greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--Neferine may serve as a therapeutic candidate for obesity treatment.

Neferine , an alkaloid component extracted from lotus seed embryos , is known for its anti-inflammatory , anticancer , and @ @ @ @ @ the anti-adipogenic activity of neferine has not been thoroughly investigated .
In this study , @ @ @ @ @ lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells without inducing cytotoxicity @ @ @ @ @ and immunoblot analysis revealed the downregulation in the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma @ @ @ @ @ protein alpha ( C/EBPα ) , sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c ( SREBP-1c ) , and @ @ @ @ @ ) and the upregulation in carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 ( CPT-1 ) and sirtuin 1 ( SIRT1 @ @ @ @ @ .
Furthermore , neferine increased thephosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase ( AMPK ) and @ @ @ @ @ , which is an important regulator of fatty acid oxidation .
Our result indicates that @ @ @ @ @ lipid metabolism by activating AMPK-mediated signaling .
Therefore , neferine may serve as a therapeutic @ @ @ @ @

Neferine, an alkaloid component extracted from lotus seed embryos, is known for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. However, the anti-adipogenic activity of neferine has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, neferine was found to inhibit lipid accumulation in a dose-dependent manner during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells without inducing cytotoxicity. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analysis revealed the downregulation in the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) and the upregulation in carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) levels following neferine treatment. Furthermore, neferine increased thephosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), which is an important regulator of fatty acid oxidation. Our result indicates that neferine attenuates adipogenesis and promotes lipid metabolism by activating AMPK-mediated signaling. Therefore, neferine may serve as a therapeutic candidate for obesity treatment.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--This provides a new theoretical basis for Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn stem as an antidepressant-like age

This provides a new theoretical basis for Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn stem as an antidepressant-like agent.

Background : Gaertn stem ( Hegeng [ HG ] ) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is used to treat mental symptoms in East Asia .
However , scientific evidence is generally lacking to support this traditional claim..
This study 's aim is to investigate the antidepression effect of HG and to further explore the possible molecular mechanisms that are involved in its actions.. HG aqueous extract was administered intragastrically for 21 days after the chronic unpredictable mild stress ( CUMS ) procedure , and its effect on memory , learning , and emotion was assessed using animal behavioral tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HPLC .
Immunofluorescence was used to measure the neural cell-adhesion molecule ( NCAM ) and growth-associated protein-43 ( GAP-43 ) expression .
Results : Depression-like behaviors increased in the CUMS group compared with the control ( CON ) group , while they were reduced in the high-dose HG ( H-HG ) and fluoxetine ( FLU ) groups ( < 0.05 ) .
Additionally , NCAM and GAP-43 expression was reduced in the CUMS group compared with the CON group , but it increased in the H-HG and FLU groups ( < 0.05 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential antidepressant effects of HG through mechanisms involving regulation of NCAM and GAP-43 .
This provides a new theoretical basis for its potential application as an antidepressant-like agent .

Background: Gaertn stem (Hegeng [HG]) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is used to treat mental symptoms in East Asia. However, scientific evidence is generally lacking to support this traditional claim.. This study's aim is to investigate the antidepression effect of HG and to further explore the possible molecular mechanisms that are involved in its actions.. HG aqueous extract was administered intragastrically for 21 days after the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) procedure, and its effect on memory, learning, and emotion was assessed using animal behavioral tests. HG aqueous extract was characterized using HPLC. Immunofluorescence was used to measure the neural cell-adhesion molecule (NCAM) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) expression.
Results: Depression-like behaviors increased in the CUMS group compared with the control (CON) group, while they were reduced in the high-dose HG (H-HG) and fluoxetine (FLU) groups (<0.05). Additionally, NCAM and GAP-43 expression was reduced in the CUMS group compared with the CON group, but it increased in the H-HG and FLU groups (<0.05).
Conclusions: These findings show the potential antidepressant effects of HG through mechanisms involving regulation of NCAM and GAP-43. This provides a new theoretical basis for its potential application as an antidepressant-like agent.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--Forest Bathing for Immune Support

Forest Bathing for Immune Support

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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--2020-06-25--Protection against dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by neferine.

Objective : Ulcerative colitis ( UC ) is a long-lasting inflammatory disease of the colon .
Epidemiological studies showed that the prevalence and incidence of UC are increasing worldwide in recent years .
Neferine is a natural alkaloid isolated from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn that exerts a variety of biological activities .
This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of neferine on dextran sulfate sodium ( DSS ) -induced experimental UC in mice .
Materials and Methods : In this experimental study , 4 % DSS was used to induce a mice model of UC .
Neferine ( 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intraperitoneal injection ( ip ) .
Clinical symptoms and disease activity index ( DAI ) scores were recorded and calculated .
Pathological changes of colon tissues were detected by Hematoxylin and Eosin ( H and E ) staining .
The levels of inflammatory mediators were detected by ELISA kits .
Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis were used for the evaluation of protein expressions .
Results : Neferine treatment significantly alleviated DSS-induced UC by inhibiting weight loss , decreasing DAI scores , and alleviating the pathological changes in colon tissues .
Furthermore , neferine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including tumor necrosis factor-alpha ( TNF-α ) , interleukin-1 beta ( IL-1β ) , and IL-6 and increased serum levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 .
The increased myeloperoxidase ( MPO ) activity and nitric oxide ( NO ) in colon tissues were also inhibited .
In addition , neferine significantly down-regulated inducible NO synthase ( iNOS ) , cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2 ) , and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( ICAM-1 ) expression in colon tissues .
Conclusion : These results provided evidence that neferine could protect against DSS-induced UC symptoms in an experimental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mediated through inhibition of inflammation .

Objective: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-lasting inflammatory disease of the colon. Epidemiological studies showed that the prevalence and incidence of UC are increasing worldwide in recent years. Neferine is a natural alkaloid isolated from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn that exerts a variety of biological activities. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of neferine on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental UC in mice.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 4% DSS was used to induce a mice model of UC. Neferine (5 and 10 mg/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal injection (ip). Clinical symptoms and disease activity index (DAI) scores were recorded and calculated. Pathological changes of colon tissues were detected by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) staining. The levels of inflammatory mediators were detected by ELISA kits. Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis were used for the evaluation of protein expressions.
Results: Neferine treatment significantly alleviated DSS-induced UC by inhibiting weight loss, decreasing DAI scores, and alleviating the pathological changes in colon tissues. Furthermore, neferine significantly decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 and increased serum levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and nitric oxide (NO) in colon tissues were also inhibited. In addition, neferine significantly down-regulated inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in colon tissues.
Conclusion: These results provided evidence that neferine could protect against DSS-induced UC symptoms in an experimental mice model. This effect might be mediated through inhibition of inflammation.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--Neferine targets HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cells.

Apoptosis and autophagy are important processes that control cellular homeostasis and have been highlighted as promising targets for novel anticancer drugs .
This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of Neferine ( Nef ) , an alkaloid from the lotus seed embryos of Nelumbo nucifera ( N. nucifera ) , as a dual inducer of apoptosis and autophagy through the reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) activation in cervical cancer cells .
Nef and N. nucifera extract suppressed the cell viability of HeLa and SiHa cells in a dose-dependent manner .
Importantly , Nef showed minimal toxicity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhibited anchorage-independent growth , colony formation and migration ability of cervical cancer cells .
Nef induces mitochondrial apoptosis by increasing pro-apoptotic protein bax , cytochrome-c , cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 , poly-ADP ribose polymerase ( PARP ) cleavage , DNA damage ( pHAX ) while downregulating Bcl-2 , procaspase-3 and procaspase-9 , and TCTP .
Of note , apoptotic effect by Nef was significantly attenuated in the presence of N-acetylcysteine ( NAC ) , suggesting pro-oxidant activity of this compound .
Nef also promoted autophagy induction through increasing beclin-1 , atg-4 , atg-5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as determined by western blot analysis .
Collectively , these results demonstrate that Nef is a potent anticancer compound against cervical cancer cells through inducing apoptosis and autophagic pathway involving ROS .

Apoptosis and autophagy are important processes that control cellular homeostasis and have been highlighted as promising targets for novel anticancer drugs. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of Neferine (Nef), an alkaloid from the lotus seed embryos of Nelumbo nucifera (N. nucifera), as a dual inducer of apoptosis and autophagy through the reactive oxygen species (ROS) activation in cervical cancer cells. Nef and N. nucifera extract suppressed the cell viability of HeLa and SiHa cells in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, Nef showed minimal toxicity to normal cells. Furthermore, Nef inhibited anchorage-independent growth, colony formation and migration ability of cervical cancer cells. Nef induces mitochondrial apoptosis by increasing pro-apoptotic protein bax, cytochrome-c, cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9, poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, DNA damage (pHAX) while downregulating Bcl-2, procaspase-3 and procaspase-9, and TCTP. Of note, apoptotic effect by Nef was significantly attenuated in the presence of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), suggesting pro-oxidant activity of this compound. Nef also promoted autophagy induction through increasing beclin-1, atg-4, atg-5 and atg-12, LC-3 activation, and62/SQSTM1 as determined by western blot analysis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Nef is a potent anticancer compound against cervical cancer cells through inducing apoptosis and autophagic pathway involving ROS.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--Neferine inhibits proliferation and migration of human prostate cancer stem cells.

