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Forest biorefinery: Potential of poplar phytochemicals as value-added co-products. Biotechnol Adv 2015; 33:681-716. [PMID: 25733011 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The global forestry industry after experiencing a market downturn during the past decade has now aimed its vision towards the integrated biorefinery. New business models and strategies are constantly being explored to re-invent the global wood and pulp/paper industry through sustainable resource exploitation. The goal is to produce diversified, innovative and revenue generating product lines using on-site bioresources (wood and tree residues). The most popular product lines are generally produced from wood fibers (biofuels, pulp/paper, biomaterials, and bio/chemicals). However, the bark and other tree residues like foliage that constitute forest wastes, still remain largely an underexploited resource from which extractives and phytochemicals can be harnessed as by-products (biopharmaceuticals, food additives and nutraceuticals, biopesticides, cosmetics). Commercially, Populus (poplar) tree species including hybrid varieties are cultivated as a fast growing bioenergy crop, but can also be utilized to produce bio-based chemicals. This review identifies and underlines the potential of natural products (phytochemicals) from Populus species that could lead to new business ventures in biorefineries and contribute to the bioeconomy. In brief, this review highlights the importance of by-products/co-products in forest industries, methods that can be employed to extract and purify poplar phytochemicals, the potential pharmaceutical and other uses of >160 phytochemicals identified from poplar species - their chemical structures, properties and bioactivities, the challenges and limitations of utilizing poplar phytochemicals, and potential commercial opportunities. Finally, the overall discussion and conclusion are made considering the recent biotechnological advances in phytochemical research to indicate the areas for future commercial applications from poplar tree species.
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Fermented Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae alleviates high fat diet-induced obesity in association with regulation of intestinal permeability and microbiota in rats. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8391. [PMID: 25684573 PMCID: PMC4329570 DOI: 10.1038/srep08391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests the anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (RAM). Here, we evaluated the anti-obesity impact of unfermented (URAM) versus fermented RAM (FRAM) using both in vitro and in vivo models. Both URAM and FRAM exhibited marked anti-inflammatory, anti-adipogenic, and anti-obesity activities, and modulation of the gut microbial distribution. However, FRAM, compared to URAM, resulted in more efficient suppression of NO production and normalization of transepithelial electrical resistance in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 and HCT 116 cells, respectively. Compared to URAM, FRAM more effectively reduced the adipose tissue weight; ameliorated the serum triglyceride and aspartate transaminase levels; restored the serum HDL level and intestinal epithelial barrier function in the LPS control group. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia as well as Bacteriodetes/Firmicutes ratio in the gut of the LPS control group was significantly enhanced by both URAM and FRAM. However, FRAM, but not URAM, resulted in a significant increase in the distribution of Bacteriodetes and Lactobacillus in the gut of the HFD + LPS group. Our results suggest that FRAM with probiotics can exert a greater anti-obesity effect than URAM, which is probably mediated at least in part via regulation of the intestinal microbiota and gut permeability.
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The biological activities of cinnamon, geranium and lavender essential oils. Molecules 2014; 19:20929-40. [PMID: 25514231 PMCID: PMC6271123 DOI: 10.3390/molecules191220929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter sp. represent an important cause of nosocomial infections. Their resistance to some antibiotics, their ability to survive on inanimate surfaces in the hospital environment and their ability to produce biofilms contributes to their virulence. The aim of the study was to determine the antibacterial properties of cinnamon, lavender and geranium essential oils against bacteria of the genus Acinetobacter isolated from several clinical materials and from the hospital environment. A comprehensive evaluation of the susceptibility of Acinetobacter sp. clinical strains to recommended antibiotics was performed. The constituents of cinnamon, lavender and geranium essential oils were identified by GC-FID-MS analysis, and their Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) against tested clinical strains were determined by the micro-dilution broth method. In addition, the effects of essential oils on the viability of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) and glioblastoma cell line (T98G) were evaluated. Cinnamon bark oil was the most active against clinical and environmental strains of Acinetobacter baumannii with MIC values ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 µL/mL. The MIC values for geranium oil were between 7.5 and 9.5 µL/mL, and between 10.5 and 13.0 µL/mL for lavender oil. These essential oils can be best employed in the fight against infections caused by bacteria from Acinetobacter genus as components of formulations for hygiene and disinfection of hospital environment.
