greenmedinfo--2020-03-16--Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate modulates the diversity of gut microbiota in ovariectomized rats.

Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate ( EGCG ) exists as one of the major active components of green tea and has been studied extensively @ @ @ @ @ between EGCG and the changes in the gut microflora of ovariectomized ( OVX ) rats @ @ @ @ @ women have not yet been studied .
Female Wistar rats were fed on a maintenance @ @ @ @ @ ovariectomy or SHAM surgery .
The ovariectomized rats were divided into OVX group with the @ @ @ @ @ group which was treated with EGCG by oral gavage .
After 8 weeks of treatment @ @ @ @ @ using elevated plus maze test ( EMP ) and open field test ( OFT ) @ @ @ @ @ was assayed through ELISA .
High-throughput V3-V4 16S rDNA sequencing was conducted to assess the @ @ @ @ @ collectedfrom all rats .
EGCG , at a concentration of 10 mg/kg , caused behavioral @ @ @ @ @ anxiety .
In EPM , OVX rats spent less time in open arms than SHAM @ @ @ @ @ rats ( = 16.043 ,

Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) exists as one of the major active components of green tea and has been studied extensively; however, the relationship between EGCG and the changes in the gut microflora of ovariectomized (OVX) rats as a model of menopause women have not yet been studied. Female Wistar rats were fed on a maintenance material diet and underwent either ovariectomy or SHAM surgery. The ovariectomized rats were divided into OVX group with the treatment of placebo or EGCG group which was treated with EGCG by oral gavage. After 8 weeks of treatment, anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using elevated plus maze test (EMP) and open field test (OFT). The serum estradiol concentration was assayed through ELISA. High-throughput V3-V4 16S rDNA sequencing was conducted to assess the microbial diversity in fecal samples collectedfrom all rats. EGCG, at a concentration of 10 mg/kg, caused behavioral changes in rats similar to anxiety. In EPM, OVX rats spent less time in open arms than SHAM group rats and EGCG group rats ( = 16.043, < .01). In OFT, the total travelled distance and the number of entries for EGCG group were higher compared with OVX group ( = 30.939, H = 13.107, respectively; < .01). In addition, the distribution and composition of intestinal microflora in rats changed after ovariectomy. EGCG modulated the diversity of gut microbiota in OVX group at the phylum and the genus levels. Our results suggested that the composition of gut microbiota and anxiety in OVX rats weresimultaneously affected by EGCG, and therefore, the two conditions might be strongly related, yet the deeper mechanistic links need further exploration.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-16--Hepatoprotective effect of a novel lactic acid-fermented garlic extract functional food product agai

Hepatoprotective effect of a novel lactic acid-fermented garlic extract functional food product against acute liver injury.

Lactic acid-fermented garlic extract ( LAFGE ) has been shown to have hepatoprotective role in liver diseases .
This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a new LAFGE-based hepatoprotective functional food product ( named D-18-007 ) formulated with other additive components , including l-arginine , l-ornithine , and the leaf extract of licorice and artichoke .
In a rat model of d-galactosamine ( GalN ) /LPS-induced liver injury , the survival was significantly higher in animals treated with D-18-007 than in animals treated with LAFGE .
The hepatic injury was alleviated by either LAFGE or D-18-007 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-18-007 , as shown by the necrosis , histology , and serum analyses .
Also , the decrease in GalN/LPS-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue was more significant in D-18-007 than LAFGE .
The decrease in IL-6 protein in the liver was similar between LAFGE and D-18-007 .
Moreover , we compared the amount of the bile in normal animals and found that D-18-007 has better choleretic activity than LAFGE .
Using this acute liver injury model , our results suggest that D-18-007 has an enhanced hepatoprotective effect in acute liver injury @ @ @ @ @

Lactic acid-fermented garlic extract (LAFGE) has been shown to have hepatoprotective role in liver diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a new LAFGE-based hepatoprotective functional food product (named D-18-007) formulated with other additive components, including l-arginine, l-ornithine, and the leaf extract of licorice and artichoke. In a rat model of d-galactosamine(GalN)/LPS-induced liver injury, the survival was significantly higher in animals treated with D-18-007 than in animals treated with LAFGE. The hepatic injury was alleviated by either LAFGE or D-18-007, but the overall effect was more significant in D-18-007, as shown by the necrosis, histology, and serum analyses. Also, the decrease in GalN/LPS-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue was more significant in D-18-007 than LAFGE. The decrease in IL-6 protein in the liver was similar between LAFGE and D-18-007. Moreover, we compared the amount of the bile in normal animals and found that D-18-007 has better choleretic activity than LAFGE. Using this acute liver injury model, our results suggest that D-18-007 has an enhanced hepatoprotective effect in acute liver injury compared with LAFGE alone.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-16--Single clove garlic oil as an herbal medicine could be an effective treatment for degenerative disor

Single clove garlic oil as an herbal medicine could be an effective treatment for degenerative disorders caused by high fat diet.

Introduction : High fat diet ( HFD ) can cause lipid accumulation and contribute to various metabolic disorders .
Single clove garlic oil ( SCGO ) has advantages over regular garlic due to its higher amounts of organosulfide compounds in particular .
This study aimed to determine the ability of SCGO extract to ameliorate hepatic steatosis and improve oxidative status by modulating expression of tumour necrosis factorα and superoxide dismutase in mice fed a HFD .
Methods : Twenty-four adult male Balb/C mice were divided into six groups : i ) normal diet ; ii ) positive control diet ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iv ) HFD with SCGO at 12.5 mg/kg body weight ( mg/kg BW ) ; v ) HFD with SCGO at 25 mg/kg BW , vi ) HFD with SCGO at 50 mg/kg BW .
Liver weight and morphology , spleen weight , serum levels of superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) and tumour necrosis factorα ( TNF-α ) , TNF-α expression in the aorta and lipid profiles were assessed at the end of the experimental period .
Results : SCGO treatment was associated with significant decreases in liver and spleen weight as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment also decreased TNF-α levels and expression .
Serum levels of SOD in the SCGO groups were significantly increased compared with the negative control group .
Lipid profiles were improved in the SCGO treatment groups compared with the negative control group .
Conclusion : SCGO as an herbal medicine could be an effective treatment for degenerative disorders caused by HFD .

Introduction: High fat diet (HFD) can cause lipid accumulation and contribute to various metabolic disorders. Single clove garlic oil (SCGO) has advantages over regular garlic due to its higher amounts of organosulfide compounds in particular. This study aimed to determine the ability of SCGO extract to ameliorate hepatic steatosis and improve oxidative status by modulating expression of tumour necrosis factorα and superoxide dismutase in mice fed a HFD.
Methods: Twenty-four adult male Balb/C mice were divided into six groups: i) normal diet; ii) positive control diet; iii) negative control diet; and iv) HFD with SCGO at 12.5 mg/kg body weight (mg/kg BW); v) HFD with SCGO at 25 mg/kg BW, vi) HFD with SCGO at 50 mg/kg BW. Liver weight and morphology, spleen weight, serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tumour necrosis factorα (TNF-α), TNF-α expression in the aorta and lipid profiles were assessed at the end of the experimental period.
Results: SCGO treatment was associated with significant decreases in liver and spleen weight as well as amelioration of hepatic steatosis. SCGO treatment also decreased TNF-α levels and expression. Serum levels of SOD in the SCGO groups were significantly increased compared with the negative control group. Lipid profiles were improved in the SCGO treatment groups compared with the negative control group.
Conclusion: SCGO as an herbal medicine could be an effective treatment for degenerative disorders caused by HFD.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-16--The efficacy of topical basil essential oil on relieving migraine headaches.

OBJECTIVE : Complementary therapies have been increasingly used for the prevention and treatment of migraine so that there is a need for studies in this setting .
This study sought to determine the effects of basil essential oil on the severity and frequency of migraine attack headaches .
METHODS : A triple-blind clinical trial study was performed on 144 patients diagnosed with migraine .
Patients were randomly allocated by a stratified method to four groups of 36 titled basil essential oil 2 , 4 , 6 % , and placebo groups .
Medications were used topically every 8 h for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each individual received 325 mg of acetaminophen every 12 h. The severity and frequency of migraine attacks were measured prior to the study , at weeks 2 , 4 , 8 , and 12 .
The visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity .
The marginal model and generalized estimation equations were used to compare changes in the intensity and frequency of pain over time .
RESULTS : The interaction of the dose and time factors was significant on both pain intensity ( p < 0.001 ) and frequency of attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odds ratio of higher pain intensity and rate ratio of higher frequency of attack in the intervention groups compared to the placebo group were decreased over the study time .
CONCLUSION : Time lapse and higher doses of basil essential oil would reduce both the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks .

OBJECTIVE: Complementary therapies have been increasingly used for the prevention and treatment of migraine so that there is a need for studies in this setting. This study sought to determine the effects of basil essential oil on the severity and frequency of migraine attack headaches.
METHODS: A triple-blind clinical trial study was performed on 144 patients diagnosed with migraine. Patients were randomly allocated by a stratified method to four groups of 36 titled basil essential oil 2, 4, 6%, and placebo groups. Medications were used topically every 8 h for 3 successive months. In addition, each individual received 325 mg of acetaminophen every 12 h. The severity and frequency of migraine attacks were measured prior to the study, at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. The visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity. The marginal model and generalized estimation equations were used to compare changes in the intensity and frequency of pain over time.
RESULTS: The interaction of the dose and time factors was significant on both pain intensity (p<0.001) and frequency of attack (p<0.001). The odds ratio of higher pain intensity and rate ratio of higher frequency of attack in the intervention groups compared to the placebo group were decreased over the study time.
CONCLUSION: Time lapse and higher doses of basil essential oil would reduce both the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-16--Protective effect of rosemary against diethylnitrosamine-induced renal injury.

