greenmedinfo--2020-12-25--Participation in a yoga study decreases stress and depression scores for incarcerated women.

Incarcerated individuals exhibit a high incidence of stress-related disorders , including addiction and posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) , as well as the added stress of captivity .
Access to stress-reduction tools is limited for these individuals .
One possible approach may be regular structured yoga classes .
Using two approaches , we tested the effectiveness of a brief , intensive yoga intervention in a population of incarcerated women in a county jail .
The first approach was an examination of archival data collected as part of a program analysis .
Individuals showed considerable reduction in self-reported stress following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach was an experimental study using a week-long yoga intervention .
Thirty-four participants were assigned to either the yoga or control group for the first week .
In the second week , the conditions were reversed .
Participants were assessed weekly , before and after intervention .
Baseline scores revealed high rates of depression , stress , and exposure to traumatic life events compared to normative data .
Stress and depression were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and Beck Depression Inventory , respectively .
Compared to controls , participants reported less depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Perceived stress declined under both control and yoga conditions .
Due to the transient nature of the jail institution , it is important to examine interventions that can be provided on a short-term basis .
Although there were limitations in this study , the results support the conclusion that the brief yoga intervention had a positive effect on participants ' well-being .

Incarcerated individuals exhibit a high incidence of stress-related disorders, including addiction and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as the added stress of captivity. Access to stress-reduction tools is limited for these individuals. One possible approach may be regular structured yoga classes. Using two approaches, we tested the effectiveness of a brief, intensive yoga intervention in a population of incarcerated women in a county jail. The first approach was an examination of archival data collected as part of a program analysis. Individuals showed considerable reduction in self-reported stress following a single yoga session. The second approach was an experimental study using a week-long yoga intervention. Thirty-four participants were assigned to either the yoga or control group for the first week. In the second week, the conditions were reversed. Participants were assessed weekly, before and after intervention. Baseline scores revealed high rates of depression, stress, and exposure to traumatic life events compared to normative data. Stress and depression were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale and Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Compared to controls, participants reported less depression after a week of daily yoga sessions. Perceived stress declined under both control and yoga conditions. Due to the transient nature of the jail institution, it is important to examine interventions that can be provided on a short-term basis. Although there were limitations in this study, the results support the conclusion that the brief yoga intervention had a positive effect on participants' well-being.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-25--Yoga and exercise were beneficial in minimizing polycystic ovarian syndrome risk.

Background : To identify the adolescent school girls with risk for polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS ) , assess their risk status , and evaluate the impact of lifestyle modifications on PCOS risk reduction .
Methods : An experimental research was conducted among adolescent girls belonging to two Government run schools in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu state , India , from 6 June to 9 December 2016 .
A standard risk assessment questionnaire was adopted for risk assessment after making few modifications ( Cronbach alpha 0.86 ) .
The experimental group received lifestyle modifications ( yoga for two months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with no such intervention provided for the control group .
The impact of these interventions was assessed in terms of risk minimization and avalue less than .05 was considered statistically significant .
Results : A total of 204 ( control-102 ; experimental-102 ) girls with statistically insignificant difference in demographic features were studied .
During the pretest , 85.2 % ( n = 87 ) in the experimental group and 83.3 % ( n = 85 ) the controls had '' moderate risk '' for PCOS .
Girls with '' high risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( n = 15 ) and 15.7 % ( n = 17 ) in the experimental group and the control group , respectively .
In posttest-1 ( after yoga sessions ) risk assessment , 71.6 % had '' moderate risk , '' 5.9 % had '' high risk '' in the experimental group , whereas 87.3 % had '' moderate risk '' and 12.7 % had '' high risk '' in the control group .
In posttest-2 ( after exercise sessions ) risk assessment , 48 % had '' moderate risk '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experimental group , whereas 88.2 % were '' moderate risk '' and 11.8 % were '' high risk '' in the control group .
Repeated measure ANOVA with Greenhouse-Geisser correction showed mean risk reduction score statistically significant between pretest and post-test ( 33.38 ± 7.28 vs 22.75 ± 12.09 , respectively mean difference is 10.63 : = 236.12 < .001 ) , suggesting a positive correlation with the intervention .
Conclusions : Yoga and exercise were beneficial in minimizing PCOS risk , as reflected in the risk assessment score .
More such interventions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ larger health benefits .

Background: To identify the adolescent school girls with risk for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), assess their risk status, and evaluate the impact of lifestyle modifications on PCOS risk reduction.
Methods: An experimental research was conducted among adolescent girls belonging to two Government run schools in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu state, India, from 6 June to 9 December 2016. A standard risk assessment questionnaire was adopted for risk assessment after making few modifications (Cronbach alpha 0.86). The experimental group received lifestyle modifications (yoga for two months and walking exercise for two months), with no such intervention provided for the control group. The impact of these interventions was assessed in terms of risk minimization and avalue less than .05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 204 (control-102; experimental-102) girls with statistically insignificant difference in demographic features were studied. During the pretest, 85.2% (n = 87) in the experimental group and 83.3% (n = 85) the controls had"moderate risk"for PCOS. Girls with"high risk"level of PCOS were 14.8% (n = 15) and 15.7% (n = 17) in the experimental group and the control group, respectively. In posttest-1 (after yoga sessions) risk assessment, 71.6% had"moderate risk,"5.9% had"high risk"in the experimental group, whereas 87.3% had"moderate risk"and 12.7% had"high risk"in the control group. In posttest-2 (after exercise sessions) risk assessment, 48% had"moderate risk"and 0% had high risk in the experimental group, whereas 88.2% were"moderate risk"and 11.8% were"high risk"in the control group. Repeated measure ANOVA with Greenhouse-Geisser correction showed mean risk reduction score statistically significant between pretest and post-test (33.38 ± 7.28 vs 22.75 ± 12.09, respectively mean difference is 10.63:= 236.12 < .001), suggesting a positive correlation with the intervention.
Conclusions: Yoga and exercise were beneficial in minimizing PCOS risk, as reflected in the risk assessment score. More such interventions, covering different schools, could provide larger health benefits.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-25--EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: COVID & the Weaponization of Public Health, Human Futures Trading, Authentic Sp

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: COVID & the Weaponization of Public Health, Human Futures Trading, Authentic Spiritual Activism

Going live on Dec. 26th , 11:00 AM , EST on youtube ( and on this web page ) .
Alison McDowell is an independent researcher and mom who writes about the intersection of technology and predatory philanthropy at www.wrenchinthegears.com .
Her work provides extraordinary context to the multitude of manufactured crises presently being justified by the response to `` COVID . ''
In this exclusive livestreamed interview , Sayer Ji dives deep into both the unprecedented problems facing us today , and solutions that thought-leaders like Alison are fast bringing to light .
Alison 's topic overview : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , extraction , and war .
It forces the masses to navigate poisoned environments and gig-economy employment .
Living under such stress has profound negative consequences for our physical and mental health , our relationships with our friends and family .
Everything is out of balance , and the billionaire class uses that to its advantage .
Corporations sell us `` solutions '' in the form of disease management and workforce-reskilling that never solve the problems they 've made for us .
Now we face the dawning of the Fourth Industrial Revolution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economic Forum in Davos each January have embraced automation , artificial intelligence , sensor networks , quantum computing , synthetic biology , and bioengineering as the means remake our precious Earth as a planetary computer , a technocratic nightmare .
What is coming is not simply about forced medical procedures , Big Pharma profit , and vaccine injury .
It 's really about remaking humans as cyborgs through the use of internal biosensor networks that will tie us not only into a global biometric surveillance program , but also burgeoning bond markets in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this and have spoken in depth of the nature of the biosensors , surveillance , Agenda 21 and the shift to digital currency .
What needs more discussion , in my opinion , is the ways in which these technologies are going to be used to create global markets trading in human capital futures , framed as ESG ( Environmental , Social , Governance ) investment and `` pay for success '' finance tied to outcomes-based government contracts .
The biometric health passports being rolled out by the Commons Project in response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets , which will run on data extracted from what the WEF calls `` The Internet of Bodies . ''
Essentially the world 's billionaires hope to get us to code into reality a global open-air prison run by satellite constellation and 5/6G where we can be risk-profiled and geo-fenced in real time in relation to behavioral programs framed out by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals .
Primary points of data extraction for the human capital bond markets are education/training ; smart housing ; and health , including behavioral health .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goal 3 and telemedicine and wearable and internal biosensors are central to this program in which investors will place bets on our compliance to imposed `` self improvement '' programs framed as `` preventative care . ''
In this conversation I plan to outline this overall program and share relationship maps I 've created to show how the adoption of electronic health records ( soon to be on blockchain ) , value-based payments , and the use of `` pay for success '' finance in public health have the potential to turn our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our homes , our parks into an oppressive `` soft '' carceral state .
Healers of body and spirit who attempt to operate outside this program are at risk , because a model that seeks to cure illness is not welcome in the world of data-driven disease management .
The stakes will be even higher now that practitioners of The Impact Management Project , the world 's 2,000 largest asset holders , have a stake in how you manage yourself .
Social prescribing , QR codes , leaderboards , gamification ... No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single-payer rolls out , it will likely come with fit-bits and brainwave monitoring headbands to ensure we log our mindfulness points so Goldman Sachs gets paid .
Of course someone might be betting you 're a lazy , non-compliant patient .
There are those who will be happy to `` short ' your position , too .
But this is not all a forgone conclusion .
Do n't despair .
The answer , I think , lies in seeking to restore a spiritual balance .
It must come from a heart space that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dashboard .
By seeking authentic connection to our fellow humans and nature and looking to the struggle of children of the earth , those who were eliminated by genocide and forced into slavery .
It is their stories we must look to in these times .
We must channel that resistance and proceed from a place of strong spirit for justice .
In the end I believe the creator will not allow the sacred to fall to the profane . ''
Read her latest article republished on Greenmedinfo : `` The Brothers Grim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Join our newsletter list to get updates on events like this : https : //www.greenmedinfo.com/newsletter Join our censorship-free social media alternative on Telegram ( with 31,000 subscribers strong ! )
https : //t.me/sayeregengmi Do n't forget to take action , and join our growing army of health freedom loving citizens : www.StandforHealthFreedom.com