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Zhao J, Evangelopoulos D, Bhakta S, Gray AI, Seidel V. Antitubercular activity of Arctium lappa and Tussilago farfara extracts and constituents. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 155:796-800. [PMID: 24955560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Arctium lappa and Tussilago farfara (Asteraceae) are two plant species used traditionally as antitubercular remedies. The aim of this study was (i) to screen Arctium lappa and Tussilago farfara extracts for activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and (ii) to isolate and identify the compound(s) responsible for this reputed anti-TB effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS The activity of extracts and isolated compounds was determined against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using a high throughput spot culture growth inhibition (HT-SPOTi) assay. RESULTS The n-hexane extracts of both plants, the ethyl acetate extract of Tussilago farfara and the dichloromethane phase derived from the methanol extract of Arctium lappa displayed antitubercular activity (MIC 62.5 μg/mL). Further chemical investigation of Arctium lappa led to the isolation of n-nonacosane (1), taraxasterol acetate (2), taraxasterol (3), a (1:1) mixture of β sitosterol/stigmasterol (4), isololiolide (5), melitensin (6), trans-caffeic acid (7), kaempferol (8), quercetin (9), kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (10). Compounds isolated from Tussilago farfara were identified as a (1:1) mixture of β sitosterol/stigmasterol (4), trans-caffeic acid (7), kaempferol (8), quercetin (9), kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (10), loliolide (11), a (4:1) mixture of p-coumaric acid/4-hydroxybenzoic acid (12), p-coumaric acid (13). All compounds were identified following analyses of their physicochemical and spectroscopic data (MS, (1)H and (13)C-NMR) and by comparison with published data. This is the first report of the isolation of n-nonacosane (1), isololiolide (5), melitensin (6) and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (10) from Arctium lappa, and of loliolide (11) from Tussilago farfara. Amongst the isolated compounds, the best activity was observed for p-coumaric acid (13) (MIC 31.3 μg/mL or 190.9 μM) alone and in mixture with 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (12) (MIC 62.5 μg/mL). CONCLUSIONS The above results provide for the first time some scientific evidence to support, to some extent, the ethno-medicinal use of Arctium lappa and Tussilago farfara as traditional antitubercular remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlian Zhao
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Dimitrios Evangelopoulos
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Sanjib Bhakta
- Mycobacteria Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Alexander I Gray
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Véronique Seidel
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
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Anti-proliferative effect and phytochemical analysis of Cymbopogon citratus extract. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:906239. [PMID: 24791006 PMCID: PMC3984801 DOI: 10.1155/2014/906239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The antiproliferative and antioxidant potential of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass) extracts were investigated. The extracts were isolated by solvent maceration method and thereafter subjected to antiproliferative activity test on five different cancer cells: human colon carcinoma (HCT-116), breast carcinoma (MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231), ovarian carcinoma (SKOV-3 and COAV), and a normal liver cell line (WRL 68). The cell viability was determined using MTT assay. The DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed a concentration dependent trend. A maximum percentage inhibition of 45% and an IC50 of 278 μg/mL were observed when aqueous extract was evaluated. In contrast, 48.3% and IC50 of 258.9 μg/mL were observed when 50% ethanolic extract was evaluated. Both extracts at concentration of 50 to 800 μg/mL showed appreciative metal chelating activity with IC50 value of 172.2 ± 31 μg/mL to 456.5 ± 30 μg/mL. Depending on extraction solvent content, extract obtained from 50% ethanolic solvent proved to be more potent on breast cancer MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 68 μg/mL). On the other hand, 90% ethanolic extract showed a moderate potency on the ovarian cancer (COAV) and MCF-7 cells having an IC50 of 104.6 μg/mL each. These results suggested antiproliferative efficacy of C. citratus ethanolic extract against human cancer cell lines.
