A Review of the Role of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Antiphotoaging, Stress Resistance, Neuroprotection, and Autophagy

Altamimi M, Ahamad SR, S. Aldughaim M, K. Alanazi F, Kazi M. Development and Optimization of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) Nano Phytosome Using Design of Experiment (DoE) and Their In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Studies

Inflammation is responsible for the development of many diseases that make up a significant cause of death. The purpose of the study was to develop a novel nanophytosomal preparation of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and egg phospholipid complex that has a lower particle size with higher drug loading capability, physical stability and anti-inflammatory activities. The impact of different factors and material characteristics on the average particle size was studied along with the drug loading of phytosome using design of experiment (DoE). The in vivo anti-inflammatory study was evaluated using a rat model to investigate the performance of EGCG nanophytosome. UHPLC results showed that 500 µg of EGCG were present in 1 mL of green tea extract. SEM data exhibited that phytosome (phospholipid-drug complex) was in the nanosize range, which was further evident from TEM data. Malvern Zetasizer data showed that the average particle size of the EGCG nanophytosome was in the range of 100–250 nm. High drug loading (up to 90%) was achieved with optimum addition rate, stirring temperature and phospholipid concentration. Stability study data suggest that no significant changes were observed in average particle size and drug loading of nanophytome. The in vivo anti-inflammatory study indicated a significant anti-inflammatory activity of green tea extract, pure EGCG and its phytosomal preparations (p ≤ 0.001) against acute paw edema.

Green Tea Polyphenols Protect against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury by Regulating the Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters

Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) have been shown to exhibit diverse beneficial effects against a variety of diseases. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is one of the most frequent causes of drug-induced liver injury. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of GTP on APAP-induced liver injury in mice and the underlying mechanisms involved. Male C57BL/6J mice were treated orally with different doses of GTP (37.5, 75, or 150 mg/kg) 4 h after APAP overdose (400 mg/kg) and continuously given every 8 h until sacrificed at 4, 12, 20, and 48 h after the first treatment of GTP. Survival rate and histological and biochemical assessments were performed to evaluate the APAP-induced liver injury. Protein expression of multiple drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters was measured to demonstrate the possible mechanisms involved. Our results revealed that administration of different doses of GTP significantly alleviated APAP-induced liver injury by improving the survival rate, hepatocellular necrosis, and ALT/AST/GSH levels after APAP overdose (400 mg/kg). The protein expression of APAP-induced drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes was mostly induced by GTP treatment, which was followed by reduction in drug transporters at the later time points. The current study collectively demonstrated that GTP protects against APAP-induced liver injury, possibly through regulating drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters after APAP overdose.

Effects of tea consumption on metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the major health hazards and an epidemic worldwide. There is no known best remedy has been defined yet. In the current investigation, we designed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate the beneficial effects of tea consumption in alleviating metabolic syndromes. Herein, we accumulated the relevant literature available on PubMed and EMBASE databases from January, 2000 to August, 2019. RCTs bearing impact factor of at least 1 or more were studied for the effect of tea consumption on MetS. This meta-analysis suggested that tea consumption has beneficial effects on diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and this finding was characterized of all types of tea in the current study and also for body mass index (BMI) value. Furthermore, this analysis also found that black tea consumption has protective effects on systolic SBP, green tea reduces the incidence of diabetes and lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. These functions required BMI value at least 28 or higher. The meta data led us to conclude that tea consumption have protective effects on MetS, however, different types of tea might have different protective mechanisms on MetS, but, exact mechanisms are not yet clear and needs to be explored.

Potential of Caenorhabditis elegans as an antiaging evaluation model for dietary phytochemicals: A review

Aging is an inevitable process characterized by the accumulation of degenerative damage, leading to serious diseases that affect human health. Studies on aging aim to develop pre-protection or therapies to delay aging and age-related diseases. A preventive approach is preferable to clinical treatment not only to reduce investment but also to alleviate pain in patients. Adjusting daily diet habits to improve the aging condition is a potentially attractive strategy. Fruits and vegetables containing active compounds that can effectively delay the aging process and reduce or inhibit age-related degenerative diseases have been identified. The signaling pathways related to aging in Caenorhabditis elegans are evolutionarily conserved; thus, studying antiaging components by intervening senescence process may contribute to the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases in humans. This review focuses on the effects of food-derived extracts or purified substance on antiaging in nematodes, as well as the underlying mechanisms, on the basis of several major signaling pathways and key regulatory factors in aging. The aim is to provide references for a healthy diet guidance and the development of antiaging nutritional supplements. Finally, challenges in the use of C. elegans as the antiaging evaluation model are discussed, together with the development that potentially inspire novel strategies and research tools.

