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Moradzadeh M, Ghorbani A, Erfanian S, Mohaddes ST, Rahimi H, Karimiani EG, Mashkani B, Chiang SC, El-Khamisy SF, Tabarraei A, Sadeghnia HR. Study of the mechanisms of crocetin-induced differentiation and apoptosis in human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:1943-1957. [PMID: 30203596 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Crocetin, the major carotenoid in saffron, exhibits potent anticancer effects. However, the antileukemic effects of crocetin are still unclear, especially in primary acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells. In the current study, the potential antipromyelocytic leukemia activity of crocetin and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated. Crocetin (100 µM), like standard anti-APL drugs, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA, 10 µM) and As2 O 3 (arsenic trioxide, 50 µM), significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in primary APL cells, as well as NB4 and HL60 cells. The effect was associated with the decreased expressions of prosurvival genes Akt and BCL2, the multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins, ABCB1 and ABCC1 and the inhibition of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), while the expressions of proapoptotic genes CASP3, CASP9, and BAX/BCL2 ratio were significantly increased. In contrast, crocetin at relatively low concentration (10 µM), like ATRA (1 µM) and As 2 O 3 (0.5 µM), induced differentiation of leukemic cells toward granulocytic pattern, and increased the number of differentiated cells expressing CD11b and CD14, while the number of the immature cells expressing CD34 or CD33 was decreased. Furthermore, crocetin suppressed the expression of clinical marker promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor-α ( PML/RARα) in NB4 and primary APL cells, and reduced the expression of histone deacetylase 1 ( HDAC1) in all leukemic cells. The results suggested that crocetin can be considered as a candidate for future preclinical and clinical trials of complementary APL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliheh Moradzadeh
- Golestan Rheumatology Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Department of New Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghorbani
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saiedeh Erfanian
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Tahereh Mohaddes
- Internal Medicine Department, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Rahimi
- Internal Medicine Department, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Baratali Mashkani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shih-Chieh Chiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Krebs and Sheffield Institute of Nucleic Acids, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Krebs and Sheffield Institute of Nucleic Acids, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alijan Tabarraei
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Sadeghnia
- Department of New Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Division of Neurocognitive Sciences, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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β-carotene isolated from the marine red alga, Gracillaria sp. potently attenuates the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells by modulating multiple molecular pathways. J Funct Foods 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Effects of Combined Crocin and Epirubicin on Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Pathways in a Human Cervical Cancer Cell Line. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER MANAGEMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/ijcm.82575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Arzi L, Farahi A, Jafarzadeh N, Riazi G, Sadeghizadeh M, Hoshyar R. Inhibitory Effect of Crocin on Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Interfering with Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Murine Model. DNA Cell Biol 2018; 37:1068-1075. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2018.4351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Arzi
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Farahi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Nazli Jafarzadeh
- Department of Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Riazi
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Sadeghizadeh
- Department of Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhane Hoshyar
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Bhat NA, Hamdani AM, Masoodi FA. Development of functional cookies using saffron extract. JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2018; 55:4918-4927. [PMID: 30482987 PMCID: PMC6233447 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-018-3426-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Saffron extracts of two different concentrations were prepared and used as a source of natural antioxidants in whole wheat flour cookies. The effect on the color, texture and sensory properties of the product was also studied over a storage period of 9 months. Results revealed that spread ratio and hardness of cookies reduced non-significantly with the addition of saffron extract (SE). Color values 'L' and 'b' of cookies increased significantly from 50.7 to 53.9 and 36.5 to 47.0, respectively with the addition of SE while 'a' value decreased non-significantly (p > 0.05). DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation of dough and cookie samples containing SE were enhanced in comparison to control. The concentration of crocins, safranal and picrocrocin in DS50 and DS100 dough samples was found as 28.30, 48.30, 104.6 µg/g and 35.14, 62.38, 118.2 µg/g, respectively. Sensory scores of cookies containing SE were high as compared to control. All the quality parameters of cookies reduced during the storage period (0-9 months). However, the cookies with added SE revealed significantly higher quality attributes up to 6 months of storage without any significant loss in quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naseer Ahmad Bhat
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190 006 India
| | - Afshan Mumtaz Hamdani
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190 006 India
| | - F. A. Masoodi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190 006 India
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Hatziagapiou K, Lambrou GI. The Protective Role of Crocus Sativus L. (Saffron) Against Ischemia- Reperfusion Injury, Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis: Nature Opposing Cardiovascular Diseases. Curr Cardiol Rev 2018; 14:272-289. [PMID: 29952263 PMCID: PMC6300793 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x14666180628095918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, which are collective-ly called reactive oxygen-nitrogen species, are inevitable by-products of cellular metabolic redox reac-tions, such as oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, phagocytosis, reac-tions of biotransformation of exogenous and endogenous substrate in endoplasmic reticulum, eico-sanoid synthesis, and redox reactions in the presence of metal with variable valence. Among medici-nal plants, there is growing interest in Crocus Sativus L. It is a perennial, stemless herb, belonging to Iridaceae family, cultivated in various countries such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Israel, Morocco, Tur-key, Iran, India, China, Egypt and Mexico. Objective: The present study aims to address the anti-toxicant role of Crocus Sativus L. in the case of cardiovascular disease and its role towards the cardioprotective role of Crocus Sativus L. Materials and Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted by the two authors from 1993 to August 2017. Original articles and systematic reviews (with or without meta-analysis), as well as case reports were selected. Titles and abstracts of papers were screened by a third reviewer to deter-mine whether they met the eligibility criteria, and full texts of the selected articles were retrieved. Results: Our review has indicated that scientific literature confirms the role of Crocus Sativus L. as a cardiovascular-protective agent. The literature review showed that Saffron is a potent cardiovascular-protective agent with a plethora of applications ranging from ischemia-reperfusion injury, diabetes and hypertension to hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: Literature findings represented in current review herald promising results for using Crocus Sativus L. and/or its active constituents as a cardiovascular-protective agent and in particular, Crocus Sativus L. manifests beneficial results against ischemia-reperfusion injury, hypertension, hy-perlipidemia and diabetes
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Hatziagapiou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Hematology/ Oncology Unit, Thivon & Levadeias, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - George I Lambrou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Hematology/ Oncology Unit, Thivon & Levadeias, 11527, Athens, Greece
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Giakoumettis D, Pourzitaki C, Vavilis T, Tsingotjidou A, Kyriakoudi A, Tsimidou M, Boziki M, Sioga A, Foroglou N, Kritis A. Crocus sativus L. Causes a Non Apoptotic Calpain Dependent Death in C6 Rat Glioma Cells, Exhibiting a Synergistic Effect with Temozolomide. Nutr Cancer 2018; 71:491-507. [DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2018.1506493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Giakoumettis
- Clinic of Neurosurgery, ΑHΕPΑ University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chryssa Pourzitaki
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theofanis Vavilis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
- cGMP Regenerative Medicine facility, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Tsingotjidou
- Laboratory of Histology and Anatomy, Faculty of Health Science, Veterinary school Aristotle university of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kyriakoudi
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle university of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Tsimidou
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle university of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Marina Boziki
- 2nd Neurological Clinic, University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonia Sioga
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Foroglou
- Clinic of Neurosurgery, ΑHΕPΑ University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aristeidis Kritis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