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Application of genetic algorithm for discovery of core effective formulae in TCM clinical data. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2013; 2013:971272. [PMID: 24288577 PMCID: PMC3830796 DOI: 10.1155/2013/971272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Research on core and effective formulae (CEF) does
not only summarize traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment experience, it also
helps to reveal the underlying knowledge in the formulation of a TCM prescription.
In this paper, CEF discovery from tumor clinical data is discussed.
The concepts of confidence, support, and effectiveness of the CEF
are defined. Genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to find the CEF from a lung cancer
dataset with 595 records from 161 patients. The results had 9 CEF with positive
fitness values with 15 distinct herbs. The CEF have all had relative high average
confidence and support. A herb-herb network was constructed and it shows that all
the herbs in CEF are core herbs. The dataset was divided into CEF group and non-CEF group.
The effective proportions of former group are significantly greater than those of latter group.
A Synergy index (SI) was defined to evaluate the interaction between two herbs.
There were 4 pairs of herbs with high SI values to indicate the synergy between the herbs.
All the results agreed with the TCM theory, which demonstrates the feasibility of our approach.
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Cheng P, Alberts I, Li X. The role of ERK1/2 in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of astrocytes in developing brain. Int J Dev Neurosci 2013; 31:783-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Cheng
- Shanghai Mental Health CenterShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ian Alberts
- Department of Natural Sciences, LaGuardia CCCity University of New YorkNY11101USA
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of NeurochemistryNY State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental DisabilitiesNew YorkNY10314USA
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Bomfim DS, Ferraz RPC, Carvalho NC, Soares MBP, Pinheiro MLB, Costa EV, Bezerra DP. Eudesmol Isomers Induce Caspase-Mediated Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2013; 113:300-6. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diogo S. Bomfim
- Department of Physiology; Federal University of Sergipe; São Cristóvão; Sergipe; Brazil
| | - Rosana P. C. Ferraz
- Department of Physiology; Federal University of Sergipe; São Cristóvão; Sergipe; Brazil
| | - Nanashara C. Carvalho
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Center; Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - Fiocruz; Salvador; Bahia; Brazil
| | | | - Maria L. B. Pinheiro
- Department of Chemistry; Federal University of Amazonas; Manaus; Amazonas; Brazil
| | - Emmanoel V. Costa
- Department of Chemistry; Federal University of Sergipe; São Cristóvão; Sergipe; Brazil
| | - Daniel P. Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Research Center; Oswaldo Cruz Foundation - Fiocruz; Salvador; Bahia; Brazil
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Yueju pill rapidly induces antidepressant-like effects and acutely enhances BDNF expression in mouse brain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:184367. [PMID: 23710213 PMCID: PMC3654702 DOI: 10.1155/2013/184367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The traditional antidepressants have a major disadvantage in delayed onset of efficacy, and the emerging fast-acting antidepressant ketamine has adverse behavioral and neurotoxic effects. Yueju pill, an herb medicine formulated eight hundred years ago by Doctor Zhu Danxi, has been popularly prescribed in China for alleviation of depression-like symptoms. Although several clinical outcome studies reported the relative short onset of antidepressant effects of Yueju, this has not been scientifically investigated. We, therefore, examined the rapid antidepressant effect of Yueju in mice and tested the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that acute administration of ethanol extract of Yueju rapidly attenuated depressive-like symptoms in learned helpless paradigm, and the antidepressant-like effects were sustained for at least 24 hours in tail suspension test in ICR mice. Additionally, Yueju, like ketamine, rapidly increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus, whereas the BDNF mRNA expression remained unaltered. Yueju rapidly reduced the phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2), leading to desuppression of BDNF synthesis. Unlike ketamine, both the BDNF expression and eEF2 phosphorylation were revered at 24 hours after Yueju administration. This study is the first to demonstrate the rapid antidepressant effects of an herb medicine, offering an opportunity to improve therapy of depression.
