Induction of functional erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor gene expression by gamma-aminobutyric acid and piperine in kidney epithelial cells

Piper retrofractum extract and its component piperine promote lymphangiogenesis via an AKT- and ERK-dependent mechanism

Administration of Piper retrofractum extract (PRE) has been reported to alleviate edema, but the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. Promotion of lymphangiogenesis is known to improve lymphedema, but the effect of PRE on lymphangiogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether PRE and specifically, piperine, the main component of PRE, can induce lymphangiogenesis. Treatments with PRE and piperine significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation in human dermal lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (HDLECs) but had no effect on the expression of lymphangiogenic factors. Furthermore, PRE and piperine significantly promoted the phosphorylation of the AKT and ERK proteins in HDLECs, and pretreatment with AKT and ERK inhibitors significantly attenuated the PRE- and piperine-induced lymphangiogenesis. These results indicate that PRE and piperine promote lymphangiogenesis via an AKT- and ERK-dependent mechanism. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The lymphatic system plays various roles such as maintaining tissue fluid homeostasis, immune defense, and metabolism. Disruption of the lymphatic system results in insufficient fluid drainage, which causes edema. Currently, there are no effective treatments for lymphedema; therefore, the development of novel treatment strategies is desirable. In this study, we showed that PRE and its main component piperine promote lymphangiogenesis in lymphatic endothelial cells. Therefore, PRE has the potential to be used as a novel functional food for relieving lymphedema.

Epidemiologic and Genetic Associations of Erythropoietin With Blood Pressure, Hypertension, and Coronary Artery Disease

[Figure: see text].

A review on the bioavailability, bio-efficacies and novel delivery systems for piperine

As the major naturally occurring alkaloid in pepper with a pungent taste, piperine is known for its beneficial biological functions and therapeutic effects. In this work, the bioavailability and biological activities of piperine were presented and discussed. Novel delivery systems for enhancing the bioavailability of piperine were also reviewed. This study could provide a better understanding of the physiological and biochemical aspects of piperine to be further developed in the food and nutraceutical industries.

Piperine synergistically enhances the effect of temozolomide against temozolomide-resistant human glioma cell lines

Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating chemotherapy agent used in the clinical treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. Piperine (PIP) is a naturally occurring pungent nitrogenous substance present in the fruits of peppers. We investigated the anti-cancer efficacies of PIP alone and in combination with TMZ in GBM cellsusingparameters such as cell proliferation, cellular apoptosis,caspase-8/-9/-3 activities, cell cycle kinetics, wound-healing ability, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Treatment with PIP and alow concentration of PIP-TMZ, inhibited cell growth, similar to TMZ.PIP-TMZ promoted apoptosis by activation of caspase-8/-9/-3, MMP loss, and inhibition of in vitro wound-healing motility. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed significant inhibition of Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK)4/6−cyclin D and CDK2−cyclin-E expression upon treatment with a low concentration PIP-TMZ, suggesting an S to G1 arrest. Our findings provide insight into the apoptotic potential of the combination of a low concentration of PIP-TMZ, though further in vivo study will be needed for its validation.

Regenerative Properties of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin in the Wound Healing

BACKGROUND: Erythropoietin (EPO) is the main stimulator of erythropoiesis, but EPO also has non-hematopoietic effects. The recent data show the positive effects of EPO on tissue regeneration. AIM: This review aims to know highlights the pathophysiological mechanisms of EPO at different stages of tissue regeneration, and possible clinical applications in wound healing. METHODS: A review of the literature considering reviews, clinical studies, original papers, and articles from electronic data has been used. RESULTS: Analysis of animal studies and several clinical trials using EPO in context of wound healing revealed that EPO has a positive effect on all stages of regeneration process and may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic wounds. CONCLUSION: An improved understanding of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of EPO in the context of wound healing may lead to new considerations of this growth hormone for its regular clinical application in patients.

Potent anti-mycobacterial and immunomodulatory activity of some bioactive molecules of Indian ethnomedicinal plants that have the potential to enter in TB management

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest infectious diseases of human civilization. Approximately one-third of global population is latently infected with the TB pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). The discovery of anti-TB antibiotics leads to decline in death rate of TB. However, the evolution of antibiotic-resistant M.tb-strain and the resurgence of different immune-compromised diseases re-escalated the death rate of TB. WHO has already cautioned about the chances of pandemic situation in TB endemic countries until the discovery of new anti-tubercular drugs, that is, the need of the hour. Analysing the pathogenesis of TB, it was found that M.tb evades the host by altering the balance of immune response and affects either by killing the cells or by creating inflammation. In the pre-antibiotic era, traditional medicines were only therapeutic measures for different infectious diseases including tuberculosis. The ancient literatures of India or ample Indian traditional knowledge and ethnomedicinal practices are evidence for the treatment of TB using different indigenous plants. However, in the light of modern scientific approach, anti-TB effects of those plants and their bioactive molecules were not established thoroughly. In this review, focus has been given on five bioactive molecules of different traditionally used Indian ethnomedicinal plants for treatment of TB or TB-like symptom. These compounds are also validated with proper identification and their mode of action with modern scientific approaches. The effectiveness of these molecules for sensitive or drug-resistant TB pathogen in clinical or preclinical studies was also evaluated. Thus, our specific aim is to highlight such scientifically validated bioactive compounds having anti-mycobacterial and immunomodulatory activity for future use as medicine or adjunct-therapeutic molecule for TB management.

