Pomegranate seed oil prevents bone loss in a mice model of osteoporosis, through osteoblastic stimulation, osteoclastic inhibition and decreased inflammatory status

Phospholipase PLA2G7 is complementary to GPX4 in mitigating punicic-acid-induced ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells

Ferroptosis is a cell death pathway that can be promoted by peroxidizable polyunsaturated fatty acids in cancer cells. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of punicic acid (PunA), an isomer of conjugated linolenic acids (CLnAs) bearing three conjugated double bonds highly prone to peroxidation, on prostate cancer (PCa) cells. PunA induced ferroptosis in PCa cells and triggered massive lipidome remodeling, more strongly in PC3 androgen-negative cells than in androgen-positive cells. The greater sensitivity of androgen-negative cells to PunA was associated with lower expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). We then identified the phospholipase PLA2G7 as a PunA-induced ferroptosis suppressor in PCa cells. Overexpressing PLA2G7 decreased lipid peroxidation levels, suggesting that PLA2G7 hydrolyzes hydroperoxide-containing phospholipids, thus preventing ferroptosis. Importantly, overexpressing both PLA2G7 and GPX4 strongly prevented PunA-induced ferroptosis in androgen-negative PCa cells. This study shows that PLA2G7 acts complementary to GPX4 to protect PCa cells from CLnA-induced ferroptosis.

Royal Jelly Enhances the Ability of Myoblast C2C12 Cells to Differentiate into Multilineage Cells

Royal jelly (RJ) is recognized as beneficial to mammalian health. Multilineage differentiation potential is an important property of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). C2C12 cells have an innate ability to differentiate into myogenic cells. Like MSCs, C2C12 cells can also differentiate into osteoblast- and adipocyte-lineage cells. We recently reported that RJ enhances the myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells. However, the effect of RJ on osteoblast or adipocyte differentiation is still unknown. Here in this study, we have examined the effect of RJ on the osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation of C2C12 cells. Protease-treated RJ was used to reduce the adverse effects caused by RJ supplementation. To induce osteoblast or adipocyte differentiation, cells were treated with bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist, respectively. RNA-seq was used to analyze the effect of RJ on gene expression. We found that RJ stimulates osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation. RJ regulated 279 genes. RJ treatment upregulated glutathione-related genes. Glutathione, the most abundant antioxidative factor in cells, has been shown to promote osteoblast differentiation in MSC and MSC-like cells. Therefore, RJ may promote osteogenesis, at least in part, through the antioxidant effects of glutathione. RJ enhances the differentiation ability of C2C12 cells into multiple lineages, including myoblasts, osteoblasts, and adipocytes.

Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ellagic and punicic acid in an in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis

Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and an increased production of fibrillar collagen in the cardiac interstitium, mainly caused by the activation of cardiac fibroblasts and their transition into myofibroblasts. Oxidative stress is deeply implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis both directly and via its involvement in the tumor growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) signaling. Ellagic acid (EA) and punicic acid (PA) are the main components of the Punica granatum L (pomegranate) fruit and seed oil respectively, whose antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects have been previously described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EA or PA or EA+PA in an in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis. Immortalized Human Cardiac Fibroblasts (IM-HCF) were stimulated with 10 ng/ml of TGF-β1 for 24 h to induce a fibrotic damage. Cells were then treated with EA (1 µM), PA (1 µM) or EA+PA for additional 24 h. Both EA and PA reduced the pro-fibrotic proteins expressions and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. The anti-oxidant activity was also observed by Nrf2 activation with the consequent TGF-β1-Smad2/3-MMP2/9 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibition, thus reducing collagen production. EA and PA significantly inhibit NF-κB pathway and, consequently, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels: the greater effect was observed when EA and PA were used in combination. These results suggest that EA, PA and in particular EA+PA might be effective in reducing fibrosis through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by the modulation of different molecular pathways.