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60
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Liu Y, Jia Z, Dong L, Wang R, Qiu G. A randomized pilot study of atractylenolide I on gastric cancer cachexia patients. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 5:337-44. [PMID: 18830451 PMCID: PMC2529387 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nem031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2006] [Accepted: 02/13/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We determined the therapeutic efficacy of atractylenolide I (ATR), extracted from largehead atractylodes rhizome, in managing gastric cancer cachexia (GCC), and interpreted its probable pharmacological mechanism via investigating tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF). This was a randomized but not-blinded pilot. The study group (n = 11) received 1.32 g per day of atractylenolide I (ATR) and the control group (n = 11) received 3.6 g per day of fish-oil-enriched nutritional supplementation (FOE) for 7 weeks. Conservative therapy was similar in both groups. Clinical [appetite, body weight, mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), Karnofsky performance status (KPS) status], biomarker (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 and PIF) were evaluated in the basal state, at the third and seventh weeks. To analyze changes of cytokines, an immumohistochemistry technique was adopted. Base line characteristics were similar in both groups. Effects on MAMC and body weight increase, TNF-α increase and IL-1 decreases of serum level were significant in both groups (P < 0.05). ATR was significantly more effective than FOE in improving appetite and KPS status, and decreasing PIF positive rate (P < 0.05). Slight nausea (3/11) and dry mouth (1/11) were shown in intervention groups but did not interrupt treatment. These preliminary findings suggest that ATR might be beneficial in alleviating symptoms, in modulating cytokine and in inhibiting PIF proteolysis of gastric cancer cachexia. Further research using a randomized controlled design is necessary to confirm these pilot study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of People's Republic of China, Beijing and Department of Digestion, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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61
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β-Eudesmol Induces JNK-Dependent Apoptosis through the Mitochondrial Pathway in HL60 Cells. Phytother Res 2012; 27:338-43. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Revised: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Sienkiewicz M, Łysakowska M, Denys P, Kowalczyk E. The antimicrobial activity of thyme essential oil against multidrug resistant clinical bacterial strains. Microb Drug Resist 2011; 18:137-48. [PMID: 22103288 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2011.0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this work was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of thyme essential oil against clinical multidrug resistant strains of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Pseudomonas genus. MATERIALS The antibacterial activity of oil was tested against standard strains of bacteria and 120 clinical strains isolated from patients with infections of the oral cavity, abdominal cavity, respiratory and genitourinary tracts, skin, and from the hospital environment. METHODS Agar diffusion was used to determine the microbial growth inhibition of bacterial growth at various concentrations of oil from Thymus vulgaris. Susceptibility testing to antibiotics was carried out using disk diffusion. RESULTS Thyme essential oil strongly inhibited the growth of the clinical strains of bacteria tested. CONCLUSIONS The use of phytopharmaceuticals based on an investigated essential oil from thyme in the prevention and treatment of various human infections may be reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sienkiewicz
- Medical and Sanitary Microbiology Department, Medical University of Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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Kim CK, Kim M, Oh SD, Lee SM, Sun B, Choi GS, Kim SK, Bae H, Kang C, Min BI. Effects of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi rhizome on 3T3-L1 adipogenesis and an animal model of obesity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2011; 137:396-402. [PMID: 21669278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi (AMK) is an herbal medicine traditionally used for treatment of abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disease, obesity, and related complications. AIM OF THE STUDY We investigated the effects and molecular mechanism of AMK rhizome water extract on 3T3-L1 adipogenesis and an animal model of obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS To study the effect of AMK on adipogenesis in vitro, differentiating 3T3-L1 cells were treated every two days with AMK at various concentrations (1-25μg/ml) for eight days. Oil Red O staining was performed to determine the lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. To elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of AMK on adipogenesis, phosphorylation levels of Akt and expression of perilipin, were analyzed by Western blotting. AMK was administered orally to high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats to confirm its effect in vivo. RESULTS AMK inhibited 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation in a dose-dependent manner without cellular toxicity. Phospho-Akt expression was highly decreased by AMK treatment, whereas there was no significant change in perilipin expression. AMK administration significantly reduced the body weight of rats fed a HFD. Plasma triglyceride levels were significantly lower in the AMK-treated HFD group than those in the HFD control group or normal diet (ND) group, although serum total, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate an inhibitory effect of AMK on adipogenesis through reduction of an adipogenic factor, phospho-Akt. AMK had a beneficial effect, reducing body weight gain in a HFD-induced animal model of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Keun Kim
