Inhibitory effects of rosa roxburghii tratt juice on in vitro oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein and on the macrophage growth and cellular cholesteryl ester accumulation induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein

Fermented Rosa Roxburghii Tratt Juice Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rats by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites

Hyperlipidemia endangers human health and has become a significant public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the hypolipidemic effects of Fermented Rosa roxburghii Tratt juice (FRRT) on hyperlipidemic rats and a new hypolipidemic intervention strategy was disclosed. The study revealed 12 weeks FRRT treatment significantly decreased the body weight, total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) increased. We integrated the 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomic profiling to evaluate the changes in the gut microbiota and metabolites. Significant changes in microbial composition accompanied marked changes in 56 feces metabolites. The results showed that FRRT could decrease the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, while increase the abundance of some bacterial genera (Prevotella, Paraprevotellaceae_Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Oscillospira). Metabolomics analysis displayed that the metabolisms of bile acid, amino acid and lipid were significantly affected by FRRT. Correlation analysis suggest that the reductions in serum lipids by FRRT are associated with the gut microbial community and their associated metabolites (amino acid metabolites, bile acid metabolites, and lipid metabolites). This study confirmed FRRT could be used as a new dietary and therapeutic strategy to dyslipidemia by improving the gut microbiota dysbiosis, metabolomic disorders and regulating the dyslipidemia. Our study also extended the understanding of the relationship between gut microbiota, metabolites, and lipid-lowering functions.

Construction of a Microfluidic Platform With Core-Shell CdSSe@ZnS Quantum Dot-Encoded Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Microspheres for Screening and Locating Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Inhibitors From Fruits of Rosa roxburghii

The microfluidic platform is a versatile tool for screening and locating bioactive molecules from functional foods. Here, a layer-by-layer assembly approach was used to fabricate core-shell CdSSe@ZnS quantum dot encoded superparamagnetic iron oxide microspheres, which served as a carrier for matrix metalloproteinase-2. The matrix metalloproteinase-2 camouflaged magnetic microspheres was further incorporated into a homemade microfluidic platform and incubated with extracts of fruits of Rosa roxburghii. The flow rate of the microfluidic platform was tuned. The major influencing parameters on ligand binding, such as dissociate solvents, incubation pH, ion strength, temperature, and incubation time were also optimized by using ellagic acid as a model compound. The specific binding ligands were sent for structure elucidation by mass spectrometry. The absolute recovery of ellagic acid ranged from 101.14 to 102.40% in the extract of R. roxburghii under the optimal extraction conditions. The linearity was pretty well in the range of 0.009–1.00 mg·ml⁻¹ (R² = 0.9995). The limit of detection was 0.003 mg·ml⁻¹. The relative SDs of within-day and between-day precision were <1.91%. A total of thirteen ligands were screened out from fruits of R. roxburghii, which were validated for their inhibitory effect by enzyme assay. Of note, eleven new matrix metalloproteinase-2 inhibitors were identified, which may account for the antitumor effect of fruits of R. roxburghii.

Potential value and mechanism of Rosa roxburghii tratt juice on pro-inflammatory responses in peripheral blood of patients with arsenic poisoning

Increasing evidence supports the role of arsenic in dysregulated immune and inflammation responses, while, safe and effective treatments have not been fully examined. Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT), a traditional Chinese edible fruit with potential immunoregulatory activities, was considered as a dietary supplement to explore its protective effects and possible mechanism in arsenic-induced dysregulated inflammation responses. We enrolled 209 arsenicosis patients and 41 controls to obtain baseline data, including the degree of arsenic poisoning prior to the RRT juice (RRTJ) intervention. Then, based on criteria of inclusion and exclusion and the principle of voluntary participation, 106 arsenicosis patients who volunteered to receive treatment were divided into RRTJ (n = 53) and placebo (n = 53) groups randomly. After three months follow-up, 89 subjects (46 and 43 of the RRTJ and placebo groups, respectively) completed the study and were examined for the effects and possible mechanisms of RRTJ on the Th17 cells-related pro-inflammatory responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The PBMCs had higher levels of Th17 and Th17-related inflammatory cytokines IL-17, IL-6, and RORγt. Furthermore, the gene expressions of STAT3 and SOCS3 in PBMCs increased and decreased, respectively. Conversely, RRTJ decreased the number of Th17 cells, secretion of IL-17, IL-6, RORγt, and relative mRNA levels of STAT3, and increased the transcript levels of SOCS3. This study provides limited evidence that possible immunomodulatory effects of RRTJ on the critical regulators, IL-6 and STAT3, of the Th17 cells in arsenicosis patients, which indicated that IL-6/STAT3 pathway might appear as a potential therapeutic target in arsenicosis.

