PMID: 

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019 Jul ;26(20):20631-20653. Epub 2019 May 18. PMID: 31104231

Abstract Title: 

Influence of ferulic acid consumption in ameliorating the cadmium-induced liver and renal oxidative damage in rats.

Abstract: 

The aim of this study relates to the modulatory role of ferulic acid (FA) against cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress in the liver and kidney of male Wistar albino rats. Cd is an extremely toxic industrial and environmental pollutant and is well known for its varied toxic clinical manifestations. FA is a derivative of curcumin and a ubiquitous phenolic compound having a wide range of therapeutic activities. In the current study, Cd (10 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously for 15 and 30 days to induce hepato-renal toxicity. Cd concentration was found to be significantly high in Cd-intoxicated rats (liver>kidney) while the supplementation of FA (50 mg/kg) significantly reduces the Cd concentration in liver and kidney tissues. Reduced body and organ weights and food and water consumption and increased rectal temperature were noticed in Cd-treated rats while these parameters were significantly ameliorated in FA-supplemented rats. Liver and kidney damage induced by Cd was significantly revealed by the reduction in serum total protein contents (TPC) and increased activities of serum nitric oxide (NO) levels and hepato-nephrotoxicity marker enzymes, namely aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP),lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), AST:ALT ratio, uric acid, urea, urea nitrogen, and creatinine, along with the increased levels of hepatic and renal oxidative stress markers, namely lipid peroxidation (MDA levels), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), protein carbonyl content (PCC), total oxidant status (TOS),and oxidative stress index (OSI) in liver and kidney tissues. In addition, the toxicity of Cd was also evidenced by a significant decrease in the levels of total thiols (TTH), total antioxidant concentration (TAC), enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), and non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione (GSH) and total free sulfhydryl groups (TSH)). Administration of FA significantly restored the serum total protein levels and activities of serum NO levels and hepatic and renal marker enzymes to normal levels in comparison with Cd-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, FA significantly reduced the oxidative stress markers and recuperated the levels of antioxidant defense in the liver and kidney as evidenced by native PAGE and spectrophotometric assays, correlation and regression analysis and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and inferring the antioxidant role of FA. Histopathological damage due to Cd intoxication in the liver and kidney is demonstrated as vasodilatation and congestion in central veins and sinusoids as well as around the glomerulus, infiltration of mixed inflammatory cells and peripheral hemorrhage,hemorrhagic and enlarged sinusoids, disorganization of the hepatic parenchyma, focal necrosis, swelling of hepatocytes, calcified tissue inside blood vessels, hepatocyte degeneration and vacuolization of liver cells, hyaline casts, degenerated glomerulus with wide space and detached basement membrane, distal tubule with wide lumen, deformed proximal tubules with detached brush border, and degeneration and hyalinization of glomerular tuft. But, FA significantly reduced the toxicity of Cd and protected the normal histological architecture of the liver and kidney tissues. Cd-intoxicated rats wereassociated with a significant upregulation of TNF-α, COX-2, and HSP70 proteins, whereas treatment with FA caused downregulation of the above inflammatory markers indicating the anti-inflammatory role of FA. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Euclidean similarity measure studies clearly indicate that the liver is more prone to Cd toxicity than the kidney and FA supplementation significantly prevents oxidative stress, augmenting antioxidative status, and regaining histological parameters of the liver and kidney to normal, indicating hepato-nephroprotective, antiradical, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of this phenolic compound.

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PMID: 

Neuroscience. 2013 Oct 10 ;250:588-98. Epub 2013 Jul 29. PMID: 23906636

Abstract Title: 

Maternal mobile phone exposure adversely affects the electrophysiological properties of Purkinje neurons in rat offspring.

Abstract: 

Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiations emitted from mobile phones may cause structural damage to neurons. With the increased usage of mobile phones worldwide, concerns about their possible effects on the nervous system are rising. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the possible effects of prenatal EMF exposure on the cerebellum of offspring Wistar rats. Rats in the EMF group were exposed to 900-MHz pulse-EMF irradiation for 6h per day during all gestation period. Ten offspring per each group were evaluated for behavioral and electrophysiological evaluations. Cerebellum-related behavioral dysfunctions were analyzed using motor learning and cerebellum-dependent functional tasks (Accelerated Rotarod, Hanging and Open field tests). Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were used for electrophysiological evaluations. The results of the present study failed to show any behavioral abnormalities in rats exposed to chronic EMF radiation. However, whole-cell patch clamp recordings revealed decreased neuronal excitability of Purkinje cells in rats exposed to EMF. The most prominent changes included afterhyperpolarization amplitude, spike frequency, half width and first spike latency. In conclusion, the results of the present study show that prenatal EMF exposure results in altered electrophysiological properties of Purkinje neurons. However, these changes may not be severe enough to alter the cerebellum-dependent functional tasks.