Potential Role of Natural Polyphenols against Protein Aggregation Toxicity: In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies

One of the main features of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is the amyloidogenic behavior of disease-specific proteins including amyloid β, tau, α-synuclein, and mutant Huntingtin which participate in the formation, accumulation, and deposition of toxic misfolded aggregates. Consequently, these proteins not only associated with the progress of their respective neurodegenerative pathologies but also qualify as disease-specific biomarkers. The aim of using natural polyphenols is to target amyloid-dependent proteopathies by decreasing free radical damage and inhibiting and dissolving amyloid fibrils. We explore the effectiveness of the polyphenols epigallocatechin-3-gallate, oleuropein aglycone, and quercetin on their ability to inhibit aggregation of amyloid β, tau, and α-synuclein and mitigate other pathological features for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The analysis was carried from in vitro and cell line studies to animal models and clinical trials. This Review describes the use of phytochemical compounds as prophylactic agents for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other proteopathies.

Natural Compounds and Autophagy: Allies Against Neurodegeneration

Prolonging the healthy life span and limiting neurological illness are imperative goals in gerontology. Age-related neurodegeneration is progressive and leads to severe diseases affecting motility, memory, cognitive function, and social life. To date, no effective treatments are available for neurodegeneration and irreversible neuronal loss. Bioactive phytochemicals could represent a natural alternative to ensure active aging and slow onset of neurodegenerative diseases in elderly patients. Autophagy or macroautophagy is an evolutionarily conserved clearing process that is needed to remove aggregate-prone proteins and organelles in neurons and glia. It also is crucial in synaptic plasticity. Aberrant autophagy has a key role in aging and neurodegeneration. Recent evidence indicates that polyphenols like resveratrol and curcumin, flavonoids, like quercetin, polyamine, like spermidine and sugars, like trehalose, limit brain damage in vitro and in vivo. Their common mechanism of action leads to restoration of efficient autophagy by dismantling misfolded proteins and dysfunctional mitochondria. This review focuses on the role of dietary phytochemicals as modulators of autophagy to fight Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, fronto-temporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and psychiatric disorders. Currently, most studies have involved in vitro or preclinical animal models, and the therapeutic use of phytochemicals in patients remains limited.

The Role of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in Autophagy and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress (ERS)-Induced Apoptosis of Human Diseases

Tea containing abundant catechins is a popular non-alcoholic beverage worldwide. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the predominately active substance in catechins, exhibiting a wide range of functional properties including cancer suppression, neuroprotective, metabolic regulation, cardiovascular protection, stress adjustment, and antioxidant in various diseases. Autophagy, a basic cell function, participates in various physiological processes which include clearing away abnormally folded proteins and damaged organelles, and regulating growth. EGCG not only regulates autophagy via increasing Beclin-1 expression and reactive oxygen species generation, but also causing LC3 transition and decreasing p62 expression. EGCG-induced autophagy is involved in the occurrence and development of many human diseases, including cancer, neurological diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and injury. Apoptosis is a common cell function in biology and is induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) as a cellular stress response which is caused by various internal and external factors. ERS-induced apoptosis of EGCG influences cell survival and death in various diseases via regulating IRE1, ATF6, and PERK signaling pathways, and activating GRP78 and caspase proteins. The present manuscript reviews that the effect of EGCG in autophagy and ERS-induced apoptosis of human diseases.

The role of nutraceuticals as a complementary therapy against various neurodegenerative diseases: A mini-review

In recent times, many scientists have given great attention to nutraceuticals (complementary medicine) as it widely used for promoting health status. In particular for the prevention and treatment of various neurological diseases or disorders without or less adverse effects. The current mini-review was intended to compile all popular (major) nutraceuticals against various neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD) with special reference to clinical trials. Preliminary reviews indicated that nutraceuticals like curcumin, resveratrol, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), Coenzyme Q10, ω-3 FA (DHA/EPA/ALA), showed better neuroprotective activity against various NDDs in human setting (clinical trial). Hence this contribution will focus only on those popular nutraceuticals with proposed brief mechanisms (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mitochondrial homeostasis, autophagy regulation, promote neurogenesis) and its recommendation. This mini-review would aid common people to choose better nutraceuticals to combat various NDDs along with standard neuroprotective agents and modified lifestyle pattern.