Visit our Re-post guidelines This article is copyrighted by GreenMedInfo LLC, 2020
This presentation went live on Dec. 26th, 11:00 AM, EST on youtube (and on this web page).
Alison McDowell's presentation slides for this talk are available to view here.
Alison McDowell is an independent researcher and mom who writes about the intersection of technology and predatory philanthropy at www.wrenchinthegears.com. Her work provides extraordinary context to the multitude of manufactured crises presently being justified by the response to "COVID." In this exclusive livestreamed interview, Sayer Ji dives deep into both the unprecedented problems facing us today, and solutions that thought-leaders like Alison are fast bringing to light.
Alison's topic overview: "The global economy runs on debt finance, extraction, and war. It forces the masses to navigate poisoned environments and gig-economy employment. Living under such stress has profound negative consequences for our physical and mental health, our relationships with our friends and family. Everything is out of balance, and the billionaire class uses that to its advantage. Corporations sell us "solutions" in the form of disease management and workforce-reskilling that never solve the problems they've made for us. Now we face the dawning of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The elite who gather at the World Economic Forum in Davos each January have embraced automation, artificial intelligence, sensor networks, quantum computing, synthetic biology, and bioengineering as the means remake our precious Earth as a planetary computer, a technocratic nightmare. What is coming is not simply about forced medical procedures, Big Pharma profit, and vaccine injury. It's really about remaking humans as cyborgs through the use of internal biosensor networks that will tie us not only into a global biometric surveillance program, but also burgeoning bond markets in speculative human capital.
Many researchers understand this and have spoken in depth of the nature of the biosensors, surveillance, Agenda 21 and the shift to digital currency. What needs more discussion, in my opinion, is the ways in which these technologies are going to be used to create global markets trading in human capital futures, framed as ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investment and "pay for success" finance tied to outcomes-based government contracts. The biometric health passports being rolled out by the Commons Project in response to Covid are the key to unlocking these markets, which will run on data extracted from what the WEF calls "The Internet of Bodies." Essentially the world's billionaires hope to get us to code into reality a global open-air prison run by satellite constellation and 5/6G where we can be risk-profiled and geo-fenced in real time in relation to behavioral programs framed out by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Primary points of data extraction for the human capital bond markets are education/training; smart housing; and health, including behavioral health. "Health" is United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 and telemedicine and wearable and internal biosensors are central to this program in which investors will place bets on our compliance to imposed "self improvement" programs framed as "preventative care."
In this conversation I plan to outline this overall program and share relationship maps I've created to show how the adoption of electronic health records (soon to be on blockchain), value-based payments, and the use of "pay for success" finance in public health have the potential to turn our bodies, our clothes, our meals, our homes, our parks into an oppressive "soft" carceral state. Healers of body and spirit who attempt to operate outside this program are at risk, because a model that seeks to cure illness is not welcome in the world of data-driven disease management. The stakes will be even higher now that practitioners of The Impact Management Project, the world's 2,000 largest asset holders, have a stake in how you manage yourself. Social prescribing, QR codes, leaderboards, gamification... No one is going to tell that if single-payer rolls out, it will likely come with fit-bits and brainwave monitoring headbands to ensure we log our mindfulness points so Goldman Sachs gets paid. Of course someone might be betting you're a lazy, non-compliant patient. There are those who will be happy to "short' your position, too.
But this is not all a forgone conclusion. Don't despair. The answer, I think, lies in seeking to restore a spiritual balance. It must come from a heart space that will never be contained on a data dashboard. By seeking authentic connection to our fellow humans and nature and looking to the struggle of children of the earth, those who were eliminated by genocide and forced into slavery. It is their stories we must look to in these times. We must channel that resistance and proceed from a place of strong spirit for justice. In the end I believe the creator will not allow the sacred to fall to the profane."
Read Alison's work on her website: www.Wrenchinthegears.com


greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--Antibody responses 8 months after asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
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greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--These data show that SARS-CoV-2 infection induced protective immunity against reexposure in nonhuman

An understanding of protective immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ) is critical for vaccine and @ @ @ @ @ ending the global coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) pandemic .
A key unanswered question @ @ @ @ @ results in protective immunity against reexposure .
We developed a rhesus macaque model of SARS-CoV-2 @ @ @ @ @ had high viral loads in the upper and lower respiratory tract , humoral and cellular @ @ @ @ @ evidence of viral pneumonia .
After the initial viral clearance , animals were rechallenged with @ @ @ @ @ in median viral loads in bronchoalveolar lavage and nasal mucosa compared with after the primary @ @ @ @ @ after rechallenge suggested that protection was mediated by immunologic control .
These data show that @ @ @ @ @ against reexposure in nonhuman primates .

An understanding of protective immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is critical for vaccine and public health strategies aimed at ending the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A key unanswered question is whether infection with SARS-CoV-2 results in protective immunity against reexposure. We developed a rhesus macaque model of SARS-CoV-2 infection and observed that macaques had high viral loads in the upper and lower respiratory tract, humoral and cellular immune responses, and pathologic evidence of viral pneumonia. After the initial viral clearance, animals were rechallenged with SARS-CoV-2 and showed 5 logreductions in median viral loads in bronchoalveolar lavage and nasal mucosa compared with after the primary infection. Anamnestic immune responses after rechallenge suggested that protection was mediated by immunologic control. These data show that SARS-CoV-2 infection induced protective immunity against reexposure in nonhuman primates.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--Immunological imprint of COVID-19 on human peripheral blood leukocyte populations.

BACKGROUND : SARS-CoV-2 has triggered a pandemic that is now claiming many lives .
Several studies have investigated cellular immune responses in COVID-19-infected patients during disease but little is known regarding a possible protracted impact of COVID-19 on the adaptive and innate immune system in COVID-19 convalescent patients .
METHODS : We used multiparametric flow cytometry to analyze whole peripheral blood samples and determined SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels against the S-protein , its RBD-subunit , and viral nucleocapsid in a cohort of COVID-19 convalescent patients who had mild disease ~10 weeks after infection ( n = 109 ) and healthy control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Furthermore , we correlated immunological changes with clinical and demographic parameters .
RESULTS : Even ten weeks after disease COVID-19 convalescent patients had fewer neutrophils , while their cytotoxic CD8T cells were activated , reflected as higher HLA-DR and CD38 expression .
Multiparametric regression analyses showed that in COVID-19-infected patients both CD3CD4and CD3CD8effector memory cells were higher , while CD25Foxp3T regulatory cells were lower .
In addition , both transitional B cell and plasmablast levels were significantly elevated in COVID-19-infected patients .
Fever ( duration , level ) correlated with numbers of central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but not anti-NC antibody levels .
Moreover , a '' young immunological age '' as determined by numbers of CD3CD45RACD62LCD31recent thymic emigrants was associated with a loss of sense of taste and/or smell .
CONCLUSION : Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection leaves protracted beneficial ( ie , activation of T cells ) and potentially harmful ( ie , reduction of neutrophils ) imprints in the cellular immune system in addition to induction of specific antibody responses .

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 has triggered a pandemic that is now claiming many lives. Several studies have investigated cellular immune responses in COVID-19-infected patients during disease but little is known regarding a possible protracted impact of COVID-19 on the adaptive and innate immune system in COVID-19 convalescent patients.
METHODS: We used multiparametric flow cytometry to analyze whole peripheral blood samples and determined SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels against the S-protein, its RBD-subunit, and viral nucleocapsid in a cohort of COVID-19 convalescent patients who had mild disease ~10 weeks after infection (n = 109) and healthy control subjects (n = 98). Furthermore, we correlated immunological changes with clinical and demographic parameters.
RESULTS: Even ten weeks after disease COVID-19 convalescent patients had fewer neutrophils, while their cytotoxic CD8T cells were activated, reflected as higher HLA-DR and CD38 expression. Multiparametric regression analyses showed that in COVID-19-infected patients both CD3CD4and CD3CD8effector memory cells were higher, while CD25Foxp3T regulatory cells were lower. In addition, both transitional B cell and plasmablast levels were significantly elevated in COVID-19-infected patients. Fever (duration, level) correlated with numbers of central memory CD4T cells and anti-S and anti-RBD, but not anti-NC antibody levels. Moreover, a"young immunological age"as determined by numbers of CD3CD45RACD62LCD31recent thymic emigrants was associated with a loss of sense of taste and/or smell.
CONCLUSION: Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection leaves protracted beneficial (ie, activation of T cells) and potentially harmful (ie, reduction of neutrophils) imprints in the cellular immune system in addition to induction of specific antibody responses.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--Mild COVID-19 elicits memory lymphocytes that persist and display functional hallmarks of antiviral

Mild COVID-19 elicits memory lymphocytes that persist and display functional hallmarks of antiviral immunity.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ) virus is causing a global pandemic , and cases continue @ @ @ @ @ individuals experience mildly symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) , but it is unknown @ @ @ @ @ immune memory that could contribute to immunity .
We performed a longitudinal assessment of individuals @ @ @ @ @ determine whether they develop and sustain multifaceted SARS-CoV-2-specific immunological memory .
Recovered individuals developed SARS-CoV-2-specific @ @ @ @ @ , neutralizing plasma , and memory B and memory T cells that persisted for at @ @ @ @ @ data further reveal that SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG memory B cells increased over time .
Additionally , @ @ @ @ @ associated with potent antiviral function : memory T cells secreted cytokines and expanded upon antigen @ @ @ @ @ cells expressed receptors capable of neutralizing virus when expressed as monoclonal antibodies .
Therefore , @ @ @ @ @ that persist and display functional hallmarks of antiviral immunity .

