Inhibitory Effect of Gardenoside on Free Fatty Acid-Induced Steatosis in HepG2 Hepatocytes

Gardenoside is one of the most important effective extractions of a herb for its hepatoprotective properties. The aim of this study was to address the mechanism of Gardenoside on HepG2 cellular steatosis induced by free fatty acids (FFAs). The model of HepG2 steatosis was duplicated by oleic and palmitic acid at the proportion of 2:1 (FFAs mixture) for 24 h, then lipid toxicity was induced. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) were used to detect cell viability and Oil Red O staining method was used to judge the lipid accumulation respectively. Inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and intracellular NFκB were measured after 24 h. The steatosis was significantly decreased after Gardenoside treatment without cytotoxicity. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 were modulated to HepG2 cells by treatment of Gardenoside. In the meantime, the activation of NFκB was inhibited by Gardenoside. Gardenoside has a protective effect on FFA-induced cellular steatosis in HepG2 cells which indicates that Gardenoside might be a potential therapeutic herb against NASH by suppressed supernatant inflammatory cytokine production and intracellular NFkB activity.

[Inhibitory effect of Genipin on uncoupling protein-2 and energy metabolism of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether the inhibitory effect of Genipin on uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) in mitochondria is involved in energy metabolism of androgen-independent PC3 prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

PC3 prostate cancer cells were cultured and treated with Genipin at the concentrations of 40, 80, and 160 μmol/L for 48 hours. Then the proliferation of the cells was detected by MTT assay, the expression of UCP-2 mRNA determined by RT-PCR, and the content of intracellular pyruvic acid (PA) and the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in the mitochondria measured by visible spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

With the increased concentration of Genipin, the proliferative activity of the PC-3 cells, the expression level of UCP-2 mRNA, the content of intracellular PA and the activity of SDH in the cells were all decreased, namely, with the enhanced inhibitory effect of Genipin on UCP-2, a trend of reduction was observed in the proliferation of the cells, intracellular PA content, and SDH activity in the mitochondria.

CONCLUSION

Genipin is involved in the energy metabolism of androgen-independent PC3 prostate cancer cells by reducing the content of intracellular PA and the activity of SDH in the mitochondria, which may be associated with its inhibitory effect on UCP-2.

Iridoids and sesquiterpenoids of Valeriana stenoptera and their effects on NGF-induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells

Twenty-one compounds (nine iridoids and twelve sesquiterpenoids), including ten previously unknown (five iridoids and five sesquiterpenoids) were isolated from whole dried material of Valeriana stenoptera. Structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and the relative stereochemistry of 13-hydroxypatchoulol A was further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic data. All isolates were evaluated for their effects on nerve growth factor (NGF)-mediated neurite outgrowth in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and seven compounds showed potent promoting effects.

Neuroprotective effects of geniposide in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease, and there is no cure for it at present. We tested the drug Geniposide, an active component of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis which is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Geniposide has shown neuroprotective and growth-factor like effects in several in vivo and in vitro studies. In the present study, Geniposide had been tested in an acute PD mouse model induced by four 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) intraperitoneal injections. Geniposide treatment (100mg/kg ip.) for 8 days after MPTP treatment (30mg/kg ip.) improved the locomotor and exploratory activity of mice (open field), and improved bradykinesia and movement balance of mice (rotarod, swim test). Geniposide treatment also restored tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive dopaminergic neuron numbers in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Drug treatment also increased levels of growth factor signaling molecule Bax and reduced the apoptosis signaling molecule Bcl-2. Caspase 3 activation was also reduced in the substantia nigra. We conclude that Geniposide exerted its neuroprotective effect by enhancing growth factor signaling and the reduction of apoptosis. Geniposide is an ingredient in Chinese traditional medicine with few known side effects and shows potential as a drug treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Gardenamide A Protects RGC-5 Cells from H₂O₂-Induced Oxidative Stress Insults by Activating PI3K/Akt/eNOS Signaling Pathway