- Department of East-West Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Chan YS, Cheng LN, Wu JH, Chan E, Kwan YW, Lee SMY, Leung GPH, Yu PHF, Chan SW. A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology 2010; 19:245-54. [PMID: 20981575 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock, is being promoted/recommended as a healthy and nutritive food in Chinese societies. Burdock has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America and Asia for hundreds of years. The roots, seeds and leaves of burdock have been investigated in view of its popular uses in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this review, the reported therapeutic effects of the active compounds present in the different botanical parts of burdock are summarized. In the root, the active ingredients have been found to "detoxify" blood in terms of TCM and promote blood circulation to the skin surface, improving the skin quality/texture and curing skin diseases like eczema. Antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds have also been found in the root. In the seeds, some active compounds possess anti-inflammatory effects and potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors such as pancreatic carcinoma. In the leaf extract, the active compounds isolated can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the oral cavity. The medicinal uses of burdock in treating chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes and AIDS have been reported. However, it is also essential to be aware of the side effects of burdock including contact dermatitis and other allergic/inflammatory responses that might be evoked by burdock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuk-Shing Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
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Yan Ye, Chou GX, Hui Wang, Chu JH, Fong WF, Yu ZL. Effects of Sesquiterpenes Isolated From Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome on Growth, Migration, and Differentiation of B16 Melanoma Cells. Integr Cancer Ther 2010; 10:92-100. [DOI: 10.1177/1534735410378660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to isolate sesquiterpene compounds from the largehead atractylodes rhizome (LAR) and to investigate their effects on B16 cancer cells. A total of 8 sesquiterpenes from LAR were identified, of which eudesm-4 (15), 7-diene-9α, 11-diol (7) was isolated for the first time. All 8 compounds inhibited growth of B16 cells, and atractylenolide I (AT-I), atractylenolide II (AT-II), and atractylenolactam (ATR) were the most potent, with IC50 values of 76.46, 84.02, and 54.88 μΜ, respectively. Monomer lactone or lactam structures in the 8 compounds appeared to be critical for their antiproliferative activities. In addition, AT-I, AT-II, and ATR could induce cell differentiation and inhibit cell migration. Western blot analysis indicated that 2 of the compounds, AT-I and AT-II, could inactivate ERK, where all 3 inhibited AKT activation, suggesting that Ras/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are involved in the action mechanisms of the LAR sesquiterpene compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ye
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, China, Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gui-Xin Chou
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, China, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jian-Hong Chu
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wang-fun Fong
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Yu
- Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China,
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Seo MJ, Kim SJ, Kang TH, Rim HK, Jeong HJ, Um JY, Hong SH, Kim HM. The regulatory mechanism of β-eudesmol is through the suppression of caspase-1 activation in mast cell-mediated inflammatory response. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2010; 33:178-85. [PMID: 20604677 DOI: 10.3109/08923973.2010.491082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
β-Eudesmol is sesquiterpenoid alcohol which contains the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea. Although it has multiple pharmacological effects, the anti-inflammatory effect of β-eudesmol and its molecular mechanisms are poorly elucidated. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanism of β-eudesmol on mast cell-mediated inflammatory response. The results indicated that β-eudesmol inhibited the production and expression of interleukin (IL)-6 on phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated human mast cell (HMC). In activated HMC-1 cells, β-eudesmol suppressed activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-κB. In addition, β-eudesmol suppressed the activation of caspase-1 and expression of receptor-interacting protein-2. These results provide new insights into the pharmacological actions of β-eudesmol as a potential molecule for use in therapy in mast cell-mediated inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jun Seo
- Department of Medicinal Herb Development, Gyeongju University, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
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The stimulative effects of endogenous opioids on endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in vitro. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 628:42-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2009] [Revised: 11/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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68
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Xu XN, Tang ZH, Liang YZ, Zhang LX, Zeng MM, Deng JH. Comparison of the volatile constituents of different parts ofCortex magnolia officinalisby GC-MS combined with chemometric resolution method. J Sep Sci 2009; 32:3466-72. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.200900378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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69
