β-Eudesmol, an oxygenized sesquiterpene, stimulates appetite via TRPA1 and the autonomic nervous system

Low temperature inhibits food intake via TRPA1 channel activation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Low temperatures significantly influence feeding behavior in ectothermic vertebrates, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study investigated the role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels in mediating the appetite-suppressing effects of low temperature in Nile tilapia. TRPA1 was found to be highly expressed in the hypothalamus and co-localized with neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons. Exposure to low temperatures reduced feeding frequency and increased TRPA1 expression. In vitro experiments demonstrated that low temperature and TRPA1 agonists induced calcium influx, which was blocked by a TRPA1 inhibitor. TRPA1 expression exhibited post-prandial increases and was downregulated by fasting. TRPA1 activation dose-dependently inhibited food intake, while its inhibition restored feeding suppressed by low temperature. TRPA1 activation downregulated orexigenic factors and upregulated anorexigenic factors through Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent pathways. These findings suggest that TRPA1 plays a crucial role in sensing low temperatures and regulating feeding behavior in tilapia.

The chemical profiles and cytotoxicity of gaharu bouya oil from Borneo's Gonystylus bancanus wood

Gaharu bouya oil obtained from distillation of the woods from Gonystylus genus has attracted essential oil industry interest. However, the information about gaharu bouya essential oil profile is limited. The presence of Gonystylus species is also critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Therefore, exploring the -omics profiles of Gonystylus bancanus, a native plant from Borneo Island, is important for Indonesia to conserve the population. This research investigated the metabolite profiling of G. bancanus oil, especially the volatile components of its essential oils. Distillations were performed in two technical ways: hydrodistillation on a laboratory scale and steam distillation on an industrial scale. According to LC-MS and GC-MS profiles, both essential oils displayed similar chemical compositions. This article also discusses the similarity of the chemical contents of gaharu bouya oil and agarwood oil from the gaharu superior type (Aquilaria) to support the value of the oil. This research also investigated the cytotoxicity of gaharu bouya oil against three cell lines: HeLa, MCF-7, and HT-29.

Research Progress on TRPA1 in Diseases

For a long time, the physiological activity of TRP ion channels and the response to various stimuli have been the focus of attention, and the physiological functions mediated by ion channels have subtle links with the occurrence of various diseases. Our group has been engaged in the study of ion channels. In recent years, the report rate of TRPA1, the only member of the TRPA subfamily in the newly described TRP channel, has been very high. TRPA1 channels are not only abundantly expressed in peptidergic nociceptors but are also found in many nonneuronal cell types and tissues, and through the regulation of Ca2+ influx, various neuropeptides and signaling pathways are involved in the regulation of nerves, respiration, circulation, and various diseases and inflammation throughout the body. In this review, we mainly summarize the effects of TRPA1 on various systems in the body, which not only allows us to have a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of TRPA1 but also facilitates more in-depth research on it in the future.

Metabolite profiling of Borneo's Gonystylus bancanus through comprehensive extraction from various polarity of solvents

