PMID: 

J Complement Integr Med. 2019 Sep 18. Epub 2019 Sep 18. PMID: 31532754

Abstract Title: 

Crocin treatment decreased pancreatic atrophy, LOX-1 and RAGE mRNA expression of pancreas tissue in cholesterol-fed and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Abstract: 

Objective Oxidative stress in diabetic mellitus is a consequence of oxidative stress, which plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic tissue damage. Receptors for advanced glycation end products and for oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) have critical contribution in oxidative tissue damage. The present study investigated whether anti-diabetic effects of Crocin via modulation of mRNA expression of RAGE and LOX-1 receptors in diabetic rats. Methods In the current study, high-fat cholesterol (HFC) and streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) used to induce type II diabetes. Experimental groups as follows: (Group 1: control); (Group 2: control treatment [Crocin]); (Group 3: DM [STZ]); (Group 4: DM treatment [STZ + Crocin]); (Group 5; DM + HFC [STZ + HFC]); (Group 6; DM + HFC treatment [STZ + HFC + Crocin]). Crocin (20 mg/kg/day, i.p.) administered in treatment groups for 60 days. Serum glucose and cholesterol levels evaluated on days 5, 30 and 60 after induction of DM. Pancreatic tissue from all group removed on day 60 for histological and RT-PCR analysis. Results Application of Crocin significantly decreased serum cholesterol levels on day 60 after induction of DM in diabetic + HFC rats. Moreover, Crocin significantly decreased serum glucose levels on days 30 and 60 both in diabetic and diabetic + HFC rats. Crocin partially prevented the atrophic effects of STZ on both exocrine and endocrine parts of pancreas. Additionally, Crocin significantly decreased LOX-1 and RAGE mRNA expression OF pancreas in diabetic rats. Conclusion The current study suggested that Crocin suppressed atrophic change of the pancreas by decrease of LOX-1 and RAGE mRNA expression in diabetic rats.

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PMID: 

J Agric Food Chem. 2019 Oct 23. Epub 2019 Oct 23. PMID: 31608624

Abstract Title: 

Apple Polyphenol Extract Alleviates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Male C57BL/6 Mice by Targeting LKB1/AMPK Pathway.

Abstract: 

To explore the role of apple polyphenol extract (APE) in ameliorating hepatic steatosis and the potential mechanisms involved, we conducted this study. Thirty-three male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: high-fat diet (HFD) with aseptic water. (CON), HFD with 125 or 500 mg/(kg·bw·day) APE., namely 100 or 400 mg/(kg·bw·day) apple polyphenols (LAP or HAP) for 12 weeks. Compared with the CON group, the APE treatment significantly decreased the body weight gain and increased the ratio of serum albumin/globulin. High dose of APE treatment significantly decreased the liver weight, reduced the hepatic contents oftriglyceride and cholesterol, and improved the histopathological features of hepatic steatosis, accompanied by significantly upregulated protein expressions of LKB1, phosphorylated-AMPK, phosphorylated-ACC, and SIRT1, downregulated mTOR, p70 s6k, and HMGCR in the liver, increased mRNA expressions ofand, and reduced expressions of,, and. Our data provided new evidence supporting the preventive role of 500 mg/(kg·bw·day) APE treatment in the HFD-induced hepatic steatosis in C57BL/6 mice via the LKB1/AMPK pathway.

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PMID: 

Am J Transl Res. 2019 ;11(9):5285-5300. Epub 2019 Sep 15. PMID: 31632510

Abstract Title: 

Vitamin D and alopecia areata: possible roles in pathogenesis and potential implications for therapy.

