greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Fucoidan supplementation restores fecal lysozyme concentrations in high-performance athletes.

Nutritional strategies to help promote immune competence are of particular interest for a range of population groups .
This study aimed to assess the potential impacts of fucoidan , a seaweed-derived bioactive polysaccharide , on gut markers of immunity and inflammation .
A group of professional team-sport athletes were selected for inclusion in the study given the recognized potential for intense physical activity to induce alterations in immune function .
A retrospective analysis was performed on stored fecal samples which had been collected from professional team-sport athletes ( = 22 ) and healthy adults ( = 11 ) before and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( /extract , 1 g/d ) .
Fecal concentrations of calprotectin , secretory immunoglobulin A ( sIgA ) and lysozyme were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays .
The supplement was well tolerated by participants with no adverse events reported .
At baseline , fecal lysozyme concentrations were ~73 % higher in the healthy adults compared to the professional athletes ( = 0.001 ) .
For the professional athletes , a significant ( ~45 % ) increase in fecal lysozyme was observed following the supplementation period ( = 0.001 ) .
These data suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to promote the secretion of antimicrobial peptides in specific population groups and contribute to the regulation of mucosal immune health .

Nutritional strategies to help promote immune competence are of particular interest for a range of population groups. This study aimed to assess the potential impacts of fucoidan, a seaweed-derived bioactive polysaccharide, on gut markers of immunity and inflammation. A group of professional team-sport athletes were selected for inclusion in the study given the recognized potential for intense physical activity to induce alterations in immune function. A retrospective analysis was performed on stored fecal samples which had been collected from professional team-sport athletes (= 22) and healthy adults (= 11) before and after seven days of supplementation with fucoidan (/extract, 1 g/d). Fecal concentrations of calprotectin, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and lysozyme were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The supplement was well tolerated by participants with no adverse events reported. At baseline, fecal lysozyme concentrations were ~73% higher in the healthy adults compared to the professional athletes (= 0.001). For the professional athletes, a significant (~45%) increase in fecal lysozyme was observed following the supplementation period (= 0.001). These data suggest that fucoidan supplementation may have the potential to promote the secretion of antimicrobial peptides in specific population groups and contribute to the regulation of mucosal immune health.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Tomatidine protects against ischemic neuronal injury by improving lysosomal function.

Cerebral ischemia is a severe neurological disorder with limited therapy .
Autophagy refers to the intracellular degradation process via an autophagosome-lysosome pathway .
Emerging studies indicated the neuroprotective effects of autophagy against ischemic neuronal injury , suggesting the potential neuroprotection of autophagy-inducing compounds .
Tomatidine is a gut microbiota-derived metabolite from unripe tomatoes .
Tomatidine activates autophagy either in mammal cells or C elegans .
However , potential neuroprotection of tomatidine against ischemic neuronal injury has not been determined .
In the present investigation , Na cells and primary cultured mice cortical neurons were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was determined by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase release .
Autophagosomes and autolysosomes were visualized by transfecting mCherry-GFP-tandem fluorescent LC3 .
The protein levels of LC3 , Cathepsin D , Cathepsin B , and transcription factor EB ( TFEB ) were detected by Western blot .
Lysosomes were stained with LysoTracker Red and dequenched-bovine serum albumin ( DQ-BSA red ) .
Tomatidine alleviated OGD/R-induced injury in Na cells and neurons .
Interestingly , tomatidine treatment attenuated , rather than reinforced , the OGD/R-elevated LC3-II , which can be reversed by lysosome inhibitor .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autophagosome generation with tomatidine treatment in our models .
Indeed , tomatidine increased the lysosome number , proteolytic activities , as well as the expression of Cathepsin D and Cathepsin B .
In addition , tomatidine increased the expression and nucleus translocation of ( TFEB ) .
Besides , lysosomal inhibitors chloroquine and bafilomycin , but not wortmannin , abolished the protection of tomatidine .
In conclusion , the present study revealed the neuroprotection of tomatidine against ischemic injury by promoting lysosomal activity , possibly with the involvement of TFEB-related mechanisms .

Cerebral ischemia is a severe neurological disorder with limited therapy. Autophagy refers to the intracellular degradation process via an autophagosome-lysosome pathway. Emerging studies indicated the neuroprotective effects of autophagy against ischemic neuronal injury, suggesting the potential neuroprotection of autophagy-inducing compounds. Tomatidine is a gut microbiota-derived metabolite from unripe tomatoes. Tomatidine activates autophagy either in mammal cells or C elegans. However, potential neuroprotection of tomatidine against ischemic neuronal injury has not been determined. In the present investigation, Na cells and primary cultured mice cortical neurons were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion (OGD/R). Cell injury was determined by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase release. Autophagosomes and autolysosomes were visualized by transfecting mCherry-GFP-tandem fluorescent LC3. The protein levels of LC3, Cathepsin D, Cathepsin B, and transcription factor EB (TFEB) were detected by Western blot. Lysosomes were stained with LysoTracker Red and dequenched-bovine serum albumin (DQ-BSA red). Tomatidine alleviated OGD/R-induced injury in Na cells and neurons. Interestingly, tomatidine treatment attenuated, rather than reinforced, the OGD/R-elevated LC3-II, which can be reversed by lysosome inhibitor. These results indicated enhanced lysosomal activity rather than autophagosome generation with tomatidine treatment in our models. Indeed, tomatidine increased the lysosome number, proteolytic activities, as well as the expression of Cathepsin D and Cathepsin B. In addition, tomatidine increased the expression and nucleus translocation of (TFEB). Besides, lysosomal inhibitors chloroquine and bafilomycin, but not wortmannin, abolished the protection of tomatidine. In conclusion, the present study revealed the neuroprotection of tomatidine against ischemic injury by promoting lysosomal activity, possibly with the involvement of TFEB-related mechanisms.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Tomatidine suppresses inflammation in primary articular chondrocytes and attenuates cartilage degrad

Tomatidine suppresses inflammation in primary articular chondrocytes and attenuates cartilage degradation.

In this study , we investigated whether the anti-inflammatory effects of tomatidine alleviate osteoarthritis ( OA ) -related pathology in primary articular chondrocytes and a rat OA model .
STITCH database analysis identified 22 tomatidine-target genes that were enriched in 78 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ( KEGG ) pathways .
Moreover,39 of the 105 OA-related KEGG pathways were related to tomatidine-target genes .
The top two OA-related KEGG pathways with tomatidine-target genes were the MAPK and neutrophin signaling pathways .
Pretreating primary chondrocytes with tomatidine suppressed interleukin-1β ( IL-1β ) -induced expression of iNOS , COX-2 , MMP1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tomatidine also suppressed IL-1β-induced degradation of collagen-II and aggrecan proteins by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling .
In a rat OA model , histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed significantly less cartilage degeneration in thetibiofemoral joints of rats treated for 12 weeks with tomatidine after OA induction ( experimental group ) than in untreated OA group rats .
However , micro-computed tomography ( μ-CT ) showed that tomatidine did not affect remodeling of the subchondral bone at the tibialplateau .
These data shows that tomatidine suppresses IL-1β-induced inflammation in primary chondrocytes by inhibiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and protects against cartilage destruction in a rat OA model .

In this study, we investigated whether the anti-inflammatory effects of tomatidine alleviate osteoarthritis (OA)-related pathology in primary articular chondrocytes and a rat OA model. STITCH database analysis identified 22 tomatidine-target genes that were enriched in 78 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Moreover,39 of the 105 OA-related KEGG pathways were related to tomatidine-target genes. The top two OA-related KEGG pathways with tomatidine-target genes were the MAPK and neutrophin signaling pathways. Pretreating primary chondrocytes with tomatidine suppressed interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced expression of iNOS, COX-2, MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, and ADAMTS-5. Tomatidine also suppressed IL-1β-induced degradation of collagen-II and aggrecan proteins by inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling. In a rat OA model, histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed significantly less cartilage degeneration in thetibiofemoral joints of rats treated for 12 weeks with tomatidine after OA induction (experimental group) than in untreated OA group rats. However, micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) showed that tomatidine did not affect remodeling of the subchondral bone at the tibialplateau. These data shows that tomatidine suppresses IL-1β-induced inflammation in primary chondrocytes by inhibiting the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, and protects against cartilage destruction in a rat OA model.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Antioxidant fucoidans obtained from tropical seaweed protect pre-osteoblastic cells from hydrogen pe

Antioxidant fucoidans obtained from tropical seaweed protect pre-osteoblastic cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced damage.

Some antioxidant compounds decrease the amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) and consequently reduce the deleterious effects of ROS in osteoblasts .
Thus , these compounds fight against osteoporosis .
Brown seaweeds are a rich source of antioxidant fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides ( fucans and fucoidans ) .
We obtained six fucoidans ( FRFs ) -F0.3 , F0.5 , F0.7 , F1.0 , F1.5 , and F2.1-fromby proteolytic digestion followed by sequential acetone precipitation .
Except for F0.3 , all FRFs showed antioxidant activity in different in vitro tests .
In pre- osteoblast-like cells ( MC3T3-L1 ) exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were activated , resulting in apoptosis of the cells .
We also observed a decrease in superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) and alkaline phosphatase ( ALP ) activity .
The antioxidant FRFs protected the cells from the oxidative damage caused by HO , decreasing intracellular ROS and caspase activation , and increasing SOD activity .
The most effective protection against damage was provided by F0.7 , F1.5 , and F2.1 .
At 0.5 mg/mL , these FRFs also suppressed the HO-mediated inhibition of ALP activity .
The data indicated that FRFs F0.7 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protected bone tissue from oxidative stress and could represent possible adjuvants for the treatment of bone fragility through counteracting oxidative phenomena .

Some antioxidant compounds decrease the amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequently reduce the deleterious effects of ROS in osteoblasts. Thus, these compounds fight against osteoporosis. Brown seaweeds are a rich source of antioxidant fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (fucans and fucoidans). We obtained six fucoidans (FRFs)-F0.3, F0.5, F0.7, F1.0, F1.5, and F2.1-fromby proteolytic digestion followed by sequential acetone precipitation. Except for F0.3, all FRFs showed antioxidant activity in different in vitro tests. In pre- osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-L1) exposed to HO-oxidative stress, caspase-3 and caspase-9 were activated, resulting in apoptosis of the cells. We also observed a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The antioxidant FRFs protected the cells from the oxidative damage caused by HO, decreasing intracellular ROS and caspase activation, and increasing SOD activity. The most effective protection against damage was provided by F0.7, F1.5, and F2.1. At 0.5 mg/mL, these FRFs also suppressed the HO-mediated inhibition of ALP activity. The data indicated that FRFs F0.7, F1.5, and F2.1 fromwere antioxidants that protected bone tissue from oxidative stress and could represent possible adjuvants for the treatment of bone fragility through counteracting oxidative phenomena.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--A commercial seaweed extract structured microbial communities associated with tomato and pepper root

A commercial seaweed extract structured microbial communities associated with tomato and pepper roots and significantly increased crop yield.

