PMID: 

Rev Peru Med Exp Salud Publica. 2018 Jul-Sep;35(3):441-448. PMID: 30517504

Abstract Title: 

[Osteoarticular protection of Zea mays L. purple variety (purple corn) in experimental arthritis in rats].

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES.: To evaluate the protective effect of Zea mays L., purple variety (purple corn) against inflammatory response and osteoarticular damage in rats with experimental arthritis.MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Sixty-five Holtzman rats were used, assigned to seven groups: G1 (n=5): control; G2 (n=10): pristane (PIA) + distilled water; G3 (n=10): PIA + methotrexate 0.1 mg/kg; G4 (n=10): PIA + indomethacin 0.6 mg/kg; G5 (n=10): PIA + Zea mays 100 mg/kg; G6 (n=10): PIA + Zea mays 1000 mg/kg, and G7 (n=10): PIA + methotrexate 0.1 mg/kg + Zea mays 1000 mg/kg. Treatments were administered by orogastric cannula daily for 21 days; pristane was administered subdermal only on day 1. Volume of hind leg was recorded with a digital plethysmometer. The radiological analysis of the legs was evaluated according to the modified Clark criteria.RESULTS.: The percentage of inflammation at the end of the experiment was: (G1) 1.50± 0.5; (G2) 13.73 ± 8.4; (G3) 14.76 ± 8.8; (G4) 14.22 ± 9.0; (G5) 10.81 ± 9.1; (G6) 5.31 ± 1.4; (G7) 6.38 ± 0.5. The radiological scores of the affected areas were: (G1) 0.6; (G2) 3.5; (G3) 0.6; (G4) 1.7; (G5) 1.9; (G6) 1.4; (G7) 1.0. Only the groups Zea mays L. 1000 mg/kg and methotrexate +Zea mays L. 1000 mg/kg showed a significantly lower inflammatory response (p

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PMID: 

J Transl Med. 2019 Jul 23 ;17(1):237. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31337415

Abstract Title: 

Purple corn extract induces long-lasting reprogramming and M2 phenotypic switch of adipose tissue macrophages in obese mice.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a chronic and systemic inflammatory disorder and an important risk factor for the onset of several chronic syndromes. Adipose tissue (AT) plays a crucial role in the development of obesity, promoting the infiltration and accumulation of leukocytes in the tissue and sustaining adipocyte expansion. Anthocyanins exert a broad range of health benefits, but their effect in improving obesity-related inflammation in vivo has been poorly characterized. We examined the effects of a purple corn cob extract in the context of AT inflammation in a murine diet-induced obesity (DIO) model.METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to control diet (CTR + HO), high fat diet (HF + HO) or high fat diet plus purple corn extract (HF + RED) for 12 weeks. Blood glucose, AT, and liver gene expression, metabolism, biochemistry, and histology were analysed and flow cytometry was performed on AT leukocytes and Kupffer cells.RESULTS: RED extract intake resulted in lower MCP-1 mediated recruitment and proliferation of macrophages into crown-like structures in the AT. AT macrophages (ATM) of HF + RED group upregulated M2 markers (ArgI, Fizz1, TGFβ), downregulating inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2) thanks to the suppression of NF-kB signalling. ATM also increased the expression of iron metabolism-related genes (FABP4, Hmox1, Ferroportin, CD163, TfR1, Ceruloplasmin,FtL1, FtH1) associated with a reduction in iron storage and increased turnover. ATM from HF + RED mice did not respond to LPS treatment ex vivo, confirming the long-lasting effects of the treatment on M2 polarization. Adipocytes of HF + RED group improved lipid metabolism and displayed a lower inflammation grade. Liver histology revealed a remarkable reduction of steatosis in the HF + RED group, and Kupffer cell profiling displayed a marked switch towards the M2 phenotype.CONCLUSIONS: RED extract attenuated AT inflammation in vivo, with a long-lasting reprogramming of ATM and adipocyte profiles towards the anti-inflammatory phenotype, therefore representing a valuable supplement in the context of obesity-associated disorders.