Gardenamide A (GA) protects the rat retinal ganglion (RGC-5) cells against cell apoptosis induced by H₂O₂. The protective effect of GA was completely abrogated by the specific phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002, and the specific protein kinase B (Akt) inhibitor Akt VIII respectively, indicating that the protective mechanism of GA is mediated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The specific extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) inhibitor PD98059 could not block the neuroprotection of GA. GA attenuated the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by H₂O₂. Western blotting showed that GA promoted the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), respectively, and effectively reversed the H₂O₂-inhibited phosphorylation of these three proteins. LY294002 completely inhibited the GA-activated phosphorylation of Akt, while only partially inhibiting eNOS. This evidence implies that eNOS may be activated directly by GA. PD98059 attenuated only partially the GA-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 with/without the presence of H₂O₂, indicating that GA may activate ERK1/2 directly. All these results put together confirm that GA protects RGC-5 cells from H₂O₂ insults via the activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. Whether the ERK1/2 signaling pathway is involved requires further investigations.

Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies of the interaction between oleuropein, the major bio-phenol in olives, and salmon sperm DNA

Interaction of oleuropein, the major bio-phenol in olive leaf and fruit, with salmon sperm double-stranded DNA was investigated by employing electronic absorption titrations, fluorescence quenching spectroscopy, competitive fluorescence spectroscopy, thermal denaturation and voltammetric studies. Titration of oleuropein with the DNA caused a hypochromism accompanied with a red shift indicating an intercalative mode of interaction. Binding constant of 1.4×10(4) M(-1) was obtained for this interaction. From the curves of fluorescence titration of oleuropein with the DNA, binding constant and binding sites were calculated to be 8.61×10(3) M(-1) and 1.05, respectively. Competitive studies with ethidium bromide (a well-known DNA intercalator) showed that the bio-phenol could take the place of ethidium bromide in the DNA intercalation sites. The interaction of oleuropein with DNA was also studied electrochemically. In the presence of the DNA, the anodic and cathodic peak currents of oleuropein decreased accompanied with increases in peak-to-peak potential separation and formal potential, indicating the intercalation of oleuropein into the DNA double helix. Moreover, melting temperature of the DNA was found to increase in the presence of oleuropein, indicating the stabilization of the DNA double helix due to an intercalative interaction.

Three new iridoids from two Viburnum species

Three new iridoids, 10-deacetyl suspensolide A aglycone (1), 7-deacetyl suspensolide A aglycone (2), and 7,10-dideacetyl suspensolide A aglycone (3), were isolated from two species of Viburnum. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Compound 2 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity against NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 of 17.2 μM.

Contents of therapeutic metabolites in Swertia chirayita correlate with the expression profiles of multiple genes in corresponding biosynthesis pathways

Swertia chirayita, an endangered medicinal herb, contains three major secondary metabolites swertiamarin, amarogentin and mangiferin, exhibiting valuable therapeutic traits. No information exists as of today on the biosynthesis of these metabolites in S. chirayita. The current study reports the expression profiling of swertiamarin, amarogentin and mangiferin biosynthesis pathway genes and their correlation with the respective metabolites content in different tissues of S. chirayita. Root tissues of greenhouse grown plants contained the maximum amount of secoiridoids (swertiamarin, 2.8% of fr. wt and amarogentin, 0.1% of fr. wt), whereas maximum accumulation of mangiferin (1.0% of fr. wt) was observed in floral organs. Differential gene expression analysis and their subsequent principal component analysis unveiled ten genes (encoding HMGR, PMK, MVK, ISPD, ISPE, GES, G10H, 8HGO, IS and 7DLGT) of the secoiridoids biosynthesis pathway and five genes (encoding EPSPS, PAL, ADT, CM and CS) of mangiferin biosynthesis with elevated transcript amounts in relation to corresponding metabolite contents. Three genes of the secoiridoids biosynthesis pathway (encoding PMK, ISPD and IS) showed elevated levels (∼57-104 fold increase in roots), and EPSPS of mangiferin biosynthesis showed an about 117 fold increase in transcripts in leaf tissues of the greenhouse grown plants. The study does provide leads on potential candidate genes correlating with the metabolites biosynthesis in S. chirayita as an initiative towards its genetic improvement.