Dietary Hempseed Decreases Femur Maximum Load in a Young Female C57BL/6 Mouse Model but Does Not Influence Bone Mineral Density or Micro-Architecture

Numerous seed and seed extract diets have been investigated as a means of combating age-related bone loss, with many findings suggesting that the seeds/extracts confer positive effects on bone. Recently, there has been rising interest in the use of dietary hempseed in human and animal diets due to a perceived health benefit from the seed. Despite this, there has been a lack of research investigating the physiologic effects of dietary hempseed on bone. Previous studies have suggested that hempseed may enhance bone strength. However, a complete understanding of the effects of hempseed on bone mineralization, bone micro-architecture, and bone biomechanical properties is lacking. Using a young and developing female C57BL/6 mouse model, we aimed to fill these gaps in knowledge. From five to twenty-nine weeks of age, the mice were raised on either a control (0%), 50 g/kg (5%), or 150 g/kg (15%) hempseed diet (n = 8 per group). It was found that the diet did not influence the bone mineral density or micro-architecture of either the right femur or L5 vertebrae. Furthermore, it did not influence the stiffness, yield load, post-yield displacement, or work-to-fracture of the right femur. Interestingly, it reduced the maximum load of the right femur in the 15% hempseed group compared to the control group. This finding suggests that a hempseed-enriched diet provides no benefit to bone in young, developing C57BL/6 mice and may even reduce bone strength.

Histological Evaluation of the Effect of Local Application of Punica granatum Seed Oil on Bone Healing

Background

Bone healing is a complex and dynamic process that represents a well-orchestrated series of biological events of cellular recruitment, proliferation, and differentiation. The use of medicinal plants in bone healing has attracted increasing interest because of their lower side effects. Punica granatum seed oil (PSO) contains high levels of phenolic compounds, promotes osteoblast function, and plays an important role in bone remodeling. A gelatin sponge (Spongostan) is a hemostatic agent that is extensively applied as scaffolds in engineering and as drug carriers in the medical field. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PSO for bone healing enhancement. Twenty adult male New Zealand rabbits, weighing an average of 1.5–2 kg, were used in this study. Three intrabony holes were created in the tibiae of each animal, which were filled with a gelatin sponge (GS group) and combined gelatin sponge and PSO (GS/PSO group). Holes without material application were designated as the control group (C group). The animals were sacrificed at the healing duration (2–4 weeks) to prepare bone specimens for histological and histomorphometric analyses.

Results

Histological findings indicated that the bone defects in the GS/PSO group showed more bone formation, mineralization, and maturation compared with the C and GS groups. Multiple group differences for bone cells showed a highly significant difference among all groups in the 2- and 4-week healing periods except for the C/GS and GS/GS/PSO groups at 4-weeks duration. Furthermore, highly significant results were obtained between both durations regarding the trabecular area, trabecular number, and bone marrow area.

Conclusion

The study revealed that the combined application of GS and PSO was more effective in enhancing bone regeneration and accelerating bone healing compared with the other groups.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed oil inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing ERK/c-JUN/NFATc1 pathway and regulating cell cycle arrest in RAW264.7 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (ZBM), a traditional Chinese medicine, is traditionally used for osteoporosis treatment recorded in ancient Chinese medicine work Benjingshuzheng and reported to have the anti-bone loss activity in recent studies. However, the anti-osteoporotic activities of the seed of ZBM have not been elucidated yet. Our previous study found that Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim seed oil (ZBSO) was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which were reported to prevent bone loss. Thus, we propose a hypothesis that ZBSO could be a potential natural resource for anti-bone loss.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate whether ZBSO could prevent bone loss by targeting osteoclastogenesis and investigate the potential mechanisms in receptor-activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-induced RAW264.7 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

