greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by regulatin

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by regulating T cell activities.

Multiple sclerosis ( MS ) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system ( CNS ) characterized by progressive demyelination and disabling outcomes .
CD4T cells are the most critical driving factor of relapsing MS , but little improvement has been noted upon deletion of the whole T cell population .
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester ( CAPE ) , one of the main active compounds of propolis , exhibits potent antitumour , anti-inflammatory , and antioxidant properties by suppressing nuclear factor-B ( NF-B ) transactivation .
To investigate the therapeutic potential of CAPE in MS , we studied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , T cells , and NF-B activities and in an experimental MS animal model .
The results showed that cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF ) from patients with relapsing MS is characterized by increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines that preferentially skew towards T helper 1 ( Th1 ) cytokines.studies demonstrated that CAPE not only inhibited T cell proliferation and activation but also effectively modulated T cell subsets .
Under both Th0- and Th1-polarizing conditions , the proportion of CD4IFN-cells was downregulated , while CD4Foxp3cells were increased .
Moreover , nuclear translocation of NF-B p65 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model , prophylactic treatment with CAPE significantly decreased the disease incidence and severity .
Compared to the vehicle group , mice pretreated with CAPE showed diminished inflammatory cell infiltration , microglia/macrophage activation , and demyelination injury .
Additionally , CAPE pretreatment reduced the level of Th1 cells in both spleen and the CNS and increased regulatory T cells ( Tregs ) in the CNS .
In conclusion , our results highlight the potential merit of CAPE in suppressing T cell activity mainly through targeting the pathogenic Th1 lineage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by progressive demyelination and disabling outcomes. CD4T cells are the most critical driving factor of relapsing MS, but little improvement has been noted upon deletion of the whole T cell population. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), one of the main active compounds of propolis, exhibits potent antitumour, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties by suppressing nuclear factor-B (NF-B) transactivation. To investigate the therapeutic potential of CAPE in MS, we studied the effects of CAPE on cytokine levels, T cells, and NF-B activities and in an experimental MS animal model. The results showed that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with relapsing MS is characterized by increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines that preferentially skew towards T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines.studies demonstrated that CAPE not only inhibited T cell proliferation and activation but also effectively modulated T cell subsets. Under both Th0- and Th1-polarizing conditions, the proportion of CD4IFN-cells was downregulated, while CD4Foxp3cells were increased. Moreover, nuclear translocation of NF-B p65 was inhibited by CAPE. In a murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, prophylactic treatment with CAPE significantly decreased the disease incidence and severity. Compared to the vehicle group, mice pretreated with CAPE showed diminished inflammatory cell infiltration, microglia/macrophage activation, and demyelination injury. Additionally, CAPE pretreatment reduced the level of Th1 cells in both spleen and the CNS and increased regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the CNS. In conclusion, our results highlight the potential merit of CAPE in suppressing T cell activity mainly through targeting the pathogenic Th1 lineage, which may be beneficial for MS treatment.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Optimization and evaluation of propolis liposomes as a promising therapeutic approach for COVID-19.

The present work aimed to develop an optimized liposomal formulation for enhancing the anti-viral activity of propolis against COVID-19 .
Docking studies were performed for certain components of Egyptian Propolis using Avigan , Hydroxychloroquine and Remdesivir as standard antivirals against both COVID-19 3CL-protease and S1 spike protein .
Response surface methodology and modified injection method were implemented to maximize the entrapment efficiency and release of the liposomal formulation .
The optimized formulation parameters were as follow : LMC of 60 mM , CH % of 20 % and DL of 5 mg/ml .
At those values the E.E % and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , respectively with nanosized particles ( 117±11nm ) .
Docking studies revealed that Rutin and Caffeic acid phenethyl ester showed the highest affinity to both targets .
Results showed a significant inhibitory effect of the optimized liposomal formula of Propolis against COVID-3CL protease ( IC50=1.183±0.06 ) compared with the Egyptian propolis extract ( IC50=2.452±0.11 ) , P < 0.001 .
Interestingly , the inhibition of viral replication of COVID-19 determined by RT_PCR has been significantly enhanced via encapsulation of propolis extract within the liposomal formulation ( P < 0.0001 ) and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potent antiviral ( remdesivir ) .
These findings identified the potential of propolis liposomes as a promising treatment approach against COVID-19 .

The present work aimed to develop an optimized liposomal formulation for enhancing the anti-viral activity of propolis against COVID-19. Docking studies were performed for certain components of Egyptian Propolis using Avigan, Hydroxychloroquine and Remdesivir as standard antivirals against both COVID-19 3CL-protease and S1 spike protein. Response surface methodology and modified injection method were implemented to maximize the entrapment efficiency and release of the liposomal formulation. The optimized formulation parameters were as follow: LMC of 60 mM, CH% of 20% and DL of 5 mg/ml. At those values the E.E% and released % were 70.112 % and 81.801%, respectively with nanosized particles (117±11nm). Docking studies revealed that Rutin and Caffeic acid phenethyl ester showed the highest affinity to both targets. Results showed a significant inhibitory effect of the optimized liposomal formula of Propolis against COVID-3CL protease (IC50=1.183±0.06) compared with the Egyptian propolis extract (IC50=2.452±0.11), P<0.001. Interestingly, the inhibition of viral replication of COVID-19 determined by RT_PCR has been significantly enhanced via encapsulation of propolis extract within the liposomal formulation (P<0.0001) and was comparable to the viral inhibitory effect of the potent antiviral (remdesivir). These findings identified the potential of propolis liposomes as a promising treatment approach against COVID-19.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals from honey against COVID-19: potential mech

Antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of phytochemicals from honey against COVID-19: potential mechanisms of action and future directions.

The new coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) , caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 ( SARS-CoV-2 ) , has @ @ @ @ @ stress , resulting in a global pandemic .
Currently , there are no approved treatments @ @ @ @ @ severe respiratory illness has cost many lives .
Despite the established antimicrobial and immune-boosting potency @ @ @ @ @ date there is still a lack of evidence about its potential role amid COVID-19 outbreak @ @ @ @ @ explored antiviral effects and phytochemical components of honey , we review here evidence for its @ @ @ @ @ natural product against COVID-19 .
Although some bioactive compounds in honey have shown potential antiviral @ @ @ @ @ , chrysin , caffeic acid , galangin and hesperidinin ) or enhancing antiviral immune responses @ @ @ @ @ ascorbic acid ) , the mechanisms of action for these compounds are still ambiguous .
@ @ @ @ @ knowledge , this is the first work exclusively summarizing all these bioactive compounds with their @ @ @ @ @ antiviral agents , specifically against SARS-CoV-2 .

The new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently put the world under stress, resulting in a global pandemic. Currently, there are no approved treatments or vaccines, and this severe respiratory illness has cost many lives. Despite the established antimicrobial and immune-boosting potency described for honey, to date there is still a lack of evidence about its potential role amid COVID-19 outbreak. Based on the previously explored antiviral effects and phytochemical components of honey, we review here evidence for its role as a potentially effective natural product against COVID-19. Although some bioactive compounds in honey have shown potential antiviral effects (i.e., methylglyoxal, chrysin, caffeic acid, galangin and hesperidinin) or enhancing antiviral immune responses (i.e., levan and ascorbic acid), the mechanisms of action for these compounds are still ambiguous. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work exclusively summarizing all these bioactive compounds with their probable mechanisms of action as antiviral agents, specifically against SARS-CoV-2.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Ascorbate attenuates cycling exercise-induced neuromuscular fatigue.

We examined the effect of intravenous ascorbate administration ( VitC ) on exercise-induced redox balance , inflammation , exertional dyspnea , neuromuscular fatigue , and exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) .
Eight COPD patients completed constant-load cycling ( ~80 % of peak power output , 83±10W ) to task-failure following intravenous VitC ( 2g ) or saline ( placebo , PL ) infusion .
All participants repeated the shorter of the two exercise trials ( isotime ) , with the other infusate .
Quadriceps fatigue was determined by pre- to post-exercise changes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nerve stimulation ) .
Corticospinal excitability before , during , and after exercise was assessed by changes in motor-evoked potentials triggered by transcranial magnetic stimulation .
VitC increased superoxide dismutase ( marker for endogenous antioxidant capacity ) by 129 % and mitigated C-reactive protein ( marker for inflammation ) in the plasma during exercise , but failed to alter the exercise-induced increase in lipid peroxidation ( malondialdehyde ) and free radicals ( EPR-spectroscopy ) .
While VitC did , indeed , decrease neuromuscular fatigue ( ∆QPL : -29±5 % , VitC : -23±6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no impact on corticospinal excitability and time to task-failure ( ~8min , P=0.8 ) .
Interestingly , in terms of pulmonary limitations to exercise , VitC had no effect on perceived exertional dyspnea ( ~8.5/10 ) and its determinants , including SO ( ~92 % ) and respiratory muscle work ( ~650cmHOŸsŸmin ) ( P > 0.3 ) .
Thus , although VitC facilitated indicators for antioxidant capacity , diminished inflammatory markers , and improved neuromuscular fatigue resistance , it failed to improve exertional dyspnea and cycling exercise tolerance in patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to limit exercise tolerance in COPD , the otherwise beneficial effects of VitC may have been impacted by this unaltered sensation .