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PMID: 

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2019 ;28(2):260-265. PMID: 31192555

Abstract Title: 

Oat porridge consumption alleviates markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic adults.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Oats contain antioxidant phytochemicals that may help reduce inflammation as well as oxidative stress. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of oat porridge consumption on inflammatory marker levels and oxidative stress in Thai adults with high blood lipid levels.METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A randomized crossover study was conducted. Hypercholesterolemic adults were randomly assigned to a 4-week daily consumption of oat or rice porridge. After 4 weeks, they were switched to alternate intervention arms for 4 weeks. At baseline, before and after each intervention period, inflammatory markers including hsCRP, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1 and antioxidant status markers including ORAC, FRAP, and MDA of all subjects were measured.RESULTS: Compared to baseline, levels of hsCRP, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were significantly decreased after oat porridge consumption (mean change: -0.6±0.9 mg/L, -26.9±27.6 pg/mL, -56.3±27.6 pg/mL, and – 9.7±11.6 pg/mL, p

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PMID: 

Nutrients. 2019 Jun 30 ;11(7). Epub 2019 Jun 30. PMID: 31262076

Abstract Title: 

Rice Porridge Containing Welsh Onion Root Water Extract Alleviates Osteoarthritis-Related Pain Behaviors, Glucose Levels, and Bone Metabolism in Osteoarthritis-Induced Ovariectomized Rats.

Abstract: 

Rice porridge containing(Welsh onion) root water extract (RAFR) has anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds. We examined whether the long-term administration of rice porridge with RAFR would prevent or delay the progression of osteoarthritis and menopausal symptoms in estrogen-deficient animals by ovariectomy. The rats consumed 40% fat energy diets containing 250 mg RAFR (rice:root = 13:1)/kg body weight (bw) (OVX-OA-RAFR-Low), 750 mg RAFR/kg bw (OVX-OA-RAFR-High) and 750 mg starch and protein/kg bw(OVX), respectively. After consuming the assigned diets for eight weeks, monoiodoacetate (OVX-OA) or saline (OVX) were injected into the knee joints of the rats for an additional three weeks. Sham rats were administered saline injections (normal-control). OVX-OA-RAFR improved oral glucose tolerance and also protected against decreases in bone mineral density and lean body mass in the legs and increases in fat mass in the abdomen, compared to the OVX and OVX-OA. OVX-OA-RAFR improved swelling and limping scores, normalized weight distribution between the osteoarthritic and normal limbs, and increased maximum running speeds compared to the OVX-OA. The OVX-OA deteriorated the articular cartilage by reducing the articular matrix and bone loss in the knee joint and it prevented knee joint deterioration when compared to the OVX. The improvement in osteoarthritis symptoms in OVX-OA-RAFR decreased the mRNA expression of matrix metallo-proteinase-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-13, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 in the articular cartilage compared to OVX-OA rats. In conclusions, RAFR is effective in treating osteoarthritis symptoms and it may be used for a therapeutic agent in osteoarthritis-induced menopausal women.

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PMID: 

Molecules. 2018 04 17 ;23(4). Epub 2018 Apr 17. PMID: 29673208

Abstract Title: 

Polysaccharide ofKoidz (PAMK) Relieves Immunosuppression in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Geese by Maintaining a Humoral and Cellular Immune Balance.

Abstract: 

Polysaccharide ofKoidz (PAMK) has been well recognized as an immune enhancer that can promote lymphocyte proliferation and activate immune cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of PAMK on humoral and cellular immune functions in immunosuppressed geese. Geese of the Control group were provided with normal feed, the PAMK group was provided with 400 mg·(kg body weight)PAMK, the cyclophosphamide (CTX) group was injected with 40 mg·(kg body weight)cyclophosphamide, while the CTX+PAMK group received the combination of PAMK and CTX. Spleen development and percentages of leukocytes in peripheral blood were examined. Principal component analysis was conducted to analyze correlations among humoral and cellular immune indicators. The results showed that PAMK alleviated the damage to the spleen, the decrease in T- and B-cell proliferation, the imbalance of leukocytes, and the disturbances of humoral and cellular immunity caused by CTX. Principal component analysis revealed that the relevance of humoral-immunity-related indicators was greater, and the CTX+PAMK group manifested the largest difference from the CTX group but was close to the Control group. In conclusion, PAMK alleviates the immunosuppression caused by CTX in geese, and the protective effect on humoral immunity is more obvious and stable.