Superfruits in China: Bioactive phytochemicals and their potential health benefits - A Review

The term "superfruit" usually refers to certain fruits, which are rich in antioxidant components, therefore, are beneficial to human health. In China, there has been the concept of health preservation and dietary therapy through food intake in a long history. However, some other superfruits growing mainly in China have not attracted extensive attention, such as Cili, Goji berry, and sea buckthorn. Many studies suggested all of these superfruits showed strong antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory activity in common. However, there are various other advantages and functions in different fruits. This article reviewed the research findings from the existing literature published about major antioxidant bioactive compounds and the potential health benefits of these fruits. The phytochemicals from superfruits are bioaccessible and bioavailable in humans with promising health benefits. More studies are needed to validate the health benefits of these superfruits. It would provide essential information for further research and functional food development.

Botanical characteristics, phytochemistry and related biological activities of Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit, and its potential use in functional foods: a review

Due to the growing global population, reduction in arable land and effects of climate change, incongruity between food supply and demand has become increasingly severe. Nowadays, with awareness of the elementary nutrients required for human growth, increasing attention is being paid to the health and medical functions of food. Along with increased food production achieved by modern agricultural techniques, underutilised functional foods are an important strategy for solving food security problems and maintaining the nutritional quality of the human diet. Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT) is a natural fruit that contains unique functional and nutritional constituents, which are characterised by a high anti-oxidant potential. This review summarises the biological characteristics, chemical composition, health-promoting properties and development status of RRT products to inspire investigations on the use of RRT fruit as a functional food, dietary supplement and pharmaceutical additive. The nutrients and functional ingredients of RRT fruit are described in detail to provide more reference information for nutritionists and pharmacists.

The proteomic data of liver in mice with hyperlipidemia

Fructus Rosae Roxburghii (FRR) has been considered as edible and medicinal fruit possessing antiatherosclerotic effect [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], but the mechanism is still unclear. Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is the material basis for atherosclerosis (AS) formation [6,7]. In this study, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and atherosclerotic index (ASI) in mice were analyzed under the action of FRR juice. Then differentially expressed proteins in liver were further analyzed by using TMT labeling and LC-MS/MS for better understanding the effect and molecular mechanism of FRR on diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice [8]. After the protein extraction and trypsin digestion, TMT labeling proteomic analysis were performed. The functions and KEGG signaling pathways of differentially expressed proteins were analyzed by bioinformatics methods. Hence, the potential antiatherosclerotic mechanism of FRR regulating blood lipids from protein level has great significance to explore new drug targets for AS.

Juice from Fructus Rosae Roxburghii normalizes blood lipids in mice with diet-induced hyperlipidemia*†

Fructus Rosae Roxburghii (FRR) as a dietary supplement is considered to possess anti-atherosclerosis (AS), and hyperlipidemia (HLP) is material basis for AS formation, so the effects and molecular mechanism of FRR on diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice were explored. In Diet IV2 group, hepatic steatosis was significantly relieved; meanwhile, TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and ASI in serum were regulated to control level. Thirty-seven DCEG in Diet I, Diet II, and Diet IV2 groups were obtained by RNA-seq analysis. Relative mRNA levels were further determined by qRT-PCR, of which 28 genes were matched with those detected by RNA-seq. Ten DCEP were verified by targeted quantitative proteomic analysis, but expressive patterns of only six proteins were correlated with qRT-PCR data. These DCEG and DCEP played important roles in regulating the biosynthesis of BAs and steroids, fatty acid metabolism, and LPO production. They might cooperatively regulate the function of HDL or RCT by PPAR signaling pathway under the FRR action. As we know, it is the first time the potential anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of FRR regulating the blood lipids was explored.

