Determination of phytoestrogens in traditional medicinal herbs using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Enterolignans: from natural origins to cardiometabolic significance, including chemistry, dietary sources, bioavailability, and activity

The enterolignans, enterolactone and enterodiol, the main metabolites produced from plant lignans by the gut microbiota, have enhanced bioavailability and activity compared to their precursors, with beneficial effects on metabolic and cardiovascular health. Although extensively studied, the biosynthesis, cardiometabolic effects, and other therapeutic implications of mammalian lignans are still incompletely understood. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of these phytoestrogen metabolites based on up-to-date information reported in studies from a wide range of disciplines. Established and novel synthetic strategies are described, as are the various lignan precursors, their dietary sources, and a proposed metabolic pathway for their conversion to enterolignans. The methodologies used for enterolignan analysis and the available data on pharmacokinetics and bioavailability are summarized and their cardiometabolic bioactivity is explored in detail. The special focus given to research on the health benefits of microbial-derived lignan metabolites underscores the critical role of lignan-rich diets in promoting cardiovascular health.

Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) Pods Induce Differentiation in MC3T3-E1 Osteoblast Cells by Activating the BMP2/SMAD/RUNX2 Pathway

Sword bean (SB) contains various phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids. Although the evaluation of its potential functions, including antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, liver protection, and antiangiogenic activities, has been widely reported, research on their use in osteoporosis prevention is insufficient. Furthermore, while various studies are conducted on SB, research on sword bean pods (SBP) is not yet active, and little is known about it. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of promoting osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells using SB and SBP extracts and their mechanisms. We show that SBP extracts increase osteoblast proliferation, mineralization-activated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and collagen synthesis activities. Additionally, treatment with SBP extract increased the expression of markers related to osteoblast differentiation, such as ALP, SPARC, RUNX2, COL-I, BMP2, OCN, and OPN. It was confirmed that SBP induces differentiation by activating the BMP2/SMAD/RUNX2 pathway. We also show that SBP is more effective than SB, and SBP may be useful in assimilating bone minerals and preventing osteoporosis.

Quantitative proteomics reveal the protective effects of EDS against osteoarthritis via attenuating inflammation and modulating immune response

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Epimedium brevicornu Maxim, Dioscorea nipponica Makino, and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge formula (EDS) are three traditional Chinese medicines commonly combined and used to treat osteoarthritis (OA). However, the mechanism of its therapeutic effect on OA is still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential anti osteoarthritis mechanism of EDS in the treatment of OA rats' model by quantitative proteomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A papain-induced rat OA model was established, and then EDS was intragastrically administered for 28 days. A label-free quantification proteomics was performed to evaluate the holistic efficacy of EDS against OA and identify the possible protein profiles mechanisms. The expression levels of critical changed proteins were validated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The effects of EDS were then assessed by evaluating pathologic changes in the affected knee joint and measuring pressure pain threshold, acoustic reflex threshold, angle of joint curvature.

RESULTS

Proteomics analysis showed that 62 proteins were significantly upregulated and 208 proteins were downregulated in OA group compared to control group. The changed proteins were involved in activation of humoral immunity response, complement cascade activation, leukocyte mediated immunity, acute inflammatory response, endocytosis regulation, and proteolysis regulation. The EDS treatment partially restored the protein profile changes. The protective effects of EDS on pathologic changes in OA rats' knee joint and pain threshold assessment were consisted with the proteomics results.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that EDS exerted synergistic therapeutic efficacies to against OA through suppressing inflammation, modulating the immune system, relieving joint pain, and attenuating cartilage degradation.

Chinese herbal formulae for the treatment of menopausal hot flushes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formulae for managing menopausal hot flushes (MHF).

METHODS

Seven English and Chinese databases were searched for studies from respective inceptions to February 2019. Randomized controlled trials investigating the clinical effects and safety of CHM formulae on MHF were considered for inclusion. The outcomes of subjective feelings (MHF and quality of life), objective changes (hormones and peripheral blood flow) and safety were analyzed. The most frequently prescribed formulae and herbs were summarized.