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PMID: 

Food Sci Biotechnol. 2018 Dec ;27(6):1823-1831. Epub 2018 Jul 10. PMID: 30483447

Abstract Title: 

Glycoproteins isolated fromKoidz improve protective immune response induction in a mouse model.

Abstract: 

This study examined the efficacy ofKoidz (AMK) protein and polysaccharide extracts as adjuvant or adjuvant booster when given together with porcine pleuropneumonia vaccine. Experimental mice ( = 5/group) were subcutaneously immunized with 25 μg ApxIIA #3 antigen, a target protein against, together with alum and/or various concentrations (0-500 μg) of the AMK extracts, while the control group received PBS only. Immunization with ApxIIA #3 antigen increased the antigen-specific IgG titer and this increase was enhanced in the immunization together with AMK protein, but not polysaccharide extract. Supplementation of AMK protein extract exhibited dose-dependent increases in the antigen-induced protective immunity againstchallenge and in the lymphocyte proliferation specific to the antigen. Glycoproteins present in the AMK extract were the active components responsible for immune response induction. Collectively, the present findings suggest that AMK glycoproteins are useful as immune stimulating adjuvant or adjuvant booster.

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PMID: 

Int J Fertil Steril. 2013 Apr ;7(1):21-8. Epub 2013 Mar 6. PMID: 24520459

Abstract Title: 

The Effects of Cell Phone Waves (900 MHz-GSM Band) on Sperm Parameters and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Rats.

Abstract: 

BACKGROUND: There is tremendous concern regarding the possible adverse effects of cell phone microwaves. Contradictory results, however, have been reported for the effects of these waves on the body. In the present study, the effect of cell phone microwaves on sperm parameters and total antioxidant capacity was investigated with regard to the duration of exposure and the frequency of these waves.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 28 adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g). The animals were randomly assigned to four groups (n=7): i. control; ii. two-week exposure to cell phone-simulated waves; iii. three-week exposure to cell phonesimulated waves; and iv. two-week exposure to cell phone antenna waves. In all groups, sperm analysis was performed based on standard methods and we determined the mean sperm total antioxidant capacity according to the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) method. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test using SPSS version 16 software.RESULTS: The results indicated that sperm viability, motility, and total antioxidant capacity in all exposure groups decreased significantly compared to the control group (p

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Jun 28 ;238:111887. Epub 2019 Apr 17. PMID: 31004726

Abstract Title: 