RAW264.7 cells were treated with RANKL in the presence or absence of ZBSO. The effect of ZBSO on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption activity of RAW264.7 cells were evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, F-actin ring staining, and bone resorption assay. Differentially expression genes (DEGs) and relevant pathways of different cell groups were obtained from RNA sequencing and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis followed by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The effect of ZBSO on the RANKL-induced cell cycle change was analyzed by flow cytometry assay, and the expression of genes and proteins related to the selected pathways was further verified by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The inhibitory effects of ZBSO on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption activity in a dose-dependent manner were demonstrated by TRAP staining, F-actin ring staining, and bone resorption assay in RANKL-induced RAW264.7 cells. Osteoclast differentiation and cell cycle pathways were the most enriched pathways based on DEGs enrichment analysis among different cell groups. The reversion effect of ZBSO on the RANKL-induced RAW264.7 cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase was observed by flow cytometry assay. Western blot results showed that ZBSO markedly decreased RANKL-induced activation of ERK, as well as the phosphorylation of c-JUN and NFATc1 expression, and subsequently suppressed osteoclast-specific genes, such as Ctsk, Trap, and Dc-stamp.

CONCLUSIONS

ZBSO exhibited an inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis via suppressing the ERK/c-JUN/NFATc1 pathway and regulating cell cycle arrest induced by RANKL, suggesting that ZBSO may serve as a promising agent for anti-bone loss.

Punicic Acid Triggers Ferroptotic Cell Death in Carcinoma Cells

Plant-derived conjugated linolenic acids (CLnA) have been widely studied for their preventive and therapeutic properties against diverse diseases such as cancer. In particular, punicic acid (PunA), a conjugated linolenic acid isomer (C18:3 c9t11c13) present at up to 83% in pomegranate seed oil, has been shown to exert anti-cancer effects, although the mechanism behind its cytotoxicity remains unclear. Ferroptosis, a cell death triggered by an overwhelming accumulation of lipid peroxides, has recently arisen as a potential mechanism underlying CLnA cytotoxicity. In the present study, we show that PunA is highly cytotoxic to HCT-116 colorectal and FaDu hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells grown either in monolayers or as three-dimensional spheroids. Moreover, our data indicate that PunA triggers ferroptosis in carcinoma cells. It induces significant lipid peroxidation and its effects are prevented by the addition of ferroptosis inhibitors. A combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a known polyunsaturated fatty acid with anticancer properties, synergistically increases PunA cytotoxicity. Our findings highlight the potential of using PunA as a ferroptosis-sensitizing phytochemical for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Punica granatum L.-derived omega-5 nanoemulsion improves hepatic steatosis in mice fed a high fat diet by increasing fatty acid utilization in hepatocytes

Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) is mainly composed of punicic acid (PA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid also known as omega-5 (ω-5), a potent antioxidant associated with a variety of metabolic and cellular beneficial effects. However, the potential benefits of a nanoemulsified version of ω-5 (PSOn) have not been evaluated in a pathological liver condition. Here, we examined whether PSOn had beneficial effects on C57BL/6N mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), specifically on hepatic steatosis. We observed that PSOn supplementation decreased body weight and body fat mass in control mice, whereas glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, energy expenditure, and hepatic steatosis were improved in both control mice and in mice fed a HFD. Interestingly, PSOn increased fatty acid oxidation in primary hepatocytes and antioxidant gene expression. Altogether, our data indicate that PSOn effectively reduces some of the HFD-derived metabolic syndrome indicators by means of an increase in fatty acid oxidation within hepatocytes.

BMSC-derived exosomes carrying microRNA-122-5p promote proliferation of osteoblasts in osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with multipotential differentiation capacity can differentiate into bone cells under specific conditions and can be used to treat osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head (ONFH) through cell transplantation. The current study aims to explore the role of bone marrow (BM) MSCs (BMSCs)-derived exosomes carrying microRNA-122-5p (miR-122-5p) in ONFH rabbit models.First, rabbit models with ONFH were established. ONFH-related miRNAs were screened using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A gain-of-function study was performed to investigate the effect of miR-122-5p on osteoblasts and BMSCs and effects of exosomes carrying miR-122-5p on ONFH. Co-culture experiments for osteoblasts and BMSCs were performed to examine the role of exosomal miR-122-5p in osteoblast proliferation and osteogenesis. The target relationship between miR-122-5p and Sprouty2 (SPRY2) was tested.MiR-122, significantly decreased in ONFH in the GSE89587 expression profile, was screened. MiR-122-5p negatively regulated SPRY2 and elevated the activity of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), thereby promoting the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. In vivo experiments indicated that bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone volume (TBV), and mean trabecular plate thickness (MTPT) of femoral head were increased after over-expressing miR-122-5p in exosomes. Significant healing of necrotic femoral head was also observed.Exosomes carrying over-expressed miR-122-5p attenuated ONFH development by down-regulating SPRY2 via the RTK/Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Findings in the present study may provide miR-122-5p as a novel biomarker for ONFH treatment.

