PMID: 

Lasers Med Sci. 2019 Jul 23. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31338628

Abstract Title: 

Photobiomodulation therapy compensate the impairments of diabetic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: 

Pathophysiologic conditions associated with diabetes mellitus affect mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and this phenomenon may lead to some diabetic secondary complications. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) on rat diabetic MSC (DMSC) behavior in vitro. For the purpose of PBM, we used helium-neon laser with a wavelength of 632.8 nm at three different energy densities (0.5, 1, 2 J/cm) and radiation periodicity of once, twice, and thrice. The survival, proliferation, and apoptosis in the normal MSCs (NMSCs), DMSCs, and diabetic MSCs, which were laser irradiated (DMSCs+L), were assessed using MTT assay, Ki67 immunofluorescence staining, and TUNEL assay, respectively. Our results demonstrated that DMSCs have significantly lower survival (P

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PMID: 

J Lasers Med Sci. 2019 ;10(2):79-85. Epub 2019 Feb 25. PMID: 31360374

Abstract Title: 

The Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Post-Surgical Pain.

Abstract: 

One of the major complains after surgery is pain. Recent advances in the prevention and reduction of postoperative pain have provided several modalities. One of them is the use of laser irradiation on the surgical area.To evaluate the effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and side effects after surgery.In this research, databases such as: PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer and Cochrane were used and the words of laser therapy, photobiomodulation, therapeutic laser, low level laser therapy, surgery and pain were searched. Articles, including systematic reviews, original articles, case series, and clinical intervention studies related to these words, were studied. The language of all articles was English and consists of papers from 2009 until 2017.A total of 370 papers were studied and 10 articles that met inclusion criteria were selected for this review. Few of these articles were followed up. Surgery included a wide range of surgeries including mastectomy, breast augment post-fracture, episiotomy, tonsillectomy and hernia. The methodological quality score on the PEDro scale was between 5 and 11. 8 trials reported positive effects and 2 trials reported negative effects. In order to study clinical effect size of laser therapy after surgery, only 4 papers met entry criteria and the mean effect sizes were 0.13 to 2.77. Accordingly, the best treatment protocol included a red laser dose of 4 J/cmfor the post-operative pain of tonsillectomy, which was irradiated through the infra mandibular angle on the tonsils.LLLT may be an appropriate modality for reducing pain after surgery, nevertheless the effect size of this modality is variable. Therefore, further research based on proper protocols for these patients and follow-up of therapeutic course should be designed and implemented.

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PMID: 

Photonics. 2019 Sep ;6(3). Epub 2019 Jul 4. PMID: 31363464

Abstract Title: 

Photobiomodulation for Alzheimer's Disease: Has the Light Dawned?

Abstract: 

Next to cancer, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia is probably the most worrying health problem facing the Western world today. A large number of clinical trials have failed to show any benefit of the tested drugs in stabilizing or reversing the steady decline in cognitive function that is suffered by dementia patients. Although the pathological features of AD consisting of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles are well established, considerable debate exists concerning the genetic or lifestyle factors that predispose individuals to developing dementia. Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes the therapeutic use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing, relieve pain and inflammation, and prevent tissue from dying. In recent years PBM has been applied for a diverse range of brain disorders, frequently applied in a non-invasive manner by shining light on the head (transcranial PBM). The present review discusses the mechanisms of action of tPBM in the brain, and summarizes studies that have used tPBM to treat animal models of AD. The results of a limited number of clinical trials that have used tPBM to treat patients with AD and dementia are discussed.

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PMID: 

Retina. 2019 Aug 9. Epub 2019 Aug 9. PMID: 31404033

Abstract Title: 

A DOUBLE-MASKED, RANDOMIZED, SHAM-CONTROLLED, SINGLE-CENTER STUDY WITH PHOTOBIOMODULATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF DRY AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: The LIGHTSITE I study investigated the efficacy and safety of photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment in subjects with dry age-related macular degeneration.METHODS: Thirty subjects (46 eyes) were treated with the Valeda Light Delivery System, wherein subjects underwent two series of treatments (3× per week for 3-4 weeks) over 1 year. Outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, microperimetry, central drusen volume and drusen thickness, and quality of life assessments.RESULTS: Photobiomodulation-treated subjects showed a best-corrected visual acuity mean letter score gain of 4 letters immediately after each treatment series at Month 1 (M1) and Month 7 (M7). Approximately 50% of PBM-treated subjects showed improvement of≥5 letters versus 13.6% in sham-treated subjects at M1. High responding subjects (≥5-letter improvement) in the PBM-treated group showed a gain of 8 letters after initial treatment (P

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n/a

PMID: 

Photochem Photobiol. 2019 Aug 19. Epub 2019 Aug 19. PMID: 31424557

Abstract Title: 

Photobiomodulation Enhances Cisplatin Cytotoxicity in a Culture Model with Oral Cell Lineages.

