PMID: 

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2019 03 ;63(6):e1800978. Epub 2019 Feb 11. PMID: 30636176

Abstract Title: 

Lactobacillus sakei Alleviates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity and Anxiety in Mice by Inducing AMPK Activation and SIRT1 Expression and Inhibiting Gut Microbiota-Mediated NF-κB Activation.

Abstract: 

SCOPE: Long-term feeding of a high-fat diet (HFD) causes gastrointestinal inflammation and gut microbiota disturbance, leading to the increased occurrence of obesity and anxiety. In the present study, the effects of heat-labile Lactobacillus sakei OK67, tyndallized OK67 (tOK67), and heat-stable Lactobacillus sakei PK16 on HFD-induced obesity and anxiety in mice are examined.METHODS AND RESULTS: Obesity is induced in mice by feeding with HFD. Oral administration of live OK67, tOK67, or PK16 reduces HFD-induced body and liver weights and blood triglyceride, total cholesterol, corticosterone, and lipopolysaccharide levels. These treatments also suppress HFD-induced NF-κB activation and increased HFD-suppressed AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and SIRT-1 expression in the liver. OK67 or PK16 treatment alleviates HFD-induced anxiety-like behaviors and increases BDNF expression and NF-κB activation in the hippocampus. Moreover, OK67 or PK16 treatmentsuppresses HFD-induced colitis and suppresses the Proteobacteria population and fecal lipopolysaccharide levels in mice. OK67 or PK16 treatment inhibits NF-κB activation and induced AMPK activation and SIRT-1 expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Caco-2 cells. Overall, the antiobesity and anxiolytic effects of live OK67 are more potent than those of tOK67.CONCLUSION: Lactobacillus sakei can alleviate HFD-induced obesity, colitis, and anxiety by regulating gut microbiota-mediated AMPK and NF-κB activation and SIRT-1 expression.

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PMID: 

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2019 Oct 13. Epub 2019 Oct 13. PMID: 31635441

Abstract Title: 

S1 Improves Colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid by the Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling in Mice.

Abstract: 

S1 strongly inhibits the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β in lipopolysaccharide-induced peritoneal macrophages for the mechanism that lactic acid bacteria from kimchi inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was isolated. The protective effect of this strain on the colitis mouse model induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) was furtherevaluated. TNBS significantly elevated myeloperoxidase (MPO) expression, macroscopic scores, and colon shortening. OralS1 administration resulted in reduction of TNBS-induced loss in body weight, colon shortening, MPO activity, expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB).S1 inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, induced by TNBS, but enhanced IL-10 expression.S1 showed resistance to artificial digestive juices and adherence to intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Thus,S1 may inhibit the NF-κB pathway and be used as functional food to treat colitis.

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PMID: 

Saudi J Biol Sci. 2019 Mar ;26(3):577-581. Epub 2018 Nov 26. PMID: 30899174

Abstract Title: 

Anti-inflammatory effect and the effect on acute pharyngitis rats model of compound Lobelia oral liquid.

Abstract: 

Objective: Observe anti-inflammatory effect and the effect on acute pharyngitis rats model induced by ammonia water of compound Lobelia oral liquid, providing experimental basis for its clinical use.Methods: Use egg white establish foot swelling rats model and use carboxymethyl cellulose establish white blood cell migration rats model. Then observe the anti-inflammatory effect of compound Lobelia oral liquid. Use 15% ammonia spray at pharyngeal establish acute pharyngitis rats model, Visual observation and conduct grading of pharyngeal tissue stimulation in rats, measure the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum. Pharyngeal tissue was taken to observe the morphological changes.Result: All dose groups of compound Lobelia oral liquid can reduce the rate of foot swelling of rats at all time points ( 

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Oct 20 ;11(10). Epub 2019 Oct 20. PMID: 31635199

Abstract Title: 

Decrease in Serum Vitamin D Level of Older Patients with Fatigue.