Conjugated Linolenic Acids: Implication in Cancer

Conjugated fatty acids (CFAs) including both conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) and conjugated linolenic acids (CLNAs) have various health promoting effects. These beneficial effects are comprised by their antioxidant, antiatherogenecity, anticarcinogenic activities, etc. Several reports indicate that CLNAs such as eleostearic acid, punicic acid, jacaric acid, and calendic acid possess anticancer properties. These CLNAs are produced and accumulated in seeds of certain commonly available plants. This review discusses their role in chemoprevention of cancer. Using in vitro as well as in vivo models of cancer, bioactivities of these CLNAs have been explored in detail. CLNAs have been shown to have potent anticancer activity as compared to the CLAs. Although the molecular basis of these effects has been summarized here, more detailed studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Further clinical trials are obligatory for assessing the safety and efficacy of CLNAs as an anticancer agent.

Polyphenol uses in biomaterials engineering

Polyphenols are micronutrients obtained from diet that have been suggested to play an important role in health. The health benefits of polyphenols and their protective effects in food systems as antioxidant compounds are well known and have been extensively investigated. However, their functional roles as a "processing cofactor" in tissue engineering applications are less widely known. This review focuses on the functionality of polyphenols and their application in biomaterials. Polyphenols have been used to stabilize collagen and to improve its resistance to degradation in biological systems. Therefore, they have been proposed to improve the performance of biomedical devices used in cardiovascular systems by improving the mechanical properties of grafted heart valves, enhancing microcirculation through the relaxation of the arterial walls and improving the capillary blood flow and pressure resistance. Polyphenols have been found to stimulate bone formation, mineralization, as well as the proliferation, differentiation, and the survival of osteoblasts. These effects are brought about by the stimulatory effect of polyphenols on osteoblast cells and their protective effect against oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, polyphenols inhibit the differentiation of the osteoclast cells. Collectively, these actions lead to promote bone formation and to reduce bone resorption, respectively. Moreover, polyphenols can increase the cross-linking of dentine and hence its mechanical stability. Overall, polyphenols provide interesting properties that will stimulate further research in the bioengineering field.

Suppression Effect of Astaxanthin on Osteoclast Formation In Vitro and Bone Loss In Vivo

Osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction of the bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitectural deterioration of the bone, which lead to bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Astaxanthin (AST) has a variety of biological activities, such as a protective effect against asthma or neuroinflammation, antioxidant effect, and decrease of the osteoclast number in the right mandibles in the periodontitis model. Although treatment with AST is known to have an effect on inflammation, no studies on the effect of AST exposure on bone loss have been performed. Thus, in the present study, we examined the antiosteoporotic effect of AST on bone mass in ovariectomized (OVX) mice and its possible mechanism of action. The administration of AST (5, 10 mg/kg) for 6 weeks suppressed the enhancement of serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. The bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microarchitecture of the trabecular bone in the tibia and femur were recovered by AST exposure. Moreover, in the in vitro experiment, we demonstrated that AST inhibits osteoclast formation through the expression of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) c1, dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), TRAP, and cathepsin K without any cytotoxic effects on bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Therefore, we suggest that AST may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Aqueous Extract of Pomegranate Alone or in Combination with Citalopram Produces Antidepressant-Like Effects in an Animal Model of Menopause: Participation of Estrogen Receptors