RESULTS

Nineteen randomized clinical trials involving 2469 patients were included. When compared to menopausal hormone therapy, CHM had similar effects to menopausal hormone therapy on total effectiveness rate (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.35) and total Kupperman index (KI) score (SMD -0.13, 95% CI -0.61 to 0.36), and could significantly reduce vasomotor symptom score (MD -0.43, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.31) and upper-body peripheral blood flow (MD -3.56, 95% CI -5.14 to -1.98 under the jaw, MD -7.10, 95% CI -11.01 to -3.19 in the fingertip). When compared to placebo, CHM could reduce MHF severity (MD -0.70, 95% CI-1.00 to -0.40) and improve total KI score (MD -12.61, 95% CI -15.21 to -10.01). However, no statistically significant changes to hormone levels were detected. Most commonly seen adverse events were mild gastrointestinal tract reactions. The most popularly studied formula was Kun Tai capsule and the most frequently prescribed herb was Bai shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, Paeonia lactiflora Pall.). More than 50% included studies had low risks of bias in the domains of selection, performance, attrition and reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

This review indicated that CHM formulae were safe to be applied in MHF females and able to improve MHF-related symptom scores as well as the peripheral blood flow. Further studies should focus on specific formulae.

Analysis of phenolic and cyclic compounds in plants using derivatization techniques in combination with GC-MS-based metabolite profiling

Metabolite profiling has been established as a modern technology platform for the description of complex chemical matrices and compound identification in biological samples. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in particular is a fast and accurate method widely applied in diagnostics, functional genomics and for screening purposes. Following solvent extraction and derivatization, hundreds of metabolites from different chemical groups can be characterized in one analytical run. Besides sugars, acids, and polyols, diverse phenolic and other cyclic metabolites can be efficiently detected by metabolite profiling. The review describes own results from plant research to exemplify the applicability of GC-MS profiling and concurrent detection and identification of phenolics and other cyclic structures.

Pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of epimedin C after oral administration of epimedin C and Herba Epimedii extract in rats

Epimedin C, an ingredient of Herba Epimedii, has potential for treatment of cardiovascular disease and bone loss. However, there is still no sensitive analytical method to monitor epimedin C in biological samples. The goal of this study was to develop a sensitive and reliable method based on a LC-MS/MS for evaluating the pharmacokinetics of epimedin C after administration of Herba Epimedii in rat. Electrospray ionization in positive-ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring were used to identify and quantitate active components. Analytes were separated by a reverse-phase C18 column. Liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate, evaporation and reconstitution was used to plasma sample preparation. Mass transition of precursor ion → product ion pairs were monitored at m/z 823.4 → 313.1 for epimedin C and m/z 237.1 → 178.9 for carbamazepine (internal standard). A calibration curve gave good linearity (r > 0.999) over the concentration range 2.5-500 ng/mL. Pharmacokinetic data demonstrated that there was rapid distribution and slow elimination after epimedin C administration (1 mg/kg, i.v.). Oral bioavailabilities of epimedin C in the pure compound and in the Herba Epimedii were around 0.58% and 0.13%, respectively. The result suggests that other herbal ingredients of Herba Epimedii may suppress the oral bioavailability of epimedin C.

The beneficial effect of icaritin on osteoporotic bone is dependent on the treatment initiation timing in adult ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND

Epimedium-derived flavonoids (EFs) have a potential to treat established osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. However, one of the main disadvantages of the compound is the high volume and dosage during long-term administration period. Meanwhile, the beneficial effect of EFs on osteoporotic bone depends greatly on the intervention timing. Whether icaritin (ICT), an active molecular compound from EFs, can exert beneficial effect on osteoporotic bone and whether the beneficial effect is also dependent on the intervention timing remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the early and late ICT treatment on bone turnover markers, trabecular architecture, bone remodeling, biomechanics, colony formation of bone marrow stromal cells and osteoblast, adipocyte and osteoclast-related gene expression in adult ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