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PMID: 

Int J Oncol. 2013 Dec ;43(6):1833-45. Epub 2013 Sep 24. PMID: 24064953

Abstract Title: 

Case-control study of the association between malignant brain tumours diagnosed between 2007 and 2009 and mobile and cordless phone use.

Abstract: 

Previous studies have shown a consistent association between long-term use of mobile and cordless phones and glioma and acoustic neuroma, but not for meningioma. When used these phones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) and the brain is the main target organ for the handheld phone. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified in May, 2011 RF-EMF as a group 2B, i.e. a 'possible' human carcinogen. The aim of this study was to further explore the relationship between especially long-term (>10 years) use of wireless phones and the development of malignant brain tumours. We conducted a new case-control study of brain tumour cases of both genders aged 18-75 years and diagnosed during 2007-2009. One population-based control matched on gender and age (within 5 years) was used to each case. Here, we report on malignant cases including all available controls. Exposures on e.g. use of mobile phones and cordless phones were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for age, gender, year of diagnosis and socio-economic index using the whole control sample. Of the cases with a malignant brain tumour, 87% (n=593) participated, and 85% (n=1,368) of controls in the whole study answered the questionnaire. The odds ratio (OR) for mobile phone use of the analogue type was 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04‑3.3, increasing with>25 years of latency (time since first exposure) to an OR=3.3, 95% CI=1.6-6.9. Digital 2G mobile phone use rendered an OR=1.6, 95% CI=0.996-2.7, increasing with latency>15-20 years to an OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.2-3.6. The results for cordless phone use were OR=1.7, 95% CI=1.1-2.9, and, for latency of 15-20 years, the OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.2-3.8. Few participants had used a cordless phone for>20-25 years. Digital type of wireless phones (2G and 3G mobile phones, cordless phones) gave increased risk with latency>1-5 years, then a lower risk in the following latency groups, but again increasing risk with latency>15-20 years. Ipsilateral use resulted in a higher risk than contralateral mobile and cordless phone use. Higher ORs were calculated for tumours in the temporal and overlapping lobes. Using the meningioma cases in the same study as reference entity gave somewhat higher ORs indicating that the results were unlikely to be explained by recall or observational bias. This study confirmed previous results of an association between mobile and cordless phone use and malignant brain tumours. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that RF-EMFs play a role both in the initiation and promotion stages of carcinogenesis.

Originally published on www.mercola.com

 

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PMID: 

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2019 Sep 4. Epub 2019 Sep 4. PMID: 31482528

Abstract Title: 

The effect of ferulic acid against lead-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in kidney and testes of rats.

Abstract: 

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants which leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cells. Reactive oxygen species contains oxygen radicals that easily react with other molecules in the biological system. For decades, lead acetate (Pb(CHO2)) is used as an additive for many widely used chemical products such as insecticides, hair dyes, and cosmetics; however, contact with lead acetate may irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.In the present study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of using ferulic acid to inhibit lead acetate-induced toxicity in rats is investigated. Lead acetate was orally given at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 10 days, either alone or with ferulic acid at dose 25 mg/kg. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured. Also, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase (CAT) activities were determined. In addition, histopathological changes of testes and kidney were examined. Results showed that administration of lead acetate induced oxidative stress through attenuation of luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in serum. Moreover, the kidney and testes of lead acetate-treated animals exhibited elevation of ROS level, lipid peroxide levels, as well as lysosomal enzyme activity such acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-β-glucosminidase. DNA fragmentation and histological changes were also observed in lead acetate-treated group. In contrast, ferulic acid treatment reduced the deleterious effects induced by lead acetate in both testes and kidney tissues. These results illustrated that ferulic acid has a protectiveaction against toxicity caused by lead acetate in rats. In conclusions, ferulic acid may have future therapeutic relevance in the prevention of lead acetate-induced testicular and renal toxicity in rats.

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PMID: 

Res Vet Sci. 2019 Aug 12 ;126:164-169. Epub 2019 Aug 12. PMID: 31499425

Abstract Title: 

Ferulic acid inhibits bovine endometrial epithelial cells against LPS-induced inflammation via suppressing NK-κB and MAPK pathway.

Abstract: 

Endometritis is one of the most common reproductive diseases caused by bacterial infection in the cow. Ferulic acid is a major effective component extracted from Ligusticum wallichii. Ferulic acid displays pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation and antioxidation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of ferulic acid on inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs). BEECs were pretreated with ferulic acid followed by LPS treatment. QRT-PCR analysis showed the mRNA expression of LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines (IL1B, IL6, TNFA, and IL8) was decreased with ferulic acid pretreatment. Western blot analysis showed that ferulic acid inhibited the degradation of IκB and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65. Ferulic acid suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPKs, including p38 and JNK. All of these results indicated that ferulic acid may be considered as a potential anti-inflammatory drug for curing endometritis.