Cancer stem cells ( CSCs ) are one of the significant causes of cancer treatment failure and metastasis , as they have significant chemo-and radio-resistance leading to tumor recurrence .
Here we investigated the possible anticancer properties of neferine , a natural alkaloid , on human prostate cancer ( PCa ) cells and their stem cells .
CD44CSCs were isolated from androgen-insensitive PC3 cells by magnetic-activated cell sorting system ( MACS ) .
Neferine dose-and time-dependently inhibited the viability of PC3 and CSCs as well as androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells through inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Bcl-2 and CDK4 , and upregulate caspase 3 , clePARP , p21 , p27 , and p53 .
The treatment significantly inhibits the migration of CSCs .
Neferine induces JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation , and downregulates PI3K and NF-ĸβ signaling .
In conclusion , neferine may have a therapeutic effect inhibiting the PCa cell proliferation as well as by eliminating CSCs .
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS : Neferine is an alkaloid found in the seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera and has recently been shown to have anticancer effects on various human cancer cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths develop after metastasis , and CSCs are considered to be largely responsible for the cell migration and invasion .
It has been shown that treatment of neferine kills not only PCa cells but also CSCs , and may contribute to the prevention of progression of PCa and metastasis by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration .

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are one of the significant causes of cancer treatment failure and metastasis, as they have significant chemo-and radio-resistance leading to tumor recurrence. Here we investigated the possible anticancer properties of neferine, a natural alkaloid, on human prostate cancer (PCa) cells and their stem cells. CD44CSCs were isolated from androgen-insensitive PC3 cells by magnetic-activated cell sorting system (MACS). Neferine dose-and time-dependently inhibited the viability of PC3 and CSCs as well as androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells through inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Neferine was shown to downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 and CDK4, and upregulate caspase 3, clePARP, p21, p27, and p53. The treatment significantly inhibits the migration of CSCs. Neferine induces JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and downregulates PI3K and NF-ĸβ signaling. In conclusion, neferine may have a therapeutic effect inhibiting the PCa cell proliferation as well as by eliminating CSCs. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Neferine is an alkaloid found in the seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera and has recently been shown to have anticancer effects on various human cancer cells. More than 90% of cancer-related deaths develop after metastasis, and CSCs are considered to be largely responsible for the cell migration and invasion. It has been shown that treatment of neferine kills not only PCa cells but also CSCs, and may contribute to the prevention of progression of PCa and metastasis by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--Neferine alleviates memory and cognitive dysfunction in diabetes.

Accumulating clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates a close relationship between diabetes mellitus and dysfunction in memory and cognition .
Neferine ( NE ) is a unique bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from the seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera ( Lotus ) , an herbal medicine with a long history of use in used in China .
NE has been reported to ameliorate diabetes mellitus and exert considerable protective effects on the central nervous system .
Thus , this study aimed to investigate the effects of NE on memory and cognitive dysfunction in db/db mouse model of diabetes .
First , we found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and cognitive dysfunction in the Morris water maze , Y-maze , and fear conditioning test in db/db mice .
Additionally , in these diabetic mice , NE decreased fasting glucose and insulin resistance while promoting lipid metabolism .
Furthermore , NE treatments alleviated oxidative stress and inhibited inflammatory responses in the hippocampus .
Further investigations showed that NE suppressed the NOD-like receptor protein 3 ( NLRP3 ) inflammasome pathway via down-regulating the levels of thioredoxin-interacting protein ( TXNIP ) , NLRP3 inflammasomes , apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD ( ASC ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hippocampus .
Moreover , NE alleviated endoplasmic-reticulum ( ER ) stress via down-regulating the levels of immunoglobulin heavy-chain-binding protein ( GRP78 ) , C/EBP homologous protein ( CHOP ) , proteins kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase ( PERK ) , inositol-requiring enzyme 1 ( IRE1 ) , and activating transcription factor 6 ( ATF6 ) in the hippocampus .
In conclusion , these results suggest that NE ameliorated memory and cognitive dysfunction , possibly through modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome pathways and alleviating ER stress .

Accumulating clinical and epidemiological evidence indicates a close relationship between diabetes mellitus and dysfunction in memory and cognition. Neferine (NE) is a unique bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from the seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus), an herbal medicine with a long history of use in used in China. NE has been reported to ameliorate diabetes mellitus and exert considerable protective effects on the central nervous system. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of NE on memory and cognitive dysfunction in db/db mouse model of diabetes. First, we found that NE treatments significantly ameliorated behavioral impairment and cognitive dysfunction in the Morris water maze, Y-maze, and fear conditioning test in db/db mice. Additionally, in these diabetic mice, NE decreased fasting glucose and insulin resistance while promoting lipid metabolism. Furthermore, NE treatments alleviated oxidative stress and inhibited inflammatory responses in the hippocampus. Further investigations showed that NE suppressed the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway via down-regulating the levels of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3 inflammasomes, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), and mature interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the hippocampus. Moreover, NE alleviated endoplasmic-reticulum (ER) stress via down-regulating the levels of immunoglobulin heavy-chain-binding protein (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), proteins kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) in the hippocampus. In conclusion, these results suggest that NE ameliorated memory and cognitive dysfunction, possibly through modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome pathways and alleviating ER stress.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--These findings suggested that Neferine could be a new treatment or adjuvant against retinoblastoma.

Retinoblastoma is common primary intraocular malignancy of infants and childhood .
Neferine is a major bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from the @ @ @ @ @ study evaluated the mitigation role of Neferine on retinoblastomaand .
Xenotransplantation model was established by @ @ @ @ @ Upon induction of retinoblastoma , mice were intraperitoneally injected with Neferine ( 0 , 0.5 @ @ @ @ @ ) or ethanol every 3 days for 30 days .
Tumor weight and tumor volume @ @ @ @ @ and compared between four groups .
Then , mice were sacrificed and immunohistochemical examination was @ @ @ @ @ VEGF content between groups .
WERI-Rb-1 cells were used forexperiments and the anti-angiogenic role of @ @ @ @ @ nodes/HPF number .
In WERI-Rb-1 xenotransplantation model , compared with control group , 1 mg/kg @ @ @ @ @ weight ( 0.39 ± 0.04 g vs. 0.25 ± 0.03 g ,

Retinoblastoma is common primary intraocular malignancy of infants and childhood. Neferine is a major bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid derived from the lotus plumule in. This study evaluated the mitigation role of Neferine on retinoblastomaand. Xenotransplantation model was established by injecting WERI-Rb-1 cells subcutaneously. Upon induction of retinoblastoma , mice were intraperitoneally injected with Neferine (0, 0.5, 1, 2 mg/kg) or ethanol every 3 days for 30 days. Tumor weight and tumor volume were measured every three days and compared between four groups. Then, mice were sacrificed and immunohistochemical examination was performed to compare Ki67, VEGF content between groups. WERI-Rb-1 cells were used forexperiments and the anti-angiogenic role of Neferine was assessed by analyzing nodes/HPF number. In WERI-Rb-1 xenotransplantation model, compared with control group, 1 mg/kg Neferine treatment significantly inhibited tumor weight (0.39 ± 0.04 g vs. 0.25 ± 0.03 g,< 0.05) and tumor volume (2163 ± 165 mmvs. 1276 ± 108 mm,< 0.05) after 30 days. Compared with ethanol-injected mice, 2 μM Neferine treatment significantly enhanced apoptosis rate (2.1 ± 0.6% vs. 14.6 ± 2.6%,< 0.05), accompany downregulation of Ki67 (0.09 ± 0.02% vs. 0.01 ± 0.004%,< 0.05) and VEGF (0.28 ± 0.04% vs. 0.05 ± 0.03%,< 0.05) expression. Additionally, 2 μM Neferine treatment significantly decreased JC-1 red/green percentage. High-dose Neferine could decrease retinoblastoma angiogenesis in association with a significant inhibition on tumor growth and invasion. These findings suggested that Neferine could be anew treatment or adjuvant against retinoblastoma.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--Lotusine pre-treatment has exhibited potential cardioprotective activity against doxorubicin-induced

Lotusine pre-treatment has exhibited potential cardioprotective activity against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress.

Cardiotoxicity is the major challenge in chemotherapy with doxorubicin ( DOX ) or adriamycin .
Doxorubicin manifests oxidative stress via an uncontrolled progression of reactive oxygen species in cardiomyocytes ; thereby , dysregulation and dysfunction of myocardium thus lead to apoptosis .
Several attempts have been made to overcome this side effect in patients with antioxidant-rich supplements to control the free radicals .
Plant-based or plant-derived compounds pay more attention to cure such complications in patients for supporting the treatment , revitalizing or regulating the normal metabolism .
Hence , our study focused on pretreatment of embryonically derived rat cardiomyocytes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent DOX-mediated oxidative stress .
From the experiment , the DOX-exposed cells have shown morphological abnormalities such as reduced cell size , shrinkage , blebbing , and chromatin condensation , whereas no such deformities were observed in lotusine-pretreated cells even after the exposure to DOX .
Increased endogenous antioxidants with reduced lipid peroxidation were observed in lotusine-pretreated cells , whereas the antioxidants were reduced along with increased lipid peroxidation in doxorubicin-exposed cells .
A decreased reactive oxygen species generation was evidenced with the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate ( DCF-DA ) staining method .
In qPCR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doxorubicin-mediated apoptosis by downregulating the pro-apoptotic gene Bax and apoptotic executor caspase-3 .
It was further confirmed with the luminometric assay , which resulted in lesser luminescence in lotusine-pretreated cells , whereas higher luminescence was recorded in doxorubicin-alone-treated cells .
In conclusion , the present study revealed that the lotusine pretreatment has exhibited potential cardioprotective activity against DOX-induced oxidative stress by increasing the intracellular antioxidant defense .