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Robles-Zepeda RE, Lozoya-Gloria E, López MG, Villarreal ML, Ramírez-Chávez E, Molina-Torres J. Montanoa tomentosa glandular trichomes containing kaurenoic acids chemical profile and distribution. Fitoterapia 2009; 80:12-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2008.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2008] [Revised: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 09/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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70
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Wei XH, Cheng XM, Shen JS, Wang ZT. Antidepressant effect of Yueju-Wan ethanol extract and its fractions in mice models of despair. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2008; 117:339-344. [PMID: 18343064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Revised: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 02/02/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY Yueju-Wan (YJ), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is commonly used for the treatment of depression-related syndromes in China. This study was conducted to evaluate the antidepressant activity of YJ ethanol extract (YJ-E) and its four different fractions, the petroleum ether fraction (YJ-EA), ethyl acetate fraction (YJ-EB), n-butanol fraction (YJ-EC) and final aqueous fraction (YJ-ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two experimental despair animal models: the mice tail suspension test (TST) and the mice forced swimming test (FST) were used to evaluate the antidepressant activity of YJ-E and its fractions. These extracts or fractions were administered orally for 7 days, while the parallel positive control was given at the same time using fluoxetine hydrochloride (FLU) in TST and imipramine hydrochloride (IMI) in FST respectively. RESULTS YJ-E high dose (YJ-E2), YJ-EA, YJ-EC and the positive control groups could decrease the duration of immobility in the TST and FST and have no significant changes in locomotor activity. YJ-E low dose (YJ-E1), YJ-EB, YJ-ED and the vehicle solvent (VEH) control group have no obvious effect on these same tests. CONCLUSIONS In these despair animal models, YJ ethanol extract, the petroleum ether fraction and n-butanol fraction show potent antidepressant effects. The petroleum ether fraction and n-butanol fraction appear to be the active fractions of YJ-E.
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Affiliation(s)
- X H Wei
- Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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71
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Isolation and functional characterization of a β-eudesmol synthase, a new sesquiterpene synthase fromZingiber zerumbetSmith. FEBS Lett 2008; 582:565-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2008.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Revised: 01/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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72
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Ma EL, Li YC, Tsuneki H, Xiao JF, Xia MY, Wang MW, Kimura I. Beta-eudesmol suppresses tumour growth through inhibition of tumour neovascularisation and tumour cell proliferation. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2008; 10:159-167. [PMID: 18253884 DOI: 10.1080/10286020701394332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the potential anti-angiogenic mechanism and anti-tumour activity of beta-eudesmol using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 30 ng/ml) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, 30 ng/ml) was significantly inhibited by beta-eudesmol (50-100 microM). Beta-eudesmol (100 microM) also blocked the phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) induced by VEGF (30 ng/ml) in HUVEC. Beta-eudesmol (10-100 microM) inhibited proliferation of HeLa, SGC-7901, and BEL-7402 tumour cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, beta-eudesmol treatment (2.5-5 mg/kg) significantly inhibited growth of H(22) and S(180) mouse tumour in vivo. These results indicated that beta-eudesmol inhibited angiogenesis by suppressing CREB activation in growth factor signalling pathway. This is the first study to demonstrate that beta-eudesmol is an inhibitor of tumour growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Long Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
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73
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Reversal of cocaine-induced planarian behavior by parthenolide and related sesquiterpene lactones. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2007; 89:160-70. [PMID: 18222535 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2007.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2007] [Revised: 11/19/2007] [Accepted: 12/05/2007] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Here we report the prevention and reversal of cocaine-induced behaviors in planarian worms by parthenolide and two related cyclic sesquiterpene lactones (SL), costunolide and santonin. Using established protocols, we studied two cocaine-induced behavioral effects in planaria; the induction of motility decrease and the induction of C-like hyperkinesia. Cocaine, parthenolide, costunolide, santonin, and a lactone-less cyclic sesquiterpene, beta-eudesmol, decreased planarian motility in a concentration-dependent manner. Only cocaine induced C-like hyperkinesia. At concentrations that did not show any motility decrease, parthenolide, costunolide and santonin, but not beta-eudesmol, significantly reduced the cocaine-induced motility decrease and C-like hyperkinesia, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, parthenolide, costunolide and santonin were able to rescue planaria from C-like hyperkinesia, after the worms were exposed to cocaine. Conversely, cocaine at a concentration that did not show any measurable effects (10 microM), was able to alleviate the SL-, but not the beta-eudesmol-induced motility decrease. Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry experiments demonstrated that cocaine does not interact directly with any of the cyclic sesquiterpenoids, which suggests specific biochemical targets for these compounds in planarians. Our data suggests a common binding site for cocaine and the sesquiterpene lactones in planarians.