Seaweeds have been used as a source of natural fertilizer and biostimulant in agriculture for centuries .
However , their effects on soil and crop root microbiota remain unclear .
Here , we used a commercially available Ascophyllum nodosum extract ( ANE ) to test its effect on bacterial and fungal communities of rhizospheric soils and roots of pepper and tomato plants in greenhouse trials .
Two independent trials were conducted in a split-block design .
We used amplicon sequencing targeting fungal ITS and bacterial 16S rRNA gene to determine microbial community structure changes .
We find that productivity parameters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were positively and significantly influenced by the ANE amendment .
In addition , a-diversity differed significantly between amended and control plants , but only in some of the experimental conditions .
Species composition among sites ( b-diversity ) differed according to the amendment treatment in all four communities ( fungal-root , fungal-soil , bacterial-root and bacterial-soil ) .
Finally , we identified a number of candidate taxa most strongly correlated with crop yield increases .
Further studies on isolation and characterization of these microbial taxa linked to the application of liquid seaweed extract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustainable agro-ecosystems .

Seaweeds have been used as a source of natural fertilizer and biostimulant in agriculture for centuries. However, their effects on soil and crop root microbiota remain unclear. Here, we used a commercially available Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) to test its effect on bacterial and fungal communities of rhizospheric soils and roots of pepper and tomato plants in greenhouse trials. Two independent trials were conducted in a split-block design. We used amplicon sequencing targeting fungal ITS and bacterial 16S rRNA gene to determine microbial community structure changes. We find that productivity parameters of root, shoot and fruit biomass were positively and significantly influenced by the ANE amendment. In addition, a-diversity differed significantly between amended and control plants, but only in some of the experimental conditions. Species composition among sites (b-diversity) differed according to the amendment treatment in all four communities (fungal-root, fungal-soil, bacterial-root and bacterial-soil). Finally, we identified a number of candidate taxa most strongly correlated with crop yield increases. Further studies on isolation and characterization of these microbial taxa linked to the application of liquid seaweed extract may help to enhance crop yield in sustainable agro-ecosystems.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Exogenous application of β-sitosterol mediated growth and yield improvement in water-stressed wheat

Exogenous application of β-sitosterol mediated growth and yield improvement in water-stressed wheat involves up-regulated antioxidant system.

Water stress reduces crop production significantly , and climate change has further aggravated the problem mainly in arid and semi-arid regions .
This was the first study on the possible effects ofβ-sitosterol application in ameliorating the deleterious changes in wheat induced by water stress under field condition and drip irrigation regimes .
A field experiment with the split-plot design was conducted , and wheat plants were foliar sprayed with four β-sitosterol ( BBS ) concentrations ( 0 , 25,75 , and 100 mg L ) and two irrigation regimes [ 50 and 100 % of crop evapotranspiration ( ET ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced biological yield , grain yield , harvest index , and photosynthetic efficiency significantly by 28.9 % , 42.8 % , 19.6 % , and 20.5 % compared with the well-watered plants , respectively .
Proline content increased in water-stressed and BSS-treated plants , owing to a significant role in cellular osmotic adjustment .
Application of BSS was effective in reducing the generation of hydrogen peroxide ( HO ) and hence the malondialdehyde content significantly in water-stressed and well-watered wheat plants .
Application of BSS up-regulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes ( SOD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) significantly and increased the content of tocopherol , ascorbic acid , and carotene thereby reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species .
The increased antioxidant system in BSS treated plants was further supported by the expression level of SOD and dehydrin genes in both water-stressed and well-watered plants .
In the present study , the application of BBS at 100 mg Lwas beneficial and can be recommended for improving the growth and yield of the wheat crop under water stress .

Water stress reduces crop production significantly, and climate change has further aggravated the problem mainly in arid and semi-arid regions. This was the first study on the possible effects ofβ-sitosterol application in ameliorating the deleterious changes in wheat induced by water stress under field condition and drip irrigation regimes. A field experiment with the split-plot design was conducted, and wheat plants were foliar sprayed with four β-sitosterol (BBS) concentrations (0, 25,75, and 100 mg L) and two irrigation regimes [50 and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ET)]. Water stress without BBS treatment reduced biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, and photosynthetic efficiency significantly by 28.9%, 42.8%, 19.6%, and 20.5% compared with the well-watered plants, respectively. Proline content increased in water-stressed and BSS-treated plants, owing to a significant role in cellular osmotic adjustment. Application of BSS was effective in reducing the generation of hydrogen peroxide (HO) and hence the malondialdehyde content significantly in water-stressed and well-watered wheat plants. Application of BSS up-regulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, POD, and APX) significantly and increased the content of tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and carotene thereby reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species. The increased antioxidant system in BSS treated plants was further supported by the expression level of SOD and dehydrin genes in both water-stressed and well-watered plants. In the present study, the application of BBS at 100 mg Lwas beneficial and can be recommended for improving the growth and yield of the wheat crop under water stress.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Bee pollination outperforms pesticides for oilseed crop production and profitability.

Nature-based agriculture that reduces dependency on chemical inputs requires using ecological principles for sustainable agro-ecosystems , aiming to balance ecology @ @ @ @ @ .
There is growing evidence that pollinator-dependent crops with high insect , particularly bee , @ @ @ @ @ yields .
However , the interacting effects between insect pollination and agricultural inputs on crop @ @ @ @ @ to be established to reconcile food production with biodiversity conservation .
We quantified individual and @ @ @ @ @ insect pollination and soil quality on oilseed rape ( L. ) yield and gross margin @ @ @ @ @ 294 farmers ' fields surveyed between 2013 and 2016 .
We show that yield and @ @ @ @ @ 15-40 % ) in fields with higher pollinator abundance than in fields with reduced pollinator @ @ @ @ @ , however , strongly reduced by pesticide use .
Greater yields may be achieved by @ @ @ @ @ bee abundance , but crop economic returns were only increased by the latter , because @ @ @ @ @ while their costs reduced gross margins .

Nature-based agriculture that reduces dependency on chemical inputs requires using ecological principles for sustainable agro-ecosystems, aiming to balance ecology, economics and social justice. There is growing evidence that pollinator-dependent crops with high insect, particularly bee, pollination service can give higher yields. However, the interacting effects between insect pollination and agricultural inputs on crop yields and farm economics remain to be established to reconcile food production with biodiversity conservation. We quantified individual and combined effects of pesticides, insect pollination and soil quality on oilseed rape (L.) yield and gross margin, using a total of 294 farmers' fields surveyed between 2013 and 2016. We show that yield and gross margins are greater (15-40%) in fields with higher pollinator abundance than in fields with reduced pollinator abundance. This effect is, however, strongly reduced by pesticide use. Greater yields may be achieved by either increasing agrochemicals or increasing bee abundance, but crop economic returns were only increased by the latter, because pesticides did not increase yields while their costs reduced gross margins.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Effect of green garlic/cucumber crop rotation for 3 years on the dynamics of soil properties and cuc

Effect of green garlic/cucumber crop rotation for 3 years on the dynamics of soil properties and cucumber yield in Chinese anthrosol.

BACKGROUND : Long-term drastic anthropic inputs in conventional monoculture systems cause negative plant-soil feedback that will largely affect sustainable cucumber cultivation .
The inclusion of multicropping in intensive cropping systems could reduce the detrimental effects of continuous cropping obstacles .
The present study investigated the dynamics of soil microbial communities , soil enzyme activities and cucumber yield under plastic tunnel cultivation for three successive growing seasons ( 2013 , 2014 and 2015 ) .
RESULT : In the amended crop rotation system , soil pH decreased with increasing number of cropped garlic bulbs .
The soil electrical conductivity significantly changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with increasing number of incorporated garlic bulbs .
The level of soil organic matter content increased in the last year ( 2015 ) .
Soil catalase activity was generally induced by the treatments of 10 , 15 , 20 and 25 garlic bulbs , and soil invertase activity was also enhanced by all the treatments in the last year .
Similarly , fungal species richness dramatically increased under these crop rotation systems .
In this study , we found the highest cucumber yield under the cropping treatment of 20 garlic bulbs .
CONCLUSION @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garlic/cucumber cropping system is a sustainable and efficient cropping system for cucumber production and can improve the soil environment to a certain extent.© 2019 Society of Chemical Industry .

BACKGROUND: Long-term drastic anthropic inputs in conventional monoculture systems cause negative plant-soil feedback that will largely affect sustainable cucumber cultivation. The inclusion of multicropping in intensive cropping systems could reduce the detrimental effects of continuous cropping obstacles. The present study investigated the dynamics of soil microbial communities, soil enzyme activities and cucumber yield under plastic tunnel cultivation for three successive growing seasons (2013, 2014 and 2015).
RESULT: In the amended crop rotation system, soil pH decreased with increasing number of cropped garlic bulbs. The soil electrical conductivity significantly changed during the entire growth period and increased with increasing number of incorporated garlic bulbs. The level of soil organic matter content increased in the last year (2015). Soil catalase activity was generally induced by the treatments of 10, 15, 20 and 25 garlic bulbs, and soil invertase activity was also enhanced by all the treatments in the last year. Similarly, fungal species richness dramatically increased under these crop rotation systems. In this study, we found the highest cucumber yield under the cropping treatment of 20 garlic bulbs.
CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the green garlic/cucumber cropping system is a sustainable and efficient cropping system for cucumber production and can improve the soil environment to a certain extent.© 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Combined LED light of red, blue and white could improve the quality of eggplant seedlings and the yi

Combined LED light of red, blue and white could improve the quality of eggplant seedlings and the yield and quality of eggplant fruits.