Gonystylus bancanus wood or ramin wood has been generally known as a source of agarwood (gaharu) bouya, a kind of agarwood inferior type, or under the exported trading name of aetoxylon oil. The massive exploitation of ramin wood is causing this plant's extinction and putting it on Appendix II CITES and IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. To date, no scientific publication concerns the chemical exploration of G. bancanus wood and preserving this germplasm through its metabolite profiling. Therefore, research focused on chemical components profiling of G. bancanus is promised. This research is aimed to explore metabolomics and analyze the influence of solvent polarities on the partitioning of metabolites in G. bancanus wood. A range of solvents in different polarities was applied to provide comprehensive extraction of metabolites in G. bancanus wood. Moreover, a hydrodistillation was also carried out to extract the volatile compounds despite the non-volatile ones. LCMS and GCMS analyses were performed to identify volatile and non-volatile components in the extracts and essential oil. Multivariate data analysis was processed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and agglomerative hierarchical clustering. 142 metabolites were identified by LCMS analysis, while 89 metabolites were identified by GCMS analysis. Terpenoids, flavonoids, phenyl propanoids, and saccharides are some major compound classes available from LCMS data. Oxygenated sesquiterpenes, especially 10-epi-γ-eudesmol, and β-eudesmol, are the major volatile components identified from GCMS analysis. PCA of LCMS analysis demonstrated that PC1 discriminated two clusters: essential oil, dichloromethane, and n-hexane extracts were in the positive quadrant, while methanol and ethyl acetate extracts were in the negative quadrant. Three-dimensional analysis of GCMS data revealed that n-hexane extract was in the superior quadrant, and its composition can be significantly distinguished from other extracts and essential oil. G. bancanus wood comprises valuable metabolites, i.e., terpenoids, which benefit the essential oil industry. Comprehensive extraction by performing solvents in different polarities on G. bancanus wood could allow exploration of fully extracted metabolites, supported by the exhibition of identified metabolites from LCMS and GCMS analysis.

Influence of peeling on volatile and non-volatile compounds responsible for aroma, sensory, and nutrition in ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Industrial use of ginger after peeling results in large amounts of agro-waste. To provide a basic reference for the sustainable processing of ginger products as a spice, we investigated the differences between unpeeled ginger, peeled ginger, and corresponding ginger peel, in terms of aroma, sensory profiles, and nutrition relevant physicochemical properties. The results showed that the total concentrations of identified odor-active compounds in unpeeled ginger, peeled ginger, and ginger peel were 876.56, 672.73, and 105.39 mg/kg, respectively. Unpeeled ginger exhibited more intense citrus-like and fresh impressions compared to peeled ginger, revealed by descriptive sensory analyses. This is relevant to the high odor activity values of odorants such as β-myrcene (pungent, citrus-like), geranial (citrus-like), citronellal (citrus-like, sourish), and linalool (floral, fresh). In parallel, unpeeled ginger contained higher total polyphenol (84.49 mg/100 g) and total sugar content (33.4 g/kg) in comparison with peeled ginger (76.53 mg/100 g and 28.6 g/kg).

Eugenol promotes appetite through TRP channels mediated-CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway

Eugenol is a major component of clove oil. A recent study found that inhalation of eugenol promoted the appetite of mice. However, whether oral ingestion of eugenol promoted appetite is unclear and its mechanism await study. Here, mice were divided into four treatments (n = 20) and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0%, 0.005%, 0.01% and 0.02% eugenol for 4 weeks. In addition, mice (n = 7) were injected intraperitoneally with 3 mg/kg body weight eugenol. Our data showed that feeding mice with 0.01% and 0.02% eugenol promoted their appetite. In addition, the short-term intraperitoneal injection of eugenol enhanced the feed intake in mice within 1 h. Further studies found that dietary eugenol increased orexigenic factors expression and decreased anorexigenic factors expression in mice. We then carried out N38 cell experiments to explore the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels-dependent mechanism of eugenol in promoting appetite. We found that eugenol activated the TRP channels mediated-CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway in the hypothalamus and N38 cells. Besides, the inhibition of TRPV1 and AMPK eliminated the upregulation of eugenol on the agouti-related protein level in N38 cells. In conclusion, the study suggested that eugenol promotes appetite through TRPV1 mediated-CaMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway.

An Overview of the TRP-Oxidative Stress Axis in Metabolic Syndrome: Insights for Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex pathology characterized by visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. It has become a global epidemic associated with increased consumption of high-calorie, low-fibre food and sedentary habits. Some of its underlying mechanisms have been identified, with hypoadiponectinemia, inflammation and oxidative stress as important factors for MS establishment and progression. Alterations in adipokine levels may favour glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity which, in turn, contribute to inflammation and cellular stress responses within the adipose, pancreatic and liver tissues, in addition to hepatic steatosis. The multiple mechanisms of MS make its clinical management difficult, involving both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are non-selective calcium channels involved in a plethora of physiological events, including energy balance, inflammation and oxidative stress. Evidence from animal models of disease has contributed to identify their specific contributions to MS and may help to tailor clinical trials for the disease. In this context, the oxidative stress sensors TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPC5, play major roles in regulating inflammatory responses, thermogenesis and energy expenditure. Here, the interplay between these TRP channels and oxidative stress in MS is discussed in the light of novel therapies to treat this syndrome.

