Improvement in Long-Term Memory following Chronic Administration of Eryngium planum Root Extract in Scopolamine Model: Behavioral and Molecular Study

Eryngium planum L. (EP) is as a rare medicinal plant with a lot of potentials as pharmaceutical crops. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of subchronic (28-fold) administration of a 70% ethanol extract of EP roots (200 mg/kg, p.o.) on behavioral and cognitive responses in Wistar rats linked with acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and beta-secretase (BACE-1) mRNA levels and AChE and BuChE activities in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. On the last day of experiment, 30 min after the last dose of EP or Huperzine A (HU), scopolamine (SC) was given at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg b.w. intraperitoneally. The results of a passive avoidance test showed an improvement in long-term memory produced by the EP extract in both scopolamine-induced rats and control group. EP caused an insignificant inhibition of AChE and BuChE activities in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus. EP decreased mRNA AChE, BuChE, and BACE-1 levels, especially in the cortex. Our results suggest that the EP extract led to the improvement of the long-term memory in rats coupled with total saponin content. The mechanism of EP action is probably complicated, since HPLC-MS analysis showed 64 chemical compounds (phenolics, saponins) in the extract of EP roots.

Evaluation of Safety and Antioxidant Activity of Yellow Tea (Camellia sinensis) Extract for Application in Food

The article presents an evaluation of the safety of yellow tea (Camellia sinensis) extract consumption and its antioxidant activity in an animal model. Wistar rats were exposed through diet to 2, 6, and 10 g yellow tea extract/kg feed for 90 days. No signs of toxicity and no differences in mean body weight gain in the treated and control rats were recorded throughout the experiment. No statistically significant differences in hematology findings and clinical chemistry parameters were observed between controls and treated groups. Microscopic examination of tissue sections revealed no pathology attributable to yellow tea extract intake. Lipid peroxidation level in the liver was slightly increased in medium-dose males and high-dose females and decreased in two female groups receiving 2 and 6 g/kg of the extract tested. Content of carbonyl groups in protein, as well as the basal level of DNA damage, was not changed. In a majority of rats, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was increased except superoxide dismutase in high-dose groups, glutathione peroxidase in high-dose females, glutathione reductase in low- and mid-dose groups, and glutathione S-transferase in mid-dose females and high-dose males. It could be concluded that rats tolerated well dietary treatment with yellow tea extract up to 0.8 g/kg b.w./day for 90 days. Results showed that yellow tea extract at the doses tested did not demonstrate adverse effects and improved the antioxidant status in the liver of rats.

Protective Effect of Morus alba Leaf Extract on N-Nitrosodiethylamine-induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats

BACKGROUND/AIM

The leaves of white mulberry (Morus alba L.) contain various polyphenolic compounds possessing strong antioxidant activity and anticancer potential. This study was designed to investigate the chemopreventive effect of aqueous extract of mulberry leaves against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced liver carcinogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, mulberry extract-treated, NDEA-treated, and mulberry extract plus NDEA-treated. Mulberry extract was given in the diet (1,000 mg/kg b.w./day); NDEA was given in drinking water.

RESULTS

Mulberry extract reduced the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, dysplastic nodules, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, and DNA degradation. Treatment with mulberry leaf extract along with NDEA challenge did not affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione content.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with mulberry leaf extract partially protected the livers of rats from NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and a direct antioxidant mechanism appears to contribute to its anticarcinogenic activity.

Assessment of Hepatoprotective Effect of Chokeberry Juice in Rats Treated Chronically with Carbon Tetrachloride

The aim of this study was to compare the protective effects of chokeberry juice and silymarin against chemical-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 administered two days a week for six weeks. Two groups of rats were co-treated with chokeberry juice, 10 mL/kg/day. or silymarin as a positive control, 100 mg/kg/day for six weeks. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was suppressed by 50% and the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes was increased by 19%-173% in rats co-treated with CCl4 and substances tested as compared to rats administered CCl4 alone. Hepatic hydroxyproline was decreased by 24% only in rats treated with silymarin. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of fibrosis-related molecules, procollagen I, α-SMA, TIMP-1, TGFβ, and TNFα, which were significantly increased in the liver of CCl4-treated rats, were not modulated by substances tested. Histological evaluation revealed a slight protective effect of silymarin against fibrosis. However, in CCl4 + chokeberry-treated rats, the density of vacuolated hepatocytes was significantly lower than that in silymarin administered animals. Chokeberry juice did not demonstrate an antifibrotic effect in the applied experimental model of fibrosis, and the effect of the known antifibrotic agent, silymarin, was very limited.