The effects of red/blue=3/1 [ R/B=3/1 ( 9/3 ) , as control , CK ] , white light ( W , as control , CK ) , and combined light of red , blue and white [ R/B/W=3/1/1 ( 9/3/3 ) , T ; R/B/W=9/3/8 , T ; R/B/W=3/1/6 ( 9/3/18 ) , T ; R/B/W=3/1/16 ( 9/3/48 ) , T ] on the growth , root development , quality and yield of eggplants were examined to provide theoretical and technical support for intensive and high-efficient light supplement and eggplant seedlings cultivation , using LED to accurately regulate light environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous findings of the benefits of R/B=3/1 to the cultivation of eggplant seedlings .
The results showed that R/B/W=9/3/8 treatment significantly increased plant height , stem diameter , seedling index , shoot dry weight , root dry weight , root development , anthocyanins and flavonoids content in eggplant peels and early yield .
Root/shoot , total phenolic content in eggplant peels and soluble sugar content in pulps under R/B/W=3/1/1 treatment were significantly higher than those of other treatments .
Total leaf area and free amino acid content in pulps were higher under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in pulps was higher under R/B/W=3/1/16 treatment .
In summary , combined LED light of red , blue and white could improve the quality of eggplant seedlings and the yield and quality of eggplant fruits , with R/B/W=9/3/8 treatment being the best one in our study .

The effects of red/blue=3/1 [R/B=3/1(9/3), as control, CK], white light (W, as control, CK), and combined light of red, blue and white [R/B/W=3/1/1 (9/3/3), T; R/B/W=9/3/8, T; R/B/W=3/1/6 (9/3/18), T; R/B/W=3/1/16 (9/3/48), T] on the growth, root development, quality and yield of eggplants were examined to provide theoretical and technical support for intensive and high-efficient light supplement and eggplant seedlings cultivation, using LED to accurately regulate light environment and 'Gailiangdalong' eggplant, based on the previous findings of the benefits of R/B=3/1 to the cultivation of eggplant seedlings. The results showed that R/B/W=9/3/8 treatment significantly increased plant height, stem diameter, seedling index, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root development, anthocyanins and flavonoids content in eggplant peels and early yield. Root/shoot, total phenolic content in eggplant peels and soluble sugar content in pulps under R/B/W=3/1/1 treatment were significantly higher than those of other treatments. Total leaf area and free amino acid content in pulps were higher under R/B/W=3/1/6 treatment. The soluble protein content in pulps was higher under R/B/W=3/1/16 treatment. In summary, combined LED light of red, blue and white could improve the quality of eggplant seedlings and the yield and quality of eggplant fruits, with R/B/W=9/3/8 treatment being the best one in our study.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Effectiveness of Cucumis sativus extract versus glucosamine-chondroitin in the management of moderat

Effectiveness of Cucumis sativus extract versus glucosamine-chondroitin in the management of moderate osteoarthritis.

Purpose : Osteoarthritis ( OA ) is an age-related disease caused by the wear and tear of the joints .
Presently , there is no known cure for OA , but its management involves the use of high doses of pain killers and antiinflammatory agents with different side and dependency effects .
Alternative management strategies involve the use of high doses of glucosamine-chondroitin ( GC ) .
This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Q-Actin™ , an aqueous extract of ( cucumber ; CSE ) against GC in the management of moderate knee OA .
Patients and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 56 males and 66 females ) aged between 40 and 75 years and diagnosed with moderate knee OA were included in this randomized double-blind , parallel-group clinical trial that took place in three different centers .
The 180 day intervention involved two groups of 61 participants in each : the GC group , which received orally the generally prescribed dose of 1,350 mg of GC twice daily and the CSE group , which received orally10 mg twice daily of CSE .
The Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index ( WOMAC ) , Visual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Index were used to evaluate pain , stiffness , and physical function of knee OA in participants at baseline ( Day 0 ) and on Days 30 , 60 , 90 , 120 , 150 , and 180 .
Results : In the CSE group , the WOMAC score was decreased by 22.44 % and 70.29 % on Days 30 and 180 , respectively , compared to a 14.80 % and 32.81 % decrease in the GC group .
Similar trends were observed for all the other pain scores .
No adverse effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conclusion : The use of 10 mg CSE , twice daily , was effective in reducing pain related to moderate knee OA and can be potentially used in the management of knee pain , stiffness , and physical functions related to OA .

Purpose: Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related disease caused by the wear and tear of the joints. Presently, there is no known cure for OA, but its management involves the use of high doses of pain killers and antiinflammatory agents with different side and dependency effects. Alternative management strategies involve the use of high doses of glucosamine-chondroitin (GC). This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Q-Actin™, an aqueous extract of(cucumber; CSE) against GC in the management of moderate knee OA.
Patients and methods: Overall, 122 patients (56 males and 66 females) aged between 40 and 75 years and diagnosed with moderate knee OA were included in this randomized double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial that took place in three different centers. The 180 day intervention involved two groups of 61 participants in each: the GC group, which received orally the generally prescribed dose of 1,350 mg of GC twice daily and the CSE group, which received orally10 mg twice daily of CSE. The Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog scale, and Lequesne's Functional Index were used to evaluate pain, stiffness, and physical function of knee OA in participants at baseline (Day 0) and on Days 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180.
Results: In the CSE group, the WOMAC score was decreased by 22.44% and 70.29% on Days 30 and 180, respectively, compared to a 14.80% and 32.81% decrease in the GC group. Similar trends were observed for all the other pain scores. No adverse effect was reported during the trial period.
Conclusion: The use of 10 mg CSE, twice daily, was effective in reducing pain related to moderate knee OA and can be potentially used in the management of knee pain, stiffness, and physical functions related to OA.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial and anticancer activities of the aqueous extract

Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial and anticancer activities of the aqueous extract of Cucumis sativus.

Tumor is a multifactorial sickness and consequently can be viably overwhelmed by a multi-constituently remedial strategy .
Herbal extracts shows the example of such stratagem .
However , less research have been carried out till date that portray the effect of different extraction techniques on the phyto compounds profile of plant extracts and its effect on anticancer activity .
Cucumber ( L. ) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family like melon , squash and pumpkins .
It is a popular vegetable harvest in Indian customary medicine since olden times .
It has potential lipid lowering and antioxidant activity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have evaluated the anticancer prospective of methanolic and acetone extracts of ( CSME ) and ( CSAE ) .
Reported results show that ( CSME ) is rich in bioactive compounds shown anticancer activity with Cell lines of ( IC50 ) with MCF 715.6 ± 1.3 and HeLa 28.2 ± 1 .
This study on the presence of cytotoxic from theL . )
, which have been further used in herbal formulations study as an anticancer activity .
Our conclusion support additional in-depth study of this pharmacologic activity as an malignant tumor @ @

Tumor is a multifactorial sickness and consequently can be viably overwhelmed by a multi-constituently remedial strategy. Herbal extracts shows the example of such stratagem. However, less research have been carried out till date that portray the effect of different extraction techniques on the phyto compounds profile of plant extracts and its effect on anticancer activity. Cucumber (L.) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family like melon, squash and pumpkins. It is a popular vegetable harvest in Indian customary medicine since olden times. It has potential lipid lowering and antioxidant activity and antidiabetic. In the present study, we have evaluated the anticancer prospective of methanolic and acetone extracts of(CSME) and (CSAE). Reported results show that (CSME) is rich in bioactive compounds shown anticancer activity with Cell lines of (IC50) with MCF 715.6 ± 1.3 and HeLa 28.2 ± 1. This study on the presence of cytotoxic from theL.), which have been further used in herbal formulations study as an anticancer activity. Our conclusion support additional in-depth study of this pharmacologic activity as an malignant tumor agent.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of extracts of 12 melon peel powders prepared from commerc

Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of extracts of 12 melon peel powders prepared from commercial melons.

Melons are a diverse group of fresh , dessert fruits that includes orange flesh cantaloupe , green flesh honeydew , and mixed hybrid melons .
As part of an effort to discover potential health benefits of fruit and vegetable peels that are considered to be byproducts of food processing , we determined the total phenolic content and antioxidative activities of methanolic extracts of the powdered peels of the following commercial melon ( Cucumis melo ) varieties sold at retail markets in California that were imported from Mexico and Honduras : nonorganic Canary , Charentias , Hani Gold , Vine ripened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambrosia , Cantaloupe , Galia , Goddess , Ham , Honeydew , and Tuscan .
The total phenolic content ( in mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract ) ranged from 0.69 ( Tuscan ) to 2.96 ( Galia ) or 4.3-fold variation from lowest to highest value .
The antioxidative activity ( in mg ascorbic acid equivalents/mL extract ) ranged from 0.13 ( organic Tuscan ) to 0.26 ( organic Galia ) .
Similar results were observed using the ABTS antioxidative assay .
The content of the phenolic and flavonoid compounds 3-hydroxybenzoic acid , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acid , apigenin-7-α-glucoside , luteolin-7-o-glucoside , and quercetin-3-galactoside in three melon flesh samples ( nonorganic and organic Galia from Honduras and organic Galia from Mexico and two peel samples ( Mexican organic peel and flesh ) were analyzed using HPLC .
The results suggest that the peel from the HonduranGalia melon with the highest antioxidative activity merits further study to investigate potential health properties .
Potential nutritional and health benefits of melon peels , Seeds , and their bioactive compounds are discussed .
PRACTICAL APPLICATION : The peel from the Honduran Galia melon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits , including antioxidative , anticholesterol , and antidiabetic activities , and stimulation of thyroid function , as reported for peels from other melon varieties , as well as antibiotic activities against pathogenic bacteria , protozoa , and viruses .

Melons are a diverse group of fresh, dessert fruits that includes orange flesh cantaloupe, green flesh honeydew, and mixed hybrid melons. As part of an effort to discover potential health benefits of fruit and vegetable peels that are considered to be byproducts of food processing, we determined the total phenolic content and antioxidative activities of methanolic extracts of the powdered peels of the following commercial melon (Cucumis melo) varieties sold at retail markets in California that were imported from Mexico and Honduras: nonorganic Canary, Charentias, Hani Gold, Vine ripened, and Santa Claus; and organic Ambrosia, Cantaloupe, Galia, Goddess, Ham, Honeydew, and Tuscan. The total phenolic content (in mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) ranged from 0.69 (Tuscan) to 2.96 (Galia) or 4.3-fold variation from lowest to highest value. The antioxidative activity (in mg ascorbic acid equivalents/mL extract) ranged from 0.13 (organic Tuscan) to 0.26 (organic Galia). Similar results were observed using the ABTS antioxidative assay. The content of the phenolic and flavonoid compounds 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, isovanillic acid, apigenin-7-α-glucoside, luteolin-7-o-glucoside, and quercetin-3-galactoside in three melon flesh samples (nonorganic and organic Galia from Honduras and organic Galia from Mexico and two peel samples (Mexican organic peel and flesh) were analyzed using HPLC. The results suggest that the peel from the HonduranGalia melon with the highest antioxidative activity merits further study to investigate potential health properties. Potential nutritional and health benefits of melon peels, Seeds, and their bioactive compounds are discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The peel from the Honduran Galia melon variety merits further study for potential health benefits, including antioxidative, anticholesterol, and antidiabetic activities, and stimulation of thyroid function, as reported for peels from other melon varieties, as well as antibiotic activities against pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Protective effects of melon extracts on bone strength, mineralization, and metabolism.

