight index (BWI), glucose concentration, and level of certain proinflammatory cytokines; decreased levels of insulin in the serum; decreased tryptophan and serotonin in the brain, and a decreased concentration of some heavy metals in the liver. Drinking DDW at a concentration of 10 ppm deuterium/protium (D/H)for 3 weeks restored the BWI, glucose (serum), tryptophan (brain), and serotonin (brain) levels and concentration of Zn in the liver in the DIO animals to those of the controls. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IFNγ) and anti-inflammatory TNFα were decreased in DIO rats, while anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4, IL-10) levels remained at the control levels, which is indicative of a pathophysiological syndrome. In contrast, in groups of rats treated with DDW, a significant increase in anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) and proinflammatory cytokines (IFNγ) was observed. This finding indicates a reduction in systemic inflammation in obese animals treated with DDW. Similarly, the high-fat diet caused an increased level of oxidative stress products, which was accompanied by decreased activity of both superoxide dismutase and catalase, whereas the administration of DDW decreased the level of oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities.

read more

PMID: 

Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2019 Sep 1 ;317(3):L424-L430. Epub 2019 Jul 31. PMID: 31364371

Abstract Title: 

Pulmonary inflammation induced by low-dose particulate matter exposure in mice.

Abstract: 

Air pollution is a ubiquitous problem and comprises gaseous and particulate matter (PM). Epidemiological studies have clearly shown that exposure to PM is associated with impaired lung function and the development of lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. To understand the mechanisms involved, animal models are often used. However, the majority of such models represent high levels of exposure and are not representative of the exposure levels in less polluted countries, such as Australia. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine whether low dose PMexposure has any detrimental effect on the lungs. Mice were intranasally exposed to saline or traffic-related PM(1μg or 5μg/day) for 3 wk. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue were analyzed. PMat 1μg did not significantly affect inflammatory and mitochondrial markers. At 5 μg, PMexposure increased lymphocytes and macrophages in BAL fluid. Increased NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and IL-1β production occurred following PMexposure. PM(5μg) exposure reduced mitochondrial antioxidant manganese superoxide (antioxidant defense system) and mitochondrial fusion marker (OPA-1), while it increased fission marker (Drp-1). Autophagy marker light-chain 3 microtubule-associated protein (LC3)-II and phosphorylated-AMPK were reduced, and apoptosis marker (caspase 3) was increased. No significant change of remodeling markers was observed. In conclusion, a subchronic low-level exposure to PM can have an adverse effect on lung health, which should be taken into consideration for the planning of roads and residential buildings.

read more

PMID: 

Exp Neurol. 2020 Jan 8:113178. Epub 2020 Jan 8. PMID: 31926165

Abstract Title: 

The benefits of voluntary physical exercise after traumatic brain injury on rat's object recognition memory: A comparison of different temporal schedules.

Abstract: 

Physical exercise can reduce the cognitive decline associated with traumatic brain injury, yet little is known about the optimal administration schedules. Here, different protocols of voluntary wheel running were evaluated for their effects on object recognition memory (ORM), neuroprotection (NeuNcells), microglial reactivity (Iba1 staining) and neurogenesis (DCXcells) after controlled cortical impact injury (CCI). CCI-lesioned rats were divided into a sedentary group and three exercise groups: early discontinued exercise (3 weeks of exercise initiated 4 days post-injury, followed by 4 weeks in a sedentary state); delayed exercise (3 weeks of exercise initiated 4 weeks post-injury), and early continuous exercise (7 weeks of exercise starting 4 days post-injury). The deficits induced by CCI in a 24 h ORMtest were reversed in the delayed exercise group and reduced in the early discontinued and early continuous groups. The early discontinued protocol also reduced the loss of NeuNcells in the hilus, while attenuated microglial reactivity was found in the dorsal hippocampus of both the early exercising groups. Running at the end of the experiment increased the number of DCXcells in the early continuous and delayed groups, and an inverted U-shaped relationship was found between the mean daily exercise time and the amount of neurogenesis. Thus, exercise had benefits on memory both when it was commenced soon and later after injury, although the neural mechanisms implicated differed. Accordingly, the effects of exercise on memory and neurogenesis appear to not only depend on the specific temporal schedule but also, they may be influenced by the amount of daily exercise.

read more

PMID: 

Life Sci. 2020 Jan 8:117279. Epub 2020 Jan 8. PMID: 31926245

Abstract Title: 

Treadmill exercise improves neurological function by inhibiting autophagy and the binding of HMGB1 to Beclin1 in MCAO juvenile rats.

Abstract: 

AIMS: Treadmill exercise is a beneficial treatment following childhood stroke. Thus, studies focusing on the neuroprotective mechanism of exercise training during postischemic treatment in children with ischemic stroke are urgently needed. We evaluated the effects of treadmill exercise on autophagy after cerebral ischemia in young rats.MAIN METHODS: Rats (23-25 days old) underwent cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI/R) surgery. The experimental animals were divided into 5 groups, and some groups received either treadmill exercise, a rapamycin (RAPA) injection or combination therapy for 3 or 7 days. We performed a series of experimental tests including neurological scoring, hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), Nissl staining, triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Western blot analysis (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence.KEY FINDINGS: The experimental data indicated that treadmill exercise inhibited autophagy in the ischemic penumbra, inhibited high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) translocation and binding to Beclin1, reduced apoptosis, reduced infarct volumes, and aided in functional recovery. However, RAPA promoted the opposite effects of treadmill exercise.SIGNIFICANCE: We found that treadmill exercise improves the neurological deficits induced by CI/R by inhibiting autophagy and HMGB1 binding to Beclin1.

read more

PMID: 

Am J Epidemiol. 2019 Nov 1 ;188(11):1944-1952. PMID: 31497846

Abstract Title: 

The Roles of Physical Activity and Inflammation in Mortality, Cognition, and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Mexican Americans.

Abstract: 

A higher level of physical activity (PA) is associated with decreased risk of mortality, dementia, and depression, yet the mechanisms involved are not well understood, and little evidence exists for Mexican Americans. With data from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (1998-2007), we used Cox proportional hazards regression to separately evaluate associations of baseline PA level with mortality, dementia/cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND), and depressive symptoms, and we estimated the mediating effects of inflammatory markers in additive hazard models. A low level of PA (

read more