Neuroprotective Effects of Cranberry Juice Treatment in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Rich in polyphenols, cranberry juice (CJ) with high antioxidant activity is believed to contribute to various health benefits. However, our knowledge of the neuroprotective potential of cranberries is limited. Previously, we have demonstrated that CJ treatment controls oxidative stress in several organs, with the most evident effect in the brain. In this study, we examined the capability of CJ for protection against Parkinson's disease (PD) in a rotenone (ROT) rat model. Wistar rats were administered with CJ in a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w./day (i.g.) and subcutaneously injected with ROT (1.3 mg/kg b.w./day). The experiment lasted 45 days, including 10 days pre-treatment with CJ and 35 days combined treatment with CJ and ROT. We quantified the expression of α-synuclein and apoptosis markers in the midbrain, performed microscopic examination, and assessed postural instability to evaluate the CJ neuroprotective effect. Our results indicate that the juice treatment provided neuroprotection, as evidenced by declined α-synuclein accumulation, Bax and cleaved/active caspase-9 expression, and normalized cytochrome c level that was accompanied by the enhancement of neuronal activity survival and improved postural instability. Importantly, we also found that long-term administration of CJ alone in a relatively high dose may exert a deleterious effect on cell survival in the midbrain.

Antioxidant effect of lycopene-enriched tomato paste on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced oxidative stress in rats

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment produced by vegetables and fruits, with tomatoes and their processed products being the most abundant sources. A high number of conjugated dienes make lycopene a powerful radical scavenger. Its antioxidant properties are considered to be primarily involved in many beneficial health effects. The present study was designed to assess the protective effect of lycopene-enriched tomato paste against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided randomly into six groups. Four groups were treated with tomato paste, per os, for 28 days in doses which were equivalent to 0.5 (groups II and V) and 2.5 mg/kg b.w./day of lycopene (groups III and VI). Rats from groups IV-VI were given intraperitoneally a single dose of NDEA, 150 mg/kg b.w. Group I (control) was given distilled water. Pretreatment with tomato paste protected the antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase. Their activity was recovered by 32-97 %, as compared to NDEA-treated rats. Microsomal lipid peroxidation in the liver was decreased in rats pretreated with a lower dose of tomato paste by 28 %, as compared to animals given NDEA alone. Pretreatment with tomato paste caused a decrease in plasma concentration of protein carbonyls, even below the control level, in rats given NDEA. Moreover, a 10 % reduction of DNA damage in leucocytes caused by NDEA was observed. The tomato paste tested was able to suppress NDEA-induced oxidative stress in rats.

Pomegranate Juice Ameliorates Dopamine Release and Behavioral Deficits in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Pomegranate juice (PJ) is a rich source of ellagitannins (ETs), precursors of colonic metabolite urolithin A, which are believed to contribute to pomegranate's neuroprotective effect. While many experimental studies involving PJ's role in Alzheimer's disease and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury have been conducted, our knowledge of pomegranate's effects against Parkinson's disease (PD) is very limited. Previously, we have reported that PJ treatment improved postural stability, which correlated well with enhancement of neuronal survival, protection against oxidative damage, and α-synuclein aggregation. Since olfactory and motor deficits are typical symptoms of PD, in this study, we aimed to investigate the capability of PJ to protect against olfactory, motoric, and neurochemical alterations. To evaluate its efficiency, Wistar rats were given a combined treatment with ROT (1.3 mg/kg b.w./day, s.c.) and PJ (500 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 35 days. After this, we assessed the olfactory discrimination index (DI) and vertical and horizontal activities as well as levels of dopamine and its main metabolite 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the dissected midbrain of animals. Our findings provide the first evidence that PJ treatment protects against ROT-induced DA depletion in the midbrain, which correlates well with improved olfactory function and vertical activity as well as with the presence of urolithin A in the brain.

Mechanistic Insight and Possible Mechanism of Seizure in Covid-19: The Nuances and Focal Points

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a primary respiratory disease with an alarming impact worldwide. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and presents various neurological symptoms, including seizures. SARS-CoV-2 shows neuroinvasive and neurotropic capabilities through a neuronal angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is also highly expressed in both neuronal and glial cells. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 can trigger neuroinflammation and neuronal hyperexcitability, increasing the risk of seizures. Olfactory neurons could be an exceptional neuronal pathway for the neuroinvasion of respiratory viruses to access the central nervous system (CNS) from the nasal cavity, leading to neuronal injury and neuroinflammation. Although neuronal ACE2 has been widely studied, other receptors for SARS-CoV-2 in the brain have been proposed to mediate viral-neuronal interactions with subsequent neurological squeals. Thus, the objective of the present critical review was to find the association and mechanistic insight between COVID-19 and the risk of seizures.