Proteomic analysis of liver in diet-induced Hyperlipidemic mice under Fructus Rosa roxburghii action

Fructus Rosae Roxburghii (FRR) has been considered as edible and medicinal fruit possessing antiatherosclerotic effect, but the mechanism is still unclear. HLP is material basis for AS formation. Under FRR action, TC, TG, LDL, HDL and ASI in serum were regulated to control level. Differentially expressed proteins in liver were analyzed by using TMT labeling and LC-MS/MS for better understanding the effect and molecular mechanism of FRR on diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice. In total, 4460 proteins were quantified, of which 469 proteins showed dramatic changes between each group. According to molecular functions, 25 differentially co-expressed proteins were divided into five categories: substance metabolism, energy transformation and signal transduction, transcription and translation, immune defense. 15 key proteins involved lipids metabolism, which were identified as Cyp7a1, Cyp3a11, Tm7sf2, COAT2, CSAD, RBP3, Lpin1, Dhrs4, Aldh1b1, GK, Acot 4, TSC22D1, PGFS, EHs, GSTM1. This suggested that FRR could maintain metabolic homeostasis by regulating the metabolism of fatty acids, biosynthesis of BAs and steroids, and production of LPOs. 20 oxidative lipids further confirmed their importance regulating lipids metabolism. It's first time potential antiatherosclerotic mechanism of FRR regulating blood lipids was explored from protein level, which is of great significance to explore new drug targets for AS. SIGNIFICANCE: Under the action of FRR juice, the blood lipids in mice were regulated to control level. By TMT proteomic analysis, the effect and molecular mechanism of FRR on diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice were further explored. 25 differentially co-expressed proteins obtained in three diet groups might cooperatively regulate the lipids metabolism and hepatic function of mice, thus maintaining the metabolism homeostasis. By lipidomics analysis, 20 oxidative lipids further confirmed the importance of ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs in regulating the lipids metabolism. These findings provide an improved understanding for the regulation of FRR on the blood lipids and explores potential metabolic targets for AS prevention.

Beneficial Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract from Rosa Roxburghii Tratt Fruit on Hyperlipidemia in High-Fat-Fed Rats

Background

Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit is extensively used as a medicinal and edible resource in China due to its unique bioactivities. In this research, we aimed to characterize its phenolic acid composition and investigate the potential hypolipidemic effect of this plant in a rat model of hyperlipidemia.

Methods

We evaluated the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit (HRT) on serum lipids, body weight, activities of lipoprotein metabolism and antioxidant enzymes, and gene expression of lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats.

Results

HRT significantly reduced body weight gain and decreased serum and liver lipid levels in the hyperlipidemic rats. In addition, HRT treatment improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes, lipoprotein lipase, and hepatic lipase, downregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c and acetyl CoA carboxylase, and upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and low-density lipoprotein receptor in hepatic tissue.

Conclusions

The results showed that Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit is rich in phenolic acids, and that it exerted lipid lowering effects in the hyperlipidemic rats.

Investigation of In Vivo and In Vitro Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Kaji-ichigoside F1 in Rats

Kaji-ichigoside F1, a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, exhibits various beneficial pharmacological effects. In this study, a simple, rapid, and specific high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for rapid quantification of kaji-ichigoside F1 in rat biological matrix was developed. Plasma was prepared by a single-step protein precipitation followed by separation of the analyte using an Inertsil ODS-3 column with a gradient mobile phase. Positive ion electrospray was used and selected reaction monitoring transitions were m/ z 673.27 → 511.15 for kaji-ichigoside F1 and m/ z 429.19 → 267.29 for morroniside, respectively. The developed method was validated with linear range of 20 to 10 000 ng/mL. All validation parameters were well within the acceptance limit based on the guidance of FDA. The validated method was successfully applied to analyze samples from the in vivo and in vitro pharmacokinetic studies in rats.