Abstract: 

Alopecia areata is characterized by the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It affects approximately 2% of the general population. It is believed to be an autoimmune disease. However, its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Recent studies have revealed a substantial link between vitamin D and alopecia areata. But the underlying mechanism still yet to be deciphered. This article reviews the current literature and discusses the possible roles of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata in the context of (1) loss of immune privilege in hair follicle, (2) autoreactive effector T cells and mast cells, (3) nature killer group 2 member d-positive cytotoxic T cells, (4) Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcriptional signaling pathway, (5) regulatory T cells, (6) immune checkpoints, and (7) oxidative stress, which are believed to play important roles in autoimmunity in AA. This paper provides new insights into research directions to elucidate the exact mechanisms of vitamin D in the pathogenesis. Calcipotriol, a vitamin D analog, has been reported to be topically used in treating alopecia areata with promising results. Combination therapy of vitamin D analogs with corticosteroids might also be used in treating alopecia areata.

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2018 Jun 11 ;23(6). Epub 2018 Jun 11. PMID: 29891764

Abstract Title: 

Gold-Based Medicine: A Paradigm Shift in Anti-Cancer Therapy?

Abstract: 

A new era of metal-based drugs started in the 1960s, heralded by the discovery of potent platinum-based complexes, commencing with cisplatin [(H₃N)₂PtCl₂], which are effective anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drugs. While clinical applications of gold-based drugs largely relate to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, attention has turned to the investigation of the efficacy of gold(I) and gold(III) compounds for anti-cancer applications. This review article provides an account of the latest research conducted during the last decade or so on the development of gold compounds and their potential activities against several cancers as well as a summary of possible mechanisms of action/biological targets. The promising activities and increasing knowledge of gold-based drug metabolism ensures that continued efforts will be made to develop gold-based anti-cancer agents.

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PMID: 

Indian J Clin Biochem. 2013 Jul ;28(3):303-4. Epub 2013 Feb 5. PMID: 24426228

Abstract Title: 

A preliminary study of the effect of ingestion of gold on blood chemistry.

Abstract: 

Ten milligram of pure gold foil was given by mouth for 16 days. Routine blood chemistry was done before and after gold therapy and repeated after 3 weeks of cessation of therapy. All the blood values were well within normal range and variations, except the enzymes-creatine phosphokinase and lactate dehydrogenase, which decreased substantially on gold foil ingestion indicating possible inhibition of these blood enzymatic activity by gold.

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PMID: 

Biomed Res Int. 2019 ;2019:9454913. Epub 2019 Aug 26. PMID: 31534969

Abstract Title: 

Crocin Improves Cognitive Behavior in Rats with Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis.

Abstract: 

Aim: To investigate the effect of crocin on the learning and memory acquisition of AD rats and its underlying mechanisms.Methods: A total of 48 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, AD model group, resveratrol group, and crocin group, with 12 rats per group. AD model was established by injecting Ato the lateral ventricle of rats, and thereafter the rats were administrated with resveratrol (40 mg/kg), crocin (40 mg/kg), or PBS daily for 14 days. Y-maze test and sucrose preference test were used to detect the learning and memory acquisition of rats. Neuronal apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining and Western blot for apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot tests were used to detect the expression of glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in hippocampal CA1 region (Hippo) and prefrontal cortical neurons (PFC).Results: The learning and memory abilities of AD rats were significantly decreased, which was significantly rescued by resveratrol and crocin. The apoptotic cell number of Hippo and PFC neurons in AD model group was significantly higher than that in control group (

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PMID: 

J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2019 Oct 16:e22410. Epub 2019 Oct 16. PMID: 31617649

Abstract Title: 

Effects of crocin in reducing DNA damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress in multiple sclerosis patients: A double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract: 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the nerve cells, resulting in neurological disorders. Oxidative stress, free radicals, and neuritis have important roles in MS pathogenesis. Here, we aim to evaluate the effect of crocin on inflammatory markers, oxidative damage, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in the blood of patients with MS. A total of 40 patients were divided into two groups, drug and placebo-treated groups, using random assignment. Participants of the intervention and control groups received two crocin capsules or placebo per day for 28 days, respectively. Findings revealed a significant decrease in the level of important pathogenic factors in MS, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 17 as well as a significant increase in the total antioxidant capacity in the serum of patients treated with crocin compared with the placebo group. Our results suggest the beneficial and therapeutic effects of crocin in MS.