Effect of resveratrol analogue, DMU-212, on antioxidant status and apoptosis-related genes in rat model of hepatocarcinogenesis

The aim of the study was to examine whether antioxidant properties of 3,4,4',5-tetramethoxystilbene (DMU-212) contribute to its anticarcinogenic activity and whether DMU-212 affects the expression of apoptosis-related genes. Two-stage model of hepatocarcinogenesis was used; male Wistar rats were challenged with N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), 200 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), intraperitoneal, then phenobarbital (PB) in drinking water (0.05%) was administered. Simultaneously, DMU-212 was given per os at a dose 20 or 50 mg/kg b.w. two times a week for 16 weeks. DMU-212 caused a moderate decrease in hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and protein carbonyls concentration elevated in rats treated with NDEA/PB. The activity of antioxidant enzymes examined reduced by NDEA/PB treatment was not restored in rats coadministered with DMU-212. Effects of DMU-212 on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of antioxidant enzymes in rats challenged with NDEA/PB were diversified; no changes in their protein expression were noted in any of the groups. The expression of 17,000 genes was analyzed by Affymetrix® Rat Gene 1.1 ST Array; 15 apoptosis-related genes were selected and validated by RT-q PCR. The combined treatment with NDEA/PB and DMU-212 increased the mRNA level of some genes driving mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, whereas the mRNA expression of some anti-apoptotic genes triggering receptor-mediated apoptosis was reduced. The expression of genes encoding caspases-4, -8, -9, and -12 was also increased in rats treated with DMU-212. Although antioxidant effect of DMU-212 in rats challenged with NDEA/PB was moderate, its potential anticarcinogenic properties were demonstrated as evidenced by modulation of apoptosis-related genes.

Acute and subacute (28-day) toxicity studies of ionic liquid, didecyldimethyl ammonium acesulfamate, in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate acute and subacute oral toxicity of an ionic liquid, didecyldimethylammonium acesulfamate [DDA][Ace], in rats. The compound tested was classified to the fourth toxicity class with a fixed LD(50) cut-off value of 500 mg/kg. Organ pathology induced by [DDA][Ace] in acute experiments included exfoliation of the surface layer of the digestive tract and alveolar septa in lung parenchyma. In a subacute experiment, rats were administered 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day [DDA][Ace] for 28 days. Reduced body weight gain and reduced food consumption was observed in mid- and high-dose rats. Statistically significant hematology changes were found mostly in high-dose groups of both sexes: increases in hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean platelet volume. Statistically significant changes in clinical chemistry parameters included increases in the GGT, SDH, and LDH activity and bilirubin concentration, and decreases in triglycerides, glucose, and inorganic phosphorus concentration. No treatment-related microscopic changes were observed. Under the conditions of this study, the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level of [DDA][Ace] was considered to be 10 mg/kg/day.

Neural stem cells for Parkinson's disease management: Challenges, nanobased support, and prospects

Parkinson's disease (PD), characterized by loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, is one of the most predominant neurodegenerative diseases affecting the elderly population worldwide. The concept of stem cell therapy in managing neurodegenerative diseases has evolved over the years and has recently rapidly progressed. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have a few key features, including self-renewal, proliferation, and multipotency, which make them a promising agent targeting neurodegeneration. It is generally agreed that challenges for NSC-based therapy are present at every stage of the transplantation process, including preoperative cell preparation and quality control, perioperative procedures, and postoperative graft preservation, adherence, and overall therapy success. In this review, we provided a comprehensive, careful, and critical discussion of experimental and clinical data alongside the pros and cons of NSC-based therapy in PD. Given the state-of-the-art accomplishments of stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and nanotechnology, we shed light on the perspective of complementing the advantages of each process by developing nano-stem cell therapy, which is currently a research hotspot. Although various obstacles and challenges remain, nano-stem cell therapy holds promise to cure PD, however, continuous improvement and development from the stage of laboratory experiments to the clinical application are necessary.

