Effect of Arctium lappa (burdock) extract on canine dermal fibroblasts

Antioxidant and anti-ageing effects of oleuropein aglycone in canine skeletal muscle cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are normally produced in skeletal muscle. However, an imbalance in their regulatory systems can lead to their accumulation and ultimately to oxidative stress, which is one of the causes of the ageing process. Companion dogs share the same environment and lifestyle as humans, making them an excellent comparative model for the study of ageing, as well as they constitute a growing market for bioactive molecules that improve the quality of life of pets. The anti-ageing properties of oleuropein aglycone (OLE), a bioactive compound from olive leaves known for its antioxidant properties, were investigated in Myok9 canine muscle cell model. After incubation with OLE, senescence was induced in the canine cellular model by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Analyses were performed on cells after seven days of differentiation. The oxidative stress induced by H2O2 treatment on differentiated canine muscle cells led to a significant increase in ROS formation, which was reduced by OLE pretreatment alone or in combination with H2O2 by about 34% and 32%, respectively. Cells treated with H2O2 showed a 48% increase the area of senescent cells stained by SA-β-gal, while OLE significantly reduced the coloured area by 52%. OLE, alone or in combination with H2O2, showed a significant antioxidant activity, possibly through autophagy activation, as indicated by the expression of autophagic markers.

Traditional Plants Used in Southern Brazil as a Source to Wound Healing Therapies

In southern Brazil, the biodiversity is great and the traditional use of medicinal plants for wound healing has been documented in ethnobotanical studies and pharmacological studies have assessed their wound properties and phytochemistry. Therefore, this study evaluated ethnobotanical surveys regarding medicinal plants used in southern Brazil for wound healing and studies about the healing properties of these plants published between 2000 and 2022. To retrieve articles related to the study, Web of Science, PubMed (NLM), Open Access Journals, Scielo, Lilacs, and Google Scholar, with keywords including medicinal plants, wound healing, and South of Brazil, have been used. As a result, 73 medicinal plants belonging to 39 families were found in ethnobotanical surveys as a traditional resource used for wound healing in southern Brazil, 15 of which were cited more than once. Besides, 14 of these 15 plants were also used as healing agents worldwide. The most cited plant with healing actions in southern Brazil was Symphytum officinale L. (comfrey). From 2000 to date, 44 articles scientifically demonstrated the wound-healing effects of the southern Brazilian plants found in ethnobotanical surveys reviewed. The folk medicine of southern Brazil presents a variety of medicinal plants for wound-healing purposes, and scientific data were found for some of those plants. However, the wound-healing properties of many plants have yet to be investigated, and the current literature still needs more phytochemical information about the plants studied. Aside from this, the future focus should be on the standardization of herbal extracts, and further research is required to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms. Clinical research in this area remains in its infancy and warrants more robust further clinical studies.

Incubation of canine dermal fibroblasts with serum from dogs with atopic dermatitis activates extracellular matrix signalling and represses oxidative phosphorylation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on gene expression in canine fibroblasts after incubation with a medium enriched with atopic dermatitis canine serum (CAD) compared with healthy canine serum (CTRL) and fetal bovine serum (FBS). Differential Expression and Pathway analysis (iDEP94) in R package (v0.92) was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with a False Discovery Rate of 0.01. DEGs from fibroblasts incubated with CAD serum were significantly upregulated and enriched in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and focal adhesion signalling but downregulated in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Genes involved in profibrotic processes, such as TGFB1, INHBA, ERK1/2, and the downward regulated genes (collagens and integrins), were significantly upregulated after fibroblasts were exposed to CAD serum. The observed downregulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation suggests metabolic dysregulation toward a myofibroblast phenotype responsible for fibrosis. No differences were found when comparing CTRL with FBS. The DEGs identified in fibroblasts incubated with CAD serum suggest activation of signalling pathways involved in gradual differentiation through a myofibroblast precursors that represent the onset of fibrosis. Molecular and metabolic knowledge of fibroblast changes can be used to identify biomarkers of the disease and new potential pharmacological targets.