The kidney plays a central role in detoxification and excretion of toxic metabolites , and therefore , is susceptible to toxicity by xenobiotics.To investigate the protective effect of ( rosemary ) powder and its essential ( volatile ) oil against diethylnitrosamine ( DEN ) -induced renal injury in rats.Phenolic and flavonoid components were characterised in rosemary powder using HPLC-UV instrument while rosemary essential oil ( E.O ) was investigated via GC-MS technique .
In rat model , rosemary was administrated orally ( in diet ) for two months .
Lipid profile , antioxidant biomarkers , kidney functions and histopathological examinations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ellagic acid ( 403.57 ppm ) are among the major phenolic and flavonoid constituents in rosemary powder .
Camphor ( 18.36 % ) and α-pinene ( 12.74 % ) represent the main E.O active ingredients .
Rats treated with rosemary E.O showed a significant elevation in serum HDL ( 28.28 % ) accompanied by adecrease in LDL ( 115.47 % ) .
A significant decrease in serum creatinine and urea was also reported ( 69.72 and 109.89 % , respectively ) .
Moreover , serum glutathione peroxidise ( GSH-Px ) activity has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protective effect againstDEN-induced abnormalities.Rosemary ( powder/E.O ) was able to reduce or even prevent the severity of diethylnitrosamine-induced renal dysfunction .

The kidney plays a central role in detoxification and excretion of toxic metabolites, and therefore, is susceptible to toxicity by xenobiotics.To investigate the protective effect of(rosemary) powder and its essential (volatile) oil against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced renal injury in rats.Phenolic and flavonoid components were characterised in rosemary powder using HPLC-UV instrument while rosemary essential oil (E.O) was investigated via GC-MS technique. In rat model, rosemary was administrated orally (in diet) for two months. Lipid profile, antioxidant biomarkers, kidney functions and histopathological examinations were assessed.Hesperidin (4878.88 ppm) and ellagic acid (403.57 ppm) are among the major phenolic and flavonoid constituents in rosemary powder. Camphor (18.36%) and α-pinene (12.74%) represent the main E.O active ingredients. Rats treated with rosemary E.O showed a significant elevation in serum HDL (28.28%) accompanied by adecrease in LDL (115.47%). A significant decrease in serum creatinine and urea was also reported (69.72 and 109.89%, respectively). Moreover, serum glutathione peroxidise (GSH-Px) activity has been significantly increased. Kidney histopathological examinations confirmed the protective effect againstDEN-induced abnormalities.Rosemary (powder/E.O) was able to reduce or even prevent the severity of diethylnitrosamine-induced renal dysfunction.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-15--Protective effects of hesperidin against methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity.

Hesperidin ( HD ) , a bioflavonoid , has been shown to exert hepatoprotective effects .
Our aim is to investigate the possible protective effects of HD against methotrexate ( MTX ) hepatotoxicity in adult male Sprague-Dawley ( SD ) rats that were divided into four groups ( 10 rats/each ) and were exposed to MTX with or without HD co-administration for consecutive 28 days .
The results showed that HD significantly ameliorated MTX-induced increase in liver enzymes and histopathological changes .
Hepatic oxidative stress was suppressed by HD , as evidenced by the decrease in malondialdehyde ( MDA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antioxidant activity ( TAC ) , catalase ( CAT ) , and glutathione ( GSH ) levels .
Moreover , co-administration of HD with MTX remarkably upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 compared with the MTX group .
By the decrease in nuclear factor-kB ( NF-κB ) pathway and tumor necrosis factor α ( TNF-α ) , HD obviously attenuated inflammatoryresponse in MTX-lesioned livers .
Likewise , the downregulation of P53 by HD could explain its antiapoptotic effects as indicated by increase BCl2 and the significant decrease of caspase-9 mRNA expression as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , these findings revealed the hepatoprotective nature of HD against MTX hepatotoxicity by attenuating the pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mediators and improving antioxidant aptitude .

Hesperidin (HD), a bioflavonoid, has been shown to exert hepatoprotective effects. Our aim is to investigate the possible protective effects of HD against methotrexate (MTX) hepatotoxicity in adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats that were divided into four groups (10 rats/each) and were exposed to MTX with or without HD co-administration for consecutive 28 days. The results showed that HD significantly ameliorated MTX-induced increase in liver enzymes and histopathological changes. Hepatic oxidative stress was suppressed by HD, as evidenced by the decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), with a concomitant increase in total antioxidant activity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, co-administration of HD with MTX remarkably upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 compared with the MTX group. By the decrease in nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) pathway and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), HD obviously attenuated inflammatoryresponse in MTX-lesioned livers. Likewise, the downregulation of P53 by HD could explain its antiapoptotic effects as indicated by increase BCl2 and the significant decrease of caspase-9 mRNA expression as compared with the MTX group. Thus, these findings revealed the hepatoprotective nature of HD against MTX hepatotoxicity by attenuating the pro-inflammatory and apoptotic mediators and improving antioxidant aptitude.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-15--Hesperidin can be offered as a suitable radio-protector in radiotherapy patients and radiation worke

Hesperidin can be offered as a suitable radio-protector in radiotherapy patients and radiation workers.

Background : Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid glycoside mainly found in citrus fruit and has been shown radio-protective potential in various measurement systems .
Objective : In this article aims to investigate the radio-protective effect of hesperidin on the liver of Sprague Dawely rats .
Material and Methods : In this clinical study , 40 male rats were selected randomly and divided into 8 groups .
Group 1 did not receive radiation and hesperidin ( sham control ) .
Group 2 received only 100 mg/kg body weight ( b.w ) of hesperidin for 7 consecutive days ( HES group ) ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole body gamma radiation ( 2Gy group ) , and group 4 and 5 received 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w of HES for 7 consecutive days before 2 Gy gamma radiation , respectively.Group 6 exposed to dose of 8Gy gamma radiation ( 8Gy group ) ; group 7 and 8 received 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w of HES for 7 days before 8Gy gamma irradiation , respectively .
Histopathological evaluation was perfomred 24 hours after radiation .
Results : Administration of hesperidin ( 50 mg/kg b.w , 7 days ) before 2Gy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cells in the portal space .
Microscopic findings in the groups receiving two doses of hesperidin ( 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w , orally , 7 days ) , before 8Gy of gamma radiation , were similar in a way that extreme dilation of central veins to be seen , however , there was no capillarization .
Conclusion : HES can be offered as a suitable radio-protector in radiotherapy patients and radiation workers .

Background: Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid glycoside mainly found in citrus fruit and has been shown radio-protective potential in various measurement systems.
Objective: In this article aims to investigate the radio-protective effect of hesperidin on the liver of Sprague Dawely rats.
Material and Methods: In this clinical study, 40 male rats were selected randomly and divided into 8 groups. Group 1 did not receive radiation and hesperidin (sham control). Group 2 received only 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w) of hesperidin for 7 consecutive days (HES group); group 3 exposed to dose of 2Gy whole body gamma radiation (2Gy group), and group 4 and 5 received 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w of HES for 7 consecutive days before 2 Gy gamma radiation, respectively.Group 6 exposed to dose of 8Gy gamma radiation (8Gy group); group 7 and 8 received 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w of HES for 7 days before 8Gy gamma irradiation, respectively. Histopathological evaluation was perfomred 24 hours after radiation.
Results: Administration of hesperidin (50 mg/kg b.w, 7 days) before 2Gy of gamma irradiation led to remove inflammatory mononuclear cells in the portal space. Microscopic findings in the groups receiving two doses of hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w, orally, 7 days), before 8Gy of gamma radiation, were similar in a way that extreme dilation of central veins to be seen, however, there was no capillarization.
Conclusion: HES can be offered as a suitable radio-protector in radiotherapy patients and radiation workers.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-15--Hesperidin improves colonic motility in loeramide-induced constipation.

Fructus has motivation effect on gastrointestinal tract .
Hesperidin is extracts of Fructus , and we attempted to prove its effects on improving the gastrointestinal transmission function and determine the possible mechanisms by a loperamide-induced slow transit constipation ( STC ) model .
Constipation phenotypes were measured in rats with Lop-induced constipation after treatment with hesperidin .
The amounts and water content of stool were significantly higher in the hesperidin-treated group than the loperamide-induced model group , whereas food intake was maintained at constant levels .
Moreover , intestinal transit rate was increased in the treatment group of hesperidin .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ E staining , we found that the colon smooth muscle cells and neuron cells of the rats were increased , and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was decreased in the hesperidin-treated group compared with the loperamide-induced model group .
5-Hydroxytryptamine ( 5-HT ) receptor4 fluorescence intensity and intracellular-free calcium ions in colon tissue were increased , and relative protein of cAMP/PKA pathway and p-cAMP response component-binding protein ( CREB ) pathway were upregulated in the hesperidin-treated group compared with the loperamide-induced model group .
Further , SMCs from colon tissue of rats were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could significantly promote tegaserod-induced increase of 5-HTR4 fluorescence intensity , intracellular calcium ions , relative protein of cAMP/PKA pathway and p-CREB pathway , and cell proliferation and inhibit GR113808-induced decrease of 5-HTR4 fluorescence intensity , 5-HTR4 pathway-related proteins ( ADCY3 , cAMP , PKA , and p-CREB ) , intracellular calcium ions , and cell proliferation .
The analysis of our data suggested that hesperidin could obviously improve the gastrointestinal transmission function in loperamide-induced STC rat model via increasing the 5-HTR4 and intracellular-free calcium ions to enhance the expression of relative protein of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be used in the treatment of STC , and our data not only provide experimental basis for the treatment of STC in hesperidin but also provides a theoretical reference for clinical treatment .