- cGMP Regenerative Medicine facility, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Milajerdi A, Jazayeri S, Shirzadi E, Hashemzadeh N, Azizgol A, Djazayery A, Esmaillzadeh A, Akhondzadeh S. The effects of alcoholic extract of saffron (Crocus satious L.) on mild to moderate comorbid depression-anxiety, sleep quality, and life satisfaction in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med 2018; 41:196-202. [PMID: 30477839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression and anxiety are major health problems throughout the world. Metabolic changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus induces and aggravates mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Saffron as a therapeutic herb may attenuate Comorbid Depression- Anxiety (CDA). So, this trial is designed to investigate the effect of saffron alcoholic extract on symptoms of CDA in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS Fifty-four outpatients suffered from mild to moderate CDA diagnosed by using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV), were assessed by Hamilton Depression and anxiety measurements, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The participants of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, single center and randomized trial were randomly assigned to intake 30 mg/day saffron or placebo capsules for 8 weeks. RESULTS After the intervention, mild to moderate CDA, anxiety and sleep disturbance, but not depression alone, were relieved significantly in the saffron group (P < 0.05), whereas, the changes were not significant in the placebo group. Anthropometric measures and blood pressure parameters of the patients in either groups did not change significantly (P > 0.05) during the intervention. Moreover, dietary intake and physical activity did not differ during the study in the two groups. Changes in the life satisfaction were not significant. CONCLUSION The results indicate the beneficial effect of saffron on the mild to moderate CDA in type 2 diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Milajerdi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Jazayeri
- Department of Nutrition, School of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | | | - Abolghassem Djazayery
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Esmaillzadeh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Obesity and Eating Habits Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Hossain A, Jayadeep PA. Comparison of total carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β‐carotene content in maize employing solvent extraction and in vitro physiological methods. J Food Biochem 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashrafi Hossain
- Department of Grain Science and Technology CSIR‐Central Food Technological Research Institute Mysuru India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Mysuru India
| | - Padmanabhan Appukuttan Jayadeep
- Department of Grain Science and Technology CSIR‐Central Food Technological Research Institute Mysuru India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) Mysuru India
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Deng M, Li D, Zhang Y, Zhou G, Liu W, Cao Y, Zhang W. Protective effect of crocin on ultraviolet B‑induced dermal fibroblast photoaging. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:1439-1446. [PMID: 29901204 PMCID: PMC6072165 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in the aging of dermal fibroblasts. Crocin, a bioactive constituent of Crocus sativus, possesses anti‑oxidation effects. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of crocin on UVB‑induced dermal fibroblast photoaging. Human dermal fibroblasts were isolated and cultured with different concentrations of crocin prior to and following exposure to UVB irradiation. The senescent phenotypes of cells were evaluated, including cell proliferation, cell cycle, senescence‑associated β‑galactosidase (SA‑β‑gal) expression, intracellular ROS, expression of antioxidant protein glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX‑1) and extracellular matrix protein collagen type 1 (Col‑1). Crocin rescued the cell proliferation inhibited by UVB irradiation, prevented cell cycle arrest and markedly decreased the number of SA‑β‑gal‑positive cells. In addition, crocin reduced UVB‑induced ROS by increasing GPX‑1 expression and other direct neutralization effects. Furthermore, crocin promoted the expression of the extracellular matrix protein Col‑1. Crocin could effectively prevent UVB‑induced cell damage via the reduction of intracellular ROS; thus, it could potentially be used in the prevention of skin photoaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwu Deng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Yichen Zhang
- Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School, Shanghai 201108, P.R. China
| | - Guangdong Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Yilin Cao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, National Tissue Engineering Center of China, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
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Enzyme assisted extraction of biomolecules as an approach to novel extraction technology: A review. Food Res Int 2018; 108:309-330. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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The Association Between Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) and Gastric Cancer and Evaluation of Nutrient Intakes of Gastric Cancer Patients: A Case-Control Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER MANAGEMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/ijcm.9747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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63
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José Bagur M, Alonso Salinas GL, Jiménez-Monreal AM, Chaouqi S, Llorens S, Martínez-Tomé M, Alonso GL. Saffron: An Old Medicinal Plant and a Potential Novel Functional Food. Molecules 2017; 23:E30. [PMID: 29295497 PMCID: PMC5943931 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The spice saffron is made from the dried stigmas of the plant Crocus sativus L. The main use of saffron is in cooking, due to its ability to impart colour, flavour and aroma to foods and beverages. However, from time immemorial it has also been considered a medicinal plant because it possesses therapeutic properties, as illustrated in paintings found on the island of Santorini, dated 1627 BC. It is included in Catalogues of Medicinal Plants and in the European Pharmacopoeias, being part of a great number of compounded formulas from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The medicinal and pharmaceutical uses of this plant largely disappeared with the advent of synthetic chemistry-produced drugs. However, in recent years there has been growing interest in demonstrating saffron's already known bioactivity, which is attributed to the main components-crocetin and its glycosidic esters, called crocins, and safranal-and to the synergy between the compounds present in the spice. The objective of this work was to provide an updated and critical review of the research on the therapeutic properties of saffron, including activity on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, in the liver, its antidepressant, anxiolytic and antineoplastic properties, as well as its potential use as a functional food or nutraceutical.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Bagur
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, E.T.S.I. Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (M.J.B.); (S.C.)
- Department of Food Science, Universidad de Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus International de Excelencia Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, CIBERobn, ISCIII, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.J.-M.); (M.M.-T.)
| | | | - Antonia M. Jiménez-Monreal
- Department of Food Science, Universidad de Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus International de Excelencia Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, CIBERobn, ISCIII, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.J.-M.); (M.M.-T.)
| | - Soukaina Chaouqi
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, E.T.S.I. Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (M.J.B.); (S.C.)
- Laboratory of Materials, Environment and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ibn Tofaïl University, P.O. Box 242, 14000 Kénitra, Morocco
| | - Silvia Llorens
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine and Regional Centre for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain;
| | - Magdalena Martínez-Tomé
- Department of Food Science, Universidad de Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus International de Excelencia Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, CIBERobn, ISCIII, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (A.M.J.-M.); (M.M.-T.)
| | - Gonzalo L. Alonso
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, E.T.S.I. Agrónomos y de Montes, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain; (M.J.B.); (S.C.)
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The Natural Carotenoid Crocetin and the Synthetic Tellurium Compound AS101 Protect the Ovary against Cyclophosphamide by Modulating SIRT1 and Mitochondrial Markers. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:8928604. [PMID: 29270246 PMCID: PMC5705900 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8928604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer therapies are associated with increased infertility risk due to accelerated reproductive aging. Oxidative stress (OS) is a potential mechanism behind ovarian toxicity by cyclophosphamide (CPM), the most ovotoxic anticancer drug. An important sensor of OS is SIRT1, a NAD+-dependent deacetylase which regulates cellular defence and cell fate. This study investigated whether the natural carotenoid crocetin and the synthetic compound AS101 protect the ovary against CPM by modulating SIRT1 and mitochondrial markers. We found that the number of primordial follicles of female CD1 mice receiving crocetin plus CPM increased when compared with CPM alone and similar to AS101, whose protective effects are known. SIRT1 increased in CPM mouse ovaries revealing the occurrence of OS. Similarly, mitochondrial SIRT3 rose, whilst SOD2 and the mitochondrial biogenesis activator PGC1-α decreased, suggesting the occurrence of mitochondrial damage. Crocetin and AS101 administration prevented SIRT1 burst suggesting that preservation of redox balance can help the ovary to counteract ovarian damage by CPM. Decreased SIRT3 and increased SOD2 and PGC1-α in mice receiving crocetin or AS101 prior to CPM provide evidence for mitochondrial protection. Present results improve the knowledge of ovarian damage by CPM and may help to develop interventions for preserving fertility in cancer patients.