miR-221 and Parkinson's disease: A biomarker with therapeutic potential

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to various motor and non-motor symptoms. Several cellular and molecular mechanisms such as alpha-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation. They are typically about 21-25 nucleotides in length and are involved in the regulation of gene expression by binding to the messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. miRNAs like miR-221 play important roles in various biological processes, including development, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. miR-221 promotes neuronal survival against oxidative stress and neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation. Additionally, the role of miR-221 in PD has been investigated in several studies. According to the results of these studies, (1) miR-221 protects PC12 cells against oxidative stress induced by 6-hydroxydopamine; (2) miR-221 prevents Bax/caspase-3 signalling activation by stopping Bim; (3) miR-221 has moderate predictive power for PD; (4) miR-221 directly targets PTEN, and PTEN over-expression eliminates the protective action of miR-221 on p-AKT expression in PC12 cells; and (5) miRNA-221 controls cell viability and apoptosis by manipulating the Akt signalling pathway in PD. This review study suggested that miR-221 has the potential to be used as a clinical biomarker for PD diagnosis and stage assignment.

Evaluation of Safety of Iron-Fortified Soybean Sprouts, a Potential Component of Functional Food, in Rat

Ferritin-iron is currently considered as one of the most promising iron forms to prevent iron deficiency anaemia. We found that the cultivation of soybean seeds in a solution of ferrous sulfate results in material with extremely high iron content - 560.6 mg Fe/100 g of dry matter, while ferritin iron content was 420.5 mg/100 g dry matter. To assess the potential adverse effects of a preparation containing such a high concentration of iron, male and female Wistar rats were exposed via diet to 10, 30, 60 g soybean sprouts powder/kg feed for 90 days. There were no differences in final body weight and mean food consumption between controls and rats administered sprouts. No statistically significant differences in haematology and clinical chemistry parameters were found between controls and treated rats. Microscopic examination of 22 tissues did not reveal any pathology due to soybean sprouts intake. Long term administration of the test material did not cause oxidative damage to DNA and protein in the liver as evidenced by the unchanged basal levels of DNA damage as well as carbonyl groups content. Lipid peroxidation was slightly increased only in females. The activity of several antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase was increased, which substantially enhanced the antioxidant status in the liver from the rats treated with soybean sprouts. Hence, the material tested can be recommended as a component of food supplements for individuals with iron deficiency anaemia and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Effect of Chokeberry Juice on N-Nitrosodiethylamine-Induced Rat Liver Carcinogenesis

Because humans commonly consume chokeberry, especially as a nutritional supplement, it must be checked to determine whether its excessive ingestion can cause adverse effects, in particular, in the case of simultaneous exposure to some xenobiotics. From this point of view, we examined the impact of long-term cotreatment of rats with chokeberry juice and hepatic carcinogen N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) on oxidative damages and neoplastic lesions in the liver of rats. Daily exposure to chokeberry juice in a concentration of 10 g/kg feed via diet for 13 wk led to an intensified hepatotoxic effect of NDEA (0.01% in drinking water for 13 wk), as evidenced by changes in histopathological architecture of liver tissue, increased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, and DNA degradation. Moreover, we noticed an increase in relative liver weight and a decrease in body weight in this group in comparison to NDEA-alone treated animals. Chokeberry juice applied alone did not cause any adverse effects in rats. On the basis of these findings, it can be concluded that high doses and longterm administration of chokeberry juice may enhance tumor-promoting action of some chemical carcinogens.

Carvacrol as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent for Neurological Diseases: A Systematic Review Article

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Neurological diseases are becoming a significant problem worldwide, with the elderly at a higher risk of being affected. Several researchers have investigated the neuroprotective effects of Carvacrol (CAR) (5-isopropyl-2-methyl phenol). This review systematically surveys the existing literature on the impact of CAR when used as a neuroprotective agent in neurological diseases.

METHODS

The systematic review involved English articles published in the last ten years obtained from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The following descriptors were used to search the literature: "Carvacrol" [Title] AND "neuroprotective (neuroprotection)" [Title] OR "stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, seizure, epilepsy [Title].

RESULTS

A total of 208 articles were retrieved during the search process, but only 20 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included for review. A total of 20 articles were identified, in which the efficacy of CAR was described in experimental models of stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and seizure, through motor deficits improvements in neurochemical activity, especially antioxidant systems, reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis as well as inhibition of TRPC1 and TRPM7.