Fructus has motivation effect on gastrointestinal tract. Hesperidin is extracts of Fructus, and we attempted to prove its effects on improving the gastrointestinal transmission function and determine the possible mechanisms by a loperamide-induced slow transit constipation (STC) model. Constipation phenotypes were measured in rats with Lop-induced constipation after treatment with hesperidin. The amounts and water content of stool were significantly higher in the hesperidin-treated group than the loperamide-induced model group, whereas food intake was maintained at constant levels. Moreover, intestinal transit rate was increased in the treatment group of hesperidin. Histological alteration was detected by H&E staining, we found that the colon smooth muscle cells and neuron cells of the rats were increased, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was decreased in the hesperidin-treated group compared with the loperamide-induced model group. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor4 fluorescence intensity and intracellular-free calcium ions in colon tissue were increased, and relative protein of cAMP/PKA pathway and p-cAMP response component-binding protein (CREB) pathway were upregulated in the hesperidin-treated group compared with the loperamide-induced model group. Further, SMCs from colon tissue of rats were cultured and identified. We found hesperidin could significantly promote tegaserod-induced increase of 5-HTR4 fluorescence intensity, intracellular calcium ions, relative protein of cAMP/PKA pathway and p-CREB pathway, and cell proliferation and inhibit GR113808-induced decrease of 5-HTR4 fluorescence intensity, 5-HTR4 pathway-related proteins (ADCY3, cAMP, PKA, and p-CREB), intracellular calcium ions, and cell proliferation. The analysis of our data suggested that hesperidin could obviously improve the gastrointestinal transmission function in loperamide-induced STC rat model via increasing the 5-HTR4 and intracellular-free calcium ions to enhance the expression of relative protein of cAMP/PKA pathway and p-CREB pathway. Hesperidin could be used in the treatment of STC, and our data not only provide experimental basis for the treatment of STC in hesperidin but also provides a theoretical reference for clinical treatment.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-15--Hesperidin alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress responses in cigarette smoke-induced COPD.

Hesperidin has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant stress effects , but its functions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) remains unknown .
This study analyzed the role of hesperidin in COPD mice , aiming to provide a basis for the hesperidin application.Mice were injected with cigarette smoke extract ( CSE ) to construct COPD models and then treated with budesonide or hesperidin .
Hematoxylin-eosin ( HE ) and TUNEL assays were used to observe the pathological changes and cell death of lung tissue .
The levels of interleukin ( IL ) -6 , IL-8 , malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catalase ( CAT ) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ( BLAF ) , as well as myeloperoxidase ( MPO ) content in lung tissues were confirmed .
The expression levels of SIRT1 , PGC-1α , and p65 proteins were measured by western blotting ( WB ) analysis.CSE induced inflammatory cell infiltration and cell death in the lung tissues of mice , whereas budesonide and hesperidin effectively alleviated these pathological changes .
The levels of IL-6 , IL-8 , and MDA in BLAF and pulmonary MPO content in the COPD mice were effectively increased , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in BLAF were decreased , which could be reversed by budesonide and hesperidin .
Moreover , the addition of budesonide or hesperidin reliably accelerated the expression levels of PGC-1α and SIRT1 but suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 in COPD mice .
In general , high-dose hesperidin had a stronger regulatory effect on COPD mice.Hesperidin alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress responses in CES-induced COPD mice , associated with SIRT1/PGC-1α/NF-κB signaling axis , which might become a new direction for COPD treatment .

Hesperidin has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant stress effects, but its functions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unknown. This study analyzed the role of hesperidin in COPD mice, aiming to provide a basis for the hesperidin application.Mice were injected with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to construct COPD models and then treated with budesonide or hesperidin. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and TUNEL assays were used to observe the pathological changes and cell death of lung tissue. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLAF), as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) content in lung tissues were confirmed. The expression levels of SIRT1, PGC-1α, and p65 proteins were measured by western blotting (WB) analysis.CSE induced inflammatory cell infiltration and cell death in the lung tissues of mice, whereas budesonide and hesperidin effectively alleviated these pathological changes. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, and MDA in BLAF and pulmonary MPO content in the COPD mice were effectively increased, while the levels of SOD and CAT in BLAF were decreased, which could be reversed by budesonide and hesperidin. Moreover, the addition of budesonide or hesperidin reliably accelerated the expression levels of PGC-1α and SIRT1 but suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 in COPD mice. In general, high-dose hesperidin had a stronger regulatory effect on COPD mice.Hesperidin alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress responses in CES-induced COPD mice, associated with SIRT1/PGC-1α/NF-κB signaling axis, which might become a new direction for COPD treatment.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-15--Citrus peel extract ameliorates high-fat diet-induced NAFLD.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is prevalent in the elderly population , and has symptoms ranging from liver steatosis to advanced fibrosis .
Citrus peel extracts ( CPEs ) contain compounds that potentially improve dyslipidemia ; however , the mechanism of action and effects on hepatic steatosis regulation remains unclear .
Current study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of CPEs extracted through hot-air drying ( CPEW ) and freeze-drying ( CPEF ) and the underlying mechanism in a rat model of high-fat diet-induced NAFLD .
The high-fat diet ( HFD ) -fed rats showed significant increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ALT ) , triglycerides , aspartate aminotransferase ( AST ) , and lipid peroxidation compared to the normal chow-diet ( NCD ) group rats ; but CPEW and CPEF limited this effect .
CPEW and CPEF supplementation reduced both hepatocyte steatosis and fat accumulation involving the regulatory effect of mTORC1 .
Collectively , CPEW and CPEF protected deterioration of liver steatosis with AMPK activation and regulating ROS accumulation associated with interstitial disorders , which are also associated with endoplasmic reticulum ( ER ) redox .
Thus , the application of CPEW and CPEF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therapeutic or preventive agents against NAFLD .

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent in the elderly population, and has symptoms ranging from liver steatosis to advanced fibrosis. Citrus peel extracts (CPEs) contain compounds that potentially improve dyslipidemia; however, the mechanism of action and effects on hepatic steatosis regulation remains unclear. Current study was aimed to investigate the protective effect of CPEs extracted through hot-air drying (CPEW) and freeze-drying (CPEF) and the underlying mechanism in a rat model of high-fat diet-induced NAFLD. The high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats showed significant increase in total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lipid peroxidation compared to the normal chow-diet (NCD) group rats; but CPEW and CPEF limited this effect. CPEW and CPEF supplementation reduced both hepatocyte steatosis and fat accumulation involving the regulatory effect of mTORC1. Collectively, CPEW and CPEF protected deterioration of liver steatosis with AMPK activation and regulating ROS accumulation associated with interstitial disorders, which are also associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) redox. Thus, the application of CPEW and CPEF may lead to the development of novel therapeutic or preventive agents against NAFLD.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-15--Aged citrus peel (chenpi) extract causes dynamic alteration of colonic microbiota in high-fat diet i

Aged citrus peel (chenpi) extract causes dynamic alteration of colonic microbiota in high-fat diet induced obese mice.

Aged citrus peels ( chenpi ) have been used as a dietary supplement for gastrointestinal health maintenance in China .
Recently , it was reported to exhibit anti-obesity activity .
However , the relationship between the modulation effect of chenpi on gut microbiota and obesity prevention is not clearly understood .
In this study , mice were fed with a high-fat diet ( HFD ) , HFD supplemented with 0.25 % - and 0.5 % -chenpi extract , and normal diet , respectively , for 11 weeks .
Chenpi extract significantly increased fecal short chain fatty acids by 43 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propionic acid .
In addition , chenpi could decrease the prevalence of Proteobacteria and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes by about 88 % and 70 % , respectively .
Moreover , this study was the first work to demonstrate the dynamics of two beneficial bacteria-Akkermansia spp .
and Allobaculum spp .
in a dose- and time-dependent manner for chenpi treatment via monitoring the dynamic change of the gut microbiota .
Metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiota showed that several pathways , such as a two-component system , a tight junction , Staphylococcus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynamically .
The improved biological process of metabolism especially in benzoate derivatives might refer to the increased metabolic transformation of polymethoxyflavones from chenpi in the colon .
Our study indicated that the modulation effect of chenpi on the gut microbiota may be an important pathway for its anti-obesity mechanisms .

Aged citrus peels (chenpi) have been used as a dietary supplement for gastrointestinal health maintenance in China. Recently, it was reported to exhibit anti-obesity activity. However, the relationship between the modulation effect of chenpi on gut microbiota and obesity prevention is not clearly understood. In this study, mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD), HFD supplemented with 0.25%- and 0.5%-chenpi extract, and normal diet, respectively, for 11 weeks. Chenpi extract significantly increased fecal short chain fatty acids by 43% for acetic acid and 86% for propionic acid. In addition, chenpi could decrease the prevalence of Proteobacteria and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes by about 88% and 70%, respectively. Moreover, this study was the first work to demonstrate the dynamics of two beneficial bacteria-Akkermansia spp. and Allobaculum spp. in a dose- and time-dependent manner for chenpi treatment via monitoring the dynamic change of the gut microbiota. Metagenomic analysis of the gut microbiota showed that several pathways, such as a two-component system, a tight junction, Staphylococcus aureus infection and others, were enhanced dynamically. The improved biological process of metabolism especially in benzoate derivatives might refer to the increased metabolic transformation of polymethoxyflavones from chenpi in the colon. Our study indicated that the modulation effect of chenpi on the gut microbiota may be an important pathway for its anti-obesity mechanisms.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-16--Allicin modifies the composition and function of the gut microbiota in alcoholic hepatic steatosis m

Allicin modifies the composition and function of the gut microbiota in alcoholic hepatic steatosis mice.