Cardiotoxicity is the major challenge in chemotherapy with doxorubicin (DOX) or adriamycin. Doxorubicin manifests oxidative stress via an uncontrolled progression of reactive oxygen species in cardiomyocytes; thereby, dysregulation and dysfunction of myocardium thus lead to apoptosis. Several attempts have been made to overcome this side effect in patients with antioxidant-rich supplements to control the free radicals. Plant-based or plant-derived compounds pay more attention to cure such complications in patients for supporting the treatment, revitalizing or regulating the normal metabolism. Hence, our study focused on pretreatment of embryonically derived rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2) with phytocompound lotusine to prevent DOX-mediated oxidative stress. From the experiment, the DOX-exposed cells have shown morphological abnormalities such as reduced cell size, shrinkage, blebbing, and chromatin condensation, whereas no such deformities were observed in lotusine-pretreated cells even after the exposure to DOX. Increased endogenous antioxidants with reduced lipid peroxidation were observed in lotusine-pretreated cells, whereas the antioxidants were reduced along with increased lipid peroxidation in doxorubicin-exposed cells. A decreased reactive oxygen species generation was evidenced with the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) staining method. In qPCR analysis, the lotusine-pretreated cells have mitigated doxorubicin-mediated apoptosis by downregulating the pro-apoptotic gene Bax and apoptotic executor caspase-3. It was further confirmed with the luminometric assay, which resulted in lesser luminescence in lotusine-pretreated cells, whereas higher luminescence was recorded in doxorubicin-alone-treated cells. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the lotusine pretreatment has exhibited potential cardioprotective activity against DOX-induced oxidative stress by increasing the intracellular antioxidant defense.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--Polysaccharides isolated from lotus leaves exert anti-osteoporotic effects.

Nelumbo nucifera , more commonly known as the Indian lotus , is an important plant that has been incorporated into traditional herbal remedies along the years .
Even today , lotus leaves are considered reservoirs for bioactive compounds that can be used as nutritional supplements to treat various human diseases .
However , despite the wide ranging biological activities of lotus polysaccharides , limited information is available regarding the anti-osteoporotic effects of these substances .
The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of pectinase-assisted extractable polysaccharides from lotus leaves ( LLEP ) on estrogen deficiency-induced bone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ macrophages .
We found that LLEP markedly inhibited receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand ( RANKL ) -induced osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner .
It also revoked RANKL-induced activation of osteoclastogenic signals such as the expression of key transcription factors ( i.e.
, c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 ) , resulting in a decrement inosteoclast-specific marker gene expressions .
Microcomputed tomography and morphometric analysis revealed that a four-week oral administration of LLEP notably decreased trabecular bone loss .
Taken together , our results suggest that LLEP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppressing osteoclastogenesis , which makes it an excellent candidate for combating osteoporosis .

Nelumbo nucifera, more commonly known as the Indian lotus, is an important plant that has been incorporated into traditional herbal remedies along the years. Even today, lotus leaves are considered reservoirs for bioactive compounds that can be used as nutritional supplements to treat various human diseases. However, despite the wide ranging biological activities of lotus polysaccharides, limited information is available regarding the anti-osteoporotic effects of these substances. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of pectinase-assisted extractable polysaccharides from lotus leaves (LLEP) on estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss and osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow-derived macrophages. We found that LLEP markedly inhibited receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. It also revoked RANKL-induced activation of osteoclastogenic signals such as the expression of key transcription factors (i.e., c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1), resulting in a decrement inosteoclast-specific marker gene expressions. Microcomputed tomography and morphometric analysis revealed that a four-week oral administration of LLEP notably decreased trabecular bone loss. Taken together, our results suggest that LLEP can mitigate estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss by suppressing osteoclastogenesis, which makes it an excellent candidate for combating osteoporosis.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--Naringenin reduces the autoimmunity in lupus-prone mice by modulation of T-cell subsets and cytokine

Naringenin reduces the autoimmunity in lupus-prone mice by modulation of T-cell subsets and cytokines profile.

Naringenin is flavonoid mainly found in citrus fruits which has shown several biological properties .
In this work , we evaluated the therapeutic potential of the flavonoid Naringenin .
Five-month-old B6.MRL-Faslpr/J lupus-prone mice were administered daily orally with Naringenin for seven months .
We showed that Naringenin treatment at 50 or 100 mg/kg inhibited the splenomegaly and decreased the levels of anti-nuclear and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies .
Furthermore , a reduction in serum concentration of TNF-α , IFN-γ and IL-6 was observed in the mice provided with Naringenin .
Interestingly , serum levels of IL-10 increased .
Naringenin decreased the frequency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T cells .
Additionally , in order to be able to evaluate whether Naringenin prevented kidney damage , twelve-week-old MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/J mice , an accelerated lupus model , were orally administered with Naringenin at 100 mg/kg for six weeks .
Surprisingly , Naringenin treatment prevented kidney damage and reduced the development of fibrosis similar to cyclophosphamide group .
Moreover , Naringenin treatment increased the percentage of regulatory T cells in this aggressive model of lupus .
Together , these results suggest a potential ability of Naringenin to reduce the autoimmunity in lupus-prone mice by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that mitigate the development of important lupusclinical manifestations .

Naringenin is flavonoid mainly found in citrus fruits which has shown several biological properties. In this work, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of the flavonoid Naringenin. Five-month-old B6.MRL-Faslpr/J lupus-prone mice were administered daily orally with Naringenin for seven months. We showed that Naringenin treatment at 50 or 100 mg/kg inhibited the splenomegaly and decreased the levels of anti-nuclear and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. Furthermore, a reduction in serum concentration of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 was observed in the mice provided with Naringenin. Interestingly, serum levels of IL-10 increased. Naringenin decreased the frequency and absolute numbers of splenic effector memory T cells. Additionally, in order to be able to evaluate whether Naringenin prevented kidney damage,twelve-week-old MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/J mice, an accelerated lupus model, were orally administered with Naringenin at 100 mg/kg for six weeks. Surprisingly, Naringenin treatment prevented kidney damage and reduced the development of fibrosis similar to cyclophosphamide group. Moreover, Naringenin treatment increased the percentage of regulatory T cells in this aggressive model of lupus. Together, these results suggest a potential ability of Naringenin to reduce the autoimmunity in lupus-prone mice by modulation of T-cell subsets and cytokines profile that mitigate the development of important lupusclinical manifestations.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--Naringenin offered a novel antihypertensive and neuroprotective effect.

Hypertension is a condition with chronic elevation of blood pressure and a common preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease with attendant global morbidity and mortality .
The present study investigated the novel antihypertensive and neuroprotective effect of Naringenin on L-N-Nitro arginine methyl ester ( L-NAME ) induced hypertension together with possible molecular mechanism of action .
Rats were divided into four groups .
Rats in Group A were normotensive .
The hypertensive group ( Group B ) received 40 mg/kg ) of L-NAME alone while Groups C and D were concurrently administered Naringenin ( 50 mg/kg ) or Lisinopril ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 3 weeks .
Blood pressure parameters , markers of oxidative stress and renal damage were measured .
The immunohistochemistry of kidney injury molecule 1 , mineralocorticoid receptor and angiotensin converting enzyme were also determined .
Results indicated significant increases in malondialdehyde , advanced oxidation protein products , protein carbonyl contents and decrease in serum nitric oxide bioavailability in hypertensive rats .
Furthermore , there were significant increases in serum myeloperoxidase , urinary creatinine , albumin and blood urea nitrogen in hypertensive rats in comparison to hypertensive rats treated with either Naringenin or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kidney injury molecule 1 , mineralocorticoid receptor and angiotensin converting enzyme in hypertensive rats .
However , co-treatment with either Naringenin or Lisinopril mitigated both renal and neuronal oxidative stress , normalized blood pressure and lowered the expressions of kidney injury molecule 1 , mineralocorticoid receptor and angiotensin converting enzyme .
Collectively , Naringenin offered a novel antihypertensive and neuroprotective effect through down regulation of kidney injury molecule 1 , mineralocorticoid receptor and angiotensin converting enzyme .

Hypertension is a condition with chronic elevation of blood pressure and a common preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease with attendant global morbidity and mortality. The present study investigated the novel antihypertensive and neuroprotective effect of Naringenin on L-N-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertension together with possible molecular mechanism of action. Rats were divided into four groups. Rats in Group A were normotensive. The hypertensive group (Group B) received 40 mg/kg) of L-NAME alone while Groups C and D were concurrently administered Naringenin (50 mg/kg) or Lisinopril (10 mg/Kg) together with L-NAME orally for 3 weeks. Blood pressure parameters, markers of oxidative stress and renal damage were measured. The immunohistochemistry of kidney injury molecule 1, mineralocorticoid receptor and angiotensin converting enzyme were also determined. Results indicated significant increases in malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, protein carbonyl contents and decrease in serum nitric oxide bioavailability in hypertensive rats. Furthermore,there were significant increases in serum myeloperoxidase, urinary creatinine, albumin and blood urea nitrogen in hypertensive rats in comparison to hypertensive rats treated with either Naringenin or Lisinopril. Immunohistochemistry reveal significant expressions of kidney injury molecule 1, mineralocorticoid receptor and angiotensin converting enzyme in hypertensive rats. However, co-treatment with either Naringenin or Lisinopril mitigated both renal and neuronal oxidative stress, normalized blood pressure and lowered the expressions of kidney injury molecule 1, mineralocorticoid receptor and angiotensin converting enzyme. Collectively, Naringenin offered a novel antihypertensive and neuroprotective effect through down regulation of kidney injury molecule 1, mineralocorticoid receptor and angiotensin converting enzyme.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-25--These findings indicate that flavonoids confer protection against hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative s

These findings indicate that flavonoids confer protection against hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress and enhance intestinal barrier functions.

