Different effects of catechin on angiogenesis and inflammation depending on VEGF levels

Phytochemicals Showing Antiangiogenic Effect in Pre-clinical Models and their Potential as an Alternative to Existing Therapeutics

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from a pre-existing vascular network, is an important hallmark of several pathological conditions, such as tumor growth and metastasis, proliferative retinopathies, including proliferative diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and endometriosis. Putting a halt to pathology-driven angiogenesis is considered an important therapeutic strategy to slow down or reduce the severity of pathological disorders. Considering the attrition rate of synthetic antiangiogenic compounds from the lab to reaching the market due to severe side effects, several compounds of natural origin are being explored for their antiangiogenic properties. Employing pre-clinical models for the evaluation of novel antiangiogenic compounds is a promising strategy for rapid screening of antiangiogenic compounds. These studies use a spectrum of angiogenic model systems that include HUVEC two-dimensional culture, nude mice, chick chorioallantoic membrane, transgenic zebrafish, and dorsal aorta from rats and chicks, depending upon available resources. The present article emphasizes the antiangiogenic activity of the phytochemicals shown to exhibit antiangiogenic behavior in these well-defined existing angiogenic models and highlights key molecular targets. Different models help to get a quick understanding of the efficacy and therapeutics mechanism of emerging lead molecules. The inherent variability in assays and corresponding different phytochemicals tested in each study prevent their immediate utilization in clinical studies. This review will discuss phytochemicals discovered using suitable preclinical antiangiogenic models, along with a special mention of leads that have entered clinical evaluation.

Gallocatechin‑silver nanoparticle impregnated cotton gauze patches enhance wound healing in diabetic rats by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation via modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathways

This study is designed to investigate the combination of gallocatechin (GC) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for its wound healing ability in diabetic rats. Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: 1. Normal control rats dressed with blank CGP1; 2. Diabetic rats dressed with blank CGP1; 3. Diabetic rats dressed with 13.06μM of GC; 4. Diabetic rats dressed with 26.12 μM of GC; 5. Diabetic rats dressed with 0.1% silver sulfadiazine patches. GC-AgNPs-CGP dressed diabetic rats showed significant FBG reduction, prevented the body weight losses and reduced the oxidative stress by lowering MDA content and elevated antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT and GPx in wound healing skin of diabetic rats when compared to normal CGP. Besides, mRNA expression of Nrf2, Nqo-1, and Ho-1 was upregulated with downregulated expression of Keap-1 mRNA, which is supported by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, GC-AgNPs-CGP dressing increased growth factors such as VEGF, EGF, TGF-β, and FGF-2 while decreasing MMP-2 in the skin of diabetic wound rats. In vitro permeation study demonstrated rapid GC release and permeation with a flux of 0.061 and 0.143 mg/sq.cm/h. In conclusion, the results indicated that GC-AgNPs-CGP dressing on diabetic wound rats modulated oxidative stress and inflammation with elevated growth factors; increased collagen synthesis thereby significantly improved the wound healing and could be beneficial for the management of diabetic wounds.

Nutraceuticals and their role in tumor angiogenesis

Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression. Diet may inhibit, retard or reverse these processes affecting angiogenesis (angioprevention). Nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibers, and phenolic compounds, improve health benefits as they are a source of bioactive compounds that, among other effects, can regulate angiogenesis. The literature concerning the pro-angiogenic and/or anti-angiogenic nutraceuticals and the possible activated pathways in cancer and other non-neoplastic diseases by in vivo and in vitro experiments are reviewed.

Natural Products: A Promising Therapeutics for Targeting Tumor Angiogenesis

Tumor-associated angiogenesis is a key target for anti-cancer therapy. The imbalance between pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic signals elicited by tumor cells or tumor microenvironment always results in activating "angiogenic switch". Tumor angiogenesis functions in multi-aspects of tumor biology, including endothelial cell apoptosis, tumor metastasis, and cancer stem cell proliferation. Numerous studies have indicated the important roles of inexpensive and less toxic natural products in targeting tumor angiogenesis-associated cytokines and apoptotic signaling pathways. Our current knowledge of tumor angiogenesis is based mainly on experiments performed on cells and animals, so we summarized the well-established models for angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we classified and summarized the anti-angiogenic natural agents (Polyphenols, Polysaccharides, Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Saponins) in targeting various tumor types according to their chemical structures at present, and discussed the mechanistic principles of these natural products on regulating angiogenesis-associated cytokines and apoptotic signaling pathways. This review is to help understanding the recent progress of natural product research for drug development on anti-tumor angiogenesis.