A polyphenolic extract from melon ( L. ) , as a potential source of natural antioxidants , has been reported to have a positive effect on osteoblast activity .
In this study , the protective effects of heat-treated melon extract ( ECO-A ) on bone strength , mineralization , and metabolism were examined in osteoporotic rat models .
Osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy ( OVX ) in female rats and then maintained for 8 weeks , along with the ingestion of phosphate-buffered saline ( PBS , OVXP ) or ECO-A ( OVXE ) for an additional 4 weeks .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as bone mineral contents ( BMC ) and the density ( BMD ) of femurs and/or lumbar spines extracted from each animal , were measured by a mechanical test and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry , respectively .
Moreover , several biochemical markers for bone turnover were analyzed by respective colorimetric assay kits in addition to clinical analyses .
The maximum load and stiffness of femurs from the OVXE group were found to be significantly higher than the other groups .
Furthermore , the OVXE group showed significantly higher BMC , BMD , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OVXP groups , which were comparable to the non-OVX ( sham ) group .
The levels of bone formation and resorption markers in the OVXE group were similar to the sham group , but significantly different from other groups .
In conclusion , these results suggest that ECO-A can play potentially positive roles in the protection of bone loss in rats with OVX-induced osteoporosis .

A polyphenolic extract from melon (L.), as a potential source of natural antioxidants, has been reported to have a positive effect on osteoblast activity. In this study, the protective effects of heat-treated melon extract (ECO-A) on bone strength, mineralization, and metabolism were examined in osteoporotic rat models. Osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy (OVX) in female rats and then maintained for 8 weeks, along with the ingestion of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, OVXP) or ECO-A (OVXE) for an additional 4 weeks. At a pre-determined timepoint, bone strengths, as well as bone mineral contents (BMC) and the density (BMD) of femurs and/or lumbar spines extracted from each animal, were measured by a mechanical test and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respectively. Moreover, several biochemical markers for bone turnover were analyzed by respective colorimetric assay kits in addition to clinical analyses. The maximum load and stiffness of femurs from the OVXE group were found to be significantly higher than the other groups. Furthermore, the OVXE group showed significantly higher BMC, BMD, and bone volume than the OVX and OVXP groups, which were comparable to the non-OVX (sham) group. The levels of bone formation and resorption markers in the OVXE group were similar to the sham group, but significantly different from other groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that ECO-A can play potentially positive roles in the protection of bone loss in rats with OVX-induced osteoporosis.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Insights into the effect of curcumin and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate on the aggregation of Aβ(1-4

Insights into the effect of curcumin and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate on the aggregation of Aβ(1-40) monomers by means of molecular dynamics.

In this study , we compared the effects of two well-known natural compounds on the early step of the fibrillation @ @ @ @ @ ) , responsible for the formation of plaques in the brains of patients affected by @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The use of extensive replica exchange simulations up to the µs scale allowed @ @ @ @ @ activity of ( - ) -epigallocatechin-3-gallate ( EGCG ) and curcumin ( CUR ) onunfolded @ @ @ @ @ number of β-strands , characteristic of amyloid fibrils , and an increased distance between the @ @ @ @ @ for the intra- and interprotein aggregations are observed .
The central core region of the @ @ @ @ @ ) ) fibril is found to havea high affinity to EGCG and CUR due to @ @ @ @ @ .
Lastly , the free binding energy computed using the Poisson Boltzmann Surface Ares suggests @ @ @ @ @ to bind to unfolded Aβ ( 1-40 ) fibrils and that this molecule can be @ @ @ @ @ new and more effective congeners to treat AD .

In this study, we compared the effects of two well-known natural compounds on the early step of the fibrillation process of amyloid-β (1-40), responsible for the formation of plaques in the brains of patients affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD). The use of extensive replica exchange simulations up to the µs scale allowed us to characterize the inhibition activity of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and curcumin (CUR) onunfolded amyloid fibrils. A reduced number of β-strands, characteristic of amyloid fibrils, and an increased distance between the amino acids that are responsible for the intra- and interprotein aggregations are observed. The central core region of the amyloid-β (Aβ(1-40)) fibril is found to havea high affinity to EGCG and CUR due to the presence of hydrophobic residues. Lastly, the free binding energy computed using the Poisson Boltzmann Surface Ares suggests that EGCG is more likely to bind to unfolded Aβ(1-40) fibrils and that this molecule can be a good candidate to develop new and more effective congeners to treat AD.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--This reports the clinical course of 4 patients who experienced a clinical response to combination th

This reports the clinical course of 4 patients who experienced a clinical response to combination therapy with metformin or zyflamend.

Metformin is derived from galegine , a natural ingredient , and recent studies have suggested that metformin could enhance the @ @ @ @ @ therapy or chemotherapy and reduce prostate cancer-specific mortality .
Zyflamend is a combination of herbal @ @ @ @ @ comprises turmeric , holy basil , green tea , oregano , ginger , rosemary , @ @ @ @ @ , barberry , and basil skullcap .
We propose a maintenance regimen with metformin and/or @ @ @ @ @ cells and the tumor microenvironment to keep the cancer dormant and prevent it from activation @ @ @ @ @ we report the clinical course of four patients who experienced a clinical response after treatment @ @ @ @ @

Metformin is derived from galegine, a natural ingredient, and recent studies have suggested that metformin could enhance the antitumor effects of hormone ablative therapy or chemotherapy and reduce prostate cancer-specific mortality. Zyflamend is a combination of herbal extracts that reduces inflammation and comprises turmeric, holy basil, green tea, oregano, ginger, rosemary, Chinese goldthread, hu zhang, barberry, and basil skullcap. We propose a maintenance regimen with metformin and/or Zyflamend that targets cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment to keep the cancer dormant and prevent it from activation from dormancy. Herein, we report the clinical course of four patients who experienced a clinical response after treatment with metformin and/or Zyflamend.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Zyflamend, a polyherbal mixture, down regulates class I and class II histone deacetylases and increa

Zyflamend, a polyherbal mixture, down regulates class I and class II histone deacetylases and increases p21 levels in castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND : Zyflamend , a mixture containing extracts of ten herbs , has shown promise in a variety of preclinical cancer models , including prostate cancer .
The current experiments were designed to investigate the effects of Zyflamend on the expression of class I and II histone deacetylases , a family of enzymes known to be over expressed in a variety of cancers .
METHODS : CWR22Rv1 cells , a castrate-resistant prostate cancer cell line , were treated with Zyflamend and the expression of class I and II histone deacetylases , along with their downstream target the tumor suppressor gene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ p21 was confirmed with siRNA knockdown and over expression experiments .
RESULTS : Zyflamend down-regulated the expression of all class I and II histone deacetylases where Chinese goldthread and baikal skullcap ( two of its components ) appear to be primarily responsible for these results .
In addition , Zyflamend up regulated the histone acetyl transferase complex CBP/p300 , potentially contributing to the increase in histone 3 acetylation .
Expression of the tumor suppressor gene p21 , a known downstream target of histone deacetylases and CBP/p300 , was increased by Zyflamend treatment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part , mediated through Erk1/2 .
Knockdown of p21 with siRNA technology attenuated Zyflamend-induced growth inhibition .
Over expression of p21 inhibited cell growth and concomitant treatment with Zyflamend enhanced this effect .
CONCLUSIONS : Our results suggest that the extracts of this polyherbal combination increase histone 3 acetylation , inhibit the expression of class I and class II histone deacetylases , increase the activation of CBP/p300 and inhibit cell proliferation , in part , by up regulating p21 expression .

BACKGROUND: Zyflamend, a mixture containing extracts of ten herbs, has shown promise in a variety of preclinical cancer models, including prostate cancer. The current experiments were designed to investigate the effects of Zyflamend on the expression of class I and II histone deacetylases, a family of enzymes known to be over expressed in a variety of cancers.
METHODS: CWR22Rv1 cells, a castrate-resistant prostate cancer cell line, were treated with Zyflamend and the expression of class I and II histone deacetylases, along with their downstream target the tumor suppressor gene p21, was investigated. Involvement of p21 was confirmed with siRNA knockdown and over expression experiments.
RESULTS: Zyflamend down-regulated the expression of all class I and II histone deacetylases where Chinese goldthread and baikal skullcap (two of its components) appear to be primarily responsible for these results. In addition, Zyflamend up regulated the histone acetyl transferase complex CBP/p300, potentially contributing to the increase in histone 3 acetylation. Expression of the tumor suppressor gene p21, a known downstream target of histone deacetylases and CBP/p300, was increased by Zyflamend treatment and the effect on p21 was, in part, mediated through Erk1/2. Knockdown of p21 with siRNA technology attenuated Zyflamend-induced growth inhibition. Over expression of p21 inhibited cell growth and concomitant treatment with Zyflamend enhanced this effect.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the extracts of this polyherbal combination increase histone 3 acetylation, inhibit the expression of class I and class II histone deacetylases, increase the activation of CBP/p300 and inhibit cell proliferation, in part, by up regulating p21 expression.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Zyflamend is capable of counteracting bladder cancer resistance to cisplatin.