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is causing a global pandemic, and cases continue to rise. Most infected individuals experience mildly symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but it is unknown whether this can induce persistent immune memory that could contribute to immunity. We performed a longitudinal assessment of individuals recovered from mild COVID-19 to determine whether they develop and sustain multifaceted SARS-CoV-2-specific immunological memory. Recovered individuals developed SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies, neutralizing plasma, and memory B and memory T cells that persisted for at least 3 months. Our data further reveal that SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG memory B cells increased over time. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2-specific memory lymphocytes exhibited characteristics associated with potent antiviral function: memory T cells secreted cytokines and expanded upon antigen re-encounter, whereas memory B cells expressed receptors capable of neutralizing virus when expressed as monoclonal antibodies. Therefore, mild COVID-19 elicits memory lymphocytes that persist and display functional hallmarks of antiviral immunity.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--Herbicides glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium negatively affect human sperm mitochondria respiratio

Herbicides glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium negatively affect human sperm mitochondria respiration efficiency.

The widespread cultivation of genetically modified organisms ( GMOs ) led to a widespread use of selective herbicides to which GMOs are resistant , thus increasing the concern about human exposure to them .
Glyphosate ( GLY ) and glufosinate ammonium ( GA ) , the active principles of the main formulations , have been investigated for their effects on human health , mainly cancer and reproductive toxicity .
However , little is known about their effects on the molecular mechanisms related to sperm quality .
To investigate the effects of GLY and GA on mitochondrial respiration efficiency , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vivo human sperm mitochondria assay .
Since spermatozoa are highly regulated by sex steroids , we tested at first testosterone ( T ) , di-hydroxytestosterone ( DHT ) , 17β-estradiol ( E2 ) and progesterone ( P4 ) .
Then , we tested the effects of GLY and GA and of the hormone-like flavonoid quercetin ( QRC ) in a dose-dependent manner .
The 0.1-1000 nM concentration range has been considered because it covers both the sexual hormones physiologically relevant concentrations ( 10 nM ) , triggering endogenously hormone-dependent signaling pathways , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dietary intake .
Subsequently , co-incubation experiments were carried out with the two herbicides in the presence of 10 nM of each sex steroid and QRC .
We found that : i ) DHT and QRC are able to significantly reduce mitochondrial functionality at concentrations ≥ 10 nM ; ii ) GLY and GA negatively affect mitochondrial respiration efficiency ; iii ) in the presence of 10 nM DHT , the negative effect of GLY was increased ; iiii ) DHT , QRC and GA target mitochondria by using a mechanism different fromGLY @

The widespread cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) led to a widespread use of selective herbicides to which GMOs are resistant, thus increasing the concern about human exposure to them. Glyphosate (GLY) and glufosinate ammonium (GA), the active principles of the main formulations, have been investigated for their effects on human health, mainly cancer and reproductive toxicity. However, little is known about their effects on the molecular mechanisms related to sperm quality. To investigate the effects of GLY and GA on mitochondrial respiration efficiency, we took advantage of our already established ex vivo human sperm mitochondria assay. Since spermatozoa are highly regulated by sex steroids, we tested at first testosterone (T), di-hydroxytestosterone (DHT), 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). Then, we tested the effects of GLY and GA and of the hormone-like flavonoid quercetin (QRC) in a dose-dependent manner. The 0.1-1000 nM concentration range has been considered because it covers both the sexual hormones physiologically relevant concentrations(10 nM), triggering endogenously hormone-dependent signaling pathways, and the estimated (nM range) QRC dietary intake. Subsequently, co-incubation experiments were carried out with the two herbicides in the presence of 10 nM of each sex steroid and QRC. We found that: i) DHT and QRC are able to significantly reduce mitochondrial functionality at concentrations ≥ 10 nM; ii) GLY and GA negatively affect mitochondrial respiration efficiency; iii) in the presence of 10 nM DHT, the negative effect of GLY was increased; iiii) DHT, QRC and GA target mitochondria by using a mechanism different fromGLY.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--Epigenome-wide association study for glyphosate induced transgenerational sperm DNA methylation and

Epigenome-wide association study for glyphosate induced transgenerational sperm DNA methylation and histone retention epigenetic biomarkers for disease.

The herbicide glyphosate has been shown to promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of pathology and disease in subsequent great-grand offspring ( F3 generation ) .
This generational toxicology suggests the impacts of environmental exposures need to assess subsequent generations .
The current study was designed to identify epigenetic biomarkers for glyphosate-induced transgenerational diseases using an epigenome-wide association study ( EWAS ) .
Following transient glyphosate exposure of gestating female rats ( F0 generation ) , during the developmental period of gonadal sex determination , the subsequent transgenerational F3 generation , with no direct exposure , were aged to 1 year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The pathologies investigated included prostate disease , kidney disease , obesity , and presence of multiple disease .
The sperm were collected from the glyphosate lineage males with only an individual disease and used to identify specific differential DNA methylation regions ( DMRs ) and the differential histone retention sites ( DHRs ) associated with that pathology .
Unique signatures of DMRs and DHRs for each pathology were identified for the specific diseases .
Interestingly , at a lower statistical threshold overlapping sets of DMRs and DHRs were identified that were common for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the first observations that sperm histone retention can potentially act as a biomarker for specific diseases .
The DMR and DHR associated genes were identified and correlated with known pathology specific-associated genes .
Observations indicate transgenerational epigenetic biomarkers of disease pathology can be identified in the sperm that appear to assess disease susceptibility .
These biomarkers suggest epigenetic diagnostics could potentially be used to facilitate preventative medicine .

The herbicide glyphosate has been shown to promote the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of pathology and disease in subsequent great-grand offspring (F3 generation). This generational toxicology suggests the impacts of environmental exposures need to assess subsequent generations. The current study was designed to identify epigenetic biomarkers for glyphosate-induced transgenerational diseases using an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS). Following transient glyphosate exposure of gestating female rats (F0 generation), during the developmental period of gonadal sex determination, the subsequent transgenerational F3 generation, with no direct exposure, were aged to 1 year and animals with specific pathologies identified. The pathologies investigated included prostate disease, kidney disease, obesity, and presence of multiple disease. The sperm were collected from the glyphosate lineage males with only an individual disease and used to identify specific differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) and the differential histone retention sites (DHRs) associated with that pathology. Unique signatures of DMRs and DHRs for each pathology were identified for the specific diseases. Interestingly, at a lower statistical threshold overlapping sets of DMRs and DHRs were identified that were common for all the pathologies. This is one of the first observations that sperm histone retention can potentially act as a biomarker for specific diseases. The DMR and DHR associated genes were identified and correlated with known pathology specific-associated genes. Observations indicate transgenerational epigenetic biomarkers of disease pathology can be identified in the sperm that appear to assess disease susceptibility. These biomarkers suggest epigenetic diagnostics could potentially be used to facilitate preventative medicine.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--Glyphosate-induced lipid metabolism disorder contributes to hepatotoxicity in juvenile common carp.

Residues of glyphosate ( GLY ) are widely detected in aquatic systems , raising potential environmental threats and public health concerns , but the mechanism underlying GLY-induced hepatotoxicity in fish has not been fully elucidated yet .
This study was designed to explore the hepatotoxic mechanism using juvenile common carp exposed to GLY for 45 d , and plasma and liver samples were collected at 15 d , 30 d , and 45 d to analyze the assays .
First , GLY-induced hepatic damage was confirmed by serum liver damage biomarker and hepatic histopathological analysis .
Next , changes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pro- andanti-inflammatory cytokines , and lipid metabolism-related parameters in collected samples were analyzed to clarify their roles in GLY-induced hepatic damage .
Data showed that oxidative stress was an early event during GLY exposure , followed by hepatic inflammatory response .
Lipid metabolism disorderwas a late event during GLY exposure , as evidenced by overproduced hepatic free fatty acids , enhanced lipogenesis-related gene expression levels , reduced lipolysis-related gene expression levels , and resultant hepatic lipid accumulation .
Collectively , these findings demonstrate that GLY induces hepatotoxicity in fish through involvement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lipid metabolism disorder , which are intimately interrelated with each other during GLY exposure .

Residues of glyphosate (GLY) are widely detected in aquatic systems, raising potential environmental threats and public health concerns, but the mechanism underlying GLY-induced hepatotoxicity in fish has not been fully elucidated yet. This study was designed to explore the hepatotoxic mechanism using juvenile common carp exposed to GLY for 45 d, and plasma and liver samples were collected at 15 d, 30 d, and 45 d to analyze the assays. First, GLY-induced hepatic damage was confirmed by serum liver damage biomarker and hepatic histopathological analysis. Next, changes in oxidative stress biomarkers, gene expression levels of pro- andanti-inflammatory cytokines, and lipid metabolism-related parameters in collected samples were analyzed to clarify their roles in GLY-induced hepatic damage. Data showed that oxidative stress was an early event during GLY exposure, followed by hepatic inflammatory response. Lipid metabolism disorderwas a late event during GLY exposure, as evidenced by overproduced hepatic free fatty acids, enhanced lipogenesis-related gene expression levels, reduced lipolysis-related gene expression levels, and resultant hepatic lipid accumulation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GLY induces hepatotoxicity in fish through involvement of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and lipid metabolism disorder, which are intimately interrelated with each other during GLY exposure.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--Roundup causes embryonic development failure and alters metabolic pathways and gut microbiota functi

Roundup causes embryonic development failure and alters metabolic pathways and gut microbiota functionality in non-target species.

