PMID: 

Am J Ophthalmol. 2019 Nov 14. Epub 2019 Nov 14. PMID: 31734134

Abstract Title: 

Association of ambient particulate matter exposure with the incidence of glaucoma in childhood.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: To investigate whether exposure to air pollution, particularly to particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter of≤10 μm (PM), is associated with diagnosis of childhood glaucoma.DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study METHODS: From the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort, a total of 9,004 infants born between January 2002 and December 2002 were included and followed-up for an 11-year period (2003-2012). Patients with glaucoma were defined as ICD-10 code H40. Exposure levels of PMwere extrapolated using geographic information systems, and individual exposure levels assigned.RESULTS: During the study period, glaucoma occurred in 85 (0.94%). The probability of developing childhood glaucoma increased with the increase in PMquartiles. Increases in 1μg/mof long-term PMwere significantly associated with increased HRs for childhood glaucoma (HR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.15-1.28). Compared the risk of the lowest PMexposure group (Quartile 1), the adjusted HRs for childhood glaucoma were significant in the highest PMexposure group of Quartile 4 (HR = 2.84; 95% CI, 1.37-5.89) in model 3. Regarding the long-term PMexposure, the estimated hazard was considerably elevated in Quartile 4 (HR = 6.61; 95% CI, 2.96-14.75).CONCLUSIONS: Short-term and long-term exposure to PMwas associated with the incidence of childhood glaucoma. This finding confirms previous reports on the link between air pollution and ocular disease and suggests that PMexposure may be a risk for childhood glaucoma.

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PMID: 

Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2019 Dec 11. Epub 2019 Dec 11. PMID: 31825661

Abstract Title: 

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester attenuates changes in pancreatic tissue damage biomarkers induced by cisplatin.

Abstract: 

Application of cisplatin (CP) for the treatment of different cancers is known to cause pancreatitis, through an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and promotion of inflammation. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), the main activity carrier of propolis extracts, was previously found to possess numerous beneficial properties. This study aims to determine for the first time the potential of CAPE in preventing CP-induced pancreatic tissue damage by studying the changes occurring on both biochemical and microscopic levels. The levels of serumα-amylase and a panel of pancreatic tissue biomarkers related to tissue injury (reduced glutathione, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde, protein carbonylated concentration) and inflammation (myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide and TNF-α) would be studied in male Wistar rats treated with either CP alone or with CP and CAPE. Additionally, microscopic analysis of pancreatic tissue would be conducted as well. Application of CAPE together with CP, statistically significantly prevented the disturbance in all here-studied pancreatic tissue damage and inflammation-related biomarkers. The changes in pancreas biochemical status was followed by the morphological disturbance. The results of the present study suggest that CAPE could act as a protective agent in pancreatic damage that arises after CP application.

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PMID: 

Cancer Immunol Res. 2019 Dec 12. Epub 2019 Dec 12. PMID: 31831632

Abstract Title: 

Aggressive Mammary Cancers Lacking Lymphocytic Infiltration Arise in Irradiated Mice and Can be Prevented by Dietary Intervention.

Abstract: 

Because the incidence of breast cancer increases decades after ionizing radiation exposure, aging has been implicated in the evolution of the tumor microenvironment and tumor progression. Here, we investigated radiation-induced carcinogenesis using a model in which the mammary glands of 10-month-old BALB/c mice were transplanted with Trp53-null mammary tissue three days after exposure to low doses of sparsely ionizingγ-radiation or densely ionizing particle radiation. Mammary transplants in aged irradiated hosts gave rise to significantly more tumors that grew more rapidly than those in sham-irradiated mice, with the most pronounced effects seen in mice irradiated with densely ionizing particle radiation. Tumortranscriptomes identified a characteristic immune signature of these aggressive cancers. Consistent with this, fast-growing tumors exhibited an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment with few infiltrating lymphocytes, abundant immunosuppressive myeloid cells, and high cyclooxgenase-2 and TGFβ. Only aged irradiated hosts gave rise to tumors lacking cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes (defined here as immune desert), which also occurred in younger mice. These data suggested that host irradiation may promote immunosuppression. To test this, young chimera mice were fed chow containing a honeybee-derived compound with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). CAPE prevented the detrimental effects of host irradiation on tumor growth rate, immune signature, and immunosuppression. These data indicated that low-dose radiation, particularly densely ionizing radiation, promoted more aggressive cancers by suppressing antitumor immunity. Dietary intervention with a non-toxic immunomodulatory agent could prevent systemic effects of radiation that fuel carcinogenesis, supporting the potential of this strategy for cancer prevention.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Sep 1 ;137(1):371-81. Epub 2011 Jun 6. PMID: 21669270

Abstract Title: 

