Beneficial effects of Cirsium japonicum var. maackii on menopausal symptoms in ovariectomized rats

Antibacterial Activity of Plants in Cirsium: A Comprehensive Review

As ethnic medicine, the whole grass of plants in Cirsium was used as antimicrobial. This review focuses on the antimicrobial activity of plants in Cirsium, including antimicrobial components, against different types of microbes and bacteriostatic mechanism. The results showed that the main antimicrobial activity components in Cirsium plants were flavonoids, triterpenoids and phenolic acids, and the antimicrobial ability varied according to the species and the content of chemicals. Among them, phenolic acids showed a strong antibacterial ability against Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecium. The antibacterial mechanisms include: (1) damaging the cell membrane, cell walls, mitochondria and nucleus of bacteria; (2) inhibiting the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids; (3) suppressing the synthesis of enzymes for tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways and glycolysis, and then killing the bacteria via inhibition of energy production. Totally, most research results on antimicrobial activity of Cirsium plants are reported based on in vitro assays. The evidence from clinical data and comprehensive evaluation are needed.

Chlorogenic Acid of Cirsium japonicum Resists Oxidative Stress Caused by Aging and Prolongs Healthspan via SKN-1/Nrf2 and DAF-16/FOXO in Caenorhabditis elegans

To evaluate the value of Cirsium japonicum (CJ; thistle) as a material for functional foods, we studied the functional composition of cultivated CJ and the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity of the functional substance. The detected phenolics in farmed CJ were chlorogenic acid (CA), linarin (LIN), and pectolinarin (PLIN) by HPLC analysis. As a result of the antioxidant activity of CJ and its phenolics by DPPH and ABTS method, CA had shown the greatest antioxidant activity. We employed Caenorhabditis elegans to validate that in vitro effects of CA are shown in vivo. CA delayed reduction in pumping rate and progeny production during aging of C. elegans. Under both normal and oxidative stress conditions, CA reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in worms and increased their lifespan. In particular, CA showed the reducing effect of ROS accumulation due to aging in aged worms (8 days old). To gain insight into the mechanism, we used skn-1/Nrf2 and daf-16/FOXO transformed worms. The CA effects (on catalase activity and lifespan extension) in the wild-type (WT) decreased in skn-1 and daf-16 mutants. In particular, CA strongly relied on daf-16 under mild oxidative condition and skn-1 under overall (from mild to strong) oxidative stress to reduce ROS and extend healthspan. Thus, we conclude that CA, a key bioactive phenolic of CJ, reduces ROS production and ultimately extends healthspan, and this effect is the result of actions of daf-16 or skn-1 at different stages depending on the degree of oxidation or aging. Our results suggest that CJ containing CA can be used as an antiaging material due to its antioxidant properties.

Glycine Acts Through Estrogen Receptor Alpha to Mediate Estrogen Receptor Signaling, Stimulating Osteogenesis and Attenuating Adipogenesis in Ovariectomized Rats

SCOPE

Glycine is commonly used as an additive in bone health supplements, the activity and differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are essential to bone metabolism, but the effect of Glycine on bone metabolism and specific mechanism are not fully clarified.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The ovariectomized rats to evaluate the effects of Glycine on bone quality and quantity is constructed; then used an ER signaling inhibitor (ICI182780) and an ERα deficient BMSCs to explore how Glycine mediated ERα regulating the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs; furthermore, an autodock analysis is used to assess the affinity of Glycine and ERα. The results show that Glycine significantly moderated bone mass and bone microstructure in ovariectomized rats; Glycine stimulates the osteogenic differentiation and attenuates the adipogenic differentiation in OVX rats and BMSCs, and these effects could be abolished by ICI 182780; further docking experiment showes that Glycine and ERα have a stronger affinity, and finally proves that the impact of Glycine could be blocked by ERα.

CONCLUSION

Glycine stimulates osteogenesis and attenuates adipogenesis in ovariectomized rats, which process may involve in ERα mediated ER signaling pathway.

Ameliorative effects of Cirsium japonicum extract and main component cirsimaritin in mice model of high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease

The objective of this study was to determine biological effects of Cirsium japonicum extract and its main component cirsimaritin on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in a mouse model. Mice were fed with a HFD to induce MAFLD and simultaneously administered with C. japonicum extract (CJE) or cirsimaritin. Various MAFLD biomarkers were evaluated using biological methods. Results demonstrated that triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels in the liver of mice were significantly reduced upon administration of CJE or cirsimaritin. Treatment with CJE or cirsimaritin also reduced the severity of liver injury in the experimental mouse model of MAFLD by inhibiting hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. These results demonstrate that CJE and cirsimaritin as its main compound have a preventive action against the progression of hepatic steatosis to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Our study suggests that CJE and cirsimaritin might be promising agents for preventing and/or treating MAFLD.