We examined the effect of intravenous ascorbate administration (VitC) on exercise-induced redox balance, inflammation, exertional dyspnea, neuromuscular fatigue, and exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Eight COPD patients completed constant-load cycling (~80% of peak power output, 83±10W) to task-failure following intravenous VitC (2g) or saline (placebo, PL) infusion. All participants repeated the shorter of the two exercise trials (isotime), with the other infusate. Quadriceps fatigue was determined by pre- to post-exercise changes in quadriceps twitch-torque (∆Q, electrical femoral nerve stimulation). Corticospinal excitability before, during, and after exercise was assessed by changes in motor-evoked potentials triggered by transcranial magnetic stimulation. VitC increased superoxide dismutase (marker for endogenous antioxidant capacity) by 129% and mitigated C-reactive protein (marker for inflammation) in the plasma during exercise, but failed to alter the exercise-induced increase in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and free radicals (EPR-spectroscopy). While VitC did, indeed, decrease neuromuscular fatigue (∆QPL: -29±5%, VitC: -23±6%, P<0.05), there was no impact on corticospinal excitability and time to task-failure (~8min, P=0.8). Interestingly, in terms of pulmonary limitations to exercise, VitC had no effect on perceived exertional dyspnea (~8.5/10) and its determinants, including SO(~92%) and respiratory muscle work (~650cmHOŸsŸmin) (P>0.3). Thus, although VitC facilitated indicators for antioxidant capacity, diminished inflammatory markers, and improved neuromuscular fatigue resistance, it failed to improve exertional dyspnea and cycling exercise tolerance in patients with COPD. As dyspnea is recognized to limit exercise tolerance in COPD, the otherwise beneficial effects of VitC may have been impacted by this unaltered sensation.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Nanofibrous cellulose acetate/gelatin wound dressing endowed with antibacterial and healing efficacy

Nanofibrous cellulose acetate/gelatin wound dressing endowed with antibacterial and healing efficacy using nanoemulsion of Zataria multiflora.

In this paper , a multifunctional nanofibrous cellulose acetate/gelatin/Zataria multiflora-nanoemulsion ( CA/Gel/ZM-nano ) wound dressing was fabricated , in which nanoemulsion of a natural active antibacterial plant , by the scientific name of Zataria multiflora ( ZM ) was loaded into the nanofibrous mat .
To fabricate the wound dressing , different weight ratios of CA/Gel ( 100 , 0 , 75 , 25 , 50 , 50 and 25 , 75 ) were selected , and solutions with concentrations of 16 , 15 , 14 and 12 % w/v were prepared for each ratio , respectively to achieve smooth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vitro and in vivo analysis was taken for the samples .
Nanofibrous mats with a lower ratio of CA/Gel and incorporated with ZM-nano promoted the adhesion and proliferation of L929 fibroblast cells significantly .
Also , by lowering the ratio of CA/Gel , nanoemulsion drug-loading into nanofibers increased considerably , as the amount of ZM-nano loaded into CA/Gel = 50:50 was found to be 2.4-fold higher than CA/Gel = 100:0 .
Moreover , the rat model experiment in our study revealed that the nanofibrous samples incorporated with nanoemulsion drug ( ZM-nano ) accelerated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relative wound area for the nanoemulsion-loadeddressings was much smaller than the other samples after 22 days .
Therefore , this multifunctional CA/Gel/ZM-nano wound dressing could be a promising and potential candidate for wound healing applications .

In this paper, a multifunctional nanofibrous cellulose acetate/gelatin/Zataria multiflora-nanoemulsion (CA/Gel/ZM-nano) wound dressing was fabricated, in which nanoemulsion of a natural active antibacterial plant, by the scientific name of Zataria multiflora (ZM) was loaded into the nanofibrous mat. To fabricate the wound dressing, different weight ratios of CA/Gel (100, 0, 75, 25, 50, 50 and 25, 75) were selected, and solutions with concentrations of 16, 15, 14 and 12% w/v were prepared for each ratio, respectively to achieve smooth and uniform fibers by electrospinning. In vitro and in vivo analysis was taken for the samples. Nanofibrous mats with a lower ratio of CA/Gel and incorporated with ZM-nano promoted the adhesion and proliferation of L929 fibroblast cells significantly. Also, by lowering the ratio of CA/Gel, nanoemulsion drug-loading into nanofibers increased considerably, as the amount of ZM-nano loaded into CA/Gel = 50:50 was found to be 2.4-fold higher than CA/Gel = 100:0. Moreover, the rat model experiment in our study revealed that the nanofibrous samples incorporated with nanoemulsion drug (ZM-nano) accelerated the wound healing process so that the relative wound area for the nanoemulsion-loadeddressings was much smaller than the other samples after 22 days. Therefore, this multifunctional CA/Gel/ZM-nano wound dressing could be a promising and potential candidate for wound healing applications.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Paraquat-induced systemic inflammation and increased oxidative markers in rats improved by Zataria m

Paraquat-induced systemic inflammation and increased oxidative markers in rats improved by Zataria multiflora extract and carvacrol.

Objective : Paraquat ( PQ ) is a herbicide which induces oxidative stress and inflammation .
Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects were shown for ( Z ) and carvacrol previously .
The effects of Zhydroalcoholic extract and carvacrol on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by inhaled PQ were examined in this study .
Materials and Methods : Six groups of male rats used in this study were as follows : control group exposed to normal saline aerosol , one group exposed to PQ 54 mg/maerosol , animals exposed to PQ 54 mg/mand treated with Z ( 200 and 800 mg/kg/day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mg/kg/day ) for 16 days after the end of exposure to PQ .
Exposure to PQ was performed 8 times , every other day , each time for 30 min .
After the end of the treatment period , different variables were measured .
Results : Significant increases in nitrite ( NO , malondialdehyde ( MDA ) and interleukin ( IL ) -6 serum levels but significant reduction of interferon-gamma ( IFN-γ ) serum levels as well as IFN-γ/IL-6 ratio were observed in PQ-exposed compared to control group ( p < 0.01 for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for other cases ) .
Treatment with both doses of the extract and carvacrol specially at high dose , reduced MDA , NO , and IL-6 but increased IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-6 ratio compared to un-treated PQ exposed group ( p < 0.05 to p < 0.001 ) .
Conclusion : Treatment withand carvacrol improved systemic inflammation oxidative biomarkers induced by inhaled PQ which may indicate therapeutic potential of the plant and its constituent , carvacrol in systemic inflammation and oxidative biomarkers induced by inhaled PQ .

Objective: Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide which induces oxidative stress and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects were shown for(Z) and carvacrol previously. The effects of Zhydroalcoholic extract and carvacrol on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by inhaled PQ were examined in this study.
Materials and Methods: Six groups of male rats used in this study were as follows: control group exposed to normal saline aerosol, one group exposed to PQ 54 mg/maerosol, animals exposed to PQ 54 mg/mand treated with Z(200 and 800 mg/kg/day) or carvacrol (20 and 80 mg/kg/day) for 16 days after the end of exposure to PQ. Exposure to PQ was performed 8 times, every other day, each time for 30 min. After the end of the treatment period, different variables were measured.
Results: Significant increases in nitrite (NO, malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin (IL)-6 serum levels but significant reduction of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) serum levels as well as IFN-γ/IL-6 ratio were observed in PQ-exposed compared to control group (p<0.01 for MDA and IL-6, p<0.001 for other cases). Treatment with both doses of the extract and carvacrol specially at high dose, reduced MDA, NO, and IL-6 but increased IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-6 ratio compared to un-treated PQ exposed group (p<0.05 to p<0.001).
Conclusion: Treatment withand carvacrol improved systemic inflammation oxidative biomarkers induced by inhaled PQ which may indicate therapeutic potential of the plant and its constituent, carvacrol in systemic inflammation and oxidative biomarkers induced by inhaled PQ.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--In vitro and ex vivo anti-diabetic and anti-hyperglycemic properties of Zataria multiflora essential

In vitro and ex vivo anti-diabetic and anti-hyperglycemic properties of Zataria multiflora essential oil.

The underlying mechanism involved in the onset of many diseases such as diabetes is oxidative stress .
Zataria multiflora has a very high antioxidant power that can be used in the antioxidant therapy of the diabetes symptom .
The in vitro antioxidant and anti-diabetic capacity of Zataria multiflora essential oil ( ZMEO ) incorporated in dendrosome against glucose oxidation , lipid oxidation , protein oxidation , and protein glycation was analyzed .
The ex vivo antioxidant capacity of dendrosomal ZMEO were explored against hyperglycemia ( HG ) -induced oxidative stress .
Inhibition of oxidative stress markers ; NADH oxidase ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( NRF2 ) and nuclear factor kappa B ( NF-kB ) were examined .
Dendrosomal-ZMEO displayed low conductivity , low surface tension , low zeta-potential , nanoscale particle size and low viscosity that suggest dendrosomal-ZMEO could remain stable in biological fluids .
FTIR spectra of dendrosomal-ZMEO indicated the non-covalent interactions between dendrosome and ZMEO and the entrapment of ZMEO droplets in the dendrosome network .
Dendrosomal-ZMEO displayed good anti-glucose oxidation , anti-lipid peroxidation , anti-protein oxidation , and anti-protein glycation activity .
Dendrosomal ZMEO strongly reduced intracellular hydrogen peroxide and NOX expression and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismutase ( SOD ) and catalase ( CAT ) expression and activity in a synergistic manner .
HG-treated murine macrophages showed an increased level of NF-kB expression while the decreased level of NRF2 expression compared to controls .
The anti-diabetic activity of ZMEO by sequestering hydrogen peroxide and down-regulation of NOX activity is a recommended mechanism for diabetes and oxidative stress .
The effect of ZMEO on decreasing NF-kB and increasing in NRF2 , transcription factors involved in oxidative stress and hyperglycemia , may imply its clinical application .