Digestive Enzyme Activities and Gut Emptying Are Correlated with the Reciprocal Regulation of TRPA1 Ion Channel and Serotonin in the Gut of the Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius

The energetic link in the benthic community is based on physiological characteristics of the low food absorption efficiency of sea urchins. Low food absorption efficiency of sea urchins is correlated with the activity of digestive enzymes and the duration of food in their gut. Thus, the digestive enzymes activities (pepsin and amylase enzyme activities) and gut emptying are important indicators in assessing nutrient digestion and absorption in sea urchins. In the present study, the relationship between these indicators and molecules related to digestive physiology were quantified in sea urchins. We found (1) an inter-regulatory relationship existed between Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1 (TRPA1), and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) in the gut of Strongylocentrotus intermedius; (2) digestive enzyme activities were negatively correlated with the TRPA1 and concentration of 5-HT in the gut of S. intermedius; (3) gut emptying rate was positively correlated with TRPA1 and concentration of 5-HT in the gut of S. intermedius. The present study revealed that the digestion and absorption of food are correlated with the TRPA1 and 5-HT in the gut of S. intermedius, which provides valuable information about the digestive physiology of sea urchins. This novel finding is relevant to understanding the low food digestibility of sea urchins. It also provides valuable information to the digestive physiology of sea urchins, which are key to maintaining the stability of food webs in the marine ecosystem.

Spectroscopic observations of β-eudesmol binding to human cytochrome P450 isoforms 3A4 and 1A2, but not to isoforms 2C9, 2C19 and 2D6

β-Eudesmol is a sesquiterpenoid component o Atractylodes lancea with cytotoxic activity against cholangiocarcinoma. Its lipophilic nature makes β-eudesmol a likely substrate of human cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes.Using ligand-binding difference spectroscopy, the affinities of this compound to recombinant CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 were investigated in Escherichia coli membrane preparations.CYP3A4 showed a type I spectral change, with a binding constant Ks of 77 ± 23 (mean ± SD) μM at 0.5 μM P450 (Ks/[P450] ≈ 155). The reference substrate testosterone and the inhibitor fluconazole bound to the enzyme with apparent affinities of 86 ± 4 μM (type I) and 21 μM (type II), respectively. β-Eudesmol was bound to CYP3A4 in a non-cooperative manner (Hill coefficient n ≈ 0.8). CYP1A2 showed reverse type I difference spectra with either β-eudesmol or caffeine. The CYP1A2 affinity for β-eudesmol was higher (0.23 mM) than for caffeine (0.37 mM) but lower than for phenacetin (0.11 mM, type I). β-Eudesmol did not bind significantly to CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2D6.Confirmation of metabolic activity and studies on the involvement of other human P450 isoforms studies are required. Double-beam spectrometry is needed to validate Ks measurements made with a plate reader.

TRPA1: Pharmacology, natural activators and role in obesity prevention

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel is a calcium permeable, non-selective cation channel, expressed in the sensory neurons and non-neuronal cells of different tissues. Initially studied for its role in pain and inflammation, TRPA1 has now functionally involved in multiple other physiological functions. TRPA1 channel has been extensively studied for modulation by pungent compounds present in the spices and herbs. In the last decade, the role of TRPA1 agonism in body weight reduction, secretion of hunger and satiety hormones, insulin secretion and thermogenesis, has unveiled the potential of the TRPA1 channel to be used as a preventive target to tackle obesity and associated comorbidities including insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. In this review, we summarized the recent findings of TRPA1 based dietary/non-dietary modulation for its role in obesity prevention and therapeutics.