The intestinal microbiome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases .
Alcohol intake induces gut microbiota dysbiosis and alters its function .
This study investigated the antibiotic effect of allicin in mice with hepatic steatosis .
Male C57BL/6 mice were administered an ethanol diet supplemented with allicin ( 5 and 20 mg/ ( kg bw day ) ) for 4 weeks .
Allicin modified the gut microbiota composition .
Cecal microbiota exhibited a positive correlation with alcohol and hepatic triacylglycerol , but were suppressed with allicin .
Ethanol diet with 5 mg of allicin induced a lower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone .
Allicin mediated the lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ) -CD14-toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR4 ) -induced hepatic inflammation pathway by reducing LPS , CD14 , TLR4 , and pro-inflammatory cytokines-tumor necrosis factor ( TNF ) -α , interleukin ( IL ) -1β , and IL-6 .
However , hepatic inflammation primarily resulted from alcohol toxicity rather than LPS production in the gut .
The prediction of functional profiles from metagenomic 16S ribosomal RNA ( rRNA ) data revealed different functional profiles in each group .
The predicted aldehyde dehydrogenase tended to increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LPS-related pathway and LPS biosynthesis protein results exhibited a similar trend as plasma LPS levels .
Thus , alcohol and allicin intake shapes the gut microbiota and its functional profile and improves the CD14-TLR4 pathway to alleviate inflammation in the liver .

The intestinal microbiome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Alcohol intake induces gut microbiota dysbiosis and alters its function. This study investigated the antibiotic effect of allicin in mice with hepatic steatosis. Male C57BL/6 mice were administered an ethanol diet supplemented with allicin (5 and 20 mg/(kg bw day)) for 4 weeks. Allicin modified the gut microbiota composition. Cecal microbiota exhibited a positive correlation with alcohol and hepatic triacylglycerol, but were suppressed with allicin. Ethanol diet with 5 mg of allicin induced a lower intestinal permeability compared to the ethanol diet alone. Allicin mediated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-CD14-toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-induced hepatic inflammation pathway by reducing LPS, CD14, TLR4, and pro-inflammatory cytokines-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. However, hepatic inflammation primarily resulted from alcohol toxicity rather than LPS production in the gut. The prediction of functional profiles from metagenomic 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) data revealed different functional profiles in each group. The predicted aldehyde dehydrogenase tended to increase in alcoholic mice administered allicin. The predicted LPS-related pathway and LPS biosynthesis protein results exhibited a similar trend as plasma LPS levels. Thus, alcohol and allicin intake shapes the gut microbiota and its functional profile and improves the CD14-TLR4 pathway to alleviate inflammation in the liver.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-16--Allicin can be used as an adjuvant therapy with TMZ to improve the prognosis of patients.

Glioblastoma is the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system that develops chemotherapy resistance .
Previous studies showed @ @ @ @ @ cancer cells including glioblastoma , but the function of Allicin in glioblastoma is still unclear @ @ @ @ @ investigate the underlying molecular mechanism .
The results showed that miR-486-3p levels were greatly increased @ @ @ @ @ .
Overexpression of miR-486-3p increased chemosensitivity to temozolomide ( TMZ ) in vitro and in @ @ @ @ @ MGMT ) was identified as a direct target of miR-486-3p , and miR-486-3p overexpression prevented @ @ @ @ @ .
Moreover , overexpression of MGMT restored miR-486-3p-induced chemosensitivity to TMZ .
Taken together , @ @ @ @ @ could upregulate miR-486-3p and enhance TMZ sensitivity in glioblastoma .
The results suggested that in @ @ @ @ @ be used as an adjuvant therapy with TMZ to improve the prognosis of patients , @ @ @ @ @ potential target for glioblastoma treatment to improve the curative effects .

Glioblastoma is the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system that develops chemotherapy resistance. Previous studies showed that Allicin could inhibit multiple cancer cells including glioblastoma, but the function of Allicin in glioblastoma is still unclear. Our work aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. The results showed that miR-486-3p levels were greatly increased in glioblastoma during Allicin treatment. Overexpression of miR-486-3p increased chemosensitivity to temozolomide (TMZ) in vitro and in vivo. O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) was identified as a direct target of miR-486-3p, and miR-486-3p overexpression prevented the protein translation of MGMT. Moreover, overexpression of MGMT restored miR-486-3p-induced chemosensitivity to TMZ. Taken together, our studies revealed that Allicin could upregulate miR-486-3p and enhance TMZ sensitivity in glioblastoma. The results suggested that in the future, Allicin can be used as an adjuvant therapy with TMZ to improve the prognosis of patients, and miR-486-3p may be a potential target for glioblastoma treatment to improve the curative effects.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-16--Antimicrobial activity of garlic derivatives on common causative microorganisms of the external ear

Antimicrobial activity of garlic derivatives on common causative microorganisms of the external ear canal and chronic middle ear infections.

Objective : Today , antibiotic resistance is increasing and evolving into an important health problem .
Therefore , it is important to research on alternative therapies to antibiotics .
This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of four garlic derivatives on microorganisms commonly isolated in ear infections .
Methods : The antimicrobial activities of allicin , s-allyl cysteine ( SAC ) , diallyl disulfide ( DADS ) , and s-allyl mercaptocysteine ( SAMC ) were investigated on standard strains of commonly isolated microorganisms using the broth microdilution method .
The test strains were selected among the microorganisms responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These microorganisms were , and .
Results : Minimum inhibitory concentration ( MIC ) values of allicin and SAC ranged from 0.125 to 20μg/mL for fermentative bacteria ( and ) , 20 to 80μg/mL for non-fermentative bacteria ( and ) , 5 to 10μg/mL for gram-positive cocci ( and ) , and 40 to 80μg/mL for yeasts ( and ) .
MIC values of DADS ranged from 40 to 80μg/mL for fermentative bacteria , 40 to 160 μg/mL for non-fermentative bacteria , 40 to 80 μg/mL for gram-positive cocci , and 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MICs of SAMC were > 640μg/mL for the tested bacteria and yeasts .
Conclusion : Both allicin and SAC showed antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms , even at low concentrations .
These two derivatives may be used to treat infections in the future .

Objective: Today, antibiotic resistance is increasing and evolving into an important health problem. Therefore, it is important to research on alternative therapies to antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of four garlic derivatives on microorganisms commonly isolated in ear infections.
Methods: The antimicrobial activities of allicin, s-allyl cysteine (SAC), diallyl disulfide (DADS), and s-allyl mercaptocysteine (SAMC) were investigated on standard strains of commonly isolated microorganisms using the broth microdilution method. The test strains were selected among the microorganisms responsible for chronic suppurative otitis media and otitis externa. These microorganisms were, and.
Results: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of allicin and SAC ranged from 0.125 to 20μg/mL for fermentative bacteria (and), 20 to 80μg/mL for non-fermentative bacteria (and), 5 to 10μg/mL for gram-positive cocci (and), and 40 to 80μg/mL for yeasts (and). MIC values of DADS ranged from 40 to 80μg/mL for fermentative bacteria, 40 to 160 μg/mL for non-fermentative bacteria, 40 to 80 μg/mL for gram-positive cocci, and 20 to 40 μg/mL for yeasts. The MICs of SAMC were>640μg/mL for the tested bacteria and yeasts.
Conclusion: Both allicin and SAC showed antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms, even at low concentrations. These two derivatives may be used to treat infections in the future.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Nanoparticles mediating the sustained puerarin release facilitate improved brain delivery to treat p

Nanoparticles mediating the sustained puerarin release facilitate improved brain delivery to treat parkinson's disease.

Recent work has highlighted the potential of puerarin ( PU ) as a valuable compound to treat Parkinson 's disease ( PD ) , but its undesirable water solubility and bioavailability have constrained its utility .
In this study , we sought to develop nanoparticles ( NPs ) that could be used to encapsulate PU , thereby extending its in vivo half-life and improving its bioavailability and accumulation in the brain to treat the symptoms of PD .
We prepared spherical NPs ( 88.36± 1.67 nm ) from six-armed star-shaped poly ( lactide -- glycolide ) ( 6-s-PLGA ) NPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PU-NPs ) with 89.52± 1.74 % encapsulation efficiency , 42.97 ± 1.58 % drug loading , and a 48 h sustained drug release .
NP formation and drug loading were largely mediated by hydrophobic interactions , while changes in the external environment led these NPs to become increasingly hydrophilic , thereby leading to drug release .
Relative to PU alone , PU-NPs exhibited significantly improved cellular internalization , permeation , and neuroprotective effects .
Upon the basis of Förster resonance energy transfer ( FRET ) of NPs-administered zebrafish , we were able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into circulation whereupon they were able to access the brain .
We further conducted oral PU-NPs administration to rats , revealing significant improvements in PU accumulation within the plasma and brain relative to rats administered free PU .
In MPTP-mediated neurotoxicity in mice , we found that PU-NPs treatmentimproved disease-associated behavioral deficits and depletion of dopamine and its metabolites .
These findings indicated that PU-NPs represent a potentially viable approach to enhancing PU oral absorption , thus improving its delivery to the brain wherein it can aid in the treatment of PD .

Recent work has highlighted the potential of puerarin (PU) as a valuable compound to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but its undesirable water solubility and bioavailability have constrained its utility. In this study, we sought to develop nanoparticles (NPs) that could be used to encapsulate PU, thereby extending its in vivo half-life and improving its bioavailability and accumulation in the brain to treat the symptoms of PD. We prepared spherical NPs (88.36± 1.67 nm) from six-armed star-shaped poly(lactide--glycolide) (6-s-PLGA) NPs that were used to encapsulate PU (PU-NPs) with 89.52± 1.74% encapsulation efficiency, 42.97 ± 1.58% drug loading, and a 48 h sustained drug release. NP formation and drug loading were largely mediated by hydrophobic interactions, while changes in the external environment led these NPs to become increasingly hydrophilic, thereby leading to drug release. Relative to PU alone, PU-NPs exhibited significantly improved cellular internalization, permeation, and neuroprotective effects. Upon the basis of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) of NPs-administered zebrafish, we were able to determine that these NPs were rapidly absorbed into circulation whereupon they were able to access the brain. We further conducted oral PU-NPs administration to rats, revealing significant improvements in PU accumulation within the plasma and brain relative to rats administered free PU. In MPTP-mediated neurotoxicity in mice, we found that PU-NPs treatmentimproved disease-associated behavioral deficits and depletion of dopamine and its metabolites. These findings indicated that PU-NPs represent a potentially viable approach to enhancing PU oral absorption, thus improving its delivery to the brain wherein it can aid in the treatment of PD.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Puerarin protects against iron overload-induced retinal injury through regulation of iron-handling p

Puerarin protects against iron overload-induced retinal injury through regulation of iron-handling proteins.