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74
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Bakkali F, Averbeck S, Averbeck D, Idaomar M. Biological effects of essential oils--a review. Food Chem Toxicol 2007; 46:446-75. [PMID: 17996351 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3344] [Impact Index Per Article: 196.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2006] [Revised: 08/23/2007] [Accepted: 09/21/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the middle ages, essential oils have been widely used for bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, antiparasitical, insecticidal, medicinal and cosmetic applications, especially nowadays in pharmaceutical, sanitary, cosmetic, agricultural and food industries. Because of the mode of extraction, mostly by distillation from aromatic plants, they contain a variety of volatile molecules such as terpenes and terpenoids, phenol-derived aromatic components and aliphatic components. In vitro physicochemical assays characterise most of them as antioxidants. However, recent work shows that in eukaryotic cells, essential oils can act as prooxidants affecting inner cell membranes and organelles such as mitochondria. Depending on type and concentration, they exhibit cytotoxic effects on living cells but are usually non-genotoxic. In some cases, changes in intracellular redox potential and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by essential oils can be associated with their capacity to exert antigenotoxic effects. These findings suggest that, at least in part, the encountered beneficial effects of essential oils are due to prooxidant effects on the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bakkali
- Institut Curie-Section de Recherche, UMR2027 CNRS/IC, LCR V28 CEA, Bât. 110, Centre Universitaire, 91405 Orsay cedex, France; Université Abdelmalek Essâadi, Faculté des Sciences, Laboratoire de Biologie et Santé, BP 2121, Tétouan, Morocco
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75
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Lu CX, Li J, Sun YX, Qi X, Wang QJ, Xin XL, Geng MY. Sulfated polymannuroguluronate, a novel anti-AIDS drug candidate, inhibits HIV-1 Tat-induced angiogenesis in Kaposi's sarcoma cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2007; 74:1330-9. [PMID: 17868650 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2007.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2007] [Revised: 06/07/2007] [Accepted: 06/11/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a neoplasm often associated with iatrogenic and acquired immunosuppression, is characterized by prominent angiogenesis. Angiogenic factors released from KS and host cells and HIV viral products-the protein Tat are reported to be involved in angiogenesis. Mounting evidence further suggests that multiple angiogenic activities of Tat contribute to AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (AIDS-KS). Herein, we report that sulfated polymannuroguluronate (SPMG), a novel anti-AIDS drug candidate now undergoing phase II clinical trial, significantly eliminated Tat-induced angiogenesis in SLK cells both in vitro and in vivo. SPMG significantly and dose-dependently inhibits proliferation, migration, and tube formation by SLK cells. SPMG also dramatically arrested Tat-driven KDR phosphorylation and blocked the interaction between Tat and integrin beta1, thus inhibiting the phosphorylation of the downstream kinases of FAK, paxillin and MAPKs. In addition, SPMG was noted to block the release of bFGF and VEGF from ECM. All these collectively favor an issue that SPMG functions as a promising therapeutic against Tat-induced angiogenesis and pathologic events relevant to AIDS-KS, which adds novel mechanistic profiling to the anti-AIDS action of SPMG.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-HIV Agents/administration & dosage
- Anti-HIV Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use
- Cell Adhesion/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Collagen
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Combinations
- Escherichia coli/genetics
- Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/metabolism
- Gene Products, tat/biosynthesis
- Gene Products, tat/pharmacology
- Glutathione Transferase/metabolism
- HIV-1/metabolism
- Humans
- Laminin
- Male
- Mice
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Polysaccharides/administration & dosage
- Polysaccharides/pharmacology
- Polysaccharides/therapeutic use
- Proteoglycans
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/biosynthesis
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- Sarcoma, Kaposi/blood supply
- Sarcoma, Kaposi/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Kaposi/pathology
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Xiao Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai 264000, and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Marine Drug and Food Institute, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, PR China.