RETRACTED: Effects of geniposide on hepatocytes undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatic fibrosis by targeting TGFβ/Smad and ERK-MAPK signaling pathways

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. The corresponding author, Dr Byoungduck Park, requested publication of a corrigendum to correct figure 2B which reused control data from a different publication (doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.02.014). Upon further inspection, the Biochimie editorial team noticed that: Comparison of Fig 2B with Fig 4C of a previous publication in International Immunopharmacology by two co-authors (doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.02.014) reveals that western blot β-actin control data from the earlier paper were re-used in a different experiment shown in Figure 2B of the article in Biochimie, after adjustment of the brightness/contrast. Furthermore, the same bands, after more image manipulation were presented as Smad3 data in Figure 4C of the Biochimie article. Here the image manipulation involved notably the rotation of the set of bands by 180° and some adjustment of the height/width ratio. The authors apologise for any confusion that may have arisen from their article.

The natural olive constituent oleuropein induces nutritional cardioprotection in normal and cholesterol-fed rabbits: comparison with preconditioning

Ischemic preconditioning, which is mediated by cell signaling molecules, protects the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury by limiting the infarct size. Oleuropein, the main polyphenolic constituent of olives, reduced the infarct size in normal and cholesterol-fed rabbits when it was administered at a nutritional dose. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of oleuropein and preconditioning in terms of the cell signaling and metabolism pathways underlying myocardial protection. Rabbits were randomly divided into six groups: the control group received 5 % dextrose for six weeks, the preconditioning group was subjected to two cycles of preconditioning with 5 min ischemia/10 min reperfusion, the O6 group was treated with oleuropein for six weeks, the Chol group was fed a cholesterol-enriched diet and 5 % dextrose for six weeks, and the CholO6 and CholO3 groups were treated with cholesterol and oleuropein for six and three weeks, respectively; oleuropein was dissolved in 5 % dextrose solution and was administered orally at a dose of 20 mg × kg(-1) × day(-1). All animals were subsequently subjected to 30 min myocardial ischemia followed by 10 min of reperfusion. At that time, myocardial biopsies were taken from the ischemic areas for the assessment of oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde and nitrotyrosine), and determination of phosphorylation of signaling molecules involved in the mechanism of preconditioning (PI3K, Akt, eNOS, AMPK, STAT3). The tissue extracts NMR metabolic profile was recorded and further analyzed by multivariate statistics. Oxidative biomarkers were significantly reduced in the O6, CholO6, and CholO3 groups compared to the control, preconditioning, and Chol groups. Considering the underlying signaling cascade, the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, eNOS, AMPK, and STAT-3 was significantly higher in the preconditioning and all oleuropein-treated groups compared to the control and Chol groups. The NMR-based metabonomic study, performed through the analysis of spectroscopic data, depicted differences in the metabolome of the various groups with significant alterations in purine metabolism. In conclusion, the addition of oleuropein to a normal or hypercholesterolemic diet results in a preconditioning-like intracellular effect, eliminating the deleterious consequences of ischemia and hypercholesterolemia, followed by a decrease of oxidative stress biomarkers. This effect is exerted through inducing preconditioning-involved signaling transduction. Nutritional preconditioning may support the low cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with the consumption of olive products.

Iridoid constituents from the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides and their promotion proliferation on ESF-1

Four new iridoids (1, 2, 12, and 13), together with nine known iridoids (3-11), were isolated from the male flowers of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver and were characterized as 3β-methoxyartselawnin C (1), 6β-hydroxyl-1β,3β-dimethoxyartsclaenin III (2), 3,4-dihydro-3β-ethoxyasperuloside (12) and 3,4-dihydro-3β-ethoxydesacetylasperuloside (13) by extensive analyses of their 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectra. All of the isolated compounds were assayed for the promoting proliferation of skin fibroblasts cell (ESF-1) and compounds 4 and 7 (5 μM) significantly stimulated the proliferation of ESF-1 cells.

Three decomposition products of valepotriates from Valeriana jatamansi and their cytotoxic activity

Three new decomposition products of valepotriates, valtrals A-C (1-3), and two known products, baldrinal and homobaldrinal, are formed during the isolation procedure of the ethanol extract of the whole plants of Valeriana jatamansi. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods including IR, MS, 1D, and 2D NMR experiments. Compounds 1-3 showed selective cytotoxicity against metastatic prostate cancer (PC-3M) and colon cancer (HCT-8) cell lines.