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Synergistic anticancer effect of combined crocetin and cisplatin on KYSE-150 cells via p53/p21 pathway. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:98. [PMID: 29093644 PMCID: PMC5663096 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0468-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More than 400,000 patients die from esophageal cancer annually. Considerable efforts have been made to develop new and effective treatments, one of which is directed toward herbal medication. Crocetin is a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid isolated from the Chinese herb saffron. We recently reported on the anticancer effects of saffron. This study aimed to determine whether crocetin combined cisplatin has synergistic effect in KYSE-150 cells and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods KYSE-150 cells were treated with crocetin and/or cisplatin. The effects on cell viability, cell apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), as well as the expression levels of PI3K/AKT, MAPKs, p53/p21, and apoptosis-related protein were evaluated. MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, Rh123 staining, and Western blot analysis were used. Results The cell proliferation significantly decreased and cell apoptosis was induced with combined crocetin and cisplatin, compared with either crocetin only or cisplatin only. The outcome suggested that crocetin combined cisplatin has synergistic effects on inhibition of cell proliferation and pro-apoptotic effect of cisplatin on KYSE-150 cells. Disruption of MMP, upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 expression, and downregulation of Bcl-2 occurred in the group treated with combined treatment. No significant differences in p-PI3K, p-AKT, and MAPKs activity were indicated between combined treatment group and the individual treatment group. However, the expression levels of p53 and p21 were markedly higher in the combined treatment group than in the individual treatment group. The wild-type p53 inhibitor, PFT-α suppressed the overexpression of p53/p21 and the synergistic effect induced by the combination of crocetin and cisplatin. Conclusions We concluded that crocetin combined with cisplatin exerts a synergistic anticancer effect by up-regulating the p53/p21 pathway.
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Mollaei H, Safaralizadeh R, Babaei E, Abedini MR, Hoshyar R. The anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of crocin on chemosensitive and chemoresistant cervical cancer cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 94:307-316. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Mohamed SIA, Jantan I, Haque MA. Naturally occurring immunomodulators with antitumor activity: An insight on their mechanisms of action. Int Immunopharmacol 2017; 50:291-304. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Milani A, Basirnejad M, Shahbazi S, Bolhassani A. Carotenoids: biochemistry, pharmacology and treatment. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:1290-1324. [PMID: 27638711 PMCID: PMC5429337 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Carotenoids and retinoids have several similar biological activities such as antioxidant properties, the inhibition of malignant tumour growth and the induction of apoptosis. Supplementation with carotenoids can affect cell growth and modulate gene expression and immune responses. Epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between a high carotenoid intake in the diet with a reduced risk of breast, cervical, ovarian, colorectal cancers, and cardiovascular and eye diseases. Cancer chemoprevention by dietary carotenoids involves several mechanisms, including effects on gap junctional intercellular communication, growth factor signalling, cell cycle progression, differentiation-related proteins, retinoid-like receptors, antioxidant response element, nuclear receptors, AP-1 transcriptional complex, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, carotenoids can stimulate the proliferation of B- and T-lymphocytes, the activity of macrophages and cytotoxic T-cells, effector T-cell function and the production of cytokines. Recently, the beneficial effects of carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruits in health and in decreasing the risk of certain diseases has been attributed to the major carotenoids, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, crocin (/crocetin) and curcumin, due to their antioxidant effects. It is thought that carotenoids act in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In this review, we briefly describe the biological and immunological activities of the main carotenoids used for the treatment of various diseases and their possible mechanisms of action. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Milani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDSPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | | | - Sepideh Shahbazi
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDSPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDSPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
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Talebnejad MR, Soltanzadeh K, Masoomeh E, Yasemi M, Khalili MR, Maryam S. Effect of Intraperitoneal Injection of Saffron on the Treatment of Experimental Endotoxin Induced Uveitis in the Rabbit. J Clin Diagn Res 2017; 11:NC01-NC04. [PMID: 28511420 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2017/23266.9491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Saffron with scientific name of "Crocus sativus" from the family "Iridaceae" is a plant without stem and root. Antioxidative and immunomodulatory effects of saffron has been demonstrated in different studies. AIM To assess the effects of saffron in the treatment on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced uveitis in the rabbit. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty healthy female New Zealand white rabbits were prepared. LPS induced uveitis was confirmed via slit lamp examination 24 hours after intravitreal injection of Salmonella typhimurium LPS endotoxin in the right eye of all rabbits. Then the animals were randomly divided into two equal groups - group 1 (controls) and group 2 (saffron). After 24 hours of intravitreal injection of LPS, 60 mg/body weight of saffron was injected intraperitoneally for Group 2. On the seventh day after intraperitoneal injection, all rabbits of both groups were euthanized with an overdose intraperitoneal injection of sodium thiopental. Immediately after euthanasia, enucleation of both groups of rabbits was done. Clinical Scoring System (CSS) and pathological severity score of uveitis was assessed for each eye. RESULTS No statistical difference in the CSS was found in days 3,5, and 7 after intraperitoneal injection of saffron. Also, Pathological Severity Score (PSS) did not show a significant difference between two groups. Additionally, the maximum PSS of both groups was very closed but the number was observed in the saffron group (20%) more than control group (10%). CONCLUSION Intraperitoneal injection of saffron was ineffective in the management of experimental uveitis. Further studies with different dosages and follow up and using other routes of administration are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Talebnejad
- Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kazem Soltanzadeh
- Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Eghtedari Masoomeh
- Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoud Yasemi
- Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Khalili
- Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sherafat Maryam
- Faculty, Department of Traditional Persian Medicine, School of Traditional Persian Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Crocetin treatment inhibits proliferation of colon cancer cells through down-regulation of genes involved in the inflammation. Saudi J Biol Sci 2017; 25:1767-1771. [PMID: 30591798 PMCID: PMC6303136 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The current study was designed to investigate the effect of crocetin on the proliferation inhibition of colon cancer cells and the underlying mechanism. Methods MTT assay showed inhibition of proliferation of colon cancer cells in a dose based manner by crocetin treatment. At 30 µM concentration of crocetin proliferation rate of colon cancer cells was reduced to 14% after 24 h. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy revealed induction of apoptosis in colon cancer cells on treatment with crocetin. The tube formation was suppressed significantly in the cultures of HUVEC treated with 30 µM concentration of crocetin compared to the control cultures. Results The results from transwell assay revealed a significant reduction in the population of DU-145 cells passing through filters of transwell on treatment with crocetin compared to the control cells. Treatment of the DU-145 cells with crocetin caused a significant reduction in the expression levels of NF-κB, VEGF and MMP-9. The results from RT-PCR analysis revealed a significant reduction in the expression of genes involved in inflammation including, HMGB1, IL-6 and IL-8 on treatment of DU-145 cells with crocetin. However, the expression of NAG-1 gene was increased by crocetin treatment in DU-145 cells significantly compared to the control cells. Conclusion Crocetin inhibits growth of colon cancer cells and prevents tube formation through induction of apoptosis. Therefore, crocetin can be used efficiently for the treatment of colon cancer.