Ameliorative effect of Atractylodes macrocephala essential oil combined with Panax ginseng total saponins on 5-fluorouracil induced diarrhea is associated with gut microbial modulation.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds that deficiency of spleen-Qi is the major pathogenesis of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID). Herb pair of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (AM) and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (PG) has good effects of supplementing Qi and strengthening spleen.AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate therapeutic effects and mechanism of Atractylodes macrocephala essential oil (AMO) and Panax ginseng total saponins (PGS) alone and in combination (AP) on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy induced diarrhea in mice.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mice were administered with AMO, PGS and AP respectively for 11 days, and intraperitoneally injected with 5-FU for 6 days since the 3rd day of the experiment. During the experiment, the body weights and diarrhea scores of mice were recorded daily. Thymus and spleen indexes were calculated after sacrifice of the mice. Pathological changes in ileum and colonic tissues were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. And the content levels of intestinal inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immmunosorbent assays (ELISA). 16S rDNA Amplicon Sequencing was used to analyze and interpret the gut microbiota of fecal samples.RESULTS: AP significantly inhibited body weights loss, diarrhea, reductions of thymus and spleen indexes, and pathological changes of ileums and colons induced by 5-FU. Neither AMO nor PGS alone significantly improved above-mentioned abnormalities. Besides, AP could significantly suppressed the 5-FU-mediated increases of the intestinal inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-17), while AMO or PGS only inhibited some of them after 5-FU chemotherapy. Gut microbiota analysis indicated that 5-FU induced overall structural changes of gut microbiota were reversed after AP treatment. Additionally, AP significantly modulated the abundances of different phyla similar to normal values, and restored the ratios of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B). At genus level, AP treatment dramatically decreased potential pathogens like Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, Anaerotruncus and Desulfovibrio. AP also antagonized the abnormal effects of AMO and PGS alone oncertain genera like Blautia, Parabacteroides and Lactobacillus. Neither AMO nor PGS alone inhibited changes of gut microbial structure caused by 5-FU.CONCLUSIONS: AP, combination of AMO and PGS, not AMO or PGS alone, significantly ameliorated diarrhea, inhibited intestinal pathology, and modulated gut microbial structure in 5-FU induced mice. AP also antagonized abnormal effects of AMO or PGS on certain genera. The results illustrated that gut microbiota was involved in the combined effects of AP on 5-FU induced diarrhea.

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PMID: 

Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2014 Apr ;27(2):293-303. Epub 2014 Apr 1. PMID: 24692074

Abstract Title: 

The risk of subjective symptoms in mobile phone users in Poland–an epidemiological study.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: To assess the type and incidence of subjective symptoms related to the use of mobile phones in Polish users.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 2005 using a questionnaire survey. Although it has been quite a long time, up to now, no such data have been published for Poland. The questionnaire consisted of 53 questions concerning sex, age, education, general health, characteristics of a mobile phone (hand-held, loud-speaking unit) as well as the habits associated with its use (frequency and duration of calls, text messages, etc.) and complaints associated with using a mobile phone.RESULTS: As many as 1800 questionnaires were sent. The response was obtained from 587 subjects aged 32.6± 11.3 (48.9% women, 51.1% men); the age did not differ significantly between men and women. The subjects owned a cell phone for an average of 3 years. Majority of the respondents used the phone intensively, i.e. daily (74%) or almost daily (20%). Headaches were reported significantly more often bythe people who talked frequently and long in comparison with other users (63.2% of the subjects, p = 0.0029), just like the symptoms of fatigue (45%, p = 0.013). Also, the feeling of warmth around the ear and directly to the auricle was reported significantly more frequently by the intensive mobilephone users, compared with other mobile phone users (47.3%, p = 0.00004 vs. 44.6%, p = 0.00063, respectively). Most symptoms appeared during or immediately after a call and disappeared within 2 h after the call. Continuous headache, persisting for longer than 6 h since the end of a call, was reported by 26% of the subjects.CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the mobile phone users may experience subjective symptoms, the intensity of which depends on the intensity of use of mobile phones.

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PMID: 

Bioelectromagnetics. 2014 Apr ;35(3):227-30. Epub 2013 Dec 27. PMID: 24375568

Abstract Title: 

Extensive frequency selective measurements of radiofrequency fields in outdoor environments performed with a novel mobile monitoring system.

Abstract: 

A novel, car based, measuring system for estimation of general public outdoor exposure to radiofrequency fields (RF) has been developed. The system enables fast, large area, isotropic spectral measurements with a bandwidth covering the frequency range of 30 MHz to 3 GHz. Measurements have shown that complete mapping of a town with 15000 inhabitants and a path length of 115 km is possible to perform within 1 day. The measured areas were chosen to represent typical rural, urban and city areas of Sweden. The data sets consist of more than 70000 measurements. All measurements were performed during the daytime. The median power density was 16 µW/m(2) in rural areas, 270 µW/m(2) in urban areas, and 2400 µW/m(2) in city areas. In urban and city areas, base stations for mobile phones were clearly the dominating sources of exposure.

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