Diabetic ferroptosis plays an important role in triggering on inflammation in diabetic wound

Impaired wound healing is a major complication of diabetes and involves sustained inflammation and oxidative stress at the wound site. Here, we investigated the potential involvement of ferroptosis, a newly discovered form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides in the pathogenesis of diabetic wound healing. Fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells exposed to high glucose concentrations in vitro contained elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation products, and ferroptosis-associated proteins and displayed reduced survival and migration. These effects of high glucose were all significantly reduced by treatment with the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Similarly, in a rat model of diabetes, direct application of Fer-1 to the wound site reduced the expression of oxidative stress and inflammation markers and accelerated wound healing via activation of the anti-inflammatory phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. Our results implicate ferroptosis in wound healing and identify a potential new therapeutic target for difficult-to-treat diabetic wounds.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Ferroptosis-related characteristic changes were found in diabetic wound models. Inhibition of ferroptosis improved inflammatory infiltration of diabetic wounds. PI3K/AKT signal pathway was rescued by restraining of ferroptosis. Mitigation of ferroptosis in diabetic wound promoted the wound healing.

Pharmacological actions and underlying mechanisms of Catechin: A review

BACKGROUND

Catechin is a phytochemical and is a major component of our daily use beverages, which has shown great potential in improving general health and fighting against several medical conditions. Clinical studies have confirmed its effectiveness in conditions ranging from acute upper respiratory tract infection, neuroprotection, to cardio-protection effects. Though most studies relate their potential to anti-oxidative action and radical scavenging action, still the mechanism of action is not clearly understood.

OBJECTIVE

The present review article is focused on addressing various pharmacological actions and underlying mechanisms of catechin. Additionally, we will try to figure out the major adverse effect and success in trials with catechin and lead to a conclusion for its effectiveness.

METHODS

This review article is based on the recent/ most cited papers of PubMed and Scopus databases.

DESCRIPTION

Catechin can regulate Nrf2 and NFkB pathways in ways that impact oxidative stress and inflammation by influencing gene expression. Other pathways like MAPKs and COMT and receptor tyrosine kinase are also affected by catechin and EGCG that alter their action and barge the cellular activity. This review article explored the structural aspect of catechin and its different isomers and analogs. It also evaluated its various therapeutic and pharmacological arrays .

CONCLUSION

Catechin and its stereo-isomers have shown their effectiveness as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-neuroprotective, bactericidal, memory enhancer, anti-arthritis, and hepato-protective mainly through its activity to alter the pathway by NF-κB, Nrf-2, TLR4/NF-κB, COMT, and MAPKs.

Catechin Metabolites along with Curcumin Inhibit Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer Cells by Regulating VEGF Expression In-Vitro

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second cause of cancer-related death among women. Over the past two decades, green tea catechins and curcumin have received much attention for their role in preventing carcinogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the catechin metabolites and curcumin on cervical cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. For this aim, the Ca Ski cell line was treated with different doses of catechin metabolites and curcumin. MTT assay and Flow cytometry were employed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of catechin metabolites and curcumin on the Ca Ski cell line. Real-time PCR and western blot were performed to evaluate the VEGF expression. Also, Real-Time PCR was performed to determine the expression level of microRNAs. Results showed that catechin metabolites along with curcumin reduce the VEGF expression. Further, miR-210 and miR-21 as oncogenic microRNAs were down-regulated, while it was reverse for miR-126 as a tumor-suppressor microRNA. Besides, MTT and Flow cytometry results showed that after using catechin metabolites with curcumin, cell survival was reduced by inducing apoptosis. In conclusion, catechin metabolites produced by intestinal microbiota besides the curcumin could serve as a promising therapeutic approach for women with cervical cancer.