OBJECTIVES : Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease requiring lifelong medical attention .
With hundreds of millions suffering worldwide and a rapidly rising incidence , diabetes mellitus poses a great burden on health care systems .
Recent studies investigating the underlying mechanisms involved in disease development in diabetes point to the role of the dysregulation of the intestinal barrier .
Hyperglycemia-mediated tight junction deformity is known to contribute to leaky gut in various metabolic disorders .
The present study aimed to investigate the role of oxidative stress on intestinal epithelial tight junction ( TJ ) barrier functions in hyperglycemia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cellular redox state , exploring these flavonoids may help to understand the role of TJ barrier in hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress , which in turn might unfold the association of oxidative stress and dysfunction of barrier-forming TJs .
METHODS : Caco-2 cells were stimulated with high glucose ( HG ) , with or without flavonoids ( quercetin , morin , naringenin ) , for 24 h. We determined cellular viability , levels of reactive oxygen species , and mitochondrial membrane potential in flavonoids treated HG-Caco-2 cells .
The levels of the proinflammatory cytokines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glucose transporters were determined on flavonoids treatment .
We investigated the effect of flavonoids on TJs functions by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance ( a TJ integrity marker ) , membrane permeability using tracer compounds , and the expressions levels of TJs related molecules on hyperglycemic Caco-2 cell monolayers .
RESULTS : We found that high glucose treatment resulted in reduced cell viability , increased reactive oxygen species production , measurable mitochondrial dysfunction , and decreased transepithelial electrical resistance , with increased membrane permeability .
Treatment with the test flavonoids produced increased cell viability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A concomitant decrease in reactive oxygen species production , proinflammatory cytokines , and Glut-associated genes and proteins were identified with flavonoid treatment .
Flavonoids prevented derangement of TJs protein interaction and stabilized membrane permeability .
CONCLUSIONS : These findings indicate that flavonoids confer protection against hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress and enhance intestinal barrier functions by modulating underlying intracellular molecular mechanisms .

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease requiring lifelong medical attention. With hundreds of millions suffering worldwide and a rapidly rising incidence, diabetes mellitus poses a great burden on health care systems. Recent studies investigating the underlying mechanisms involved in disease development in diabetes point to the role of the dysregulation of the intestinal barrier. Hyperglycemia-mediated tight junction deformity is known to contribute to leaky gut in various metabolic disorders. The present study aimed to investigate the role of oxidative stress on intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) barrier functions in hyperglycemia. Because many flavonoids are known to influence the cellular redox state, exploring these flavonoids may help to understand the role of TJ barrier in hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress, which in turn might unfold the association of oxidative stress and dysfunction of barrier-forming TJs.
METHODS: Caco-2 cells were stimulated with high glucose (HG), with or without flavonoids (quercetin, morin, naringenin), for 24 h. We determined cellular viability, levels of reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial membrane potential in flavonoids treated HG-Caco-2 cells. The levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, glucose uptake, and expression of glucose transporters were determined on flavonoids treatment. We investigated the effect of flavonoids on TJs functions by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (a TJ integrity marker), membrane permeability using tracer compounds, and the expressions levels of TJs related molecules on hyperglycemic Caco-2 cell monolayers.
RESULTS: We found that high glucose treatment resulted in reduced cell viability, increased reactive oxygen species production, measurable mitochondrial dysfunction, and decreased transepithelial electrical resistance, with increased membrane permeability. Treatment with the test flavonoids produced increased cell viability and reduced glucose uptake of HG-Caco-2 cells. A concomitant decrease in reactive oxygen species production, proinflammatory cytokines, and Glut-associated genes and proteins were identified with flavonoid treatment. Flavonoids prevented derangement of TJs protein interaction and stabilized membrane permeability.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that flavonoids confer protection against hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress and enhance intestinal barrier functions by modulating underlying intracellular molecular mechanisms.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Chronic royal jelly administration induced antidepressant-like effects.

BACKGROUND : Major depressive disorder ( MDD ) is a common psychological disorder worldwide .
However , one-third of patients with MDD are resistant to the present antidepressant medicine which regulates monoamine contents in the brain .
Thus , another drug target is strongly required .
Much evidence strongly suggests that sirtuin1 , which is the key factor to regulate mitochondrial activity , may be implicated in MDD .
OBJECTIVE : Since it is suggested that royal jelly ( RJ ) ameliorated depressive-like behavior and affected mitochondrial activity in mice , we hypothesized RJ could be an alternative medicine against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve mitochondrial activity .
METHODS : In the present study , we applied a mouse model of MDD to investigate the effect of RJ on the depressive-like behavior and the sirtuin1 signaling on mitochondrial activity .
RESULTS : Our results indicated that either the oral administration of RJ for 12 days or single intracerebroventricular ( i.c.v . )
injection decreased the duration of immobility in the tail suspension test , which suggested that RJ had an antidepressant-like effect .
Moreover , sirtuin1 protein expression increased in mice following RJ treatment in the amygdala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain regions .
Similarly , the expressions of oxidative phosphorylation ( OXPHOS ) related proteins increased in the amygdala regions , but not in the hippocampal regions .
CONCLUSION : The increase of sirtuin1 and OXPHOS protein expression may at least in part contribute to the antidepressant-like effect of the RJ pathway , and RJ may have the potential to be a novel antidepressant drug .

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychological disorder worldwide. However, one-third of patients with MDD are resistant to the present antidepressant medicine which regulates monoamine contents in the brain. Thus, another drug target is strongly required. Much evidence strongly suggests that sirtuin1, which is the key factor to regulate mitochondrial activity, may be implicated in MDD.
OBJECTIVE: Since it is suggested that royal jelly (RJ) ameliorated depressive-like behavior and affected mitochondrial activity in mice, we hypothesized RJ could be an alternative medicine against MDD which acts via sirtuin1 signaling to improve mitochondrial activity.
METHODS: In the present study, we applied a mouse model of MDD to investigate the effect of RJ on the depressive-like behavior and the sirtuin1 signaling on mitochondrial activity.
RESULTS: Our results indicated that either the oral administration of RJ for 12 days or single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection decreased the duration of immobility in the tail suspension test, which suggested that RJ had an antidepressant-like effect. Moreover, sirtuin1 protein expression increased in mice following RJ treatment in the amygdala region, but not in the other brain regions. Similarly, the expressions of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) related proteins increased in the amygdala regions, but not in the hippocampal regions.
CONCLUSION: The increase of sirtuin1 and OXPHOS protein expression may at least in part contribute to the antidepressant-like effect of the RJ pathway, and RJ may have the potential to be a novel antidepressant drug.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Royal jelly successfully protected the liver against hepatic hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE : The present study was conducted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism as well as the potential hepatoprotective effects of royal jelly ( RJ ) against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion ( IR ) injury .
METHODS : Rats were assigned into four groups ; sham ( received vehicle ) , IR ( 30 minutes ischemia and 45 minutes reperfusion ) , sham pretreated with RJ ( 200 mg/kg P.O . )
, and IR pretreated with RJ ( 200 mg/kg P.O. )
.
The experiment has lasted for 28 days .
RESULTS : Hepatic IR significantly induced hepatic dysfunctions , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ALP and LDH levels .
Moreover , hepatic IR caused a significant up-regulation of P38-MAPK , NF-κB-p65 , TNF-α and MDA levels along with marked down-regulation of Nrf-2 , HO-1 , COX-4 , cytoglobin , IκBa , IL-10 , GSH , GST and SOD levels .
Additionally , marked histopathological changes were observed after hepatic IR injury .
On the contrary , pretreatment with RJ significantly improved hepatic functions along with the alleviation of histopathological changes .
Moreover , RJ restored oxidant/antioxidant balance as well as hepatic expressions of Nrf-2 , HO-1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RJ significantly mitigated the inflammatory response by down-regulation of P38-MAPK , NF-κB-p65 , TNF-αexpression .
CONCLUSION : The present results revealed that RJ has successfully protected the liver against hepatic IR injury through modulation of cytoglobin , Nrf-2/HO-1/COX-4 , and P38-MAPK/NF-κB-p65/TNF-α signaling pathways .

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism as well as the potential hepatoprotective effects of royal jelly (RJ) against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury.
METHODS: Rats were assigned into four groups; sham (received vehicle), IR (30 minutes ischemia and 45 minutes reperfusion), sham pretreated with RJ (200 mg/kg P.O.), and IR pretreated with RJ (200 mg/kg P.O.). The experiment has lasted for 28 days.
RESULTS: Hepatic IR significantly induced hepatic dysfunctions, as manifested by elevation of serum transaminases, ALP and LDH levels. Moreover, hepatic IR caused a significant up-regulation of P38-MAPK, NF-κB-p65, TNF-α and MDA levels along with marked down-regulation of Nrf-2, HO-1, COX-4, cytoglobin, IκBa, IL-10, GSH, GST and SOD levels. Additionally, marked histopathological changes were observed after hepatic IR injury. On the contrary, pretreatment with RJ significantly improved hepatic functions along with the alleviation of histopathological changes. Moreover, RJ restored oxidant/antioxidant balance as well as hepatic expressions of Nrf-2, HO-1, COX-4, and cytoglobin. Simultaneously, RJ significantly mitigated the inflammatory response by down-regulation of P38-MAPK, NF-κB-p65, TNF-αexpression.
CONCLUSION: The present results revealed that RJ has successfully protected the liver against hepatic IR injury through modulation of cytoglobin, Nrf-2/HO-1/COX-4, and P38-MAPK/NF-κB-p65/TNF-α signaling pathways.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Effects of royal jelly and tocotrienol rich fraction in obesity treatment.

Background : Obesity has reached an alarming rate worldwide .
Promoting thermogenesis via increasing the function of brown adipose tissue ( BAT ) or white adipose tissue ( WAT ) browning has been proposed as a new protective approach against obesity .
The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of Royal Jelly ( RJ ) and tocotrienol rich fraction ( TRF ) on BAT activation and WAT browning during calorie restriction diet ( CRD ) in obesity model .
Methods : In this experimental study , 50 obese Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a period of 8-week : High-fat diet ( HFD ) , CRD , RJ + CRD , TRF + CRD , and RJ + TRF + CRD .
Effects of RJ and TRF , individually and in combination on body weight and the expression of key thermoregulatory genes in WAT and BAT were examined by quantitative real-time ( qRT-PCR ) .
Also , morphological alterations were assessed by hematoxylinand eosin staining .
Results : RJ ( - 67.21 g ±4.84 g ) and RJ + TRF ( - 73.29 g ±4.51 g @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CRD group ( - 40.70 g ±6.50 g , Conclusion : Our results suggest that , Royal Jelly promotes thermogenesis and browning of WAT , contributing to an increase in energy expenditure .
Thus , Royal Jelly may give rise to a novel dietary choice to attenuate obesity .