Background : Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is mainstay treatment in urinary bladder cancer ( UBC ) .
However , tumor recurrence frequently occurs with the acquisition of cisplatin resistance .
We explored the potential effect of a polyherbal preparation , Zyflamend , on UBC cells resistant to cisplatin treatment .
Methods : To establish a cisplatin-resistant human bladder cancer cell line , T24 cells were cultured in increasing concentrations of cisplatin for more than 10 months .
These cells ( T24R ) were then treated with different concentrations of Zyflamend , and both proliferation and activity of nuclear factor kappaB ( NFκB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test the synergistic effect between Zyflamend and cisplatin , we treated T24R cells either with Zyflamend or cisplatin alone , or in combination .
Apoptotic effect was evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining , and the levels of the proteins involved in cell cycle and anti-apoptosis were examined by Western blotting .
Finally , mice with palpable xenograft were treated either with cisplatin and Zyflamend alone or in combination for 28 days before they were sacrificed for measuring the sizes and weights of the tumor tissues .
In addition , proliferation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Results : Comparing to that in the parental T24 cells , NFκB is constitutively active in cisplatin-resistant T24R cells .
Zyflamend is capable of inhibiting the growth of T24 , T24R , as well as another UBC cell line J82 in a concentration-dependent manner .
Mechanistically , Zyflamend suppresses NFκB-mediated cell proliferation , survival , and invasion/angiogenesis and induces apoptosis .
In addition , Zyflamend significantly increased the sensitivity of T24R and J82 cells to cisplatin treatment and these findings were confirmed in T24R xenograft model with reduced proliferation index and decreased expression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Conclusion : Zyflamend is capable of counteracting bladder cancer resistance to cisplatin by repressing proliferation and inducing apoptosis through targeting NFκB signaling pathway .

Background: Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is mainstay treatment in urinary bladder cancer (UBC). However, tumor recurrence frequently occurs with the acquisition of cisplatin resistance. We explored the potential effect of a polyherbal preparation, Zyflamend, on UBC cells resistant to cisplatin treatment.
Methods: To establish a cisplatin-resistant human bladder cancer cell line, T24 cells were cultured in increasing concentrations of cisplatin for more than 10 months. These cells (T24R) were then treated with different concentrations of Zyflamend, and both proliferation and activity of nuclear factor kappaB (NFκB) signaling pathway were examined. To test the synergistic effect between Zyflamend and cisplatin, we treated T24R cells either with Zyflamend or cisplatin alone, or in combination. Apoptotic effect was evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining, and the levels of the proteins involved in cell cycle and anti-apoptosis were examined by Western blotting. Finally, mice with palpable xenograft were treated either with cisplatin and Zyflamend alone or in combination for 28 days before they were sacrificed for measuring the sizes and weights of the tumor tissues. In addition, proliferation and apoptosis markers were examined by immunohistochemistry.
Results: Comparing to that in the parental T24 cells, NFκB is constitutively active in cisplatin-resistant T24R cells. Zyflamend is capable of inhibiting the growth of T24, T24R, as well as another UBC cell line J82 in a concentration-dependent manner. Mechanistically, Zyflamend suppresses NFκB-mediated cell proliferation, survival, and invasion/angiogenesis and induces apoptosis. In addition, Zyflamend significantly increased the sensitivity of T24R and J82 cells to cisplatin treatment and these findings were confirmed in T24R xenograft model with reduced proliferation index and decreased expression of RelA and its downstream target MMP9.
Conclusion: Zyflamend is capable of counteracting bladder cancer resistance to cisplatin by repressing proliferation and inducing apoptosis through targeting NFκB signaling pathway.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Zyflamend induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells via modulation of the JNK pathway,

BACKGROUND : Current pharmacological therapies and treatments targeting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors ( PNETs ) have proven ineffective , far too often .
Therefore , there is an urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches .
Zyflamend , a combination of anti-inflammatory herbal extracts , that has proven to be effective in various in vitro and in vivo cancer platforms , shows promise .
However , its effects on pancreatic cancer , in particular , remain largely unexplored .
METHODS : In the current study , we investigated the effects of Zyflamend on the survival of beta-TC-6 pancreatic insulinoma cells ( β-TC6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the underlying molecular mechanisms .
RESULTS : Herein , we demonstrate that Zyflamend treatment decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner , concomitant with increased apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase .
At the molecular level , treatment with Zyflamend led to the induction of ER stress , autophagy , and the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase ( JNK ) pathway .
Notably , pharmacological inhibition of JNK abrogated the pro-apoptotic effects of Zyflamend .
Furthermore , Zyflamend exacerbated the effects of streptozotocin and adriamycin-induced ER stress , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The current study identifies Zyflamend as a potential novel adjuvant in the treatment of pancreatic cancer via modulation of the JNK pathway .
Video abstract .

BACKGROUND: Current pharmacological therapies and treatments targeting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) have proven ineffective, far too often. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Zyflamend, a combination of anti-inflammatory herbal extracts, that has proven to be effective in various in vitro and in vivo cancer platforms, shows promise. However, its effects on pancreatic cancer, in particular, remain largely unexplored.
METHODS: In the current study, we investigated the effects of Zyflamend on the survival of beta-TC-6 pancreatic insulinoma cells (β-TC6) and conducted a detailed analysis of the underlying molecular mechanisms.
RESULTS: Herein, we demonstrate that Zyflamend treatment decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, concomitant with increased apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. At the molecular level, treatment with Zyflamend led to the induction of ER stress, autophagy, and the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of JNK abrogated the pro-apoptotic effects of Zyflamend. Furthermore, Zyflamend exacerbated the effects of streptozotocin and adriamycin-induced ER stress, autophagy, and apoptosis.
CONCLUSION: The current study identifies Zyflamend as a potential novel adjuvant in the treatment of pancreatic cancer via modulation of the JNK pathway. Video abstract.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--Rosmarinic acid monotherapy is better than the combination of rosmarinic acid and telmisartan in pre

Rosmarinic acid monotherapy is better than the combination of rosmarinic acid and telmisartan in preventing podocyte detachment.

Background : Podocyte injury and its subsequent detachment play a critical role in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy ( DN ) .
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of rosmarinic acid ( RA ) in preventing podocyte detachment and inhibiting the progression of DN in streptozotocin ( STZ ) -induced diabetic in rats .
Methods : We used 20 adult male Wistar rats as experimental animals , which were randomly divided into 5 groups ( n=4 per group ) : nondiabetic rat group ( negative control ) and 4 groups of STZ-induced diabetic rats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rats ( positive control ) and 3 groups treated diabetic rats with RA 75 mg/kg , telmisartan ( TMS ) 1 mg/kg and combination of RA 75 mg/kg with TMS 1 mg/kg ) , respectively .
After 8 weeks of therapy , urinary levels of podocin , nephrin and albumin and also serum cystatin C levels were examined by ELISA .
The expression of p65 nuclear factor-kB by immunohistochemistry whereas expression of podocin and nephrin glomerulus were examined by immunofluorescence .
Results : In the treated diabetic groups , we found that urinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urine excretion and serum cystatin C levels were significantly lower than the positive control group .
Compared to negative controls , the group of treated diabetic rats did not differ significantly in preventing increased excretion of urinary nephrin and podocin .
Meanwhile , treatment with RA monotherapy was significantly better than TMS or a combination of RA with TMS in reducing albumin excretion and preventing decreased kidney function .
Conclusion : In STZ-induced diabetic rats , RA can prevent podocyte detachment .
Treatment with RA and TMS either monotherapy or in combination can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the combination of both did not show a synergistic effect , even have higher urinary albumin excretion and worse kidney function compared to the RA monotherapy .

Background: Podocyte injury and its subsequent detachment play a critical role in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of rosmarinic acid (RA) in preventing podocyte detachment and inhibiting the progression of DN in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic in rats.
Methods: We used 20 adult male Wistar rats as experimental animals, which were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=4 per group): nondiabetic rat group (negative control) and 4 groups of STZ-induced diabetic rats, namely, 1 group untreated diabetic rats (positive control) and 3 groups treated diabetic rats with RA 75 mg/kg, telmisartan (TMS) 1 mg/kg and combination of RA 75 mg/kg with TMS 1 mg/kg), respectively. After 8 weeks of therapy, urinary levels of podocin, nephrin and albumin and also serum cystatin C levels were examined by ELISA. The expression of p65 nuclear factor-kB by immunohistochemistry whereas expression of podocin and nephrin glomerulus were examined by immunofluorescence.
Results: In the treated diabetic groups, we found that urinary level of podocin and nephrin, albumin urine excretion and serum cystatin C levels were significantly lower than the positive control group. Compared to negative controls, the group of treated diabetic rats did not differ significantly in preventing increased excretion of urinary nephrin and podocin. Meanwhile, treatment with RA monotherapy was significantly better than TMS or a combination of RA with TMS in reducing albumin excretion and preventing decreased kidney function.
Conclusion: In STZ-induced diabetic rats, RA can prevent podocyte detachment. Treatment with RA and TMS either monotherapy or in combination can inhibit the development and progression of DN. However, the combination of both did not show a synergistic effect, even have higher urinary albumin excretion and worse kidney function compared to the RA monotherapy.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--Rosmarinic acid is able to reduce cell damage generated by the 4-aminopyridine and picrotoxin seizur

Rosmarinic acid is able to reduce cell damage generated by the 4-aminopyridine and picrotoxin seizures.

Studies have indicated that epilepsy , an important neurological disease , can generate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction , among other damages to the brain .
In this context , the use of antioxidant compounds could provide neuroprotection and help to reduce the damage caused by epileptic seizures and thereby the use of anticonvulsant drugs .
Rosmarinic acid ( RA ) is an ester of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylactic acid that prevents cell damage caused by free radicals , acting as an antioxidant .
It also presents anti-inflammatory , antimutagenic , and antiapoptotic properties .
In this work , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4-aminopyridine ( 4-AP ) and picrotoxin ( PTX ) -induced seizures in mice , to investigate the anticonvulsant , antioxidant , and neuroprotective profile of RA .
Diazepam and valproic acid , antiepileptic drugs already used in the treatment of epilepsy , were used as positive controls .
Although RA could not prevent seizures in the models used in this study , neither enhance the latency time to first seizure at the tested doses , it exhibited an antioxidant and neuroprotective effect .
RA ( 8 and 16 mg/kg ) decreased reactive oxygen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and DNA damage , measured in hippocampus , after seizures induced by PTX and 4-AP .
Catalase activity was decreased by RA only after seizures induced by 4-AP .
The activity of the mitochondrial complex II was increasedby RA in hippocampus samples after both seizure models .
The results obtained in this study suggest that RA is able to reduce cell damage generated by the 4-AP and PTX seizures and therefore could represent a potential candidate in reducing pathophysiological processes involved in epilepsy .