Anti-inflammatory activity of Eupatorium perfoliatum L. extracts, eupafolin, and dimeric guaianolide via iNOS inhibitory activity and modulation of inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Eupatorium perfoliatum L. has been used traditionally for the treatment of fever, malaria and inflammation-associated diseases. Nowadays it is mostly used as immune activating remedy. The following study was performed to evaluate extracts with different polarity and defined lead-compounds from the herbal material on potential in vitro activities concerning immune cell activation, phagocytosis, and inflammation-related processes.MATERIALS AND METHODS: MeOH-, EtOH-, and DCM extracts, beside several subfractions and isolated polysaccharides, sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids were prepared and characterized analytically from the aerial parts of E. perfoliatum. Immunological activity was tested within lymphocyte transformation test on PBMC, test on enhancement of phagocytosis and of NO-production by murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by NO/iNOS quantification, gene array, real-time PCR and ELISA.RESULTS: No stimulatory activity was found within lymphocyte transformation test, for phagocytic activity and NO formation in macrophages. MeOH-, EtOH- and DCM extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-stimulated macrophages by inhibition of NO release (IC(50)>100, 89, 19μg/mL resp.) with eupafolin and a dimeric guaianolide having prominent NO inhibiting activity (IC(50) 6 resp. 16 μM). Anti-inflammatory activity was found on gene and protein level by significant down-regulation of cytokines CSF-3, IL-1α, IL-1β, and chemokines CCL2, CCL22 and CXCL10. Also TNF was down-regulated moderately (-17%).CONCLUSIONS: Although the postulated immunostimulating properties of E. perfoliatum have not been confirmed, the anti-inflammatory effects can be seen as a verification of the traditional use against inflammatory diseases.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Jul 21 ;188:144-52. Epub 2016 May 10. PMID: 27178637

Abstract Title: 

Antiviral activity of hydroalcoholic extract from Eupatorium perfoliatum L. against the attachment of influenza A virus.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aerial parts of Eupatorium perfoliatum have been traditionally used by American natives as a treatment for fever and infections. Also modern phytotherapy in Europe documents the use of hydroalcoholic extracts of this herbal material for the treatment of infections of the upper respiratory tract.AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the present study was to characterize the anti-influenza A virus (IAV) potential of extracts derived from the aerial parts of E. perfoliatum and to identify their antiviral mode of action and potential active fraction's compounds of the extract.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inhibitory effects of extracts obtained by different organic solvents with different polarities on the cytopathic effect induced by IAV replication was determined in a Madin-Darby Canine Kidney Epithelial (MDCK II) cell-based assay measuring cell viability by MTT stain (MTTIAV assay). Plaque reduction assays were used for investigation of antiviral activity. The mode of action was investigated by different incubation and treatment cycles as well as hemagglutination inhibition assays. Influence of the test extract on tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced cell signaling was analyzed in human lung epithelial (A549) cells. Analytical characterization of extract and fractions obtained from the extract was performed by UHPLC-MS.RESULTS: Hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of E. perfoliatum were shown to inhibit growth of a clinical isolate of IAV(H1N1)pdm09 I1 and the influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8; H1N1) with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 7µg/mL and 14µg/mL, and a selectivity index (SI) (half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50)/IC50)) of 52 and 26, respectively. Extracts prepared with dichloromethane and methanol were inactive. At concentrations>1-10µg/mL of the hydroalcoholic extract plaque formation of IAV(H1N1)pdm09 was abrogated. The extract was also active against an oseltamivir-resistant isolate of IAV(H1N1)pdm09. The extract blocked attachment of IAV and interfered with virus-induced hemagglutination. TNF-α-induced signal transductionin A549 cells was not affected, while the EGF-induced signaling to phosphorylated ERK was slightly upregulated by the extract. Bioassay-guided fractionation and subsequent LC-MS analysis indicated that the antiviral activity might be due to polyphenolic compounds with higher molecular weights, whichstrongly interact with stationary phases of different chromatographic systems. These still unknown compounds with probably high molecular weight could not be isolated in the present study. A variety of different flavonoid glycosides and caffeoyl quinic acids obtained from E. perfoliatum did definitely not contribute to the antiviral effect of the extract and its respective fractions.CONCLUSION: Hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of E. perfoliatum and its main active polyphenolic constituents protect cells from IAV infection by inhibiting viral attachment to the host cells. The extract appears to be a promising expansion of the currently available anti-influenza agents.