Excess iron content can build up in the retina and lead to iron-mediated retinal injury .
An important isoflavone C-glucoside , puerarin , has been reported to be involved in retinal protection .
In this experiment , we studied the effects and potential mechanisms of puerarin on retinal injury in vivo and in vitro .
We found that puerarin reduced serum and retinal iron content , attenuated the pathophysiological changes and retinal iron deposition , and partially prevented the decrease of rhodopsin and retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein expression in retinas of iron-overload mice .
Puerarin rescued the abnormal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retina and suppressed the oxidative stress induced by iron overload , as evident from the enhanced activity of superoxide dismutase , catalase , and glutathione peroxidase and decreased content of malondialdehyde .
Moreover , puerarin inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK mitogen-activated protein kinases ( MAPKs ) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 ( STAT3 ) , thereby protecting the retinal cells from apoptosis by suppressing cytochrome c release , caspase activation , and poly ( ADP-ribose ) polymerase cleavage in vivo .
Also , the ability of puerarin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and inhibit cell apoptosis was further confirmed in ARPE-19 cells .
The experimental data verify the protective role of puerarin in the treatment of retinal injury caused by iron overload ; its possible mechanisms might be associated with regulation of iron-handling proteins , enhancement of the antioxidant capacity , and the inhibition of MAPK and STAT3 activation and the apoptotic pathways under iron overload conditions .

Excess iron content can build up in the retina and lead to iron-mediated retinal injury. An important isoflavone C-glucoside, puerarin, has been reported to be involved in retinal protection. In this experiment, we studied the effects and potential mechanisms of puerarin on retinal injury in vivo and in vitro. We found that puerarin reduced serum and retinal iron content, attenuated the pathophysiological changes and retinal iron deposition, and partially prevented the decrease of rhodopsin and retinal pigment epithelium-specific 65 kDa protein expression in retinas of iron-overload mice. Puerarin rescued the abnormal expression of iron-handling proteins in the mouse retina and suppressed the oxidative stress induced by iron overload, as evident from the enhanced activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and decreased content of malondialdehyde. Moreover, puerarin inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), thereby protecting the retinal cells from apoptosis by suppressing cytochrome c release, caspase activation, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage in vivo. Also, the ability of puerarin to regulate iron-handling proteins, decrease intracellular Fe, and inhibit cell apoptosis was further confirmed in ARPE-19 cells. The experimental data verify the protective role of puerarin in the treatment of retinal injury caused by iron overload; its possible mechanisms might be associated with regulation of iron-handling proteins, enhancement of the antioxidant capacity, and the inhibition of MAPK and STAT3 activation and the apoptotic pathways under iron overload conditions.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Puerarin inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis.

Ulcerative colitis ( UC ) is an inflammatory bowel disease accompanied by abdominal pain , diarrhea , and rectal bleeding @ @ @ @ @ study was to investigate whether puerarin , one of the main components of the root @ @ @ @ @ anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects against UC .
To examine the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of @ @ @ @ @ used a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium ( DSS ) -induced colitis .
Administration @ @ @ @ @ , pathological damage to the colon , and myeloperoxidase ( MPO ) activity .
Puerarin @ @ @ @ @ down-regulation of nuclear factor-κB ( NF-κB ) and the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators .
Moreover @ @ @ @ @ through the regulation of the expression of the NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 ( Nrf2 ) @ @ @ @ @ Puerarin inhibited intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction by increasingthe expression of tight junction proteins .
These @ @ @ @ @ anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in the mouse model of colitis .

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. The aim of this study was to investigate whether puerarin, one of the main components of the root of Pueraria lobata, exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects against UC. To examine the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of puerarin against colitis, we used a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Administration of puerarin alleviated colon shortening, pathological damage to the colon, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Puerarin significantly inhibited inflammation through the down-regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. Moreover, puerarin showed anti-oxidative effects through the regulation of the expression of the NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and antioxidant enzymes. Puerarin inhibited intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction by increasingthe expression of tight junction proteins. These results suggest that puerarin has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in the mouse model of colitis.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Puerarin protects pulmonary arteries from hypoxic injury.

BACKGROUND : Recent evidence indicates that Puerarin has a protective effect on pulmonary arteries .
In the present study , we aimed to investigate whether Puerarin could protect pulmonary arterial endothelial cells from hypoxic injury and determine its potential targets .
METHODS : In our study , human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells ( HPAECs ) were injured by hypoxic ( 1 % O ) incubation .
Cell viability was detected by a cell counting kit ( CCK8 ) .
The production of nitric oxide ( NO ) was detected by Griess reagent and endothelin-1 ( ET-1 ) was detected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measured by a fluorescence microscope via the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA .
Western blotting was employed for studying the mechanism .
RESULTS : The results show that Puerarin protects HPAECs from hypoxia-induced apoptosis and slightly improves cell viability .
Puerarin increases NO and decreases ET-1 to prevent the imbalance between vasoactive substances induced by hypoxia in HPAECs .
Puerarin also inhibits the oxidative stress induced by hypoxia .
The results from the Western blot show that Puerarin activates the BMPRII/Smad and PPARγ/ PI3K/Akt signaling pathways .
CONCLUSION : In conclusion , Puerarin protects HPAECs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxidative stress and the activation of the BMPRII and PPARγ signaling pathways .
This work provides insight into the development of Puerarin as a treatment for hypoxic pulmonary hypertension .

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence indicates that Puerarin has a protective effect on pulmonary arteries. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether Puerarin could protect pulmonary arterial endothelial cells from hypoxic injury and determine its potential targets.
METHODS: In our study, human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAECs) were injured by hypoxic (1% O) incubation. Cell viability was detected by a cell counting kit (CCK8). The production of nitric oxide (NO) was detected by Griess reagent and endothelin-1 (ET-1) was detected by the ELISA method. Oxidative stress was measured by a fluorescence microscope via the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. Western blotting was employed for studying the mechanism.
RESULTS: The results show that Puerarin protects HPAECs from hypoxia-induced apoptosis and slightly improves cell viability. Puerarin increases NO and decreases ET-1 to prevent the imbalance between vasoactive substances induced by hypoxia in HPAECs. Puerarin also inhibits the oxidative stress induced by hypoxia. The results from the Western blot show that Puerarin activates the BMPRII/Smad and PPARγ/ PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Puerarin protects HPAECs from hypoxic injury through the inhibition of oxidative stress and the activation of the BMPRII and PPARγ signaling pathways. This work provides insight into the development of Puerarin as a treatment for hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Puerarin protects podocytes from diabetes-induced injury.

Puerarin , an active compound of radix puerariae , is a major compound used in Chinese herbal medicines to treat patients with diabetic nephropathy ( DN ) .
In the previous studies , we showed that puerarin exerts renoprotective effects in Streptozocin ( STZ ) -induced diabetic mice through activation of Sirt1 and anti-oxidative effects .
Here , we further investigated the underlying mechanism mediating the renal protective effects of puerarin in DN .
We studied the effects and mechanism of puerarin in STZ-induced diabetic mice and in cultured immortalized mouse podocytes treated with high glucose .
We confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kidney injury in STZ-induced DN mice .
We found that expression of heme oxygenase 1 ( HMOX-1 ) and Sirt1 was suppressed in diabetic glomeruli but restored by puerarin treatment at both mRNA and protein levels .
Additionally , we found that puerarin induced autophagy in the kidney of DN mice .
In conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes , puerarin inhibited HG-induced apoptosis and restored the mRNA and protein levels of HMOX-1 and Sirt1 .
Interestingly , we showed that puerarin decreased liver kinase B1 ( LKB1 ) acetylation , thereby promoting adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sirt1 expression or treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine abolished the protective effects of puerarin in HG-treated podocytes .
Taken together , these results suggest that puerarin protects podocytes from diabetes-induced injury through HMOX1 and Sirt1-mediated upregulation of autophagy , a novel mechanism explaining its renal protective effects in DN .

Puerarin, an active compound of radix puerariae, is a major compound used in Chinese herbal medicines to treat patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). In the previous studies, we showed that puerarin exerts renoprotective effects in Streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice through activation of Sirt1 and anti-oxidative effects. Here, we further investigated the underlying mechanism mediating the renal protective effects of puerarin in DN. We studied the effects and mechanism of puerarin in STZ-induced diabetic mice and in cultured immortalized mouse podocytes treated with high glucose. We confirmed that puerarin ameliorated urinary albumin creatinine ratio and kidney injury in STZ-induced DN mice. We found that expression of heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX-1) and Sirt1 was suppressed in diabetic glomeruli but restored by puerarin treatment at both mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, we found that puerarin induced autophagy in the kidney of DN mice. In conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes, puerarin inhibited HG-induced apoptosis and restored the mRNA and protein levels of HMOX-1 and Sirt1. Interestingly, we showed that puerarin decreased liver kinase B1 (LKB1) acetylation, thereby promoting adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase-dependent autophagy. Knockdown of HMOX-1 and Sirt1 expression or treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine abolished the protective effects of puerarin in HG-treated podocytes. Taken together, these results suggest that puerarin protects podocytes from diabetes-induced injury through HMOX1 and Sirt1-mediated upregulation of autophagy, a novel mechanism explaining its renal protective effects in DN.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Almond-supplemented diet improves sexual functions beyond Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition in diabetic

Almond-supplemented diet improves sexual functions beyond Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition in diabetic male rats.