Traditional foods with their constituent's antiviral and immune system modulating properties

Background

Viruses are responsible for several diseases, including severe acute respiratory syndrome, a condition caused by today's pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A negotiated immune system is a common risk factor for all viral infections, including COVID-19. To date, no specific therapies or vaccines have been approved for coronavirus. In these circumstances, antiviral and immune boosting foods may ensure protection against viral infections, especially SARS-CoV-2 by reducing risk and ensuring fast healing of SARS-CoV-2 illness.

Scope and approach

In this review, we have conducted an online search using several search engines (Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct) to find out some traditional foods (plant, animal and fungi species), which have antiviral and immune-boosting properties against numerous viral infections, particularly coronaviruses (CoVs) and others RNA-virus infections. Our review indicated some foods to be considered as potential immune enhancers, which may help individuals to overcome viral infections like COVID-19 by modulating immune systems and reducing respiratory problems. Furthermore, this review will provide information regarding biological properties of conventional foods and their ingredients to uphold general health.

Key Findings and Conclusions

We observed some foods with antiviral and immune-boosting properties, which possess bioactive compounds that showed significant antiviral properties against different viruses, particularly RNA viruses such as CoVs. Interestingly, some antiviral and immune-boosting mechanisms were very much similar to the antiviral drug of COVID-19 homologous SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus). The transient nature and the devastating spreading capability of COVID-19 lead to ineffectiveness of many curative therapies. Therefore, body shielding and immune-modulating foods, which have previous scientific recognition, have been discussed in this review to discern the efficacy of these foods against viral infections, especially SARS-CoV-2.

D, P. R. R, K. M, E. M. A, Balachandran I. Chemical profiling of selected Ayurveda formulations recommended for COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the global health concern since December 2019. It has become a big challenge for the researchers to find a solution for this newly evolved pandemic. In Ayurveda point of view, COVID-19 is a Janapadodhwamsa vikara (epidemic disease), a situation where the environment-air, water, land, and seasons-is vitiated, causing a simultaneous manifestation of a disease among large populations. The aim of this study is to identify the active compounds of selected Ayurveda medicines recommended for COVID-19.

RESULTS

The selected preparations are traditionally recommended for the management of various kinds of fever including the infectious ones and to enhance the immunity. HPTLC analysis of the same showed presence of many active molecules like umbelliferone, scopoletin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, piperine, curcumin, berberine, and palmatine.

CONCLUSION

The study provided valuable scientific data regarding the active ingredients of the selected medicines with proven therapeutic potentials like anti-viral, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Increases Erythropoietin by Activation of Citrate Cycle and Stimulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors Expression in Rats

Erythropoietin (EPO) is the primary regulator of erythropoiesis in the mammalian fetus and adult. Deficiency of EPO induces anemia. In this study, we investigated the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on serum EPO levels and erythropoiesis in rats. Expression levels of Epo-related genes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and expression of Epo and Epo receptor (Epor) proteins were measured by immunohistochemistry. The gene and protein expression profiles of kidney tissue in GABA-treated rats were evaluated by ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing and two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), respectively. GABA significantly increased serum EPO levels and expression levels of Epo and Epor. GABA increased expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (Hif)-1 and Hif-2. Seven proteins with expression levels showing >2-fold change were identified by 2-DE followed by MALDI-TOF MS in GABA-treated rat kidney. The top KEGG pathway from the identified proteins was the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase were identified as key proteins. GABA treatment significantly increased ATP levels and NADH dehydrogenase activity in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, GABA shows a new physiological role in EPO production, and it can thus can contribute to the prevention of anemia when used alone or in combination with other anemia treating drugs.

Effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid and piperine on gene regulation in pig kidney epithelial cell lines

Objective

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and piperine (PIP) are both nutritional supplements with potential use in animal diets. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of GABA and/or PIP treatment on the gene expression pattern of a pig kidney epithelial cell line.

Methods

LLCPK1 cells were treated with GABA, PIP, or both, and then the gene expression pattern was analyzed using microarray. Gene ontology analysis was done using GeneOntology (Geneontology.org), and validation was performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Gene ontology enrichment analysis was used to identify key pathway(s) of genes whose expression levels were regulated by these treatments. Microarray results showed that GABA had a positive effect on the transcription of genes related to regulation of erythrocyte differentiation and that GABA and PIP in combination had a synergistic effect on genes related to immune systems and processes. Furthermore, we found that effects of GABA and/or PIP on these selected genes were controlled by JNK/p38 MAPK pathway.

Conclusion

These results can improve our understanding of mechanisms involved in the effect of GABA and/or PIP treatment on pig kidney epithelial cells. They can also help us evaluate their potential as a clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Piperine-A Major Principle of Black Pepper: A Review of Its Bioactivity and Studies

Piperine is the main compound present in black pepper, and is the carrier of its specific pungent taste, which is responsible for centuries of human dietary utilization and worldwide popularity as a food ingredient. Along with the application as a food ingredient and food preservative, it is used in traditional medicine for many purposes, which has in most cases been justified by modern scientific studies on its biological effects. It has been confirmed that piperine has many bioactive effects, such as antimicrobial action, as well as many physiological effects that can contribute to general human health, including immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antimetastatic, antitumor, and many other activities. Clinical studies demonstrated remarkable antioxidant, antitumor, and drug availability-enhancing characteristics of this compound, together with immunomodulatory potential. All these facts point to the therapeutic potential of piperine and the need to incorporate this compound into general health-enhancing medical formulations, as well as into those that would be used as adjunctive therapy in order to enhance the bioavailability of various (chemo)therapeutic drugs.