1
|
Fontes C, Oliveira AP, Batista JVC, Martins C, Rossi A, Yapuchura ER, Furtado P, Meireles P, Capella MAM, Picciani PHS, Holandino C. Physicochemical Properties of Zinc and Lactose in Solid Mixtures: Influence of Trituration Process. HOMEOPATHY 2021; 111:164-175. [PMID: 34820794 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent experimental results supporting the dynamization process show modification in the characteristics of solid mixtures. OBJECTIVE The present work aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties of metallic zinc and lactose, evidencing the interactions between all chemical components presented in dynamized solid mixtures by analytical techniques. METHODS Mixtures of zinc and lactose (1:9 w/w) were successively triturated at the same proportion according to the Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia, receiving the designation of 10-1 - 10-6 (1dH - 6dH). All samples were submitted to the following characterization techniques: Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetry (TG), and Raman Spectroscopy (RS). RESULTS AAS results detected 97.0% of zinc in the raw material, and the triturated zinc lactose system (ZnMet) presented mean values similar to those expected for the physical mixtures: i.e., 9.94%, 1.23%, and 0.11% in the three first proportions (10-1, 10-2, 10-3), respectively. SEM images showed particle size reduction due to the trituration process. The XRD assays of ZnMet 10-3 and 10-6 indicated peak changes at 12.3° and 43.26°, probably associated with modifications of inter-atomic crystalline spacing. The thermal analysis results of dynamized samples suggest modifications in the chemical interaction between zinc and lactose induced by the physical forces applied. RS experiments showed variation in vibration frequencies due to the dynamization procedure, in which marked ZnMet 10-6 spectral modifications were detected at 357, 477, 1086 and 1142 cm-1, and in the wavelength range 860-920 cm-1. CONCLUSION These results highlight the importance of applying suitable characterization methods to improve our understanding of the properties of homeopathic solid mixtures, whereas the uses of sensitive tools evidence the influence of trituration on the crystalline properties and in the enthalpy variation of dynamized samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Fontes
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana P Oliveira
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - João V C Batista
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cleo Martins
- Department of Applied Physics, Brazilian Center of Research in Physics, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Rossi
- Department of Applied Physics, Brazilian Center of Research in Physics, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Enrique R Yapuchura
- Laboratory of Carbon and Ceramic Materials, Department of Physics, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Furtado
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paloma Meireles
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia Alves Marques Capella
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,LaRBio, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo H S Picciani
- Institute of Macromolecules Professora Eloisa Mano, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carla Holandino
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy College, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Z, Li H, Xu T, Xu H, He S, Li Z, Zhang Z. Jianqu fermentation with the isolated fungi significantly improves the immune response in immunosuppressed mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 267:113512. [PMID: 33223116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jianqu, a classical formula of traditional Chinese medicine, is used clinically to treat symptoms like chill and fever headache, diarrhea and loss of appetite and act on patients with low immunity. However, the quality control of Jianqu fermentation is not well established, and its function in regulating the body's immunity still remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study firstly assesses the structure and diversity of fungal community during Jianqu fermentation and then investigates the immune regulating function of Jianqu extract in mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHOD The high-throughput sequencing is conducted to analyze the diversity and distribution of fungal community during the fermentation process of Jianqu, and then fungi with a high frequency and relative abundance are isolated. The immunosuppressed mice are induced by using cyclophosphamide (CTX) and used to evaluate the immune regulating function of Jianqu extract from natural fermentation or directed fermentation, respectively. RESULTS With the fermentation, the diversity and distribution of fungal community significantly changed. The number of OTU (operational taxonomic unit) was gradually decreased from 223 ± 1 in the early phase to 201 ± 11 in the middle phase and to 175 ± 32 in the later phase of Jianqu fermentation. Generally, in genus level, Millerozyma, Debaryomyces and Rhizomucor showed a significant increase and became dominant in the mid or later phase of fermentation, while the Aspergillus displayed a decrease following the fermentation. However, Saccharomycopsis is a dominate species in surveyed samples. Next, six fungi strains with a high frequency and relative abundance, including Saccharomycopsis fibuligera, Millerozyma farinose, Hyphopichia burtonii, Rhizomucor pusillus, Lichtheimia ramosa, and Monascus purpureus, are isolated successfully. Interestingly, directed fermentation for Jianqu with the six isolated fungi strains could achieve similar morphological characteristics with the natural fermentation. Consistently, Jianqu extract from directed fermentation demonstrated a similar therapeutic effect on immune response as that of naturally fermented Jianqu. CONCLUSIONS We firstly showed the significant change of structural profiles of fungal communities during Jianqu fermentation, and successfully isolated six dominate fungi strains in Jianqu. Interestingly, directed fermentation for Jianqu with these isolated strains could achieve a similar morphological characteristics and immune-modulating function as natural fermentation. It was suggested that Jianqu fermentation with functional fungi instead of natural microbes provide a new approach for the improvement of the production and quality control of the traditional Chinese medicine of Jianqu.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongbao Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong, China
| | - Ting Xu
- College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Yibin, China
| | - Haowan Xu
- College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Yibin, China
| | - Shaoting He
- College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Yibin, China
| | - Zaixin Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong, China; College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Yibin, China.