CONCLUSION

The data presented in this study support the beneficial impact of CAR on behavioural and neurochemical deficits. CAR benefits accrue because of its anti-apoptotic, antioxidant, and anti- inflammatory properties. Therefore, CAR has emerged as an alternative treatment for neurological disorders based on its properties.

Therapeutic Targeting of Krüppel-Like Factor 4 and Its Pharmacological Potential in Parkinson's Disease: a Comprehensive Review

Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a zinc finger transcription factor, is found in different human tissues and shows diverse regulatory activities in a cell-dependent manner. In the brain, KLF4 controls various neurophysiological and neuropathological processes, and its contribution to various neurological diseases has been widely reported. Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease that might have a connection with KLF4. In this review, we discussed the potential implication of KLF4 in fundamental molecular mechanisms of PD, including aberrant proteostasis, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and iron overload. The evidence collected herein sheds new light on KLF4-mediated pathways, which manipulation appears to be a promising therapeutic target for PD management. However, there is a gap in the knowledge on this topic, and extended research is required to understand the translational value of the KLF4-oriented therapeutical approach in PD.

Effect of Aquilegia vulgaris (L.) ethyl ether extract on liver antioxidant defense system in rats

INTRODUCTION

The ethyl ether extract from Aquilegia vulgaris (L.) (Ranunculaceae) contains a lot of phenolic acids. Their hydroxyl groups are capable of donating hydrogen atoms at the initial stage of lipid peroxidation (LPO), which inactivates hydroxyperoxides formed from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and leads to breakdown of the propagation chain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Rats pretreated with acetaminophen (APAP) (600 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) were given ethyl ether extract (100 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) obtained from A. vulgaris herb. The study parameters measured were microsomal lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, and the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and some drug metabolizing enzymes.

RESULTS

The treatment with ethyl ether extract of the herb produced a 87-95% decrease in uninduced and Fe2+/ascorbate-stimulated microsomal lipid peroxidation in the liver of rats receiving APAP. Hepatic glutathione level depleted by APAP increased significantly (by 18%) after the extract treatment. Antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver, inhibited by APAP, was found to increase after administration of the extract: catalase by about 36%, glutathione reductase by 27% and glutathione S-transferase by 29%. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which decreased after APAP administration, increased again by 26% after extract treatment. The extract tested did not affect the activity of DT-diaphorase. The cytochrome P450 content, depleted by APAP, increased as much as by 100% after the treatment. The activities of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, aniline hydroxylase and aminopyrine N-demethylase were not affected.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of the Aquilegia vulgaris extract in APAP-induced liver injury was mediated by its antioxidant activity. The extract did not inhibit the formation of reactive intermediate metabolites of APAP.

Can Cranberry Juice Protect against Rotenone-Induced Toxicity in Rats?

The high polyphenols content of cranberry accounts for its strong antioxidant activity underlying the beneficial health effects of this fruit. Rotenone (ROT) is a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I in the brain which leads to the generation of oxidative stress. To date, there are few data indicating that toxicity of ROT is not limited to the brain but can also affect other tissues. We aimed to examine whether ROT-induced oxidative stress could be counteracted by cranberry juice not only in the brain but also in the liver and kidney. Wistar rats were given the combined treatment with ROT and cranberry juice (CJ) for 35 days. Parameters of antioxidant status were determined in the organs. ROT enhanced lipid peroxidation solely in the brain. The increase in the DNA damage was noticed in all organs examined and in leukocytes. The beneficial effect of CJ on these parameters appeared only in the brain. Additionally, CJ decreased the activity of serum hepatic enzymes. The effect of CJ on antioxidant enzymes was not consistent, however, in some organs, CJ reversed changes evoked by ROT. Summing up, ROT can cause oxidative damage not only in the brain but also in other organs. CJ demonstrated a protective effect against ROT-induced toxicity.

The gut microbiome meets nanomaterials: exposure and interplay with graphene nanoparticles