Abstract: 

Fatigue is characterized by reduced energy level, decreased muscle strength, and a variable degree of cognitive impairment. Recent evidences seem to link vitamin D deficiency to fatigue. The aim of this study was to assess and compare vitamin D status in a cohort of older subjects with and without fatigue. We recruited a total of 480 subjects, 240 patients with fatigue and 240 controls without fatigue, from the Cannizzaro Hospital of Catania (Italy). Fatigue severity was measured by the fatigue severity scale, whereas mental and physical fatigue were measured through the Wessely and Powell fatigue scale, respectively. We also measured several blood parameters and 25-OH vitamin D. Subjects with fatigue showed lower levels of vitamin D as compared with those without fatigue. Blood levels of parameters related to fatigue were normal in both groups of subjects, however, platelet, hemoglobin, hematocrit (

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PMID: 

J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2019 Jul 2. Epub 2019 Jul 2. PMID: 31277907

Abstract Title: 

Hepatoprotective effect of Lobelia alsinoides Lam. in Wistar rats.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Traditional healing practitioners of South India use fine paste (an Ayurvedic dosage form known as 'kalka') of Lobelia alsinoides Lam., an ethno medicinal plant for curing hepatic diseases.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in-vivo hepatoprotective effect of a candidate formulation viz. kalka containing whole plant (L. alsinoides Lam.) in rat model of Carbon-tetrachloride (CCl) induced hepatotoxicity.MATERIALS & METHODS: Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wistar albino rats by oral administration of 1.25 ml/kg CClonce every day for 7 consecutive days. A candidate kalka formulation (fine paste) was prepared and administered to rats at different dose rates of 0.54 g/kg, 1.08 g/kg and 2.16 g/kg daily. At the end of the study-period, the serum levels of aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, total protein, albumin and total cholesterol were monitored. Further, the hepatic pathology was evaluated for assessing the extent of hepatotoxicity in the control and hepatoprotective effect in treatment groups. Meanwhile in-vitro antioxidant activity of kalka was evaluated by hydroxy radical, nitric oxide and DPPH (2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil) radical scavenging assays. Further, a 'limit test' was done in accordance with OECD Guidelines 425 (acute toxicity).RESULTS: The animals treated with the fine paste of L. alsinoides did not show an elevation in the biochemical values compared to CCltreated rats and during histomorphologic evaluation, hepatoprotective effect was evident with scattered mitotic figures in the parenchyma. Acute toxicity evaluation indicated that doses up to 2500 mg/kg are not toxic to rats. It has a good anti-oxidant activity also.CONCLUSIONS: From the study, it was obvious that L. alsinoides had significant hepatoprotective effect in CClinduced liver toxicity in rats. This ethno medicinal plant is certainly a promising hepatoprotective drug in liver disorders.

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Mar 29 ;11(4). Epub 2019 Mar 29. PMID: 30934863

Abstract Title: 

Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation Usingduring the First 1000 Days is Positively Associated with Development in Children under Five Years: A Follow up of A Randomized Trial in Zambia.

Abstract: 

Early childhood development relies on various micronutrients. We recently reported that home fortification of complementary foods using spirulina reduced the time to attain motor milestones in Zambian infants. The objective of this study is to estimate the long-term associations between spirulina supplementation during the first 1000 days and child gross motor development, fine motor development, language, and personal⁻social skills at preschool age. We used longitudinal data from a randomized trial conducted in Zambia. In 2015, 501 infants (age, 6⁻18 months) were provided daily supplements of maize-soy-based porridge with spirulina (SP) and without spirulina (CON). Supplementation period lasted for 16 months. In January 2018, children who participated in the initial trial were resurveyed (CON: 182 children; SP: 188 children; now aged 36⁻48 months). We assessed the infants' gross motor development, fine motor development, language, and personal⁻social skills using a modified version of Malawi Development Assessment Tool. The initial clinical trial registration number was NCT03523182. Children in the SP group had higher scores in gross and fine motor development, language, and social skills than those in the CON group. Home fortification of complementary foods using spirulina during the first 1000 days improved development among Zambian children at preschool age.

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PMID: 

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 ;2019:8424872. Epub 2019 Jul 29. PMID: 31467580

Abstract Title: 

C-Phycocyanin Alleviates Bladder Inflammation and Dysfunction in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis in a Mouse Model by Inhibiting COX-2 and EP4.

Abstract: 

Objective: To explore the effect of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) on voiding behavior and histological changes in cyclophosphamide- (CYP-) induced cystitis in mice.Methods: Sixty female mice were included. The mice in the C-PC group received C-PC (25 mg/kg, twice, i.p.) and then CYP (200 mg/kg, i.p.) two hours later, while the mice in the CYP group only received the equivalent CYP. Saline was injected in the mice in the control group. A voided stain on paper (VSOP) test was conducted to analyze the micturition. The bladders were harvested for histological evaluation and measurements of inflammatory factors.Results: C-PC reduced the micturition frequency in the mice with CYP-induced cystitis. The bladder/body weight ratio and edema were remarkably higher in the CYP group compared to the C-PC group. C-PC suppressed the expressions of COX-2, PGE, and EP4 (prostaglandin E receptor 4) according to the ELISA assay. Immunohistochemical staining also indicated that C-PC reduced the expressions of COX-2 in urothelium and EP4 in smooth muscles.Conclusions: C-PC relieved symptoms associated with CYP-induced cystitis in mice by inhibiting bladder inflammation through COX-2 and EP4 expression.