Effects of Radix Polygalae on Cognitive Decline and Depression in Estradiol Depletion Mouse Model of Menopause

Postmenopausal syndrome refers to symptoms caused by the gradual decrease in female hormones after mid-40 years. As a target organ of estrogen, decrease in estrogen causes various changes in brain function such as a decrease in choline acetyltransferase and brain-derived neurotrophic factor; thus, postmenopausal women experience cognitive decline and more depressive symptoms than age-matched men. Radix Polygalae has been used for memory boosting and as a mood stabilizer and its components have shown neuroprotective, antidepressant, and stress relief properties. In a mouse model of estrogen depletion induced by 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide, Radix Polygalae was orally administered for 3 weeks. In these animals, cognitive and depression-related behaviors and molecular changes related to these behaviors were measured in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Radix Polygalae improved working memory and contextual memory and despair-related behaviors in 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide-treated mice without increasing serum estradiol levels in this model. In relation to these behaviors, choline acetyltransferase and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and bcl-2-associated athanogene expression increased in the hippocampus. These results implicate the possible benefit of Radix Polygalae in use as a supplement of estrogen to prevent conditions such as postmenopausal depression and cognitive decline.

Identification of the Active Ingredient and Beneficial Effects of Vitex rotundifolia Fruits on Menopausal Symptoms in Ovariectomized Rats

Estrogen replacement therapy is a treatment to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Many studies suggest that natural bioactive ingredients from plants resemble estrogen in structure and biological functions and can relieve symptoms of menopause. The fruit of V. rotundifolia, called "Man HyungJa" in Korean, is a traditional medicine used to treat headache, migraine, eye pain, neuralgia, and premenstrual syndrome in Korea and China. The aim of the present study was to confirm that V. rotundifolia fruit extract (VFE) exerts biological functions similar to those of estrogen in menopausal syndrome. We investigated its in vitro effects on MCF-7 cells and in vivo estrogen-like effects on weight gain and uterine contraction in ovariectomized rats. Using the polar extract, the active constituents of VFE (artemetin, vitexicarpin, hesperidin, luteolin, vitexin, and vanillic acid) with estrogen-like activity were identified in MCF-7 cells. In animal experiments, the efficacy of VFE in ameliorating body weight gain was similar to that of estrogen, as evidenced from improvements in uterine atrophy. Vitexin and vitexicarpin are suggested as the active constituents of V. rotundifolia fruits.

Amelioration effects of Cirsium japonicum var. maackii extract/fractions on amyloid beta25-35-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells and identification of the main bioactive compound

Amyloid beta (Aβ) is a neurotoxic peptide, and the accumulation of Aβ in the brain is the major characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, the beneficial effects of Cirsium japonicum var. maackii (CJM) on brain health has attracted much attention. In the present study, we investigated the ability and protective mechanisms of CJM to attenuate neuronal toxicity caused by Aβ using SH-SY5Y cells. Aβ25-35 treatment decreased cell viability, whereas CJM extract/fractions increased cell viability in Aβ25-35-treated cells. We found that CJM treatment prevented the accumulation of reactive oxygen species observed in Aβ25-35-treated control cells. Furthermore, Aβ25-35-mediated production of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β was significantly suppressed by CJM. In addition, apoptotic factors were modulated in CJM-treated cells by downregulating B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein and upregulating B-cell lymphoma-2 protein expression. The assays showed that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of CJM has greater neuroprotective bioactivities compared with the other extract/fractions. The main neuroprotective active compound from the EtOAc fraction of CJM was identified as pectolinarin using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry. Collectively, this study not only describes the neuroprotective effect of CJM against Aβ25-35via the regulation of oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic signaling pathways, but also provides useful information for future studies on the mechanism of novel medicinal sources based on pectolinarin isolated from CJM.