Eighty 9-month-old female rats (n=8/group) were sham-operated (Sham) or ovariectomized (OVX). The OVX rats were subjected to ICT treatment initiation at 1 month (early treatment) and 3 months (late treatment) post-operation, respectively. The vehicle-treated Sham and OVX rats starting at month 1 and month 3 post-operation served as the corresponding controls (Sham and OVX controls) for early and late ICT treatment, respectively. Those Sham and OVX rats sacrificed immediately before early and late ICT treatment served as the pretreatment baseline controls. Both ICT and vehicle treatments lasted for 2 months. The bone turnover markers, trabecular architecture, bone remodeling and bone biomechanical properties were analyzed with biochemistry, microCT, histomorphometry and mechanical testing, respectively. The population of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and osteoblasts were evaluated with colony formation assays, respectively. The expression levels of osteoblast, adipocyte and osteoclast-related genes in bone marrow were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively.

RESULTS

At the tissue level, early ICT treatment remarkably restored the trabecular bone mass, trabecular architecture and bone biomechanical properties towards pretreatment Sham levels, and significantly increased bone formation from pretreatment OVX level and markedly inhibited bone resorption towards pretreatment Sham level, whereas late ICT treatment failed to have any effect. At the cellular and molecular level, early ICT treatment significantly increased the number of osteoblastic colonies and the level of osteoblast-related gene expression compared to pretreatment OVX levels and remarkably decreased adipocyte and osteoclast-related gene expression towards pretreatment Sham levels. Late ICT treatment failed to have beneficial effect on any of these parameters.

CONCLUSION

ICT can exert anabolic and anti-resorptive effect on osteoporotic bone. The beneficial effect of ICT treatment is dependent on the intervention timing in established osteoporosis induced by estrogen depletion.

Prescription profile of Chinese herbal products containing coumestrol, genestein, and/or daidzein among female users: an analysis of national health insurance data in Taiwan between 1997 and 2007

Background

Some Chinese herbs contain several kinds of phytoestrogens, and these herbs are commonly prescribed in Taiwan. Phytoestrogens may influence the effects of estrogen in females, although their activities are weak. This study aims to identify the risk and analyze the prescription profile of commonly used phytoestrogenic herbs in Taiwan.

Methods

The study analyzed women who had been prescribed phytoestrogenic herbs including coumestrol, genistein and/or daidzein between 1997 and 2007 in a fixed cohort taken from all female beneficiaries from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The prescription frequencies, cumulated dosages, and primary indications were listed.

Results

A total of 462,861 women were included in the study, of whom ~47.0% had used phytoestrogenic herbs at least once during the study period. A total of 6,270,813 prescriptions were recorded, and more than 20% of these contained phytoestrogens. The most commonly prescribed herb and formula were Puerariae Radix and Ge gen tang (Pueraria Decoction), respectively. Most of the prescriptions were issued for diseases of the respiratory system, followed by symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.

Conclusion

This study shows that women who sought medical treatment from Chinese medicine doctors for relief of respiratory discomfort had a high possibility of exposure to phytoestrogenic herbs. Safety issues related to the female endocrine system should be a priority for future research.

Increased risk for invasive breast cancer associated with hormonal therapy: a nation-wide random sample of 65,723 women followed from 1997 to 2008

Background

Hormonal therapy (HT) either estrogen alone (E-alone) or estrogen plus progesterone (E+P) appears to increase the risk for breast cancer in Western countries. However, limited information is available on the association between HT and breast cancer in Asian women characterized mainly by dietary phytoestrogens intake and low prevalence of contraceptive pills prescription.

Methodology

A total of 65,723 women (20–79 years of age) without cancer or the use of Chinese herbal products were recruited from a nation-wide one-million representative sample of the National Health Insurance of Taiwan and followed from 1997 to 2008. Seven hundred and eighty incidents of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed. Using a reference group that comprised 40,052 women who had never received a hormone prescription, Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to determine the hazard ratios for receiving different types of HT and the occurrence of breast cancer.