Low‑intensity ultrasound enhances the antitumor effects of doxorubicin on hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the ROS‑miR‑21‑PTEN axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of liver cancer and is a leading cause of cancer-associated mortality. In China, ~466,000 patients are diagnosed with HCC and it is responsible for ~422,000 cases of mortality each year. Surgery is the most effective treatment available; however it is only suitable for patients with early-stage HCC. Chemotherapy has been confirmed as a necessary treatment for patients with advanced HCC, although drug resistance may limit its clinical outcome. Low intensity ultrasound (LIUS) represents a novel therapeutic approach to treat patients with HCC; however, its underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, cell viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were determined via Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry and 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assays, respectively. The expression of miRNA in HCC cells following exposure to LIUS and doxorubicin (Dox) was analyzed using a microarray and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. It was revealed treatment with LIUS in combination with Dox was able to induce apoptosis of Huh7 cells, increasing the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase 1 are ROS-scavenging enzymes, which serve important roles in the oxidative balance, preventing oxidative stress. The protein expression levels of these two enzymes were significantly decreased following treatment with LIUS combined with Dox. The present results suggested that LIUS may decrease Dox resistance in HCC cells and that LIUS may be combined with chemotherapy to treat HCC. By performing microarray analysis, the expression levels of microRNA-21 (miR-21) were decreased following treatment with LIUS combined with Dox. Functional experiments showed that knockdown of miR-21 enhanced the antitumor activity of Dox, whereas overexpression of miR-21 reversed these effects. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a well-known tumor suppressor, was revealed to be a direct target of miR-21, and its translation was suppressed by miR-21. Finally, it was determined that combined treatment of LIUS and Dox induced anticancer effects by blocking the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway, as demonstrated by the downregulation of phosphorylated (p-)AKT and p-mTOR; N-acetylcysteine, a general ROS inhibitor reversed the suppressive effects on the AKT/mTOR pathway mediated by LIUS and Dox. Collectively, the present results suggested that LIUS increased cell sensitivity to Dox via the ROS/miR-21/PTEN pathway. Chemotherapy combined with LIUS may represent a novel effective therapeutic strategy to treat patients with advanced HCC.

Oxidative Stress and TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Are Involved in Rosa roxburghii Fruit Extract Alleviating Renal Fibrosis

Fibrosis is involved in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases. We previously discovered that Rosa roxburghii fruit (Cili) possesses antifibrosis property in chronic renal disease, but the mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that Cili might prevent fibrosis development through mediating TGF-β/Smads signaling, which is known to be involved in renal fibrosis. This study aimed to confirm the effects of freeze-dried Cili powder in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and examine TGF-β/Smads signaling. Rats were randomized to (n=12/group): sham operation, UUO, UUO with losartan, UUO with moderate Cili dose (3 g/kg/d), and UUO with high Cili dose (6 g/kg/d). The rats were sacrificed after 14 days of treatment. Collagen deposition was tested using Masson's staining. TGF-β/Smads signaling was examined by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Rats in the UUO group showed excessive deposition of collagen in kidney interstitium, accompanied with high levels of renal 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, renal malondialdehyde, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and proteinuria (all P<0.05). Cili powder efficiently alleviated the pathological changes and oxidative stress in the kidneys of UUO rats, and decreased BUN, Scr and proteinuria (all P<0.05). Cili powder also inhibited the upregulation of TGFB1, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD2, and SMAD3 and reversed the downregulation of SMAD7 in obstructed kidneys (mRNA and protein) (all P<0.05). In summary, the results suggest that Cili freeze-dried powder effectively prevents renal fibrosis and impairment in UUO rats, which is associated with the inhibition of oxidative stress and TGF-β1/Smads signaling.

GLABROUS1 from Rosa roxburghii Tratt regulates trichome formation by interacting with the GL3/EGL3 protein