It has been reported that the aqueous extract of pomegranate (AE-PG) has polyphenols with estrogenic-like activities. The present work determines if AE-PG alone or in combination with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, citalopram, has antidepressant-like effects. It was also analyzed the participation of estrogen receptors (ER). AE-PG (0.1, 1.0, 10, or 100 mg/kg) was evaluated in ovariectomized female Wistar rats subjected to the forced swimming test. The effects induced by AE-PG were compared with those of citalopram (2.5, 5.0, 10, and 20.0 mg/kg) and 17β-estradiol (E2; 2.5 5.0, and 10 μg/rat). Likewise, the combination of suboptimal doses of AE-PG (0.1 mg/kg) plus citalopram (2.5 mg/kg) was evaluated. To determine if ER participates in the antidepressant-like action of pomegranate, the estrogen antagonist tamoxifen (15 mg/kg) was administered with AE-PG (1 mg/kg). AE-PG produced antidepressant-like actions with a similar behavioral profile induced by citalopram and E2. Suboptimal doses of citalopram plus AE-PG produced antidepressant-like effects. Tamoxifen was able to block AE-PG's antidepressant-like actions. These results confirm the participation of ER in AE-PG's antidepressant-like effects. Furthermore, the additive effects observed with the combined treatment of AE-PG plus citalopram could be advantageous in the treatment of depressive disorders, such as menopause.

Stimulation of liver IGF-1 expression promotes peak bone mass achievement in growing rats: a study with pomegranate seed oil

Peak bone mass (PBM) achieved at adulthood is a strong determinant of future onset of osteoporosis, and maximizing it is one of the strategies to combat the disease. Recently, pomegranate seed oil (PSO) has been shown to have bone-sparing effect in ovariectomized mice. However, its effect on growing skeleton and its molecular mechanism remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of PSO on PBM in growing rats and associated mechanism of action. PSO was given at various doses to 21-day-old growing rats for 90 days by oral gavage. The changes in bone parameters were assessed by micro-computed tomography and histology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to analyze the levels of serum insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1). Western blotting from bone and liver tissues was done. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to study the histone acetylation levels at IGF-1 gene. The results of the study show that PSO treatment significantly increases bone length, bone formation rate, biomechanical parameters, bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture along with enhancing muscle and brown fat mass. This effect was due to the increased serum levels of IGF-1 and stimulation of its signaling in the bones. Studies focusing on acetylation of histones in the liver, the major site of IGF-1 synthesis, showed enrichment of acetylated H3K9 and H3K14 at IGF-1 gene promoter and body. Further, the increased acetylation at H3K9 and H3K14 was associated with a reduced HDAC1 protein level. Together, our data suggest that PSO promotes the PBM achievement via increased IGF-1 expression in liver and IGF-1 signaling in bone.

Molecular signaling mechanisms behind polyphenol-induced bone anabolism

For millennia, in the different cultures all over the world, plants have been extensively used as a source of therapeutic agents with wide-ranging medicinal applications, thus becoming part of a rational clinical and pharmacological investigation over the years. As bioactive molecules, plant-derived polyphenols have been demonstrated to exert many effects on human health by acting on different biological systems, thus their therapeutic potential would represent a novel approach on which natural product-based drug discovery and development could be based in the future. Many reports have provided evidence for the benefits derived from the dietary supplementation of polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Polyphenols are able to protect the bone, thanks to their antioxidant properties, as well as their anti-inflammatory actions by involving diverse signaling pathways, thus leading to bone anabolic effects and decreased bone resorption. This review is meant to summarize the research works performed so far, by elucidating the molecular mechanisms of action of polyphenols in a bone regeneration context, aiming at a better understanding of a possible application in the development of medical devices for bone tissue regeneration.