Conclusions

5,156 (20%) women ever used E+P, 2,798 (10.8%) ever used E-alone, and 17,717 (69%) ever used other preparation types. The Cox model revealed adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of 2.05 (95% CI 1.37–3.07) for current users of E-alone and 8.65 (95% CI 5.45–13.70) for current users of E+P. Using women who had ceased to take hormonal medication for 6 years or more as the reference group, the adjusted HRs were significantly elevated and greater than current users and women who had discontinued hormonal medication for less than 6 years. Current users of either E-alone or E+P have an increased risk for invasive breast cancer in Taiwan, and precautions should be taken when such agents are prescribed.

Effects of a breast-health herbal formula supplement on estrogen metabolism in pre- and post-menopausal women not taking hormonal contraceptives or supplements: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Both indole-3-carbinol and dietary lignans have beneficial effects on estrogen metabolism and breast cancer risk. There is no published literature on the effects of a combination product. This study was designed to investigate the impact of a combination product on estrogen metabolism. The major trial objective was to determine whether a breast health supplement containing indole-3-carbinol and hydroxymatairesinol lignan would alter estrogen metabolism to favour C-2 hydroxylation and reduce C-16 hydroxylation. Higher concentrations of C-2 metabolites and lower concentrations of C-16 metabolites may reduce breast cancer risk and risk for other hormonally-related cancers.

METHODS

Forty-seven pre-menopausal and forty-nine post-menopausal women were recruited for this study, and were divided by random allocation into treatment and placebo group. The treatment supplement contained HMR lignan, indole-3-carbinol, calcium glucarate, milk thistle, Schisandra chinesis and stinging nettle, and each woman consumed either treatment or placebo for 28 days. At day 0 and day 28, blood samples were analysed for serum enterolactone concentrations, and first morning random urine samples were assessed for estrogen metabolites. Repeated measures ANOVA statistical testing was performed.

RESULTS

In pre-menopausal women, treatment supplementation resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in urinary 2-OHE concentrations and in the 2:16α-OHE ratio. In post-menopausal women, treatment supplementation resulted in a significant increase in urinary 2-OHE concentrations. In pre- and post-menopausal women combined, treatment supplementation produced a significant increase in urinary 2-OHE concentration and a trend (P = 0.074) toward an increased 2:16α-OHE ratio. There were no significant increases in serum enterolactone concentrations in the treatment or placebo groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation with a mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan in women significantly increased estrogen C-2 hydroxylation. This may constitute a mechanism for the reduction of breast cancer risk as well as risk for other estrogen-related cancers. Further studies with higher numbers of subjects are indicated.

Spatial distribution and quantification of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in Sado River estuary, Portugal

The important Portuguese Sado River estuary has never been investigated for the presence of potentially endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as natural estrogens (estradiol, estrone), pharmaceutical estrogens (17alpha-ethynylestradiol), phytoestrogens (daidzein, genistein and biochanin A), or industrial chemicals (4-octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol, and bisphenol A). Thus, the main objective of this study was to evaluate their presence at 13 sampling points distributed between both the industrial and the natural reserve areas of the estuary, zones 1 and 2, respectively. For that, water samples collected in summer and winter were processed by solid phase extraction and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Results showed that estrone, ethynylestradiol, all the aforementioned phytoestrogens as well as bisphenol A and 4-octylphenol were found in zone 1. In zone 2, neither estrogens nor 4-OP were found. However, in the same zone, daidzein (500 ng/L) and genistein (320 ng/L) attained their highest levels in summer, whereas biochanin A peaked in winter (170 ng/L). Furthermore, bisphenol A was also found in some areas of zone 2, but showed similar concentrations in both surveys (about 220 ng/L). This study demonstrated that the Sado River estuary had low EDCs levels, suggesting that the Sado's high hydrodynamic activity may be involved in the dilution of local pollution. It was suggested that at the current levels of concentrations, all assayed EDCs are unlikely to individually cause endocrine disruption in local animals. However, under a continuous exposure scenario, an additive and/or synergistic action of the estrogenic chemicals load can not be excluded, and so, continuous monitoring is advisable.