Cardioprotective Activity of Selected Polyphenols Based on Epithelial and Aortic Cell Lines. A Review

Polyphenols have recently gained popularity among the general public as products and diets classified as healthy and containing naturally occurring phenols. Many polyphenolic extracts are available on the market as dietary supplements, functional foods, or cosmetics, taking advantage of clients' desire to live a healthier and longer life. However, due to the difficulty of discovering the in vivo functions of polyphenols, most of the research focuses on in vitro studies. In this review, we focused on the cardioprotective activity of different polyphenols as possible candidates for use in cardiovascular disease therapy and for improving the quality of life of patients. Thus, the studies, which were mainly based on endothelial cells, aortic cells, and some in vivo studies, were analyzed. Based on the reviewed articles, polyphenols have a few points of action, including inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, decrease in reactive oxygen species production and endothelial tube formation, stimulation of acetylcholine-induced endothelium-derived mediator release, and others, which lead to their cardio- and/or vasoprotective effects on endothelial cells. The obtained results suggest positive effects of polyphenols, but more long-term in vivo studies demonstrating effects on mechanism of action, sensitivity, and specificity or efficacy are needed before legal health claims can be made.

Modulation of Adhesion Process, E-Selectin and VEGF Production by Anthocyanins and Their Metabolites in an in vitro Model of Atherosclerosis

The present study aims to evaluate the ability of peonidin and petunidin-3-glucoside (Peo-3-glc and Pet-3-glc) and their metabolites (vanillic acid; VA and methyl-gallic acid; MetGA), to prevent monocyte (THP-1) adhesion to endothelial cells (HUVECs), and to reduce the production of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, E-selectin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a stimulated pro-inflammatory environment, a pivotal step of atherogenesis. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; 100 ng mL-1) was used to stimulate the adhesion of labelled monocytes (THP-1) to endothelial cells (HUVECs). Successively, different concentrations of Peo-3-glc and Pet-3-glc (0.02 µM, 0.2 µM, 2 µM and 20 µM), VA and MetGA (0.05 µM, 0.5 µM, 5 µM and 50 µM) were tested. After 24 h, VCAM-1, E-selectin and VEGF were quantified by ELISA, while the adhesion process was measured spectrophotometrically. Peo-3-glc and Pet-3-glc (from 0.02 µM to 20 µM) significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased THP-1 adhesion to HUVECs at all concentrations (-37%, -24%, -30% and -47% for Peo-3-glc; -37%, -33%, -33% and -45% for Pet-3-glc). VA, but not MetGA, reduced the adhesion process at 50 µM (-21%; p < 0.001). At the same concentrations, a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction of E-selectin, but not VCAM-1, was documented. In addition, anthocyanins and their metabolites significantly decreased (p < 0.001) VEGF production. The present findings suggest that while Peo-3-glc and Pet-3-glc (but not their metabolites) reduced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells through suppression of E-selectin production, VEGF production was reduced by both anthocyanins and their metabolites, suggesting a role in the regulation of angiogenesis.

Chemical profiling of Curatella americana Linn leaves by UPLC-HRMS and its wound healing activity in mice

Based on ethnopharmacological studies, a lot of plants, as well as its compounds, have been investigated for the potential use as wound healing agents. In Brazil, Curatella americana is traditionally used by local people to treat wounds, ulcers and inflammations. However, to the best of our knowledge, its traditional use in the treatment of wounds has not been validated by a scientific study. Here, some compounds, many of them flavonoids, were identified in the hydroethanolic extract from the leaves of C. americana (HECA) by LC-HRMS and LC-MS/MS. Besides that, solutions containing different concentrations of HECA and a gel produced with this extract were evaluated for its antimicrobial, coagulant and wound healing activities on an excision mouse wound model as well as its acute dermal safety. A total of thirteen compounds were identified in HECA, mainly quercetin, kaempferol and glucoside derivatives of both, besides catechin and epicatechin known as wound healing agents. The group treated with 1% of HECA exhibited highest wound healing activity and best rate of wound contraction confirmed by histopathology results. The present study provides scientific evidence of, this extract (HECA) possess remarkable wound healing activity, thereby, supporting the traditional use.