Background: Obesity has reached an alarming rate worldwide. Promoting thermogenesis via increasing the function of brown adipose tissue (BAT) or white adipose tissue (WAT) browning has been proposed as a new protective approach against obesity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of Royal Jelly (RJ) and tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) on BAT activation and WAT browning during calorie restriction diet (CRD) in obesity model.
Methods: In this experimental study, 50 obese Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups and then received one of the following treatments for a period of 8-week: High-fat diet (HFD), CRD, RJ + CRD, TRF + CRD, and RJ + TRF + CRD. Effects of RJ and TRF, individually and in combination on body weight and the expression of key thermoregulatory genes in WAT and BAT were examined by quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR). Also, morphological alterations were assessed by hematoxylinand eosin staining.
Results: RJ (- 67.21 g ±4.84 g) and RJ + TRF (- 73.29 g ±4.51 g) significantly reduced weight gain relative to the CRD group (- 40.70 g ±6.50 g, < 0.001). In comparison with the CRD group, RJ and RJ + TRF remarkably enhanced the uncoupling protein1expression in WAT (5.81, 4.72 fold, < 0.001) and BAT (4.99, 4.75 fold, < 0.001). The expression of PR domain containing 16, cAMP response element-binding protein1, P38 mitogen-activated protein kinasesand Bone morphogenetic protein8Bhave significantly increased following RJ and RJ + TRF treatments ( < 0.001). Howeverthe expression levels of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein betaand Bone morphogenetic protein7did not remarkably change. Multilocular beige cells in WAT and compacted dense adipocytes were also observed in BAT of RJ and RJ + TRF received groups. TRF showed no substantial effects on the expression of the mentioned thermoregulatory genes and brown fat-like phenotype.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that, Royal Jelly promotes thermogenesis and browning of WAT, contributing to an increase in energy expenditure. Thus, Royal Jelly may give rise to a novel dietary choice to attenuate obesity.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Ameliorative effects of honey, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly mixture against chronic toxicity of

Ameliorative effects of honey, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly mixture against chronic toxicity of sumithion insecticide.

Sumithion ( Fenitrothion ) ( SUM ) is an organophosphorus insecticide used to combat a wide variety of plant pests .
Exposure to SUM causes significant toxicity to the brain , liver , kidney , and reproductive organs through , for example , binding to DNA , and it induces DNA damage , which ends with oxidative stress .
Therefore , the present study aimed to examine the protective role of bee products : a mixture of honey , propolis , palm pollen , and royal jelly ( HPPJ ) against SUM-induced toxicity .
Twenty-four male albino rats ( ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containing six rats : control ( corn oil ) , SUM ( 85 mg/kg ; 1/20 LD ) , HPPJ , and SUM + HPPJ once daily for 28 consecutive days .
Blood samples were gently collected in sterilized ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ( EDTA ) tubes for blood picture analyses and tubes without anticoagulant for serum isolation .
Serum was used for assays of enzymatic and biochemical characteristics .
The results revealed that SUM increased the weights of the liver , kidney , and brain as well as the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( SOD ) , and glutathione-S-transferase ( GST ) .
Additionally , SUM significantly increased the activity of lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH ) , alkaline phosphatase ( ALP ) , andγ-glutamyltransferase ( γ-GT ) and glucose , uric acid , and creatinine contents , while decreasing the acetylcholine esterase ( AChE ) activity and total lipids and total protein content .
Furthermore , because of the inclusion of phenolic , flavonoids , terpenoids , and sugars , the HPPJ mixture counteractedthe hematological , renal , and hepatic toxicity of SUM exposure .

Sumithion (Fenitrothion) (SUM) is an organophosphorus insecticide used to combat a wide variety of plant pests. Exposure to SUM causes significant toxicity to the brain, liver, kidney, and reproductive organs through, for example, binding to DNA, and it induces DNA damage, which ends with oxidative stress. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the protective role of bee products: a mixture of honey, propolis, palm pollen, and royal jelly (HPPJ) against SUM-induced toxicity. Twenty-four male albino rats () were classified into four groups, each containing six rats: control (corn oil), SUM (85 mg/kg; 1/20 LD), HPPJ, and SUM + HPPJ once daily for 28 consecutive days. Blood samples were gently collected in sterilized ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes for blood picture analyses and tubes without anticoagulant for serum isolation. Serum was used for assays of enzymatic and biochemical characteristics. The results revealed that SUM increased the weights of the liver, kidney, and brain as well as the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GP), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Additionally, SUM significantly increased the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), andγ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) and glucose, uric acid, and creatinine contents, while decreasing the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and total lipids and total protein content. Furthermore, because of the inclusion of phenolic, flavonoids, terpenoids, and sugars, the HPPJ mixture counteractedthe hematological, renal, and hepatic toxicity of SUM exposure.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Composition of royal jelly and its anti-androgenic effect on reproductive parameters in a polycystic

Composition of royal jelly and its anti-androgenic effect on reproductive parameters in a polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Royal jelly ( RJ ) has been shown to contribute its positive effects upon imbalance in the reproductive system .
However , it remains unknown as to whether RJ has an anti-androgenic effect on reproductive parameters in a polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS ) animal model .
Composition of RJ was assessed by phytochemical screening and the LC-MS method .
Forty immature female rats ( 3 weeks , 40-50 g ) were randomly divided into five groups ( = 8 per group ) , i.e.
, control , testosterone ( T ) , T+100RJ ( 100 mg/kg/day ) , T+200RJ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T+400RJ ( 400 mg/kg/day RJ ) groups .
Hyperandrogenism was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of T propionate for 3 weeks , followed by oral RJ for 4 weeks .
The T+200RJ group had a significantly higher follicle-stimulating hormone level , and significantly lower luteinizing hormone , testosterone , and estradiol levels in comparison to the T group .
Malondialdehyde level and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower , while total antioxidant capacity level was significantly higher in the T+200RJ group compared to the T group .
Histologically , the T+200RJ group showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development .
RJ at 200 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks significantly improved reproductive parameters in PCOS rats partly due to its anti-androgenic effect through antioxidant action and probably due to modulation on estrogenic activity , which needs further study to evaluate its exact mechanism of action .

Royal jelly (RJ) has been shown to contribute its positive effects upon imbalance in the reproductive system. However, it remains unknown as to whether RJ has an anti-androgenic effect on reproductive parameters in a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) animal model. Composition of RJ was assessed by phytochemical screening and the LC-MS method. Forty immature female rats (3 weeks, 40-50 g) were randomly divided into five groups (= 8 per group), i.e., control, testosterone (T), T+100RJ (100 mg/kg/day), T+200RJ (200 mg/kg/day RJ), and T+400RJ (400 mg/kg/day RJ) groups. Hyperandrogenism was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of T propionate for 3 weeks, followed by oral RJ for 4 weeks. The T+200RJ group had a significantly higher follicle-stimulating hormone level, and significantly lower luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol levels in comparison to the T group. Malondialdehyde level and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower, while total antioxidant capacity level was significantly higher in the T+200RJ group compared to the T group. Histologically, the T+200RJ group showed recovery of various stages of ovarian follicular development. RJ at 200 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks significantly improved reproductive parameters in PCOS rats partly due to its anti-androgenic effect through antioxidant action and probably due to modulation on estrogenic activity, which needs further study to evaluate its exact mechanism of action.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Protective effects of royal jelly on testicular torsion induced ischaemia reperfusion injury.

This study was performed to investigate the protective effects of royal jelly ( RJ ) on a testicular torsion-induced ischaemia/reperfusion @ @ @ @ @ adult rats .
A total of 40 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups @ @ @ @ @ each group : Group 1 ( sham ) , Group 2 ( Control ) , @ @ @ @ @ treated with 100 mg/kg RJ for 50 days after torsion ) and group 4 ( @ @ @ @ @ mg/kg vitamin C for 50 days after torsion ) .
Testicular torsion was created by @ @ @ @ @ a clockwise direction for 90 min .
The levels of testosterone were measured by ELISA @ @ @ @ @ maturity and quality of the seminiferous tubules were used .
Results showed that the testicular @ @ @ @ @ changes were statistically significant in groups 3 and 4 .
The results obtained in this @ @ @ @ @ like vitamin C had protective effectson a testicular ischaemia/reperfusion-induced injury in rats .

This study was performed to investigate the protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) on a testicular torsion-induced ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in adult rats. A total of 40 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, including 10 rats in each group: Group 1 (sham), Group 2 (Control), group 3 (I/R rats treated with 100 mg/kg RJ for 50 days after torsion) and group 4( I/R rats treated with 20 mg/kg vitamin C for 50 days after torsion). Testicular torsion was created by rotating the right testes 720° a clockwise direction for 90 min. The levels of testosterone were measured by ELISA. Pathological evaluation,mean maturity and quality of the seminiferous tubules were used. Results showed that the testicular histopathology standards and testosterone levels changes were statistically significant in groups 3 and 4. The results obtained in this study may suggest that RJ like vitamin C had protective effectson a testicular ischaemia/reperfusion-induced injury in rats.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Therapeutic treatment with vitamin C reduces focal cerebral ischemia-induced brain infarction.

