Chronic saponin treatment attenuates damage to the pancreas in chronic alcohol-treated diabetic rats

Phytochemical Profile and Composition of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): Varietal Differences and Effect of Germination under Elicited Conditions

Germination is a simple process that improves the nutritional and medicinal values of seeds such as chickpeas. However, the detailed analysis of the phytochemical profile after chemical elicitation during chickpea germination is indispensable when making inferences about its biological properties. Therefore, an evaluation was made of the effect of the chemical inducers salicylic acid (SA, 1 and 2 mM), chitosan (CH, 3.3 and 7 μM), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 20 and 30 mM) during germination at 25 °C with 70% RH for 4 days on the content of antinutritional and bioactive compounds, including phenolics, sterols, and saponins, in three Mexican chickpea varieties (Blanoro, Patron, and San Antonio) using UPLC-ELSD-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS, UPLC-DAD-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS, and HPLC-DAD-sQ-MS. The highest increase in phenolics and saponins was found in the Blanoro sprouts induced with SA 2 mM, whereas the highest phytosterol content was detected in San Antonio sprouts induced with CH 7 μM. In addition, significant increases in mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides and decreases in antinutritional contents were achieved after germination with most of the elicitation conditions. More importantly, we identified new compounds in chickpea sprouts, such as the lignans matairesinol and secoisolariciresinol, the phenolic compounds epicatechin gallate and methyl gallate, some phytosterols, and the saponin phaseoside 1, which further increased after chemical elicitation.

An Overview of the Potential of Medicinal Plants Used in the Development of Nutraceuticals for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus: Proposed Biological Mechanisms

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use it. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing steadily, making it a global public health problem. Several serious complications are associated with this disease. There are a number of different classes of antidiabetic medications. Interestingly, traditional medicine can also be used for the development of novel classes of hypoglycemic therapeutics. This article summarizes an update of the potential of various important medicinal plants used in the development of nutraceuticals for the management of diabetes mellitus, and a proposal of their biological mechanisms.

Effect of Tithonia diversifolia Leaf Extract on Leptin, Adiponectin, and Insulin Receptor Levels in Diabetic Rats

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Tithonia diversifolia extract (TDE) on leptin, adiponectin, and insulin receptor (IR) concentrations in diabetic rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into a control and treatment groups (n=6 per group). The control group received normal saline, and the treatment groups received 0.25% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, TDE at 100 mg/kg body weight (bw), and catechin at 10 mg/kg bw for 7 days. On day 8, the rats were sacrificed, blood samples were obtained, and leptin, adiponectin, and insulin concentrations were measured using avidinhorseradish peroxidase sandwich-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A calorimetric method was used to measure blood glucose (BG) and total serum cholesterol concentrations. The pancreas and kidneys were collected for the measurement of renal IR and macrophage cluster of differentiation (CD)14 levels using immunohistochemical staining. Acute type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with elevated BG and total serum cholesterol concentrations was observed in the treatment groups administered streptozotocin. The administration of TDE at 100 mg/kg bw significantly decreased leptin and increased adiponectin concentrations (P≤0.05). Furthermore, TDE treatment significantly increased renal IR and decreased macrophage CD14 levels (P<0.05). Therefore, TDE decreased leptin and BG concentrations by increasing IR levels. TDE also suppressed the necrosis of pancreatic tissues by inhibiting macrophage CD14 expression in diabetic rats. However, further research is necessary to determine the effect of TDE on interleukin and IR levels in the related tissues of patients with T2DM.

Exploring the Mechanism of Yiqi Qingre Ziyin Method in Regulating Neuropeptide Expression for the Treatment of Atrophic Rhinitis

Atrophic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic disease that causes severe structural changes to the nasal mucosa leading to squamous epithelial metaplasia. However, treatment regarding AR remains a major challenge. We used network pharmacology and molecular docking methods to explore the potential mechanisms of the Yiqi Qingre Ziyin method to modulate neuropeptides in the treatment of AR. The active ingredients of the Yiqi Qingre Ziyin method and their targets of action were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systematic Pharmacology Database Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Disease targets for AR were obtained from four databases: GeneCards, PharmGKB, DrugBank, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). A total of 59 active ingredients, 39 potential targets, and 76 relevant neuropeptides were obtained after deduplication. We constructed target interaction networks with the STRING database. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the 14 potential target proteins. We used Cytoscape software to construct the “drug-active ingredient-potential target” and “ingredient-target-pathway” networks of the Yiqi Qingre Ziyin method for treating AR. Molecular docking results suggest that dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), opioid receptor gene d1 (OPRD1), and opioid receptor m1 (OPRM1) are key targets for the Yiqi Qingre Ziyin method. Therefore, this study proposed a potential mechanism for the treatment of AR by affecting the expression of neuropeptide-related genes (including DPP4, OPRD1, and OPRM1), which may potentially improve the immune microenvironment of the nasal mucosa.

Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages Associated With Physical Health Status in Adults: Secondary Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey Data

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol consumption constitutes one of the main modifiable risk factors that contribute to the increase in the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the state of physical health and its equivalence according to gender.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) (n = 3865), collected during 2020 were used. Structural equation modeling was applied to assess the fit of the model, which included the prediction of measures of alcohol consumption in physical health and the equivalence of measurements of the proposed structural model in men and women.

RESULTS

The proposed structural model reported adequate goodness-of-fit indices (SBχ²/gl = 3.817, CFI = 0.984, TLI = 0.968, RMSEA [90% CI] = 0.027 [0.016-0.039]; SRMR = 0.016). Frequent alcohol consumption had a negative effect on physical health (b = -0.13, P < .01). Similarly, occasional alcohol consumption negatively predicted elevated BMI and chronic conditions such as, diabetes, hypertension, CVD, and cancer (b = -0.09, P < .01). In addition, drinking patterns of alcoholic beverages affect physical health in equal ways for men and women.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight that frequent and occasional alcohol consumption significantly affected physical health in a negative way. Future interventions could address ways to encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risks of chronic conditions derived from excessive alcohol consumption.

A comprehensive review on the phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and antidiabetic effect of Ginseng

BACKGROUND

Radix Ginseng, one of the well-known medicinal herbs, has been used in the management of diabetes and its complications for more than 1000 years.

PURPOSE

The aim of this review is devoted to summarize the phytochemistry and pharmacokinetics of Ginseng, and provide evidence for the antidiabetic effects of Ginseng and its ingredients as well as the underlying mechanisms involved.

METHODS

For the purpose of this review, the following databases were consulted: the PubMed Database (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (http://www.cnki.net), National Science and Technology Library (http://www.nstl.gov.cn/), Wanfang Data (http://www.wanfangdata.com.cn/) and the Web of Science Database (http://apps.webofknowledge.com/).

RESULTS

Ginseng exhibits glucose-lowering effects in different diabetic animal models. In addition, Ginseng may prevent the development of diabetic complications, including liver, pancreas, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, retinopathy, atherosclerosis and others. The main ingredients of Ginseng include ginsenosides and polysaccharides. The underlying mechanisms whereby this herb exerts antidiabetic activities may be attributed to the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including IRS1/PI3K/AKT, LKB1/AMPK/FoxO1, AGEs/RAGE, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, PPARδ/STAT3, cAMP/PKA/CERB and HIF-1α/VEGF, etc. The pharmacokinetic profiles of ginsenosides provide valuable information on therapeutic efficacy of Ginseng in diabetes. Although Ginseng is well-tolerated, dietary consumption of this herb should follow the doctors' advice.

CONCLUSION

Ginseng may offer an alternative strategy in protection against diabetes and its complications through the regulations of the multi-targets via various signaling pathways. Efforts to understand the underlying mechanisms with strictly-controlled animal models, combined with well-designed clinical trials and pharmacokinetic evaluation, will be important subjects of the further investigations and weigh in translational value of this herb in diabetes management.

Evaluation of sweet citrus peel supplement in water on performance and ileal microbial count of broiler chickens