Catechins enhance skeletal muscle performance

Muscle-related disorders, such as sarcopenia and cachexia, caused by aging and chronic diseases can lead to the loss of muscle mass and strength to different degrees, severely affecting human health. Globally, tea is one of the three most popular beverages, and its major active ingredient catechins have been reported to delay muscular atrophy and enhance movement. However, currently, there is no systematic review to elaborate its roles and the associated mechanisms. This article reviews the (1) functions and mechanisms of catechins in the differentiation of myogenic stem cells, biogenesis of mitochondria, synthesis and degradation of proteins, regulation of glucose level, and metabolism of lipids in muscle cells; and (2) effect of catechins on the blood vessels, bones, and nerves that are closely related to the skeletal muscles. Catechins could prevent, mitigate, delay, and even treat muscle-related disorders caused by aging and diseases.

SIKVAV-Modified Chitosan Hydrogel as a Skin Substitutes for Wound Closure in Mice

Skin wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that involves angiogenesis and growth factor secretion. Newly formed vessels can provide nutrition and oxygen for skin wound healing. Growth factors in skin wounds are important for keratinocytes and fibroblasts proliferation, epithelialization, extracellular matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis, which accelerate skin wound healing. Therefore, treatment strategies that enhance angiogenesis and growth factors secretion in skin wounds can accelerate skin wound healing. This study investigated the effects of a SIKVAV (Ser-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val) peptide-modified chitosan hydrogel on skin wound healing. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining demonstrated that the SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogel accelerated the re-epithelialization of wounds compared with that seen in the negative and positive controls. Masson's trichrome staining showed that more collagen fibers were deposited in the skin wounds treated with the SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogel than in the negative and positive controls. Immunohistochemistry assays demonstrated that more myofibroblasts were deposited and more angiogenesis occurred in skin wounds treated with the SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogel than in the negative and positive controls. In addition, ELISA assays showed that the SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogels promoted the secretion of growth factors in skin wounds. Taken together, these results suggest that the SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogel has the potential to be developed as synthesized biomaterials for the treatment of skin wounds.

Analysis of the Expression of Angioarchitecture-related Factors in Patients with Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation

Background:

Cerebral arteriovenous malformation (cAVM) is a type of vascular malformation associated with vascular remodeling, hemodynamic imbalance, and inflammation. We detected four angioarchitecture-related cytokines to make a better understanding of the potential aberrant signaling in the pathogenesis of cAVM and found useful proteins in predicting the risk of cerebral hemorrhage.

Methods:

Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted on specimens from twenty patients with cAVM diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography and twenty primary epilepsy controls using antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Western blotting and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to determine protein and mRNA expression levels. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

VEGFR-2, MMP-9, VCAM-1, and eNOS expression levels increased in patients with cAVM compared with those in normal cerebral vascular tissue, as determined by immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, Western blotting and real-time PCR showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of VEGFR-2, MMP-9, VCAM-1, and eNOS were higher in the cAVM group than in the control group, all the differences mentioned were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

VEGFR-2, MMP-9, VCAM-1, and eNOS are upregulated in patients with cAVM and might play important roles in angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, and migration in patients with cAVM. MMP-9, VEGFR-2, VCAM-1, and eNOS might be potential excellent group proteins in predicting the risk of cerebral hemorrhage at arteriovenous malformation.

Involvement of mTOR, JNK and PI3K in the negative effect of ethanol and metformin on the human first-trimester extravillous trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cell line

Our aim was to investigate the effect of two xenobiotics to which pregnant woman may be exposed, the drug of abuse ethanol (EtOH) (and its metabolite acetaldehyde (ACA)) and the therapeutic agent metformin (METF), on placentation-related processes in an extravillous trophoblastic (EVTs) cell line (HTR-8/SVneo cells). EtOH, ACA and METF (24 h) significantly reduced cell proliferation rates, culture growth, viability and migratory capacity of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Moreover, both EtOH (100 μM) and METF (1 mM) increased the apoptosis index and inhibited ³H-deoxy-D-glucose (³H-DG) and ³H-folic acid (³H-FA) uptake. mTOR, JNK and PI3K intracellular signaling pathways were involved in the effect of EtOH upon ³H-FA uptake and in the effect of METF upon cell viability, and mTOR and JNK in the effect of EtOH upon cell viability and ³H-DG uptake. We show that EtOH and METF have a detrimental effect in placentation-related processes of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Moreover, mTOR, JNK and PI3K appear to mediate some of these negative effects.