Cisplatin induces TRPA1-mediated mechanical allodynia in the oral mucosa

OBJECTIVE

Cisplatin, a platinum-based anticancer drug, produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many cell types and induces mechanical allodynia in the hands and/or feet (chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy: CIPN). In this study, we examined the possibility of inducing neuropathy in the oral region using oral keratinocytes and rats.

METHODS

Human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) were used to evaluate ROS generation after cisplatin application by a ROS-reactive fluorescent assay. In rats, after cisplatin administrations (two times), the trigeminal ganglion (TG) was investigated by electron microscopy and quantitative RT-PCR. Using our proprietary assay system, oral pain-related behaviors were observed in cisplatin-treated rats.

RESULTS

In rats, cisplatin administration reduced food intake and body weight. In electron microscopic analysis, glycogen granules in the TG were depleted following administration, although organelles were intact. In HOK cells, cisplatin significantly increased ROS generation with cell death, similar to glycolysis inhibitors. Cisplatin administration did not show any effects on Trpa1 mRNA levels in the TG. However, the same procedure induced hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation and the TRPA1 agonist allyl isothiocyanate in the oral mucosa. Mechanical hypersensitivity was inhibited by the antioxidative drug α-lipoic acid and the TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031, similar to that of the hind paw.

CONCLUSION

The present findings suggest that cisplatin induces TRPA1-mediated CIPN due to ROS generation in the oral region. This study will provide a better understanding of persistent oral pain in cancer patients.

β-eudesmol but not atractylodin exerts an inhibitory effect on CFTR-mediated chloride transport in human intestinal epithelial cells

Oriental herbal medicine with the two bioactive constituents, β-eudesmol (BE) and atractylodin (AT), has been used as a remedy for gastrointestinal disorders. There was no scientific evidence reporting their antidiarrheal effect and underpinning mechanisms. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the anti-secretory activity of these two compounds in vitro. The inhibitory effect of BE and AT on cAMP-induced Cl^- secretion was evaluated by Ussing chamber in human intestinal epithelial (T84) cells. Short-circuit current (I_SC) and apical Cl^- current (I_Cl-) were measured after adding indirect and direct cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel activator. MTT assay was used to determine cellular cytotoxicity. Protein-ligand interaction was investigated by in silico molecular docking analysis. BE, but not AT concentration-dependently (IC₅₀ of ~1.05 µM) reduced cAMP-mediated, CFTR_inh-172 inhibitable Cl^- secretion as determined by transepithelial I_SC across a monolayer of T84 cells. Potency of CFTR-mediated I_Cl- inhibition by BE did not change with the use of different CFTR activators suggesting a direct blockage of the channel active site(s). Pretreatment with BE completely prevented cAMP-induced I_Cl-. Furthermore, BE at concentrations up to 200 µM (24 h) had no effect on T84 cell viability. In silico studies indicated that BE could best dock onto dephosphorylated structure of CFTR at ATP-binding pockets in nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) 2 region. These findings provide the first evidence for the anti-secretory effect of BE involving inhibition of CFTR function. BE represents a promising candidate for the therapeutic or prophylactic intervention of diarrhea resulted from intestinal hypersecretion of Cl^.

Natural lactucopicrin alleviates importin-α3-mediated NF-κB activation in inflammated endothelial cells and improves sepsis in mice