The underlying mechanism involved in the onset of many diseases such as diabetes is oxidative stress. Zataria multiflora has a very high antioxidant power that can be used in the antioxidant therapy of the diabetes symptom. The in vitro antioxidant and anti-diabetic capacity of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) incorporated in dendrosome against glucose oxidation, lipid oxidation, protein oxidation, and protein glycation was analyzed. The ex vivo antioxidant capacity of dendrosomal ZMEO were explored against hyperglycemia (HG)-induced oxidative stress. Inhibition of oxidative stress markers; NADH oxidase (NOX), nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) were examined. Dendrosomal-ZMEO displayed low conductivity, low surface tension, low zeta-potential, nanoscale particle size and low viscosity that suggest dendrosomal-ZMEO could remain stable in biological fluids. FTIR spectra of dendrosomal-ZMEO indicated the non-covalent interactions between dendrosome and ZMEO and the entrapment of ZMEO droplets in the dendrosome network. Dendrosomal-ZMEO displayed good anti-glucose oxidation, anti-lipid peroxidation, anti-protein oxidation, and anti-protein glycation activity. Dendrosomal ZMEO strongly reduced intracellular hydrogen peroxide and NOX expression and activity in HG-treated macrophages while increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) expression and activity in a synergistic manner. HG-treated murine macrophages showed an increased level of NF-kB expression while the decreased level of NRF2 expression compared to controls. The anti-diabetic activity of ZMEO by sequestering hydrogen peroxide and down-regulation of NOX activity is a recommended mechanism for diabetes and oxidative stress. The effect of ZMEO on decreasing NF-kB and increasing in NRF2, transcription factors involved in oxidative stress and hyperglycemia, may imply its clinical application.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--A combination of ω-3 PUFA and AA treatment confers an additive effect in suppressing lipid peroxidat

A combination of ω-3 PUFA and AA treatment confers an additive effect in suppressing lipid peroxidation and improving myocardial function.

Accumulating evidence demonstrated that administration ofω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ( ω-3 PUFA ) or ascorbic acid ( AA ) following cardiac arrest ( CA ) improves survival .
Therefore , we investigate the effects of ω-3 PUFA combined with AA on myocardial function after CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation ( CPR ) in a rat model .
Thirty male rats were randomized into 5 groups : ( 1 ) sham ; ( 2 ) control ; ( 3 ) ω-3 PUFA ; ( 4 ) AA ; ( 5 ) ω-3 PUFA + AA .
Ventricular fibrillation ( VF ) was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by defibrillation after 8 min of CPR .
Infusion of drug or vehicle occurred at the start of CPR .
Myocardial function and sublingual microcirculation were measured at baseline and after return of spontaneous circulation ( ROSC ) .
Heart tissues and blood were collected 6 h after ROSC .
Myocardial function and sublingual microcirculation improvements were seen with ω-3 PUFA or AA compared to control after ROSC ( p < 0.05 ) .ω-3 PUFA + AA shows a better myocardial function than ω-3 PUFA or AA ( p < 0.05 ) .ω-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cTnI , myocardium malondialdehyde ( MDA ) and 4-hydroxynonenal ( 4-HNE ) modified proteins compared to control ( p < 0.05 ) .ω-3 PUFA and AA combined have lower MDA and 4-HNE modified proteins than alone ( p < 0.05 ) .ω-3 PUFA or AA treatment reduces the severity of post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction , improves sublingual microcirculation , decreases lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammation in the early phase of recovery following CA and resuscitation .
A combination of ω-3 PUFA and AA treatment confersan additive effect in suppressing lipid peroxidation and improving myocardial @ @

Accumulating evidence demonstrated that administration ofω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) or ascorbic acid (AA) following cardiac arrest (CA) improves survival. Therefore, we investigate the effects of ω-3 PUFA combined with AA on myocardial function after CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a rat model. Thirty male rats were randomized into 5 groups: (1) sham; (2) control; (3) ω-3 PUFA; (4) AA; (5) ω-3 PUFA + AA. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced and untreated for 6 min followed by defibrillation after 8 min of CPR. Infusion of drug or vehicle occurred at the start of CPR. Myocardial function and sublingual microcirculation were measured at baseline and after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Heart tissues and blood were collected 6 h after ROSC. Myocardial function and sublingual microcirculation improvements were seen with ω-3 PUFA or AA compared to control after ROSC (p<0.05).ω-3 PUFA + AA shows a better myocardial function than ω-3 PUFA or AA (p<0.05).ω-3 PUFA or AA decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines, cTnI, myocardium malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) modified proteins compared to control (p<0.05).ω-3 PUFA and AA combined have lower MDA and 4-HNE modified proteins than alone (p<0.05).ω-3 PUFA or AA treatment reduces the severity of post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction, improves sublingual microcirculation, decreases lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammation in the early phase of recovery following CA and resuscitation. A combination of ω-3 PUFA and AA treatment confersan additive effect in suppressing lipid peroxidation and improving myocardial function.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Protective role of ascorbic acid on lead-induced damage to the thyroid gland.

Lead exposure is known to affect the pituitary-thyroid axis .
Likewise , ascorbic acid ( AA ) has a protective action against lead poisoning .
We examine the protective role of AA in lead-induced damage to the thyroid gland .
The Wistar rats were divided into three groups : control that received 0.2 % AA in drinking water throughout the experiment ( 15 days ) , intoxicated with lead acetate ( 20 mg/kg ) intraperitoneally every 48 h for 15 days , and the experimental group treated with lead acetate and 0.2 % AA in drinking water throughout the experiment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thyroxine , and lead were determined .
Thethyroid gland was weighed , then epithelial cell height and nuclear volume were measured on histological slides .
The results show that AA reduced the thyroid atrophy caused by lead acetate , as well as the loss of weight of the gland .
In addition , it prevented the decrease of the hormone triiodothyronine , although the thyroxine hormone remained lower than the control values and the thyroid-stimulating hormone remains high .
Our results indicated that AA could play a protective role in lead poisoning in @ @ @ @

Lead exposure is known to affect the pituitary-thyroid axis. Likewise, ascorbic acid (AA) has a protective action against lead poisoning. We examine the protective role of AA in lead-induced damage to the thyroid gland. The Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control that received 0.2% AA in drinking water throughout the experiment (15 days), intoxicated with lead acetate (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally every 48 h for 15 days, and the experimental group treated with lead acetate and 0.2% AA in drinking water throughout the experiment. Plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and lead were determined. Thethyroid gland was weighed, then epithelial cell height and nuclear volume were measured on histological slides. The results show that AA reduced the thyroid atrophy caused by lead acetate, as well as the loss of weight of the gland. In addition, it prevented the decrease of the hormone triiodothyronine, although the thyroxine hormone remained lower than the control values and the thyroid-stimulating hormone remains high. Our results indicated that AA could play a protective role in lead poisoning in the thyroid gland.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--This review intends to underline the anticancer mechanisms of vitamin C.

The most frequent cancer in women is breast cancer , which is a major cause of death .
Currently , @ @ @ @ @ that have made possible the cure and resolution of this tumor .
However , these @ @ @ @ @ collateral effects that influence the quality of life ( QoL ) of the patients to @ @ @ @ @ reason , attention is turning to the use of complementary medicine to improve QoL .
@ @ @ @ @ increased trials of intravenous injection of vitamin C at high doses to enhance the antitumor @ @ @ @ @ their side effects .
This review intends to underline the anticancer mechanisms of vitamin C @ @ @ @ @ for treating breast cancer , and why the use of vitamin C at high doses @ @ @ @ @ cancer to enhance the efficacy of pharmacological therapies and/or decrease their side effects .

The most frequent cancer in women is breast cancer, which is a major cause of death. Currently, there are many pharmacological therapies that have made possible the cure and resolution of this tumor. However, these therapies are accompanied by numerous collateral effects that influence the quality of life (QoL) of the patients to varying degrees. For this reason, attention is turning to the use of complementary medicine to improve QoL. In particular, there are increased trials of intravenous injection of vitamin C at high doses to enhance the antitumor activity of drugs and/or decrease their side effects. This review intends to underline the anticancer mechanisms of vitamin C that could explain its efficacy for treating breast cancer, and why the use of vitamin C at high doses could help patients with breast cancer to enhance the efficacy of pharmacological therapies and/or decrease their side effects.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Fruiting body polysaccharides of Hericium erinaceus induce apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cell

Fruiting body polysaccharides of Hericium erinaceus induce apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells.

The fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus ( Bull . )
Pers .
are commonly used in China in the treatment of digestive system diseases .
In this work , the polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus ( HEFPs ) were extracted , and their effects on human colorectal cancer cells ( HCT-116 and DLD1 ) were investigated in vitro .
Our results showed that HEFPs were mainly composed of arabinose , galactose , glucose , and mannose at a molar ratio of 8.99 : 11.15 : 1.2 : 1.97 .
They significantly inhibited the growth of these cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bax and Bcl-2 expression , which in turn induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential , leading to the activation of cleaved-caspase-9 and cleaved-caspase-3 .
These results suggested that HEFPs induced apoptosis via the caspase-9-depedent intrinsic mitochondrial pathway .
Furthermore , HEFPs increased the level of reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) in HCT-116 and DLD1 cells .
The addition of the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine reduced the ability of HEFPs to triggerthe intrinsic mitochondrial pathway , indicating the role of ROS generation in the upstream pathway of HEFP-induced apoptosis .
Therefore , the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest for further studies in finding functional foods or alternative therapeutic agents against colorectal cancer .

The fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers. are commonly used in China in the treatment of digestive system diseases. In this work, the polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus (HEFPs) were extracted, and their effects on human colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116 and DLD1) were investigated in vitro. Our results showed that HEFPs were mainly composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose, and mannose at a molar ratio of 8.99 : 11.15 : 1.2 : 1.97. They significantly inhibited the growth of these cells by inducing apoptosis by the modulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expression, which in turn induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to the activation of cleaved-caspase-9 and cleaved-caspase-3. These results suggested that HEFPs induced apoptosis via the caspase-9-depedent intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, HEFPs increased the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HCT-116 and DLD1 cells. The addition of the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine reduced the ability of HEFPs to triggerthe intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, indicating the role of ROS generation in the upstream pathway of HEFP-induced apoptosis. Therefore, the results described in this study could be of interest for further studies in finding functional foods or alternative therapeutic agents against colorectal cancer.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--The use of Hericium erinaceus and Trametes versicolor extracts in supportive treatment in oncology.