Dietary phlorizin enhances osteoblastogenic bone formation through enhancing β-catenin activity via GSK-3β inhibition in a model of senile osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent forms of age-related bone diseases. Increased bone loss with advancing age has become a grave public health concern. This study examined whether phlorizin and phloretin, dihydrochalcones in apple peels, inhibited senile osteoporosis through enhancing osteoblastogenic bone formation in cell-based and aged mouse models. Submicromolar phloretin and phlorizin markedly stimulated osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells with increased transcription of Runx2 and osteocalcin. Senescence-accelerated resistant mouse strain prone-6 (SAMP6) mice were orally supplemented with 10 mg/kg phlorizin and phloretin daily for 12 weeks. Male senescence-accelerated resistant mouse strain R1 mice were employed as a nonosteoporotic age-matched control. Oral administration of ploretin and phorizin boosted bone mineralization in all the bones of femur, tibia and vertebra of SAMP6. In particular, phlorizin reduced serum RANKL/OPG ratio and diminished TRAP-positive osteoclasts in trabecular bones of SAMP6. Additionally, treating phlorizin to SAMP6 inhibited the osteoporotic resorption in distal femoral bones through up-regulating expression of BMP-2 and collagen-1 and decreasing production of matrix-degrading cathepsin K and MMP-9. Finally, phlorizin and phloretin antagonized GSK-3β induction and β-catenin phosphorylation in osteoblasts and aged mouse bones. Therefore, phlorizin and phloretin were potential therapeutic agents encumbering senile osteoporosis through promoting bone-forming osteoblastogenesis via modulation of GSK-3β/β-catenin-dependent signaling.

Punicic acid: A striking health substance to combat metabolic syndromes in humans

Punicic acid, a bioactive compound of pomegranate seed oil has gained wide attention for their therapeutic potential. Different studies conducted on animal and human models have revealed that punicic acid is very effective against various chronic diseases. Substantial laboratory works has been carried out to elaborate punicic acid effectiveness and mechanism of action in animals. The intention of this review article is to explore the facts about the clinical trials of punicic acid and to discuss different future strategies that can be employed to use it in human clinical trials. Although punicic acid may represent a novel therapeutic unconventional approach for some disorders, still further experimental studies are required to demonstrate its effects in human beings.

The linin promoter is highly effective in enhancing punicic acid production in Arabidopsis

Enhanced levels of punicic acid were produced in the seed oil of Arabidopsis over-expressing pomegranate FATTY ACID CONJUGASE driven by heterologous promoters, among which the linin promoter was the most efficient. Fatty acids with conjugated double bonds play a special role in determining both the nutritional and industrial uses of plant oils. Punicic acid (18:3Δ^{9cis,11trans,13cis} ), a conjugated fatty acid naturally enriched in the pomegranate (Punica granatum) seeds, has gained increasing attention from the biotechnology community toward its production in metabolically engineered oilseed crops because of its significant health benefits. The present study focused on selecting the best heterologous promoter to drive the expression of the P. granatum FATTY ACID CONJUGASE (PgFADX) cDNA as a means of producing punicic acid in Arabidopsis seed oil. Among the four promoters of genes encoding seed storage proteins from different crop species, the linin promoter led to the highest accumulation of punicic acid (13.2% of total fatty acids in the best homozygous line). Analysis of the relative expression level of PgFADX in developing seeds further confirmed that the linin promoter was most efficient in Arabidopsis. In addition, a conserved profile of cis-regulatory elements were identified in four heterologous promoters by bioinformatic analysis, and their possible roles in regulating gene expression during plant development were also discussed based on the results of this study in combination with the literature. This study contributes to metabolic engineering strategies aimed at enhancing the production of bioactive fatty acids in oilseed crops.

Tenuigenin promotes the osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo

Osteoporosis, which is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration of bone quality, is a global and increasing public health problem. Recent studies have suggested that Tenuigenin (TEN), a class of native compounds with numerous biological activities such as anti-resorptive properties, exerts protective effects against postmenopausal bone loss. The present study aims to investigate the osteogenic effects of TEN on bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in vitro and in vivo. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity/staining, Alizarin red staining and the expression of osteogenic markers, including runt-related transcription factor 2, osterix, osteocalcin, collagen Iα1, β-catenin and glycogen synthase kinase-3β were investigated in primary femoral BMSCs from C57/BL6 mice cultured under osteogenic conditions for 2 weeks to examine the effects of TEN. An ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model was used to investigate the effect of TEN treatment for 3 months in vivo. We found that ALP activity, mineralized nodules and the expression of osteogenic markers were increased and WNT/β-catenin signaling was enhanced in vitro and in vivo. Bone parameters, including trabecular thickness, trabecular number and bone mineral density were higher in the OVX+TEN group than in control OVX mice. Our results suggest the therapeutic potential of TEN for the treatment of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Aqueous extract of pomegranate seed attenuates glucocorticoid-induced bone loss and hypercalciuria in mice: A comparative study with alendronate