[Development and research advances of iridoids from Valeriana jatamansi and their bioactivity]

Valeriana jatamansi (syn. V. wallichii), a traditional Chinese medicine recorded in Chinese Pharmacopeia (1977 and 2010 edition), has been used for treatment of a variety of conditions including sleep problems, obesity, nervous disorders, epilepsy, insanity, snake poisoning, eye trouble, and skin diseases. Also, it was used as an important substitute for the European V. officinalis, whose root preparation, popularly known as valerian, has been employed as a mild sedative for a long time. In recent years, much attention has been draw to the iridoids, one of the major bioactive constituents of V. jatamansi, leading to the discovery of a series of new iridoids with anti-tumor and neuroprotective activities. Their action machnism also has been discussed. This paper summerized the iridoids and their bioactivities from V. jatamansi in recent years, which could provide basic foundation for development and research of V. jatamansi.

Three new iridoids from leaves of Cornus officinalis

Three new iridoids, cornifins A-C (1-3), together with a known iridoid, were obtained from EtOAc layer of leaves of Cornus officinalis. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. Compound 2 showed weak inhibitory activity against lung cancer cell line A-549 with IC50 value of 29.1 μM.

Inhibition of eukaryotic elongation factor-2 confers to tumor suppression by a herbal formulation Huanglian-Jiedu decoction in human hepatocellular carcinoma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

An oriental medicinal formulation, Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD), has been well documented in few Traditional Chinese Medicine Classics 1300 years ago for treatment of heat and dampness-related diseases. Its effect is well accepted in Asian community, including China, Japan and Korea. Recent studies have postulated HLJDD as a regimen for cancer treatment, especially liver cancer, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the suppressive effect of HLJDD on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its possible underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Chemical composition of HLJDD was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The tumor suppressive effect of HLJDD was determined on both HCC cells and xenograft model. Nascent protein synthesis was detected with Click-IT protein labeling technology; protein expression was determined by immunoblotting and imunnohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Quality analysis revealed that HLJDD of different batches is consistent in both chemical composition and bioactivities. HLJDD inhibited HCC cell proliferation at its non-toxic doses, and suppressed growth and angiogenesis in xenografted murine model. HLJDD suppressed the synthesis of nascent protein via inactivation of eEF2 without deregulating the translation initiation factors. The major components in HLJDD, geniposide, berberine and baicalin, additively act on eEF2, and contributed to the responsible activity. HLJDD-activated eEF2 kinase (eEF2K) led to eEF2 inactivation, and activation of AMPK signaling may be responsible for the eEF2K induction. Blocked AMPK activity in HLJDD-treated HCC cells attenuated eEF2K activation as well as the inhibitory effect of the formula. In nutrient deprived HCC cells with inactivated eEF2, the inhibitory effect of HLJDD in tumor cell expansion was interfered.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that HLJDD has potential in blocking HCC progression with involvement of eEF2 inhibition.

Effects of oleuropein on serum inflammatory cytokines and histopathological changes in rats with pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

Acute pancreatitis is a severe debilitating disease with high morbidity and mortality. The severity of the disease is largely due to the actions of various inflammatory mediators. No specific therapy is indicated for AP and its treatment remains largely supportive. This study investigated the effect of oleuropein on serum inflammatory cytokines and distant organ injury in rats with acute pancreatitis induced by bile-pancreatic duct obstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 10 rats each: group I: sham, group II: pancreatitis and group III: pancreatitis+oleuropein. Rats in Group III received oleuropein 20 mg/kg intragastrically during 10 days before surgery. The rats were sacrificed at 24 h after surgery and venous blood, pancreatic and lung tissue samples were obtained for analysis.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was found between groups regarding serum amylase, LDH, lipase, pancreatic amylase, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α values with a Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between Group II and III regarding pairwise comparison of amylase, LDH, lipase, pancreatic amylase, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α value by using pairwise comparisons with a Mann-Whitney U test (p>0.01). A statistically significant difference between groups was found regarding edema, inflammation, hemorrhage and acinar cell necrosis in histopathological examination of the pancreas (p<0.05). No difference was found between group II and III (p>0.01). A difference was found between the groups in terms of lung tissue edema (p<0.05) but no difference was found regarding hemorrhage and inflammation (p>0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between group II and III with pairwise comparison (p>0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental model used in this study showed to be appropriate for creation of acute pancreatitis. It was concluded that oleuropein as a prophylactic treatment has no protective effect on serum proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as pancreatic tissue.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of oleuropein from Olea europea (olive) leaf extract and antioxidant activities