BACKGROUND : Research around the weedkiller Roundup is among the most contentious of the twenty-first century .
Scientists have provided inconclusive evidence that the weedkiller causes cancer and other life-threatening diseases , while industry-paid research reports that the weedkiller has no adverse effect on humans or animals .
Much of the controversial evidence on Roundup is rooted in the approach used to determine safe use of chemicals , defined by outdated toxicity tests .
We apply a system biology approach to the biomedical and ecological model species Daphnia to quantify the impact of glyphosate and of its commercial formula , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gut microbiota , taking full advantage of clonal reproduction in Daphnia .
We then apply machine learning-based statistical analysis to identify and prioritize correlations between genome-wide transcriptional and microbiota changes .
RESULTS : We demonstrate that chronic exposure to ecologically relevant concentrations of glyphosate and Roundup at the approved regulatory threshold for drinking water in the US induce embryonic developmental failure , induce significant DNA damage ( genotoxicity ) , and interfere with signaling .
Furthermore , chronic exposure to the weedkiller alters the gut microbiota functionality and composition interfering with carbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeostasis .
Using the '' Reactome , '' we identify conserved pathways across the Tree of Life , which are potential targets for Roundup in other species , including liver metabolism , inflammation pathways , and collagen degradation , responsible for the repair of wounds and tissue remodeling .
CONCLUSIONS : Our results show that chronic exposure to concentrations of Roundup and glyphosate at the approved regulatory threshold for drinking water causes embryonic development failure and alteration of key metabolic functions via direct effect on the host molecular processes and indirect effect on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ species Daphnia occupies a central position in the food web of aquatic ecosystems , being the preferred food of small vertebrates and invertebrates as well as a grazer of algae and bacteria .
The impact of the weedkiller on this keystone species has cascading effects on aquatic food webs , affecting their ability to deliver critical ecosystem services .
Video Abstract .

BACKGROUND: Research around the weedkiller Roundup is among the most contentious of the twenty-first century. Scientists have provided inconclusive evidence that the weedkiller causes cancer and other life-threatening diseases, while industry-paid research reports that the weedkiller has no adverse effect on humans or animals. Much of the controversial evidence on Roundup is rooted in the approach used to determine safe use of chemicals, defined by outdated toxicity tests. We apply a system biology approach to the biomedical and ecological model species Daphnia to quantify the impact of glyphosate and of its commercial formula, Roundup, on fitness, genome-wide transcription and gut microbiota, taking full advantage of clonal reproduction in Daphnia. We then apply machine learning-based statistical analysis to identify and prioritize correlations between genome-wide transcriptional and microbiota changes.
RESULTS: We demonstrate that chronic exposure to ecologically relevant concentrations of glyphosate and Roundup at the approved regulatory threshold for drinking water in the US induce embryonic developmental failure, induce significant DNA damage (genotoxicity), and interfere with signaling. Furthermore, chronic exposure to the weedkiller alters the gut microbiota functionality and composition interfering with carbon and fat metabolism, as well as homeostasis. Using the"Reactome,"we identify conserved pathways across the Tree of Life, which are potential targets for Roundup in other species, including liver metabolism, inflammation pathways, and collagen degradation, responsible for the repair of wounds and tissue remodeling.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that chronic exposure to concentrations of Roundup and glyphosate at the approved regulatory threshold for drinking water causes embryonic development failure and alteration of key metabolic functions via direct effect on the host molecular processes and indirect effect on the gut microbiota. The ecological model species Daphnia occupies a central position in the food web of aquatic ecosystems, being the preferred food of small vertebrates and invertebrates as well as a grazer of algae and bacteria. The impact of the weedkiller on this keystone species has cascading effects on aquatic food webs, affecting their ability to deliver critical ecosystem services. Video Abstract.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--Glyphosate escalates horizontal transfer of conjugative plasmid harboring antibiotic resistance gene

Glyphosate escalates horizontal transfer of conjugative plasmid harboring antibiotic resistance genes.

Glyphosate has been frequently detected in water environments because of the wide use for controlling weed in farm lands and @ @ @ @ @ the focus of the majority of studies is placed on the toxicity of glyphosate on @ @ @ @ @ , the effects of glyphosate on horizontal transfer of conjugative plasmid carrying antibiotic resistance gene @ @ @ @ @ unknown .
Here , we explored the ability and potential mechanism of glyphosate for accelerating @ @ @ @ @ ARG .
The results showed that glyphosate can effectively boost horizontal transfer rate of conjugative @ @ @ @ @ possible mechanism analysis demonstrated that over-production of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species effectively @ @ @ @ @ outer membrane protein and conjugative transfer-related genes , thereby resulting into elevated horizontal transfer rate @ @ @ @ @ conclusion , this study casts new understanding into the biological effects of glyphosate on ARG @

Glyphosate has been frequently detected in water environments because of the wide use for controlling weed in farm lands and urban areas. Presently, the focus of the majority of studies is placed on the toxicity of glyphosate on humans and animals. However, the effects of glyphosate on horizontal transfer of conjugative plasmid carrying antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) are largely unknown. Here, we explored the ability and potential mechanism of glyphosate for accelerating horizontal transfer of conjugative plasmid-mediated ARG. The results showed that glyphosate can effectively boost horizontal transfer rate of conjugative plasmid carrying ARG. The possible mechanism analysis demonstrated that over-production of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species effectively regulated expression levels of bacterial outer membrane protein and conjugative transfer-related genes, thereby resulting into elevated horizontal transfer rate of plasmid-mediated ARG. In conclusion, this study casts new understanding into the biological effects of glyphosate on ARG.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--Environment permissible concentrations of glyphosate in drinking water can influence the fate of neu

Environment permissible concentrations of glyphosate in drinking water can influence the fate of neural stem cells from the subventricular zone of the postnatal mouse.

The developing nervous system is highly vulnerable to environmental toxicants especially pesticides .
Glyphosate pesticide induces neurotoxicity both in humans and rodents , but so far only when exposed to higher concentrations .
A few studies , however , have also reported the risk of general toxicity of glyphosate at concentrations comparable to allowable limits set up by environmental protection authorities .
In vitro data regarding glyphosate neurotoxicity at concentrations comparable to maximum permissible concentrations in drinking water is lacking .
In the present study , we established an in vitro assay based upon neural stem cells ( NSCs ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mouse to decipherthe effects of two maximum permissible concentrations of glyphosate in drinking water on the basic neurogenesis processes .
Our results demonstrated that maximum permissible concentrations of glyphosate recognized by environmental protection authorities significantly reduced the cell migration and differentiation of NSCs as demonstrated by the downregulation of the expression levels of the neuronal ß-tubulin III and the astrocytic S100B genes .
The expression of the cytoprotective gene CYP1A1 was downregulated whilst the expression of oxidative stresses indicator gene SOD1 was upregulated .
Theconcentration comparable to non-toxic human plasma concentration significantly induced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture .
Our findings demonstrated that the permissible concentrations of glyphosate in drinking water recognized by environmental protection authorities are capable of inducing neurotoxicity in the developing nervous system .

The developing nervous system is highly vulnerable to environmental toxicants especially pesticides. Glyphosate pesticide induces neurotoxicity both in humans and rodents, but so far only when exposed to higher concentrations. A few studies, however, have also reported the risk of general toxicity of glyphosate at concentrations comparable to allowable limits set up by environmental protection authorities. In vitro data regarding glyphosate neurotoxicity at concentrations comparable to maximum permissible concentrations in drinking water is lacking. In the present study, we established an in vitro assay based upon neural stem cells (NSCs) from the subventricular zone of the postnatal mouse to decipherthe effects of two maximum permissible concentrations of glyphosate in drinking water on the basic neurogenesis processes. Our results demonstrated that maximum permissible concentrations of glyphosate recognized by environmental protection authorities significantly reduced the cell migration and differentiation of NSCs as demonstrated by the downregulation of the expression levels of the neuronal ß-tubulin III and the astrocytic S100B genes. The expression of the cytoprotective gene CYP1A1 was downregulated whilst the expression of oxidative stresses indicator gene SOD1 was upregulated. Theconcentration comparable to non-toxic human plasma concentration significantly induced cytotoxicity and activated Casignalling in the differentiated culture. Our findings demonstrated that the permissible concentrations of glyphosate in drinking water recognized by environmental protection authorities are capable of inducing neurotoxicity in the developing nervous system.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-26--Add-on yoga therapy is a potential treatment option for improving quality of life, cognitive symptom

PURPOSE OF REVIEW : To review the efficacy of add-on yoga therapy in improving symptoms of schizophrenia and quality of @ @ @ @ @ underlying biological mechanisms of yoga in schizophrenia .
RECENT FINDINGS : Quality of life , @ @ @ @ @ symptoms have been found to improve with add-on yoga therapy in schizophrenia ( pooled mean @ @ @ @ @ , and 0.4 , respectively ) .
Yoga also seems to have a small effect @ @ @ @ @ Less explored areas include adverse effects of yoga itself as well as its effects on @ @ @ @ @ suggest that the effects of yoga may be mediated by neurohormonal mechanisms and functional changes @ @ @ @ @ yoga therapy is a potential treatment option for improving quality of life , cognitive symptoms @ @ @ @ @ schizophrenia .
Future studies should explore efficacy in multicentric trials as well as possible neurobiological @ @ @ @ @

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the efficacy of add-on yoga therapy in improving symptoms of schizophrenia and quality of life and examine the possible underlying biological mechanisms of yoga in schizophrenia.
RECENT FINDINGS: Quality of life, cognitive symptoms, and negative symptoms have been found to improve with add-on yoga therapy in schizophrenia (pooled mean effect size 0.8, 0.6, and 0.4, respectively). Yoga also seems to have a small effect on improving positive symptoms. Less explored areas include adverse effects of yoga itself as well as its effects on antipsychotic-induced complications. Preliminary findings suggest that the effects of yoga may be mediated by neurohormonal mechanisms and functional changes in brain activity. Add-on yoga therapy is a potential treatment option for improving quality of life, cognitive symptoms, and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Future studies should explore efficacy in multicentric trials as well as possible neurobiological changes underlying the effects.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-28--Mi-RNA-888-5p is involved in S-adenosylmethionine antitumor effects in laryngeal squamous cancer cel

Mi-RNA-888-5p is involved in S-adenosylmethionine antitumor effects in laryngeal squamous cancer cells.

