PMID: 

Arch Biochem Biophys. 2020 Apr 25:108382. Epub 2020 Apr 25. PMID: 32343976

Abstract Title: 

Nicotine encourages oxidative stress and impairment of rats' brain mitigated by Spirulina platensis lipopolysaccharides and low-dose ionizing radiation.

Abstract: 

In this study, we investigated the protective role of Spirulina platensis-lipopolysaccharides (S-LPS) and low dose-ionizing radiation (LD-IR) against prolonged administration of high nicotine concentration that induced neurotoxicity in the rats' brain. Rats treated with nicotine for two months showed alterations in the oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione disulfide (GSSG)), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), glutathione enzymes (GPx and GST)) as well as several pro-inflammatory markers (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-17 (IL-17), and Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB)), and induced apoptosis through Caspase-3 activity. Further, it upregulates the mRNA gene expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2B1 and CYP2E1), Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4), and Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). Furthermore, it upregulates Phospho-Tau (p-Tau) protein expression. Besides, it downregulates the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor (α7nAChR) mRNA expression accompanied by a decline in the calcium (Ca) level. S.LPS exhibited neuroprotective activity by counteracting the detrimental effects of chronic nicotine administration. LD-IR demonstrated comparable effects as S.LPS. Exposure of rats to LD-IR enhanced the neuroprotective effects of S.LPS against nicotine toxicity. The light microscopic examination of the brain tissues is in agreement with the biochemical investigations. In conclusion: S.LPS and LD-IR mitigate the oxidative stress and impairment of rats' brain induced by nicotine.

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PMID: 

Biomolecules. 2020 May 12 ;10(5). Epub 2020 May 12. PMID: 32408700

Abstract Title: 

Protective Role ofAgainst Bifenthrin-Induced Reprotoxicity in Adult Male Mice by Reversing Expression of Altered Histological, Biochemical, and Molecular Markers Including MicroRNAs.

Abstract: 

The potential reprotoxicity of bifenthrin remains unclear if only the common clinical indicators of reproductive disease are examined. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of, a microalga rich in antioxidant compounds, against bifenthrin-induced testicular oxidative damage in male mice. At the first, we demonstrate that administration of bifenthrin resulted in a decline of testosterone level and in deterioration of sperm quality that was correlated with significant transcription changes of some specific mRNA and microRNA involved in cholesterol transport, testosterone synthesis, and spermatogenesis. At the biochemical level, we found that oxidative stress was obvious in the bifenthrin group, as evidenced by increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitrite oxide (NO) that was correlated with activation of genes related to mitochondrial apoptotic signal pathways. We then brought, for the first time to our knowledge, solid and complete experimental evidences that administration of mice withextract was sufficient to protect against deleterious effects BF in testicular tissues by abrogating the change in antioxidant enzyme activities; the increase in MDA, PCO, and NO concentrations; and the altered expression level of miRNA and mRNA involved in spermatogenesis. We finally demonstrate thatrestores the production of testosterone in mice as well as epididymal sperm viability and motility. These results suggest a potential antitoxic activity of Tunisiandeserving further attention.

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PMID: 

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2020 May 21:1-10. Epub 2020 May 21. PMID: 32436399

Abstract Title: 

Fermented dairy foods rich in probiotics and cardiometabolic risk factors: a narrative review from prospective cohort studies.

Abstract: 

Probiotic foods, including fermented dairy (FD) products such as yogurt and cheese, naturally contain live microorganisms, but the relationship between the consumption of probiotic foods and health is unclear. The aim of the present narrative review is to integrate the available information on the relationship between the most studied FD products, which are yogurt and cheese, and cardiometabolic risk factors obtained from meta-analysis, systematic reviews of prospective cohort studies (PCSs) and PCSs published up to 2 November 2019. Additionally, the effects identified by randomized controlled trials of less-studied FD products, such as kefir and kimchi, on cardiometabolic risk factors are provided. PCSs have shown that the consumption of cheese, despite its high saturated fat content, is not associated with expected hypercholesterolemia and an increased cardiovascular risk. PCSs have revealed that the total consumption of FD appears to be associated with a lower risk of developing stroke and cardiovascular disease. The consumption of yogurt seems to be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. There is a lack of sufficient evidence of a protective relationship between FD or cheese consumption and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the association of FD, cheese and yogurt with hypertension needs further evidence. In conclusion, the intake of fermented foods containing probiotics, particularly yogurt and cheese (of an undetermined type), opens up new opportunities for the management of cardiometabolic risk factors.