Stroke is a major public health problem and ranks third most common cause of death in adults worldwide .
Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular thrombectomy are the main revascularization therapies for acute ischemic stroke .
However , ischemia-reperfusion injury , mainly caused by oxidative/nitrosative stress injury , after revascularization therapy can result in worsening outcomes .
For better clinical prognosis , more and more studies have focused on the pharmaceutical neuroprotective therapies against free radical damage .
The impact of vitamin C ( ascorbic acid ) on oxidative stress-related diseases is moderate because of its limited oral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent evidence of the clinical benefit of parenteral vitamin C administration has emerged , especially in critical care .
In this study we demonstrated that parenteral administration of vitamin C significantly improved neurological deficits and reduced brain infarction and brain edema by attenuating the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion ( tMCAO ) -induced nitrosative stress , inflammatory responses , and the resultant disruptions of blood brain barrier and cerebral neuronal apoptosis .
These results suggest that parenteral administration of vitamin C has potential as an adjuvant agent with intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Stroke is a major public health problem and ranks third most common cause of death in adults worldwide. Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular thrombectomy are the main revascularization therapies for acute ischemic stroke. However, ischemia-reperfusion injury, mainly caused by oxidative/nitrosative stress injury, after revascularization therapy can result in worsening outcomes. For better clinical prognosis, more and more studies have focused on the pharmaceutical neuroprotective therapies against free radical damage. The impact of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) on oxidative stress-related diseases is moderate because of its limited oral bioavailability and rapid clearance. However, recent evidence of the clinical benefit of parenteral vitamin C administration has emerged, especially in critical care. In this study we demonstrated that parenteral administration of vitamin C significantly improved neurological deficits and reduced brain infarction and brain edema by attenuating the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)-induced nitrosative stress, inflammatory responses, and the resultant disruptions of blood brain barrier and cerebral neuronal apoptosis. These results suggest that parenteral administration of vitamin C has potential as an adjuvant agent with intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy in acute treatment of ischemic stroke.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Enhanced resorption of liposomal packed vitamin C monitored by ultrasound.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for humans and is involved in a plethora of health-related functions .
Several studies @ @ @ @ @ vitamin C intake and an improved resistance to infections that involves the immune system .
@ @ @ @ @ not store vitamin C and both the elevated oral intake , and the intravenous application @ @ @ @ @ this study , we wanted to show a new formulation for the liposomal packaging of @ @ @ @ @ electron microscopy , we show the formed liposomes .
With a novel approach of post-processing @ @ @ @ @ combines enhancement effects by contrast-like ultrasound with a transducer , we wanted to demonstrate the @ @ @ @ @ on four participants .
With the method presented in this study , it is possible @ @ @ @ @ liposomal packaging of vitamin C with simple household materials and equipment for intake elevation .
@ @ @ @ @ we show the enhanced resorption of ingested liposomes using microbubble enhanced ultrasound imaging .

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for humans and is involved in a plethora of health-related functions. Several studies have shown a connection between vitamin C intake and an improved resistance to infections that involves the immune system. However, the body cannot store vitamin C and both the elevated oral intake, and the intravenous application have certain disadvantages. In this study, we wanted to show a new formulation for the liposomal packaging of vitamin C. Using freeze etching electron microscopy, we show the formed liposomes. With a novel approach of post-processing procedures of real-time sonography that combines enhancement effects by contrast-like ultrasound with a transducer, we wanted to demonstrate the elevated intestinal vitamin C resorption on four participants. With the method presented in this study, it is possible to make use of the liposomal packaging of vitamin C with simple household materials and equipment for intake elevation. For the first time, we show the enhanced resorption of ingested liposomes using microbubble enhanced ultrasound imaging.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--High dose vitamin C significantly reduces the nephrotoxicity of vancomycin in critically ill patient

High dose vitamin C significantly reduces the nephrotoxicity of vancomycin in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE : To observe the changes of renal function in critically ill patients using vancomycin and analyze the renal protective effect of high dose vitamin C ( VC ) on vancomycin nephrotoxicity .
METHODS : Retrospective analysis was carried out to enroll the patients who were hospitalized in emergency intensive care unit ( ICU ) of Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2012 to October 2019 .
All patients were administered with vancomycin or VC infusion in addition .
According to the infusion of vancomycin alone or in combination with VC , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vancomycin in combination with VC group ; vancomycin group was further divided into two groups according to before vancomycin or after vancomycin usage ; combination group were further divided into two groups according to before VC use or after VC .
The initial dosage of vancomycin was calculated according to the actual weight of the patient and adjusted according to the renal function .
The dosage of VC was determined according to the disease severity of the patient , and the dosage range was 50-200 mg×kg×d , continuously infused into the body .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ renal function etc .
were recorded and analyzed .
RESULTS : A total of 245 patients who met the requirements were included in the analysis .
There were 127 patients in the vancomycin group and 118 patients in the combination group .
The causes of patients admitted to ICU were pulmonary infection , sepsis , severe acute pancreatitis , etc .
Among them , pulmonary infection accounted for 63.0 % in vancomycin group , while severe acute pancreatitis accounted for 61.9 % in combination group .
The quick sequential organ failure assessment ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly higher than that of vancomycin group [ 1.0 ( 0 , 1.0 ) vs. 0 ( 0 , 0.2 ) , P < 0.01 ] , its basic renal function was also significantly worse [ serum creatinine ( SCr , μmol/L ) : 98.0 ( 65.0 , 178.2 ) vs. 56.0 ( 42.2 , 71.0 ) , blood urea nitrogen ( BUN , mmol/L ) : 11.30 ( 6.48 , 18.38 ) vs. 4.70 ( 3.45 , 8.10 ) , both P < 0.05 ] , and the average daily dose of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of vancomycin group ( mg×kg×d : 23.0±9.4 vs. 26.6±8.5 , P < 0.01 ) .
Compared with vancomycin before administration , the renal function was getting worse significantly after vancomycin administration [ SCr ( μmol/L ) : 68.0 ( 50.2 , 104.5 ) vs. 56.0 ( 42.2 , 71.0 ) , BUN ( mmol/L ) : 5.35 ( 3.75 , 9.83 ) vs. 4.70 ( 3.45 , 8.10 ) , both P < 0.05 ] .
Combination with VC significantly improved renal function compared with that before VC treatment [ SCr ( μmol/L @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) vs. 98.0 ( 65.0 , 178.2 ) , P < 0.05 ; BUN ( mmol/L ) : 9.60 ( 6.10 , 18.30 ) vs. 11.30 ( 6.48 , 18.38 ) , P > 0.05 ] and shortened the length of ICU stay [ days : 28.5 ( 14.8 , 54.2 ) vs. 37.0 ( 25.0 , 55.0 ) , P < 0.01 ] .
CONCLUSIONS : The incidence of drug-induced renal injury caused by vancomycin is high .
Intravenous high dose VC can significantly reduce the nephrotoxicity of vancomycin and shorten the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is used in critically ill patients , VC can be used in combination to reduce or avoid drug-induced renal injury , improve curative effect and reduce toxic effects .

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of renal function in critically ill patients using vancomycin and analyze the renal protective effect of high dose vitamin C (VC) on vancomycin nephrotoxicity.
METHODS: Retrospective analysis was carried out to enroll the patients who were hospitalized in emergency intensive care unit (ICU) of Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2012 to October 2019. All patients were administered with vancomycin or VC infusion in addition. According to the infusion of vancomycin alone or in combination with VC, the patients were divided into vancomycin group and vancomycin in combination with VC group; vancomycin group was further divided into two groups according to before vancomycin or after vancomycin usage; combination group were further divided into two groups according to before VC use or after VC. The initial dosage of vancomycin was calculated according to the actual weight of the patient and adjusted according to the renal function. The dosage of VC was determined according to the disease severity of the patient, and the dosage range was 50-200 mg×kg×d, continuously infused into the body. The age, gender, weight and renal function etc. were recorded and analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 245 patients who met the requirements were included in the analysis. There were 127 patients in the vancomycin group and 118 patients in the combination group. The causes of patients admitted to ICU were pulmonary infection, sepsis, severe acute pancreatitis, etc. Among them, pulmonary infection accounted for 63.0% in vancomycin group, while severe acute pancreatitis accounted for 61.9% in combination group. The quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score of combination group was significantly higher than that of vancomycin group [1.0 (0, 1.0) vs. 0 (0, 0.2), P<0.01], its basic renal function was also significantly worse [serum creatinine (SCr,μmol/L): 98.0 (65.0, 178.2) vs. 56.0 (42.2, 71.0), blood urea nitrogen (BUN, mmol/L): 11.30 (6.48, 18.38) vs. 4.70 (3.45, 8.10), both P<0.05], and the average daily dose of vancomycin was also significantly lower than that of vancomycin group (mg×kg×d: 23.0±9.4 vs. 26.6±8.5, P<0.01). Compared with vancomycin before administration, the renal function was getting worse significantly after vancomycin administration [SCr (μmol/L): 68.0 (50.2, 104.5) vs. 56.0 (42.2, 71.0), BUN (mmol/L): 5.35 (3.75, 9.83) vs. 4.70 (3.45, 8.10), both P<0.05]. Combination with VC significantly improved renal function compared with that before VC treatment [SCr (μmol/L): 79.0 (58.0, 129.0) vs. 98.0 (65.0, 178.2), P<0.05; BUN (mmol/L): 9.60 (6.10, 18.30) vs. 11.30 (6.48, 18.38), P>0.05] and shortened the length of ICU stay [days: 28.5 (14.8, 54.2) vs. 37.0 (25.0, 55.0), P<0.01].
CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of drug-induced renal injury caused by vancomycin is high. Intravenous high dose VC can significantly reduce the nephrotoxicity of vancomycin and shorten the length of hospital stay. When vancomycin is used in critically ill patients, VC can be used in combination to reduce or avoid drug-induced renal injury, improve curative effect and reduce toxic effects.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Intravenous vitamin C as ancillary treatment for cranial polyneuritis and meningitis due to varicell

Intravenous vitamin C as ancillary treatment for cranial polyneuritis and meningitis due to varicella zoster virus reactivation.