Hyperglycemia , an important feature of diabetes , can cause oxidative stress , which is associated with varieties of diabetic complications including erectile dysfunction .
Therefore , this study sought to investigate the effect of almond-supplemented diet on some biochemical indices relevant to erection in diabetic male rats .
Forty-two male rats were divided into two groups : A ( n = 6 ) and B ( n = 36 ) .
Diabetes was induced in Group B via injection of a single dose of STZ ( 50 mg/kg ) intraperitoneally and confirmed 72 h after induction .
Diabetic rats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divided into six groups ( n = 6 ) .
Fourteen days after confirmation of diabetes , rats were fed with diets containing almond drupe and seeds ( 10 and 20 % inclusion ) for fourteen days .
The effects of the diets on blood glucose , sexual behavior , sexual hormones , phosphodiesterase-5 activity , nitric oxide , HS , and AGEs levels were evaluated .
Significant increase in blood glucose level , phosphodiesterase-5 activity , and glycated hemoglobin was observed in diabetic rats .
Furthermore , diabetes caused a significant decrease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hormones ( testosterone , follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone ) levels , and sexual behavioral indices .
However , treatment with diets supplemented with almond drupe and seeds significantly reversed these effects in diabetic rats .
Findings in this study revealed that almond-supplemented diets enhance some important biomarkers relevant to erection in diabetic rats .
Thus , dietary inclusion of almond ( drupe and seeds ) could serve as a cheap and readily available nutraceutical in the management of erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes .

Hyperglycemia, an important feature of diabetes, can cause oxidative stress, which is associated with varieties of diabetic complications including erectile dysfunction. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effect of almond-supplemented diet on some biochemical indices relevant to erection in diabetic male rats. Forty-two male rats were divided into two groups: A (n = 6) and B (n = 36). Diabetes was induced in Group B via injection of a single dose of STZ (50 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and confirmed 72 h after induction. Diabetic rats (blood glucose≥250 mg/dL) were subsequently divided into six groups (n = 6). Fourteen days after confirmation of diabetes, rats were fed with diets containing almond drupe and seeds (10 and 20% inclusion) for fourteen days. The effects of the diets on blood glucose, sexual behavior, sexual hormones, phosphodiesterase-5 activity, nitric oxide, HS, and AGEs levels were evaluated. Significant increase in blood glucose level, phosphodiesterase-5 activity, and glycated hemoglobin was observed in diabetic rats. Furthermore, diabetes caused a significant decrease in nitric oxide, HS, sexual hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone) levels, and sexual behavioral indices. However, treatment with diets supplemented with almond drupe and seeds significantly reversed these effects in diabetic rats. Findings in this study revealed that almond-supplemented diets enhance some important biomarkers relevant to erection in diabetic rats. Thus, dietary inclusion of almond (drupe and seeds) could serve as a cheap and readily available nutraceutical in the management of erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--This study supports that the 4-week aromatherapy intervention improves menopausal symptoms

BACKGROUND : Studies have shown that aromatherapy improve health problems related to anxiety , depression , heart rate variability ( HRV ) , and sleep .
However , the effect of aromatherapy in women who suffer from menopausal syndrome and its specific effects on HRV and sleep quality are unknown .
PURPOSE : This study designed an aromatherapy intervention and evaluated its effect on menopausal syndrome , HRV , and sleep quality in women .
METHODS : This double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted at a medical center hospital .
A total of 84 participants who met the study criteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The experimental group received a 20-min inhalation of essential oil and the control group received a 20-min inhalation of sweet almond oil every night for 4 weeks .
Posttest data was collected at 2 weeks after completion of the intervention .
Data were collected using the Green Menopausal Symptom Scale , HRV device , and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index .
RESULTS : After adjusting for age , the results of the generalized estimation equations ( GEE ) showed that all outcomes were significantly different in both the experimental group and the control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PRACTICE : This study supports that the 4-week aromatherapy intervention improves menopausal symptoms , the activity of autonomic nervous systems , and sleep quality in women with no adverse side effects .
In the future , this intervention may be applied in outpatient departments to promote the health of menopausal women .

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that aromatherapy improve health problems related to anxiety, depression, heart rate variability (HRV), and sleep. However, the effect of aromatherapy in women who suffer from menopausal syndrome and its specific effects on HRV and sleep quality are unknown.
PURPOSE: This study designed an aromatherapy intervention and evaluated its effect on menopausal syndrome, HRV, and sleep quality in women.
METHODS: This double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted at a medical center hospital. A total of 84 participants who met the study criteria were randomly assigned using permuted block randomization. The experimental group received a 20-min inhalation of essential oil and the control group received a 20-min inhalation of sweet almond oil every night for 4 weeks. Posttest data was collected at 2 weeks after completion of the intervention. Data were collected using the Green Menopausal Symptom Scale, HRV device, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
RESULTS: After adjusting for age, the results of the generalized estimation equations (GEE) showed that all outcomes were significantly different in both the experimental group and the control group (p<.05) for the interaction effect of group and time, and that the outcome of sleep quality on the 2nd week in the control group was not significantly different (p<.066).
CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study supports that the 4-week aromatherapy intervention improves menopausal symptoms, the activity of autonomic nervous systems, and sleep quality in women with no adverse side effects. In the future, this intervention may be applied in outpatient departments to promote the health of menopausal women.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Acute almond supplementation 2 h before exercise can improve performance in endurance exercise in tr

Acute almond supplementation 2 h before exercise can improve performance in endurance exercise in trained subjects.

Several studies have investigated the effects of fat intake before exercise on subsequent substrate oxidation and exercise performance .
While some studies have reported that unsaturated fatty acid supplementation slightly increases fat oxidation , the changes have not been reflected in the maximum oxygen uptake or in other performance and physiological parameters .
We selected almonds as a fatty acid ( FA ) source for acute supplementation and investigated their effect on non-esterified fatty acid ( NEFA ) values and exercise performance .
Five physically active male subjects ( age 32.9± 12.7 years , height 178.5 ± 3.3 cm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were randomly assigned to take an almond or placebo supplement 2 h before participating in two cycling resistance training sessions separated by an interval of 7-10 days .
Their performance was evaluated with a maximal incremental testuntil exhaustion .
Blood samples collected before , during , and after testing were biochemically analysed .
The results indicated a NEFA value average increase of 0.09 mg·dL ( 95 % CI : 0.05-0.14 ; < 0.001 ) after active supplement intake and enhanced performance ( 5389± 1795 W vs. placebo 4470 ± 2053 W , = @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the placebo .
The almond supplementation did not cause gastrointestinal disturbances .
Our study suggests that acute almond supplementation 2 h before exercise can improve performance in endurance exercise in trained subjects .

Several studies have investigated the effects of fat intake before exercise on subsequent substrate oxidation and exercise performance. While some studies have reported that unsaturated fatty acid supplementation slightly increases fat oxidation, the changes have not been reflected in the maximum oxygen uptake or in other performance and physiological parameters. We selected almonds as a fatty acid (FA) source for acute supplementation and investigated their effect on non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) values and exercise performance. Five physically active male subjects (age 32.9± 12.7 years, height 178.5 ± 3.3 cm, and weight 81.3 ± 9.7 kg) were randomly assigned to take an almond or placebo supplement 2 h before participating in two cycling resistance training sessions separated by an interval of 7-10 days. Their performance was evaluated with a maximal incremental testuntil exhaustion. Blood samples collected before, during, and after testing were biochemically analysed. The results indicated a NEFA value average increase of 0.09 mg·dL(95% CI: 0.05-0.14;<0.001) after active supplement intake and enhanced performance (5389± 1795 W vs. placebo 4470 ± 2053 W,= 0.043) after almond supplementation compared to the placebo. The almond supplementation did not cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Our study suggests that acute almond supplementation 2 h before exercise can improve performance in endurance exercise in trained subjects.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--A review of almonds as a source of nutrients and health-promoting compounds.

Almonds ( Miller D. A. Webb ( the almond or sweet almond ) ) , from the Rosaceae family , have long been known as a source of essential nutrients ; nowadays , they are in demand as a healthy food with increasing popularity for the general population and producers .
Studies on the composition and characterization of almond macro- and micronutrients have shown that the nut has many nutritious ingredients such as fatty acids , lipids , amino acids , proteins , carbohydrates , vitamins and minerals , as well as secondary metabolites .
However , several factors affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genetic and environmental factors .
Therefore , investigations evaluating the effects of different factors on the quality of almonds were also included .
In epidemiological studies , the consumption of almonds has been associated with several therapeutically and protective health benefits .
Clinical studies have verified the modulatory effects on serum glucose , lipid and uric acid levels , the regulatory role on body weight , and protective effects against diabetes , obesity , metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases .
Moreover , recent researchers have also confirmed the prebiotic potential of almonds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasize the importance of almonds as a healthy food and source of beneficial constituents for human health , and to assess the factors affecting the quality of the almond kernel .
Electronic databases including PubMed , Scopus , Web of Science and SciFinder were used to investigate previously published articles on almonds in terms of components and bioactivity potentials with a particular focus on clinical trials .

