PMID: 

Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2019 Dec 7. Epub 2019 Dec 7. PMID: 31811643

Abstract Title: 

Astaxanthin Encapsulated in Biodegradable Calcium Alginate Microspheres for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Vitro.

Abstract: 

Astaxanthin (AST) has attracted great interests in the scientific world because of its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory properties. And biodegradable materials, like chitosan, have been employed as the AST carrier to protect it from degradation and promote its bioavailability. However, the lack of pH responsiveness of these materials usually could not protect AST from the strong acidic gastric juices. In this study, calcium alginate (CA) microspheres, a pH responsive and biodegradable material, were prepared by a modified double emulsion technology and used as the AST encapsulation agent. Experimental results showed that the microparticles formed had a good degree of roundness, dispersity, encapsulation efficiency, and pH responsiveness. Cellular studies demonstrated that AST encapsulated in CA could inhibit hepatoma cells (HepG2 cell line) but it has relatively small or no impact on control hepatocytes (THLE-2 cell line). Furthermore, investigation of the underlying mechanism indicated that recovery of disorder of glucose metabolism by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis and promoting tricarboxylic acid cycle played an important part in the cell proliferation inhibition of hepatoma cells. As suggested above, AST could be a very promising therapeutic agent of liver cancer in clinical trials.

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PMID: 

Mol Biol Rep. 2019 Dec ;46(6):6079-6085. Epub 2019 Sep 6. PMID: 31493283

Abstract Title: 

Hempseed protein hydrolysates' effects on the proliferation and induced oxidative stress in normal and cancer cell lines.

Abstract: 

Food proteins from different sources can provide beneficial effects on human health by releasing the bioactive peptides that are integral part of their native structure. In this study, we tested the biological potential of hempseed protein hydrolysates (HPHs) obtained from hempseed cake protein isolate. The HPHs were prepared by enzyme hydrolysis using three different proteases of microbial origin: Alcalase®, Neutrase® and Protamex®. The antioxidant activity of the obtained hydrolysates was determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, while the proliferative effects on normal (HaCaT) and cancer (HeLa) cells were determined by the CellTiter 96AQOne Solution Reagent (MTS) assay. HPHs showed dose-dependent antiproliferative effects on HeLa cells and stimulatory effects on the proliferation of HaCaT cells. HPH obtained by Neutrase(HPH-N) showed the highest antioxidant activity expressed as an ORAC value. The protective effect of HPH-N on HO-induced oxidative stress in normal and cancer cells was evaluated and 1 mg/mL of HPH-N significantly reduced the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both cell lines. The obtained results indicate the benefits of HPHs as potential natural antioxidants for the food industry and contribute to the growing trend of utilizing hempseed by-products.

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PMID: 

Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2019 Sep 13. Epub 2019 Sep 13. PMID: 31668458

Abstract Title: 

Ameliorative effects of hempseed (Cannabis sativa) against hypercholesterolemia associated cardiovascular changes.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) diseases, that are the major cause of mortality worldwide. Free radicals mediated oxidative stress is a critical player in HC-associated pathophysiological insults including atherosclerosis. Unwanted side effects associated with statins, COX-2 inhibitors, and other synthetic drugs limit their use. Thus, modulation of oxidative stress during HC using green pharmaceuticals seems an appropriate approach against deleterious CV consequences without noticeable side-effect. In this regard, owing to an abundance of proteins, fiber and optimal ratios of omega 6 PUFA: omega-3 PUFA in Hempseed (HS), we aim to exploit its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to ameliorate HC- associated CV effects.METHODS AND RESULTS: Comparing the antioxidant capacity of protein and lipid fractions of HS using ABTS and DPPH assays, HS was supplemented to high-fat diets (HFD) induced hypercholesterolemic wistar rats. After treatment schedules, lipid profiles, histological and ultrastructural investigations, gene and protein expressions of inflammatory markers, markers of oxidative stress were studied and correlated with biophysical parameters such as ECG and impedance/conductance across the aorta. HS demonstrating in vitro free radical scavenging activity, ameliorated the signs of HC as seen with improved lipid profiles, aortic tissue damage and ECG patterns compared to HFD groups. HS administration also relieved the COX-2 mediated inflammation, which correlated well with the improved redox status in the tissue.CONCLUSIONS: Current study evidently demonstrates that the anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of HS are mediated through redox-sensitive modulation of inflammatory pathways.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Nov 9 ;11(11). Epub 2019 Nov 9. PMID: 31717536

Abstract Title: 

-Fermented Germinated Brown Rice Suppresses Preneoplastic Lesions of the Colon in Rats.