The effect of supplementing drinking water with sweet citrus peel powder (SCPP) on the performance, ileal microbial count, and relative weight of organs of broiler chickens reared in a tropical environment was investigated. Ninety-six (96) 1-day-old Ross broiler chickens, after brooding, were randomly allotted into four treatment groups: T1 (control) received drinking water without SCPP, while birds in T2, T3, and T4 were given water supplemented with 2, 4, and 6 g of SCPP per liter of water, respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times with eight birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Feed intake and weight gain were not significantly (p > 0.05) different among the treatments. However, significant variations (p < 0.05) were observed in the final weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) with birds on T4 (6 g SCPP) having the highest final weight of 2164.60 g and the lowest FCR of 2.11 compared with 1838.40 g final weight and 2.40 FCR recorded for birds in the control group. Total bacteria count (TBC) of 2.07 × 10⁶ CFU/ml (T1), 1.20 × 10⁶ CFU/ml (T2), 1.27 × 10⁶ CFU/ml (T3), and 1.33 × 10⁶ CFU/ml (T4) recorded showed no significant (p > 0.05) variations among the treatments. However, orthogonal contrast between control and SCPP treatment groups showed significant variation (p < 0.05) in TBC. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were observed in the live weight and relative weight of heart and pancreas. Higher live weight with lower FCR and TBC recorded in this study showed the positive effect of SCPP on the performance and ileal microbial count of broiler chickens.

The Association Between Age at Initiation of Alcohol Consumption and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cohort Study of 0.5 Million Persons in China

It is well known that alcohol consumption is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the association of age at initiation of alcohol consumption and duration of alcohol drinking with type 2 diabetes mellitus among Chinese adults is not fully understood. This study was based on data from the China Kadoorie Biobank, which included 512,712 participants aged 30-79 years who were living in China in 2004-2008. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the association of AAI and drinking duration with type 2 diabetes. After adjustment for potential covariates, ages at alcohol initiation (AAIs) of 18.1-29.0 years, 29.1-39.0 years, and >39.0 years were associated with 22% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14, 30), 25% (95% CI: 17, 33), and 32% (95% CI: 24, 39) lower hazards of type 2 diabetes compared with abstaining, respectively. Drinking durations of <10.1 years, 10.1-20.0 years, and 20.1-30.0 years were associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, compared with abstaining. Among current (weekly) drinkers, AAI <18.1 years and drinking duration >30.0 years were associated with 18% (95% CI: 4, 33) and 20% (95% CI: 3, 40) higher hazards of type 2 diabetes, compared with AAI 18.1-29.0 years and drinking duration <10.1 years, respectively. In conclusion, late AAI and a short drinking duration were associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in this large prospective cohort study of Chinese adults, but early AAI and long drinking duration were not.

Differential expression of microRNAs in the hippocampi of male and female rodents after chronic alcohol administration

Background

Women are more vulnerable than men to the neurotoxicity and severe brain damage caused by chronic heavy alcohol use. In addition, brain damage due to chronic heavy alcohol use may be associated with sex-dependent epigenetic modifications. This study aimed to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes that are differentially expressed in the hippocampi of male and female animal models in response to alcohol.

Methods

After chronic alcohol administration (3~3.5 g/kg/day) in male (control, n = 10; alcohol, n = 12) or female (control, n = 10; alcohol, n = 12) Sprague-Dawley rats for 6 weeks, we measured body weights and doublecortin (DCX; a neurogenesis marker) concentrations and analyzed up- or downregulated miRNAs using GeneChip miRNA 4.0 arrays. The differentially expressed miRNAs and their putative target genes were validated by RT-qPCR.

Results

Alcohol attenuated body weight gain only in the male group. On the other hand, alcohol led to increased serum AST in female rats and decreased serum total cholesterol concentrations in male rats. The expression of DCX was significantly reduced in the hippocampi of male alcohol-treated rats. Nine miRNAs were significantly up- or downregulated in male alcohol-treated rats, including upregulation of miR-125a-3p, let-7a-5p, and miR-3541, and downregulation of their target genes (Prdm5, Suv39h1, Ptprz1, Mapk9, Ing4, Wt1, Nkx3-1, Dab2ip, Rnf152, Ripk1, Lin28a, Apbb3, Nras, and Acvr1c). On the other hand, 7 miRNAs were significantly up- or downregulated in alcohol-treated female rats, including downregulation of miR-881-3p and miR-504 and upregulation of their target genes (Naa50, Clock, Cbfb, Arih1, Ube2g1, and Gng7).

Conclusions

These results suggest that chronic heavy alcohol use produces sex-dependent effects on neurogenesis and miRNA expression in the hippocampus and that sex differences should be considered when developing miRNA biomarkers to diagnose or treat alcoholics.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13293-020-00342-3.