Almonds (Miller D. A. Webb (the almond or sweet almond)), from the Rosaceae family, have long been known as a source of essential nutrients; nowadays, they are in demand as a healthy food with increasing popularity for the general population and producers. Studies on the composition and characterization of almond macro- and micronutrients have shown that the nut has many nutritious ingredients such as fatty acids, lipids, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, as well as secondary metabolites. However, several factors affect the nutritional quality of almonds, including genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, investigations evaluating the effects of different factors on the quality of almonds were also included. In epidemiological studies, the consumption of almonds has been associated with several therapeutically and protective health benefits. Clinical studies have verified the modulatory effects on serum glucose, lipid and uric acid levels, the regulatory role on body weight, and protective effects against diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, recent researchers have also confirmed the prebiotic potential of almonds. The present review was carried out to emphasize the importance of almonds as a healthy food and source of beneficial constituents for human health, and to assess the factors affecting the quality of the almond kernel. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SciFinder were used to investigate previously published articles on almonds in terms of components and bioactivity potentials with a particular focus on clinical trials.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Dietary adzuki bean paste dose-dependently reduces visceral fat accumulation in rats fed a normal di

Dietary adzuki bean paste dose-dependently reduces visceral fat accumulation in rats fed a normal diet.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose-dependent effect of adzuki bean ( Vigna angularis ) paste ( @ @ @ @ @ accumulation in rats .
ABP is a rich source of indigestible carbohydrates ( 18.5 % @ @ @ @ @ starch ( RS ) contents of 14.5 % and 4.0 % , respectively .
Animals @ @ @ @ @ following diets , control ( CON ) , 30 % ABP or 58.9 % ABP @ @ @ @ @ daily dietary energy intake was lowered ( p

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose-dependent effect of adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) paste (ABP) on visceral fat accumulation in rats. ABP is a rich source of indigestible carbohydrates (18.5%) with fiber and resistant starch (RS) contents of 14.5% and 4.0%, respectively. Animals were fed one of the following diets, control (CON), 30% ABP or 58.9% ABP for 28 days. The daily dietary energy intake was lowered (p < 0.05) and reduced visceral fat accumulation and lower serum lipid levels were observed in ABP fed groups. ABP consumption dose-dependently increased (p < 0.05) the daily fecal lipid and fecal acidic sterol excretions. On the other hand, cecal content and fecal moisture content in the 58.9% ABP group were greater (p < 0.05) than the CON group, while there was no significant difference between the two ABP fed groups. Both 30% and 58.9% ABP diets had significantly (p < 0.05) higher contents of cecal acetic, propionic and n-butyric acids, and lowered cecal pH, independently of the ABP dose. Microbial community data of rats fed ABP diets exhibited higher alpha-diversities than the rats fed CON diet, based on the Shannon Index and the number of observed species index, where the two ABP groups exhibited a similar alpha diversity. The weighted UniFrac-based principal coordinate analysis plot of cecal microbial community data showed that the ABP had a substantial effect on the cecal microbial composition. Furthermore, cecal bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the ABP supplemented diets decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. These findings suggested that the cecal fermentation of fiber and RS in ABP, might have decreased the energy intake, altered the gut microbiota composition, increased fecal lipid output, and thereby reduced fataccumulation in rats.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Protective effect of piceatannol against acute lung injury.

Acute lung injury ( ALI ) is a common and complex inflammatory lung syndrome with higher morbidity and mortality rate .
Piceatannol ( PIC ) has anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant properties .
The study was designed to explore the effect and the action mechanisms of PIC on lipopolysaccharide ( LPS ) -induced ALI .
Twenty-four hours after LPS challenge , mice from different treatment groups were euthanized , and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ( BALF ) and lung tissue samples were collected .
Then the degree of pulmonary edema , lung pathological changes , myeloperoxidase ( MPO ) activity , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Additionally , the messenger RNA ( mRNA ) expressions associated with cell adhesion molecules and tight junction were analyzed through quantitative real-time ( qRT ) -PCR , and the TLR4/NF-κB activation was examined by western blot .
The results showed that PIC significantly inhibited LPS-induced lung edema , histopathological damage , MPO activity , cell infiltration , and pro-inflammatory cytokines production .
Moreover , PIC notably suppressed mRNA expressions associated with inflammation and cell adhesion molecules .
Furthermore , PIC also alleviated LPS-induced damage of air-blood barrier through reducing the levels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expression of occludin and ZO-1 in the lung tissues .
We also found that PIC remarkably restrained the LPS-induced TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation in lung tissues .
In conclusion , PIC may be potential to treat LPS-induced acute lung injury ( ALI ) regulating air-blood barrier and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation .

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common and complex inflammatory lung syndrome with higher morbidity and mortality rate. Piceatannol (PIC) has anti-inflammation and anti-oxidant properties. The study was designed to explore the effect and the action mechanisms of PIC on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Twenty-four hours after LPS challenge, mice from different treatment groups were euthanized, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue samples were collected. Then the degree of pulmonary edema, lung pathological changes, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected. Additionally, the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions associated with cell adhesion molecules and tight junction were analyzed through quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR, and the TLR4/NF-κB activation was examined by western blot. The results showed that PIC significantly inhibited LPS-induced lung edema, histopathological damage, MPO activity, cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines production. Moreover, PIC notably suppressed mRNA expressions associated with inflammation and cell adhesion molecules. Furthermore, PIC also alleviated LPS-induced damage of air-blood barrier through reducing the levels of total proteins in BALF and recovering the expression of occludin and ZO-1 in the lung tissues. We also found that PIC remarkably restrained the LPS-induced TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation in lung tissues. In conclusion, PIC may be potential to treat LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI)regulating air-blood barrier and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Regular consumption of black beans may be appropriate as a dietary anti-hypertensive strategy.

Edible legume seeds , such as lentils , have been shown to modulate the structural and functional properties of hypertensive blood vessels , however , the effects of dried beans have not been similarly evaluated .
To determine whether beans could attenuate hypertension-induced vascular changes ( remodeling and stiffness ) in relation to their phytochemical content , spontaneously hypertensive rats ( SHR ) were fed diets containing black beans ( BB ; high phytochemical content as indicated by their dark seed coat colour ) or navy ( white ) beans ( NB ; low phytochemical content ) for eight weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine how long the alterations in vascular properties are maintained after bean consumption is halted .
Assessments included blood pressure ( BP ) , pulse wave velocity ( PWV ) , vessel compliance ( small-artery ) and morphology ( large-artery ) , and body composition .
Neither BBs nor NBs altered BP or PWV in SHR .
SHR-BB demonstrated greater medial strain ( which is indicative of greater elasticity ) at higher intraluminal pressures ( 80 and 140 mmHg ) compared to SHR-NB .
BB consumption for 8 weeks enhanced vascular compliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rightward shift in the stress-strain curve , but this improvement was lost within 2 weeks after halting bean consumption .
BB and NB increased lean mass after 8 weeks , but halting BB consumption increased fat mass .
In conclusion , regular consumption of BBs may be appropriate as a dietary anti-hypertensive strategy via their positive actions on vascular remodeling and compliance .

Edible legume seeds, such as lentils, have been shown to modulate the structural and functional properties of hypertensive blood vessels, however, the effects of dried beans have not been similarly evaluated. To determine whether beans could attenuate hypertension-induced vascular changes (remodeling and stiffness) in relation to their phytochemical content, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were fed diets containing black beans (BB; high phytochemical content as indicated by their dark seed coat colour) or navy (white) beans (NB; low phytochemical content) for eight weeks. An additional follow-up phase was included to determine how long the alterations in vascular properties are maintained after bean consumption is halted. Assessments included blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), vessel compliance (small-artery) and morphology (large-artery), and body composition. Neither BBs nor NBs altered BP or PWV in SHR. SHR-BB demonstrated greater medial strain (which is indicative of greater elasticity) at higher intraluminal pressures (80 and 140 mmHg) compared to SHR-NB. BB consumption for 8 weeks enhanced vascular compliance compared to SHR-NB, as demonstrated by a rightward shift in the stress-strain curve, but this improvement was lost within 2 weeks after halting bean consumption. BB and NB increased lean mass after 8 weeks, but halting BB consumption increased fat mass. In conclusion, regular consumption of BBs may be appropriate as a dietary anti-hypertensive strategy via their positive actions on vascular remodeling and compliance.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Consumption of legume and nuts was associated with lower odds of anxiety in men.

PURPOSE : Although considerable research has been devoted to the link between consumption of legume and nuts and metabolic abnormalities , few studies have examined legume and nut consumption in relation to psychological disorders .
The current study aimed to examine the association of legume and nut consumption with depression , anxiety and psychological distress in Iranian adults .
METHODS : This cross-sectional study was carried out among 3172 adult participants aged 18-55 years .
Assessment of legume and nut consumption was conducted using a validated dish-based 106-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire .
The Iranian validated version of Hospital Anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to examine psychological health .
Scores of 8 or more on eithersubscale in the questionnaire were considered to indicate the presence of depression or anxiety .
Data on psychological distress were collected using the General Health Questionnaire ( GHQ ) , in which the score of 4 or more was considered as having psychological distress .
RESULTS : The mean age of participants was 36.5 ± 7.9 years .
In the fully adjusted model , men in the top quintile of legume and nut consumption were 66 % less likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( OR 0.34 ; 95 % CI 0.14-0.82 ) .
However , such significant relationship was not observed among women ( OR 1.06 ; 95 % CI 0.63-1.77 ) .
Wefailed to find any other significant association between legume and nut consumption and depression or psychological distress after adjustment for potential confounders either in men or women .
CONCLUSIONS : We found that consumption of legume and nuts was associated with lower odds of anxiety in men , but not in women .
No other significant association was seen among participants .
Legume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with medications , could be used to prevent , control or delay psychological disorders .

PURPOSE: Although considerable research has been devoted to the link between consumption of legume and nuts and metabolic abnormalities, few studies have examined legume and nut consumption in relation to psychological disorders. The current study aimed to examine the association of legume and nut consumption with depression, anxiety and psychological distress in Iranian adults.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 3172 adult participants aged 18-55 years. Assessment of legume and nut consumption was conducted using a validated dish-based 106-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The Iranian validated version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to examine psychological health. Scores of 8 or more on eithersubscale in the questionnaire were considered to indicate the presence of depression or anxiety. Data on psychological distress were collected using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), in which the score of 4 or more was considered as having psychological distress.
RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 36.5 ± 7.9 years. In the fully adjusted model, men in the top quintile of legume and nut consumption were 66% less likely to be anxious than those in the bottom quintile (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.14-0.82). However, such significant relationship was not observed among women (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.63-1.77). Wefailed to find any other significant association between legume and nut consumption and depression or psychological distress after adjustment for potential confounders either in men or women.
CONCLUSIONS: We found that consumption of legume and nuts was associated with lower odds of anxiety in men, but not in women. No other significant association was seen among participants. Legume and nut consumption might be promising and, along with medications, could be used to prevent, control or delay psychological disorders.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Prenatal fruit juice exposure enhances memory consolidation in male post-weanling Sprague-Dawley rat

Prenatal fruit juice exposure enhances memory consolidation in male post-weanling Sprague-Dawley rats.