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PMID: 

Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2020 Jan ;23(1):102-110. PMID: 32395207

Abstract Title: 

Protective effect of crocin on electromagnetic field-induced testicular damage and heat shock protein A2 expression in male BALB/c mice.

Abstract: 

Objectives: Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from mobile phones may cause a deleterious effect on human health and may affect the male reproductive system., a carotenoid isolated from, is a phar¬macologically active component of saffron. So, this study was conducted to investigate the protective effect ofon the male reproductive system of 60 day old mice after EMF exposure.Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1. Em group (2100 MHZ); 2. Cr group (50 mg/kg); 3. Em+Cr group (2100 MHZ+50 mg/kg), and 4. Control group. Sperm parameters (count, and abnormal percent), testis weight index, testis volume, seminiferous tubule diam¬eter, germinal epithelium thickness, LH, FSH and testosterone serum level, testicular Heat shock protein A2 (HspA2) immunoreactivity, and apoptosis were evaluated.Results: HspA2 immunoreactivity, apoptosis in the germinal epithelium and abnormal sperm were increased in Em group compared with the control group (

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2020 May 14 ;12(5). Epub 2020 May 14. PMID: 32423173

Abstract Title: 

Impact ofL. on Metabolic Profile in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus or Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies demonstrated a positive effect of administration ofL. (saffron) and its bioactive ingredients on metabolic profile through their antioxidant capacity.PURPOSE: To determine if the use of saffron in humans is beneficial to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) or metabolic syndrome (MS).METHODS: This systematic review includes 14randomized control trials that investigated the impact of saffron administration and its bioactive ingredient crocin on the metabolic profile of patients with DM, MS, prediabetes, and coronary artery disease. We documented the following clinical outcomes: fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure.RESULTS: Eight studies examined the efficacy of saffron in patients with DM, four with the metabolic syndrome, one with prediabetes and one with coronary artery disease. A favorable effect on FBG was observed. The results regarding blood lipids and blood pressure were inconclusive in the current review.CONCLUSIONS: According to the available limited evidence, saffron may have a favorable effect on FBG. Many of the studies in the reviewed literature are of poor quality, and more research is needed in this direction to confirm and establish the above findings.

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PMID: 

Neurol Sci. 2020 May 23. Epub 2020 May 23. PMID: 32445136

Abstract Title: 

Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on cognitive function. A systematic review of RCTs.

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION: Improvement of cognitive function may be desirable for healthy individuals and clinically beneficial for those with cognitive impairment such as from Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the cognitive effects of oral saffron intake, in patients with MCI/AD and/or in non-demented individuals, by following the PRISMA guidelines.METHODS: We performed a literature search on MedLine, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of oral saffron administration in patients with MCI/AD and/or in non-demented individuals.RESULTS: Five studies (enrolling 325 individuals) met our inclusion criteria. Four studies included patients with MCI/AD, and one study included cognitively normal individuals. Saffron was well-tolerated in all groups. Regarding cognitively impaired patients, scores on Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale or Mini mental state examination were significantly better when saffron was compared with placebo and did not differ significantly when saffron was compared with donepezil or memantine. Saffron effects on functional status were similar with its effects on cognition.CONCLUSIONS: Saffron was shown to be equally effective to common symptomatic drugs for MCI/AD and resulted in no difference in the incidence of side effects, when compared with placebo or drugs. The promising results should be seen cautiously, since the evidence was derived from studies with potentially high risk of bias (ROB). RCTs with larger sample sizes and low ROB are required to definitively assess the potential role of saffron as an MCI/AD treatment.

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PMID: 

Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Apr 22 ;21(8). Epub 2020 Apr 22. PMID: 32331354

Abstract Title: 

Crocetin Prevents RPE Cells from Oxidative Stress through Protection of Cellular Metabolic Function and Activation of ERK1/2.

Abstract: 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause for visual impairment in aging populations with limited established therapeutic interventions available. Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of AMD, damaging the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is essential for the function and maintenance of the light-sensing photoreceptors. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of crocetin, one of the main components of Saffron, on an in vitro RPE model of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) induced oxidative stress using ARPE19 cells. The effects of crocetin were assessed using lactate de-hydrogenase (LDH) and ATP assays, as well as immunocytochemistry for cell morphology, junctional integrity, and nuclear morphology. The mechanism of crocetin action was determined via assessment of energy production pathways, including mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in real-time as well as investigation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation and distribution. Our results show that crocetin pre-treatment protects ARPE19 cells from TBHP-induced LDH release, intracellular ATP depletion, nuclear condensation, and disturbance of junctional integrity and cytoskeleton. The protective effect of crocetin is mediated via the preservation of energy production pathways and activation of ERK1/2 in the first minutes of TBHP exposure to potentiate survival pathways. The combined data suggest that a natural antioxidant, such as crocetin, represents a promising candidate to prevent oxidative stress in RPE cells and might halt or delay disease progression in AMD.