Substances available in nature with potential therapeutic effects are the subject of research that raises tremendous hopes for new challenges @ @ @ @ @ the most common organisms in the ecosystem and the most interesting in this respect .
@ @ @ @ @ of edible fungi , used for centuries in Eastern natural medicine , with the best-documented @ @ @ @ @ He ) and Trametes versicolor ( Tv ) .
The results of in vivo and @ @ @ @ @ mice and human cell lines demonstrate immunomodulatory , potentially , anticancer , anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative @ @ @ @ @ these fungi .
The substances contained in the extracts of He and Tv seem to @ @ @ @ @ support chemotherapy .
The use of these extracts is justified stronger than the other supportive @ @ @ @ @ .

Substances available in nature with potential therapeutic effects are the subject of research that raises tremendous hopes for new challenges in medicine. Fungi are the most common organisms in the ecosystem and the most interesting in this respect. This review discusses two species of edible fungi, used for centuries in Eastern natural medicine, with the best-documented effect - Hericium erinaceus (He) and Trametes versicolor (Tv). The results of in vivo and in vitro studies conducted on mice and human cell lines demonstrate immunomodulatory, potentially, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative effects of substances isolated from these fungi. The substances contained in the extracts of He and Tv seem to have immunomodulatory effects that may support chemotherapy. The use of these extracts is justified stronger than the other supportive treat ments based on supplements.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Erinacerin O and Erinacerin P are novel compounds from Hericium erinaceus and Erinacerin P could be

BACKGROUND : Glioma is the most common tumor of the central nervous system .
Hericium erinaceus , which has been reported to have a variety of pharmacological activities , is a kind of widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM ) , and also a kind of delicious food accepted by the public .
METHODS AND RESULTS : In this study , two new natural products , compounds 1 and 2 , were isolated and identified from Hericium erinaceus .
They were named erinacerin O and erinacerin P respectively after the structural identification , and their effects on human glioma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ P ( 2 ) exhibited an obvious cytotoxity on human glioma cell line U87 .
The IC50 value of 2 was 19.32μg/mL .
The results showed that the apoptosis of U87 cells treated with 2 increased and the morphology of U87 cells altered significantly .
Flow cytometry experiment showed that 2 could significantly increase the apoptosis rate of U87 cells and reduce DNA replication .
Western blot results suggested the Bax/capase-3 pathway was involved in the U87 cell apoptosis induce by 2 .
CONCLUSION : Erinacerin O and Erinacerin P are novel compounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a potential novel glioma inhibitor .

BACKGROUND: Glioma is the most common tumor of the central nervous system. Hericium erinaceus, which has been reported to have a variety of pharmacological activities, is a kind of widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and also a kind of delicious food accepted by the public.
METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, two new natural products, compounds 1 and 2, were isolated and identified from Hericium erinaceus. They were named erinacerin O and erinacerin P respectively after the structural identification, and their effects on human glioma cell line U87 were evaluated. Erinacerin P (2) exhibited an obvious cytotoxity on human glioma cell line U87. The IC50 value of 2 was 19.32μg/mL. The results showed that the apoptosis of U87 cells treated with 2 increased and the morphology of U87 cells altered significantly. Flow cytometry experiment showed that 2 could significantly increase the apoptosis rate of U87 cells and reduce DNA replication. Western blot results suggested the Bax/capase-3 pathway was involved in the U87 cell apoptosis induce by 2.
CONCLUSION: Erinacerin O and Erinacerin P are novel compounds from Hericium erinaceus and Erinacerin P could be a potential novel glioma inhibitor.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Structural characterization of enzymatic modification of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide and its i

Structural characterization of enzymatic modification of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide and its immune-enhancement activity.

In this study , the enzyme degradation of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide ( HEP ) was successfully modified with endo-rhamnosidase to obtain the enzymatic hydrolysis of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide product ( EHEP ) .
The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ( GC-MS ) , high performance gel permeation chromatography ( HPGPC ) , Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry ( FT-IR ) , scanning electron microscopy ( SEM ) , atomic particle microscopy ( AFM ) , nuclear magnetic resonance ( NMR ) and particle size distribution were used to characterize polysaccharides .
In vitro , EHEP significantly enhanced the phagocytosis , NO , CD40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In vivo , female Balb/c mice were injected respectively with EHEP and HEP after administrated with cyclophosphamide , once a day for 7 days .
On days 11 , the morphology and structure of jejunal sections , immunofluorescence of spleen and peritoneal macrophages were determined .
These results indicated that the enzymatic hydrolysis product could enhance the activation of peritoneal macrophages , and enhance the immunomodulation function of HEP .
This study demonstrated that enzymatic modification was an effective method to improve the activities of HEP , and could be developed as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cosmeceutical industry .

In this study, the enzyme degradation of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide (HEP) was successfully modified with endo-rhamnosidase to obtain the enzymatic hydrolysis of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide product (EHEP). The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic particle microscopy (AFM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and particle size distribution were used to characterize polysaccharides. In vitro, EHEP significantly enhanced the phagocytosis, NO, CD40 and CD86 by macrophage than HEP. In vivo, female Balb/c mice were injected respectively with EHEP and HEP after administrated with cyclophosphamide, once a day for 7 days. On days 11, the morphology and structure of jejunal sections, immunofluorescence of spleen and peritoneal macrophages were determined. These results indicated that the enzymatic hydrolysis product could enhance the activation of peritoneal macrophages, and enhance the immunomodulation function of HEP. This study demonstrated that enzymatic modification was an effective method to improve the activities of HEP, and could be developed as a potential technology for use in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Neuroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus against high-dose corticosterone-induced oxidative str

Neuroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus against high-dose corticosterone-induced oxidative stress in PC-12 cells.

BACKGROUND : Hericium erinaceus is a culinary and medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicines .
It has numerous pharmacological effects including immunomodulatory , anti-tumour , anti-microbial , anti-aging and stimulation of nerve growth factor ( NGF ) synthesis , but little is known about its potential role in negating the detrimental effects of oxidative stress in depression .
The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of H. erinaceus standardised aqueous extract ( HESAE ) against high-dose corticosterone-induced oxidative stress in rat pheochromocytoma ( PC-12 ) cells , a cellular model mimicking depression .
METHODS : PC-12 cells was pre-treated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ μM corticosterone for 24 h to induce oxidative stress .
Cells in complete medium without any treatment or pre-treated with 3.125 μg/mL desipramine served as the negative and positive controls , respectively .
The cell viability , lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH ) release , endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities , aconitase activity , mitochondrial membrane potentials ( MMPs ) , intracellular reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) levels and number of apoptotic nuclei were quantified .
In addition , HESAE ethanol extract was separated into fractions by chromatographic methods prior to spectroscopic analysis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated with high-dose corticosterone at 400 μM had decreased cell viability , reduced endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities , disrupted mitochondrial function , and increased oxidative stress and apoptosis .
However , pre-treatment with HESAE ranging from 0.25 to 1 mg/mL had increased cell viability , decreased LDH release , enhanced endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities , restored MMP , attenuated intracellular ROS and protected from ROS-mediated apoptosis .
The neuroprotective effects could be attributed to significant amounts of adenosine and herierin III isolated from HESAE .
CONCLUSIONS : HESAE demonstrated neuroprotective effects against high-dose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model mimicking depression .
HESAE could be a potential dietary supplement to treat depression .

BACKGROUND: Hericium erinaceus is a culinary and medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicines. It has numerous pharmacological effects including immunomodulatory, anti-tumour, anti-microbial, anti-aging and stimulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, but little is known about its potential role in negating the detrimental effects of oxidative stress in depression. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of H. erinaceus standardised aqueous extract (HESAE) against high-dose corticosterone-induced oxidative stress in rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells, a cellular model mimicking depression.
METHODS: PC-12 cells was pre-treated with HESAE for 48 h followed by 400 μM corticosterone for 24 h to induce oxidative stress. Cells in complete medium without any treatment or pre-treated with 3.125 μg/mL desipramine served as the negative and positive controls, respectively. The cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, aconitase activity, mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMPs), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and number of apoptotic nuclei were quantified. In addition, HESAE ethanol extract was separated into fractions by chromatographic methods prior to spectroscopic analysis.
RESULTS: We observed that PC-12 cells treated with high-dose corticosterone at 400 μM had decreased cell viability, reduced endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, disrupted mitochondrial function, and increased oxidative stress and apoptosis. However, pre-treatment with HESAE ranging from 0.25 to 1 mg/mL had increased cell viability, decreased LDH release, enhanced endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities, restored MMP, attenuated intracellular ROS and protected from ROS-mediated apoptosis. The neuroprotective effects could be attributed to significant amounts of adenosine and herierin III isolated from HESAE.
CONCLUSIONS: HESAE demonstrated neuroprotective effects against high-dose corticosterone-induced oxidative stress in an in vitro model mimicking depression. HESAE could be a potential dietary supplement to treat depression.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--A comparative study on the structures of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides obtained by different deco

A comparative study on the structures of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides obtained by different decolourization methods and their in vitro antioxidant activities.

Decolourization of polysaccharides is one of the crucial procedures that affects their structure , which is closely related to their bioactivity .
Here , Grifola frondosa polysaccharide ( GFP ) was decolourized with H2O2 and AB-8 macroporous resin .
Then , two main fractions , named DGFP and SGFP , were obtained by purification with Sepharose CL-4B .
The molecular weights of these two polysaccharides were determined to be 6.306× 106 ( ±0.410 % ) Da and 1.174 × 107 ( ±0.299 % ) Da by HPSEC .
Monosaccharide analysis indicated that DGFP was composed of glucose , mannose , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.75 ) , while SGFP consisted entirely of glucose .
Despite a backbone →4 ) -α-Glcp- ( 1→ in two polysaccharides , reducing ends Rα →3 ) -α-Glcp and Rβ →4 ) -β-Glcp were observed in DGFP by 1D/2D NMR .
The results suggested that decolourization with low concentrations of H2O2 might alter the structure of GFP and generate new reducing ends .
In vitro antioxidant results implied that DGFP exhibited a higher ability to scavenge DPPH and hydroxyl radicals and reduced the over-generated ROS levels in a concentration-dependent manner .
These results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be activated by decolourization with H2O2 .
Therefore , DGFP might be a more promising natural antioxidant than SGFP .