( 1 ) Purpose : The methyl donor S-Adenosylmethionine ( AdoMet ) has been widely explored as a therapeutic compound , and its application-alone or in combination with other molecules-is emerging as a potential effective strategy for the treatment and chemoprevention of tumours .
In this study , we investigated the antitumor activity of AdoMet in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ( LSCC ) , exploring the underlying mechanisms .
( 2 ) Results : We demonstrated that AdoMet induced ROS generation and triggered autophagy with a consistent increase in LC3B-II autophagy-marker in JHU-SCC-011 and HNO210 LSCC cells .
AdoMet induced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upregulation of the spliced form of XBP1 and CHOP .
To gain new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of AdoMet , we evaluated the regulation of miRNA expression profile and we found a downregulation of miR-888-5p .
We transfected LSCC cells with miR-888-5p inhibitor and exposed the cells to AdoMet for 48 and 72 h. The combination of AdoMet with miR-888-5p inhibitor synergistically induced both apoptosis and inhibited cell migration paralleled by the up-regulation ofandgenes and of their targets .
( 3 ) Conclusion : Overall , these data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AdoMet play an important role in inhibiting apoptosis and migration in LSCC cell lines .

(1) Purpose: The methyl donor S-Adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) has been widely explored as a therapeutic compound, and its application-alone or in combination with other molecules-is emerging as a potential effective strategy for the treatment and chemoprevention of tumours. In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of AdoMet in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC), exploring the underlying mechanisms. (2) Results: We demonstrated that AdoMet induced ROS generation and triggered autophagy with a consistent increase in LC3B-II autophagy-marker in JHU-SCC-011 and HNO210 LSCC cells. AdoMet induced ER-stress and activated UPR signaling through the upregulation of the spliced form of XBP1 and CHOP. To gain new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of AdoMet, we evaluated the regulation of miRNA expression profile and we found a downregulation of miR-888-5p. We transfected LSCC cells with miR-888-5p inhibitor and exposed the cells to AdoMet for 48 and 72 h. The combination of AdoMet with miR-888-5p inhibitor synergistically induced both apoptosis and inhibited cell migration paralleled by the up-regulation ofandgenes and of their targets. (3) Conclusion: Overall, these data highlighted that epigenetic reprogramming of miRNAs by AdoMet play an important role in inhibiting apoptosis and migration in LSCC cell lines.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-28--HPLC and anti-inflammatory studies of the flavonoid rich chloroform extract fraction of Orthosiphon

HPLC and anti-inflammatory studies of the flavonoid rich chloroform extract fraction of Orthosiphon stamineus leaves.

The aim of the present study was to verify the anti-inflammatory activity of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extracts and to identify @ @ @ @ @ ) contributing to its anti-inflammatory activity using a developed HPLC method .
Active chloroform extract @ @ @ @ @ into three fractions using a dry flash column chromatography method .
These three fractions were @ @ @ @ @ , in vitro nitric oxide scavenging activity , anti-inflammatory and nitric oxide ( NO ) @ @ @ @ @ edema method .
The flavonoid rich chloroform extract fraction ( CF2 ) [ containing sinensetin @ @ @ @ @ , eupatorin ( 5.05 % w/w ) and 3'-hydroxy-5,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavone ( 1.101 % w/w ) ] @ @ @ @ @ paw edema , NO and decreased dye leakage to peritoneal cavity at p < 0.05 @ @ @ @ @ of in vitro NO scavenging of CF2 was 0.3 mg/mL .
These results suggest that @ @ @ @ @ CF2 may possibly be due to the presence of flavonoid compounds capable of affecting the @ @ @

The aim of the present study was to verify the anti-inflammatory activity of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extracts and to identify the active compound(s) contributing to its anti-inflammatory activity using a developed HPLC method. Active chloroform extract of O. stamineus was fractionated into three fractions using a dry flash column chromatography method. These three fractions were investigated for anti-peritoneal capillary permeability, in vitro nitric oxide scavenging activity, anti-inflammatory and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method. The flavonoid rich chloroform extract fraction (CF2) [containing sinensetin (2.86% w/w), eupatorin (5.05% w/w) and 3'-hydroxy-5,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavone (1.101% w/w)], significantly reduced rat hind paw edema, NO and decreased dye leakage to peritoneal cavity at p<0.05. IC(50) of in vitro NO scavenging of CF2 was 0.3 mg/mL. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of these CF2 may possibly be due to the presence of flavonoid compounds capable of affecting the NO pathway.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-28--Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. standardized extract.

Orthosiphon stamineus ( OS ) , Benth .
( Lamiaceae ) is widely used in Malaysia for treatments of various @ @ @ @ @ In the experiment , DPPH* radicals scavenging , Fe ( 3+ ) -induced lipid peroxidation @ @ @ @ @ antioxidant capacity ( TEAC ) of methanol/water extract of Orthosiphon stamineus ( SEOS ) were @ @ @ @ @ that SEOS exhibited antioxidant , lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging activities .
The @ @ @ @ @ was studied using CCl ( 4 ) -induced liver toxicity in rats .
The activity @ @ @ @ @ function tests through the measurement of alanine transaminase ( ALT ) and aspartate transaminase ( @ @ @ @ @ hepatic tissues were also subjected to histopathological studies .
Pretreatment of SEOS ( 125 , @ @ @ @ @ mg/kg p.o . )
dose-dependently reduced the necrotic changes in rat liver and inhibited the @ @ @ @ @ AST activities .
The results of the present study indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of @ @ @ @ @ to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property .

Orthosiphon stamineus (OS), Benth. (Lamiaceae) is widely used in Malaysia for treatments of various kidney and liver ailments. In the experiment, DPPH* radicals scavenging, Fe(3+)-induced lipid peroxidation inhibiting activities and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of methanol/water extract of Orthosiphon stamineus (SEOS) were determined. The results indicated that SEOS exhibited antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging activities. The hepatoprotective activity of the SEOS was studied using CCl(4)-induced liver toxicity in rats. The activity was assessed by monitoring liver function tests through the measurement of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Furthermore, hepatic tissues were also subjected to histopathological studies. Pretreatment of SEOS (125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) dose-dependently reduced the necrotic changes in rat liver and inhibited the increase of serum ALT and AST activities. The results of the present study indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of Orthosiphon stamineus might be ascribable to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-28--Antihyperglycemic effect of orthosiphon stamineus benth leaves extract and its bioassay-guided fract

Antihyperglycemic effect of orthosiphon stamineus benth leaves extract and its bioassay-guided fractions.

Preliminary investigations were carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of the leaves of O. stamineus extracted serially with solvents of increasing polarity ( petroleum ether , chloroform , methanol and water ) ; bioassay-guided purification of plant extracts using the subcutaneous glucose tolerance test ( SbGTT ) was also carried out .
Only the chloroform extract , given at 1 g/kg body weight ( b.w . )
, significantly reduced ( P < 0.05 ) the blood glucose level of rats loaded subcutaneously with 150 mg/kg ( b.w . )
glucose .
The active chloroform extract of O. stamineus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dry flash column chromatography method .
Out of the five fractions tested , only chloroform fraction 2 ( Cƒ2 ) , at the dose of 1 g/kg ( b.w . )
significantly inhibited ( P < 0.05 ) blood glucose levels in SbGTT .
Active Cƒ2 was split into two sub-fractions Cƒ2-A and Cƒ2-B , using a dry flash column chromatography method .
The activities Cƒ2-A and Cƒ2-B were investigated using SbGTT , and the active sub-fraction was then further studied for anti-diabetic effects in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model .
The results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blood glucose lowering effect in fasted treated normal rats after glucose-loading of 150 mg/kg ( b.w. )
.
In the acute streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model , Cƒ2-B did not exhibit a hypoglycemic effect on blood glucose levels up to 7 hours after treatment .
Thus , it appears that Cƒ2-B functions similarly to metformin , which has no hypoglycemic effect but demonstrates an antihyperglycemic effect only in normogycemic models .
The effect of Cƒ2-B may have no direct stimulatory effects on insulin secretion or on blood glucose levels in diabetic animal models .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) within the active fraction ( Cƒ2-B ) indicated the presence of terpenoids and , flavonoids , including sinensitin .

Preliminary investigations were carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of the leaves of O. stamineus extracted serially with solvents of increasing polarity (petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water); bioassay-guided purification of plant extracts using the subcutaneous glucose tolerance test (SbGTT) was also carried out. Only the chloroform extract, given at 1 g/kg body weight (b.w.), significantly reduced (P<0.05) the blood glucose level of rats loaded subcutaneously with 150 mg/kg (b.w.) glucose. The active chloroform extract of O. stamineus was separated into five fractions using a dry flash column chromatography method. Out of the five fractions tested, only chloroform fraction 2 (Cƒ2), at the dose of 1 g/kg (b.w.) significantly inhibited (P<0.05) blood glucose levels in SbGTT. Active Cƒ2 was split into two sub-fractions Cƒ2-A and Cƒ2-B, using a dry flash column chromatography method. The activities Cƒ2-A and Cƒ2-B were investigated using SbGTT, and the active sub-fraction was then further studied for anti-diabetic effects in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. The results clearly indicate that Cƒ2-B fraction exhibited a blood glucose lowering effect in fasted treated normal rats after glucose-loading of 150 mg/kg (b.w.). In the acute streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model, Cƒ2-B did not exhibit a hypoglycemic effect on blood glucose levels up to 7 hours after treatment. Thus, it appears that Cƒ2-B functions similarly to metformin, which has no hypoglycemic effect but demonstrates an antihyperglycemic effect only in normogycemic models. The effect of Cƒ2-B may have no direct stimulatory effects on insulin secretion or on blood glucose levels in diabetic animal models. Verification of the active compound(s) within the active fraction (Cƒ2-B) indicated the presence of terpenoids and, flavonoids, including sinensitin.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-28--O. stamineus has anti-inflammatory and non-narcotic analgesic activities.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of a standardized Orthosiphon stamineus methanol:water (50:50 vol/vol) leaf extract (SEOS) were evaluated in animal models. Oral administration of SEOS at doses of 500 and 1,000 mg/kg significantly reduced the hind paw edema in rats at 3 and 5 hours after carrageenan administration (P<.01 and P<.01; P<.01 and P<.05, respectively). SEOS (1,000 mg/kg, p.o.) also produced significant (P<.05) analgesic activity in both the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the formalin-induced licking test (late phase) in mice and rats, respectively. However, SEOS showed no effect on the tail flick and hot plate tests in mice. The results of the present study support the proposal that O. stamineus has anti-inflammatory and non-narcotic analgesic activities. These findings justify the traditional use of the plant for treating pain and inflammation.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-28--Astragalus membranaceus and Punica granatum alleviate infertility and kidney dysfunction induced by

Astragalus membranaceus and Punica granatum alleviate infertility and kidney dysfunction induced by aging in male rats.