Studies have indicated that epilepsy, an important neurological disease, can generate oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, among other damages to the brain. In this context, the use of antioxidant compounds could provide neuroprotection and help to reduce the damage caused by epileptic seizures and thereby the use of anticonvulsant drugs. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is an ester of caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylactic acid that prevents cell damage caused by free radicals, acting as an antioxidant. It also presents anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiapoptotic properties. In this work, we used two models of acute seizure, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and picrotoxin (PTX)-induced seizures in mice, to investigate the anticonvulsant, antioxidant, and neuroprotective profile of RA. Diazepam and valproic acid, antiepileptic drugs already used in the treatment of epilepsy, were used as positive controls. Although RA could not prevent seizures in the models used in this study, neither enhance the latency time to first seizure at the tested doses, it exhibited an antioxidant and neuroprotective effect. RA (8 and 16 mg/kg) decreased reactive oxygen species production, superoxide dismutase activity, and DNA damage, measured in hippocampus, after seizures induced by PTX and 4-AP. Catalase activity was decreased by RA only after seizures induced by 4-AP. The activity of the mitochondrial complex II was increasedby RA in hippocampus samples after both seizure models. The results obtained in this study suggest that RA is able to reduce cell damage generated by the 4-AP and PTX seizures and therefore could represent a potential candidate in reducing pathophysiological processes involved in epilepsy.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--Apoptosis of leukemia cells by Ocimum basilicum fractions following TNF alpha induced activation of

Apoptosis of leukemia cells by Ocimum basilicum fractions following TNF alpha induced activation of JNK and caspase 3.

PURPOSE : Leukemia , one of the major cancers , affects a large proportion of people around the world .
Better treatment options for leukemia are required due to a large number of side effects associated with current therapeutic regimens .
In the present study , we sought to determine the pathway of triggering apoptosis of leukemic cells by Ocimum basilicum ( O. basilicum ) plant extract .
MATERIALS/METHODS : Methanolic extract of the O. basilicum plant material was prepared .
The crude extract was fractionated into several fractions through column chromatography using ethyl acetate and n-hexane as eluting solvents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessed via Cell titer GLO assay and apoptosis was measured through Annexin V/PI staining .
Two apoptotic molecules JNK and caspases were analyzed through western blotting while pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα , CCL2 and CXCL8 using qPCR .
Fractions were characterized through LC-MS .
RESULTS : The most potent with lowest IC50 values among the fractions were BF2 ( 2:8 n-hexane : ethyl acetate ) and BF3 ( 3:7 n-hexane : ethyl acetate ) .
Cytotoxicity was associated with apoptosis .
Apoptosis was found caspasedependent and P-JNK activation was detected sustained .
A significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decrease in the level of CXCL8 were observed in BF2 and BF3 treated cells .
CONCLUSION : The fractions of O. basilicum extract were found to kill cells following JNK pathway activation .
Excellent results were obtained with BF2 and BF3 probably due to predominant Epicatechin and Cinnamic acid derivatives in these fractions .

PURPOSE: Leukemia, one of the major cancers, affects a large proportion of people around the world. Better treatment options for leukemia are required due to a large number of side effects associated with current therapeutic regimens. In the present study, we sought to determine the pathway of triggering apoptosis of leukemic cells by Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) plant extract.
MATERIALS/METHODS: Methanolic extract of the O. basilicum plant material was prepared. The crude extract was fractionated into several fractions through column chromatography using ethyl acetate and n-hexane as eluting solvents. Cell viability of leukemic cells was assessed via Cell titer GLO assay and apoptosis was measured through Annexin V/PI staining. Two apoptotic molecules JNK and caspases were analyzed through western blotting while pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, CCL2 and CXCL8 using qPCR. Fractions were characterized through LC-MS.
RESULTS: The most potent with lowest IC50 values among the fractions were BF2 (2:8 n-hexane:ethyl acetate) and BF3 (3:7 n-hexane:ethyl acetate). Cytotoxicity was associated with apoptosis. Apoptosis was found caspasedependent and P-JNK activation was detected sustained. A significant increase in the level of TNFα and a decrease in the level of CXCL8 were observed in BF2 and BF3 treated cells.
CONCLUSION: The fractions of O. basilicum extract were found to kill cells following JNK pathway activation. Excellent results were obtained with BF2 and BF3 probably due to predominant Epicatechin and Cinnamic acid derivatives in these fractions.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--UVA photoprotective activity of brown macroalgae Sargassum cristafolium.

Sunscreens today contain several synthetic UV ( Ultraviolet ) filter molecules to protect the skin epidermis from UV radiation damage .
However , these molecules may create several negative effects on human skin .
Due to this condition , there is an increase in the development of natural products to replace uses of these synthetic chemicals .
Brown macroalgaehas been recently studied for its photoprotective activities .
The purpose of this study is to investigate photoprotective activity of one of most abundant Sargassum species in Lombok coast ; .
Spectrophotometry analysis with UV-VIS revealed the UV spectra absorbing capability of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range ( 314-400 nm ) .
Furthermore , spectrometry analyses with LC-MS revealed the existence of UV absorbing compound MAA-palythene .
In correlation , SC ethanol extracts also demonstrate that it could protect DNA from UVA irradiation as analyzed in vitro in HeLa cell model .
The effects of SC on UVA exposed-dorsal mice skin have also shown interesting results , as mice pretreated with SC before UVA exposure showed protective activity on the epidermal integrity similar as positive control .
Whereas , UV exposed mice without SC or commercial products resulted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common parameter of skin photoaging .
In addition , pretreated mice with SC also show protective effects in the formation of collagen connective tissues .
Overall , current results show promising photoprotective activity of SC against UV radiation .
More advanced investigations of SC as a potential photoprotective agent would be reasonable for development of macroalgae-based natural skin protection products .

Sunscreens today contain several synthetic UV (Ultraviolet) filter molecules to protect the skin epidermis from UV radiation damage. However, these molecules may create several negative effects on human skin. Due to this condition, there is an increase in the development of natural products to replace uses of these synthetic chemicals. Brown macroalgaehas been recently studied for its photoprotective activities. The purpose of this study is to investigate photoprotective activity of one of most abundant Sargassum species in Lombok coast;. Spectrophotometry analysis with UV-VIS revealed the UV spectra absorbing capability of(SC) in the UVA spectrum range (314-400 nm). Furthermore, spectrometry analyses with LC-MS revealed the existence of UV absorbing compound MAA-palythene. In correlation, SC ethanol extracts also demonstrate that it could protect DNA from UVA irradiation as analyzed in vitro in HeLa cell model. The effects of SC on UVA exposed-dorsal mice skin have also shown interesting results, as mice pretreated with SC before UVA exposure showed protective activity on the epidermal integrity similar as positive control. Whereas, UV exposed mice without SC or commercial products resulted in increased epidermal thickness, which is the common parameter of skin photoaging. In addition, pretreated mice with SC also show protective effects in the formation of collagen connective tissues. Overall, current results show promising photoprotective activity of SC against UV radiation. More advanced investigations of SC as a potential photoprotective agent would be reasonable for development of macroalgae-based natural skin protection products.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--These results indicated that fucoidan modulated cellular and humoral immunity.

Okinawa mozuku ( Tokida ) is an edible seaweed classified as brown algae and is a native species of the Ryukyu Islands in Japan .
In recent years , the genomic decoding of Okinawa mozuku has been completed .
Previous studies on the anti-inflammatory , antiviral , and antitumor properties of Okinawa mozuku have suggested that it affects the regulation of cellular and humoral immunity .
The aim of the present study was to examine the immunoregulatory effect of fucoidan derived from Okinawa mozuku in mice .
A product containing fucoidan ( purity , 88.3 % ; molecular weight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mozuku and tested for its immunoregulatory effects in mice .
The experimental animals were 8-week-old female BALB/c mice to which fucoidan ( 0 , 102.5 , 205.0 , 410.0 , and 1025.0 mg/kg ) was administered orally continuously for six weeks .
Immune cell proliferation , cytokine production , macrophage phagocytosis , and serum antibody concentration were measured .
We found that immune cell proliferation , interleukin ( IL ) -2 , macrophage phagocytes , and serum antibodies ( IgM , -G , -A ) increased significantly , but IL-4 , -5 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicated that fucoidan modulated cellular and humoral immunity .

Okinawa mozuku (Tokida) is an edible seaweed classified as brown algae and is a native species of the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. In recent years, the genomic decoding of Okinawa mozuku has been completed. Previous studies on the anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antitumor properties of Okinawa mozuku have suggested that it affects the regulation of cellular and humoral immunity. The aim of the present study was to examine the immunoregulatory effect of fucoidan derived from Okinawa mozuku in mice. A product containing fucoidan (purity, 88.3%; molecular weight, 49.8 kDa) was developed from Okinawa mozuku and tested for its immunoregulatory effects in mice. The experimental animals were 8-week-old female BALB/c mice to which fucoidan (0, 102.5, 205.0, 410.0, and 1025.0 mg/kg) was administered orally continuously for six weeks. Immune cell proliferation, cytokine production, macrophage phagocytosis, and serum antibody concentration were measured. We found that immune cell proliferation, interleukin (IL)-2, macrophage phagocytes, and serum antibodies (IgM, -G, -A) increased significantly, but IL-4, -5, and IgE decreased significantly. These results indicated that fucoidan modulated cellular and humoral immunity.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--Antimetastatic effect of fucoidan-sargassum against liver cancer cell Invadopodia formation.

: Fucoidan is a fucose-enriched , sulfated polysaccharide found in brown algae ; in recent years , this polysaccharide has been found to exert several biological effects , including antitumor effects , such as antiproliferation , activating apoptosis , and anti-angiogenesis of cancer cells .
However , the antimetastatic effect of fucoidan and the related targeting receptors remain unknown .
In the present study , we examined the inhibition of invadopodia formation and underlying mechanism of fucoidan on human liver cancer cells .
: We used 98 % purified fucoidan from Sargassum species to treat the hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the HCCLM3 cell line .
The HCC cells were cultured with various concentrations of Fucoidan-Sargassum ( 0-30 mg/mL ) .
Migration , invasion and wound healing assays were performed to determine the antimetastatic effect of fucoidan on the HCC cells .
Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to determine the expression levels of invadopodia formation-regulating proteins and the targeting membrane receptor proteins .
: Fucoidan-Sargassum inhibited the migration and invasion of HCC SMMC-7721 , Huh7 and HCCLM3 cells in a dose-dependent manner .
In the HCCLM3 cells , Fucoidan-Sargassum also decreased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Src , Cortactin , N-WASP , ARP3 , CDC42 , MMP2 , MT1-MMP , and the targeting receptors integrinαV and β3 in a dose-dependent manner .
Fucoidan-Sargassum also increased the levels of endoplasmic reticulum-related proteins , including GRP78 , IRE1 , SPARC , and the type IV collagen receptor proteins integrin α1 and β1.
, Fucoidan-Sargassum reduced the size of liver tumors and decreased the number of lung metastatic foci in nude mice with hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts .
: These findings indicate that Fucoidan-Sargassum has an antimetastatic effect on SMMC-7721 , Huh7 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underlying mechanism involves targeting ITGαVβ3 and mediating the ITGαVβ3/SRC/E2F1 signaling pathway .
These results suggest that Fucoidan-Sargassum may be a promising therapeutic antimetastatic compound in the development of a metastasis-preventive drug for treating liver cancer .