Neuroprotective Properties of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Parkinson's Disease: A Review

Neurodegenerative disease is a collective term given for the clinical condition, which results in progressive degeneration of neurons and the loss of functions associated with the affected brain region. Apart from the increase in age, neurodegenerative diseases are also partly affected by diet and lifestyle practices. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a slow onset neurodegenerative disorder and the second most common neurodegenerative disease, which affects the motor system. Although there is no prescribed treatment method to prevent and cure PD, clinical procedures help manage the disease symptoms. Green tea polyphenols are known for several health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activity. The current manuscript summarizes the possible mechanisms of neuroprotective potential of green tea with a special focus on PD. Studies have suggested that the consumption of green tea protects against free-radicals, inflammation, and neuro-damages. Several in vivo studies aid in understanding the overall mechanism of green tea. However, the same dose may not be sufficient in humans to elicit similar effects due to complex physiological, social, and cultural development. Future research focused on more clinical trials could identify an optimum dose that could impart maximum health benefits to impart neuroprotection in PD.

Epigallocatechin Gallate Slows Retinal Degeneration, Reduces Oxidative Damage, and Modifies Circadian Rhythms in P23H Rats

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) includes a group of genetic disorders that involve the loss of visual function due to mutations mainly in photoreceptors but also in other retinal cells. Apoptosis, retinal disorganization, and inflammation are common in the progression of the disease. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been proved as beneficial in different eye diseases. Pigmented heterozygous P23H rat was used as an animal model of RP. Visual function was assessed by optomotor and electroretinogram (ERG) and circadian rhythms were evaluated by telemetry. Hepatic oxidative damage and antioxidant defenses were assessed using biochemical tests. The visual function of the EGCG P23H group was preserved, with a deterioration in the activity period and lower values in the interdaily stability parameter. Control rats treated with EGCG were less active than the sham group. EGCG increased antioxidant levels in P23H rats but reduced total hepatic antioxidant capacity by almost 42% in control rats compared to the sham group. We conclude that treatment with EGCG improves visual function and antioxidant status in P23H rats but diminishes antioxidant defenses in wild-type control animals, and slightly worsens activity circadian rhythms. Further studies are necessary to clarify the beneficial effects in disease conditions and in healthy organisms.

Polyvinyl Alcohol/Sodium Alginate Hydrogels Incorporated with Silver Nanoclusters via Green Tea Extract for Antibacterial Applications

Silver-based nanoparticles and biomaterials have extensive biomedical applications owing to their unique antimicrobial properties. Thus, green and facile synthesis of such materials is highly desirable. This study reports an antibacterial hydrogel based on polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate network with the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which is greenly synthesized by reductive metabolites obtained from the leaves of green tea. The 'flower-shape' AgNPs were acquired, it formed a mono-disperse system with a distinct uniform interparticle separation. The average size of AgNPs varied from 129.5 to 243.6 nm, which could be regulated by using different volumes of the green tea extract. Zeta potentials of the AgNPs were from -39.3 mV to -20.3 mV, indicating the moderate stability of the particles in water. In the next stage, the antibacterial polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate hydrogels were fabricated by incorporating prepared AgNPs. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images showed that the porous structure was obtained, and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis confirmed that the AgNPs were uniformly dispersed in the polymer network. The hydrogels exhibited superior water absorption properties, which were characterized by a high swelling ratio (500-900%) and fast equilibrium. The hydrogels also exhibited good antimicrobial activity in assays with Gram-positive bacteria Escherichia coli and Gram-negative bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. To sum up, a process for the green preparation of antibacterial hydrogels based on AgNPs derived from tea leaves as a conveniently available cheap local agricultural product was established.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), an Active Compound of Green Tea Attenuates Acute Lung Injury Regulating Macrophage Polarization and Krüpple-Like-Factor 4 (KLF4) Expression

Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are serious clinical complications with a high frequency of morbidity and mortality. The initiation and amplification of inflammation is a well-known aspect in the pathogenesis of ALI and related disorders. Therefore, inhibition of the inflammatory mediators could be an ideal approach to prevent ALI. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major constituent of green tea, has been shown to have protective effects on oxidative damage and anti-inflammation. The goal of the present study was to determine whether EGCG improves phenotype and macrophage polarisation in LPS-induced ALI. C57BL/6 mice were given two doses of EGCG (15 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (IP) 1 h before and 3 h after LPS instillation (2 mg/kg). EGCG treatment improved histopathological lesions, Total Leucocyte count (TLC), neutrophils infiltration, wet/dry ratio, total proteins and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in LPS-induced lung injury. The results displayed that EGCG reduced LPS-induced ALI as it modulates macrophage polarisation towards M2 status. Furthermore, EGCG also reduced the expression of proinflammatory M1 mediators iNOS TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the LPS administered lung microenvironment. In addition, it increased the expression of KLF4, Arg1 and ym1, known to augment the M2 phenotype of macrophages. EGCG also alleviated the expression of 8-OHdG, nitrotyrosine, showing its ability to inhibit oxidative damage. TREM1 in the lung tissue and improved lung regenerative capacity by enhancing Ki67, PCNA and Ang-1 protein expression. Together, these results proposed the protective properties of EGCG against LPS-induced ALI in may be attributed to the suppression of M1/M2 macrophages subtype ratio, KLF4 augmentation, lung cell regeneration and regulating oxidative damage in the LPS-induced murine ALI.