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PMID: 

J Pak Med Assoc. 2018 Dec ;68(12):1748-1754. PMID: 30504936

Abstract Title: 

The effect of probiotic yoghurt consumption on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in young females after exhaustive exercise.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of probiotic yoghurt consumption on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in young females after exhaustive exercise.METHODS: TThis study included 27 healthy participants with an age range of 18-25. For two weeks, 450 grams of probiotic yoghurt and 450 grams of ordinary yoghurt were given to the supplement and control groups, respectively. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of study. At the end of the intervention, the participants were given one exhaustive exercise and then fasting blood samples were taken to test for blood antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory markers, and oxidative markers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as paired and independent samples t-test.RESULTS: In supplement group, the glutathione peroxidise (GPX) blood levels and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) significantly increased at the end of two weeks of intervention (p

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PMID: 

Iran J Public Health. 2019 Jul ;48(7):1248-1256. PMID: 31497545

Abstract Title: 

Association between Probiotic Yogurt Intake and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study.

Abstract: 

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequent metabolic complications of pregnancy. Previous studies have reported that using either probiotic yogurt or a probiotic supplement reduces the incidence of gestational diabetes. However, the results were inconsistent. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus and probiotic yogurt intake during pregnancy and pre-pregnancy in Chinese women.Methods: This was a case-control study involving 123 cases with gestational diabetes mellitus and 126 controls matched for age and pre-pregnancy body mass index. Each participant was interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire to collect socio-demographic characteristics, diet and exercise habits, as well as probiotic yogurt consumption (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium) during pregnancy and pre-pregnancy. An unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: Mothers in both groups had similar socio-demographic backgrounds. Probiotic yogurt intake during pregnancy was significantly higher in normal pregnant women than that in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio: 0.292, 95% confidence interval: 0.148 – 0.577,

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PMID: 

Immunol Lett. 2019 Oct 20. Epub 2019 Oct 20. PMID: 31644891

Abstract Title: 

Heat-killed probiotic regulates the body's regulatory immunity to attenuate subsequent experimental autoimmune arthritis.

Abstract: 

Administration of inactivated probiotics has been proved to enhance host immunity. Herein, we aim to explore their potential in modulating systemic autoimmune disorders. The bovine type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) and CII antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) mice model was used in this study. Heat-killed Lactobacillus reuteri (h-L. reuteri) was administered before or after the induction of CIA. The results indicated that the severity of CIA was alleviated and the prevalence of CIA was decreased in the mice pre-treated with h-L. reuteri. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we found that decreased serum CII-specific IgG antibody IL-6 and CXCL1 but the increased level of IL-10 was found in h-L. reuteri-treated cohort. Moreover, h-L. reuteri treatment decreased the severity and incidence of arthritis in the CAIA model which is associated with a early decrease of IL-6. Systematic supplement of exogenous IL-6 reversed h-L. reuteri-induced CIA suppression. For regulatory immune responses, the frequency of Tregs and CD4+IL-10+ cells was increased in the draining lymph of joint of h-L. reuteri-treated mice after second immunization. Parallelly, we found that if CIA was induced, CD103+ dendritic cells in mesenteric lymph nodes andα4β7+ Tregs in the spleen were increased in h-L. reuteri-treated mice, suggesting h-L. reuteri might affect the peripheral migration of Tregs to modulating CIA. Finally, the mice with progressive CIA were treated with h-L. reuteri after the second immunization. No alleviation of CIA severity, as well as an increase of splenic α4β7+ Tregs, was observed in these mice. This study indicates that pre-administration of h-L. reuteri can alleviate the CIA in mice and may serve as a promising strategy for autoimmune disease prevention.

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