The effect of oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide under distinct folic acid conditions: An in vitro study using cultured human trophoblast-derived cells

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder characterized by high maternal blood pressure, fetal growth restriction and intrauterine hypoxia. Folic acid is a vitamin required during pregnancy. In this work, we investigated the relationship between preeclampsia and the intake of distinct doses of folic acid during pregnancy. Considering that preeclampsia is associated with increased placental oxidative stress levels, we investigated the effect of oxidative stress induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBH) in human trophoblast-derived cells cultured upon deficient/low, physiological and supra-physiological folic acid levels. The negative effect of TBH upon thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total, reduced and oxidized glutathione, cell viability, cell proliferation, culture growth and cell migration was more marked under folic acid excess. This study suggests more attention on the dose administered, and ultimately, on the overall folic acid levels during pregnancy, in the context of preeclampsia risk.

Peptide-Modified Chitosan Hydrogels Accelerate Skin Wound Healing by Promoting Fibroblast Proliferation, Migration, and Secretion

Skin wound healing is a complicated process that involves a variety of cells and cytokines. Fibroblasts play an important role in this process and participate in transformation into myofibroblasts, the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibers, and the secretion of a variety of growth factors. This study assessed the effects of peptide Ser-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val (SIKVAV)--modified chitosan hydrogels on skin wound healing. We investigated the capability of peptide SIKVAV to promote cell proliferation and migration, the synthesis of collagen, and the secretion of a variety of growth factors using fibroblasts in vitro. We also treated skin wounds established in mice using peptide SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that peptide-modified chitosan hydrogels enhanced the reepithelialization of wounds compared with negative and positive controls. Masson's trichrome staining demonstrated that more collagen fibers were deposited in the wounds treated with peptide-modified chitosan hydrogels compared with the negative and positive controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the peptide-modified chitosan hydrogels promoted angiogenesis in the skin wound. Taken together, these results suggest that peptide SIKVAV-modified chitosan hydrogels may be useful in wound dressing and the treatment of skin wounds.

New insights into the antiangiogenic and proangiogenic properties of dietary polyphenols

Polyphenols can be found in natural products of plant origin, including vegetables, fruits, and beverages. A large number of these plant origin compounds are an integral part of the human diet and in the past decade evidence has shown their beneficial properties in human health, by acting in several cell signaling pathways. Among other beneficial effects, polyphenols have been associated with angiogenesis. Increasing evidence highlighting the ability of dietary polyphenols to influence angiogenesis by interfering with multiple signaling pathways is debated. Particular emphasis is given to the mechanisms that ultimately may induce the formation of capillary-like structures (by increasing endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and invasion) or, conversely, may inhibit the steps of angiogenesis leading to the inhibition/regress of vascular development. Dietary polyphenols can, therefore, be viewed as promising nutraceuticals but important aspects have still to be further investigated, to deep knowledge concerning their concentration-mediated effects, effect of specific polyphenols, and respective metabolites, to ensure their appropriate and effective usefulness as proangiogenic or antiangiogenic nutraceuticals.

High dose of green tea infusion normalized spiral artery density in rats treated with the depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of green tea (GT) on the spiral artery density and endometrial thickness in female rats treated with the depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).

Material and Methods:

A total of 24 female rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 each): The control group (no treatment), the DMPA-treated group, treated with DMPA and GT doses of 165 mg/kg of body weight/day, and treated with DMPA and GT doses of 330 mg/kg of body weight/day. Spiral artery density and endometrial thickness were subjected to histopathological analysis.

Results:

Spiral artery density decreased in the DMPA-treated group, despite the insignificant difference (P > 0.05). With regard to the administration of GT at doses of 165 and 330 mg/g of body weight/day, only GT at the high dose was capable of significantly preventing a decrease in spiral artery density (P < 0.05). At this dose, the spiral arteries achieved a density comparable to that of the control group (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, the administration of DMPA and/or DMPA with GT did not cause significant changes in endometrial thickness relative to the control group (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

DMPA induced a decrease in spiral artery density, despite the insignificant differences, and these changes could be normalized by the administration of high doses of GT. Therefore, GT could be a candidate herb to prevent the adverse effects of the contraceptive DMPA.