Decolourization of polysaccharides is one of the crucial procedures that affects their structure, which is closely related to their bioactivity. Here, Grifola frondosa polysaccharide (GFP) was decolourized with H2O2 and AB-8 macroporous resin. Then, two main fractions, named DGFP and SGFP, were obtained by purification with Sepharose CL-4B. The molecular weights of these two polysaccharides were determined to be 6.306× 106 (±0.410%) Da and 1.174 × 107 (±0.299%) Da by HPSEC. Monosaccharide analysis indicated that DGFP was composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose (32.20 : 1.00 : 1.75), while SGFP consisted entirely of glucose. Despite a backbone →4)-α-Glcp-(1→ in two polysaccharides, reducing ends Rα →3)-α-Glcp and Rβ →4)-β-Glcp were observed in DGFP by 1D/2D NMR. The results suggested that decolourization with low concentrations of H2O2 might alter the structure of GFP and generate new reducing ends. In vitro antioxidant results implied that DGFP exhibited a higher ability to scavenge DPPH and hydroxyl radicals and reduced the over-generated ROS levels in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggested that the antioxidant effects of GFP could be activated by decolourization with H2O2. Therefore, DGFP might be a more promising natural antioxidant than SGFP.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Water extract of Grifola frondosa could be provided as a potential candidate to regulate glycolipid

Water extract of Grifola frondosa could be provided as a potential candidate to regulate glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota.

The present study investigated the composition of water extract of Grifola frondosa ( GFWE ) and its regulatory effects on @ @ @ @ @ in rats .
Structural characteristics of GFWE were detected by high performance liquid chromatography and @ @ @ @ @ spectrometry .
The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of GFWE were obtained by inhibition of weight @ @ @ @ @ glucose and lipid , and reverse of liver tissue damage .
GFWE has up-regulated the @ @ @ @ @ levels of adenine monophosphate activated protein kinase-α , peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-α , and glucokinase , @ @ @ @ @ transcription factor-1c and acetyl CoA carboxylase .
Moreover , GFWE increased the abundances of caecal @ @ @ @ @ which showed a significant negative correlation with serum glucose and lipid parameters .
And GFWE @ @ @ @ @ bile acids and short-chain fatty acids in the cecum .
These results indicated that GFWE @ @ @ @ @ potential candidate to regulate glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota .

The present study investigated the composition of water extract of Grifola frondosa (GFWE) and its regulatory effects on glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota in rats. Structural characteristics of GFWE were detected by high performance liquid chromatography and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of GFWE were obtained by inhibition of weight gain, recovery of serum glucose and lipid, and reverse of liver tissue damage. GFWE has up-regulated the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of adenine monophosphate activated protein kinase-α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-α, and glucokinase, while down-regulated sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1c and acetyl CoA carboxylase. Moreover, GFWE increased the abundances of caecal bacteria Oscillibacter and Barnesiella, which showed a significant negative correlation with serum glucose and lipid parameters. And GFWE enhanced the levels of total bile acids and short-chain fatty acids in the cecum. These results indicated that GFWE could be provided as a potential candidate to regulate glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--A β-glucan from Grifola frondosa effectively delivers therapeutic oligonucleotide into cells via dec

A β-glucan from Grifola frondosa effectively delivers therapeutic oligonucleotide into cells via dectin-1 receptor and attenuates TNFα gene expression.

Grifola frondosa is an edible and medicinal mushroom with great nutritional values and bioactivities .
In the present study , @ @ @ @ @ , with high molecular mass of 5.42 × 10 Da was purified from the fruit @ @ @ @ @ 5 % cold NaOH .
The structure of GFPS was determined with FT-IR , NMR @ @ @ @ @ , and was identified to be a β-D- ( 1-3 ) -linked glucan backbone with @ @ @ @ @ ) -linked glucopyranosyl residue branchedat C-6 on every third residue .
Our results indicated that @ @ @ @ @ structure and could form complex with polydeoxyadenylic acid ( poly [ A ] ) .
@ @ @ @ @ could interact with poly [ A ] moiety of a designed antisense oligonucleotide ( ASO @ @ @ @ @ of proinflammatory cytokine TNFα ( TNFα-A60 ) .
This GFPS-based complex could incorporate TNFα-A60 into @ @ @ @ @ receptor and attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of TNFα .
Our results suggested that GFPS could be @ @ @ @ @ for the treatment of diseases such as inflammation and cancers .

Grifola frondosa is an edible and medicinal mushroom with great nutritional values and bioactivities. In the present study, a soluble homogeneousβ-glucan, GFPS, with high molecular mass of 5.42 × 10 Da was purified from the fruit bodies of Grifola frondosa using 5% cold NaOH. The structure of GFPS was determined with FT-IR, NMR, and monosaccharide composition analysis, and was identified to be a β-D-(1-3)-linked glucan backbone with a single β-D-(1-6)-linked glucopyranosyl residue branchedat C-6 on every third residue. Our results indicated that GFPS had a triple helical structure and could form complex with polydeoxyadenylic acid (poly[A]). Further studies demonstrated that GFPS could interact with poly[A] moiety of a designed antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting the primary transcript of proinflammatory cytokine TNFα (TNFα-A60). This GFPS-based complex could incorporate TNFα-A60 into the macrophage cells via dectin-1 receptor and attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of TNFα. Our results suggested that GFPS could be applied to deliver therapeutic oligonucleotides for the treatment of diseases such as inflammation and cancers.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Glucan from Grifola frondosa inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine production.

Mushroom polysaccharides includingβ-glucans possess various health-promoting properties and are known to be the major bioactive constituents of ( GF ) , which is a popular edible and medicinal mushroom .
Dectin-1 , a pattern-recognition receptor , is responsible for recognizingβ-glucans .
In this study , parental RAW264.7 macrophages and Dectin-1-expressing RAW264.7 macrophages were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and receptor involvement of the water-soluble polysaccharides from GF .
Results indicated that the high molecular weight fraction of GF ( GF70-F1 ; 1260 kDa ) inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 production as well as NF-κB activation in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages .
Chemical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainly contained the known ( 1→3 ) , ( 1→6 ) -β-d-glucan and a polysaccharide not previously isolated from GF , a nondigestible glucan with a β- ( 1→4 ) -linked backbone and β- ( 1→6 ) -linked branches .
The ability of GF70-F1 to inhibit cytokine production was not affected by the expression level of Dectin-1 in cells , and a similar inhibitory activity was observed after removing the ( 1→3 ) , ( 1→6 ) -β-d-glucan from GF70-F1 .
Blockade of Toll-like receptor 2 ( TLR2 ) but not Dectin-1 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the inhibitory activity of GF70-F1 .
The nondigestible ( 1→6 ) -branched ( 1→4 ) -β-d-glucan in GF70-F1 may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity via interacting with TLR2 rather than Dectin-1 or CR3 receptors .

Mushroom polysaccharides includingβ-glucans possess various health-promoting properties and are known to be the major bioactive constituents of(GF), which is a popular edible and medicinal mushroom. Dectin-1, a pattern-recognition receptor, is responsible for recognizingβ-glucans. In this study, parental RAW264.7 macrophages and Dectin-1-expressing RAW264.7 macrophages were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and receptor involvement of the water-soluble polysaccharides from GF. Results indicated that the high molecular weight fraction of GF (GF70-F1; 1260 kDa) inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 production as well as NF-κB activation in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages. Chemical and enzymatic linkage analyses indicated that GF70-F1 mainly contained the known (1→3),(1→6)-β-d-glucan and a polysaccharide not previously isolated from GF, a nondigestible glucan with a β-(1→4)-linked backbone and β-(1→6)-linked branches. The ability of GF70-F1 to inhibit cytokine production was not affected by the expression level of Dectin-1 in cells, and a similar inhibitory activity was observed after removing the (1→3),(1→6)-β-d-glucan from GF70-F1. Blockade of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) but not Dectin-1 or complement receptor 3 (CR3) attenuated the inhibitory activity of GF70-F1. The nondigestible (1→6)-branched (1→4)-β-d-glucan in GF70-F1 may contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity via interacting with TLR2 rather than Dectin-1 or CR3 receptors.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-14--Anti-diabetic effects of Grifola frondosa bioactive compound and its related molecular signaling pat

Anti-diabetic effects of Grifola frondosa bioactive compound and its related molecular signaling pathways in palmitate-induced C2C12 cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE : Grifola frondosa ( GF ) , a high value medicinal mushroom , is popularly consumed as traditional medicines and health foods in China and Japan .
It is a herbal medicine traditionally used for treating inflammation , cancer and diabetes .
AIM OF THE STUDY : This study aimed to examine the anti-diabetic effects of a GF bioactive compound ergosterol peroxide ( EPO ) , and its mechanism ( s ) of action in palmitate ( PA ) -induced C2C12 cells .
MATERIALS AND METHODS : EPO was isolated and purified from GF fruiting bodies , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PA-induced murine C2C12 skeletal muscle cells through measuring glucose uptake , intracellular ROS production , and expressions of MAPKs , IRS-1 , PI3K , Akt and GLUT-4 proteins .
RESULTS : EPO significantly up-regulated glucose absorption and increased cell growth .
At 5 μM , EPO significantly enhanced glucose uptake and decreased ROS formation , as well as up-regulated the expression of IRS-1 , p-IRS-1 , PI3K , Akt , p-Akt , and GLUT-4 proteins in PA-induced cells , while their p-JNK and p-p38 expression were down-regulated .
GLUT-4 siRNA treatment effectively down-regulated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expression of GLUT-4 .
CONCLUSION : These results suggest that the anti-diabetic effect of GF was from its bioactive compound EPO through the inhibition of ROS production , up-regulation of glucose absorption , and modulation of PI3K/Akt , MAPKs and GLUT-4 signaling transduction pathways .