The present study was performed in order to examine bone loss and calcium homeostasis in mice with glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) following treatment with the aqueous extract of pomegranate seed (AE-PS). In addition, a comparative study with alendronate was performed. Biomarkers in the serum and the urine were measured. The tibias, kidney and duodenum were removed in order to measure the levels of bone calcium, protein expression as well as to perform histomorphological analysis of the bone. GC treatment facilitated the induction of hypercalciuria in the mice, and the AE-PS‑treated mice exhibited a greater increase in serum calcium and a decrease in urine calcium. The AE-PS reversed the deleterious effects on the trabecular bone induced by DXM and stimulated bone remodeling, including an increase in bone calcium and alkaline phosphatase‑b (ALP-b) and a decrease in a the critical bone resorption markers C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and tartrate‑resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRAP-5b). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed the increased disconnections and separation between the growth plate and the trabecular bone network as well as the reduction in the trabecular bone mass of the primary and secondary spongiosa throughout the proximal metaphysis of the tibia in the DXM group. Moreover, the decreased protein expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV)5, TRPV6 and calbindin‑D9k (CaBP‑9k) was reversed by the AE-PS or alendronate supplementation in the kidneys and the duodenum as well as plasma membrane Ca2+‑ATPase1 (PMCA1) expression in the kidneys of mice with GIOP. There was no marked difference in pharmacological effectiveness between alendronate and the AE-PS. Taken together, these findings suggest that the AE-PS may be an alternative therapy suitable for use in the management of secondary osteoporosis.

Ivy leaves extract based – lipid nanocarriers and their bioefficacy on antioxidant and antitumor activities

Two issues were addressed in the paper: (1) the use of medicinal herbs as functional ingredients entrapped into lipid-based nanocarriers; (2) the efficacy of phytochemical-based nanocarriers with promising antioxidant and antitumor benefits.

Health Benefits of Punicic Acid: A Review

Punicic acid (PA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (18:3 n-5), which is classified as a conjugated linolenic acid. PA is also referred as a "super CLnA" whose effect is even more potent than that of an ordinary CLnA. It is found mainly in the seeds of pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum) and Trichoxanthes kirilowii and some other minor sources. It possesses a wide array of biological properties including antidiabetic, antiobesity, antiproliferative, and anticarcinogenic activity against various forms of cancer. In spite of this, PA has not been explored as a nutraceutical or as an ingredient of food products which can be aimed at specific consumer target groups. This review details the various health-beneficial properties of PA and explores the possibilities of its utilization as an active ingredient in various food products.

The phenolic acids of Agen prunes (dried plums) or Agen prune juice concentrates do not account for the protective action on bone in a rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis

Dietary supplementation with dried plum (DP) has been shown to protect against and reverse established osteopenia in ovariectomized rodents. Based on in vitro studies, we hypothesized that DP polyphenols may be responsible for that bone-sparing effect. This study was designed to (1) analyze whether the main phenolic acids of DP control preosteoblast proliferation and activity in vitro; (2) determine if the polyphenolic content of DP or DP juice concentrate is the main component improving bone health in vivo; and (3) analyze whether DP metabolites directly modulate preosteoblast physiology ex vivo. In vitro, we found that neochlorogenic, chlorogenic, and caffeic acids induce the proliferation and repress the alkaline phosphatase activity of primary preosteoblasts in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, low-chlorogenic acid Agen prunes (AP) enriched with a high-fiber diet and low-chlorogenic acid AP juice concentrate prevented the decrease of total femoral bone mineral density induced by estrogen deficiency in 5-month-old female rats and positively restored the variations of the bone markers osteocalcin and deoxypyridinoline. Ex vivo, we demonstrated that serum from rats fed with low-chlorogenic acid AP enriched with a high-fiber diet showed repressed proliferation and stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity of primary preosteoblasts. Overall, the beneficial action of AP on bone health was not dependent on its polyphenolic content.