Lactucopicrin, a bitter sesquiterpene lactone of leafy vegetables, such as chicory, curly escarole, and lettuce, possesses anti-malarial, anti-cancer and analgesic properties. However, it remains unknown whether lactucopicrin could inhibit vascular endothelial nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, a hallmark of vascular inflammatory diseases including sepsis. In tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated human or mouse aortic endothelial cells, lactucopicrin dose-dependently inhibited NF-κB activation, and concomitantly repressed both vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1)-mediated monocyte adhesion. The lactucopicrin effect was not due to modulation of inhibitor of NF-κB kinases (IKK) α/β/γ, inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκBα), and NF-κB/p65 DNA binding activity. Instead, lactucopicrin inhibited importin-α3 expression by destabilization of its mRNA, an effect mediating the lactucopicrin effect on NF-κB activity. More importantly, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-elicited septic mice, oral gavage with lactucopicrin decreased mortality by 30.5% as compared with the control treatment. This effect was associated with inhibited importin-α3 expression, suppressed NF-κB activation and VCAM-1/ICAM-1 expression, and inhibited leukocyte influx in the vascular endothelium of both lung and aorta. Collectively, our novel data suggest that dietary supplementation with lactucopicrin inhibits endothelial NF-κB activation by down-regulation of importin-α3 and thereby improves sepsis.

The Proteomics and Metabolomics Analysis for Screening the Molecular Targets of Action of β-Eudesmol in Cholangiocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

β-eudesmol is the active compound isolated from Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) D.C. The actions of this compound against cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells include anti-angiogenesis and anti-cell proliferation and growth. For more understanding of the molecular targets of action of β-eudesmol, the CCA cells (CL-6) were exposed to β-eudesmol for 24 and 48 hours.

METHODS

Proteins and metabolites from the intra- and extra-cellular components of the CL-6 cells were extracted and identified by LC-MS/MS.  Protein analysis was performed using the Venn diagram (protein grouping), PANTHER (gene ontology), and STITCH software (protein-protein interaction). Metabolite analysis including their interactions with proteins, was performed using MetaboAnalyst software.

RESULTS

The analysis showed that the actions of β-eudesmol were associated with various biological processes particularly apoptosis and cell cycle. These included blood coagulation, wound healing, DNA repair, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, immune system process, MAPK cascade, urea cycle, purine metabolism, ammonia recycling, and methionine metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Possible molecular targets of action of β-eudesmol against CL-6 for cell apoptosis induction were TNFRSf6, cytochrome C, BAX3, DHCR24, CD29, and ATP.  On the other hand, possible targets for cell cycle arrest induction were CDKN2B, MLF1, TFDP2, CDK11-p110, and nicotinamide.

Potential Interplay between Nrf2, TRPA1, and TRPV1 in Nutrients for the Control of COVID-19

In this article, we propose that differences in COVID-19 morbidity may be associated with transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and/or transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation as well as desensitization. TRPA1 and TRPV1 induce inflammation and play a key role in the physiology of almost all organs. They may augment sensory or vagal nerve discharges to evoke pain and several symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, nasal obstruction, vomiting, diarrhea, and, at least partly, sudden and severe loss of smell and taste. TRPA1 can be activated by reactive oxygen species and may therefore be up-regulated in COVID-19. TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels can be activated by pungent compounds including many nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) (Nrf2)-interacting foods leading to channel desensitization. Interactions between Nrf2-associated nutrients and TRPA1/TRPV1 may be partly responsible for the severity of some of the COVID-19 symptoms. The regulation by Nrf2 of TRPA1/TRPV1 is still unclear, but suggested from very limited clinical evidence. In COVID-19, it is proposed that rapid desensitization of TRAP1/TRPV1 by some ingredients in foods could reduce symptom severity and provide new therapeutic strategies.

GC-MS analysis of mango stem bark extracts (Mangifera indica L.), Haden variety. Possible contribution of volatile compounds to its health effects