Oleuropein (OE), the main polyphenol in olive leaf extract, is likely to decompose into hydroxytyrosol (HT) and elenolic acid under the action of light, acid, base, high temperature. In the enzymatic process, the content of OE in olive leaf extract and enzyme are key factors that affect the yield of HT. A selective enzyme was screened from among 10 enzymes with a high OE degradation rate. A single factor (pH, temperature, time, enzyme quantity) optimization process and a Box-Behnken design were studied for the enzymatic hydrolysis of 81.04% OE olive leaf extract. Additionally, enzymatic hydrolysis results with different substrates (38.6% and 81.04% OE) were compared and the DPPH antioxidant properties were also evaluated. The result showed that the performance of hydrolysis treatments was best using hemicellulase as a bio-catalyst, and the high purity of OE in olive extract was beneficial to biotransform OE into HT. The optimal enzymatic conditions for achieving a maximal yield of HT content obtained by the regression were as follows: pH 5, temperature 55 °C and enzyme quantity 55 mg. The experimental result was 11.31% ± 0.15%, and the degradation rate of OE was 98.54%. From the present investigation of the antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH method, the phenol content and radical scavenging effect were both decreased after enzymatic hydrolysis by hemicellulase. However, a high antioxidant activity of the ethyl acetate extract enzymatic hydrolysate (IC₅₀ = 41.82 μg/mL) was demonstated. The results presented in this work suggested that hemicellulase has promising and attractive properties for industrial production of HT, and indicated that HT might be a valuable biological component for use in pharmaceutical products and functional foods.

Effects of diene valepotriates from Valeriana glechomifolia on Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the cortex and hippocampus of mice

Diene valepotriates obtained from Valeriana glechomifolia present antidepressant-like activity, mediated by dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmissions. Also, previous studies have shown inhibitory activity of diene valepotriates towards Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase from the rat brain in vitro. Nevertheless, in vivo studies regarding the action of diene valepotriates on this enzyme are still lacking. Considering that Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase cerebral activity is involved in depressive disorders, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute (5 mg/kg, p. o.) and repeated (5 mg/kg, p. o., once a day for three days) diene valepotriate administration on Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in the cortex and hippocampus of mice submitted or not submitted to the forced swimming test. In addition, the protein expression of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase α1, α2, and α3 isoforms in the cortex of mice repeatedly treated with diene valepotriates (and submitted or not submitted to the forced swimming test) was investigated. Diene valepotriates significantly decreased mice immobility time in the forced swimming test when compared to the control group. Only the animals repeatedly treated with diene valepotriates presented increased Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in the cerebral cortex, and the exposure to the forced swimming test counteracted the effects of the diene valepotriates. No alterations in the hippocampal Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity were observed. Repeated diene valepotriate administration increased the cortical content of the α2 isoform, but the α3 isoform protein expression was augmented only in mice repeatedly treated with diene valepotriates and forced to swim. Mice treated with the vehicle and submitted to the forced swimming test also presented an increase in the content of the α2 isoform, but no alterations in Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity. These results suggest that cortical Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase may represent a molecular target of the diene valepotriates in vivo and long-term regulatory mechanisms are involved in this effect. Also, the forced swimming test per se influences the protein expression of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase isoforms and counteracts the effects of the diene valepotriates on cortical Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase.

Minor valepotriates from Valeriana jatamansi and their cytotoxicity against metastatic prostate cancer cells

Ten new valepotriates, jatamanvaltrates P-Y (1-10) and a known one, nardostachin (11), have been isolated from the whole plants of Valeriana jatamansi. The structures of the new compounds were determined by detailed spectroscopic data analysis. The isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against PC-3M cells, and a structure-activity relationship was examined for all the valepotriates isolated from V. jatamansi. The results highlighted the structure-activity relationship importance of the C-3-C-4 double bond, the oxirane ring, and the 10-chlorine in the valepotriates.

Twelve-month consumption of a polyphenol extract from olive (Olea europaea) in a double blind, randomized trial increases serum total osteocalcin levels and improves serum lipid profiles in postmenopausal women with osteopenia

OBJECTIVES

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by impaired bone turnover and compromised bone strength, thereby predisposing to increased risk of fracture. Preclinical research has shown that compounds produced by the olive tree (Olea europaea), may protect from bone loss, by increasing osteoblast activity at the expense of adipocyte formation. The aim of this exploratory study was to obtain a first insight on the effect of intake of an olive extract on bone turnover in postmenopausal women with decreased bone mass (osteopenia).