By aging , male fertility and kidney function decline .
Therefore , the investigation of health span-extending agents becomes more urgent to overcome aging-induced infertility and kidney dysfunction .
The current research was undertaken to investigate the antiaging efficacy oftelomerase activator-65 ( Ta-65 ) and pomegranate supplements .
Forty male Wistar rats were divided into young rats , aged rats , aged rats treated with Ta-65 ( 500mg/kg/day ) , and aged rats treated with pomegranate ( 250mg/kg/day ) .
Testosterone , FSH , LH , and kidney functions were measured in serum .
Sperm analysis as well as testicular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an imbalance in male sex hormones resulting in sperm abnormality and reductions in the sperm count and motility .
Elevations in serum creatinine , uric acid , sodium , and potassium were reported in aged rats .
Treatment with Ta-65 or pomegranate effectively ameliorated all the deteriorations induced by normal aging in male fertility and renal function .
Ta-65 and pomegranate possessed strong antiaging activity by alleviating aging-induced male infertility through reestablishing the hormonal balance and testis architecture .
They also alleviated the kidney dysfunction .
On comparing Ta-65 with pomegranate , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sperm abnormalities caused by Ta-65 was much better than that caused by pomegranate .

By aging, male fertility and kidney function decline. Therefore, the investigation of health span-extending agents becomes more urgent to overcome aging-induced infertility and kidney dysfunction. The current research was undertaken to investigate the antiaging efficacy oftelomerase activator-65 (Ta-65) and pomegranate supplements. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into young rats, aged rats, aged rats treated with Ta-65 (500mg/kg/day), and aged rats treated with pomegranate (250mg/kg/day). Testosterone, FSH, LH, and kidney functions were measured in serum. Sperm analysis as well as testicular histological examination was performed. Aging caused an imbalance in male sex hormones resulting in sperm abnormality and reductions in the sperm count and motility. Elevations in serum creatinine, uric acid, sodium, and potassium were reported in aged rats. Treatment with Ta-65 or pomegranate effectively ameliorated all the deteriorations induced by normal aging in male fertility and renal function. Ta-65 and pomegranate possessed strong antiaging activity by alleviating aging-induced male infertility through reestablishing the hormonal balance and testis architecture. They also alleviated the kidney dysfunction. On comparing Ta-65 with pomegranate, the improvement in FSH, LH, and sperm abnormalities caused by Ta-65 was much better than that caused by pomegranate.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-28--These findings identify ellagic acid as a possible anti-Zika candidate compound.

Zika virus , an arthropod-borne flavivirus , is an emerging healthcare threat worldwide .
Zika virus is responsible for severe neurological effects , such as paralytic Guillain-Barrè syndrome , in adults , and also congenital malformations , especially microcephaly .
No specific antiviral drugs and vaccines are currently available , and treatments are palliative , but medicinal plants show great potential as natural sources of anti-Zika phytochemicals .
This study deals with the investigation of the composition , cytotoxicity , and anti-Zika activity ofleaf ethanolic extract , fractions , and phytoconstituents.leaves were collected from different areas in Italy and Greece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyzed and fractionated , and the pure compounds were isolated .
The phytochemical and biomolecular fingerprint of the pomegranate leaves was determined .
The antiviral activities of the leaf extract , fractions , and compounds were investigated against the MR766 and HPF2013 Zika virus strains .
Both the extract and its fractions were found to be active against Zika virus infection .
Of the compounds isolated , ellagic acid showed particular anti-Zika activities , with ECvalues of 30.86 µM for MR766 and 46.23 µM for HPF2013 .
The mechanism of action was investigated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was demonstrated that ellagic acid was primarily active as it prevented Zika virus infection and was able to significantly reduce Zika virus progeny production .
Our data demonstrate the anti-Zika activity of pomegranate leaf extract and ellagic acid for the first time .
These findings identify ellagic acid as a possible anti-Zika candidate compound that can be used for preventive and therapeutic interventions .

Zika virus, an arthropod-borne flavivirus, is an emerging healthcare threat worldwide. Zika virus is responsible for severe neurological effects, such as paralytic Guillain-Barrè syndrome, in adults, and also congenital malformations, especially microcephaly. No specific antiviral drugs and vaccines are currently available, and treatments are palliative, but medicinal plants show great potential as natural sources of anti-Zika phytochemicals. This study deals with the investigation of the composition, cytotoxicity, and anti-Zika activity ofleaf ethanolic extract, fractions, and phytoconstituents.leaves were collected from different areas in Italy and Greece in different seasons. Crude extracts were analyzed and fractionated, and the pure compounds were isolated. The phytochemical and biomolecular fingerprint of the pomegranate leaves was determined. The antiviral activities of the leaf extract, fractions, and compounds were investigated against the MR766 and HPF2013 Zika virus strains. Both the extract and its fractions were found to be active against Zika virus infection. Of the compounds isolated, ellagic acid showed particular anti-Zika activities, with ECvalues of 30.86 µM for MR766 and 46.23 µM for HPF2013. The mechanism of action was investigated using specific antiviral assays, and it was demonstrated that ellagic acid was primarily active as it prevented Zika virus infection and was able to significantly reduce Zika virus progeny production. Our data demonstrate the anti-Zika activity of pomegranate leaf extract and ellagic acid for the first time. These findings identify ellagic acid as a possible anti-Zika candidate compound that can be used for preventive and therapeutic interventions.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-27--The efficiency of pomegranate peel ethanolic extract in attenuating the vancomycin-triggered liver a

The efficiency of pomegranate peel ethanolic extract in attenuating the vancomycin-triggered liver and kidney tissues injury.

This study evaluated the potential of Punica granatum peel ethanol extract ( PPEE ) in attenuating the liver and kidney tissue injury induced by vancomycin ( VM ) treatment in rats .
Fifty rats were distributed equally into five groups : control group , PPEE-administered group ( 100 mg/kg BW/day for 2 weeks ; orally ) , VM-treated group ( 443.6 mg/kg BW , every alternate day for 2 weeks ; intraperitoneally ) , pre-treated group , and concomitant-treated group .
The biochemical response and the histopathology of the hepatic and renal tissue of the treated animals were assessed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantial hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity , evidenced by a significant elevation in tissue injury and lipid oxidative ( malondialdehyde ) and inflammatory response ( C-reactive protein ) biomarkers , with lowered antioxidants and protein levels .
Additionally , VM treatment induced various morphological , cytotoxic , vascular , and inflammatory perturbations as well as upregulation in the immune-expression of Caspase-3 and downregulation of BCL-2 .
Moreover , PPEE co-treatment was found to reduce the VM-induced toxicity by protecting the tissue against reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) -mediated oxidative damage , and inflammation as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins .
Thus , we conclude that the PPEE administration showed more restoring efficacy when administered prior to VM medication .

This study evaluated the potential of Punica granatum peel ethanol extract (PPEE) in attenuating the liver and kidney tissue injury induced by vancomycin (VM) treatment in rats. Fifty rats were distributed equally into five groups: control group, PPEE-administered group (100 mg/kg BW/day for 2 weeks; orally), VM-treated group (443.6 mg/kg BW, every alternate day for 2 weeks; intraperitoneally), pre-treated group, and concomitant-treated group. The biochemical response and the histopathology of the hepatic and renal tissue of the treated animals were assessed. The results showed that VM treatment induced substantial hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, evidenced by a significant elevation in tissue injury and lipid oxidative (malondialdehyde) and inflammatory response (C-reactive protein) biomarkers, with lowered antioxidants and protein levels. Additionally, VM treatment induced various morphological, cytotoxic, vascular, and inflammatory perturbations as well as upregulation in the immune-expression of Caspase-3 and downregulation of BCL-2. Moreover, PPEE co-treatment was found to reduce the VM-induced toxicity by protecting the tissue against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage, and inflammation as well as hinder the apoptotic cell death by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Thus, we conclude that the PPEE administration showed more restoring efficacy when administered prior to VM medication.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-27--Pomegranate seed oil and bitter melon extract supplemented in diet influence the lipid profile and i

Pomegranate seed oil and bitter melon extract supplemented in diet influence the lipid profile and intensity of peroxidation in livers of SPRD rats exposed to a chemical carcinogen.

Despite promising health effects of pomegranate seed oil ( PSO ) and bitter melon extract ( BM ) used for @ @ @ @ @ medicine , neither mechanism of action nor safety has been fully recognized .
This study @ @ @ @ @ of diet supplementation with PSO and BM on fatty acid , conjugated fatty acid and @ @ @ @ @ livers , since liver is crucial for lipid metabolism .
Oxidation indicators ( malondialdehyde , @ @ @ @ @ also determined .
Lipid profiles did not reveal the presence of punicic acid , while @ @ @ @ @ , including rumenic acid , were determined .
Both supplementation and exposition to carcinogen significantly @ @ @ @ @ oxysterols levels , simultaneously increasing malondialdehyde content in animals suffering from cancer .
Impact of @ @ @ @ @ status varied depending on carcinogen exposure and coexisting neoplastic process , which is important , @ @ @ @ @ in their use in prevention and therapy of various diseases , including cancer .