Mango stem bark extracts (MSBE) have been used as bioactive ingredients for nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical formulations due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. We performed the MSBE preparative column liquid chromatography, which led to the resolution and identification by GC-MS of 64 volatile compounds: 7 hydrocarbons, 3 alcohols, 1 ether, 3 aldehydes/ketones, 7 phenols, 20 terpenoids (hydrocarbons and oxygenated derivatives), 9 steroids, 4 nitrogen compounds, and 1 sulphur compound. Major components were β-elemene, α-guaiene, aromadendrene, hinesol, 1-octadecene, β-eudesmol, methyl linoleate, juniper camphor, hinesol, 9-methyl (3β,5α)-androstan-3-ol, γ-sitosterol, β-chamigrene, 2,5-dihydroxymethyl-phenetylalcohol, N-phenyl-2-naphtaleneamine, and several phenolic compounds. The analysis of MSBE, Haden variety, by GC-MS is reported for the first time, which gives an approach to understand the possible synergistic effect of volatile compounds on its antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The identification of relevant bioactive volatile components from MSBE extracts, mainly terpenes from the eudesmane family, will contribute to correlate its chemical composition to previous determined pharmacological effects.

Therapeutic potential and pharmacological activities of β-eudesmol

Herbal medicines are attracting the attention of researchers worldwide. β-Eudesmol is one of the most studied and major bioactive sesquiterpenes, mainly extracted from Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC. rhizomes. It has potential anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities and is an inhibitor of tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis by suppressing CREB activation of the growth factor signaling pathway. It also stimulates neurite outgrowth in rat pheochromocytoma cells with activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. It may be a promising lead compound for enhancing neural function, and it may help to explain the underlying mechanisms of neural differentiation. In this review, we summarized the currently available clinical and preclinical studies describing the therapeutic applications of β-eudesmol.

Intersections in Neuropsychiatric and Metabolic Disorders: Possible Role of TRPA1 Channels

Neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) are a huge burden to the patient, their family, and society. NPDs have been greatly associated with cardio-metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, dysglycaemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular disorders. Antipsychotics, which are frontline drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia and off-label use in other NPDs, also add to this burden by causing severe metabolic perturbations. Despite decades of research, the mechanism deciphering the link between neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders is still unclear. In recent years, transient receptor potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for modulators. TRPA1 agonists/antagonists have shown efficacy in both neuropsychiatric disorders and appetite regulation and thus provide a crucial link between both. TRPA1 channels are activated by compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, allyl isothiocyanate, allicin and methyl syringate, which are present naturally in food items such as cinnamon, wasabi, mustard, garlic, etc. As these are present in many daily food items, it could also improve patient compliance and reduce the patients' monetary burden. In this review, we have tried to present evidence of the possible involvement of TRPA1 channels in neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders and a possible hint towards using TRPA1 modulators to target appetite, lipid metabolism, glucose and insulin homeostasis and inflammation associated with NPDs.

Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract attenuates tilmicosin-induced renal damage in male rats via suppression of oxidative stress, inflammatory injury, and intermediate filament proteins mRNA expression

Tilmicosin (Til) is a popular macrolide antibiotic, widely used in veterinary practice. The present study was designed to address the efficacy of Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract (MOE) in protecting against Tilmicosin (Til) - induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were treated once with Til (75 mg/kg bw, subcutaneously), and/or MOE for 7 days (400 or 800 mg/kg bw, by oral gavage). Til-treatment was associated with significantly increased serum levels of creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium and GGT activity, as well as decreased total protein and albumin concentrations. Renal tissue hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were elevated, while the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes were diminished. The levels of renal tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and the mRNA expression of intermediate filament protein encoding genes (desmin, nestin and vimentin) in the kidney were up- regulated with histopathological alterations in renal glomeruli, tubules and interstitial tissue. These toxic effects were markedly ameliorated by co-treatment of MOE with Til, in a dose dependent manner. Taken together, these results indicate that MO at 800 mg/kg protects against Til-induced renal injury, likely by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it suitable to be used as a protective supplement with Til therapy.