Pros and cons of fatty acids in bone biology

Despite the growing interest in deciphering the causes and consequences of obesity-related disorders, the mechanisms linking fat intake to bone behaviour remain unclear. Since bone fractures are widely associated with increased morbidity and mortality, most notably in elderly and obese people, bone health has become a major social and economic issue. Consistently, public health system guidelines have encouraged low-fat diets in order to reduce associated complications. However, from a bone point of view, mechanisms linking fat intake to bone alteration remain quite controversial. Thus, after more than a decade of dedicated studies, this timely review offers a comprehensive overview of the relationships between bone and fatty acids. Using clinical evidences as a starting-point to more complex molecular elucidation, this work highlights the complexity of the system and reveals that bone alteration that cannot be solved simply by taking ω-3 pills. Fatty acid effects on bone metabolism can be both direct and indirect and require integrated investigations. Furthermore, even at the level of a single cell, one fatty acid is able to trigger several different independent pathways (receptors, metabolites…) which may all have a say in the final cellular metabolic response.

Osteogenic potential of punica granatum through matrix mineralization, cell cycle progression and runx2 gene expression in primary rat osteoblasts

Background

Osteoporosis is one of the prevalent diseases in ageing populations. Due to side effects of many chemotherapeutic agents, there is always a need to search for herbal products to treat the disorder. Punica granatum (PG) represent a potent fruit-bearing medicinal herb which exerted valuable anti-osteoporotic activities. The present study was carried out to validate the in vitro osteogenic effects of the PG seed extract in primary calvarial osteoblast cultures harvested from neonatal rats.

Methods

The ethanolic extract of PG was subjected to evaluate cell proliferation, regeneration, mineralization and formation of collagen matrix using MTT, alkaline phosphatase, Alizarin Red-S staining and Sirius Red dye, respectively. Cell cycle progression and osteogenic gene Runx2 expression were carried out by flow cytometry and real time PCR, respectively.

Results

Exposure of different concentrations (10–100 μg/ml) of the extract on osteoblastic cells showed characteristic morphological changes and increment in cell number. A significant growth in cell proliferation, ALP activity, collagen contents and matrix mineralization of osteoblasts in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05), suggested that PG has a stimulatory effect on osteoblastic bone formation or potential activity against osteoporosis. In addition, PG extract also enhanced DNA content in S phase of cell cycle and Runx2 gene expression level in osteoblasts.

Conclusion

The data clearly indicated that PG promoting bone cell proliferation and differentiation in primary osteoblasts might be due to elevating the osteogenic gene Runx2 expression. The present study provides an evidence for PG could be a promising herbal medicinal candidate that able to develop drugs for osteoporosis.

Impact of ellagic acid in bone formation after tooth extraction: an experimental study on diabetic rats

Objectives. To estimate the impact of ellagic acid (EA) towards healing tooth socket in diabetic animals, after tooth extraction. Methods. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley male rats weighing 250–300 g were selected for this study. All animals were intraperitoneally injected with 45 mg/kg (b.w.) of freshly prepared streptozotocin (STZ), to induce diabetic mellitus. Then, the animals were anesthetized, and the upper left central incisor was extracted and the whole extracted sockets were filled with Rosuvastatin (RSV). The rats were separated into three groups, comprising 8 rats each. The first group was considered as normal control group and orally treated with normal saline. The second group was regarded as diabetic control group and orally treated with normal saline, whereas the third group comprised diabetic rats, administrated with EA (50 mg/kg) orally. The maxilla tissue stained by eosin and hematoxylin (H&E) was used for histological examinations and immunohistochemical technique. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were used to evaluate the healing process in the extracted tooth socket by immunohistochemistry test. Results. The reactions of immunohistochemistry for FGF-2 and ALP presented stronger expression, predominantly in EA treated diabetic rat, than the untreated diabetic rat. Conclusion. These findings suggest that the administration of EA combined with RSV may have accelerated the healing process of the tooth socket of diabetic rats, after tooth extraction.