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PMID: 

Curr Neuropharmacol. 2020 May 6. Epub 2020 May 6. PMID: 32379589

Abstract Title: 

Pharmacological effects of saffron and its constituents in ocular disorders from in vitro studies to clinical trials; a systematic review.

Abstract: 

INTRODUCTION: Some medicinal plants have shown promising therapeutic potential for management of the diseases. We aimed to systematically review the literature wherein the therapeutic effects of saffron have been studied on eye disorders.METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google scholar and other databases using eye disorders, and saffron as key terms. No strict inclusion criteria were defined, and almost all clinical studies, as well as in vivo and in vitro studies were included. The reported data in each study were extracted and then qualitatively described.RESULTS: Finally, 78 articles were found but only 29 relevant articles were included. Nine articles are clinical trials and 20 articles were done on cellular and molecular aspects of saffron on eye disorders. According to the included studies, crocin prevented the pro-inflammatory response in retinal cells and decreased glucose level in diabetic mice. Also, crocetin prevented retinal degeneration and saffron protected photoreceptors from light-induced damage in retinal cells. Saffron also improved visual function in age-related macular edema and decreased intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. In addition, it was shown that crocin can improve best corrected visual acuity and decreased central macular thickness in patients with diabetic maculopathy.CONCLUSION: The results of this review indicated that saffron and its main ingredients such as crocin could be a potential candidate for the treatment of ocular disease especially eye inflammation; however, further clinical studies are needed to confirm such efficiency.

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PMID: 

Int J Biol Macromol. 2020 Apr 30 ;158:845-853. Epub 2020 Apr 30. PMID: 32360463

Abstract Title: 

Saffron carotenoids change the superoxide dismutase activity in breast cancer: In vitro, in vivo and in silico studies.

Abstract: 

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important member of the antioxidant defense system and is proposed as a therapeutic agent against the ROS-mediated diseases, and a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Saffron carotenoids, crocin (Cro) and crocetin (Crt), are antioxidants with anticancer activity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Cro/Crt on the SOD activity in both in vivo and in vitro models of breast cancer. Both Cro and Crt showed strong radical scavenging activity and SOD inhibition in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The UVVis, circular dichroism and fluorometry studies proposed the binding of both Cro and Crt with SOD; theΔG° of binding at 310 °K was -8.6 and -4.4 kcal/mol, respectively. The docking analysis predicted the Cro/Crt binding near the active site channel, but in different sites. According to the obtained data, Cro inhibits SOD activity by scavenging superoxide radical (O), while Crt inhibits SOD by affecting the copper-binding site. In contrast to the in vitro data, both Cro and Crt effectively increased SOD activity in breast tumors of BALB/c mice, after one month of treatment. The mechanism that is important to compensate for the SOD decreased activity in cancer.

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PMID: 

Biomedicines. 2020 May 14 ;8(5). Epub 2020 May 14. PMID: 32423098

Abstract Title: 

Flavolignans from Silymarin as Nrf2 Bioactivators and Their Therapeutic Applications.

Abstract: 

Silymarin (SM) is a mixture of flavolignans extracted from the seeds of species derived from, commonly known as milk thistle or St. Mary'sthistle. These species have been widely used in the treatment of liver disorders in traditional medicine since ancient times. Several properties had been attributed to the major SM flavolignans components, identified as silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, isosilychristin, and silydianin. Previous research reported antioxidant and protective activities, which are probably related to the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NFE2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2), known as a master regulator of the cytoprotector response. Nrf2 is a redox-sensitive nuclear transcription factor able to induce the downstream-associated genes. The disruption of Nrf2 signaling has been associated with different pathological conditions. Some identified phytochemicals from SM had shown to participate in the Nrf2 signaling pathway; in particular, they have been suggested as activators that disrupt interactions in the Keap1-Nrf2 system, but also as antioxidants or with additional actions regarding Nrf2 regulation. Thus, the study of these molecules makes them appear attractive as novel targets for the treatment or prevention of several diseases.

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