Production of Plant-Associated Volatiles by Select Model and Industrially Important Streptomyces spp

The Streptomyces produce a great diversity of specialized metabolites, including highly volatile compounds with potential biological activities. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by nine Streptomyces spp., some of which are of industrial importance, were collected and identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) present in the genomes of the respective Streptomyces spp. were also predicted to match them with the VOCs detected. Overall, 33 specific VOCs were identified, of which the production of 16 has not been previously reported in the Streptomyces. Among chemical classes, the most abundant VOCs were terpenes, which is consistent with predicted biosynthetic capabilities. In addition, 27 of the identified VOCs were plant-associated, demonstrating that some Streptomyces spp. can also produce such molecules. It is possible that some of the VOCs detected in the current study have roles in the interaction of Streptomyces with plants and other higher organisms, which might provide opportunities for their application in agriculture or industry.

Effects of ethyl hexanoate on activities of sympathetic nerves innervating the brown and white adipose tissues, body temperature, and plasma fatty acids

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is implicated in maintaining homeostasis of the internal environment in mammals. Therefore, changes occurring in the ANS can cause alterations of physiological phenomena. Ethyl hexanoate (EH) is known as the aroma component of apples. To study the action of ethyl hexanoate on physiological phenomena, we examined the effect of an intragastric (IG) injection of 1 mL/kg body weight of 0.1 ppm EH solution on sympathetic nerve activity innervating the brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) in anesthetized rats. Consequently, IG administration of EH increased activity of the sympathetic nerves innervating both the BAT and WAT. In addition, the effects of the IG injection on body temperature above the interscapular BAT and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentration were also examined in conscious rats. In this attempt IG injection of EH elevated both the body temperature and plasma FFA levels. Furthermore, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy eliminated the effects of EH on sympathetic nerves innervating BAT and WAT. These findings suggest that EH causes excitations of sympathetic nerves innervating BAT and WAT, and enhances thermogenesis and lipolysis via the afferent vagus nerve. Thus, these present findings also suggest the possibility that EH might have anti-obesity effects.

Mammalian Transient Receptor Potential TRPA1 Channels: From Structure to Disease

The transient receptor potential ankyrin (TRPA) channels are Ca²⁺-permeable nonselective cation channels remarkably conserved through the animal kingdom. Mammals have only one member, TRPA1, which is widely expressed in sensory neurons and in non-neuronal cells (such as epithelial cells and hair cells). TRPA1 owes its name to the presence of 14 ankyrin repeats located in the NH₂ terminus of the channel, an unusual structural feature that may be relevant to its interactions with intracellular components. TRPA1 is primarily involved in the detection of an extremely wide variety of exogenous stimuli that may produce cellular damage. This includes a plethora of electrophilic compounds that interact with nucleophilic amino acid residues in the channel and many other chemically unrelated compounds whose only common feature seems to be their ability to partition in the plasma membrane. TRPA1 has been reported to be activated by cold, heat, and mechanical stimuli, and its function is modulated by multiple factors, including Ca²⁺, trace metals, pH, and reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and carbonyl species. TRPA1 is involved in acute and chronic pain as well as inflammation, plays key roles in the pathophysiology of nearly all organ systems, and is an attractive target for the treatment of related diseases. Here we review the current knowledge about the mammalian TRPA1 channel, linking its unique structure, widely tuned sensory properties, and complex regulation to its roles in multiple pathophysiological conditions.

Medicinal properties of terpenes found in Cannabis sativa and Humulus lupulus

Cannabaceae plants Cannabis sativa L. and Humulus lupulus L. are rich in terpenes - both are typically comprised of terpenes as up to 3-5% of the dry-mass of the female inflorescence. Terpenes of cannabis and hops are typically simple mono- and sesquiterpenes derived from two and three isoprene units, respectively. Some terpenes are relatively well known for their potential in biomedicine and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, while others are yet to be studied in detail. The current, comprehensive review presents terpenes found in cannabis and hops. Terpenes' medicinal properties are supported by numerous in vitro, animal and clinical trials and show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticancer, antitumor, neuroprotective, anti-mutagenic, anti-allergic, antibiotic and anti-diabetic attributes, among others. Because of the very low toxicity, these terpenes are already widely used as food additives and in cosmetic products. Thus, they have been proven safe and well-tolerated.