Despite promising health effects of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and bitter melon extract (BM) used for centuries as food and traditional medicine, neither mechanism of action nor safety has been fully recognized. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of diet supplementation with PSO and BM on fatty acid, conjugated fatty acid and cholesterol content in rat' livers, since liver is crucial for lipid metabolism. Oxidation indicators (malondialdehyde, oxysterols and tocopherols) were also determined. Lipid profiles did not reveal the presence of punicic acid, while other conjugated dienes and trienes, including rumenic acid, were determined. Both supplementation and exposition to carcinogen significantly increased cholesterol and reduced selected oxysterols levels, simultaneously increasing malondialdehyde content in animals suffering from cancer. Impact of PSO and BM on oxidative status varied depending on carcinogen exposure and coexisting neoplastic process, which is important, due to the growing interest in their use in prevention and therapy of various diseases, including cancer.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-27--Pomegranate juice rescues developmental, neurobehavioral and biochemical disorders in aluminum chlor

Pomegranate juice rescues developmental, neurobehavioral and biochemical disorders in aluminum chloride-treated male mice.

PURPOSE : Aluminum ( Al ) is a harmful metal to organisms and is capable of entering the human body in multiple ways , such as through drinking , breathing , deodorant use , and vaccination .
This study examined the prospective toxicity of Al and the protective attributes of pomegranate juice ( PJ ) on neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters of male mice .
METHODS : Six groups of male mice were treated for 35 days with 20 % PJ ( group II ) , 40 % PJ ( group III ) , 400 mg/kg Al ( group IV ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group V ) , Al + 40 % PJ ( group VI ) or tap water ( control , group I ) .
Behavioral assessments were conducted for learning and memory evaluations at the end of experiment .
In addition , the forebrain was isolated for biochemical analysis .
RESULTS : The exposure of male mice to Al decreased learning and memory retention in the shuttle box , Morris water-maze and T-Maze tests .
Biochemical analysis revealed significant depletions in neurotransmitters including DA , 5-HT and AChE and oxidative proteins including GSH , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TBARES levels in Al-treated mice compared to untreated mice .
Pomegranate juice provided protection against these effects after Al exposure by ameliorating learning and memory retention and oxidative state in a dose-independent manner .
CONCLUSION : Our data demonstrated that Al exposure caused behavioral and biochemical disorders .
Pomegranate juice in lower dose has beneficial properties for health and can be used as a source of antioxidants to reduce the toxicity of Al and other substances .

PURPOSE: Aluminum (Al) is a harmful metal to organisms and is capable of entering the human body in multiple ways, such as through drinking, breathing, deodorant use, and vaccination. This study examined the prospective toxicity of Al and the protective attributes of pomegranate juice (PJ) on neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters of male mice.
METHODS: Six groups of male mice were treated for 35 days with 20 % PJ (group II), 40 % PJ (group III), 400 mg/kg Al (group IV), Al + 20 % PJ (group V), Al + 40 % PJ (group VI) or tap water (control, group I). Behavioral assessments were conducted for learning and memory evaluations at the end of experiment. In addition, the forebrain was isolated for biochemical analysis.
RESULTS: The exposure of male mice to Al decreased learning and memory retention in the shuttle box, Morris water-maze and T-Maze tests. Biochemical analysis revealed significant depletions in neurotransmitters including DA, 5-HT and AChE and oxidative proteins including GSH, GST, CAT and SOD and increased TBARES levels in Al-treated mice compared to untreated mice. Pomegranate juice provided protection against these effects after Al exposure by ameliorating learning and memory retention and oxidative state in a dose-independent manner.
CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that Al exposure caused behavioral and biochemical disorders. Pomegranate juice in lower dose has beneficial properties for health and can be used as a source of antioxidants to reduce the toxicity of Al and other substances.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-27--Aqueous extract of pomegranate enriched in ellagitannins prevents anxiety-like behavior.

Women around menopause are vulnerable to present psychiatric and metabolic disorders ; thus , therapies that contribute to treat both pathologies are required .
Previous reports showed that an aqueous extract of pomegranate ( Punica granatum ) , enriched in ellagitannins , exerts an antidepressant-like effect in ovariectomized rats .
We analyze whether this aqueous extract of P. granatum ( AE-PG ) prevents the anxiety-like behavior induced by a cafeteria diet ( CAF ) in middle-aged ovariectomized rats at the same time that it prevents an increase in body weight , glucose , lipids , and the changes on mRNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PPAR-γ ) in the liver .
Also , the effects of AE-PG on the protein levels of PPAR-γphospho-PPAR-γ , extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase ( ERK1/2 ) and phospho-ERK1/2 were measured in the hippocampus and amygdala .
CAF induced anxiety-like behavior , augmented lipids and glucose blood levels , body weight , visceral fat , insulin resistance , and decreased mRNA expression of PPAR-γ in the liver .
In rats fed with the CAF , AE-PG prevented the anxiety-like behavior , reduced body weight , lowered lipid levels , reduced insulin resistance , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the hippocampus , ERK1/2 but not PPAR-γ protein levels were decreased by CAF , while AE-PG prevented these effects .
In the amygdala , CAF increased the phosphorylation of PPARγ , and AE-PG prevented it .
In contrast , AE-PG rescued the decreased ERK1/2 protein level in the hippocampus caused by CAF .
In conclusion , AE-PG treatment prevented anxiogenic and metabolic effects induced by CAF , and its effects appear to be mediated by ERK1/2 and PPARγ depending on the brain area studied .

Women around menopause are vulnerable to present psychiatric and metabolic disorders; thus, therapies that contribute to treat both pathologies are required. Previous reports showed that an aqueous extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum), enriched in ellagitannins, exerts an antidepressant-like effect in ovariectomized rats. We analyze whether this aqueous extract of P. granatum (AE-PG) prevents the anxiety-like behavior induced by a cafeteria diet (CAF) in middle-aged ovariectomized rats at the same time that it prevents an increase in body weight, glucose, lipids, and the changes on mRNA expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) in the liver. Also, the effects of AE-PG on the protein levels of PPAR-γphospho-PPAR-γ, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and phospho-ERK1/2 were measured in the hippocampus and amygdala. CAF induced anxiety-like behavior, augmented lipids and glucose blood levels, body weight, visceral fat, insulin resistance, and decreased mRNA expression of PPAR-γ in the liver. In rats fed with the CAF, AE-PG prevented the anxiety-like behavior, reduced body weight, lowered lipid levels, reduced insulin resistance, and increased PPAR-γ mRNA expression in the liver. In the hippocampus, ERK1/2 but not PPAR-γ protein levels were decreased by CAF, while AE-PG prevented these effects. In the amygdala, CAF increased the phosphorylation of PPARγ, and AE-PG prevented it. In contrast, AE-PG rescued the decreased ERK1/2 protein level in the hippocampus caused by CAF. In conclusion, AE-PG treatment prevented anxiogenic and metabolic effects induced by CAF, and its effects appear to be mediated by ERK1/2 and PPARγ depending on the brain area studied.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-27--Urolithins attenuate multiple symptoms of obesity.

Background : Urolithins are gut microbiota-derived polyphenol metabolites , produced following the consumption of pomegranate , berries , and nuts .
Recent studies have shown the potentials of these metabolites on reducing triglycerides accumulation in cultured hepatocytes and adipocytes .
In this study , we investigated the ability of both urolithin A ( Uro-A ) and urolithin B ( Uro-B ) to attenuate obesity and associated symptoms in a high-fat diet-induced obesity model in rats .
Methods : Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups .
Group 1 was fed on a normal diet while groups 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a high-fat diet for 10 weeks .
After this , groups 3 and 4 were treated with 2.5mg/kg body weight of Uro-A and Uro-B intraperitoneally , respectively .
Body weight , serum lipid profile , hepatic antioxidant activity , hepatic lipid accumulation , fecal lipid content , and the expressions of genes involved in lipogenesis and hepatic ER stress were quantified .
Results : Indeed , a high-fat diet resulted in increased body weight , visceral adipose tissue mass , and oxidative stress in rats .
However , treatment with both Uro-A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adipose tissue mass .
These metabolites restored hepatic antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid accumulation in addition to an increase in fecal fat excretion .
Moreover , both Uro-A and Uro-B treatment downregulated the expression of LXRα and SREBP1c ; involved in de novo lipogenesis while upregulating PPARα expression for increased fatty acid oxidation .
Furthermore , Uro-A and Uro-B decreased the expression of PERK and IRE1α ; which are involved in hepatic ER stress .
Taken together , our results showed the potentials of Uro-A and Uro-B in mitigating obesity symptoms and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future as functional anti-obesity candidates .