The stability of children's salivary peptidome profiles in response to short-term beverage consumption

BACKGROUND

Salivary peptidome profiling analysis has advantages of simplicity and non-invasiveness and great potentiality for screening, monitoring or primary diagnosis of diseases, but may be subjected to change against interferences like diet.

METHODS

We conducted a 5-day study to investigate the influence of 3 kinds of beverages (orange juice, sugar-free tea, and sugar-free liquid yoghurt; water as control) on children's salivary peptidome using mass spectrometry techniques.

RESULTS

All the groups shared a relatively stable pattern in heatmaps during the experimental days. Principal component analysis plot presented slight shifts in all the intervention groups between the baseline and intervention period while samples were not distinctly separated by date. The numbers of significantly changed peptides after short-term orange juice and tea intervention were four and three, respectively, while no changes occurred in the yoghurt group and control. Four of these peptides were identified as histatin-3, collagen alpha-1(IV) chain, zinc finger protein 805, and quinolinate synthase A.

CONCLUSIONS

Salivary peptidome has its own stability against beverage intervention, confirming the feasibility and validity of using it as a potential reference for the healthy state of the body, with diet habits recorded and considered as a confounder if necessary.

Aerobic training and hydroalcoholic extracts of green tea improve pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance and histopathological score in the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced prostate cancer model of rat

Green tea is a main resource for catechins. Catechins as antioxidant compounds reduce the production of reactive oxygen species and they have a protective role in the development of cancer. As well as, aerobic exercise change free radicals with two contradictory mechanisms. Aerobic training promotes excessive production of free radicals resulting in oxidative stress. In contrast, it increases the total antioxidant capacity. In this study, effect of aerobic training and hydroalcoholic extract of green tea (HEGT) on the pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and histopathological score of cancerous tissue in the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced prostate cancer was investigated. A rat model of prostate cancer was induced by hormonal change and N-Nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU). HEGT 0.1 % and 45 min of aerobic exercise in 5 days a week for eight weeks were scheduled. The presence of major catechins was approved using GC-MS. Histological study, PAB and PSA levels were used to monitor the preventive role of treatments. The prostate weights of cancerous rats were significantly higher than healthy controls (P<0.05). The PAB was only significantly higher in cancerous rats and cancerous rats receiving aerobic exercise (P<0.05). The mean of histological score of cancerous tissue was reduced in rat receiving HEGT and both HEGT and aerobic exercise. The amounts of PSA level did not significantly differ between the groups of this study (P>0.05). Our results provided laboratory and histological documentation for the preventive role of green tea extract in developing prostate cancer via its potential to re-establish the pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance.

Genoprotective activities of plant natural substances in cancer and chemopreventive strategies in the context of 3P medicine

Severe durable changes may occur to the DNA structure caused by exogenous and endogenous risk factors initiating the process of carcinogenesis. By evidence, a large portion of malignancies have been demonstrated as being preventable. Moreover, the targeted prevention of cancer onset is possible, due to unique properties of plant bioactive compounds. Although genoprotective effects of phytochemicals have been well documented, there is an evident lack of articles which would systematically present the spectrum of anticancer effects by phytochemicals, plant extracts, and plant-derived diet applicable to stratified patient groups at the level of targeted primary (cancer development) and secondary (cancer progression and metastatic disease) prevention. Consequently, clinical implementation of knowledge accumulated in the area is still highly restricted. To stimulate coherent co-development of the dedicated plant bioactive compound investigation on one hand and comprehensive cancer preventive strategies on the other hand, the current paper highlights and deeply analyses relevant evidence available in the area. Key molecular mechanisms are presented to detail genoprotective and anticancer activities of plants and phytochemicals. Clinical implementation is discussed. Based on the presented evidence, advanced chemopreventive strategies in the context of 3P medicine are considered.