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PMID: 

Mar Drugs. 2019 Jun 18 ;17(6). Epub 2019 Jun 18. PMID: 31216707

Abstract Title: 

C-Phycocyanin Suppresses the In Vitro Proliferation and Migration of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells through Reduction of RIPK1/NF-κB Activity.

Abstract: 

Phycocyanin, derived from Spirulina platensis, is a type of natural antineoplastic marine protein. It is known that phycocyanin exerts anticancer effects on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, but its underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. Herein, the antitumor function and regulatory mechanism of phycocyanin were investigated in three NSCLC cell lines for the first time: H358, H1650, and LTEP-a2. Cell phenotype experiments suggested that phycocyanin could suppress the survival rate, proliferation, colony formation, and migration abilities, as well as induce apoptosis of NSCLC cells. Subsequently, transcriptome analysis revealed that receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) was significantly down-regulated by phycocyanin in the LTEP-a2 cell, which was further validated by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis in two other cell lines. Interestingly, similar to phycocyanin-treated assays, siRNA knockdown of RIPK1 expression also resulted in growth and migration inhibition of NSCLC cells. Moreover, the activity of NF-κB signaling was also suppressed after silencing RIPK1 expression, indicating that phycocyanin exerted anti-proliferative and anti-migratory function through down-regulating RIPK1/NF-κB activity in NSCLC cells. This study proposes a mechanism of action for phycocyanin involving both NSCLC apoptosis and down regulation of NSCLC genes.

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PMID: 

Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Jul 15 ;133:1090-1101. Epub 2019 May 1. PMID: 31054300

Abstract Title: 

Polysaccharide from Spirulina platensis ameliorates diphenoxylate-induced constipation symptoms in mice.

Abstract: 

The aim of this study is to probe new functions of a polysaccharide from Spirulina platensis (PSP) on constipation and intestinal microbiota in mice. Diphenoxylate-induced constipation in mice was treated with different doses of PSP, followed by examining the defecation patterns, levels of acetyl cholinesterase (AchE), nitric oxide (NO), and tissue section histopathology. The composition of intestinal microbiota was determined by genome sequencing analysis of the 16S rDNA. This study found that the average molecular weight of PSP was 29, 600 Da, and mainly monosaccharides of PSP were rhamnose (24.7%), glucose (16.15%) and galactose (13.32%). The beneficial effects of PSP treatment include defecation improvement, increase of AchE activity, reduction of NO concentration, renovation of the damaged intestinal villus and affection on theexpression of some related genes in the constipated mice. In addition, PSP had significant effects on the gut microbiota, showing the enhancement in abundance of beneficial bacteria including Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Butyricimonas, Candidatus Arthromitus and Prevotella, and the reduction in abundance of harmful bacteria such as Clostridium and Dorea. The present s uncovered a new function of PSP, indicating that PSP could be used in constipation therapies.

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PMID: 

Food Chem Toxicol. 2019 Sep ;131:110558. Epub 2019 Jun 6. PMID: 31175915

Abstract Title: 

Polyunsaturated fatty acids from microalgae Spirulina platensis modulates lipid metabolism disorders and gut microbiota in high-fat diet rats.

Abstract: 

Effects of Spirulina platensis 55% ethanol extract (SPL55) on lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidaemic rats were investigated. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry indicated that SPL55 was enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids. Meanwhile, serum and liver lipid levels, including total triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, were significantly decreased in hyperlipidaemic rats of SPL55. Analysis of tissue sections showed that SPL55 treatment could markedly inhibit hepatic lipid accumulation and steatosis. Moreover, SPL55 regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1c, HMG-CoA, PEPCK, ACC, and AMPK genes involved in lipid metabolism. Furthermore, SPL55 led to decrease the abundances of Turicibacter, Clostridium_XlVa, and Romboutsia, which were positive correlation with lipid metabolism indicators, and has also enriched Alloprevotella, Prevotella, Porphyromonadaceae, and Barnesiella. These results provided evidence that SPL55 might be developed as a functional food to ameliorate lipid metabolic disorders and hyperlipidaemia.

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