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76
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Tsuneki H, Sekizaki N, Suzuki T, Kobayashi S, Wada T, Okamoto T, Kimura I, Sasaoka T. Coenzyme Q10 prevents high glucose-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2007; 566:1-10. [PMID: 17434478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2006] [Revised: 03/01/2007] [Accepted: 03/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications in diabetes. Although some clinical evidences suggest the use of an antioxidant reagent coenzyme Q10 in diabetes with hypertension, the direct effect of coenzyme Q10 on the endothelial functions has not been examined. In the present study, we therefore investigated the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 against high glucose-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVEC exposed to high glucose (30 mM) exhibited abnormal properties, including the morphological and biochemical features of apoptosis, overproduction of reactive oxygen species, activation of protein kinase Cbeta2, and increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression. Treatment with coenzyme Q10 strongly inhibited these changes in HUVEC under high glucose condition. In addition, coenzyme Q10 inhibited high glucose-induced cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, an endogenous caspase-3 substrate. These results suggest that coenzyme Q10 prevents reactive oxygen species-induced apoptosis through inhibition of the mitochondria-dependent caspase-3 pathway. Moreover, consistent with previous reports, high glucose caused upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in HUVEC, and promoted the adhesion of U937 monocytic cells. Coenzyme Q10 displayed potent inhibitory effects against these endothelial abnormalities. Thus, we provide the first evidence that coenzyme Q10 has a beneficial effect in protecting against the endothelial dysfunction by high glucose-induced oxidative stress in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Tsuneki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
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77
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Comparison of the volatile compounds of Atractylodes medicinal plants by headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2006.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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78
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Kimura I. Medical benefits of using natural compounds and their derivatives having multiple pharmacological actions. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2006; 126:133-43. [PMID: 16508237 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.126.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The multiple pharmacological actions of a unique compound are a prerequisite for classifying drugs as highly efficacious, because the multiple pharmacological actions offer the possibility of treating various symptoms of chronic diseases as described below. 1) Sustained hyperglycemia induces macrovascular and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Antihyperglycemic medication and the control of postprandial hyperglycemia are essentially important for normalizing plasma glucose level. Gymnemic acid IV isolated from Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae) leaves has antisweet, antihyperglycemic, glucose uptake inhibitory, and gut glycosidase inhibitory effects. Most of these pharmacological effects may synergistically contribute to alleviating type 2 diabetes-related symptoms. 2) Diabetic skeletal and vascular smooth muscles are hypersensitive to chemical transmitters, cytokines and autacoids. The sensitivity of neuromuscular synapses is enhanced in diabetes, which seems to be closely associated with neuropathy as one of the diabetic complications. beta-Eudesmol found in Atractylodes lancea rhizome has a desensitizing channel blocking action to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, anti-angiogenic action in vascular endothelium, and neuronal differentiation actions. These multiple pharmacological actions are favorable for treating angiogenic diseases possibly including the complications of diabetes, namely, retinopathy and nephropathy, and cancer. 3) Nipradilol is clinically utilized as a topical antiglaucoma drug. The ocular hypotensive effects of this compound are brought about by its alpha1 and beta-adrenergic receptor blocking actions, and nitric oxide (NO) releasing action. NO directly activates cyclooxygenases. All these pharmacologic effects are beneficial for treating glaucoma. The selectivity and specificity of drug action are required for treating acute diseases, infections or for acting as useful reagents. The pleiotropic actions of natural compounds and their derivatives serve as important clues for developing new drugs for various chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuko Kimura
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Toyama, Japan.
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