DESIGN AND SETTING

For that, a double blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in which participants were randomly allocated to either treatment or placebo groups.

PARTICIPANTS

64 osteopenic patients, with a mean bone mineral density (BMD) T-score between -1.5 and -2.5 in the lumbar spine (L2-L4) were included in the study.

INTERVENTION AND MEASUREMENTS

PARTICIPANTS received for 12 months daily either 250 mg/day of olive extract and 1000 mg Ca (treatment) or 1000 mg Ca alone (placebo). Primary endpoints consisted of evaluation of bone turnover markers. Secondary endpoints included BMD measurements and blood lipid profiles.

RESULTS

After 12 months, the levels of the pro-osteoblastic marker osteocalcin were found to significantly increase in the treatment group as compared to placebo. Simultaneously, BMD decreased in the placebo group, while remaining stable in the treatment group. In addition, improved lipid profiles were observed, with significant decrease in total- and LDL-cholesterol in the treatment group.

CONCLUSION

This exploratory study supports preclinical observations and warrants further research by showing that a specific olive polyphenol extract (Bonolive®) affects serum osteocalcin levels and may stabilize lumbar spine BMD. Moreover, the improved blood lipid profiles suggest additional health benefits associated to the intake of the olive polyphenol extract.

The protective effect of the Cornus mas fruits (cornelian cherry) on hypertriglyceridemia and atherosclerosis through PPARα activation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits have been used in traditional cuisine and in folk medicine in various countries. This study was conducted to evaluate the constituents and impact of cornelian cherry (C. mas L.) fruits lyophilisate on lipid levels, PPARα protein expression, atheromatous changes in the aorta, oxido-redox state, and proinflammatory cytokines in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The HPLC-MS method was used for determining active constituents in cornelian cherry. In a subsequent in vivo study the protective effect of the cornelian cherry on diet-induced hyperlipidemia was studied using a rabbit model fed 1% cholesterol. Cornelian cherry (100mg/kg b.w.) or simvastatin (5mg/kg b.w.) were administered orally for 60 days. Two iridoids - loganic acid and cornuside - and five anthocyanins were identified as the main constituents of the cornelian cherry. The administering of the cornelian cherry led to a 44% significant decrease in serum triglyceride levels, as well as prevented development of atheromatous changes in the thoracic aorta. Cornelian cherry significantly increased PPARα protein expression in the liver, indicating that its hypolipidemic effect may stem from enhanced fatty acid catabolism. Simvastatin treatment did not affect PPAR-α expression. Moreover, the cornelian cherry had a significant protective effect on diet-induced oxidative stress in the liver, as well as restored upregulated proinflammatory cytokines serum levels. In conclusion, we have shown loganic acid to be the main iridoid constituent in the European cultivar of the cornelian cherry, and proven that the cornelian cherry could have protective effects on diet-induced hypertriglicerydemia and atherosclerosis through enhanced PPARα protein expression and via regulating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Inhibiton of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and P-gp activity by multiple extracts of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Decotion (HLJDD), an important traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used for various diseases in clinical practice, and thus has high potential to induce cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes/P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated herb-drug interactions (HDIs) with other co-administered drugs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of multiple extracts including aqueous extracts, total flavonoids, iridoids, alkaloids from HLJDD on the activities of CYPs in rats (CYP1A2, CYP2C6, CYP2D2, CYP2E1 and CYP3A1) and P-gp, and then to predict potential interactions with co-administered drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of the four extracts from HLJDD on the CYPs activity were evaluated in rat liver microsomes incubation system, and then determined by LC-MS/MS-based CYPs probe substrate assay. Caco-2 cell monolayer was used to investigate the effect of the four extracts on the efflux of Rhodamine 123 to evaluate their influences on P-gp activity.