Abstract: 

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer associated with chronic inflammation. Whole grains and probiotics play a protective role against CRC. Fermented grains are receiving increased attention due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Our previous study found that a combination of germinated brown rice (GBR) with probiotics suppressed colorectal carcinogenesis in rats. However, the cancer-preventive effect of probiotic-fermented GBR has not been reported. This study investigated the preventive effect and possible mechanism of GBR fermented by(FGBR) on colorectal carcinogenesis in rats induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). DMH/DSS treatment induced preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF), elevated serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β, as well as decreased pro-apoptotic Bax expression. GBR and FGBR reduced the primary ACF number and decreased TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β levels. GBR and FGBR at the 2.5% level increased pro-apoptotic cleaved caspase-3 and decreased anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expressions. FGBR at the 2.5% level further reduced the number of sialomucin-producing ACF (SIM-ACF) and increased Bax expression. These results suggest that FGBR may inhibit preneoplastic lesions of the colon via activating the apoptotic pathway. This fermented rice product may have the potential to be developed as a novel dietary supplement for CRC chemoprevention.

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PMID: 

Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Nov 28 ;8(12). Epub 2019 Nov 28. PMID: 31795205

Abstract Title: 

In-Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Lipophilic Antioxidant Compounds from 3 Brown Seaweed.

Abstract: 

Lipophilic compounds of seaweed have been linked to their potential bioactivity. Low polarity solvents such as chloroform, diethyl ether,-hexane and their various combinations were used to extract the lipophilic antioxidants from brown seaweed namelyand. An equal-volume mixture of chloroform, diethyl ether and-hexane (Mix 4) gave the highest total phenol (52.7± 1.93 to 180.2 ± 1.84 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), flavonoid (31.9 ± 2.65 to 131.3 ± 4.51 mg quercetin equivalents/g), carotenoid (2.19 ± 1.37 to 3.15 ± 0.91 μg/g) and chlorophyll content (2.88 ± 1.08 to 3.86 ± 1.22 μg/g) in the tested seaweeds. The extracts were screened for their potential antioxidant capacity and the extracts obtained from the selected solvents system exhibited the highest radical scavenging capacity against 2,2'-diphenly-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (EC98.3± 2.78 to 298.8 ± 5.81 mg/L) and metal ions (EC228.6± 3.51 to 532.4 ± 6.03 mg/L). Similarly, the same extract showed the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (8.3 ± 0.23 to 26.3 ± 0.30 mg trolox equivalents/g) in all the seaweeds. Rapid characterization of the active extracts by liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS) identified cyanidin-3–glucoside, fucoxanthin, violaxanthin,-carotene, chlorophyllderivatives and chlorophyllderivatives in the tested seaweed. The study demonstrated the use of tested brown seaweed as potential species to be considered for future applications in medicine, cosmetics and as nutritional food supplement.

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PMID: 

Foods. 2019 Nov 27 ;8(12). Epub 2019 Nov 27. PMID: 31783694

Abstract Title: 

Feasibility of Using Seaweed () Synbiotic as a Bioactive Material for Intestinal Health.

Abstract: 

The market contains only limited health care products that combine prebiotics and probiotics. In this study, we developed a seaweed-basedsynbiotic and verified the efficacy by small intestinal cells (Caco-2). We also developed a functional material that promotes intestinal health and prevents intestinal inflammation.was used as a red seaweed prebiotic, and,subsp.,subsp.,, andsubsp.were mixed for the seaweed's synbiotics.synbiotics were nontoxic to Caco-2 cells, and the survival rate was 101% to 117% for a multiplicative effect on cell survival. After cells were induced by HO, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased to 151.5%, but aftersynbiotic treatment, decreased to a range between 101.8% and 109.6%. After cells were induced by tumor necrosis factorα, the ROS levels increased to 124.5%, but decreased to 57.7% withtreatment.synbiotics could effectively inhibit the production of ROS intestinal cells under oxidative stress (induced by HOand tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α)), which can reduce the damage of cells under oxidative stress. Functioning of intestinal cells could be improved by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factor substances (interleukin 8) withsymbiotic treatment. Also, gastrointestinal diseases may be retarded by a synbiotic developed fromto promote intestinal health and prevent intestinal inflammation.