The Evolving Role of Natural Compounds in the Medical Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (UFs) remain a significant health issue for many women, with a disproportionate impact on women of color, likely due to both genetic and environmental factors. The prevalence of UFs is estimated to be approximately 70% depending on population. UF-derived clinical symptoms include pelvic pain, excessive uterine bleeding, gastrointestinal and voiding problems, as well as impaired fertility. Nowadays numerous methods of UF treatment are available-from conservative treatment to invasive surgeries. Selecting an appropriate treatment option should be individualized and adjusted to the patient's expectations as much as possible. So far, the mainstay of treatment is surgery, but their negative impact of future fertility is clear. On the other hand, emerging new pharmaceutical options have significant adverse effects like liver function impairment, hot flashes, bone density loss, endometrial changes, and inability to attempt conception during treatment. Several natural compounds are found to help treat UFs and relieve their symptoms. In this review we summarize all the current available data about natural compounds that may be beneficial for patients with UFs, especially those who want to preserve their future fertility or have treatment while actively pursuing conception. Vitamin D, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, curcumin, and others are being used as alternative UF treatments. Moreover, we propose the concept of using combined therapies of natural compounds on their own or combined with hormonal agents to manage UFs. There is a strong need for more human clinical trials involving these compounds before promoting widespread usage.

Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines in Postoperative Abdominal Adhesion

Adhesion is a frequent complication after abdominal surgery. Although various methods have been applied to prevent and treat postoperative abdominal adhesion (PAA), few modern drugs designed for clinical applications have reached the expected preventive or therapeutic effect so far. There is an imperative to develop some new strategies for the treatment of PAA. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely practiced for thousands of years and played an indispensable role in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Modern medicine researchers have accepted the therapeutic effects of many active components derived from Chinese medicinal herbs. The review stresses the most commonly used TCM treatment, including Chinese medicinal herbals and monomers, TCM formulas, and acupuncture treatment.

Biological Factors, Metals, and Biomaterials Regulating Osteogenesis through Autophagy

Bone loss raises great concern in numerous situations, such as ageing and many diseases and in both orthopedic and dentistry fields of application, with an extensive impact on health care. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms and the determinants that can regulate osteogenesis and ensure bone balance. Autophagy is a well conserved lysosomal degradation pathway, which is known to be highly active during differentiation and development. This review provides a revision of the literature on all the exogen factors that can modulate osteogenesis through autophagy regulation. Metal ion exposition, mechanical stimuli, and biological factors, including hormones, nutrients, and metabolic conditions, were taken into consideration for their ability to tune osteogenic differentiation through autophagy. In addition, an exhaustive overview of biomaterials, both for orthopedic and dentistry applications, enhancing osteogenesis by modulation of the autophagic process is provided as well. Already investigated conditions regulating bone regeneration via autophagy need to be better understood for finely tailoring innovative therapeutic treatments and designing novel biomaterials.

A Hot Water Extract of Sideritis scardica Prolongs Life Span and Enhances Heat Shock Resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

Sideritis scardica is a Lamiaceae plant that is endemic to the alpine zone of the Balkan Peninsula. The tea of S. scardica has been handed down as a “tea of longevity” in the Rhodope region of Bulgaria for an unknown amount of time. In this study, we prepared a hot water extract of S. scardica (SHWE) and examined its effects on both life span and stress response in living tissue using Caenorhabditis elegans and its transgenic mutants. The life span of wild-type N2 worms was prolonged by approximately 15% at the SHWE concentration of 5 µg/mL and approximately 22% at the SHWE concentration of 50 µg/mL, as compared with the control group. The effect of SHWE on the expression of heat shock protein 16.2 (HSP-16.2) under heat stress was investigated using TJ375 worms, a transgenic mutant of C. elegans. In the TJ375 worms pretreated with SHWE, the fluorescence intensity of green fluorescent protein fluorescence, which indicates the expression of HSP-16.2, was significantly increased. In the assay using TJ356 worms, the worms pretreated with SHWE did not show the translocation of DAF-16, a forkhead transcription factor class O homolog, from the cytoplasm to nucleus under heat stress. Additionally, under heat stress, the pretreatment of SHWE improved the survival rate of GR1307 worms, a knockout mutant of daf-16. These results indicate that SHWE enhances HSP-16.2 expression through a stress-response pathway (eg, HSF-1 pathway) other than the DAF-16 pathway, resulting in a prolonged life span of C. elegans under heat stress.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Peritonitis in Rats Induced by Staphylococcus epidermidis Infection