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Azarhazin E, Izadyar M, Housaindokht MR. Molecular dynamic simulation and DFT study on the Drug-DNA interaction; Crocetin as an anti-cancer and DNA nanostructure model. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2017; 36:1063-1074. [PMID: 28330413 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2017.1310060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In this research, the interaction of Crocetin as an anti-cancer drug and a Dickerson DNA has been investigated. 25 ns molecular dynamic simulations of Crocetin and DNA composed of 12 base pairs and a sequence of d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 were done in water. Three definite parts of the B-DNA were considered in analyzing the best interactive site from the thermodynamic point of view. Binding energy analysis showed that van der Waals interaction is the most important part related to the reciprocal O and H atoms of the Crocetin and DNA. Stabilizing interactions, obtained by ΔG calculations, showed that maximum and minimum interactions are related to the S1 and S3 regions, respectively. This means that the most probable van der Waals interaction site of the Dickerson B-DNA and Crocetin is located in the minor groove of DNA. Two sharp peaks at 2.55 and 1.75 Å in radial distribution functions of the PO⋯HO and NH⋯OC parts are related to new hydrogen bonds between the Crocetin and DNA in the complex which can be considered as the driving force of the anti-cancer mechanism of the Crocetin. Average values of 0.3 au and zero for the electron densities of the H⋯O bonds for DNA and complex, obtained by Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), means that the origin of DNA instability after complexation may be related to the H-bond denaturation by Crocetin. Finally, the evaluation of the dispersion interactions using the dispersion functional, -148.76 kcal.mol-1, confirmed the importance of the dispersion interaction in drug-DNA complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Azarhazin
- a Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry , Ferdowsi University of Mashhad , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Mohammad Izadyar
- a Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry , Ferdowsi University of Mashhad , Mashhad , Iran
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Sajjadi M, Bathaie Z. Comparative Study on The Preventive Effect of Saffron Carotenoids, Crocin and Crocetin, in NMU-Induced Breast Cancer in Rats. CELL JOURNAL 2017; 19:94-101. [PMID: 28367420 PMCID: PMC5241521 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2016.3901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Crocin (Cro) and crocetin (Crt) are two widely known saffron carotenoids, which exert anticancer effects by different mechanisms. Here, we investigated and compared the preventive effect of Cro and Crt at the initiation and promotion stages of breast cancer induction in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, female Wistar albino rats were injected with three doses of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU). The preventive intervention was done at different times for the initiation and promotion stages. Thus, Cro/Crt was administered by gavage 20 days before, or one week after, the first NMU injection, for the prevention at the initiation or promotion stages respectively. The treatment was repeated every three days, and continued up to the end of experiment. Tumor appearance was checked by palpation and some parameters were determined after sacrifice. RESULTS Tumor volume, latency period, and tumor number were significantly decreased in the rat groups treated with both saffron carotenoids for prevention at both the initiation and promotion stages. Tumor incidence was 77% due to NMU injection, which was decreased to 45 and 33% (on average) after Cro and Crt administration, respectively. In addition, enkephaline degrading aminopeptidase (EDA) was decreased significantly in the ovaries of the animals, however, changes in the brain were not significant. CONCLUSION Crt/Cro showed a significant protective effect against the NMU-induced breast cancer in rats. However, Crt was more effective than Cro and prevention at the initiation stage was more effective than at the promotion stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meysam Sajjadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Bathaie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Yang X, Huo F, Liu B, Liu J, Chen T, Li J, Zhu Z, Lv B. Crocin Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Pro-inflammatory Response of Microglial Cells Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy Through the Activation of PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. J Mol Neurosci 2017; 61:581-589. [PMID: 28238066 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-017-0899-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus that is closely associated with the degeneration and loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) caused by diabetic microangiopathy and subsequent oxidative stress and an inflammatory response. Microglial cells are classed as neurogliocytes and play a significant role in neurodegenerative diseases. Over-activated microglial cells may cause neurotoxicity and induce the death and apoptosis of RGCs. Crocin is one of the two most pharmacologically bioactive constituents in saffron. In the present study, we focused on the role of microglial cells in DR, suggesting that DR may cause the over-activation of microglial cells and induce oxidative stress and the release of pro-inflammatory factors. Microglial cells BV-2 and N9 were cultured, and high-glucose (HG) and free fatty acid (FFA) were used to simulate diabetes. The results showed that HG-FFA co-treatment caused the up-regulated expression of CD11b and Iba-1, indicating that BV-2 and N9 cells were over-activated. Moreover, oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory factors were significantly enhanced by HG-FFA treatment. We found that crocin prevented the oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory response induced by HG-FFA co-treatment. Moreover, using the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, we revealed that PI3K/Akt signaling plays a significant role in blocking oxidative stress, suppressing the pro-inflammatory response, and maintaining the neuroprotective effects of crocin. In total, these results provide a new insight into DR and DR-induced oxidative stress and the inflammatory response, which provide a potential therapeutic target for neuronal damage, vision loss, and other DR-induced complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinguang Yang
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Guangren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuquan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Bei Liu
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Guangren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Guangren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Junping Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiao Zhu
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Guangren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bochang Lv
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Guangren Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 21 Jiefang Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China.
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Finley JW, Gao S. A Perspective on Crocus sativus L. (Saffron) Constituent Crocin: A Potent Water-Soluble Antioxidant and Potential Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2017; 65:1005-1020. [PMID: 28098452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b04398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Several factors are thought to play roles in the development and course of AD. Existing medical therapies only modestly alleviate and delay cognitive symptoms. Current research has been focused on developing antibodies to remove the aggregates of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau protein. This approach has achieved removal of Aβ; however, no cognitive improvement in AD patients has been reported. The biological properties of saffron, the dry stigma of the plant Crocus sativus L., and particularly its main constituent crocin, have been studied extensively for many conditions including dementia and traumatic brain injury. Crocin is a unique antioxidant because it is a water-soluble carotenoid. Crocin has shown potential to improve learning and memory as well as protect brain cells. A search of the studies on saffron and crocin that have been published in recent years for their impact on AD as well as crocin's effects on Aβ and tau protein has been conducted. This review demonstrates that crocin exhibits multifunctional protective activities in the brain and could be a promising agent applied as a supplement or drug for prevention or treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Finley
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, 111 Food Science Building, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
- 14719 Secret Harbor Place, Bradenton, Florida 34202, United States
| | - Song Gao
- Quality Phytochemicals LLC , 13 Dexter Road, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816, United States
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Silva CM, de Matos de Borba T, Kalil SJ, de Medeiros JF, Burkert. Raw Glycerol and Parboiled Rice Effluent for Carotenoid Production: Effect of the Composition of Culture Medium
and Initial pH. Food Technol Biotechnol 2017; 54:489-496. [PMID: 28115908 DOI: 10.17113/ftb.54.04.16.4410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Search for naturally grown food has stimulated the biotechnological production of carotenoids. Therefore, the use of the yeast Xanthophyllomonas dendrorhous has been researched due to its abilities to assimilate different sources as substrates and to produce high amounts of carotenoids. Furthermore, alternative sources have been used as the culture medium to reduce costs and environmental impact. A potent carotenoid is astaxanthin in view of its health-promoting and antioxidative properties. It consists of different geometrical isomers with trans and cis configuration. In X. dendrorhous this carotenoid is mostly found in the trans form, but cis isomers can also be found. Carotenoid production was investigated in culture medium containing by-products such as raw glycerol (from biodiesel) and parboiled rice effluent. The effects of the culture medium components on biomass concentration and specific and volumetric productions of carotenoids were verified by the Plackett-Burman design. Cultivations were carried out with yeast Xanthophyllomonas dendrorhous NRRL Y-17268 at 25 °C and 150 rpm for 168 h. In this study, maximum production of carotenoids was obtained under the following conditions (in g/L): raw glycerol 10, glucose 10, yeast extract 10, malt extract 10 and peptone 1 at pH=6. Resulting specific and volumetric productions of carotenoids were 326.8 and 4.1 µg/g, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Moroni Silva
- Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Chemistry and Food School (EQA), PO Box 474,
BR-96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Thais de Matos de Borba
- Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Chemistry and Food School (EQA), PO Box 474,
BR-96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Susana Juliano Kalil
- Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Chemistry and Food School (EQA), PO Box 474,
BR-96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Janaína Fernandes de Medeiros
- Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Chemistry and Food School (EQA), PO Box 474,
BR-96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Burkert
- Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Chemistry and Food School (EQA), PO Box 474,
BR-96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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Lv B, Huo F, Zhu Z, Xu Z, Dang X, Chen T, Zhang T, Yang X. Crocin Upregulates CX3CR1 Expression by Suppressing NF-κB/YY1 Signaling and Inhibiting Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Microglial Activation. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:1949-57. [PMID: 27084772 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-1905-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and optic nerve fibers. Microglial activation has been shown to be deleterious to RGCs and may participate in the progression of glaucoma. Crocin, one of the major active ingredients in saffron, has been found to inhibit microglial activation. However, the mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether crocin can inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglial activation and to clarify the mechanisms involved. The influence of crocin on primary RGCs and LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells survival was determined by the MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays, or by flow cytometry. BV2 cells were pretreated with various concentrations of crocin for 2 h followed by 1 μg/mL LPS stimulation. Microglial markers and pro-inflammatory mediators were assessed by real-time PCR, western blot and ELISA. Furthermore, CX3CR1 expression was detected and the underlying mechanism was examined. The concentrations of crocin ranged from 0.1 to 1 μM, and did not show any cytotoxicity in RGC and BV2 cells. After crocin pretreatment, the expression of microglial markers (CD11b and Iba-1) and pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) induced by LPS were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, CX3CR1 expression was remarkably increased by crocin via the suppression of NF-κB/Yin Yang 1 (YY1) signaling in BV2 cells. In conclusion, crocin effectively suppresses microglial activation and upregulates CX3CR1 expression by suppressing NF-κB/YY1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bochang Lv
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Affiliated Guangren Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuquan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiao Zhu
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Affiliated Guangren Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiguo Xu
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Affiliated Guangren Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Dang
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Affiliated Guangren Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinguang Yang
- Shaanxi Ophthalmic Medical Center, Xi'an No. 4 Hospital, Affiliated Guangren Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, People's Republic of China.