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PMID: 

Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2020 Jan ;12(1):56-71. PMID: 31743964

Abstract Title: 

Particulate Matter 2.5 Causes Deficiency in Barrier Integrity in Human Nasal Epithelial Cells.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: The effect of air pollution-related particulate matter (PM) on epithelial barrier function and tight junction (TJ) expression in human nasal mucosa has not been studied to date. This study therefore aimed to assess the direct impact of PM with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5μ (PM2.5) on the barrier function and TJ molecular expression of human nasal epithelial cells.METHODS: Air-liquid interface cultures were established with epithelial cells derived from noninflammatory nasal mucosal tissue collected from patients undergoing paranasal sinus surgery. Confluent cultures were exposed to 50 or 100μg/mL PM2.5 for up to 72 hours, and assessed for 1) epithelial barrier integrity as measured by transepithelial resistance (TER) and permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) 4 kDa; 2) expression of TJs using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining,and 3) proinflammatory cytokines by luminometric bead array or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS: Compared to control medium, 50 and/or 100μg/mL PM2.5-treatment 1) significantly decreased TER and increased FITC permeability, which could not be restored by budesonide pretreatment; 2) significantly decreased the expression of claudin-1 messenger RNA, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 protein; and 3) significantly increased production of thecytokines interleukin-8, TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin.CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to PM2.5 may lead to loss of barrier function in human nasal epithelium through decreased expression of TJ proteins and increased release of proinflammatory cytokines. These results suggest an important mechanism of susceptibility to rhinitis and rhinosinusitis in highly PM2.5-polluted areas.

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PMID: 

Brain. 2019 Nov 20. Epub 2019 Nov 20. PMID: 31746986

Abstract Title: 

Particulate matter and episodic memory decline mediated by early neuroanatomic biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: 

Evidence suggests exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter

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PMID: 

Environ Int. 2020 Jan ;134:105325. Epub 2019 Nov 21. PMID: 31760258

Abstract Title: 

Particulate air pollution exposure during pregnancy and postpartum depression symptoms in women in Mexico City.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD), which affects up to 1 in 5 mothers globally, negatively impacts the health of both mothers and children. Exposure to ambient air pollution has been linked to depressive symptoms in animal models and human studies, but the relationship between air pollution and PPD has not been widely studied.METHODS: In a birth cohort in Mexico City (509 mothers with available data), we examined the association between exposure to particulate matter≤2.5 μm in diameter (PM) with symptoms of psychological dysfunction at 1 and 6 months postpartum. Daily PMestimates were derived from a hybrid satellite-based spatio-temporally resolved model and averaged over pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores at 1 and 6 months were used to assess the relationship between PMexposure and probable PPD (EPDS score≥13) using relative risk regression and symptoms of anhedonia, depression, and anxiety (derived from EPDS subscales) using negative binomial regression.RESULTS: A 5-μg/mincrease in average PMexposure during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of PPD at 6 months (RR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.28) and of late-onset PPD (no PPD at 1 month, PPD at 6 months) (RR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.40 to 4.73) in covariate-adjusted models. No association was observed between PMexposure in the first year postpartum and PPD. Average PMexposure during pregnancy was also associated with increased 6-month EPDS subscale symptom scores for anhedonia (p = 0.03) and depression (p = 0.04).CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that in women in Mexico City, particulate matter exposure during pregnancy is positively associated with PPD and symptoms of anhedonia and depression at 6 months postpartum. Future studies should examine mechanisms linking air pollution and other environmental exposures during pregnancy with postpartum psychological functioning.

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PMID: 

Environ Res. 2019 Nov 23:108960. Epub 2019 Nov 23. PMID: 31785778

Abstract Title: 

Association between air pollution exposure and diabetic retinopathy among diabetics.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Exposure to air pollution has been linked to adverse effects on vascular diseases. However, the effects of air pollution exposure on diabetic retinopathy (DR), a vascular disease, have not been studied.OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of ambient air pollution exposure with DR risk.METHODS: Patients newly diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus (DM) during 2003-2012 from Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005), a subset of National Health Insurance Research Database, were included as the study cohort. Newly diagnosed DR patients one year or later after DM diagnosis were identified as cases. Kriging was used to interpolate yearly concentrations of air pollutants at township levels and linked with every individual's residence in each year; average concentrations during the follow-up period were then calculated as personal exposure. Conditional logistic regressions with adjustments for age at DM diagnosis and comorbidities were applied.RESULTS: Of newly diagnosed DM cases during 2003-2012, 579 were newly diagnosed as having DR over a mean follow-up period of 5.6 years. The Odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of DR occurrence for every 10-μg/mincrease in particulate matter with≤2.5 and 2.5-10-μm diameter was 1.29 (1.11-1.50) and 1.37 (1.17-1.61), respectively.CONCLUSION: In patients with DM, the higher particulate matter exposure, the higher is the DR risk.

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PMID: 

Neurochem Int. 2019 Nov 29 ;133:104615. Epub 2019 Nov 29. PMID: 31786292

Abstract Title: 

Associations between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and Parkinson's disease prevalence: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have reported contradictory results regarding the effects of ambient air pollution on Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigated the associations between long-term exposure to particulate matter

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