Epimedium-derived flavonoids promote osteoblastogenesis and suppress adipogenesis in bone marrow stromal cells while exerting an anabolic effect on osteoporotic bone

BACKGROUND

Epimedium-derived flavonoids (EFs) have been reported to prevent bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and late postmenopausal women but the underlying mechanism of the anabolic effect is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of EFs on osteoporotic bone using histomorphometry and on osteoblastogenesis/adipogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs).

METHODS

11-month-old female Wistar rats were divided into Sham, OVX, Sham+soluble vehicle (Sham+SV), OVX+SV and OVX+EFs (10 mg/kg/day) groups. 3 months after surgery, rats from the first two groups were euthanized to verify the establishment of OVX-induced osteoporosis. Other groups were orally treated with either daily SV or EFs for 4 months. At sacrifice, serum was analyzed for the levels of osteocalcin and TRACP 5b, BMD in the proximal femur was measured by pQCT. Static and dynamic bone histomorphometry was performed in proximal tibiae with microCT and undecalcified sections, respectively. The effect of EF treatment on differentiation of rat BMSCs was assessed by colony formation assays and gene expression analysis, respectively. Gene expression, ALP activity and adipocyte numbers were determined in differentiating human BMSCs after exposure to conditioned serum from SV- or EFs-treated OVX rats.

RESULTS

The serum level of osteocalcin was higher and TRACP 5b was lower in EFs versus SV-treated OVX rats. BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N and Conn.D in EFs-treated OVX rats were significantly greater than those of SV-treated OVX rats. Bone histomorphometric parameters OS/BS, MAR, and BFR/BS were significantly higher in EFs versus SV-treated OVX rats. EFs significantly increased osteogenesis and decreased adipogenesis of BMSCs, as evidenced by CFU-ALP and CFU-Adipo assays, respectively. The mRNA level of Runx2 and bone sailoprotein was significantly higher while PPARgamma2 was significantly lower in BMSCs from EFs-treated versus SV-treated OVX rats. ALP activity and Runx2 mRNA was significantly higher while adipocyte number and PPARgamma2 mRNA was significantly lower in human BMSCs after exposure to conditioned serum from EFs versus SV-treated OVX rats.

CONCLUSION

EFs exerted anabolic effect on osteoporotic bone by concomitantly promoting osteogenic and suppressing adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

Distribution of endocrine disruptors in the Mondego River estuary, Portugal

Recent studies in the Mondego River estuary demonstrated signs of pollution in the area, but the nature of the contamination remains unexplored. Because there seems to be any studies in that zone checking for the simultaneous presence of xenoestrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds, either of animal (estradiol and estrone), vegetal (daidzein, genistein and biochanin A), pharmaceutical (17alpha-ethynylestradiol) or industrial (bisphenol A, 4-octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol) origins, the main objective of this study was to investigate their presence, in every year season and at eight points along the estuarine gradient. For this propose, water samples (2 L) were collected in high and low tides, preconcentrated in the Oasis HLB cartridges and cleaned in silica cartridges before their analysis by HPLC-DAD and GC-MS. The current data showed the absence of contamination by animal or pharmaceutical estrogens and by alkylphenols, but demonstrated the presence of high levels of phytoestrogens (up to 1.1 mug/L) and of bisphenol A (up to 880.0 ng/L). Because these two chemicals existed in high environmental concentrations in the most upstream sampling station, and taking in account that these pollutants may additively contribute to endocrine disruption, namely on fish, it was concluded that at least this particularly area of the Mondego estuary deserves continuous monitoring programmes.