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Zigong, China; College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, Yibin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pinto SAG, Nagai MYO, Alvares-Saraiva A, Peres GB, Waisse S, Perez EC, Bonamin LV. Silicea terra and Zincum metallicum Modulate the Activity of Macrophages Challenged with BCG In Vitro. HOMEOPATHY 2020; 110:52-61. [PMID: 33348418 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The homeopathic medicines Silicea terra (Sil) and Zincum metallicum (Zinc) modulate macrophage activity and were assessed in an experimental study in-vitro for their effects on macrophage-BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) interaction. METHODS RAW 264.7 macrophages were infected with BCG, treated with different potencies of Sil and Zinc (6cH, 30cH and 200cH) or vehicle, and assessed 24 and 48 h later for bacilli internalization, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and cytokine production, and lysosomal activity. RESULTS Treatment with vehicle was associated with non-specific inhibition of H2O2 production to the levels exhibited by uninfected macrophages. Sil 200cH induced significant reduction of H2O2 production (p < 0.001) compared with the vehicle and all other treatments, as well as higher lysosomal activity (p ≤ 0.001) and increased IL-10 production (p ≤ 0.05). Such effects were considered specific for this remedy and potency. The number of internalized bacilli was inversely proportional to Zinc potencies, with statistically significant interaction between dilution and treatment (p = 0.003). Such linear-like behavior was not observed for Sil dilutions: peak internalization occurred with the 30cH dilution, accompanied by cellular degeneration, and IL-6 and IL-10 increased (p ≤ 0.05) only in the cells treated with Sil 6cH. CONCLUSION Sil and Zinc presented different patterns of potency-dependent effect on macrophage activity. Bacterial digestion and a balanced IL-6/IL-10 production were related to Sil 6cH, though reduced oxidative stress with increased lysosomal activity was related to Sil 200cH. Degenerative effects were exclusively related to Sil 30cH, and potency-dependent phagocytosis was related only to Zinc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Augusta G Pinto
- Research Center, Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista-UNIP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirian Yaeko O Nagai
- Research Center, Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista-UNIP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anuska Alvares-Saraiva
- Research Center, Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista-UNIP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovani B Peres
- Research Center, Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista-UNIP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Waisse
- Pontificia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, Graduation Program in History of Science, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth C Perez
- Research Center, Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista-UNIP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leoni Villano Bonamin
- Research Center, Graduation Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Universidade Paulista-UNIP, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang H, Luo SH, Huang DC, Cheng SJ, Cao CJ, Chen GT. Immunomodulatory activities of proteins from Astragalus membranaceus waste. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2019; 99:4174-4181. [PMID: 30779132 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astragalus membranaceus is a traditional Chinese medicine that has a long history of medical applications. It is of interest to investigate the functional components of A. membranaceus waste with regard to its development and utilization and increasing resource utilization. RESULTS The protein AMWP was isolated from the A. membranaceus waste. This protein was further purified by DEAE-cellulose-52 chromatography and Sephadex G-200 size-exclusion chromatography to obtain three fractions, named AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6. Then, their immunomodulatory activities were evaluated by using cell model experiments. The results indicated that the protein fractions could significantly increase the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, peritoneal macrophages and bone-marrow-derived cells (BMDCs). AMWPDG2 showed the highest immunocompetence. AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6 not only significantly improved the phagocytosis and immunomodulatory factors (interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide) secretion of peritoneal macrophages, but also promoted the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12 p40, IL-1β, IL-1α) and chemokines (CXCL1, CCL3) in BMDCs. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results indicated that three protein fractions from the A. membranaceus waste might be a potential natural immunomodulator. Moreover, it also provided the theoretical basis for further researching the mechanism of AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6 on improving the immune response. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Huang
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuang-Hui Luo
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - De-Chun Huang
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu-Jie Cheng
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chong-Jiang Cao
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gui-Tang Chen