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Paredi G, Raboni S, Marchesani F, Ordoudi SA, Tsimidou MZ, Mozzarelli A. Insight of Saffron Proteome by Gel-Electrophoresis. Molecules 2016; 21:167. [PMID: 26840283 PMCID: PMC6273178 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Saffron is a spice comprised of the dried stigmas and styles of Crocus sativus L. flowers and, since it is very expensive, it is frequently adulterated. So far, proteomic tools have never been applied to characterize the proteome of saffron or identify possible cases of fraud. In this study, 1D-Gel Electrophoresis was carried out to characterize the protein profile of (i) fresh stigmas and styles of the plant; (ii) dried stigmas and styles from different geographical origins (Spanish, Italian, Greek and Iranian) that had been stored for various periods of time after their processing; and (iii) two common plant adulterants, dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius L. and dried fruits of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. A selective protein extraction protocol was applied to avoid interference from colored saffron metabolites, such as crocins, during electrophoretic analyses of saffron. We succeeded in separating and assigning the molecular weights to more than 20 proteins. In spite of the unavailability of the genome of saffron, we were able to identify five proteins by Peptide Mass Fingerprinting: phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 3, heat shock cognate 70 KDa protein, crocetin glucosyltransferase 2, α-1,4-glucan-protein synthase and glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-2. Our findings indicate that (i) few bands are present in all saffron samples independently of origin and storage time, with amounts that significantly vary among samples and (ii) aging during saffron storage is associated with a reduction in the number of detectable bands, suggesting that proteases are still active. The protein pattern of saffron was quite distinct from those of two common adulterants, such as the dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius and the dried fruits of Gardenia jasminoides indicating that proteomic analyses could be exploited for detecting possible frauds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Paredi
- Department of Pharmacy, Interdepartment Center SITEIA.PARMA, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy.
| | - Samanta Raboni
- Department of Pharmacy, Interdepartment Center SITEIA.PARMA, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy.
| | - Francesco Marchesani
- Department of Pharmacy, Interdepartment Center SITEIA.PARMA, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy.
| | - Stella A Ordoudi
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Maria Z Tsimidou
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.
| | - Andrea Mozzarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Interdepartment Center SITEIA.PARMA, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy.
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Rome 00136, Italy.
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR, Pisa 56124, Italy.
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Inhibitory Effect of Crocin(s) on Lens α-Crystallin Glycation and Aggregation, Results in the Decrease of the Risk of Diabetic Cataract. Molecules 2016; 21:143. [PMID: 26821002 PMCID: PMC6273448 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21020143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study investigates the inhibitory effect of crocin(s), also known as saffron apocarotenoids, on protein glycation and aggregation in diabetic rats, and α-crystallin glycation. Thus, crocin(s) were administered by intraperitoneal injection to normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The cataract progression was recorded regularly every two weeks and was classified into four stages. After eight weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the parameters involved in the cataract formation were measured in the animal lenses. Some parameters were also determined in the serum and blood of the rats. In addition, the effect of crocin(s) on the structure and chaperone activity of α-crystallin in the presence of glucose was studied by different methods. Crocin(s) lowered serum glucose levels of diabetic rats and effectively maintained plasma total antioxidants, glutathione levels and catalase activity in the lens of the animals. In the in vitro study, crocin(s) inhibited α-crystallin glycation and aggregation. Advanced glycation end products fluorescence, hydrophobicity and protein cross-links were also decreased in the presence of crocin(s). In addition, the decreased chaperone activity of α-crystallin in the presence of glucose changed and became close to the native value by the addition of crocin(s) in the medium. Crocin(s) thus showed a powerful inhibitory effect on α-crystallin glycation and preserved the structure-function of this protein. Crocin(s) also showed the beneficial effects on prevention of diabetic cataract.