Seasonal and spatial distribution of several endocrine-disrupting compounds in the Douro River Estuary, Portugal

Recent studies in the Douro River estuary show signs of pollution in the area and of fish endocrine disruption. However, the chemical nature of the local contamination has not been fully investigated nor have studies checking for the simultaneous presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), either of animal (estrone, E1; estradiol, E2), pharmaceutical (17alpha-ethynylestradiol, EE2), vegetal (daidzein, DAID; genistein, GEN; biochanin A, BIO-A), or industrial (bisphenol A, BPA; 4-octylphenol, 4-OP; 4-nonylphenol, 4-NP) origins. Thus, the main objective of this study was to examine the presence of these EDCs in estuarine water samples collected, in every season of the year, at nine sampling stations along the estuarine gradient. All samples were processed by two-step solid-phase extraction (Oasis HLB followed by silica) prior to high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. The current data showed that E1 and EE2, all phytoestrogens, and BPA were identified and measured in this estuary. In contrast, 4-OP was only detected by GC-MS and E2 and 4-NP were not found. Additionally, E1 (up to 112.9 ng/L) and EE2 (up to 101.9 ng/L) were both measured in biologically hazardous amounts in winter. In the year sampled, the phytoestrogens suggested a possible seasonal pattern of fluctuation. Both DAID (up to 888.4 ng/L) and GEN (183.6 ng/L) were maximal in early summer, whereas BIO-A (up to 191.4 ng/L) reached its highest concentrations in winter. BPA (up to 10.7 microg/L) also attained highest levels in winter. In December 2005, it is hypothesized that E1, EE2, and BPA concentrations were atypically high due to current drought conditions. Almost all assayed EDCs existed in all seasons and, therefore, might have contributed to endocrine disruption of aquatic animals, previously documented by the high rate of ovotestis in fish caught in this estuary.

GC-MS determination of isoflavonoids in seven red Cuban propolis samples

In the present study, the phenolic composition analysis of seven red varieties of propolis, collected in different regions of Cuba, was evaluated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Seventeen compounds were identified in all samples by the interpretation of their mass spectra. This appears to be the first report on the GC-MS analysis of isoflavonoids in the propolis. The results confirmed the presence of the main isoflavonoids isolated previously and suggested the general structure for the other five isoflavonoids. Vestitol, 7-O-methylvestitol, and medicarpin were present in high amounts in all propolis samples analyzed. This result indicates that propolis samples rich in isoflavonoids are not exclusively found in Pinar del Rio province and proves that GC-MS technique is a useful and alternative tool for the chemical analysis of tropical red propolis.

Occurrence of "mammalian" lignans in plant and water sources

Enterolignans, also called "mammalian" lignans because they are formed in the intestine of mammals after ingestion of plant lignans, were identified for the first time in extracts of four tree species, i.e., in knot heartwood of the hardwood species Fagus sylvatica and in knot or stem heartwood of the softwood species Araucaria angustifolia, Picea smithiana, and Abies cilicia. They were also identified for the first time in grain extracts of cultivated plants, i.e., in 15 cereal species, in 3 nut species, and in sesame and linseeds. Furthermore, some plant lignans and enterolignans were identified in extracts of water from different sources, i.e., in sewage treatment plant influent and effluent and in humic water, and for the first time also in tap and seawater. They were present also in water processed through a water purification system (ultrapure water). As enterolignans seem to be abundant in the aquatic environment, the occurrence of enterolignans in plant sources is most likely due to uptake by the roots from the surrounding water. This uptake was also shown experimentally by treating wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare) seeds with purified lignan-free water spiked with enterolactone (EL) during germination and growth. Both the remaining seeds and seedlings contained high EL levels, especially the roots. They also contained metabolites of EL, i.e., 7-hydroxy-EL and 7-oxo-EL.

Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen exert beneficial effect on preventing steroid-associated osteonecrosis in rabbits with inhibition of both thrombosis and lipid-deposition

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the effect of Epimedium-derived phytoestrogen (PE) on preventing steroid-associated osteonecrosis (ON) in rabbit model.