Estrogenic activity of ethyl gallate and its potential use in hormone replacement therapy

We aimed to compare the estrogenic activities of compounds isolated from Moutan Cortex Radicis (MRC, Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews) and identify their potential use in hormone replacement therapy. We quantified seven marker components (gallic acid, oxypaeoniflorin, paeoniflorin, ethyl gallate, benzoic acid, benzoylpaeoniflorin, and paeonol) in MRC using a high-performance liquid chromatography simultaneous analysis assay. To investigate the estrogenic activity of MRC and the seven marker components, an E-screen assay was conducted using the estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. Among them, ethyl gallate caused cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner at concentrations above 25 µM and was clearly suppressed by combination treatment with the ER antagonist ICI 182,780. Therefore, ethyl gallate may be a compound of MRC that can increase the estrogenic effect in ER-positive MCF-7 cells.

Lactobacillus-fermented milk products attenuate bone loss in an experimental rat model of ovariectomy-induced post-menopausal primary osteoporosis

AIM

In this study, we investigated the anti-osteoporotic effect of two fermented milk products (FMPs) fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum A41 and Lactobacillus fermentum SRK414 on a rat model of ovariectomy-induced post-menopausal primary osteoporosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The two Lactobacillus FMPs increased the bone volume and bone mineral density (BMD) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and normalized the bone biomarkers in the serum. Additionally, they altered the gene expression levels of bone-metabolism-related markers. Furthermore, the two Lactobacillus FMPs downregulated bone-apoptosis-related genes stimulated by ovariectomy. Interestingly, the Lactobacillus FMPs decreased the levels of inflammation markers in the serum, bone, ileum and colon of the rats. Gut bacterial populations were also affected upon FMP treatment due to increase in the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.

CONCLUSIONS

Milk products fermented by L. plantarum A41 and L. fermentum SRK414 can exhibit anti-osteoporotic effects on post-menopausal osteoporosis via regulating the expression of bone-metabolism-related markers.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The two Lactobacillus FMPs used in the study can be an ideal method that has its potential of treating post-menopausal osteoporosis instead of drug treatments.

Antioxidant Capacity of Thistle (Cirsium japonicum) in Various Drying Methods and their Protection Effect on Neuronal PC12 Cells and Caenorhabditis elegans

The aim of this study was, firstly, to evaluate the phenol profile of thistle (Cirsium japonicum, CJ) by High performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS), dried by different methods (90 °C hot-air, 70 °C hot-air, shade-, and freeze-drying). Secondly, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between phenolic compounds content and antioxidant properties. CJ contained chlorogenic acid, linarin, and pectolinarin. Total phenolic contents of CJ significantly decreased under hot-air-drying condition, especially chlorogenic acid contents in CJ have been reduced by 85% and 60% for 90 °C and 70 °C hot-air-drying, respectively. We evaluated the protective effect on adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and Caenorhabditis elegans using shade-dried CJ, which has the largest phenolic contents and the strongest antioxidant property. CJ-treated PC 12 cells dose-dependently exhibited the protective effects against reactive oxygen species (ROS), while cell viability increases, lactate dehydrogenase release decreases, and ROS formation decreases. Furthermore, CJ has also shown protection against ROS in C. elegans. Consequently, CJ contributed to lifespan extension under ROS stress without influencing the physiological growth.

Effects of nicotine on markers of bone turnover in ovariectomized rats

Introduction

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and density, as well as change in microarchitecture of bone tissue leading to decreased bone strength. In vitro research shows nicotine can increase osteoblast activity and proliferation, also suppress osteoclast activity. Therefore we explore nicotine anti-resorptive property by in vivo true experimental and randomized posttest only controlled group research that was conducted in 18-20 weeks old Rattus norvegicus.

Methods

Twenty-five female rats were divided into five groups, with 5 rats per group. The first group represented normal rats (Sham), while the second to fifth group underwent bilateral ovariectomy. The second group serves as positive control group (ovariectomy-only/OVX). The third to fifth group serve as dose 1 (P1-0.25mg/kg), dose 2 (P2-0.5 mg/kg), and Dose 3 (P3-0.75 mg/kg) treatment group receiving daily per-oral nicotine for 28 days, started 3 weeks post- ovariectomy. After 28 days treatment, the serum was checked.

Results

Nicotine has dose-dependent manner on serum osteocalcin and serum DPD level. Level of osteocalcin in P2 group was significantly lower (Mann-Whitney, p = 0.008) compared to OVX group (59.4% lower). Level of DPD in all group was not significantly different (ANOVA, p < 0.05) but shows lowest level in P2 group. For serum calcitonin level, there's no significant different between groups.

Conclusion

Nicotine at right low-dose might be able to inhibit osteoclast activity, thus open a possibility of anti-resorptive property of nicotine.