Arctium lappa and Arctium tomentosum, Sources of Arctii radix: Comparison of Anti-Lipoxygenase and Antioxidant Activity as well as the Chemical Composition of Extracts from Aerial Parts and from Roots

Arctium lappa is a weed used in traditional medicine in the treatment of skin inflammation and digestive tract diseases. Arctium tomentosum is used in folk medicine interchangeably with Arctium lappa and, according to European Medicines Agency (EMA) monography, provides an equal source of Arctii radix (Bardanae radix), despite the small amount of research confirming its activity and chemical composition. The aim of the study was the comparison of the anti-lipoxygenase and the antioxidant activity, scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion (O₂^•−), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), of 70 % (v/v) ethanolic extracts from the aerial parts and the roots of Arctium lappa and Arctium tomentosum. In the tested extracts, the total polyphenols content and the chemical composition, analyzed with the HPLC–DAD–MSⁿ method, were also compared. The extracts were characterized by strong antioxidant properties, but their ability to inhibit lipoxygenase activity was rather weak. A correlation between the content of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity was observed. The extracts from A. lappa plant materials scavenged reactive oxygen species more strongly than the extracts from A. tomentosum plant materials. Moreover, the extracts from A. lappa plant materials were characterized by the statistically significantly higher content of polyphenolic compounds.

Wound Healing and the Use of Medicinal Plants

Cutaneous wound healing is the process by which skin repairs itself. It is generally accepted that cutaneous wound healing can be divided into 4 phases: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. In humans, keratinocytes re-form a functional epidermis (reepithelialization) as rapidly as possible, closing the wound and reestablishing tissue homeostasis. Dermal fibroblasts migrate into the wound bed and proliferate, creating “granulation tissue” rich in extracellular matrix proteins and supporting the growth of new blood vessels. Ultimately, this is remodelled over an extended period, returning the injured tissue to a state similar to that before injury. Dysregulation in any phase of the wound healing cascade delays healing and may result in various skin pathologies, including nonhealing, or chronic ulceration. Indigenous and traditional medicines make extensive use of natural products and derivatives of natural products and provide more than half of all medicines consumed today throughout the world. Recognising the important role traditional medicine continues to play, we have undertaken an extensive survey of literature reporting the use of medical plants and plant-based products for cutaneous wounds. We describe the active ingredients, bioactivities, clinical uses, formulations, methods of preparation, and clinical value of 36 medical plant species. Several species stand out, including Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, and Paeonia suffruticosa, which are popular wound healing products used by several cultures and ethnic groups. The popularity and evidence of continued use clearly indicates that there are still lessons to be learned from traditional practices. Hidden in the myriad of natural products and derivatives from natural products are undescribed reagents, unexplored combinations, and adjunct compounds that could have a place in the contemporary therapeutic inventory.

Oxidative Stress and Nutraceuticals in the Modulation of the Immune Function: Current Knowledge in Animals of Veterinary Interest

In the veterinary sector, many papers deal with the relationships between inflammation and oxidative stress. However, few studies investigate the mechanisms of action of oxidised molecules in the regulation of immune cells. Thus, authors often assume that these events, sometime leading to oxidative stress, are conserved among species. The aim of this review is to draw the state-of-the-art of the current knowledge about the role of oxidised molecules and dietary antioxidant compounds in the regulation of the immune cell functions and suggest some perspectives for future investigations in animals of veterinary interest.

Paeoniflorin regulates GALNT2-ANGPTL3-LPL pathway to attenuate dyslipidemia in mice

N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2-Angiopoietin-like protein 3-lipoprotein lipase (GALNT2-ANGPTL3-LPL) pathway may be a useful pharmacologic objective for dyslipidemia. The present study was conducted to test the effect of paeoniflorin, a monoterpene Glycoside, on dyslipidemia in mice. Fifty mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10): three groups of apolipoprotein E-null (ApoE-/-) mice treated with paeoniflorin (10 or 20 or 30 mg/kg/day), untreated ApoE-/- mice group, and C57BL/6J control group. Six weeks after treatment, expression of hepatic ANGPTL3, hepatic GALNT2 and adipose tissue LPL, lipid levels in the liver and blood were quantified. Treatment with paeoniflorin (10 or 20 or 30 mg/kg) obviously down-regulated expression of ANGPTL3 and up-regulated expressions of GALNT2 and LPL concomitantly with elevated plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, reduced plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, malonaldehyde, and 8-isoprostane. The present results suggest that paeoniflorin regulates GALNT2-ANGPTL3-LPL pathway to attenuate dyslipidemia in mice.