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Chen S, Zhao S, Wang X, Zhang L, Jiang E, Gu Y, Shangguan AJ, Zhao H, Lv T, Yu Z. Crocin inhibits cell proliferation and enhances cisplatin and pemetrexed chemosensitivity in lung cancer cells. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2016; 4:775-83. [PMID: 26798587 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2218-6751.2015.11.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crocin is the major constituent of saffron, a naturally derived Chinese medicine obtained from the dried stigma of the Crocus sativus flower. It has a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidative, immunity enhancement, and anti-tumorigenic properties; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. METHODS To investigate the effects of crocin on proliferation and apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells, lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, A549 and SPC-A1, were treated with crocin at different dosages. Cell morphological changes were observed by light microscopy. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to detect the inhibitory effect of crocin on cell proliferation and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Flow cytometry was used to characterize cell apoptosis and cell cycle profiles. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect mRNA levels of apoptosis-related genes. RESULTS Crocin inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in A549 and SPC-A1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, accompanied with an increase of G0/G1 arrest. Crocin significantly increased the mRNA levels of both p53 and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (Bax), while decreasing B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) mRNA expressions. In addition, crocin combined with either cisplatin or pemetrexed showed additive effects on cell proliferation in two lung cancer cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Crocin significantly suppressed the proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma cells and enhanced the chemo sensitivity of these cells to both cisplatin and pemetrexed. The actions of molecular mechanism could be through the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by p53 and Bax up-regulation but Bcl-2 down-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Chen
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China ; 3 Mingde Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China ; 4 Changzhou TCM Hospital, Changzhou 213000, China ; 5 Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China ; 6 Weinberg college of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA ; 7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA ; 8 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China ; 3 Mingde Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China ; 4 Changzhou TCM Hospital, Changzhou 213000, China ; 5 Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China ; 6 Weinberg college of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA ; 7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA ; 8 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Xinxing Wang
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China ; 3 Mingde Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China ; 4 Changzhou TCM Hospital, Changzhou 213000, China ; 5 Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China ; 6 Weinberg college of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA ; 7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA ; 8 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Luo Zhang
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China ; 3 Mingde Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China ; 4 Changzhou TCM Hospital, Changzhou 213000, China ; 5 Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China ; 6 Weinberg college of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA ; 7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA ; 8 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Enze Jiang
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China ; 3 Mingde Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China ; 4 Changzhou TCM Hospital, Changzhou 213000, China ; 5 Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China ; 6 Weinberg college of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA ; 7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA ; 8 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yuan Gu
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China ; 3 Mingde Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China ; 4 Changzhou TCM Hospital, Changzhou 213000, China ; 5 Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China ; 6 Weinberg college of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA ; 7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA ; 8 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Anna Junjie Shangguan
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China ; 3 Mingde Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China ; 4 Changzhou TCM Hospital, Changzhou 213000, China ; 5 Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China ; 6 Weinberg college of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA ; 7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA ; 8 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China ; 3 Mingde Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China ; 4 Changzhou TCM Hospital, Changzhou 213000, China ; 5 Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China ; 6 Weinberg college of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA ; 7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA ; 8 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Tangfeng Lv
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China ; 3 Mingde Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China ; 4 Changzhou TCM Hospital, Changzhou 213000, China ; 5 Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China ; 6 Weinberg college of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA ; 7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA ; 8 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Zhenghong Yu
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210002, China ; 2 Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China ; 3 Mingde Hospital affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China ; 4 Changzhou TCM Hospital, Changzhou 213000, China ; 5 Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China ; 6 Weinberg college of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60204, USA ; 7 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA ; 8 Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
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Extraction of phytochemicals from saffron by supercritical carbon dioxide with water and methanol as entrainer. J Supercrit Fluids 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.supflu.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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81
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Song P, Xia J, Rezeng C, Tong L, Tang W. Traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine: Focusing on research into traditional Tibetan medicine in China. Biosci Trends 2016; 10:163-70. [PMID: 27301588 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2016.01105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Song
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
| | - Jufeng Xia
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | - Caidan Rezeng
- The Research Center of Chinese and Tibetan Medicine, Medicine College, Qinghai University
| | - Li Tong
- The Research Center of Chinese and Tibetan Medicine, Medicine College, Qinghai University
| | - Wei Tang
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
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Ashrafi M, Bathaie SZ, Abroun S, Azizian M. Effect of Crocin on Cell Cycle Regulators in N-Nitroso-N-Methylurea-Induced Breast Cancer in Rats. DNA Cell Biol 2015; 34:684-91. [PMID: 26394119 PMCID: PMC4642822 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2015.2951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed the anticancer effect of crocin, a saffron carotenoid, in both breast and gastric cancers in animal models, but its mechanism of action is not clearly known, yet. In this study, the effect of crocin on cell cycle regulators is investigated. Female Wistar Albino rats were divided into two groups, with or without N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU) injection. After tumor formation, each group of rats was divided into two subgroups, receiving crocin or vehicle only. After 5 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and the tumors were retained for pathologic investigation and determination of the parameters. Before crocin treatment, the tumor volumes were 13.27±3.77 and 12.37±1.88, but at the end of the experiment, they were 23.66±8.82 and 11.91±2.27 in the control and crocin-treated groups, respectively. Pathologic investigation indicated the adenocarcinoma induction by NMU. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis showed overexpression of cyclin D1 and p21(Cip1) in the NMU-induced breast tumors; however, the expression of both of them suppressed by crocin treatment. The previous studies indicated that crocin induces apoptosis in tumor tissue. In this study, we show that it also suppresses tumor growth and induces cell cycle arrest by downregulation of cyclin D1. In addition, crocin suppressed p21(Cip1) in a p53-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboobeh Ashrafi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - S. Zahra Bathaie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Abroun
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Azizian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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83
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Liu Y, Wen Q, Chen XL, Yang SJ, Gao L, Gao L, Zhang C, Li JL, Xiang XX, Wan K, Chen XH, Zhang X, Zhong JF. All-trans retinoic acid arrests cell cycle in leukemic bone marrow stromal cells by increasing intercellular communication through connexin 43-mediated gap junction. J Hematol Oncol 2015; 8:110. [PMID: 26446715 PMCID: PMC4597383 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-015-0212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is typically decreased in malignant tumors. Gap junction is not presented between hematopoietic cells but occurred in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the major gap junction (GJ) protein; our previous study revealed that Cx43 expression and GJIC were decreased in acute leukemic BMSCs. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) increases GJIC in a variety of cancer cells and has been used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia, but the effects of ATRA on leukemic BMSCs is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the potential effects of ATRA on cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis of leukemic BMSCs. Effects of ATRA on Cx43 expression and GJIC were also examined. Methods Human BMSCs obtained from 25 patients with primary acute leukemia, and 10 normal healthy donors were cultured. Effects of ATRA on cell cycle, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were examined with or without co-treatment with amphotericin-B. Cx43 expression was examined at both the mRNA and protein expression levels. GJIC was examined by using a dye transfer assay and measuring the rate of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Results ATRA arrested the cell cycle progression, inhibited cell growth, and increased apoptosis in leukemic BMSCs. Both Cx43 expression and GJIC function were increased by ATRA treatment. Most of the observed effects mediated by ATRA were abolished by amphotericin-B pretreatment. Conclusions ATRA arrests cell cycle progression in leukemic BMSCs, likely due to upregulating Cx43 expression and enhancing GJIC function. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-015-0212-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China. .,Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Qin Wen
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Xue-Lian Chen
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Shi-Jie Yang
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Jia-Li Li
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Xi-Xi Xiang
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Kai Wan
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Xing-Hua Chen
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Jiang-Fan Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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Kyriakoudi A, O'Callaghan YC, Galvin K, Tsimidou MZ, O'Brien NM. Cellular Transport and Bioactivity of a Major Saffron Apocarotenoid, Picrocrocin (4-(β-D-Glucopyranosyloxy)-2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde). JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2015; 63:8662-8668. [PMID: 26340688 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b03363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The cellular transport and bioactivity of the second major saffron apocarotenoid, picrocrocin, was examined in parallel to that of the major group, crocetin sugar esters, in aqueous extracts. The transport of pure picrocrocin was investigated in comparison to that of other saffron apocarotenoids, trans-crocetin (di-β-D-gentiobiosyl) ester and crocetin using the Caco-2 cell model coupled with an in vitro digestion procedure. RP-HPLC-DAD was employed to quantify the bioaccessible and bioavailable amounts of individual apocarotenoids. Picrocrocin and crocetin sugar esters though highly bioaccessible (75% and 60%, respectively) were transported at minute quantities (0.2% and 0.5%, respectively; 10-fold lower than crocetin). Picrocrocin did not protect against oxidant-induced DNA damage in U937, human monocytic blood cells at the concentration investigated, however, it reduced the proliferation of human adenocarcinoma and hepatocarcinoma cells. Our findings may be useful for the requirements of food legislation regarding saffron preparations, in which both apocarotenoid groups coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Kyriakoudi
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) , 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Yvonne C O'Callaghan
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork , Cork, Ireland
| | - Karen Galvin
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork , Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria Z Tsimidou
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) , 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nora M O'Brien
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork , Cork, Ireland
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85
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Food Processing and the Mediterranean Diet. Nutrients 2015; 7:7925-64. [PMID: 26393643 PMCID: PMC4586566 DOI: 10.3390/nu7095371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet (MD) for protecting against chronic disorders such as cardiovascular disease are usually attributed to high consumption of certain food groups such as vegetables, and low consumption of other food groups such as meat. The influence of food processing techniques such as food preparation and cooking on the nutrient composition and nutritional value of these foods is not generally taken into consideration. In this narrative review, we consider the mechanistic and epidemiological evidence that food processing influences phytochemicals in selected food groups in the MD (olives, olive oil, vegetables and nuts), and that this influences the protective effects of these foods against chronic diseases associated with inflammation. We also examine how the pro-inflammatory properties of meat consumption can be modified by Mediterranean cuisine. We conclude by discussing whether food processing should be given greater consideration, both when recommending a MD to the consumer and when evaluating its health properties.