GLABROUS1 is an R2R3 MYB homolog that is essential for the initiation of trichome development. In this study, we used RACE to clone a full-length cDNA from Rosa roxburghii Tratt, termed RrGL1, which was 1013 bp, including an open reading frame of 792 bp that encoded 263 amino acids. In situ hybridization, corresponding with qRT-PCR results, revealed that RrGL1 transcripts were mainly expressed in petiole, leaf, and stem. RrGL1 expression levels at various fruit developmental stages in R. roxburghii were also evaluated. RrGL1 was highly expressed in young fruit, and the expression level decreased with fruit maturation. The overexpression of RrGL1 was able to functionally complemented the Arabidopsis thaliana gl1^-/- mutant in trichome formation. RrGL1 was located in the cell nucleus with analysis of subcellular localization and physically interacted with A. thaliana GL3/EGL3 in the yeast two-hybrid assay, implying that RrGL1 might exert functions by forming a MYB-basic helix-loop-helix complex in trichome initiation. The formation of prickles in R. roxburghii is similar to that of Arabidopsis trichome. These results provided a foundation for further research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and development of prickles that could assist and cultivate in the genetic engineering of prickle-free fruits.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of catechin and quercetin in flavonoids extracted from Rosa roxburghii Tratt

Purpose

To perform a qualitative and quantitative analysis of catechin and quercetin in flavonoids extracted from Rosa roxburghii Tratt.

Methods

Total flavonoids were determined using ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UV) at 500 nm. The optimal gradient program started with 15 % methanol and was kept within a period of 0 – 20 min, while 25 % methanol was kept within 20 – 33 min. Subsequently, the concentration of methanol was reduced to 15 % and was held for 10 min until the next injection. Mass spectrometry spray voltage was 4,000 V, ionization temperature 350 °C, atomizer pressure 35 psi, nitrogen flow rate 8 L/min, and mass scan range 200 – 800 m/z. The detection wavelength used for catechin and quercetin was 270 and 368 nm, respectively.

Results

Based on the UV results, Rosa roxburghii Tratt content was 73.85 %, which is in agreement with the national standard. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) results indicate that Rosa roxburghii Tratt flavonoids contained quercetin, 34.26 %, with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.88 % and catechin content of 2.97 % with RSD of 1.49 %.

Conclusion

The proposed measurement method for determining the content of flavonoids in Rosa roxburghii Tratt has the advantage of simplicity, feasibility, good repeatability, and rapid and accurate analysis.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Rosa roxburghii and its phylogenetic analysis

Rosa roxburghii Tratt. is a famous Chinese traditional medicine with long history, here we characterized the whole chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of R. roxburghii by Illumina pair-end sequencing. The complete cp genome was 156,749 bp in length, containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 85,862 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,791 bp, which were separated by a pair of 26,053 bp inverted repeat regions (IRs). The genome contained 139 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes (82 PCG species), 39 tRNA genes (32 tRNA species), and eight ribosomal RNA genes (four rRNA species). Most of the gene species occur as a single copy, while 17 gene species occur in double copies. The overall AT content of R. roxburghii cp genome is 62.8%, while the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 64.8, 68.7, and 57.4%, respectively. Further, phylogenetic analysis suggested that R. roxburghii is closely related to R. odorata var. gigantea.

Effects of garlic on brachial endothelial function and capacity of plasma to mediate cholesterol efflux in patients with coronary artery disease

Objective:

This study investigated the effects of garlic on brachial endothelial function and THP-1 macrophage cholesterol efflux (CE) and examined whether garlic modulates ATP-binding cassette (ABC) A1 and ABCG1 mRNA expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods:

In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, patients with CAD were randomly divided into two groups: those receiving garlic powder or placebo tablets twice daily for 3 months. Brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed using ultrasound. Fasting blood samples were collected before and after period and PBMC and plasma were isolated. Human THP-1 monocytes were differentiated into macrophages, labeled with 3H-cholesterol, and incubated with plasma samples, and CE was assessed. ABCA1 and ABCG1 mRNA expressions were determined in PBMCs.

Results:

After 3 months, brachial FMD values significantly improved (50.7%) in the garlic group compared with those in the placebo group (p=0.016). High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels significantly decreased in the garlic group, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. No significant difference was observed with regard to CE and ABCA1 and ABCG1 mRNA expressions in PBMCs. CE was negatively correlated with hs-CRP levels.

Conclusion:

Short-term treatment with garlic may improve the endothelial function and may affect hs-CRP levels; however, it could neither significantly improve THP-1 macrophage CE nor affect ABCA1 or ABCG1 expressions in PBMCs.