Graphene-based nanoparticles are widely applied in many technology and science sectors, raising concerns about potential health risks. Emerging evidence suggests that graphene-based nanomaterials may interact with microorganisms, both pathogens and commensal bacteria, that dwell in the gut. This review aims to demonstrate the current state of knowledge on the interplay between graphene nanomaterials and the gut microbiome. In this study, we briefly overview nanomaterials, their usage and the characteristics of graphene-based nanoparticles. We present and discuss experimental data from in vitro studies, screening tests on small animals and rodent experiments related to exposure and the effects of graphene nanoparticles on gut microbiota. With this in mind, we highlight the reported crosstalk between graphene nanostructures, the gut microbial community and the host immune system in order to shed light on the perspective to bear on the biological interactions. The studies show that graphene-based material exposure is dosage and time-dependent, and different derivatives present various effects on host bacteria cells. Moreover, the route of graphene exposure might influence a shift in the gut microbiota composition, including the alteration of functions and diversity and abundance of specific phyla or genera. However, the mechanism of graphene-based nanomaterials' influence on gut microbiota is poorly understood. Accordingly, this review emphasises the importance of studies needed to establish the most desirable synthesis methods, types of derivatives, properties, and safety aspects mainly related to the routes of exposure and dosages of graphene-based nanomaterials.

Effects of Long-Term Administration of Freeze-Dried Chokeberry Juice to Rats

Polyphenolics can act as prooxidants leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species and electrophilic metabolites which bind to DNA, protein and glutathione. The aim of the present study was to evaluate potential adverse effects of the long-term dietary administration of freeze-dried chokeberry juice to rats.Groups of 8 males and 8 females were exposed via diet to 0; 2; 6; 10 g juice/kg feed for 90 days. Mean food consumption and mean body weight gain of treated animals were comparable with controls. Changes in some hematological parameters were sporadic and non-dose-responsive. Several statistically significant changes in clinical chemistry parameters were considered no toxicologically relevant since they were of small magnitude and lacked correlating findings in histopathology. Histopathological examination did not reveal any changes that could be attributed to chokeberry juice intake. Determination of oxidative damage markers in the liver demonstrated no damage of lipids, proteins and DNA. Chokeberry juice intake improved antioxidant status of rats as evidenced by a decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation, an increase in reduced glutathione concentration and an increase in some antioxidant enzymes activity.It could be concluded that freeze-dried chokeberry juice is safe at doses tested and can be used as a component of food supplements.

Urolithin A in Health and Diseases: Prospects for Parkinson's Disease Management

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a complex pathophysiology and a range of symptoms. The prevalence increases with age, putting the ageing population at risk. Disease management includes the improvement of symptoms, the comfort of the patient's life, and palliative care. As there is currently no cure, growing evidence points towards the beneficial role of polyphenols on neurodegeneration. Numerous studies indicate the health benefits of the family of urolithins, especially urolithin A (UA). UA is a bacterial metabolite produced by dietary ellagitannins and ellagic acid. An expanding body of literature explores the involvement of the compound in mitochondrial health, and its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. The review organizes the existing knowledge on the role of UA in health and diseases, emphasizing neurodegenerative diseases, especially PD. We gathered data on the potential neuroprotective effect in in vivo and in vitro models. We discussed the possible mechanisms of action of the compound and related health benefits to give a broader perspective of potential applications of UA in neuroprotective strategies. Moreover, we projected the future directions of applying UA in PD management.

How to Optimize the Effectiveness and Safety of Parkinson's Disease Therapy? - A Systematic Review of Drugs Interactions with Food and Dietary Supplements

BACKGROUND

Despite increasing worldwide incidence of Parkinson's disease, the therapy is still suboptimal due to the diversified clinical manifestations, lack of sufficient treatment, the poor adherence in advanced patients, and varied response. Proper intake of medications regarding food and managing drug-food interactions may optimize Parkinson's disease treatment.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated potential effects that food, beverages, and dietary supplements may have on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs used by parkinsonian patients; identified the most probable interactions; and shaped recommendations for the optimal intake of drugs regarding food.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review in adherence to PRISMA guidelines, and included a total of 81 studies in the qualitative synthesis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We found evidence for levodopa positive interaction with coffee, fiber and vitamin C, as well as for the potential beneficial impact of low-fat and protein redistribution diet. Contrastingly, high-protein diet and ferrous sulfate supplements can negatively affect levodopa pharmacokinetics and effectiveness. For other drugs, the data of food impact are scarce. Based on the available limited evidence, all dopamine agonists (bromocriptine, cabergoline, ropinirole), tolcapone, rasagiline, selegiline in tablets, safinamide, amantadine and pimavanserin can be taken with or without a meal. Opicapone and orally disintegrating selegiline tablets should be administered on an empty stomach. Of monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, safinamide is the least susceptible for interaction with the tyramine-rich food, whereas selegiline and rasagiline may lose selectivity to monoamine oxidase B when administered in supratherapeutic doses. The level of presented evidence is low due to the poor studies design, their insufficient actuality, and missing data.