Background: Urolithins are gut microbiota-derived polyphenol metabolites, produced following the consumption of pomegranate, berries, and nuts. Recent studies have shown the potentials of these metabolites on reducing triglycerides accumulation in cultured hepatocytes and adipocytes. In this study, we investigated the ability of both urolithin A (Uro-A) and urolithin B (Uro-B) to attenuate obesity and associated symptoms in a high-fat diet-induced obesity model in rats.
Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups. Group 1 was fed on a normal diet while groups 2, 3, and 4 were fed on a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. After this, groups 3 and 4 were treated with 2.5mg/kg body weight of Uro-A and Uro-B intraperitoneally, respectively. Body weight, serum lipid profile, hepatic antioxidant activity, hepatic lipid accumulation, fecal lipid content, and the expressions of genes involved in lipogenesis and hepatic ER stress were quantified.
Results: Indeed, a high-fat diet resulted in increased body weight, visceral adipose tissue mass, and oxidative stress in rats. However, treatment with both Uro-A and Uro-B decreased body weight and visceral adipose tissue mass. These metabolites restored hepatic antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid accumulation in addition to an increase in fecal fat excretion. Moreover, both Uro-A and Uro-B treatment downregulated the expression of LXRα and SREBP1c; involved in de novo lipogenesis while upregulating PPARα expression for increased fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, Uro-A and Uro-B decreased the expression of PERK and IRE1α; which are involved in hepatic ER stress. Taken together, our results showed the potentials of Uro-A and Uro-B in mitigating obesity symptoms and they could thus provide promising roles in the future as functional anti-obesity candidates.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-27--Pomegranate juice extract decreases cisplatin toxicity on peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

BACKGROUND : Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide .
Chemotherapy regimens , targeted against lung cancer , are considered an effective treatment ; albeit with multiple fatal side effects .
An alternative strategy , nowadays , is using natural products .
Medicinal plants have been used , in combination with chemotherapy , to ameliorate side effects .
AIMS : This study aims to investigate the antitumor effect of pomegranate juice ( ) on human lung adenocarcinoma basal epithelial cells ( A549 ) , to check the effect , when combined with low dose cisplatin ( CDDP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also have evaluated the potential protective effect of pomegranate on normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMC ) .
METHODS : Phytochemical screening of the extract was done using standard classical tests .
Total phenolic and sugar contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and anthrone reagents , respectively .
The antioxidant activity of pomegranate was estimated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl ( DPPH ) method .
The viability of A549 cells and PBMC was evaluated using the neutral red assay .
RESULTS : Our results demonstrated thator pomegranate juice ( with different concentrations : 150 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels of flavonoids , alkaloids , tanins , lignins , terpenoids , and phenols .
The DPPH method showed that pomegranate juice had a strong antioxidant scavenging activity .
Neutral red showed that combining pomegranate juice with low dose CDDP ( 8 µg/mL ) decreased the cell viabilityof A549 cells , by 64 % , compared to treatment with CDDP or pomegranate alone .
When added to low dose CDDP , pomegranate increased the viability of normal PBMC cells by 46 % .
CONCLUSIONS : These results demonstrated that pomegranate could potentiate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human lung adenocarcinoma cells ( A549 cells ) and could as well decrease its toxicity on PBMC .

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Chemotherapy regimens, targeted against lung cancer, are considered an effective treatment; albeit with multiple fatal side effects. An alternative strategy, nowadays, is using natural products. Medicinal plants have been used, in combination with chemotherapy, to ameliorate side effects.
AIMS: This study aims to investigate the antitumor effect of pomegranate juice () on human lung adenocarcinoma basal epithelial cells (A549), to check the effect, when combined with low dose cisplatin (CDDP), at different doses. We also have evaluated the potential protective effect of pomegranate on normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
METHODS: Phytochemical screening of the extract was done using standard classical tests. Total phenolic and sugar contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and anthrone reagents, respectively. The antioxidant activity of pomegranate was estimated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The viability of A549 cells and PBMC was evaluated using the neutral red assay.
RESULTS: Our results demonstrated thator pomegranate juice (with different concentrations: 150, 300, 600µg/mL) contained high levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, tanins, lignins, terpenoids, and phenols. The DPPH method showed that pomegranate juice had a strong antioxidant scavenging activity. Neutral red showed that combining pomegranate juice with low dose CDDP (8 µg/mL) decreased the cell viabilityof A549 cells, by 64%, compared to treatment with CDDP or pomegranate alone. When added to low dose CDDP, pomegranate increased the viability of normal PBMC cells by 46%.
CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that pomegranate could potentiate the anticancer effect of low dose CDDP on human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549 cells) and could as well decrease its toxicity on PBMC.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-27--Pomegranate juice possesses a promising inhibitory effect on bladder cancer development.

Objectives : Pomegranate juice ( PJ ) is rich in important compounds with anti-cancer activities .
This study aims to investigate the preventive effect of pomegranate juice ( PJ ) against bladder cancer ( BC ) .
Methods : Eighty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly classified into 4 equal groups : ( 1 ) Normal controls ; ( 2 ) PJ group : supplied by PJ for 12 weeks ; ( 3 ) Cancer-induced group : intake 0.05 % v/v-butyl -- ( 4-hydroxybutyl ) -nitrosamine ( BBN ) for 8 weeks ; ( 4 ) Cancer-prevented group : BBN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all rats were sacrificed and their urinary bladder tissues were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical ( p53 ) examinations , expression of interleukin 6 ( IL-6 ) , tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF-α ) , hypoxia-inducible factor 1 ( HIF-1 ) and the tumor protein p53 ( TP53 ) and analysis of oxidative stress markers .
Results : The development of BC was : 0/20 ( 0 % ) in normal , PJ and cancer-prevented groups and 20/20 ( 100 % ) in cancer-induced group .
Significant neoplastic lesions were observed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noticed in 25 % ( 5/20 ) of cancer-prevented group .
p53 immunostaining were significantly elevated in the cancer-induced group , which was decreased in the cancer-prevented group .
The relative expressions of IL-6 , TNF-α , HIF-1 and TP53 were significantly lower in the cancer-prevented group compared to the cancer-treated group .
Correction in the oxidative stress markers were also observed in the cancer-prevented group .
Conclusion : PJ possesses a promising inhibitory effect on BC development , probably due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties .

Objectives: Pomegranate juice (PJ) is rich in important compounds with anti-cancer activities. This study aims to investigate the preventive effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) against bladder cancer (BC).
Methods: Eighty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly classified into 4 equal groups: (1) Normal controls; (2) PJ group: supplied by PJ for 12 weeks; (3) Cancer-induced group: intake 0.05% v/v-butyl--(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN) for 8 weeks; (4) Cancer-prevented group: BBN + PJ. After 12 weeks, all rats were sacrificed and their urinary bladder tissues were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical (p53) examinations, expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and the tumor protein p53 (TP53) and analysis of oxidative stress markers.
Results: The development of BC was: 0/20 (0%) in normal, PJ and cancer-prevented groups and 20/20 (100%) in cancer-induced group. Significant neoplastic lesions were observed in cancer-induced group. Mild preneoplastic alterations were noticed in 25% (5/20) of cancer-prevented group. p53 immunostaining were significantly elevated in the cancer-induced group, which was decreased in the cancer-prevented group. The relative expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, HIF-1 and TP53 were significantly lower in the cancer-prevented group compared to the cancer-treated group. Correction in the oxidative stress markers were also observed in the cancer-prevented group.
Conclusion: PJ possesses a promising inhibitory effect on BC development, probably due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.


greenmedinfo--2020-12-27--Microencapsulated pomegranate peel extract induces mitochondrial complex IV activity and prevents mi

Microencapsulated pomegranate peel extract induces mitochondrial complex IV activity and prevents mitochondrial cristae alteration in brown adipose tissue.

Pomegranate peel is an agro-industrial residue obtained after fruit processing with high total polyphenol ( TP ) content , making it an attractive by-product for its reuse .
Pomegranate peel extract ( PPE ) and its bioactive compounds have shown positive effects on obesity models .
Effects on favouring mitochondrial biogenesis and function have also been described .
However , once phenolic compounds are extracted , their stability can be affected by diverse factors .
Microencapsulation could improve PPE stability , allowing its incorporation into functional foods .
Nevertheless , studies on the potential biological effects of PPE microparticles ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This study aims to evaluate the effect of MPPE on BAT mitochondrial structure and function and metabolic alterations related to obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet ( HFD ) .
PPE was microencapsulated by spray drying using inulin ( IN ) as a wall material and physically-chemically characterized .
Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice ( n=40 ) were randomly distributed into five groups : control diet ( CD ) , HFD , HFD+IN , HFD+PPE ( 50 mg/kg/d TP ) , and HFD+MPPE ( 50 mg/kg/d TP ) , for 14 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calorimetry were conducted .
Blood and adipose tissue samples were obtained .
MPPE supplementation prevented HFD-induced body weight gain ( p < 0.001 ) , fasting glycemia ( p=0.007 ) , and total cholesterol rise ( p=0.001 ) .
MPPE resulted in higher BAT mitochondrial complex IV activity ( p=0.03 ) and prevented HFD-induced mitochondrial cristae alteration ( p=0.02 ) .
In conclusion , MPPE prevented HFD-induced excessive body weight gain and associated metabolic disturbances , potentially by activating complex IV activity and preserving mitochondrial cristae structure in BAT in mice fed with @ @ @

Pomegranate peel is an agro-industrial residue obtained after fruit processing with high total polyphenol (TP) content, making it an attractive by-product for its reuse. Pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and its bioactive compounds have shown positive effects on obesity models. Effects on favouring mitochondrial biogenesis and function have also been described. However, once phenolic compounds are extracted, their stability can be affected by diverse factors. Microencapsulation could improve PPE stability, allowing its incorporation into functional foods. Nevertheless, studies on the potential biological effects of PPE microparticles (MPPE) in obesity models are lacking. This study aims to evaluate the effect of MPPE on BAT mitochondrial structure and function and metabolic alterations related to obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). PPE was microencapsulated by spray drying using inulin (IN) as a wall material and physically-chemically characterized. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice (n=40) were randomly distributed into five groups: control diet (CD), HFD, HFD+IN, HFD+PPE (50 mg/kg/d TP), and HFD+MPPE (50 mg/kg/d TP), for 14 weeks. A glucose tolerance test and indirect calorimetry were conducted. Blood and adipose tissue samples were obtained. MPPE supplementation prevented HFD-induced body weight gain (p<0.001), fasting glycemia (p=0.007), and total cholesterol rise (p=0.001). MPPE resulted in higher BAT mitochondrial complex IV activity (p=0.03) and prevented HFD-induced mitochondrial cristae alteration (p=0.02). In conclusion, MPPE prevented HFD-induced excessive body weight gain and associated metabolic disturbances, potentially by activating complex IV activity and preserving mitochondrial cristae structure in BAT in mice fed with an HFD.