RESULTS

The results show that total flavonoids and alkaloids exibited strong inhibition on rat CYP isoenzymes activities. Total flavonoids exhibited different inhibitory effects on CYPs activities with an order of CYP3A1>CYP2C6>CYP2E1>CYP1A2>CYP2D2, and the values of IC₅₀ were 4.24, 8.16, 17.56, 19.03, 29.51 μg/mL, respectively. Total alkaloids possessed similar inhibition on CYPs and could strongly inhibit the activity of CYP2D2 (IC₅₀=2.38 μg/mL), CYP3A1 (IC₅₀=2.61 μg/mL), CYP2E1 (IC₅₀=22.35 μg/mL), CYP1A2 (IC₅₀=23.2 μg/mL) and CYP2C6 (IC₅₀=43.09 μg/mL). Moderate degree of inhibition on CYPs activities was observed in aqueous and total iridoids extracts. Results from transport assay revealed that total flavonoids and alkaloids exhibited significant inhibitory effect on P-gp activity as evidenced by strong inhibition on the efflux of Rhodamine-123 with IC₅₀ of 104.6 and 82.6 μg/mL. But aqueous extract showed weak and iridoids had negligible effect on P-gp activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study clearly demonstrated that total flavonoids and alkaloids from HLJDD can significantly inhibit the activities of CYPs and P-gp, which should be taken into consideration to predict any potential HDIs when HLJDD and its bioactive components are co-administered with other therapeutic drugs metabolized by CYPs or transported by P-gp.

Effects of the olive-derived polyphenol oleuropein on human health

The use of the products derived from the olive tree on human health dates back centuries. In several civilizations, the olive tree had and still has a very strong cultural and religious symbolism. Notably, the official seal and emblem of the World Health Organization features the rod of Asclepius over a world map surrounded by olive tree branches, chosen as a symbol of peace and health. Recently, accumulating experimental, clinical and epidemiological data have provided support to the traditional beliefs of the beneficial effect provided by olive derivates. In particular, the polyphenols present in olive leaves, olives, virgin (unrefined) olive oil and olive mill waste are potent antioxidant and radical scavengers with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we review the positive impact on human health of oleuropein, the most prevalent polyphenol present in olives. In addition, we provide data collected in our laboratory on the role of oleuropein in counteracting lipid accumulation in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein of olive oil inhibit mast cell degranulation induced by immune and non-immune pathways

The aim of this study was to determine whether hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, the major phenols found in olives and olive oil, inhibit mast cell activation induced by immune and non-immune pathways. Purified peritoneal mast cells were preincubated in the presence of test compounds (hydroxytyrosol or oleuropein), before incubation with concanavalin A, compound 48/80 or calcium ionophore A23187. Dose-response and time-dependence studies were carried out. Comparative studies with sodium cromoglycate, a classical mast cell stabilizer, were also made. After incubation the supernatants and pellets were used to determine the β-hexosaminidase content by colorimetric reaction. The percentage of β-hexosaminidase release in each tube was calculated and taken as a measure of mast cell activation. Other samples of cell pellets were used for cell viability studies by the trypan blue dye exclusion test, or fixed for light and electron microscopy. Biochemical and morphological findings of the present study showed for the first time that hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein inhibit mast cell degranulation induced by both immune and non-immune pathways. These results suggest that olive phenols, particularly hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, may provide insights into the development of useful tools for the prevention and treatment of mast cell-mediated disorders.

Oleuropein aglycone protects against pyroglutamylated-3 amyloid-ß toxicity: biochemical, epigenetic and functional correlates

Amyloid-ß (Aß) fragments, oligomeric Aß aggregates, and pyroglutamylated-Aß peptides, as well as epigenetic mechanisms and autophagy dysfunction all appear to contribute in various ways to Alzheimer's disease progression. We previously showed that dietary supplementation of oleuropein aglycone, a natural phenol abundant in the extra virgin olive oil, can be protective by reducing Aß42 deposits in the brain of young and middle-aged TgCRND8 mice. Here, we extended our study to aged TgCRND8 mice showing increased pE3-Aß in the brain deposits. We report that oleuropein aglycone is active against glutaminylcyclase-catalyzed pE3-Aß generation reducing enzyme expression and interferes both with Aß42 and pE3-Aß aggregation. Moreover, the phenol astonishingly activates neuronal autophagy even in mice at advanced stage of pathology, where it increases histone 3 and 4 acetylation, which matches both a decrease of histone deacetylase 2 expression and a significant improvement of synaptic function. The occurrence of these functional, epigenetic, and histopathologic beneficial effects even at a late stage of the pathology suggests that the phenol could be beneficial at the therapeutic, in addition to the prevention, level.