OBJECTIVES : Nutritional intake during gestation is known to impact health outcomes for progeny .
Correlational evidence in humans suggests that increased fruit consumption of pregnant mothers enhances infant cognitive development .
Moreover , wild-type Drosophila supplemented with a combination of orange and tomato juice showed robust enhancements in performance on an associative olfactory memory task .
The current study aimed to experimentally test the effects of prenatal fruit juice exposure in a non-human , mammalian model of learning and memory .
METHODS : Across three separate birth cohorts , pregnant rats were given access to diluted tomato and orange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , with control rats ( N = 2 per cohort ) receiving only water , in addition to standard rodent chow , throughout the duration of gestation , ending at parturition .
Following weaning , male offspring were tested for learning and memory in a spatial version of the circular water maze and an auditory-cued fear-conditioning task .
RESULTS : All pregnant rats increased fluid and food intake over the gestational period .
Fruit juice-fed pregnant rats had increased fluid intake compared to control pregnant rats .
When testing progeny , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on spatial learning , while it appeared to impair learning in fear conditioning relative to controls .
However , we measured significant enhancements in both spatial memory and conditioned fear memory in the prenatal fruit-juice group compared to controls .
Measures of vigilance , in response to the conditioned cue , were increased in prenatal fruit rats compared to controls , suggesting less generalized , and more adaptive , anxiety behaviours .
DISCUSSION : Our results corroborate the human and Drosophila findings of prenatal fruit effects on behaviour , specifically that prenatal fruit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memory consolidation in rats .

OBJECTIVES: Nutritional intake during gestation is known to impact health outcomes for progeny. Correlational evidence in humans suggests that increased fruit consumption of pregnant mothers enhances infant cognitive development. Moreover, wild-type Drosophila supplemented with a combination of orange and tomato juice showed robust enhancements in performance on an associative olfactory memory task. The current study aimed to experimentally test the effects of prenatal fruit juice exposure in a non-human, mammalian model of learning and memory.
METHODS: Across three separate birth cohorts, pregnant rats were given access to diluted tomato and orange juice (N = 2 per cohort), with control rats (N = 2 per cohort) receiving only water, in addition to standard rodent chow, throughout the duration of gestation, ending at parturition. Following weaning, male offspring were tested for learning and memory in a spatial version of the circular water maze and an auditory-cued fear-conditioning task.
RESULTS: All pregnant rats increased fluid and food intake over the gestational period. Fruit juice-fed pregnant rats had increased fluid intake compared to control pregnant rats. When testing progeny, there were no effects of prenatal fruit juice on spatial learning, while it appeared to impair learning in fear conditioning relative to controls. However, we measured significant enhancements in both spatial memory and conditioned fear memory in the prenatal fruit-juice group compared to controls. Measures of vigilance, in response to the conditioned cue, were increased in prenatal fruit rats compared to controls, suggesting less generalized, and more adaptive, anxiety behaviours.
DISCUSSION: Our results corroborate the human and Drosophila findings of prenatal fruit effects on behaviour, specifically that prenatal fruit juice exposure may be beneficial for early-life memory consolidation in rats.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Intake of fruits rich in vitamin C and potassium may help to decrease osteosarcopenic obesity-relate

Intake of fruits rich in vitamin C and potassium may help to decrease osteosarcopenic obesity-related risks in middle-aged postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES : The purpose of this study was to assess the association between fruit intake and abnormalities in body composition ( bone , muscle , and adipose tissue ) related to osteosarcopenic obesity ( OSO ) in postmenopausal women .
STUDY DESIGN : The data of 1420 postmenopausal women aged 50-64 years were collected from cross-sectional studies conducted by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( KNHANES ) from 2008 to 2010 .
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES : A dietary intake survey was administered using the 24-h dietary recall method , and intakes of nutrients and food groups were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry ( DEXA ) .
Body composition abnormalities include low bone mass ( T-score RESULTS : The intakes of vitamin C and potassium per 1000 kcal of total energy intake were significantly lower in women with a larger number of abnormalities in body composition ( p = 0.0155 and p = 0.0037 , respectively ) .
After controlling for covariates , women with a high intake of fruit ( ≥257.4 g/d ) had a significantly reduced likelihood of multiple abnormalities in body composition compared with women with no fruit intake ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those with one , two , or three abnormalities ) .
CONCLUSIONS : Intake of fruits rich in vitamin C and potassium may help to decrease OSO-related risks in middle-aged postmenopausal women .

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between fruit intake and abnormalities in body composition (bone, muscle, and adipose tissue) related to osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO) in postmenopausal women.
STUDY DESIGN: The data of 1420 postmenopausal women aged 50-64 years were collected from cross-sectional studies conducted by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2008 to 2010.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A dietary intake survey was administered using the 24-h dietary recall method, and intakes of nutrients and food groups were analyzed. Body composition was evaluated using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Body composition abnormalities include low bone mass (T-score<-1.0), low muscle mass (weight-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass below the mean reference value of healthy young adults), and obesity (waist circumference≥85 cm). The associations between nutrient intake and fruit groups and the number of abnormalities in body composition were tested by logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: The intakes of vitamin C and potassium per 1000 kcal of total energy intake were significantly lower in women with a larger number of abnormalities in body composition (p = 0.0155 and p = 0.0037, respectively). After controlling for covariates, women with a high intake of fruit (≥257.4 g/d) had a significantly reduced likelihood of multiple abnormalities in body composition compared with women with no fruit intake (p for trend: p<0.01 for those with one, two, or three abnormalities).
CONCLUSIONS: Intake of fruits rich in vitamin C and potassium may help to decrease OSO-related risks in middle-aged postmenopausal women.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Treatment with vitamin C appears to restore the stress response and improve the survival of stressed

The stress response is a preserved evolutionary response that functions to enhance the survival of the species .
In mammals @ @ @ @ @ characterized by activation of the HPA axis and sympathoadrenal system ( SAS ) as well @ @ @ @ @ secretion of vitamin C. Cortisol , catecholamines , and vitamin C act synergistically to increase @ @ @ @ @ function and protect the host against excessive oxidant injury .
Humans ( and anthropoid apes @ @ @ @ @ to synthesize vitamin C and therefore have an impaired stress response .
The inability to @ @ @ @ @ implications in septic humans .
Treatment with vitamin C appears to restore the stress response @ @ @ @ @ stressed humans .

The stress response is a preserved evolutionary response that functions to enhance the survival of the species. In mammals, the stress response is characterized by activation of the HPA axis and sympathoadrenal system (SAS) as well as the increased synthesis and secretion of vitamin C. Cortisol, catecholamines, and vitamin C act synergistically to increase hemodynamic reserve, maintain immune function and protect the host against excessive oxidant injury. Humans (and anthropoid apes) have lost the ability to synthesize vitamin C and therefore have an impaired stress response. The inability to produce vitamin C has serious implications in septic humans. Treatment with vitamin C appears to restore the stress response and improve the survival of stressed humans.


greenmedinfo--2020-03-17--Immune modulatory and antioxidant effects of locally administrated vitamin C in experimental periodo

Immune modulatory and antioxidant effects of locally administrated vitamin C in experimental periodontitis.

Vitamin C is an important water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant and immune-modulatory actions .
The aim of this study was to @ @ @ @ @ applied vitamin C on alveolar bone resorption in rats with experimental periodontitis.Twenty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats @ @ @ @ @ seven animals in each group : ( 1 ) control , ( 2 ) experimental @ @ @ @ @ periodontitis-local vitamin C treatment group .
After ligature was removed , 50 μL vitamin C @ @ @ @ @ subperiosteum of the buccal gingiva of periodontitis vitamin C ( PvitC ) group rats for @ @ @ @ @ 2 days .
At the end of the study , the animals were scarified , @ @ @ @ @ were collected for analysis of serum IL-1β , oxidative stress index ( OSI ) , @ @ @ @ @ ) levels and gingival MMP-8 immunostaining .
Alveolar bone loss and attachment loss were determined @ @ @ @ @ sections obtained from rat mandibles.Serum MDA and OSI levels which are related to the oxidative @ @ @ @ @ the PvitC group as compared with those in the P group (

Vitamin C is an important water-soluble vitamin with antioxidant and immune-modulatory actions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of locally applied vitamin C on alveolar bone resorption in rats with experimental periodontitis.Twenty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into three groups with seven animals in each group: (1) control, (2) experimental periodontitis and 3) experimental periodontitis-local vitamin C treatment group. After ligature was removed, 50 μL vitamin C was locally administered into the subperiosteum of the buccal gingiva of periodontitis vitamin C (PvitC) group rats for three times in intervals of 2 days. At the end of the study, the animals were scarified, and serum and gingival samples were collected for analysis of serum IL-1β, oxidative stress index (OSI), CTX and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and gingival MMP-8 immunostaining. Alveolar bone loss and attachment loss were determined based on measurements on histological sections obtained from rat mandibles.Serum MDA and OSI levels which are related to the oxidative stress were significantly lower in the PvitC group as compared with those in the P group ( < .05). Serum CTX levels which are related to the bone resorption were significantly lower in the PvitC group as compared with those in the P group ( < .05). The numeric density of MMP-8-positive cells was significantly lower in the PvitC group compared to P group ( < .05). Alveolar bone loss and attachment loss were significantly lower in the PvitC group compared to P group ( < .05)The local vitamin C administration provided protection against inflammation-induced alveolar bone resorption by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation-induced tissue breakdown vitamin C may be a therapeutic agent that can be used in periodontitis treatment.