UP1306, a Botanical Composition with Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effect

Background:

Pain, one of the cardinal signs of inflammation, is the most common clinical manifestations of arthritis. Conventional pain relief therapy heavily relies on the use of prescription and over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as the first line of defense where their long-term usage causes deleterious gastrointestinal and cardiovascular-related side-effects. Hence, there is an equivocal need for evidence-based safer and efficacious alternatives from natural sources to overcome the most prominent and disabling symptoms of arthritis.

Materials and Methods:

Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and abdominal constriction (writhing's) assays in mouse were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of UP1306, a composition that contains a standardized blend of extracts from the heartwood of Acacia catechu and the root bark of Morus alba administered orally at dose ranges of 100–300 mg/kg. Cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition assays were carried out to determine the IC₅₀ of Acacia and Morus extracts. The merit of combining these two extracts was also assessed.

Results:

Statistically significant improvement in pain resistance and suppression of edema were observed in animals treated with UP1306, when compared to vehicle-treated diseased rats and mice. Results from the high dose of UP1306 (300 mg/kg) were similar to those achieved by ibuprofen treatment at a dose of 200 mg/kg in early hours of treatment. In vitro, UP1306 showed dose-dependent inhibition of the enzymatic activities of COX and LO with IC₅₀ values of 20.9 μg/mL, 49.2 μg/mL, and 11.1 μg/mL in COX-1, COX-2, and 5’-LO, respectively.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that UP1306, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agent of botanical origin with dual COX-LO inhibition activity, could potentially be used to alleviate symptom associated to osteoarthritis.

SUMMARY

Pain is the most common clinical manifestations of arthritis

Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and abdominal constriction (writhing's) assays in mouse are among the widely used models to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of nutraceuticals

Cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase (LO) inhibition assays were carried out to determine the IC₅₀ of Acacia and Morus extracts.

Efficacy of UP1306, a composition containing a blend of two standardized extracts from the heartwood of Acacia catechu and root bark of Morus alba, was evaluated in the above models.

UP1306 demonstrated its enhanced significance by improving the major cardinal signs of arthritis in vivo and inflammation markers in vitro.

UP1306 could potentially be considered as a dietary supplement product for the management of arthritis.

Cell Systems to Investigate the Impact of Polyphenols on Cardiovascular Health

Polyphenols are a diverse group of micronutrients from plant origin that may serve as antioxidants and that contribute to human health in general. More specifically, many research groups have investigated their protective effect against cardiovascular diseases in several animal studies and human trials. Yet, because of the excessive processing of the polyphenol structure by human cells and the residing intestinal microbial community, which results in a large variability between the test subjects, the exact mechanisms of their protective effects are still under investigation. To this end, simplified cell culture systems have been used to decrease the inter-individual variability in mechanistic studies. In this review, we will discuss the different cell culture models that have been used so far for polyphenol research in the context of cardiovascular diseases. We will also review the current trends in cell culture research, including co-culture methodologies. Finally, we will discuss the potential of these advanced models to screen for cardiovascular effects of the large pool of bioactive polyphenols present in foods and their metabolites.

Bioactivites of two common polyphenolic compounds: Verbascoside and catechin

CONTEXT

Natural products can present remarkable biological and pharmacological activities. In traditional medicine, plants have been used historically in treating cancer, infections, and other inflammatory conditions.

OBJECTIVE

Verbascoside and catechin are widespread polyphenolic plant compounds that could play a role in the anti-inflammatory and health-promoting effects of plants and plant extracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study compares the potential cytotoxic effects of polyphenols verbascoside and catechin (6.25-200 µM) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for 48 h and myelomonocytic THP-1 and THP-1 Blue cells for 24 h. The effects of the compounds on immune activation markers such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity as well as on neopterin formation and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation were investigated. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was tested using Cell-Titer Blue assay.

RESULTS

Verbascoside exhibited significant suppressive effects in mitogen-stimulated PBMC on tryptophan breakdown (>50 µM; IC50 value: 58.6 µM) and the production of neopterin (>6.25 µM; IC50 value: 217 µM). These effects correlated with a decline in cell viability, while THP-1 Blue cells were less sensitive. NF-κB activity was slightly enhanced at lower concentrations (<50 µM verbascoside) in stimulated cells and at the highest concentration used in unstimulated cells. Catechin had no relevant effects on cell viability and on the tested inflammation markers, except NF-κB activation in THP-1 Blue cells.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results obtained show that verbascoside and catechin represent effective compounds which interfere with immunobiochemical pathways that are highly relevant for immunosurveillance and competing virus infections.