Objective. To investigate the effects of cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles on the inflammatory response of peritonitis rats induced by Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. Methods. Green tea polyphenol CeO2 nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by transmission microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, and powder diffractometer. 40 male adult SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10 each): a control group, a model group, a CeO2 group, and a CeO2 + model group. Staphylococcus epidermidis solution was injected intraperitoneally with 107 CFU/ml of bacterial solution in the model group, while the control group was injected intraperitoneally with the same amount of normal saline, and the CeO2 and CeO2 + model groups were injected with 0.5 mg/kg CeO2 nanoparticles through the tail vein for 2 h and then injected with saline or bacterial solution for 2 h, respectively. After 0 h, 3 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h of model construction, rats were sacrificed, and serum and peritoneal lavage fluid were collected. The total number of leukocytes and the percentage of each type of leukocytes in the peritoneal lavage fluid were determined. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the level of inflammatory factor TNF-α in serum and peritoneal lavage fluid, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in peritoneal tissue was also measured. In addition, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in peritoneal tissue, and western blotting was used to detect the expression of TLR2, TLR4, and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathways as well. Results. The CeO2 has an average size of 37 ± 3 nm with binding activity to proteins, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids. After counting the white blood cells in the peritoneal lavage fluid, it was found that the total number of white blood cells and the percentage of neutrophils in the model group were significantly increased (both P<0.05), and CeO2 treatment significantly reversed the above changes (both P<0.05). The ELISA results showed that compared with the control group, the TNF-α in the peritoneal lavage fluid and serum of the model group increased in a time-dependent manner (all P<0.05); however, there was no significant change in the CeO2 group (P>0.05); at the same time in the CeO2 + model group, the TNF-α content was significantly reduced (all P<0.05). Detection of MPO activity in peritoneal tissue revealed that MPO activity was significantly increased under peritonitis (all P<0.05), and CeO2 treatment could mitigate that increase (all P<0.05). RT-PCR results showed that compared with the control group, the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA levels in the peritoneum of the model group were increased in a time-dependent manner (all P<0.05), and there was no significant change in the CeO2 group (P>0.05); however, TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in the CeO2 + model group (all P<0.05). Western blotting test was performed on the peritoneal tissue collected after 48 h of the model establishment. Compared with the control group, the levels of TLR2, TLR4, p–NF–κB, and p-IκBα protein in the model group were significantly increased (all P<0.05), while CeO2 group showed no significant changes (P>0.05) and administration of CeO2 before model construction can significantly reverse the above protein activation (all P<0.05). Conclusion. CeO2 nanoparticles have anti-inflammatory effects in peritonitis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis infection.

Green Tea Polyphenols Modulated Cerebral SOD Expression and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Cardiac Arrest/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Rats

BACKGROUND

Reducing cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury is crucial for improving survival and neurologic outcomes after cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR). The purpose of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective effects of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) concern with the modulation of endogenous antioxidation and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

METHODS

After subjecting to CA/CPR, rats were randomized into the saline group (NS, n = 40) and the GTPs group (GTPs, n = 40) and the GTPs group (GTPs, n = 40) and the GTPs group (GTPs.

RESULTS

Comparing with that in NS group, GTPs increased the expression of SOD1 and SOD2 at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and the expression of GRP78 at 24 h and 48 h (p < 0.05) butdecreased caspase-12, CHOP, caspase-3 level, and apoptotic number of neurons (p < 0.05) butdecreased caspase-12, CHOP, caspase-3 level, and apoptotic number of neurons (.

CONCLUSION

GTPs exert neuroprotective effects via mechanisms that may be related to the enhancement of endogenous antioxidant capacity and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress in CA/CPR rat models.

Aerobic denitrification performance and nitrate removal pathway analysis of a novel fungus Fusarium solani RADF-77

Increasing nitrogenous contaminants have caused immense challenges to the environment and human health. As compared to physical and chemical methods, biological denitrification is considered to be an effective solution due to its environmental friendliness, high efficiency, and low cost. In the present work, a novel fungal strain identified as Fusarium solani (RADF-77) was isolated from cellulose material-supported denitrification reactor; this strain is capable of removing nitrogen under aerobic conditions. The average NO₃^--N removal rate for RADF-77 were 4.43 mg/(L·h) and 4.50 mg/(L·d), when using glucose and tea residue as carbon source, respectively. The nitrogen balance revealed that 53.66% of N vanished via gaseous products. Transcriptional results revealed that respiratory and assimilative nitrate reductases may work together for nitrate removal. Our results indicate that RADF-77 could be used as a potential means of enhancing nitrate-removal performance, as well as recycling tea residue, which is the main byproduct of the manufacture of tea extracts.