Abstract: 

Cisplatin plays a central role in cancer chemotherapy, but resistance to this drug remains a major obstacle in treatment. Drawbacks related to cisplatin failure may be associated with cell energy metabolism. This study investigated whether photobiomodulation (PBM) can potentiate the effects of cisplatin on keratinocytes (HaCat) and cancer cells (SCC25 and HN12). Cells were treated with laser (GaAlAs; 660 nm; 60 mW; 0.33 J; 2.14 W cm; 11.7 J cmand 6 s) and cisplatin (7.8 μg mL) to evaluate cell viability, Ki-67, VEGF, TGF-β1, EGF expression and ROS production. Observations were validated in the SCC25 cell lineage, where the type of cell death (necrosis/apoptosis) and the amount of ATP were assessed. Cell lineages showed increased sensitivity to cisplatin associated with PBM (Cis-PBM). Ki-67 was augmented in all celllineages treated with Cis-PBM when compared to cisplatin alone (Cis). Cis or Cis-PBM significantly decreased VEGF expression in cancer cells, while no changes were seen in the expression of TGF-β1 or EGF compared to control. ROS levels were similar in the Cis and Cis-PBM groups. Cells treated withCis-PBM died by apoptosis, leading to greater consumption of ATP. These observations suggest that PBM may potentiate the effects of cisplatin, leading to increased drug cytotoxicity and enhanced cell death.

PMID: 

Biomolecules. 2019 Oct 1 ;9(10). Epub 2019 Oct 1. PMID: 31581581

Abstract Title: 

Characterization of the Anti-Cancer Activity of the Probiotic BacteriumUsing 2D vs. 3D Culture in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Abstract: 

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti-cancer effects of probiotic cell-free supernatant (CFS) treatment usingfor colorectal cancer (CRC) in 3D culture systems. Cell viability was assessed using MTS (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2-tetrazolium, inner salt) assays, whereas apoptosis was monitored through RT-qPCR analysis of Bax, Bak, Noxa, and Bid mRNA expressions in addition to flow cytometry analysis ofcell-free supernatant (LCFS) treatment. Our results showed that the anti-cancer effect of LCFS on cell viability was pronouncedly enhanced in 3D-cultured HCT-116 cells, which was linked to the increased level of cleaved caspase 3. Additionally, upregulation of apoptotic marker gene mRNA transcription was dramatically increased in 3D cultured cells compared to 2D systems. In conclusion, this study suggests that LCFS enhances the activation of intrinsic apoptosis in HCT-116 cells and the potential anti-cancer effects of Lactobacilli mixtures in 3D culture systems. All in all, our study highlights the benefits of 3D culture models over 2D culture modeling in studying the anti-cancer effects of probiotics.

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With the popularity of CBD and legalized marijuana sweeping the nation, the term cannabinoid was relatively unknown until now.

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant. Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids. To make CBD or products containing THC such as edibles or topicals, the cannabinoids are extracted.

Cannabis contains 480 different compounds; 66 of those are considered cannabinoids, which have different effects on the body and are consumed for different purposes and benefits. THC is the most well-known cannabinoid because of its psychoactive effects. CBD makes up about 40% of the plant resin extract, or what can be extracted from the plant. THC is also the only cannabinoid that causes a psychoactive high. Out of all the cannabinoids, CBD provides the most benefits.

There are 9 classes of cannabinoids:

Cannabigerols (CBG)

Cannabichromenes (CBC)

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Cannabinol (CBN)

Cannabinodiol (CBDL)

Cannabicyclol (CBL)

Cannabielsoin (CBE)

Cannabitriol (CBT)

Cannabinoids react with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. The endocannabinoid system is a system of cell-signaling that helps with multiple functions including sleep, mood, appetite, memory, and fertility. The systems produce endocannabinoids that bind to receptors that are located in the central nervous system, called CB1 receptors, and CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system, and immune cells. Cannabinoids bind to the endocannabinoid receptors which is why they can aid in certain aliments effecting body functions where the endocannabinoid receptors are located.

The discovery of the endocannabinoid system is a new scientific development. Researchers believe CBD binds to another receptor that has not yet been discovered as CBD does not bind to the CB1 or CB2 receptors.