Analgesic and anti-Inflammatory effect of UP3005, a botanical composition Containing two standardized extracts of Uncaria gambir and Morus alba

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic debilitating degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation and synovial inflammation exhibited by clinical symptoms such as joint swelling, synovitis, and inflammatory pain. Present day pain relief therapeutics heavily relies on the use of prescription and over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as the first line of defense where their long-term usage causes detrimental gastrointestinal and cardiovascular-related side-effects. As a result, the need for evidence based safer and efficacious alternatives from natural sources to overcome the most prominent and disabling symptoms of arthritis is a necessity.

Materials and Methods:

Describe the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of UP3005, a composition that contains a standardized blend of two extracts from the leaf of Uncaria gambir and the root bark of Morus alba in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, abdominal constriction (writhing’s) and ear swelling assays in mouse with oral dose ranges of 100–400 mg/kg.

Results:

In vivo, statistically significant improvement in pain resistance, and suppression of paw edema and ear thickness in animals treated with UP3005 were observed compared with vehicle-treated diseased rats and mice. Ibuprofen was used a reference compound in all the studies. In vitro, enzymatic inhibition activities of UP3005 were determined with IC50 values of 12.4 μg/ml, 39.8 μg/ml and 13.6 μg/ml in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-1), COX-2 and lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzyme activity assay, respectively.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that UP3005, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent of botanical origin with balanced dual COX-LOX inhibition activity, could potentially be used for symptom management of OA.

Polyphenols as active ingredients for cosmetic products

Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity. They are ubiquitously distributed in the plant kingdom; high amounts contain, for example, green tea and grape seeds. Polyphenolic extracts are attractive ingredients for cosmetics and pharmacy due to their beneficial biological properties. This review summarizes the effects of polyphenols in the context of anti-ageing activity. We have explored in vitro studies, which investigate antioxidant activity, inhibition of dermal proteases and photoprotective activity, mostly studied using dermal fibroblasts or epidermal keratinocytes cell lines. Possible negative effects of polyphenols were also discussed. Further, some physicochemical aspects, namely the possible interactions with emulsifiers and the influence of the cosmetic formulation on the skin delivery, were reported. Finally, few clinical studies, which cover the anti-ageing action of polyphenols on the skin after topical application, were reviewed.

G-protein-coupled receptor-2-interacting protein-1 is required for endothelial cell directional migration and tumor angiogenesis via cortactin-dependent lamellipodia formation

OBJECTIVE

Recent evidence suggests G-protein-coupled receptor-2-interacting protein-1 (GIT1) overexpression in several human metastatic tumors, including breast, lung, and prostate. Tumor metastasis is associated with an increase in angiogenesis. We have showed previously that GIT1 is required for postnatal angiogenesis during lung development. However, the functional role of GIT1 in pathological angiogenesis during tumor growth is unknown.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

In the present study, we show inhibition of angiogenesis in matrigel implants as well as reduced tumor angiogenesis and melanoma tumor growth in GIT1-knockout mice. We demonstrate that this is a result of impaired directional migration of GIT1-depleted endothelial cells toward a vascular endothelial growth factor gradient. Cortactin-mediated lamellipodia formation in the leading edge is critical for directional migration. We observed a significant reduction in cortactin localization and lamellipodia formation in the leading edge of GIT1-depleted endothelial cells. We specifically identified that the Spa homology domain (aa 250-420) of GIT1 is required for GIT1-cortactin complex localization to the leading edge. The mechanisms involved extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2-mediated Cortactin-S405 phosphorylation and activation of Rac1/Cdc42. Finally, using gain of function studies, we show that a constitutively active mutant of cortactin restored directional migration of GIT1-depleted cells.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrated that a GIT1-cortactin association through GIT1-Spa homology domain is required for cortactin localization to the leading edge and is essential for endothelial cell directional migration and tumor angiogenesis.