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PMID: 

Korean J Intern Med. 2019 Sep 10. Epub 2019 Sep 10. PMID: 31495083

Abstract Title: 

Effect of lutein on methotrexate-induced oxidative lung damage in rats: a biochemical and histopathological assessment.

Abstract: 

Background/Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effect of lutein on methotrexate (MTX)-induced pulmonary toxicity in rats biochemically and histopathologically.Methods: The rats in the MTX + lutein (MTXL, n = 6) group were given 1 mg/kg of lutein orally. A 0.9% NaCl solution was administered orally to the MTX (n = 6) group and the healthy group (HG, n = 6). One hour later, a single 20 mg/kg dose of MTX was injected intraperitoneally in the MTXL and MTX. Lutein or 0.9% NaCl solution was administered once a day for 5 days. At the end of this period, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total glutathione (tGSH), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured in the lung tissues from the animals euthanized with 50 mg/kg thiopental sodium anesthesia. Subsequently, histopathological examinations were performed.Results: The levels of MDA, MPO, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the lung tissue of the MTX were significantly higher than those of the MTXL and HG groups (p

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Sep 5 ;11(9). Epub 2019 Sep 5. PMID: 31491956

Abstract Title: 

Lycopene Inhibits Activation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Gastric Cancer Cells.

Abstract: 

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the oncogenic phenotype of cancer cells by acting as signaling molecules for inducing proliferation. ROS are known to activate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which causes the activation of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway. The Ras-dependent pathway promotes the activation of nuclear factor-kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), a transcriptional modulator of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) that induces cell proliferation. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant carotenoid and is responsible for the red color of fruits and vegetables. This study aims to investigate whether lycopene inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer AGS cells by suppressing the EGFR/Ras/MAPK and NF-κB-COX-2 signaling axis. Lycopene decreased cell viability and increased apoptotic indices (DNA fragmentation, apoptosis inducing factor, cleavage of caspase-3 and caspase-9, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio). Lycopene reduced the level of intracellularand mitochondrial ROS and decreased the activation of the ROS-mediated EGFR/Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK pathways, thus leading to attenuation of the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB p50/p50 and the level of COX-2 gene expression. These results show that lycopene-induced apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation occur via inhibition of ROS-activated EGFR/Ras/ERK and p38 MAPK pathways and NF-κB-mediated COX-2 gene expression in AGS cells. In conclusion, consumption of lycopene-enriched foods could decrease the incidence of gastric cancer.

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PMID: 

Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Sep 11. Epub 2019 Sep 11. PMID: 31520705

Abstract Title: 

Major royal-jelly protein 2 and its isoform X1 are two novel safe inhibitors for hepatitis C and B viral entry and replication.

Abstract: 

Infections with HCV and HBV are serious worldwide health problems. Here, we report the anti-HCV and -HBV proficiency of Apis mellifera major royal-jelly protein (MRJP) 2 and its isoform X1. The efficiency of these proteins was evaluated in vitro and their safety was examined in vivo in comparison with Sofosbuvir (SOF) drug. Various in-silico methodologies were achieved for better understanding the antiviral mechanism of these MRJPs. Results proved their precluding ability to the viral receptors, CD81 and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-B1). In addition, they targeted HCV-NS3/NS4A protease, HCV-NS5B polymerase, and HBV-polymerase (DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, and reverse transcriptase). Co-treatment with these proteins exerted different efficiencies toward CD81 and SR-B1 (synergistic), HBV-enzymes (antagonistic), and HCV-enzymes (either additive or synergistic). The studied proteins maximized their antiviral effect by their safety and superior potency to SOF. Collectively, these outcomes will shed the light on MRJP2 and its isoform X1 as two promising safe-inhibitors for both HCV and HBV.

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PMID: 

Biosci Rep. 2019 Sep 4. Epub 2019 Sep 4. PMID: 31484797

Abstract Title: 

Mechanism of anti-dementia Effects of Mangiferin in a Senescence Accelerated Mouse (SAMP8) Model.

Abstract: 

Mangiferin, a xanthanoid, is one of the major compounds isolated from mango leaves and bark fruit. Previous studies have identified several properties of mangiferin, such as preventing microbial growth, reduce oxidative stress and helping reduce risk of diabetes. The aim of this study is to explore the potential anti-dementia effects of Mangiferin in a senescence accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mouse model. Morris water maze test showed that mangiferin significantly improved the learning and memory retention in SAMP8 mice. In addition, mangiferin reduced the damage of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria, and decreased the expression of amyloid-β (Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42); however, no influence on the expression of APP within the brain of SAMP8 mice. Moreover, Mangiferin inhibited lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, we provided evidences to show that mangiferin significantly restored the learning and memory impairment in the SAMP8 mouse model,and reduced the pathological injury in hippocampal by modulating lipid oxidation and amyloid-β deposition in the brain.

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