METHODS

Thirty 28-week-old male New-Zealand white rabbits were divided into control group (CON; n=14) and PE group (PE; n=16; 5 mg/kg body weight/day) after receiving an established inductive protocol for inducing steroid-associated ON. Before and after inductive protocol, Dynamic-MRI was employed on bilateral femora for local intra-osseous perfusion, blood samples were examined for coagulation, fibrinolysis and lipid-transportation, and marrow samples were quantified for adipogenesis-gene mRNA expression. Six weeks later, bilateral femora were dissected for Micro-CT-based micro-angiography, and then ON lesion, intravascular thrombosis and extravascular fat-cell-size were examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

The incidence of ON in the PE group (31%) was significantly lower than that in the CON group (93%). Compared to the CON group, local intra-osseous perfusion was maintained in the PE group. Blocked trunk vessels were seldom found in micro-angiography of the PE-treated rabbits. Thrombosis incidence and fat-cell-size were both significantly lower in the PE group than those in the CON group. During the early period after induction, indicator of coagulation, fibrinolysis, lipid-transportation and adipogenesis-gene expression were found with significantly changing pattern in the PE group compared to the CON group.

CONCLUSION

PE was able to exert beneficial effect on preventing steroid-associated ON in rabbits with inhibition of both thrombosis and lipid deposition.

Increased urinary level of oxidized nucleosides in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease

OBJECTIVE

Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

DESIGN AND METHODS

To investigate the possible role of oxidative DNA damage in the pathogenesis of AD, we measured the metabolite concentrations of oxidized nucleosides (pseudouridine, 1-methyladenosine, 5-methylcytidine, 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine, 3-methyluridine, N(2), N(2)-dimethylguanosine, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, 5-deoxyadenosine and 2-deoxyguanosine) in urine between AD (n=36) and control subjects (n=34) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) without urine preparation.

RESULTS

In AD, the 3-methyluridine, 1-methyladenosine, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (p<0.05, respectively), 2-deoxyguanosine (p<0.01) and pseudouridine, N(2), N(2)-dimethylguanosine (p<0.001, respectively) were significantly increased when compared with the control subjects.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that oxidized urinary nucleosides may be useful as biomarkers for AD in early stages.

Contrast-Enhanced MRI and Micro-CT Adopted for Evaluation of a Lipid-Lowering and Anticoagulant Herbal Epimedium-Derived Phytoestrogenic Extract for Prevention of Steroid-Associated Osteonecrosis

We developed an alternative steroid-associated osteonecrosis (ON) rabbit model using a combination of a single injection of low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and three subsequent injections of pulsed high-dose methylprednisolone (MPS).The usefulness of this experimental ON model was evaluated using both conventional and advanced bio-imaging techniques, including contrast-enhanced dynamic MRI and a high-resolution micro-CT. Details on establishment of methodology are described, which were adopted into an efficacy study on a herbal Epimedium-derived phytoestrogenic extract (HEPE) developed for prevention of steroid-associated ON using an established rabbit model. The underlying mechanisms of HEPE for prevention of steroid-associated ON were found to be associated with inhibition of both intravascular thrombosis and extravascular bone marrow lipid deposition, the two known mechanistic pathways in pathogenesis of ON. Our experimental results provide for potential clinical trials or applications of HEPE in the prevention of ON among hig-hrisk patients undergoing steroid treatment.