A 65-year-old Japanese woman developed vesicular eruptions on her right ear due to varicella zoster virus ( VZV ) reactivation @ @ @ @ @ and meningitis affecting her right cranial nerves V , VII , VIII , IX , @ @ @ @ @ administration , her facial paralysis worsened .
Intravenous methylprednisolone and vitamin C were administered on @ @ @ @ @ symptoms steadily improved , and by Day 45 she had fully recovered .
Cranial polyneuritis @ @ @ @ @ VZV reactivation , and there is no established method of treatment .
This is the @ @ @ @ @ from cranial polyneuritis using intravenous vitamin C as ancillary treatment .

A 65-year-old Japanese woman developed vesicular eruptions on her right ear due to varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation, followed by cranial polyneuritis and meningitis affecting her right cranial nerves V, VII, VIII, IX, and X. After acyclovir administration, her facial paralysis worsened. Intravenous methylprednisolone and vitamin C were administered on Day 4 post-admission. Her symptoms steadily improved, and by Day 45 she had fully recovered. Cranial polyneuritis is a rare complication of VZV reactivation, and there is no established method of treatment. This is the first report of full recovery from cranial polyneuritis using intravenous vitamin C as ancillary treatment.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Meditation-based interventions for people with dementia are associated with improved quality of life

Meditation-based interventions for people with dementia are associated with improved quality of life and cognition.

IMPORTANCE : With the high prevalence and cost of dementia care worldwide , a need exists to develop cost-effective and evidence-based treatment for people with dementia .
Meditation , which has been demonstrated to have positive effects on brain health , may be a viable intervention option .
OBJECTIVE : To investigate how meditation-based interventions affect health and quality-of-life ( QOL ) outcomes for adults with dementia .
DATA SOURCES : Articles were located by using the keywords meditation , mindfulness , mind-body , dementia , and Alzheimer 's to search the following electronic databases : PubMed , CINAHL , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tufts University .
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION : Using Arksey and O'Malley 's methodology , a scoping review was conducted to examine scientific and gray literature published between 1997 and 2018 .
Data were abstracted and assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses .
Only articles that included a meditation-based intervention and at least 1 participant with dementia were included .
FINDINGS : Nineteen articles met inclusion criteria .
The four main outcomes that emerged from the literature were improvement in QOL , mental health , cognition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meditation-based intervention .
The outcome with the strongest support was the effectiveness of meditation-based interventions in maintaining cognitive function in people living with dementia .
Significant gaps in the research were identified , including weak research design , inconsistency in measurement of outcomes , small sample sizes , and a lack of standardized meditation protocols for people with dementia .
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE : Our findings suggest that incorporating meditation into interventions for clients with dementia can have beneficial results .
Opportunities exist for occupational therapy practitioners to advocate for the continuation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the literature highlight the need for randomized controlled trials and the development of standardized meditation protocols for people with dementia .
WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS : Meditation-based interventions for people with dementia are associated with improved quality of life and cognition and may be viable treatment options for occupational therapists to implement in their practice .

IMPORTANCE: With the high prevalence and cost of dementia care worldwide, a need exists to develop cost-effective and evidence-based treatment for people with dementia. Meditation, which has been demonstrated to have positive effects on brain health, may be a viable intervention option.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate how meditation-based interventions affect health and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes for adults with dementia.
DATA SOURCES: Articles were located by using the keywords meditation, mindfulness, mind-body, dementia, and Alzheimer's to search the following electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, and JumboSearch at Tufts University.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION: Using Arksey and O'Malley's methodology, a scoping review was conducted to examine scientific and gray literature published between 1997 and 2018. Data were abstracted and assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Only articles that included a meditation-based intervention and at least 1 participant with dementia were included.
FINDINGS: Nineteen articles met inclusion criteria. The four main outcomes that emerged from the literature were improvement in QOL, mental health, cognition, and functional abilities after participation in a meditation-based intervention. The outcome with the strongest support was the effectiveness of meditation-based interventions in maintaining cognitive function in people living with dementia. Significant gaps in the research were identified, including weak research design, inconsistency in measurement of outcomes, small sample sizes, and a lack of standardized meditation protocols for people with dementia.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our findings suggest that incorporating meditation into interventions for clients with dementia can have beneficial results. Opportunities exist for occupational therapy practitioners to advocate for the continuation of research in this field. Notable gaps in the literature highlight the need for randomized controlled trials and the development of standardized meditation protocols for people with dementia.
WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS: Meditation-based interventions for people with dementia are associated with improved quality of life and cognition and may be viable treatment options for occupational therapists to implement in their practice.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Mindfulness meditation and exercise both improve sleep quality.

OBJECTIVES : To assess the benefits of training in mindfulness-based stress reduction ( MBSR ) or moderate intensity exercise ( EX ) for improving sleep quality .
PARTICIPANTS : Healthy adults ( n = 413 ) aged 30-69 who did not regularly exercise or practice meditation , and who had no known prior sleep problems .
INTERVENTIONS : 1 ) 8-weeks of MBSR training ; 2 ) matched EX training ; or 3 ) wait-list control .
MEASUREMENTS : The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ( PSQI ) was administered at baseline and at 1 , 3 , 5 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PSQI scores and three PSQI factors ( perceived sleep quality ; daily disturbances , sleep efficiency ) were assessed using linear mixed effects regression models for longitudinal data .
RESULTS : Compared to controls , PSQI global scores improved significantly for EX ( mean change -0.98 points [ 95 % CI -1.56 , -0.41 ] p = 0.001 ) and marginally for MBSR ( -0.53 [ -1.10 , 0.04 ] p = 0.07 ) .
The perceived sleep quality factor improved for both EX ( -0.18 [ -0.30 , -0.07 ] p = @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -0.24 , -0.01 ] p = 0.035 ) .
The daily disturbances factor improved slightly more for MBSR ( -0.13 [ -0.22 , -0.033 ] p = 0.008 ) than EX ( -0.09 [ -0.19 , 0.004 ] p = 0.06 ) .
The sleep efficiency factor did not improve after MBSR ( 0.08 [ -0.045 , 0.21 ] p = 0.2 ) or EX ( -0.07 [ -0.20 , 0.06 ] p = 0.3 ) .
Improvements in the sleep quality were sustained over 7 months for both groups .
CONCLUSIONS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but statistically significant and sustained improvements in sleep quality .
For EX participants , this improvement was due primarily to improvements in perceived sleep quality .
For MBSR , the decrease in daytime disturbance was more important .

OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits of training in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or moderate intensity exercise (EX) for improving sleep quality.
DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.
SETTING: Outpatient, community-based.
PARTICIPANTS: Healthy adults (n = 413) aged 30-69 who did not regularly exercise or practice meditation, and who had no known prior sleep problems.
INTERVENTIONS: 1) 8-weeks of MBSR training; 2) matched EX training; or 3) wait-list control.
MEASUREMENTS: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was administered at baseline and at 1, 3, 5, and 7-month follow-up visits.
ANALYSIS: Total PSQI scores and three PSQI factors (perceived sleep quality; daily disturbances, sleep efficiency) were assessed using linear mixed effects regression models for longitudinal data.
RESULTS: Compared to controls, PSQI global scores improved significantly for EX (mean change -0.98 points [95% CI -1.56, -0.41] p = 0.001) and marginally for MBSR (-0.53 [-1.10, 0.04] p = 0.07). The perceived sleep quality factor improved for both EX (-0.18 [-0.30, -0.07] p = 0.002) and MBSR (-0.12 [-0.24, -0.01] p = 0.035). The daily disturbances factor improved slightly more for MBSR (-0.13 [-0.22, -0.033] p = 0.008) than EX (-0.09 [-0.19, 0.004] p = 0.06). The sleep efficiency factor did not improve after MBSR (0.08 [-0.045, 0.21] p = 0.2) or EX (-0.07 [-0.20, 0.06] p = 0.3). Improvements in the sleep quality were sustained over 7 months for both groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Training in MBSR and EX produced small but statistically significant and sustained improvements in sleep quality. For EX participants, this improvement was due primarily to improvements in perceived sleep quality. For MBSR, the decrease in daytime disturbance was more important.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--The World Doesn't Need Policing - It Needs Fairness and Love

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Before beginning any type of @ @ @ @ @ treatment regimen , it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional @

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greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Brief mindfulness meditation intervention led to improvements in visual short-term memory capacity f

Brief mindfulness meditation intervention led to improvements in visual short-term memory capacity for faces.

Research into the effects of mindfulness meditation on behavioral outcomes has received much interest in recent years , with benefits @ @ @ @ @ working memory identified .
However , little research has considered the potential effects of brief @ @ @ @ @ nature of any benefits for visual short-term memory .
Here , we investigate the effect @ @ @ @ @ mindfulness meditation intervention , presented via audio recording , on a short-term memory task for @ @ @ @ @ two control groups ( listening to an audiobook or simply passing the time however they @ @ @ @ @ meditation participants showed greater increases in visual short-term memory capacity from pre- to post-intervention .
@ @ @ @ @ meditation resulted in significant increases in performance .
In conclusion , a single , brief @ @ @ @ @ improvements in visual short-term memory capacity for faces , with important implications regarding the minimum @ @ @ @ @ changes in short-term memory tasks .