Traditional and ethnobotanical dermatology practices in Romania and other Eastern European countries

The geographic and ecologic specificity of Romania and other Eastern European countries has resulted in the development of an exceptional diversity of medicinal plants. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the ethnobotanical dermatology practices based on the use of medicinal plants in this region. The indications, ethnopharmacologic activities, parts used, and administration of 106 medicinal plants are provided. We also discuss the relative importance of these species, using two modified indices of quantitative ethnobotany: Use Value Index and Relative Dermatologic Importance, which were calculated on the basis of etic constructions (indications and ethnopharmacologic activities). The species identified to have the highest dermatologic importance (on a scale of 100) were Brassica oleracea L. (100), Matricaria chamomilla L. (79.17), Arctium lappa L. (74.82), Daucus carota L. (72.28), Equisetum arvense L. (70.47), Juglans regia L. (69.93), Populous nigra L. (65.94), Symphytum officinale L. (63.59), Chelidonium majus L. (57.78), Calendula officinalis L. (57.78), Achillea millefolium L. (57.43), Melilotus officinalis L. (55.25), Allium cepa L. (51.45), Quercus robur L. (51.08), and Betula spp. (50.91). This preliminary study on ethnobotanical dermatology practices indicates that Eastern European traditional medical knowledge represents an important heritage that is currently underexploited.

New Paradigms for the Study of Ocular Alphaherpesvirus Infections: Insights into the Use of Non-Traditional Host Model Systems

Ocular herpesviruses, most notably human alphaherpesvirus 1 (HSV-1), canid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CHV-1) and felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), infect and cause severe disease that may lead to blindness. CHV-1 and FHV-1 have a pathogenesis and induce clinical disease in their hosts that is similar to HSV-1 ocular infections in humans, suggesting that infection of dogs and cats with CHV-1 and FHV-1, respectively, can be used as a comparative natural host model of herpesvirus-induced ocular disease. In this review, we discuss both strengths and limitations of the various available model systems to study ocular herpesvirus infection, with a focus on the use of these non-traditional virus-natural host models. Recent work has demonstrated the robustness and reproducibility of experimental ocular herpesvirus infections in dogs and cats, and, therefore, these non-traditional models can provide additional insights into the pathogenesis of ocular herpesvirus infections.

Nutrigenomic activity of plant derived compounds in health and disease: Results of a dietary intervention study in dog

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary administrations of four nutraceuticals in dogs. Seventy four dogs were enrolled in the trials, 24 healthy dogs were fed with a control diet (CT) and the experimental groups received for 60days the same diet supplemented with nutraceuticals, namely Echinacea angustifolia (EA, 0.10mg/kg live weight as echinacoside; 14 dogs), Vaccinium myrtillus (VM, 0.20mg/kg live weight as anthocyanidin, 13 dogs), Curcuma longa (CL, 6.60mg/kg live weight as curcumin, 18 dogs with arthrosis), and Sylibum marianum (SM, 1.5mg/kg live weight as sylibin, 8 dogs with hepatopathy). Dogs were weighted at the beginning of study and blood samples were collected at the beginning (T0) and at the end (T60) of the study. VM significantly down regulated TNF, CXCL8, NFKB1 and PTGS2 and decreased plasma ceruloplasmin (CuCp). The activity of EA was evidenced by the significant decrease of TNF and NFKB1 expression and CuCp levels and by the increase of plasma Zn. Administration of CL caused a significant decrease of CuCp and increase of Zn and a down regulation of TNF, CXCL8, NFKB1 and PTGS2, corroborating the anti-inflammatory action of curcuminoids. After 60days of treatment with SM, plasma ALT/GPT activity was reduced and paraoxonase was increased, supporting the antioxidant activity of silymarin, also confirmed by the significant up regulation of SOD2. Results indicated that nutraceutical administrations in dogs can be an interesting approach to modulate immune response in order to improve health condition of animals.