: Fucoidan is a fucose-enriched, sulfated polysaccharide found in brown algae; in recent years, this polysaccharide has been found to exert several biological effects, including antitumor effects, such as antiproliferation, activating apoptosis, and anti-angiogenesis of cancer cells. However, the antimetastatic effect of fucoidan and the related targeting receptors remain unknown. In the present study, we examined the inhibition of invadopodia formation and underlying mechanism of fucoidan on human liver cancer cells.: We used 98% purified fucoidan from Sargassum species to treat the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells SMMC-7721, Huh7 and HCCLM3and the HCCLM3 cell line. The HCC cells were cultured with various concentrations of Fucoidan-Sargassum (0-30 mg/mL). Migration, invasion and wound healing assays were performed to determine the antimetastatic effect of fucoidan on the HCC cells. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to determine the expression levels of invadopodia formation-regulating proteins and the targeting membrane receptor proteins.: Fucoidan-Sargassum inhibited the migration and invasion of HCC SMMC-7721, Huh7 and HCCLM3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In the HCCLM3 cells, Fucoidan-Sargassum also decreased the expression levels of invadopodia-related proteins including Src, Cortactin, N-WASP, ARP3, CDC42, MMP2, MT1-MMP, and the targeting receptors integrinαV and β3 in a dose-dependent manner. Fucoidan-Sargassum also increased the levels of endoplasmic reticulum-related proteins, including GRP78, IRE1, SPARC, and the type IV collagen receptor proteins integrin α1 and β1., Fucoidan-Sargassum reduced the size of liver tumors and decreased the number of lung metastatic foci in nude mice with hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts.: These findings indicate that Fucoidan-Sargassum has an antimetastatic effect on SMMC-7721, Huh7 and HCCLM3 liver cancer cells, and the underlying mechanism involves targeting ITGαVβ3 and mediating the ITGαVβ3/SRC/E2F1 signaling pathway. These results suggest that Fucoidan-Sargassum may be a promising therapeutic antimetastatic compound in the development of a metastasis-preventive drug for treating liver cancer.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--Fucoidan serves a neuroprotective effect in an Alzheimer's disease model.

Alzheimer 's disease ( AD ) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory and cognitive deficits .
The present @ @ @ @ @ evaluate the protective effects of fucoidan in monocrotophos induced AD in Drosophila melanogaster .
In @ @ @ @ @ exhibited binding energy of -9.3 kcal with proteins .
Consistent with this , fucoidan , @ @ @ @ @ fashion , had inhibitory activity against cholinergic and monoamine-metabolized enzymes in vitro .
Fucoidan inhibited @ @ @ @ @ and protein in monocrotophos fed flies and prevented changes in biochemicals , neurochemicals and latency @ @ @ @ @ and memory induced by monocrotophos .
Together , the findings show that fucoidan serves a @ @ @ @ @ disease model in D. melanogaster .

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory and cognitive deficits. The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective effects of fucoidan in monocrotophos induced AD in Drosophila melanogaster. In silico studies showed that fucoidan exhibited binding energy of -9.3 kcal with proteins. Consistent with this, fucoidan, in a dose and time-dependent fashion, had inhibitory activity against cholinergic and monoamine-metabolized enzymes in vitro. Fucoidan inhibited the increase in total mRNA and protein in monocrotophos fed flies and prevented changes in biochemicals, neurochemicals and latency time of locomotor, learning and memory induced by monocrotophos. Together, the findings show that fucoidan serves a neuroprotective effect in Alzheimer's disease model in D. melanogaster.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--Fucoidan may be a potential adjuvant therapy for cancer patients treated with cisplatin as it preser

BACKGROUND/AIM : Administration of cisplatin in cancer patients is limited by the kidney-related adverse effects ; however , a protective @ @ @ @ @ hypothesized that fucoidan protects the proximal tubule epithelial ( TH-1 ) cells against the effects @ @ @ @ @ METHODS : To assess the effect of fucoidan , its effect on reactive oxygen species @ @ @ @ @ endoplasmic reticulum ( ER ) stress response , DNA damage response ( DDR ) , @ @ @ @ @ in TH-1 cells was investigated .
RESULTS : Cisplatin increased the accumulation of ROS , @ @ @ @ @ .
In presence of cisplatin , treatment of TH-1 cells with fucoidan significantly reduced the @ @ @ @ @ complex of GRP78 with PERK and IRE1α .
In particular , fucoidan enhanced the antioxidative @ @ @ @ @ , fucoidan suppressed cisplatin-induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest , whereas silencing of PRNP blocked these @ @ @ @ @ : Fucoidan may be a potential adjuvant therapy for cancer patients treated with cisplatin as @ @ @ @ @

BACKGROUND/AIM: Administration of cisplatin in cancer patients is limited by the kidney-related adverse effects; however, a protective strategy is absent. We hypothesized that fucoidan protects the proximal tubule epithelial (TH-1) cells against the effects of cisplatin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess the effect of fucoidan, its effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, DNA damage response (DDR), apoptosis, and cell-cycle arrest in TH-1 cells was investigated.
RESULTS: Cisplatin increased the accumulation of ROS, leading to excessive ER stress. In presence of cisplatin, treatment of TH-1 cells with fucoidan significantly reduced the ER stress by maintaining the complex of GRP78 with PERK and IRE1α. In particular, fucoidan enhanced the antioxidative capacity through up-regulation of PrPFurthermore, fucoidan suppressed cisplatin-induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest, whereas silencing of PRNP blocked these effects of fucoidan.
CONCLUSION: Fucoidan may be a potential adjuvant therapy for cancer patients treated with cisplatin as it preserves renal functionality.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--Anti-metabolic syndrome effects of fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus.

Recent studies have reported that dietary fiber improved metabolic syndrome ( MetS ) .
However , the effects of fucoidans on MetS were still not clear .
In this study , we evaluated the activity of fucoidan from ( FvF ) on attenuating MetS and first elucidated the underlying mechanism .
In vitro , FvF treatment remarkably lowered the level of reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) compared with the sodium palmitate ( PA ) -induced insulin resistance ( IR ) group .
The phosphorylation level of c-Jun N-terminal kinase ( JNK ) was significantly decreased , while phosphorylation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased , compared with that of the HepG2 cells treated with PA .
Thus , FvF increased glucose consumption and relieved IR via ROS-mediated JNK and Akt signaling pathways .
In addition , these changes were accompanied by the activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-ativated protein kinase ( AMPK ) and its downstream targets ( e.g.
, HMG-CoA reductase ( HMGCR ) , acetyl-CoA carboxylase ( ACC ) , and sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1c ( SREBP-1C ) ) , which improved lipid metabolism in IR HepG2 cells .
In vivo , FvF improved hyperglycemia and decreased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Furthermore , we evaluated the inhibition of glucose transport by in vitro ( Caco-2 monolayer model ) , semi-in vivo ( everted gut sac model ) and oral glucose tolerance test ( OGTT ) , which indicated that FvF could significantly reduce the absorption of glucose into the blood stream , thus it could improve blood-glucose levels and IR in mice with MetS .
Moreover , FvF decreased serum triglyceride ( TG ) , total cholesterol ( TC ) , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) levels and liver lipid accumulation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cholesterol ( HDL-C ) level in mice with MetS .
Therefore , FvF could be considered as a potential candidate for the treatment of MetS by alleviating IR , inhibiting glucose transportation , and regulating lipid metabolism .

Recent studies have reported that dietary fiber improved metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the effects of fucoidans on MetS were still not clear. In this study, we evaluated the activity of fucoidan from(FvF) on attenuating MetS and first elucidated the underlying mechanism. In vitro, FvF treatment remarkably lowered the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared with the sodium palmitate (PA)-induced insulin resistance (IR) group. The phosphorylation level of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was significantly decreased, while phosphorylation of protein kinase B (pAkt) level increased, compared with that of the HepG2 cells treated with PA. Thus, FvF increased glucose consumption and relieved IR via ROS-mediated JNK and Akt signaling pathways. In addition, these changes were accompanied by the activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-ativated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream targets (e.g., HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1C)), which improved lipid metabolism in IR HepG2 cells. In vivo, FvF improved hyperglycemia and decreased serum insulin level in mice with MetS. Furthermore, we evaluated the inhibition of glucose transport by in vitro (Caco-2 monolayer model), semi-in vivo (everted gut sac model) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which indicated that FvF could significantly reduce the absorption of glucose into the blood stream, thus it could improve blood-glucose levels and IR in mice with MetS. Moreover, FvF decreased serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and liver lipid accumulation, while increased the serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level in mice with MetS. Therefore, FvF could be considered as a potential candidate for the treatment of MetS by alleviating IR, inhibiting glucose transportation, and regulating lipid metabolism.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Wheat peptides and fucoidan intervention could be utilized as a nutritional alternative to mitigate

Wheat peptides and fucoidan intervention could be utilized as a nutritional alternative to mitigate the progression of chronic gastritis.

PURPOSE : Chronic gastritis is observed in almost half world population .
Traditional medications against chronic gastritis might produce adverse @ @ @ @ @ strategies are needed to prevent the aggravation of gastric mucosal damage .
The aim of @ @ @ @ @ the protective effect of the combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan ( WPF ) on @ @ @ @ @ gastritis in a randomized , double-blind , placebo-controlled clinical trial .
METHODS : Participants were @ @ @ @ @ N = 53 ) or placebo ( N = 53 ) once daily for 45 @ @ @ @ @ gastric mucosal damage was scored using gastroscopy .
Fecal samples were collected for the determination @ @ @ @ @ fatty acids ( SCFA ) levels and metagenomics analysis .
Questionnaires for self-reported gastrointestinal discomforts @ @ @ @ @ frequency were collected throughout the study .
CONCLUSIONS : WPF intervention could be utilized as @ @ @ @ @ the progression of chronic gastritis .
Furthermore , WPF played an important role in altering @ @ @ @ @ production , which might benefit the lower gastrointestinal tract .

