Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of nanocatechin in a chronic bacterial prostatitis rat model

Natural Polyphenols for Prevention and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of bacterial infection worldwide. UTIs are gender-specific diseases, with a higher incidence in women. This type of infection could occur in the upper part of the urogenital tract, leading to pyelonephritis and kidney infections, or in the lower part of the urinary tract, leading to less serious pathologies, mainly cystitis and urethritis. The most common etiological agent is uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis. Conventional therapeutic treatment involves the use of antimicrobial agents, but due to the dramatic increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), this strategy has partially lost its therapeutic efficacy. For this reason, the search for natural alternatives for UTI treatment represents a current research topic. Therefore, this review summarized the results of in vitro and animal- or human-based in vivo studies aimed to assess the potential therapeutic anti-UTI effects of natural polyphenol-based nutraceuticals and foods. In particular, the main in vitro studies were reported, describing the principal molecular therapeutic targets and the mechanism of action of the different polyphenols studied. Furthermore, the results of the most relevant clinical trials for the treatment of urinary tract health were described. Future research is needed to confirm and validate the potential of polyphenols in the clinical prophylaxis of UTIs.

Antimicrobial benefits of flavonoids and their nanoformulations

Abstract:

Nowadays, there is an urgent need to discover and develop long-term and effective antimicrobial and biofilm-inhibiting compounds. Employing combination therapies using novel drug delivery systems and also natural antimicrobial substances is a promising strategy in this field. Nanoparticles (NPs)-based materials have become well appreciated in recent times due to serve as antimicrobial agents or the carriers for promoting the bioavailability and effectiveness of antibiotics. Flavonoids belong to the promising groups of bioactive compounds abundantly found in fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants with strong antimicrobial features. Flavonoids and NPs have potential as alternatives to the conventional antimicrobial agents, both on their own as well as in combination. Different classes of flavonoid NPs may be particularly advantageous in handling microbial infections. The most important antimicrobial mechanisms of flavonoid NPs include oxidative stress induction, non-oxidative mechanisms, and metal ion release. However, the efficacy of flavonoid NPs against pathogens and drug-resistant pathogens changes according to their physicochemical characteristics as well as the particular structure of microbial cell wall and enzymatic composition. In this review, we provide an outlook on the antimicrobial mechanism of flavonoid-based NPs and the crucial factors that are involved.

Anti-Gastritis and Anti-Lung Injury Effects of Pine Tree Ethanol Extract Targeting Both NF-κB and AP-1 Pathways

An ethanol extract (Pd-EE) of Pinus densiflora Siebold and Zucc was derived from the branches of pine trees. According to the Donguibogam, pine resin has the effects of lowering the fever, reducing pain, and killing worms. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Pd-EE has anti-inflammatory effects. During in vitro trials, NO production, as well as changes in the mRNA levels of inflammation-related genes and the phosphorylation levels of related proteins, were confirmed in RAW264.7 cells activated with lipopolysaccharide depending on the presence or absence of Pd-EE treatment. The activities of transcription factors were checked in HEK293T cells transfected with adapter molecules in the inflammatory pathway. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of Pd-EE was also estimated in vivo with acute gastritis and acute lung injury models. LC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the components of Pd-EE. This extract reduced the production of NO and the mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and IL-6 in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, protein expression levels of p50 and p65 and phosphorylation levels of FRA1 were decreased. In the luciferase assay, the activities of NF-κB and AP-1 were lowered. In acute gastritis and acute lung injury models, Pd-EE suppressed inflammation, resulting in alleviated damage.

Therapeutic Applications of Functional Nanomaterials for Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a common disease in adult males, with characteristics of a poor treatment response and easy recurrence, which seriously affects the patient's quality of life. The prostate is located deep in the pelvic cavity, and thus a traditional infusion or other treatment methods are unable to easily act directly on the prostate, leading to poor therapeutic effects. Therefore, the development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies has become a research hotspot in the field of prostatitis treatment. In recent years, nanomaterials have been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of various infectious diseases. Nanotechnology is a promising tool for 1) the accurate diagnosis of diseases; 2) improving the targeting of drug delivery systems; 3) intelligent, controlled drug release; and 4) multimode collaborative treatment, which is expected to be applied in the diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis. Nanotechnology is attracting attention in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of prostatitis. However, as a new research area, systematic reviews on the application of nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis are still lacking. In this mini-review, we will highlight the treatment approaches for and challenges associated with prostatitis and describe the advantages of functional nanoparticles in improving treatment effectiveness and overcoming side effects.