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PMID: 

Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2019 ;32(3):e1457. Epub 2019 Dec 9. PMID: 31826084

Abstract Title: 

EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC ORAL ADMINISTRATION ON SKIN WOUND HEALING IN RATS.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Manipulating intestinal microbiota with probiotics might stimulate skin response. Understanding all stages of the healing process, as well as the gut-skin-healing response can improve the skin healing process.AIM: To evaluate the effect of perioperative oral administration of probiotics on the healing of skin wounds in rats.METHODS: Seventy-two Wistar male adult rats were weighed and divided into two groups with 36 each, one control group (supplemented with oral maltodextrin 250 mg/day) and one probiotic group (supplemented with Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-37, Bifidobacterium lactis HN0019, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® at a dose of 250 mg/day), both given orally daily for 15 days. The two groups were subsequently divided into three subgroups according to the moment of euthanasia: in the 3rd, 7th and 10th postoperative days.RESULTS: There were no significant changes in weight in both groups. Wound contraction was faster in probiotic group when compared to the controls, resulting in smaller wound area in the 7th postoperative day. As for histological aspects, the overall H&E score was lower in the probiotic group. The probiotic group showed increased fibrosis from 3rd to the 7th postoperative day. The type I collagen production was higher in the probiotic group at the 10th postoperative day, and the type III collagen increased in the 7th.CONCLUSION: The perioperative use of orally administrated probiotic was associated with a faster reduction of the wound area in rats probably by reducing the inflammatory phase, accelerating the fibrosis process and the deposition of collagen.

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PMID: 

J Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2019 Dec 11. Epub 2019 Dec 11. PMID: 31825159

Abstract Title: 

Evaluation of keratin biomaterial containing silver nanoparticles as a potential wound dressing in full-thickness skin wound model in diabetic mice.

Abstract: 

Keratin is a cytoskeletal scaffolding protein essential for wound healing and tissue recovery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential role of insoluble fur keratin-derived powder containing silver nanoparticles (FKDP-AgNP) in the allogenic full-thickness surgical skin wound model in diabetic mice. The scanning electron microscopy image evidenced the keratin surface is covered by a single layer of silver nanoparticles. Data obtained from dynamic light scattering and micellar electrokinetic chromatography showed three fractions of silver nanoparticles with an average diameter of 130, 22.5 and 5 nm. Microbiologic results revealed that the designed insoluble FKDP-AgNP dressing to some extent the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro assays showed that the FKDP-AgNP dressing did not inhibit fibroblast growth or induce hemolysis. In vivo studies using a diabetic mice model confirmed biocompatible properties of the insoluble keratin dressings. FKDP-AgNP significantly accelerated wound closure and epithelization at day 5 and 8 (p 

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PMID: 

Appl Biochem Biotechnol. 2019 Dec 4. Epub 2019 Dec 4. PMID: 31797151

Abstract Title: 

Carnosic Acid Content Increased by Silver Nanoparticle Treatment in Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.).

Abstract: 

Biosynthesis of carnosic acid (CA), one of the most industrially valuable medicinal compounds present in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves, is affected by various plant stressors. In this study, effects of silver nanoparticle (AgNP) treatment on the secondary metabolism and CA production of rosemary plants were investigated. AgNP of 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm were utilized on hydroponically grown plants using foliar spray. Efficient absorbance and translocation of AgNPs to the plant roots were confirmed by XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis. The fluctuations of important antioxidant compounds such as CA content, phenolics, flavonoids, and acid ascorbic were analyzed and their correlations evaluated. Results revealed that application of 200 ppm AgNPs for 12 days increased CA level more than 11%, as compared to the control plants. Furthermore, significant positive correlations were observed between total flavonoids and CA content under AgNP treatment, suggesting that AgNP acted as an elicitor and triggered the enhancement of CA accumulation effectively. These data suggest that concentration-dependent AgNP may be used to boost antioxidant activity and phytochemical contents of other medicinal plants.

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PMID: 

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2019 Dec 4 ;33(6). Epub 2019 Dec 4. PMID: 31797649

Abstract Title: 

Ascorbic acid enhances bone parameter expression in human gingival mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: 

Ascorbic acid (AS), also known as vitamin C or ascorbate, is an essential dietary nutrient which plays a vital role in biological processes through various different mechanisms, in particular for the biosynthesis of collagen. The aim of the study was to establish the possibility of enhancing the osteogenic differentiation potential by manipulating the cellular micro-environment, through AS supplementation in human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs) at different concentrations, such as 60 and 90μg/mL, for three weeks. Human GMSCs are considered a stem cell population, easily obtainable and displaying a remarkable immunotherapeutic potential and regenerative repair expression. Osteogenic differentiation level induced from AS was assayed by histochemical characterization, using light microscopy through Alizarin red S staining. The transcript levels of Collagen 1A1 (COL1A1), runtrelated transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone morphogenetic protein 2/4 (BMP2/4), osteopontin (OPN) and osteonectin (SPARC) were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression of COL1A1, RUNX2, BMP2/4, OPN, SPARC were studied through Western blotting and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Our results demonstrate that AS supports osteogenic differentiation in stem cells from gingiva niche as shown by osteogenic marker upregulation and by de novo production of calcium phosphate deposits as revealed by Alizarin red S staining. In summary, the results of the current study provide evidence that hGMSCs undergo osteogenic differentiation with AS treatment, for that reason AS could be a promising candidate for the prevention and healing of bone-related diseases.

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