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Liu T, Chu X, Wang H, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Guo H, Liu Z, Dong Y, Liu H, Liu Y, Chu L, Zhang J. Crocin, a carotenoid component of Crocus cativus, exerts inhibitory effects on L-type Ca(2+) current, Ca(2+) transient, and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2015; 94:302-8. [PMID: 26674933 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2015-0214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Crocin, a carotenoid component of Crocus sativus L. belonging to the Iridaceae family, has demonstrated cardioprotective effects. To investigate the cellular mechanisms of these cardioprotective effects, here we studied the influence of crocin on L-type Ca(2+)current (I(Ca-L)), intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i), and contraction of isolated rat cardiomyocytes by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and video-based edge detection and dual excitation fluorescence photomultiplier systems. Crocin inhibited I(Ca-L) in a concentration-dependent manner with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 45 μmol/L and the maximal inhibitory effect of 72.195% ± 1.54%. Neither current-voltage relationship of I(Ca-L), reversal potential of I(Ca-L), nor the activation/inactivation of I(Ca-L) was significantly changed. Crocin at 1 μmol/L reduced cell shortening by 44.64% ± 2.12% and the peak value of the Ca(2+) transient by 23.66% ± 4.52%. Crocin significantly reduced amplitudes of myocyte shortening and [Ca(2+)]i with an increase in the time to reach 10% of the peak (Tp) and a decrease in the time to 10% of the baseline (Tr). Thus, the cardioprotective effects of crocin may be attributed to the attenuation of [Ca(2+)]i through the inhibition of I(Ca-L) in rat cardiomyocytes and negative inotropic effects on myocardial contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- a Hebei Medical University, No. 361, East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Xi Chu
- b The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 12, Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- a Hebei Medical University, No. 361, East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- c Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 3, Xingyuan Road, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- c Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 3, Xingyuan Road, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Hui Guo
- c Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 3, Xingyuan Road, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Zhenyi Liu
- c Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 3, Xingyuan Road, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Yongsheng Dong
- d Intensive Care Unit, Air Force General Hospital, No. 30, Fucheng Road, Haidian 100142, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Liu
- e Department of Infectious Diseases, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- a Hebei Medical University, No. 361, East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Li Chu
- a Hebei Medical University, No. 361, East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China.,c Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 3, Xingyuan Road, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- a Hebei Medical University, No. 361, East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China.,c Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 3, Xingyuan Road, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei, China
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Prados-Rosales R, Toriola S, Nakouzi A, Chatterjee S, Stark R, Gerfen G, Tumpowsky P, Dadachova E, Casadevall A. Structural Characterization of Melanin Pigments from Commercial Preparations of the Edible Mushroom Auricularia auricula. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2015; 63:7326-7332. [PMID: 26244793 PMCID: PMC4862413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Many of the most widely consumed edible mushrooms are pigmented, and these have been associated with some beneficial health effects. Nevertheless, the majority of the reported compounds associated with these desirable properties are non-pigmented. We have previously reported that melanin pigment from the edible mushroom Auricularia auricula can protect mice against ionizing radiation, although no physicochemical characterization was reported. Consequently, in this study we have characterized commercial A. auricula mushroom preparations for melanin content and carried out structural characterization of isolated insoluble melanin materials using a panel of sophisticated spectroscopic and physical/imaging techniques. Our results show that approximately 10% of the dry mass of A. auricula is melanin and that the pigment has physicochemical properties consistent with those of eumelanins, including hosting a stable free radical population. Electron microscopy studies show that melanin is associated with the mushroom cell wall in a manner similar to that of melanin from the model fungus C. neoformans. Elemental analysis of melanin indicated C, H, and N ratios consistent with 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid/5,6-dihydroxyindole and 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene eumelanin. Validation of the identity of the isolated product as melanin was achieved by EPR analysis. A. auricula melanin manifested structural differences, relative to the C. neoformans melanin, with regard to the variable proportions of alkyl chains or oxygenated carbons. Given the necessity for new oral and inexpensive radioprotective materials coupled with the commercial availability of A. auricula mushrooms, this product may represent an excellent source of edible melanin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Prados-Rosales
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Stacy Toriola
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Antonio Nakouzi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Subhasish Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate Center and Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031-9101, United States
| | - Ruth Stark
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate Center and Institute for Macromolecular Assemblies, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031-9101, United States
| | - Gary Gerfen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Paul Tumpowsky
- Goodwin and Wells, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Ekaterina Dadachova
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
- Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, United States
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88
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Fernández-Sánchez L, Lax P, Noailles A, Angulo A, Maneu V, Cuenca N. Natural Compounds from Saffron and Bear Bile Prevent Vision Loss and Retinal Degeneration. Molecules 2015; 20:13875-93. [PMID: 26263962 PMCID: PMC6332441 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200813875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
All retinal disorders, regardless of their aetiology, involve the activation of oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways. The administration of neuroprotective factors is crucial in all phases of the pathology, even when vision has been completely lost. The retina is one of the most susceptible tissues to reactive oxygen species damage. On the other hand, proper development and functioning of the retina requires a precise balance between the processes of proliferation, differentiation and programmed cell death. The life-or-death decision seems to be the result of a complex balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic signals. It has been recently shown the efficacy of natural products to slow retinal degenerative process through different pathways. In this review, we assess the neuroprotective effect of two compounds used in the ancient pharmacopoeia. On one hand, it has been demonstrated that administration of the saffron constituent safranal to P23H rats, an animal model of retinitis pigmentosa, preserves photoreceptor morphology and number, the capillary network and the visual response. On the other hand, it has been shown that systemic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), the major component of bear bile, to P23H rats preserves cone and rod structure and function, together with their contact with postsynaptic neurons. The neuroprotective effects of safranal and TUDCA make these compounds potentially useful for therapeutic applications in retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Departament of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Pedro Lax
- Departament of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Agustina Noailles
- Departament of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Antonia Angulo
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Departament of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain.