Pharmacological potential of ginseng and its major component ginsenosides

Ginseng has been used as a traditional herb in Asian countries for thousands of years. It contains a large number of active ingredients including steroidal saponins, protopanaxadiols, and protopanaxatriols, collectively known as ginsenosides. In the last few decades, the antioxidative and anticancer effects of ginseng, in addition to its effects on improving immunity, energy and sexuality, and combating cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neurological diseases, have been studied in both basic and clinical research. Ginseng could be a valuable resource for future drug development; however, further higher quality evidence is required. Moreover, ginseng may have drug interactions although the available evidence suggests it is a relatively safe product. This article reviews the bioactive compounds, global distribution, and therapeutic potential of plants in the genus Panax.

Identification and Isolation of Active Compounds from Astragalus membranaceus that Improve Insulin Secretion by Regulating Pancreatic β-Cell Metabolism

In type 2 diabetes (T2D), insufficient secretion of insulin from the pancreatic β-cells contributes to high blood glucose levels, associated with metabolic dysregulation. Interest in natural products to complement or replace existing antidiabetic medications has increased. In this study, we examined the effect of Astragalus membranaceus extract (ASME) and its compounds 1-9 on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from pancreatic β-cells. ASME and compounds 1-9 isolated from A. membranaceus stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1 cells without inducing cytotoxicity. A further experiment showed that compounds 2, 3, and 5 enhanced the phosphorylation of total insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and Akt, and activated pancreatic and duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), which are associated with β-cell function and insulin secretion. The data suggest that two isoflavonoids (2 and 3) and a nucleoside (compound 5), isolated from the roots of A. membranaceus, have the potential to improve insulin secretion in β-cells, representing the first step towards the development of potent antidiabetic drugs.

Effect of Falcaria vulgaris on oxidative damage of liver in diabetic rats

Background

Oxidative stress is strongly associated with development of diabetes mellitus. F. vulgaris, contains antioxidant ingredients. This study was designed in order to evaluate the effect of F. vulgaris on the damaged liver in diabetic rats.

Methods

In this study, hydroalcoholic extract of F. vulgaris was prepared. Sixty four male rats were divided into 8 groups (n = 8), including saline (normal control), streptozotocin (STZ) (diabetic control) (60 mg/kg), F. vulgaris (50, 100, 150 mg/kg), and STZ plus F. vulgaris (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) were administered through oral gavage on treated group once a day for 28 consecutive days. Serum nitrite oxide (NO) level, Ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), Malondialdehyde (MDA), liver weight, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), diameter of hepatocytes and central hepatic vein have been examined. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and the post hoc test.

Result

The outcomes showed that administrating streptozotocin enhanced liver MDA, nitrite oxide, the mean diameter of central hepatic vein and hepatocyte, liver enzymes significantly and reduced liver weight compared to saline group (P < 0.05). Though, administrating F. vulgaris and F. vulgaris plus STZ enhanced liver weight and tissue FRAP level significantly and reduced liver enzymes, NO levels, liver MDA, the mean diameter of hepatocyte and central hepatic vein in entire doses were equal to STZ group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

It seems that, were equal F. vulgaris might recover liver injuries in diabetic rats.

Anti-inflammatory effects of luteolin: A review of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Luteolin (3', 4', 5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) has been identified as commonly present in plants. Plants with a high luteolin content have been used ethnopharmacologically to treat inflammation-related symptoms. Both isolated luteolin and extracts from luteolin-rich plants have been studied using various models and exhibited anti-inflammatory activity.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This paper uses recent research findings with a broad range of study models to describe the anti-inflammatory activity of luteolin, particularly its mechanisms at the molecular level; provide guidance for future research; and evaluate the feasibility of developing luteolin into an anti-inflammatory drug.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We summarize reports about the anti-inflammatory activity of luteolin published since 2009, which we found in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar. To acquire broad information, we extended our search to online FDA documents.

RESULTS

Luteolin is a flavonoid commonly found in medicinal plants and has strong anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo. Some of its derivatives, such as luteolin-7-O-glucoside, have also shown anti-inflammatory activity. The action mechanism of luteolin varies, but Src in the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway, MAPK in the activator protein (AP)- 1 pathway, and SOCS3 in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway are its major target transcription factors. A clinical trial with a formulation containing luteolin showed excellent therapeutic effect against inflammation-associated diseases.

CONCLUSION

In silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies strongly suggest that the major pharmacological mechanism of luteolin is its anti-inflammatory activity, which derives from its regulation of transcription factors such as STAT3, NF-κB, and AP-1. Much work remains to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of luteolin before it can be used to treat inflammation-related diseases in humans.