Influence of ginsenoside Rb1 on brain neurosteroid during acute immobilization stress

This study examined whether or not acute stress is linked to increases in the neurosteroid levels, which is a well-known neurotransmitters associated with stress stimuli. The ginsenoside, Rb1, was tested in order to better understand its potential effects on altering the neurosteroid levels and ultimately attenuating stress. The optimal stressed condition was checked by measuring the 5a-dihydroprogesterone (DHP) and allopregnanolone (THP) levels in the brain after immobilization stress at various times. Based on this result, an acute stress model was set up to give 30 min of immobilization stress. The DHP and THP brain levels of the stressed mice were then investigated after administering Rb1 orally (10 mg/kg). These results were compared with the neurosteroid level in the stressed mice not given Rbl. Saline was administered orally to the nonstressed mice to check the placebo effect. Acute immobilization stress induced an increase in the THP and DHP concentration in the frontal cortex and cerebellum. When Rb1 was administered orally prior to immobilization stress, the THP level in the frontal cortex and cerebellum was significantly lower than that in the stressed animals not given Rbl. On the other hand, the DHP level was lower in the cerebellum only. This suggests that the metabolism of the brain neurosteroids is linked to psychological stress, and Rb1 attenuates the stress-induced increase in neurosteroids.

Flavonoids derived from herbal Epimedium Brevicornum Maxim prevent OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats independent of its enhancement in intestinal calcium absorption

AIM

Factorial design was used to test our hypothesis whether a group of flavonoids (FE) derived from herbal Epimedium Brevicornum Maxim exerted its preventive effects on estrogen-deficiency-induced osteoporosis mainly through an enhancement in intestinal calcium absorption.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five 12-month-old female Wistar rats were used and randomly assigned into sham-operated group and four ovariectomy (OVX) subgroups, i.e. OVX with vehicle (OVX group), OVX with FE (FE group), OVX with calcium supplement (CS group), and OVX with FE and CS (FE + CS group). Daily oral administration of FE (10 mg/kg/day) and/or CS (56 mg/kg/day) started on day 4 after OVX for 12 weeks. Before sacrificing the animals, urine and serum samples were collected for assaying indicators related to intestinal calcium absorption, regulator for calcium homeostasis, and markers of bone turnover. The left proximal femur was dissected for evaluation of the primary end-point (failure force), the second end-points (pQCT-quantified densitometry, geometry, and micro-CT-quantified 3-D trabecula micro-architecture), and pQCT-defined cross-sectional envelope.

RESULTS

FE was found to be able to prevent OVX-induced reduction in failure force as well as the above second end-points, without resulting in an increased uterus weight. CS had no preventive effect on OVX-induced reduction in failure force. Two-way factorial interaction analysis between FE and CS showed that the un-enhanced suppression of parathyroid hormone for calcium homeostasis did not provide link between the enhanced intestinal calcium absorption and the enhanced inhibition of bone resorption in the present study. Furthermore, the discrepancies between the enhanced intestinal calcium absorption and the un-enhanced end-point measures as well as anabolic effect were also revealed by the interaction analysis.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that FE inhibited bone resorption, stimulated bone formation, and accordingly prevented osteoporosis without hyperplastic effect on uterus in the OVX rat model, which was however independent of an enhancement in intestinal calcium absorption.

Simultaneous determination of isoflavones and lignans at trace levels in natural waters and wastewater samples using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry

A high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MSn) method has been developed for the trace determination of phytoestrogens in aquatic environmental samples. The method includes solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analysis using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry. The aquatic environmental samples, influent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and creek water, were adjusted to pH approximately 5 before extraction. The analyzed phytoestrogens were identified by an MSn method and quantified against a deuterated internal standard (genistein-3',5',6,8-D4). In negative ion mode, 0.1% formic acid was employed in acetonitrile/water mobile phase. The method detection limits ranged from 0.5 to 10 ng/L in WWTP influent and from 0.1 to 5 ng/L in creek water. Average SPE recoveries for the analyzed phytoestrogens ranged from 85 to 95%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) (%) ranging from 3.9 to 6.5. The concentrations of the six analyzed phytoestrogens varied from 0.2 to 600 ng/L with high levels of enterolignans (enterolactone and enterodiol) found in the collected wastewater. The method is shown to be suitable for the determination of phytoestrogens in aquatic environmental samples at nano- and sub-nanogram per liter levels.