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Grifola frondosa (GF), a high value medicinal mushroom, is popularly consumed as traditional medicines and health foods in China and Japan. It is a herbal medicine traditionally used for treating inflammation, cancer and diabetes.
AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to examine the anti-diabetic effects of a GF bioactive compound ergosterol peroxide (EPO), and its mechanism(s) of action in palmitate (PA)-induced C2C12 cells.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: EPO was isolated and purified from GF fruiting bodies, and used to test for anti-diabetic activity in PA-induced murine C2C12 skeletal muscle cells through measuring glucose uptake, intracellular ROS production, and expressions of MAPKs, IRS-1, PI3K, Akt and GLUT-4 proteins.
RESULTS: EPO significantly up-regulated glucose absorption and increased cell growth. At 5 μM, EPO significantly enhanced glucose uptake and decreased ROS formation, as well as up-regulated the expression of IRS-1, p-IRS-1, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, and GLUT-4 proteins in PA-induced cells, while their p-JNK and p-p38 expression were down-regulated. GLUT-4 siRNA treatment effectively down-regulated the EPO-induced absorption of glucose and inhibited the expression of GLUT-4.
CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the anti-diabetic effect of GF was from its bioactive compound EPO through the inhibition of ROS production, up-regulation of glucose absorption, and modulation of PI3K/Akt, MAPKs and GLUT-4 signaling transduction pathways.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-16--Why Won’t Anyone Publish the Danish Mask Study?

This website is for information purposes only .
By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing , treating @ @ @ @ @ or preventing any type of disease or medical condition .
Before beginning any type of @ @ @ @ @ treatment regimen , it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional @

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
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greenmedinfo--2020-11-16--People with anxiety-related or mood disorders were more negatively affected by COVID-19 compared to

People with anxiety-related or mood disorders were more negatively affected by COVID-19 compared to those with no mental health disorder.

BACKGROUND : People with pre-existing mental health conditions may be more susceptible to stressors associated with COVID-19 relative to the general population ; however , no studies have assessed whether susceptibility differs between classes of mental health disorders .
We assessed COVID-19-related stress , self-isolation stressors , and coping in those with a primary anxiety-related disorder diagnosis , a primary mood disorder diagnosis , and no mental health disorder .
METHODS : Adults from a population-representative sample from the United States and Canada who reported current ( past year ) anxiety-related ( n = 700 ) or mood ( n @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a random sample of respondents who did not report a current mental health diagnosis ( n = 500 ) on COVID-19-related stress , self-isolation stress , and coping .
RESULTS : The anxiety-related disorders group exhibited higher COVID Stress Scales total scores and higher scores on its fears about danger and contamination , socioeconomic consequences , xenophobia , and traumatic stress symptoms scales than the other groups .
The mood disorders group had higher scores on the traumatic stress symptoms and socioeconomic consequences scales than those with no current mental disorder .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to voluntarily self-isolate and were more likely to report greater self-isolation stressors and distress than those without a mental health disorder .
Yet , there were no major differences in perceived effectiveness of coping strategies across groups .
CONCLUSION : People with anxiety-related or mood disorders were more negatively affected by COVID-19 compared to those with no mental health disorder ; however , adding to psychological burden , those with anxiety-related disorders reported greater fears about danger and contamination , socioeconomic consequences , xenophobia , and traumatic stress symptoms than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for tailoring COVID-19-related mental health interventions to meet the specific needs of people with pre-existing mental health conditions .

BACKGROUND: People with pre-existing mental health conditions may be more susceptible to stressors associated with COVID-19 relative to the general population; however, no studies have assessed whether susceptibility differs between classes of mental health disorders. We assessed COVID-19-related stress, self-isolation stressors, and coping in those with a primary anxiety-related disorder diagnosis, a primary mood disorder diagnosis, and no mental health disorder.
METHODS: Adults from a population-representative sample from the United States and Canada who reported current (past year) anxiety-related (n = 700) or mood (n = 368) disorders were compared to a random sample of respondents who did not report a current mental health diagnosis (n = 500) on COVID-19-related stress, self-isolation stress, and coping.
RESULTS: The anxiety-related disorders group exhibited higher COVID Stress Scales total scores and higher scores on its fears about danger and contamination, socioeconomic consequences, xenophobia, and traumatic stress symptoms scales than the other groups. The mood disorders group had higher scores on the traumatic stress symptoms and socioeconomic consequences scales than those with no current mental disorder. Those with current anxiety-related or mood disorders were more likely to voluntarily self-isolate and were more likely to report greater self-isolation stressors and distress than those without a mental health disorder. Yet, there were no major differences in perceived effectiveness of coping strategies across groups.
CONCLUSION: People with anxiety-related or mood disorders were more negatively affected by COVID-19 compared to those with no mental health disorder; however, adding to psychological burden, those with anxiety-related disorders reported greater fears about danger and contamination, socioeconomic consequences, xenophobia, and traumatic stress symptoms than the other groups. These findings suggest the need for tailoring COVID-19-related mental health interventions to meet the specific needs of people with pre-existing mental health conditions.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-16--The Covid "Pandemic": Destroying People’s Lives. Engineered Economic Depression. Global "Coup d'Etat

The Covid "Pandemic": Destroying People’s Lives. Engineered Economic Depression. Global "Coup d'Etat"?


greenmedinfo--2020-11-16--Physical isolation and lockdowns are a serious threat for mental health and well-being of the genera

Physical isolation and lockdowns are a serious threat for mental health and well-being of the general population.

BACKGROUND : The Coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) pandemic is an unprecedented traumatic event influencing the healthcare , economic , and social welfare systems worldwide .
In order to slow the infection rates , lockdown has been implemented almost everywhere .
Italy , one of the countries most severely affected , entered the '' lockdown '' on March 8 , 2020 .
METHODS : The COvid Mental hEalth Trial ( COMET ) network includes 10 Italian university sites and the National Institute of Health .
The whole study has three different phases .
The first phase includes an online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Italian population .
Recruitment took place through email invitation letters , social media , mailing lists of universities , national medical associations , and associations of stakeholders ( e.g.
, associations of users/carers ) .
In order to evaluate the impact of lockdown on depressive , anxiety and stress symptoms , multivariate linear regression models were performed , weighted for the propensity score .
RESULTS : The final sample consisted of 20,720 participants .
Among them , 12.4 % of respondents ( N = 2,555 ) reported severe or extremely severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( N = 3,627 ) of anxiety symptoms and 41.6 % ( N = 8,619 ) reported to feel at least moderately stressed by the situation at the DASS-21.According to the multivariate regression models , the depressive , anxiety and stress symptoms significantly worsened from the week April 9-15 to the week April 30 to May 4 ( p CONCLUSIONS : Although physical isolation and lockdown represent essential public health measures for containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic , they are a serious threat for mental health and well-being of the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 response , mental health needs should be addressed .

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented traumatic event influencing the healthcare, economic, and social welfare systems worldwide. In order to slow the infection rates, lockdown has been implemented almost everywhere. Italy, one of the countries most severely affected, entered the"lockdown"on March 8, 2020.
METHODS: The COvid Mental hEalth Trial (COMET) network includes 10 Italian university sites and the National Institute of Health. The whole study has three different phases. The first phase includes an online survey conducted between March and May 2020 in the Italian population. Recruitment took place through email invitation letters, social media, mailing lists of universities, national medical associations, and associations of stakeholders (e.g., associations of users/carers). In order to evaluate the impact of lockdown on depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms, multivariate linear regression models were performed, weighted for the propensity score.
RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 20,720 participants. Among them, 12.4% of respondents (N = 2,555) reported severe or extremely severe levels of depressive symptoms, 17.6% (N = 3,627) of anxiety symptoms and 41.6% (N = 8,619) reported to feel at least moderately stressed by the situation at the DASS-21.According to the multivariate regression models, the depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms significantly worsened from the week April 9-15 to the week April 30 to May 4 (p < 0.0001). Moreover, female respondents and people with pre-existing mental health problems were at higher risk of developing severe depression and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: Although physical isolation and lockdown represent essential public health measures for containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are a serious threat for mental health and well-being of the general population. As an integral part of COVID-19 response, mental health needs should be addressed.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-16--The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates.

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) pandemic has profound psychological and social effects .
The psychological sequelae of the pandemic will probably persist for months and years to come .
Studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with distress , anxiety , fear of contagion , depression and insomnia in the general population and among healthcare professionals .
Social isolation , anxiety , fear of contagion , uncertainty , chronic stress and economic difficulties may lead to the development or exacerbation of depressive , anxiety , substance use and other psychiatric disorders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ psychiatric disorders and people who reside in high COVID-19 prevalence areas .
Stress-related psychiatric conditions including mood and substance use disorders are associated with suicidal behavior .
COVID-19 survivors may also be at elevated suicide risk .
The COVID-19 crisis may increase suicide rates during and after the pandemic .
Mental health consequences of the COVID-19 crisis including suicidal behavior are likely to be present for a long time and peak later than the actual pandemic .
To reduce suicides during the COVID-19 crisis , it is imperative to decrease stress , anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population .
There should be traditional and social media campaigns to promote mental health and reduce distress .
Active outreach is necessary , especially for people with a history of psychiatric disorders , COVID-19 survivors and older adults .
Research studies are needed of how mental health consequences can be mitigated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic .

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profound psychological and social effects. The psychological sequelae of the pandemic will probably persist for months and years to come. Studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with distress, anxiety, fear of contagion, depression and insomnia in the general population and among healthcare professionals. Social isolation, anxiety, fear of contagion, uncertainty, chronic stress and economic difficulties may lead to the development or exacerbation of depressive, anxiety, substance use and other psychiatric disorders in vulnerable populations including individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders and people who reside in high COVID-19 prevalence areas. Stress-related psychiatric conditions including mood and substance use disorders are associated with suicidal behavior. COVID-19 survivors may also be at elevated suicide risk. The COVID-19 crisis may increase suicide rates during and after the pandemic. Mental health consequences of the COVID-19 crisis including suicidal behavior are likely to be present for a long time and peak later than the actual pandemic. To reduce suicides during the COVID-19 crisis, it is imperative to decrease stress, anxiety, fears and loneliness in the general population. There should be traditional and social media campaigns to promote mental health and reduce distress. Active outreach is necessary, especially for people with a history of psychiatric disorders, COVID-19 survivors and older adults. Research studies are needed of how mental health consequences can be mitigated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-16--Increases in loneliness among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and association with increas

Increases in loneliness among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and association with increases in mental health problems.

PURPOSE : Young adults are at high risk for increases in loneliness and mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ increases in loneliness in a young adult sample , for whom increases were greater , @ @ @ @ @ depression and anxiety .
METHOD : Data from 564 young adults ( ages 22-29 , @ @ @ @ @ collected in January 2020 ( pre-pandemic ) and April/May 2020 ( during pandemic ) .
@ @ @ @ @ January to April/May and changes in loneliness were greater for females , those with higher @ @ @ @ @ , and those with greater concerns about the pandemic 's social impacts .
Depression ( @ @ @ @ @ during this time with changes in loneliness accounting for much of the increase in depression @ @ @ @ @ with young adults need to address loneliness and feelings of reduced social support during this @ @ @ @ @ who may have had greater disruption in their social lives .

PURPOSE: Young adults are at high risk for increases in loneliness and mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study examined increases in loneliness in a young adult sample, for whom increases were greater, and association with increases in depression and anxiety.
METHOD: Data from 564 young adults (ages 22-29, 60.7% women) were collected in January 2020 (pre-pandemic) and April/May 2020 (during pandemic).
RESULTS: Loneliness increased from January to April/May and changes in loneliness were greater for females, those with higher perceived social support in January, and those with greater concerns about the pandemic's social impacts. Depression (but not anxiety) increased during this time with changes in loneliness accounting for much of the increase in depression.
CONCLUSIONS: Intervention strategies with young adults need to address loneliness and feelings of reduced social support during this time, especially for those who may have had greater disruption in their social lives.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-16--The impact of social isolation and loneliness on the mental health of children and adolescents in th

The impact of social isolation and loneliness on the mental health of children and adolescents in the context of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE : Disease containment of COVID-19 has necessitated widespread social isolation .
We aimed to establish what is known about how loneliness and disease containment measures impact on the mental health in children and adolescents .
METHOD : For this rapid review , we searched MEDLINE , PsycInfo , and Web of Science for articles published between January 1 , 1946 , and March 29 , 2020 .
Of the articles , 20 % were double screened using predefined criteria , and 20 % of data was double extracted for quality assurance .
RESULTS : A total of 83 articles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Of these , 63 studies reported on the impact of social isolation and loneliness on the mental health of previously healthy children and adolescents ( n = 51,576 ; mean age 15.3 years ) .
In all , 61 studies were observational , 18 were longitudinal , and 43 were cross-sectional studies assessing self-reported loneliness in healthy children and adolescents .
One of these studies was a retrospective investigation after a pandemic .
Two studies evaluated interventions .
Studies had a high risk of bias , although longitudinal studies were of better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased the risk of depression , and possibly anxiety at the time at which loneliness was measured and between 0.25 and 9 years later .
Duration of loneliness was more strongly correlated with mental health symptoms than intensity of loneliness .
CONCLUSION : Children and adolescents are probably more likely to experience high rates of depression and most likely anxiety during and after enforced isolation ends .
This may increase as enforced isolation continues .
Clinical services should offer preventive support and early intervention where possible and be prepared for an increase in @ @ @ @

OBJECTIVE: Disease containment of COVID-19 has necessitated widespread social isolation. We aimed to establish what is known about how loneliness and disease containment measures impact on the mental health in children and adolescents.
METHOD: For this rapid review, we searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Web of Science for articles published between January 1, 1946, and March 29, 2020. Of the articles, 20% were double screened using predefined criteria, and 20% of data was double extracted for quality assurance.
RESULTS: A total of 83 articles (80 studies) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 63 studies reported on the impact of social isolation and loneliness on the mental health of previously healthy children and adolescents (n = 51,576; mean age 15.3 years). In all, 61 studies were observational, 18 were longitudinal, and 43 were cross-sectional studies assessing self-reported loneliness in healthy children and adolescents. One of these studies was a retrospective investigation after a pandemic. Two studies evaluated interventions. Studies had a high risk of bias, although longitudinal studies were of better methodological quality. Social isolation and loneliness increased the risk of depression, and possibly anxiety at the time at which loneliness was measured and between 0.25 and 9 years later. Duration of loneliness was more strongly correlated with mental health symptoms than intensity of loneliness.
CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents are probably more likely to experience high rates of depression and most likely anxiety during and after enforced isolation ends. This may increase as enforced isolation continues. Clinical services should offer preventive support and early intervention where possible and be prepared for an increase in mental health problems.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-16--Associations of social isolation with anxiety and depression during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is imposing a profound negative impact on the health and wellbeing of societies and individuals , worldwide .
One concern is the effect of social isolation as a result of social distancing on the mental health of vulnerable populations , including older people .
Within six weeks of lockdown , we initiated the CHARIOT COVID-19 Rapid Response Study , a bespoke survey of cognitively healthy older people living in London , to investigate the impact of COVID-19 and associated social isolation on mental and physical wellbeing .
The sample was drawn from CHARIOT , a register of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be contacted for aging related research .
A total of 7,127 men and women ( mean age=70.7 [ SD=7.4 ] ) participated in the baseline survey , May-July 2020 .
Participants were asked about changes to the 14 components of the Hospital Anxiety Depression scale ( HADS ) after lockdown was introduced in the UK , on 23March .
A total of 12.8 % of participants reported feeling worse on the depression components of HADS ( 7.8 % men and 17.3 % women ) and 12.3 % reported feeling worse on the anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % women ) .
Fewer participants reported feeling improved ( 1.5 % for depression and 4.9 % for anxiety ) .
Women , younger participants , those single/widowed/divorced , reporting poor sleep , feelings of loneliness and who reported living alone were more likely to indicate feeling worse on both the depression and/or anxiety components of the HADS .
There was a significant negative association between subjective loneliness and worsened components of both depression ( OR 17.24 , 95 % CI 13.20 , 22.50 ) and anxiety ( OR 10.85 , 95 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may inform targeted interventions and help guide policy recommendations in reducing the effects of social isolation related to the pandemic , and beyond , on the mental health of older people .

The COVID-19 pandemic is imposing a profound negative impact on the health and wellbeing of societies and individuals, worldwide. One concern is the effect of social isolation as a result of social distancing on the mental health of vulnerable populations, including older people. Within six weeks of lockdown, we initiated the CHARIOT COVID-19 Rapid Response Study, a bespoke survey of cognitively healthy older people living in London, to investigate the impact of COVID-19 and associated social isolation on mental and physical wellbeing. The sample was drawn from CHARIOT, a register of people over 50 who have consented to be contacted for aging related research. A total of 7,127 men and women (mean age=70.7 [SD=7.4]) participated in the baseline survey, May-July 2020. Participants were asked about changes to the 14 components of the Hospital Anxiety Depression scale (HADS) after lockdown was introduced in the UK, on 23March. A total of 12.8% of participants reported feeling worse on the depression components of HADS (7.8% men and 17.3% women) and 12.3% reported feeling worse on the anxiety components (7.8% men and 16.5% women). Fewer participants reported feeling improved (1.5% for depression and 4.9% for anxiety). Women, younger participants, those single/widowed/divorced, reporting poor sleep, feelings of loneliness and who reported living alone were more likely to indicate feeling worse on both the depression and/or anxiety components of the HADS. There was a significant negative association between subjective loneliness and worsened components of both depression (OR 17.24, 95% CI 13.20, 22.50) and anxiety (OR 10.85, 95% CI 8.39, 14.03). Results may inform targeted interventions and help guide policy recommendations in reducing the effects of social isolation related to the pandemic, and beyond, on the mental health of older people.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-15--Long-term social isolation in the adulthood results in CA1 shrinkage and cognitive impairment.

Social isolation in adulthood is a psychosocial stressor that can result in endocrinological and behavioral alterations in different species .
In rodents , controversial results have been obtained in fear conditioning after social isolation at adulthood , while neural substrates underlying these differences are largely unknown .
Neural cell adhesion molecule ( NCAM ) and its polysialylated form ( PSA-NCAM ) are prominent modulators of synaptic plasticity underlying memory processes in many tasks , including fear conditioning .
In this study , we used adult female Octodon degus to investigate the effects of long-term social isolation on contextual and cued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the synaptic levels of NCAM and PSA-NCAM in the hippocampus .
After 6½ months of social isolation , adult female degus showed a normal auditory-cued fear memory , but a deficit in contextual fear memory , a hippocampal dependent task .
Subsequently , we observed reduced hippocampal synaptic levels of PSA-NCAM in isolated compared to grouped-housed female degus .
No significant differences were found between experimental groups in hippocampal levels of the three main isoforms of NCAM ( NCAM180 , NCAM140 and NCAM120 ) .
Interestingly , social isolation reduced the volume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affecting the volume of the CA3 subregion or the total hippocampus .
Moreover , attenuated body weight gain and reduced number of granulocytes were detected in isolated animals .
Our findings indicate for the first time , that long-term social isolation of adult female animals induces a specific shrinkage of CA1 and a decrease in synaptic levels of PSA-NCAM in thehippocampus .
These effects may be related to the deficit in contextual fear memory observed in isolated female degus .