Research into the effects of mindfulness meditation on behavioral outcomes has received much interest in recent years, with benefits for both short-term memory and working memory identified. However, little research has considered the potential effects of brief mindfulness meditation interventions or the nature of any benefits for visual short-term memory. Here, we investigate the effect of a single, 8-minute mindfulness meditation intervention, presented via audio recording, on a short-term memory task for faces. In comparison with two control groups (listening to an audiobook or simply passing the time however they wished), our mindfulness meditation participants showed greater increases in visual short-term memory capacity from pre- to post-intervention. In addition, only mindfulness meditation resulted in significant increases in performance. In conclusion, a single, brief mindfulness meditation intervention led to improvements in visual short-term memory capacity for faces, with important implications regarding the minimum intervention necessary to produce measurable changes in short-term memory tasks.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--This review unravels the therapeutic power of mindfulness meditation in the context of infertility d

Living mindfully helps one gain a deeper understanding into realities of life .
It enables people to witness suffering , @ @ @ @ @ impermanence without any fear , anxiety , anger , or despair .
This is considered @ @ @ @ @ insight .
As a skill , mindfulness can be inculcated by anyone .
Mindfulness helps @ @ @ @ @ and understanding experiences in a compassion and open-minded way .
Research suggests that applying mindfulness @ @ @ @ @ known to tame our emotional mind and enabled people to perceive things '' as they @ @ @ @ @ , judgments , cynicism , or apprehensions to them .
This review unravels the therapeutic @ @ @ @ @ the context of infertility distress .
It serves to integrate the evidence on the effectiveness @ @ @ @ @ improve the emotional well-being and biological outcomes in Infertility .

Living mindfully helps one gain a deeper understanding into realities of life. It enables people to witness suffering, desire, attachments, and impermanence without any fear, anxiety, anger, or despair. This is considered the hallmark of true psychological insight. As a skill, mindfulness can be inculcated by anyone. Mindfulness helps in attending, getting aware and understanding experiences in a compassion and open-minded way. Research suggests that applying mindfulness in daily life has been known to tame our emotional mind and enabled people to perceive things"as they are"without ascribing expectations, judgments, cynicism, or apprehensions to them. This review unravels the therapeutic power of mindfulness meditation in the context of infertility distress. It serves to integrate the evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based psychological interventions to improve the emotional well-being and biological outcomes in Infertility.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Mindfulness meditation apps, such as Calm, may be effective in reducing depression and anxiety sympt

Mindfulness meditation apps, such as Calm, may be effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Depression , anxiety , and sleep disturbance are common problems that greatly affect quality of life for many myeloproliferative neoplasm ( MPN ) patients .
App-based mindfulness meditation is a feasible nonpharmacologic approach for managing symptoms .
However , previous research has not considered how patients ' overall mental health may influence their responsiveness to these interventions.The purpose of this study was to conduct an exploratory , secondary analysis of the effects of a smartphone meditation app , Calm , on depression , anxiety , and sleep disturbance in MPN patients based on patients ' baseline levels of Global Mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ = 80 ) were a subset of MPN patients from a larger feasibility study .
Patients were enrolled into an intervention ( use Calm for 10 minutes daily for 4 weeks ) or educational control group.In multilevel models , there were significant 3-way interactions between time , group , and baseline GMH for depression and anxiety symptoms , with participants in the meditation intervention who reported the poorest baseline GMH experiencing the greatest reduction in symptoms over time .
For both intervention and control participants , poorer initial GMH was associated with increases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps , such as Calm , may be effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in MPN patients , particularly for those experiencing mental health difficulties .
Given the need for accessible tools to self-manage chronic cancer-related symptoms , especially strong negative emotions , these findings warrant larger efficacy studies to determine the effects of app-based meditation for alleviating depression and anxiety in cancer populations .

Depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance are common problems that greatly affect quality of life for many myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients. App-based mindfulness meditation is a feasible nonpharmacologic approach for managing symptoms. However, previous research has not considered how patients' overall mental health may influence their responsiveness to these interventions.The purpose of this study was to conduct an exploratory, secondary analysis of the effects of a smartphone meditation app, Calm, on depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in MPN patients based on patients' baseline levels of Global Mental Health (GMH).Participants (N = 80) were a subset of MPN patients from a larger feasibility study. Patients were enrolled into an intervention (use Calm for 10 minutes daily for 4 weeks) or educational control group.In multilevel models, there were significant 3-way interactions between time, group, and baseline GMH for depression and anxiety symptoms, with participants in the meditation intervention who reported the poorest baseline GMH experiencing the greatest reduction in symptoms over time. For both intervention and control participants, poorer initial GMH was associated with increases in sleep disturbance symptoms over time.Mindfulness meditation apps, such as Calm, may be effective in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in MPN patients, particularly for those experiencing mental health difficulties. Given the need for accessible tools to self-manage chronic cancer-related symptoms, especially strong negative emotions, these findings warrant larger efficacy studies to determine the effects of app-based meditation for alleviating depression and anxiety in cancer populations.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Chrysin loaded lipid-core nanocapsules ameliorates neurobehavioral alterations induced by β-amyloid

Chrysin loaded lipid-core nanocapsules ameliorates neurobehavioral alterations induced by β-amyloid 1-42.

Alzheimer 's disease ( AD ) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a clinically and progressive loss of cognitive function , neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders .
Some studies showed that chrysin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties .
However , your bioavailability is relatively low .
Therefore , the present study was designed to investigate the effects of chrysin loaded lipid-core nanocapsules ( LNCs ) on neurochemical and behavioral changes in a model of AD induced byβ-amyloid ( Aβ ) peptide in aged female mice .
For this purpose , aged female mice received free chrysin ( FC ) ( 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) or chrysin loaded LNCs ( C1-LNC and C5-LNC ) ( 1 or 5 mg/kg , p.o . )
for 14 days after Aβadministration ( 400 pmol , i.c.v. )
.
Aβinduced significant impairments on memory and learning ( morris water maze task , object recognition and step-down-type passive avoidance ) , also caused oxidative stress , reduced the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ) , increased neuroinflammation in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of aged animals .
Thus , C1-LNC and C5-LNC displayed significant effect against Aβ₁₄via attenuation of oxidative stress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behavioral changes in a model of AD .
These results point to chrysin loaded LNCs ( mainly C5-LNC ) can be a promising biomedical tool and a new therapeutic approach for treatment and prevention of AD .

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a clinically and progressive loss of cognitive function, neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders. Some studies showed that chrysin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, your bioavailability is relatively low. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of chrysin loaded lipid-core nanocapsules (LNCs) on neurochemical and behavioral changes in a model of AD induced byβ-amyloid(Aβ) peptide in aged female mice. For this purpose, aged female mice received free chrysin (FC) (5 mg/kg, per oral, p.o.) or chrysin loaded LNCs (C1-LNC and C5-LNC) (1 or 5 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days after Aβadministration (400 pmol, i.c.v.). Aβinduced significant impairments on memory and learning (morris water maze task, object recognition and step-down-type passive avoidance), also caused oxidative stress, reduced the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), increased neuroinflammation in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of aged animals. Thus, C1-LNC and C5-LNC displayed significant effect against Aβ₁₄via attenuation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, modulation of neurochemical and behavioral changes in a model of AD. These results point to chrysin loaded LNCs (mainly C5-LNC) can be a promising biomedical tool and a new therapeutic approach for treatment and prevention of AD.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Chrysin has potency in inhibition of the aromatase enzyme and thus can be useful in preventing and t

Chrysin has potency in inhibition of the aromatase enzyme and thus can be useful in preventing and treating the hormone-dependent breast cancer.

The cytochrome P450 enzyme functions as the rate-limiting enzyme in changing androgens to estrogens .
Inhibition of aromatase is one of the significant objectives of treatment of hormone-dependent diseases such as breast cancer , especially in post-menopausal women .
Natural compounds like chrysin , as a flavor that has a high concentration in honey and propolis , are rich sources of them can be useful in inhibiting aromatase for chemoprevention following treatment or in women at risk of acquiring breast cancer .
This study intended to summarize the existing evidence on the effect of chrysin on aromatase activity .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google Scholar and hand searched the reference lists of identified relevant articles , up to 5 February , 2019 .
Articles with English abstracts that reported the effect of chrysin on aromatase inhibition and without publication date restriction were investigated .
Twenty relevant articles were chosen from a total of 1721 articles .
Only one study was performed on humans and two studies were assayed on rats , while other studies were evaluated in vitro .
All the studies except one showed that chrysin had the potency of aromatase inhibition ; however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells showed that chrysin and naringenin did not indicate aromatase inhibitory properties .
Various assay methods and experimental conditions were the important aspects leading to different results between the studies .
Chrysin has potency in inhibition of the aromatase enzyme and thus can be useful in preventing and treating the hormone-dependent breast cancer and as an adjuvant therapy for estrogen-dependent diseases .

The cytochrome P450 enzyme functions as the rate-limiting enzyme in changing androgens to estrogens. Inhibition of aromatase is one of the significant objectives of treatment of hormone-dependent diseases such as breast cancer, especially in post-menopausal women. Natural compounds like chrysin, as a flavor that has a high concentration in honey and propolis, are rich sources of them can be useful in inhibiting aromatase for chemoprevention following treatment or in women at risk of acquiring breast cancer. This study intended to summarize the existing evidence on the effect of chrysin on aromatase activity. We systematically searched Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar and hand searched the reference lists of identified relevant articles, up to 5 February, 2019. Articles with English abstracts that reported the effect of chrysin on aromatase inhibition and without publication date restriction were investigated. Twenty relevant articles were chosen from a total of 1721 articles. Only one study was performed on humans and two studies were assayed on rats, while other studies were evaluated in vitro. All the studies except one showed that chrysin had the potency of aromatase inhibition; however, only one study performed on endometrial stromal cells showed that chrysin and naringenin did not indicate aromatase inhibitory properties. Various assay methods and experimental conditions were the important aspects leading to different results between the studies. Chrysin has potency in inhibition of the aromatase enzyme and thus can be useful in preventing and treating the hormone-dependent breast cancer and as an adjuvant therapy for estrogen-dependent diseases.


greenmedinfo--2020-06-26--Masks Don't Work: A Review of Science Relevant to COVID-19 Social Policy