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89
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Li X, Ning X, Dou J, Yu Q, Wang S, Zhang L, Wang S, Hu X, Bao Z. An SCD gene from the Mollusca and its upregulation in carotenoid-enriched scallops. Gene 2015; 564:101-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.02.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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90
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Huang WJ, Li FF, Liu YJ, Long CL. Identification of Crocus sativus and its Adulterants from Chinese Markets by using DNA Barcoding Technique. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2015; 13:36-42. [PMID: 28959279 DOI: 10.15171/ijb.1034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a common but very expensive herbal medicine. As an important traditional medicine, it has an outstanding effect in treating irregular and painful menstruation. Recently, the over-demand tendency of saffron results in an unusual phenomenon in the medicinal markets. Adulterants and saffron-like substitutes are intentionally mixed into medicinal markets and pharmacies or online stores, affecting drug safety and food quality. OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to identify saffron from its adulterants via DNA barcoding. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples (13 saffron + 4 others containing Carthamus tinctorius or Chrysanthemum x morifolium) obtained from 12 different provinces of China. Through DNA barcoding, samples were compared using three candidate markers, trnH-psbA, rbcL-a and ITS2. RESULTS trnH-psbA and rbcL-a were capable of distinguishing different accessions. ITS2 could identify samples even at intra-specific level. According to these three barcodes, four samples were identified saffron-like substitutes. CONCLUSIONS The adulterant rate in Chinese markets reaches as high as 33.33% that may cause health risks and further may reduce saffron efficacy once is being used as herbal remedy. In order to make a distinction between C. sativus with other genera as adulterants, DNA barcoding is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Juan Huang
- Department of Biology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Fei-Fei Li
- Department of Biology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Yu-Jing Liu
- Department of Biology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Chun-Lin Long
- Department of Biology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, PR China.,Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, PR China
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91
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Li S, Jiang S, Jiang W, Zhou Y, Shen XY, Luo T, Kong LP, Wang HQ. Anticancer effects of crocetin in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma KYSE-150 cells. Oncol Lett 2015; 9:1254-1260. [PMID: 25663893 PMCID: PMC4315057 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.2869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocetin is the main pharmacologically-active component of saffron and has been considered as a promising candidate for cancer chemoprevention. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anticancer effects of crocetin and the possible mechanisms of these properties in the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line KYSE-150. The KYSE-150 cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium and incubated with 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 or 200 μmol/l crocetin for 48 h. Cell proliferation was measured using an MTT assay. Hoechst 33258 staining and observation under fluorescent microscopy were used to analyze the proapoptotic effects of crocetin. The migration rate was assessed by a wound-healing assay. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed using flow cytometry analysis subsequent to propidium iodide staining. The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved caspase 3 was determined by western blot analysis. It was found that treatment of KYSE-150 cells with crocetin for 48 h significantly inhibited the proliferation of the cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and the inhibition of proliferation was associated with S phase arrest. Crocetin was also found to induce morphological changes and cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner through increased expression of proapoptotic Bax and activated caspase 3. In addition, crocetin suppressed the migration of KYSE-150 cells. The present study provides evidence that crocetin exerts a prominent chemopreventive effect against esophageal cancer through the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and induction of apoptosis. These findings reveal that crocetin may be considered to be a promising future chemotherapeutic agent for esophageal cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China ; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shantou, Guangdong 515000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Yin Shen
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Tao Luo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Ping Kong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Hua-Qiao Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
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92
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何 慧. Structures, Antioxidation Mechanism, and Antioxidation Test of the Common Natural Antioxidants in Plants. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2015. [DOI: 10.12677/biphy.2015.31004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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93
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Roohinejad S, Middendorf D, Burritt DJ, Bindrich U, Everett DW, Oey I. Capacity of natural β-carotene loaded microemulsion to protect Caco-2 cells from oxidative damage caused by exposure to H2O2. Food Res Int 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2014.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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94
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Jabbarpoor Bonyadi MH, Yazdani S, Saadat S. The ocular hypotensive effect of saffron extract in primary open angle glaucoma: a pilot study. Altern Ther Health Med 2014; 14:399. [PMID: 25319729 PMCID: PMC4213480 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background The progressive nature of glaucoma and its growing incidence make its therapy an important target for research. The role of oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of glaucoma makes antioxidants such as saffron extract an attractive target for potential clinical use. Herein, we evaluate the effect of aqueous saffron extract on intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods Thirty-four eyes of 34 clinically stable POAG patients receiving treatment with timolol and dorzolamide eye drops were enrolled in this prospective, comparative, randomized interventional pilot study. Eligible subjects were randomized to receive 30 mg/day aqueous saffron extract orally (17 subjects, 17 eyes) or placebo (17 subjects, 17 eyes) for one month as an adjunct to timolol and dorzolamide. Following treatment, both study groups entered a one-month wash-out period. The main outcome measure was IOP during treatment and after the wash-out period. Results Mean baseline IOP was 12.9 ± 3.7 versus 14.0 ± 2.5 mmHg in the saffron and control groups, respectively (p = 0.31). After three weeks of treatment, IOP was significantly decreased to 10.9 ± 3.3 mmHg in the saffron group as compared to 13.5 ± 2.3 mmHg in the control group (p = 0.013). At four weeks, IOP was still significantly lower in the saffron group (10.6 ± 3.0 versus 13.8 ± 2.2 mmHg, p = 0.001). At the end of the wash-out period, IOP was 12.9 ± 3.0 in the saffron group versus 14.2 ± 2.0 mmHg in the control group (p = 0.175). None of the patients experienced side effects during the study and wash-out period. Conclusions Oral aqueous saffron extract seems to exert an ocular hypotensive effect in primary open-angle glaucoma. This effect became evident after three weeks of therapy. The current study was registered at the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) as IRCT201201278832N1.
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95
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Wang C, Kim JH, Kim SW. Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering for marine carotenoids: new opportunities and future prospects. Mar Drugs 2014; 12:4810-32. [PMID: 25233369 PMCID: PMC4178492 DOI: 10.3390/md12094810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotenoids are a class of diverse pigments with important biological roles such as light capture and antioxidative activities. Many novel carotenoids have been isolated from marine organisms to date and have shown various utilizations as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. In this review, we summarize the pathways and enzymes of carotenoid synthesis and discuss various modifications of marine carotenoids. The advances in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology for carotenoid production are also reviewed, in hopes that this review will promote the exploration of marine carotenoid for their utilizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chonglong Wang
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea.
| | - Jung-Hun Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea.
| | - Seon-Won Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), PMBBRC, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea.
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96
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Antitumor effects of saffron-derived carotenoids in prostate cancer cell models. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:135048. [PMID: 24900952 PMCID: PMC4037572 DOI: 10.1155/2014/135048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. extracts (saffron) are rich in carotenoids. Preclinical studies have shown that dietary intake of carotenoids has antitumor effects suggesting their potential preventive and/or therapeutic roles. We have recently reported that saffron (SE) and crocin (CR) exhibit anticancer activity by promoting cell cycle arrest in prostate cancer (PCa) cells. It has also been demonstrated that crocetin esters are produced after SE gastrointestinal digestion by CR hydrolysis. The aim of the present report was to investigate if SE, crocetin (CCT), and CR affected in vivo tumor growth of two aggressive PCa cell lines (PC3 and 22rv1) which were xenografted in male nude mice treated by oral gavage with SE, CR, and CCT. We demonstrated that the antitumor effects of CCT were higher when compared to CR and SE and treatments reverted the epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) as attested by the significant reduction of N-cadherin and beta-catenin expression and the increased expression of E-cadherin. Additionally, SE, CR, and CCT inhibited PCa cell invasion and migration through the downmodulation of metalloproteinase and urokinase expression/activity suggesting that these agents may affect metastatic processes. Our findings suggest that CR and CCT may be dietary phytochemicals with potential antitumor effects in biologically aggressive PCa cells.
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97
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Crocin suppresses LPS-stimulated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase by upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 via calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 4. Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:728709. [PMID: 24839356 PMCID: PMC4009253 DOI: 10.1155/2014/728709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocin is a water-soluble carotenoid pigment that is primarily used in various cuisines as a seasoning and coloring agent, as well as in traditional medicines for the treatment of edema, fever, and hepatic disorder. In this study, we demonstrated that crocin markedly induces the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) which leads to an anti-inflammatory response. Crocin inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and nitric oxide production via downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B activity in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. These effects were abrogated by blocking of HO-1 expression or activity. Crocin also induced Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular pools and phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 4 (CAMK4). CAMK4 knockdown and kinase-dead mutant inhibited crocin-mediated HO-1 expression, Nrf2 activation, and phosphorylation of Akt, indicating that HO-1 expression is mediated by CAMK4 and that Akt is a downstream mediator of CAMK4 in crocin signaling. Moreover, crocin-mediated suppression of iNOS expression was blocked by CAMK4 inhibition. Overall, these results suggest that crocin suppresses LPS-stimulated expression of iNOS by inducing HO-1 expression via Ca2+/calmodulin-CAMK4-PI3K/Akt-Nrf2 signaling cascades. Our findings provide a novel molecular mechanism for the inhibitory effects of crocin against endotoxin-mediated inflammation.
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