Radioprotection of EGCG based on immunoregulatory effect and antioxidant activity against 60Coγ radiation-induced injury in mice

Excessive reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) produced by ionizing radiation (IR) can cause human body to serious oxidative damage, leading to oxidation-reduction (REDOX) system imbalance and immune system damage. Here, the radioprotection of EGCG was studied through a model of oxidative damage in ⁶⁰Coγ radiation mice. Firstly, the weights and the main organs indexes of mice, including the liver index, spleen index and pancreas index, indicated preliminarily the safety and protection of EGCG. Then, the radioprotection of EGCG based on immune-regulation on radiation mice was further investigated. Results suggested that EGCG could prevent significantly the immune system damage caused by ⁶⁰Coγ via increasing the immune organ index, inducing the transformation of spleen cells into T- and B-lymphocytes, and enhancing the macrophage phagocytosis, compared with model group. In addition, EGCG could also protect spleens of radiation mice from ⁶⁰Coγ-induced the imbalance of REDOX system by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), increasing the level of glutathione (GSH), suppressing lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde, MDA). The antioxidant enzymes activities of serum and livers were also increased markedly. Taken together, our results indicated that EGCG possessed the excellent potential to serve as a natural radioprotector against IR-induced damage.

Antiaging, Stress Resistance, and Neuroprotective Efficacies of Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala Fruit Extracts Using Caenorhabditis elegans Model

Plant parts and their bioactive compounds are widely used by mankind for their health benefits. Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala is one berry fruit, native to Thailand, known to exhibit various health benefits in vitro. The present study was focused on analyzing the antiaging, stress resistance, and neuroprotective effects of C. nervosum in model system Caenorhabditis elegans using physiological assays, fluorescent imaging, and qPCR analysis. The results suggest that the fruit extract was able to significantly extend the median and maximum lifespan of the nematode. It could also extend the healthspan by reducing the accumulation of the “age pigment” lipofuscin, inside the nematode along with regulating the expression of col-19, egl-8, egl-30, dgk-1, and goa-1 genes. Further, the extracts upregulated the expression of daf-16 while downregulating the expression of daf-2 and age-1 in wild-type nematodes. Interestingly, it could extend the lifespan in DAF-16 mutants suggesting that the extension of lifespan and healthspan was dependent and independent of DAF-16-mediated pathway. The fruit extract was also observed to reduce the level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) inside the nematode during oxidative stress. The qPCR analysis suggests the involvement of skn-1 and sir-2.1 in initiating stress resistance by activating the antioxidant mechanism. Additionally, the fruit could also elicit neuroprotection as it could extend the median and maximum lifespan of transgenic strain integrated with Aβ. SKN-1 could play a pivotal role in establishing the antiaging, stress resistance, and neuroprotective effect of C. nervosum. Overall, C. nervosum can be used as a nutraceutical in the food industry which could offer potential health benefits.

Analyzing the Synergistic Effects of Antioxidants in Combating Photoaging Using Model Nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans

Aging, a universal and unique process, occurs both intrinsically (chronological) and extrinsically (photoaging). Ultraviolet-A (UV-A)-mediated stress is a growing health hazard to mankind as it is the major cause of photoaging, which could lead to much damage of skin cells and tissues ranging from tan, burn, or even cancer. The present study focuses on the role of antioxidants and other natural compounds which have been widely used in oral/topical applications to combat and delay the effects of photoaging using model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Compounds like green tea extract, naringenin, and naringin, which are known for their antioxidant properties, were able to extend life span and healthspan of the nematode in normal as well as under UV-A-mediated stress conditions. Regulation of both the stress-responsive genes (skn-1 and sir-2.1) and the aging-regulating genes (daf-2 and age-1) was attributable for these conditions. Interestingly, it was observed that these compounds when combined in equal ratios by weight worked synergistically to combat the aging process. Pronounced synergistic effects were observed during UV-A-mediated stress conditions, suggesting that these could be used as potential antiphotoaging compounds which will be of greater significance for health-based research.

Role of Phytochemicals in Cancer Prevention

The use of synthetic, natural, or biological agents to minimize the occurrence of cancer in healthy individuals is defined as cancer chemoprevention. Chemopreventive agents inhibit the development of cancer either by impeding DNA damage, which leads to malignancy or by reversing or blocking the division of premalignant cells with DNA damage. The benefit of this approach has been demonstrated in clinical trials of breast, prostate, and colon cancer. The continuous increase in cancer cases, failure of conventional chemotherapies to control cancer, and excessive toxicity of chemotherapies clearly demand an alternative approach. The first trial to show benefit of chemoprevention was undertaken in breast cancer patients with the use of tamoxifen, which demonstrated a significant decrease in invasive breast cancer. The success of using chemopreventive agents for protecting the high risk populations from cancer indicates that the strategy is rational and promising. Dietary components such as capsaicin, cucurbitacin B, isoflavones, catechins, lycopenes, benzyl isothiocyanate, phenethyl isothiocyanate, and piperlongumine have demonstrated inhibitory effects on cancer cells indicating that they may serve as chemopreventive agents. In this review, we have addressed the mechanism of chemopreventive and anticancer effects of several natural agents.