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang H, Xu L, Yu M, Wang Y, Jiang T, Yang S, Lv Z. Glycosaminoglycan from Apostichopus japonicus induces immunomodulatory activity in cyclophosphamide-treated mice and in macrophages. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 130:229-237. [PMID: 30797007 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.02.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to systematically elucidate the immunomodulation effect of glycosaminoglycan from Apostichopus japonicus (AHG) in cyclophosphamide (CY)-induced immunosuppression model and potential mechanism responsible for the activation of macrophages. The results showed that the treatment with AHG could increase natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, carbon clearance and marker enzymes activities in CY-induced immunosuppression mice, indicating that the innate immunity experienced recovery to some extent. Moreover, CY-induced reductions in thymus and spleen indices, serum levels of cytokines, immunoglobulins and hemolysin, as well as the ratio of spleen lymphocyte subsets were recovered by AHG, suggesting that AHG could improve the adaptive immunity through cellular immunity and humoral immunity. Delightedly, it was found that AHG at 10 mg/kg body weight could restore the CY-induced immunosuppression in mice to normal level on both innate and adaptive immunity. Furthermore, AHG also promoted both the expression of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-18 and MCP-1 protein and related mRNA in macrophages. It was revealed that AHG activated macrophages through the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-B (NF-κB). In conclusion, AHG exerts remarkable immunomodulatory activities in both innate and adaptive immune system. These findings should have great value for further study on the immunopotentiating mechanisms of this biomacromolecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Lei Xu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Mingming Yu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Glycoscience & Glycotechnology of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
| | - Yuanhong Wang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Glycoscience & Glycotechnology of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
| | - Tingfu Jiang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
| | - Shuang Yang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Glycoscience & Glycotechnology of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
| | - Zhihua Lv
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Glycoscience & Glycotechnology of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Ministry of Education of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Podany A, Rauchut J, Wu T, Kawasawa YI, Wright J, Lamendella R, Soybel DI, Kelleher SL. Excess Dietary Zinc Intake in Neonatal Mice Causes Oxidative Stress and Alters Intestinal Host-Microbe Interactions. Mol Nutr Food Res 2018; 63:e1800947. [PMID: 30513548 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201800947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Greater than 68% of young infants are exposed to dietary zinc (Zn) levels that are higher than the Tolerable Upper Intake Limit. However, the consequences of excess dietary Zn during early life on intestinal function and host-microbe interactions are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS Neonatal mice are gavaged with 100 Zn µg d-1 from postnatal day (PN) 2 through PN10 and indices of intestinal function and host-microbe interactions are compared to unsupplemented mice. Excess dietary Zn causes oxidative stress, increases goblet cell number and mucus production, and are associated with increased intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation. Over 900 genes are differentially expressed; 413 genes display a fold-change >1.60. The Gene Ontology Biological processes most significantly affected include biological adhesion, the immune system, metabolic processes, and response to stimulus. Key genes most highly and significantly upregulated include ALDH2, MT1, TMEM6, CDK20, and COX62b, while CALU, ST3GAL4, CRTC2, SLC28A2, and COMMA1 are downregulated. These changes are associated with a microbiome enriched in pathogenic taxa including Pseudomonadales and Campylobacter, and greater expression of bacterial stress response genes. CONCLUSION Excess dietary Zn may have unforeseen influences on epithelial signaling pathways, barrier function, and luminal ecology in the intestine that may have long-term consequences on intestinal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Podany
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Jessica Rauchut
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA
| | - Yuka Imamura Kawasawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Personalized Medicine, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Justin Wright
- Department of Biology, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA
| | | | - David I Soybel
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Shannon L Kelleher
- Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA.,Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The immunoregulatory activities of astragalus polysaccharide liposome on macrophages and dendritic cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 105:852-861. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.07.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
8
|
Bonamin LV, Bellavite P. Zincum metallicum research: an international scientific collaboration in homeopathy. HOMEOPATHY 2017; 106:133-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|