Each cannabinoid has a different effect and benefit. The chart below explains the benefits of the most common cannabinoids.

PMID: 

Biomolecules. 2019 Oct 10 ;9(10). Epub 2019 Oct 10. PMID: 31658771

Abstract Title: 

Gossypol Suppresses Growth of Temozolomide-Resistant Glioblastoma Tumor Spheres.

Abstract: 

Temozolomide is the current first-line treatment for glioblastoma patients but, because many patients are resistant to it, there is an urgent need to develop antitumor agents to treat temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma. Gossypol, a natural polyphenolic compound, has been studied as a monotherapy or combination therapy for the treatment of glioblastoma. The combination of gossypol and temozolomide has been shown to inhibit glioblastoma, but it is not clear yet whether gossypol alone can suppress temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma. We find that gossypol suppresses the growth of temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma cells in both tumor sphere and adherent culture conditions, with tumor spheres showing the greatest sensitivity. Molecular docking and binding energy calculations show that gossypol has a similar affinity to the Bcl2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) family of proteins and several dehydrogenases. Gossypol reduces mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular ATP levels before cell death, which suggests that gossypol inhibits several dehydrogenases in the cell's metabolic pathway. Treatment with a Bcl2 inhibitor does not fully explain the effect of gossypol on glioblastoma. Overall, this study demonstrates that gossypol can suppress temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma and will be helpful for the refinement of gossypol treatments by elucidating some of the molecular mechanisms of gossypol in glioblastoma.

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2019 Sep 23 ;24(19). Epub 2019 Sep 23. PMID: 31547522

Abstract Title: 

Ursolic and Oleanolic Acids Induce Mitophagy in A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells.

Abstract: 

Ursolic and oleanolic acids are natural isomeric triterpenes known for their anticancer activity. Here, we investigated the effect of triterpenes on the viability of A549 human lung cancer cells and the role of autophagy in their activity. The induction of autophagy, the mitochondrial changes and signaling pathway stimulated by triterpenes were systematically explored by confocal microscopy and western blotting. Ursolic and oleanolic acids induce autophagy in A549 cells. Ursolic acid activates AKT/mTOR pathways and oleanolic acid triggers a pathway independent on AKT. Both acids promote many mitochondrial changes, suggesting that mitochondria are targets of autophagy in a process known as mitophagy. The PINK1/Parkin axis is a pathway usually associated with mitophagy, however, the mitophagy induced by ursolic or oleanolic acid is just dependent on PINK1. Moreover, both acids induce an ROS production. The blockage of autophagy with wortmannin is responsible for a decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ) and cell death. The wortmannin treatment causes an over-increase of p62 and Nrf2 proteins promote a detoxifying effect to rescue cells from the death conducted by ROS. In conclusion, the mitophagy and p62 protein play an important function as a survival mechanism in A549 cells and could be target to therapeutic control.

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PMID: 

Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2019 ;12:1953-1962. Epub 2019 Oct 1. PMID: 31632109

Abstract Title: 

Plant-derived oleanolic acid ameliorates markers associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a diet-induced pre-diabetes rat model.

Abstract: 

Background: The increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is becoming a worldwide health burden. Studies have indicated, however, that the onset of NAFLD occurs during pre-diabetes, a condition that often precedes the onset of T2DM. Oleanolic acid has been reported to improve glucose homeostasis in diet-induced pre-diabetes; however, the effects of this triterpene on liver function have not been evaluated.Purpose: This study was aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effects of oleanolic acid (OA) on selected markers of NAFLD in a pre-diabetes rat model.Methods and materials: Pre-diabetes was induced by exposing Sprague Dawley rats to a high-fat high-carbohydrate diet for 20 weeks. The pre-diabetic rats were then treated with OA (80 mg/kg) or metformin (500 mg/kg) in the presence and absence of dietary interventions for a period of 12 weeks. The effects of OA were evaluated on parameters including plasma triglycerides (TGs), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, bilirubin, AST, ALT, SREBP and antioxidant profile while the livers were collected for histological analysis.Results: The findings of this study showed that the administration of OA to pre-diabetic rats ameliorated body/liver weights ratio and significantly decreased plasma triglycerides (TGs) and VLDL. Furthermore, OA also ameliorated hepatic oxidative stress, lowered the SREBP expression and intrahepatic TGs. In addition, OA administration decreased plasma concentrations of bilirubin and liver damage enzyme biomarkers.Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that OA ameliorates the risk of developing pre-diabetes-related NAFLD through the prevention of intrahepatic fat accumulation while also lowering hepatic inflammation.

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