1,2-Bis[(3-Methoxyphenyl)Methyl]Ethane-1,2-Dicarboxylic Acid Reduces UVB-Induced Photodamage In Vitro and In Vivo

This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of 1,2-bis[(3-methoxyphenyl)methyl]ethane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid (S4), a sesamin derivative, on anti-inflammation and antiphotoaging in vitro and in vivo. Human skin fibroblasts were treated with S4 and did not show cytotoxicity under concentrations of 5–50 µM. In addition, S4 also reduced ultraviolet (UV)B-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Additionally, S4 inhibited UVB-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, activator protein-1 (AP-1), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) overexpression. Furthermore, S4 also inhibited UVB-induced Smad7 protein expression and elevated total collagen content in human dermal fibroblasts. For anti-inflammatory activity, S4 inhibited UVB-induced nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein expression and inhibited nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-ĸB) translocation into the nucleus. S4 ameliorated UVB-induced erythema and wrinkle formation in hairless mice. On histological observation, S4 also ameliorated UVB-induced epidermal hyperplasia and collagen degradation. S4 reduced UVB-induced MMP-1, interleukin (IL)-6, and NF-ĸB expression in the mouse skin. The results indicated that S4 had antiphotoaging and anti-inflammatory activities, protecting skin from premature aging.

Comprehensive Chemical Profiling and Multidirectional Biological Investigation of Two Wild Anthemis Species (Anthemis tinctoria var. Pallida and A. cretica subsp. tenuiloba): Focus on Neuroprotective Effects

Ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (MeOH), and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Anthemis tinctoria var. pallida (ATP) and A. cretica subsp. tenuiloba (ACT) were investigated for their phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant, and key enzyme inhibitory potentials. All extracts displayed antiradical effects, with MeOH and aqueous extracts being a superior source of antioxidants. On the other hand, EA and MeOH extracts were potent against AChE and BChE. Enzyme inhibitory effects against tyrosinase and α-glucosidase were observed, as well. We also studied Anthemis extracts in an ex vivo experimental neurotoxicity paradigm. We assayed extract influence on oxidative stress and neurotransmission biomarkers, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and serotonin (5-HT), in isolated rat cortex challenged with K⁺ 60 mM Krebs-Ringer buffer (excitotoxicity stimulus). An untargeted proteomic analysis was finally performed in order to explore the putative mechanism in the brain. The pharmacological study highlighted the capability of ACT water extract to blunt K⁺ 60 mM increase in LDH level and 5-HT turnover, and restore physiological activity of specific proteins involved in neuron morphology and neurotransmission, including NEFMs, VAMP-2, and PKCγ, thus further supporting the neuroprotective role of ACT water extract.

Phytochemicals Bridging Autophagy Induction and Alpha-Synuclein Degradation in Parkinsonism

Among nutraceuticals, phytochemical-rich compounds represent a source of naturally-derived bioactive principles, which are extensively studied for potential beneficial effects in a variety of disorders ranging from cardiovascular and metabolic diseases to cancer and neurodegeneration. In the brain, phytochemicals produce a number of biological effects such as modulation of neurotransmitter activity, growth factor induction, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, stem cell modulation/neurogenesis, regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis, and counteracting protein aggregation through modulation of protein-folding chaperones and the cell clearing systems autophagy and proteasome. In particular, the ability of phytochemicals in restoring proteostasis through autophagy induction took center stage in recent research on neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Indeed, autophagy dysfunctions and α-syn aggregation represent two interdependent downstream biochemical events, which concur in the parkinsonian brain, and which are targeted by phytochemicals administration. Therefore, in the present review we discuss evidence about the autophagy-based neuroprotective effects of specific phytochemical-rich plants in experimental parkinsonism, with a special focus on their ability to counteract alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity. Although further studies are needed to confirm the autophagy-based effects of some phytochemicals in parkinsonism, the evidence discussed here suggests that rescuing autophagy through natural compounds may play a role in preserving dopamine (DA) neuron integrity by counteracting the aggregation, toxicity, and prion-like spreading of α-syn, which remains a hallmark of PD.