Social isolation in adulthood is a psychosocial stressor that can result in endocrinological and behavioral alterations in different species. In rodents, controversial results have been obtained in fear conditioning after social isolation at adulthood, while neural substrates underlying these differences are largely unknown. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and its polysialylated form (PSA-NCAM) are prominent modulators of synaptic plasticity underlying memory processes in many tasks, including fear conditioning. In this study, we used adult female Octodon degus to investigate the effects of long-term social isolation on contextual and cued fear conditioning, and the possible modulation of the synaptic levels of NCAM and PSA-NCAM in the hippocampus. After 6½ months of social isolation, adult female degus showed a normal auditory-cued fear memory, but a deficit in contextual fear memory, a hippocampal dependent task. Subsequently, we observed reduced hippocampal synaptic levels of PSA-NCAM in isolated compared to grouped-housed female degus. No significant differences were found between experimental groups in hippocampal levels of the three main isoforms of NCAM (NCAM180, NCAM140 and NCAM120). Interestingly, social isolation reduced the volume of the hippocampal CA1 subfield, without affecting the volume of the CA3 subregion or the total hippocampus. Moreover, attenuated body weight gain and reduced number of granulocytes were detected in isolated animals. Our findings indicate for the first time, that long-term social isolation of adult female animals induces a specific shrinkage of CA1 and a decrease in synaptic levels of PSA-NCAM in thehippocampus. These effects may be related to the deficit in contextual fear memory observed in isolated female degus.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-15--Social isolation during the vulnerable period of adolescence produces emotional dysregulation that o

Social isolation during the vulnerable period of adolescence produces emotional dysregulation that often manifests as abnormal behavior in adulthood .
The enduring consequence of isolation might be caused by a weakened ability to forget unpleasant memories .
However , it remains unclear whether isolation affects unpleasant memories .
To address this , we used a model of associative learning to induce the fear memories and evaluated the influence of isolation mice during adolescence on the subsequent retention of fear memories and its underlying cellular mechanisms .
Following adolescent social isolation , we found that mice decreased their social interaction time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Interestingly , when we assessed memory retention , we found that isolated mice were unable to forget aversive memories when tested 4 weeks after the original event .
Consistent with this , we observed that a single train of high-frequency stimulation ( HFS ) enabled a late-phase long-term potentiation ( L-LTP ) in the hippocampal CA1 region of isolated mice , whereas only an early-phase LTP was observed with the same stimulation in the control mice .
Social isolation during adolescence also increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF ) expression in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kinase B ( TrkB ) receptor inhibitor ameliorated the facilitated L-LTP seen after isolation .
Together , our results suggest that adolescent isolation may result in mental disorders during adulthood and that this may stem from an inability to forget the unpleasant memories via BDNF-mediated synaptic plasticity .
These findings may give us a new strategy to prevent mental disorders caused by persistent unpleasant memories .

Social isolation during the vulnerable period of adolescence produces emotional dysregulation that often manifests as abnormal behavior in adulthood. The enduring consequence of isolation might be caused by a weakened ability to forget unpleasant memories. However, it remains unclear whether isolation affects unpleasant memories. To address this, we used a model of associative learning to induce the fear memories and evaluated the influence of isolation mice during adolescence on the subsequent retention of fear memories and its underlying cellular mechanisms. Following adolescent social isolation, we found that mice decreased their social interaction time and had an increase in anxiety-related behavior. Interestingly, when we assessed memory retention, we found that isolated mice were unable to forget aversive memories when tested 4 weeks after the original event. Consistent with this, we observed that a single train of high-frequency stimulation (HFS) enabled a late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 region of isolated mice, whereas only an early-phase LTP was observed with the same stimulation in the control mice. Social isolation during adolescence also increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus, and application of a tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptor inhibitor ameliorated the facilitated L-LTP seen after isolation. Together, our results suggest that adolescent isolation may result in mental disorders during adulthood and that this may stem from an inability to forget the unpleasant memories via BDNF-mediated synaptic plasticity. These findings may give us a new strategy to prevent mental disorders caused by persistent unpleasant memories.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-15--Social isolation has detrimental effects on human and animal cognitive functions.

Social isolation ( SI ) has detrimental effects on human and animal cognitive functions .
In particular , acute isolation @ @ @ @ @ recognition memory ( SRM ) .
Previous accounts of this impairment have focused primarily on @ @ @ @ @ the current study suggests that impaired SRM results from enhanced forgetting .
SI accelerates SRM @ @ @ @ @ .
The impairment is caused by elevated Rac1 activity in the hippocampus .
Using adeno-associated-virus-based @ @ @ @ @ that inhibition of Rac1 activity blocked forgetting of SRM in isolated adult mice , whereas @ @ @ @ @ in group-housed mice .
Moreover , resocialization reversed the accelerated forgetting following isolation in correlation @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , accelerated long-term potentiation ( LTP ) decay in isolated mice brain @ @ @ @ @ of Rac1 activity .
Taken together , the findings lead us to conclude that social @ @ @ @ @ are mediated by enhanced Rac1-dependent forgetting .

Social isolation (SI) has detrimental effects on human and animal cognitive functions. In particular, acute isolation in adult mice impairs social recognition memory (SRM). Previous accounts of this impairment have focused primarily on memory consolidation. However, the current study suggests that impaired SRM results from enhanced forgetting. SI accelerates SRM decay without affecting memory formation. The impairment is caused by elevated Rac1 activity in the hippocampus. Using adeno-associated-virus-based genetic manipulation, we found that inhibition of Rac1 activity blocked forgetting of SRM in isolated adult mice, whereas activation of Rac1 accelerated forgetting in group-housed mice. Moreover, resocialization reversed the accelerated forgetting following isolation in correlation with suppression of Rac1 activity. In addition, accelerated long-term potentiation (LTP) decay in isolated mice brain slices was rescued by inhibition of Rac1 activity. Taken together, the findings lead us to conclude that social memory deficits in isolated mice are mediated by enhanced Rac1-dependent forgetting.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-15--Social isolation in adolescence leads to lasting deficits, including emotional and cognitive dysregu

Social isolation in adolescence leads to lasting deficits , including emotional and cognitive dysregulation .
It remains unclear , however @ @ @ @ @ certain processes of memory and what molecular mechanisms are involved .
In this study , @ @ @ @ @ during the post-weaning period resulted in forgetting of the long-term fear memory , which was @ @ @ @ @ synaptic function in the hippocampal CA1 region mediated by EphB2 , a receptor tyrosine kinase @ @ @ @ @ receptor multiprotein complex .
Viral-mediated EphB2 knockdown in CA1 mimicked the memory defects in group-housed @ @ @ @ @ EphB2 by either viral overexpression or resocialization reversed the memory decline in isolated mice .
@ @ @ @ @ indicates that social isolation gives rise to memory forgetting by disrupting EphB2-mediated synaptic plasticity , @ @ @ @ @ target for preventing memory loss caused by social isolation or loneliness .

Social isolation in adolescence leads to lasting deficits, including emotional and cognitive dysregulation. It remains unclear, however, how social isolation affects certain processes of memory and what molecular mechanisms are involved. In this study, we found that social isolation during the post-weaning period resulted in forgetting of the long-term fear memory, which was attributable to the downregulation of synaptic function in the hippocampal CA1 region mediated by EphB2, a receptor tyrosine kinase which involves in the glutamate receptor multiprotein complex. Viral-mediated EphB2 knockdown in CA1 mimicked the memory defects in group-housed mice, whereas restoration of EphB2 by either viral overexpression or resocialization reversed the memory decline in isolated mice. Taken together, our finding indicates that social isolation gives rise to memory forgetting by disrupting EphB2-mediated synaptic plasticity, which may provide a potential target for preventing memory loss caused by social isolation or loneliness.


greenmedinfo--2020-11-15--Increased risk of mortality associated with social isolation in older men.

BACKGROUND : Loneliness has a significant influence on both physical and mental health .
Few studies have investigated the possible associations of loneliness with mortality risk , impact on men and women and whether this impact concerns the situation of being alone ( social isolation ) , experiencing loneliness ( feeling lonely ) or both .
The current study investigated whether social isolation and feelings of loneliness in older men and women were associated with increased mortality risk , controlling for depression and other potentially confounding factors .
METHOD : In our prospective cohort study of 4004 older persons aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mortality data a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to test whether social isolation factors and feelings of loneliness predicted an increased risk of mortality , controlling for psychiatric disorders and medical conditions , cognitive functioning , functional status and sociodemographic factors .
RESULTS : At 10 years follow-up , significantly more men than women with feelings of loneliness at baseline had died .
After adjustment for explanatory variables including social isolation , the mortality hazard ratio for feelings of loneliness was 1.30 [ 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) 1.04-1.63 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % CI 0.90-1.24 ) in women .
No higher risk of mortality was found for social isolation .
CONCLUSIONS : Feelings of loneliness rather than social isolation factors were found to be a major risk factor for increasing mortality in older men .
Developing a better understanding of the nature of this association may help us to improve quality of life and longevity , especially in older men .

BACKGROUND: Loneliness has a significant influence on both physical and mental health. Few studies have investigated the possible associations of loneliness with mortality risk, impact on men and women and whether this impact concerns the situation of being alone (social isolation), experiencing loneliness (feeling lonely) or both. The current study investigated whether social isolation and feelings of loneliness in older men and women were associated with increased mortality risk, controlling for depression and other potentially confounding factors.
METHOD: In our prospective cohort study of 4004 older persons aged 65-84 years with a 10-year follow-up of mortality data a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to test whether social isolation factors and feelings of loneliness predicted an increased risk of mortality, controlling for psychiatric disorders and medical conditions, cognitive functioning, functional status and sociodemographic factors.
RESULTS: At 10 years follow-up, significantly more men than women with feelings of loneliness at baseline had died. After adjustment for explanatory variables including social isolation, the mortality hazard ratio for feelings of loneliness was 1.30 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.63] in men and 1.04 (95% CI 0.90-1.24) in women. No higher risk of mortality was found for social isolation.
CONCLUSIONS: Feelings of loneliness rather than social isolation factors were found to be a major risk factor for increasing mortality in older men. Developing a better understanding of the nature of this association may help us to improve quality of life and longevity, especially in older men.