Therapeutic Applications of Functional Nanomaterials for Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a common disease in adult males, with characteristics of a poor treatment response and easy recurrence, which seriously affects the patient’s quality of life. The prostate is located deep in the pelvic cavity, and thus a traditional infusion or other treatment methods are unable to easily act directly on the prostate, leading to poor therapeutic effects. Therefore, the development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies has become a research hotspot in the field of prostatitis treatment. In recent years, nanomaterials have been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of various infectious diseases. Nanotechnology is a promising tool for 1) the accurate diagnosis of diseases; 2) improving the targeting of drug delivery systems; 3) intelligent, controlled drug release; and 4) multimode collaborative treatment, which is expected to be applied in the diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis. Nanotechnology is attracting attention in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of prostatitis. However, as a new research area, systematic reviews on the application of nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis are still lacking. In this mini-review, we will highlight the treatment approaches for and challenges associated with prostatitis and describe the advantages of functional nanoparticles in improving treatment effectiveness and overcoming side effects.

Nanoparticles as Potential Novel Therapies for Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common reasons for antibiotic treatment. Nevertheless, uropathogens are steadily becoming resistant to currently available therapies. In this context, nanotechnology emerges as an innovative and promising approach among diverse strategies currently under development. In this review we deeply discuss different nanoparticles (NPs) used in UTI treatment, including organic NPs, nanodiamonds, chemical and green synthesized inorganic NPs, and NPs made of composite materials. In addition, we compare the effects of different NPs against uropathogens in vivo and in vitro and discuss their potential impact the in the near future.

Pharmacological Interventions for Bacterial Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a common urinary tract condition but bring innumerable trouble to clinicians in treatment, as well as great financial burden to patients and the society. Bacterial prostatitis (acute bacterial prostatitis plus chronic bacterial prostatitis) accounting for approximately 20% among all prostatitis have made the urological clinics complain about the genital and urinary systems all over the world. The international challenges of antibacterial treatment (emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria, bacterial biofilms production and the shift in bacterial etiology) and the transformation of therapeutic strategy for classic therapy have attracted worldwide attention. To the best of our knowledge currently, there is not a single comprehensive review, which can completely elaborate these important topics and the corresponding treatment strategy in an effective way. This review summarizes the general treatment choices for bacterial prostatitis also provides the alternative pharmacological therapies for those patients resistant or intolerant to general treatment.

The Possibility of Preventive and Therapeutic Use of Green Tea Catechins in Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer. Despite the existence of various treatment strategies, treatment of prostate cancer still presents serious difficulties (especially in advanced stages). Polyphenols have been extensively assessed in terms of their potential use for prostate cancer treatment and prevention. Catechins are among the most well-known polyphenols in this respect.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, we summarize clinical study results concerning catechin applications with regard to prostate cancer treatment and prevention. We discuss some of the main mechanisms of the anticarcinogenic action of catechins.

CONCLUSION

The main mechanisms of the anticarcinogenic action of catechins are subdivided into two major types: (i) direct action on cancer cells and (ii) indirect effect based on catechins's impact on the microenvironment of cancer cells, particularly in relation to the immune system. At this level catechins might reduce tumor-associated inflammation and immune tolerance.

Effects of green tea on Escherichia coli as a uropathogen

Escherichia coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections. The development of antibiotic resistance in E. coli is an important problem. Finding alternative antimicrobial agents from plant extracts has received growing interest. Camellia sinensis is a safe, nontoxic, cheap beverage that has been reported to have antimicrobial effects against various pathogenic bacteria including E. coli. Polyphenolic components of green tea ( lǜ chá) have antibacterial activity. Catechins also have synergistic effect with antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole, azithromycin, levofloxacin, gentamycin, methicillin, naldixic acid, and, especially ciprofloxacin. In this review, all experimental studies that evaluated the effect of green tea on E. coli were collected. Data from in vitro studies on the antimicrobial effects of green tea are promising, but human data are currently lacking. In vivo studies on antibacterial effects of green tea and evaluating the efficacy of its catechins in the treatment of urinary tract infection are needed.

Plant phytochemicals as new potential drugs for immune disorders and cancer therapy: really a promising path?

Plant phytochemicals represent an exciting opportunity to maintain best health conditions through a balanced and properly administered daily nutrition or dietary supplement and have often been considered a good option for obtaining a few promising, expensive new drugs from plants. Several polyphenolic compounds, such as resveratrol, tea catechins and flavonoids, which are commonly found in vegetables, fruits and plant-derived juices or beverages, exert well-evidenced cardioprotective, neuroprotective, chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory properties, but, nevertheless, further clinical and epidemiological research is required. Most of these botanical byproducts are produced as noxious components by plants, in order to prevent pathogen colonization, insect-mediated damage and also to discourage animals from eating them. An evolutionary theory of stress adaptation would explain how these toxic substances from nature act as protective molecules. A future challenge to achieve a rather complete understanding of these chemical phenol derivatives for human health should deal with the complexity of cellular signalling networks, the epigenetic machinery endowment of the cell and the nonlinear relationship between dose and effectiveness.