Chemical Analysis of Dietary Constituents in Rosa roxburghii and Rosa sterilis Fruits

Both Rosa roxburghii and R. sterilis, belonging to the Rosaceae, are endemic species in Guizhou Province, China. The fruits of these two species are mixed-used as functional food in the region. Aiming to elucidate the phytochemical characteristics of R. roxburghii and R. sterilis fruits, the essential oils and constituents in a methanol extract have been analyzed and compared by GC-MS and UFLC/Q-TOF-MS, respectively. As a result, a total of 135 volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS and 91 components were different between R. roxburghii and R. sterilis fruits; a total of 59 compounds in methanol extracts were identified by UFLC/Q-TOF-MS, including 13 organic acids, 12 flavonoids, 11 triterpenes, nine amino acids, five phenylpropanoid derivatives, four condensed tannins, two stilbenes, two benzaldehyde derivatives and one benzoic acid derivative; and nine characteristic compounds were found between R. roxburghii and R. sterilis fruits. This systematic study plays an important role for R. roxburghii and R. sterilis fruits in the product development.

Inhibition of metastasis and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by crude polysaccharides from rosa roxburghii tratt in vitro

BACKGROUND

Rosa Roxburghii Tratt is a promising wild fruit crop in Southwest China. Its extracts have been used as traditional Chinese medicine, which benefit immune responses and cure various health disorders. However, whether Rosa Roxburghii Tratt polysaccharides could inhibit metastasis and invasion of ovarian cancer cells remains unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Effects of crude polysaccharides from Rosa Roxburghii Tratt on the viability of ovarian cancer A2780 cells were detected by MTT assay. Ovarian carcinoma cell migration and invasion after exposure to Rosa Roxburghii Tratt polysaccharides were quantified by wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Western blotting was applied to assess protein levels of MMP-9.

RESULTS

The results indicated that Rosa Roxburghii Tratt polysaccharides significantly reduced wound closure rate of A2780 cells, inhibited their migration and invasion, and suppressed the expression of MMP-9.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that Rosa Roxburghii Tratt polysaccharides have potential for develop as anti-metastatic cancer drug preparations for ovarian cancer patients.

Thermal, Structural, and Physical Properties of Freeze Dried Tropical Fruit Powder

This study evaluates the physical properties of freeze dried tropical (guava, sapota, and papaya) fruit powders. Thermal stability and weight loss were evaluated using TGA-DSC and IR, which showed pectin as the main solid constituent. LCR meter measured electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss factor. Functional groups assessed by FTIR showed presence of chlorides, and O–H and N–H bonds in guava, chloride and C–H bond in papaya, and chlorides, and C=O and C–H bonds in sapota. Particle size and type of starch were evaluated by X-ray diffraction and microstructure through scanning electronic microscopy. A semicrystalline profile and average particle size of the fruit powders were evidenced by X-ray diffraction and lamellar/spherical morphologies by SEM. Presence of A-type starch was observed in all three fruits. Dependence of electric and dielectric properties on frequency and temperature was observed.

Rosa roxburghii supplementation in a controlled feeding study increases plasma antioxidant capacity and glutathione redox state

BACKGROUND

Rosa roxburghii (RR) is a plant of which the fruit juice has been used as a medicinal remedy for a variety of diseases. It has been proposed that the putative beneficial properties are related to its antioxidant potential.

AIM OF STUDY

We investigated the contribution of a supplemented RR fruit sample on the antioxidant status in a cohort of healthy humans.

METHODS

A total of 36 young, healthy and non-smoking individuals were recruited for this randomised placebo-controlled, single-blind trial. The study was diet controlled over a five-week period with a two week run-in period before participants daily received a placebo or an encapsulated supplement of RR sample. Total antioxidant capacity, glutathione redox state, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and 8-OHdG levels were measured.

RESULTS

RR supplementation significantly increased plasma antioxidant capacity (p = 0.04) and GSH:GSSG ratios in blood (p = 0.03). No significant changes in 8-OHdG levels, total glutathione levels or antioxidant modulating enzymes were detected suggesting that the observed shift of the glutathione redox state probably occurs via the antioxidant mediated protection of GSH.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that these findings support the putative beneficial properties that have been linked to Rosa roxburghii as a dietary supplement that can enhance antioxidant status.