PURPOSE: Chronic gastritis is observed in almost half world population. Traditional medications against chronic gastritis might produce adverse effects, so alternative nutritional strategies are needed to prevent the aggravation of gastric mucosal damage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of the combination of wheat peptides and fucoidan (WPF) on adults diagnosed with chronic superficial gastritis in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
METHODS: Participants were randomized to receive WPF (N = 53) or placebo (N = 53) once daily for 45 days. Pathological grading of gastric mucosal damage was scored using gastroscopy. Fecal samples were collected for the determination of calprotectin, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels and metagenomics analysis. Questionnaires for self-reported gastrointestinal discomforts, life quality and food frequency were collected throughout the study.
RESULTS: WPF intervention reduced gastric mucosal damage in 70% subjects (P < 0.001). Significantly less stomach pain (P < 0.001), belching (P = 0.028), bloating (P < 0.001), acid reflux (P < 0.001), loss of appetite (P = 0.021), increased food intake (P = 0.020), and promoted life quality (P = 0.014) were reported in the WPF group. WPF intervention significantly decreased fecal calprotectin level (P = 0.003) while slightly increased fecal SCFAs level (P = 0.092).In addition, we found altered microbiota composition post-intervention with increased Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (P = 0.032), Eubacterium siraeum (P = 0.036), Bacteroides intestinalis (P = 0.024) and decreased Prevotella copri (P = 0.055).
CONCLUSIONS: WPF intervention could be utilized as a nutritional alternative to mitigate the progression of chronic gastritis. Furthermore, WPF played an important role in altering gut microbial profile and SCFA production, which might benefit the lower gastrointestinal tract.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-20--Fucoidans inhibited colony formation and growth of melanoma and colon cancer cells.

The sulfatedα-l-fucans ScF and LlF were obtained from brown algae of the Laminariaceae family ( Saccharina cichorioides and Laminaria longipes ) .
According to spectroscopy NMR , the LlF fucan predominantly contained the →3 ) -α-l-Fucp- ( 2SO- ) - ( 1→4 ) -α-l-Fucp- ( 1→2 ) -α-l-Fucp- ( 4SO- ) - ( 1→ repeating units , with small amounts of disaccharide 1,4-linked fragments and 3-sulfated fucose residues .
Mass spectrometric analysis revealed the presence of the following fragments in the fucan structure : α-l-Fucp- ( 2SO- ) - ( 1→4 ) -α-l-Fucp- ( 2SO- ) - ( 1→3 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,4SO- ) - ( 1→3 ) -α-l-Fucp- ( 1→3 ) -α-l-Fucp- ( 4SO- ) ; α-l-Fucp- ( 2SO- ) - ( 1→2 ) -α-l-Fucp ; α-l-Fucp- ( 2SO- ) - ( 1→2 ) -α-l-Fucp- ( 4SO- ) ; α-l-Fucp- ( 2SO- ) - ( 1→3 ) -α-l-Fucp ; α-l-Fucp- ( 2,4SO- ) - ( 1→3 ) -α-l-Fucp ; α-l-Fucp- ( 4SO- ) - ( 1→4 ) -α-l-Fucp ; and α-l-Fucp- ( 4SO- ) - ( 1→4 ) -α-l-Fucp- ( 2SO- ) .
Both ScF and LlF fucoidans inhibited colony formation and growth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer cells to X-ray radiation to a comparable degree .

The sulfatedα-l-fucans ScF and LlF were obtained from brown algae of the Laminariaceae family (Saccharina cichorioides and Laminaria longipes). According to spectroscopy NMR, the LlF fucan predominantly contained the →3)-α-l-Fucp-(2SO-)-(1→4)-α-l-Fucp-(1→2)-α-l-Fucp-(4SO-)-(1→ repeating units, with small amounts of disaccharide 1,4-linked fragments and 3-sulfated fucose residues. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed the presence of the following fragments in the fucan structure: α-l-Fucp-(2SO-)-(1→4)-α-l-Fucp-(2SO-)-(1→3)-α-l-Fucp-(4SO-);α-l-Fucp-(2,4SO-)-(1→3)-α-l-Fucp-(1→3)-α-l-Fucp-(4SO-);α-l-Fucp-(2SO-)-(1→2)-α-l-Fucp; α-l-Fucp-(2SO-)-(1→2)-α-l-Fucp-(4SO-);α-l-Fucp-(2SO-)-(1→3)-α-l-Fucp; α-l-Fucp-(2,4SO-)-(1→3)-α-l-Fucp; α-l-Fucp-(4SO-)-(1→4)-α-l-Fucp; and α-l-Fucp-(4SO-)-(1→4)-α-l-Fucp-(2SO-). Both ScF and LlF fucoidans inhibited colony formation and growth of melanoma and colon cancer cells and sensitize-tested cancer cells to X-ray radiation to a comparable degree.


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--Vitamin B12 as a treatment for peripheral neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review

Neuropathic pain describes a range of unpleasant sensations caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system .
@ @ @ @ @ pain are debilitating and improved treatment regimens are sought in order to improve the quality @ @ @ @ @ One proposed treatment for neuropathic pain is vitamin B12 , which is thought to alleviate @ @ @ @ @ mechanisms including promoting myelination , increasing nerve regeneration and decreasing ectopic nerve firing .
In @ @ @ @ @ for B12 as a drug treatment for neuropathic pain is reviewed .
Twenty four published @ @ @ @ @ in this systematic review in which a range of treatment regimens were evaluated including both @ @ @ @ @ combination with other vitamins or conventional treatments , such as gabapentinoids .
Overall , this @ @ @ @ @ is currently some evidence for the therapeutic effect of B12 in the treatment of post-herpetic @ @ @ @ @ ) and the treatment of painful peripheral neuropathy ( level III evidence ) .

Neuropathic pain describes a range of unpleasant sensations caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. The sensations caused by neuropathic pain are debilitating and improved treatment regimens are sought in order to improve the quality of life of patients. One proposed treatment for neuropathic pain is vitamin B12, which is thought to alleviate pain by a number of mechanisms including promoting myelination, increasing nerve regeneration and decreasing ectopic nerve firing. In this paper, the evidence for B12 as a drug treatment for neuropathic pain is reviewed. Twenty four published articles were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review in which a range of treatment regimens were evaluated including both B12 monotherapy and B12 in combination with other vitamins or conventional treatments, such as gabapentinoids. Overall, this systematic review demonstrates that there is currently some evidence for the therapeutic effect of B12 in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia (level II evidence) and the treatment of painful peripheral neuropathy (level III evidence).


greenmedinfo--2020-08-21--Vitamin B12 supplementation could modulate NT-proBNP secretion.

Purpose : There is evidence of complex interaction between vitamin B ( vB ) level , hyperhomocysteinemia ( HyCy ) , and natriuretic peptide secretion .
Exercise training could also modulate such interaction .
In this secondary analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial performed in a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) rehabilitation setting , our primary objective was to investigate the interaction between vBsupplementation , exercise training , and changes in NT-proBNP levels after 8 weeks of intervention .
Secondary objectives were to explore the correlations between acute changes in NT-proBNP levels with ( i ) acute exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' O ) kinetics during rest-to-exercise transition .
Methods : Thirty-two subjects with COPD were randomized into four groups : Rehabilitation+vB ( = 8 ) , Rehabilitation ( = 8 ) , vB ( = 8 ) , or Maltodextrin ( = 8 ) .
They were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks , during resting and immediately after maximal exercise constant work-rate tests ( CWTs , lim ) , for NT-proBNP plasmatic levels .
Results : After interaction analysis , the supplementation with vBsignificantly changed the time course of NT-proBNP responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the final analysis could not support a significant change in NT-proBNP levels owing to high-intensity constant work-rate exercise ( -value > 0.05 ) .
There was a statistically significant correlation between'Otime constant andΔNT-proBNP values ( lim - rest ) at baseline ( = 0.049 ) and 2 months later ( = 0.015 ) , considering all subjects ( = 32 ) .
Conclusion : We conclude that vBsupplementation could modulate NT-proBNP secretion .
Moreover , possibly , the slower the initial'Oadjustments toward a steady-state during rest-to-exercise transitions , the more severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed through higher NT-proBNP secretion in subjects with larger'Otime constants , despite unchanged final acute exercise-induced neurohormone secretion .

Purpose: There is evidence of complex interaction between vitamin B(vB) level, hyperhomocysteinemia (HyCy), and natriuretic peptide secretion. Exercise training could also modulate such interaction. In this secondary analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial performed in a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rehabilitation setting, our primary objective was to investigate the interaction between vBsupplementation, exercise training, and changes in NT-proBNP levels after 8 weeks of intervention. Secondary objectives were to explore the correlations between acute changes in NT-proBNP levels with (i) acute exercise and (ii) oxygen uptake ('O) kinetics during rest-to-exercise transition.
Methods: Thirty-two subjects with COPD were randomized into four groups: Rehabilitation+vB(= 8), Rehabilitation (= 8), vB(= 8), or Maltodextrin(= 8). They were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks, during resting and immediately after maximal exercise constant work-rate tests (CWTs,lim), for NT-proBNP plasmatic levels.
Results: After interaction analysis, the supplementation with vBsignificantly changed the time course of NT-proBNP responses during treatment (= 0.048). However, the final analysis could not support a significant change in NT-proBNP levels owing to high-intensity constant work-rate exercise (-value>0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between'Otime constant andΔNT-proBNP values (lim - rest) at baseline (= 0.049) and 2 months later (= 0.015), considering all subjects (= 32).
Conclusion: We conclude that vBsupplementation could modulate NT-proBNP secretion. Moreover, possibly, the slower the initial'Oadjustments toward a steady-state during rest-to-exercise transitions, the more severe the ventricular chamber volume/pressure stress recruitment, expressed through higher NT-proBNP secretion in subjects with larger'Otime constants, despite unchanged final acute exercise-induced neurohormone secretion.