Effects of Two Different Rhodiola rosea Extracts on Primary Human Visceral Adipocytes

Rhodiola rosea (Rro) has been reported to have various pharmacological properties, including anti-fatigue, anti-stress and anti-inflammatory activity. It is also known to improve glucose and lipid metabolism, but the effects of Rhodiola rosea on adipocyte differentiation and metabolism are not still elucidated. In this study the anti-adipogenic and lipolytic activity of two extracts of Rhodiola rosea, containing 3% salidroside (RS) or 1% salidroside and 3% rosavines (RR) on primary human visceral adipocytes was investigated. Pre-adipocytes were analyzed after 10 and 20 days of treatment during differentiation and after 7 days of treatment when they reached mature shape. The RS extract significantly induced higher apoptosis and lipolysis in comparison to control cells and to RR extract. In contrast, RR extract significantly reduced triglyceride incorporation during maturation. Differentiation of pre-adipocytes in the presence of RS and RR extracts showed a significant decrease in expression of genes involved in adipocyte function such as SLC2A4 and the adipogenic factor FGF2 and significant increase in expression of genes involved in inhibition of adipogenesis, such as GATA3, WNT3A, WNT10B. Furthermore RR extract, in contrast to RS, significantly down-regulates PPARG, the master regulator of adipogenesis and FABP4. These data support the lipolytic and anti-adipogenetic activity of two different commercial extracts of Rhodiola rosea in primary human visceral pre-adipocytes during differentiation.

Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis extract on human primary omental preadipocytes and adipocytes

The prevalence of obesity is increasing all over the world. Although it has been shown that natural substances influence fat metabolism, little is known about the effect on cellular and molecular mechanisms in human. In this in vitro study, the activity of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) standardized extract in modulating human primary visceral preadipocytes differentiation, lipolysis, and apoptosis was investigated. Moreover, gene expression of key adipogenesis modulators and microRNAs-seq were evaluated. Preadipocytes treated with RO extract significantly reduced triglyceride incorporation during maturation in a dose-dependent manner without affecting cell viability. In addition, RO extract stimulated lipolytic activity in differentiating preadipocytes and mature adipocytes in treated cells compared to controls. Differentiating preadipocytes incubated in the presence of RO extract showed a decreased expression of cell cycle genes such as cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21, Cip1) and an increased expression of GATA binding protein 3, wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 3A mRNA levels. Recent studies have demonstrated that some phytochemicals alter the expression of specific genes and microRNAs that play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of obesity and related diseases. Interestingly, genes modulated in RO-treated cells were found to be validated miRNAs targets, such as let-7f-1, miR-17, and miR-143. The results indicated that RO extract modulates human adipocyte differentiation and significantly interferes with adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, supporting its interest as dietary supplement.

Effect of plant extracts on H2O2-induced inflammatory gene expression in macrophages

Background

Arctium lappa (AL), Camellia sinensis (CS), Echinacea angustifolia, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng (PG), and Vaccinium myrtillus (VM) are plants traditionally used in many herbal formulations for the treatment of various conditions. Although they are well known and already studied for their anti-inflammatory properties, their effects on H₂O₂-stimulated macrophages are a novel area of study.

Materials and methods

Cell viability was tested after treatment with increasing doses of H₂O₂ and/or plant extracts at different times of incubation to identify the optimal experimental conditions. The messenger (m)RNA expression of TNFα, COX2, IL1β, NFκB1, NFκB2, NOS2, NFE2L2, and PPARγ was analyzed in macrophages under H₂O₂ stimulation. The same genes were also quantified after plant extract treatment on cells pre-stimulated with H₂O₂.

Results

A noncytotoxic dose (200 μM) of H₂O₂ induced active mRNA expression of COX2, IL1β, NFE2L2, NFκB1, NFκB2, NOS2, and TNFα, while PPARγ was depressed. The expression of all genes tested was significantly (P<0.001) regulated by plant extracts after pre-stimulation with H₂O₂. COX2 was downregulated by AL, PG, and VM. All extracts depressed IL1β expression, but upregulated NFE2L2. NFκB1, NFκB2, and TNFα were downregulated by AL, CS, PG, and VM. NOS2 was inhibited by CS, PG, and VM. PPARγ was decreased only after treatment with E. angustifolia and E. senticosus.

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicate that the stimulation of H₂O₂ on RAW267.4 cells induced the transcription of proinflammatory mediators, showing that this could be an applicable system by which to activate macrophages. Plant extracts from AL, CS, PG, and VM possess in vitro anti-inflammatory activity on H₂O₂-stimulated macrophages by modulating key inflammation mediators. Further in vitro and in vivo investigation into molecular mechanisms modulated by herbal extracts should be undertaken to shed light on the development of novel modulating therapeutic strategies.