Annonacin, a lipophilic inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, induces nigral and striatal neurodegeneration in rats: possible relevance for atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Syndrome: An Overview

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disease, commonly observed as a movement disorder in the group of parkinsonian diseases. The term PSP usually refers to PSP-Richardson's syndrome (PSP-RS), the most typical clinical presentation. However, the broad concept of progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome (PSP-S) applies to a set of clinical entities that share a pathophysiological origin and some symptoms. According to its clinical predominance, PSP-S is divided into subtypes. PSP-S has clinical similarities with Parkinson's disease, and both pathologies are classified in the group of parkinsonisms, but they do not share pathophysiological traits. By contrast, the pathophysiology of corticobasal syndrome (CBS) depends on tau expression and shares similarities with PSP-S in both pathophysiology and clinical picture. An involvement of the immune system has been proposed as a cause of neurodegeneration. The role of neuroinflammation in PSP-S has been studied by neuroimaging, among other methods. As it is the case in other neurodegenerative pathologies, microglial cells have been attributed a major role in PSP-S. While various studies have explored the detection and use of possible inflammatory biomarkers in PSP-S, no significant advances have been made in this regard. This review is aimed at highlighting the most relevant information on neuroinflammation and peripheral inflammation in the development and progression of PSP-S, to lay the groundwork for further research on the pathophysiology, potential biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies for PSP-S.

Neonatal brain inflammation enhances methamphetamine-induced reinstated behavioral sensitization in adult rats analyzed with explainable machine learning

Neonatal brain inflammation produced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in long-lasting brain dopaminergic injury and motor disturbances in adult rats. The goal of the present work is to investigate the effect of neonatal systemic LPS exposure (1 or 2 mg/kg, i.p. injection in postnatal day 5, P5, male rats)-induced dopaminergic injury to examine methamphetamine (METH)-induced behavioral sensitization as an indicator of drug addiction. On P70, subjects underwent a treatment schedule of 5 once daily subcutaneous (s.c.) administrations of METH (0.5 mg/kg) (P70-P74) to induce behavioral sensitization. Ninety-six hours following the 5th treatment of METH (P78), the rats received one dose of 0.5 mg/kg METH (s.c.) to reintroduce behavioral sensitization. Hyperlocomotion is a critical index caused by drug abuse, and METH administration has been shown to produce remarkable locomotor-enhancing effects. Therefore, a random forest model was used as the detector to extract the feature interaction patterns among the collected high-dimensional locomotor data. Our approaches identified neonatal systemic LPS exposure dose and METH-treated dates as features significantly associated with METH-induced behavioral sensitization, reinstated behavioral sensitization, and perinatal inflammation in this experimental model of drug addiction. Overall, the analysis suggests that the implementation of machine learning strategies is sensitive enough to detect interaction patterns in locomotor activity. Neonatal LPS exposure also enhanced METH-induced reduction of dopamine transporter expression and [3H]dopamine uptake, reduced mitochondrial complex I activity, and elevated interleukin-1β and cyclooxygenase-2 concentrations in the P78 rat striatum. These results indicate that neonatal systemic LPS exposure produces a persistent dopaminergic lesion leading to a long-lasting change in the brain reward system as indicated by the enhanced METH-induced behavioral sensitization and reinstated behavioral sensitization later in life. These findings indicate that early-life brain inflammation may enhance susceptibility to drug addiction development later in life, which provides new insights for developing potential therapeutic treatments for drug addiction.

Laherradurin Inhibits Tumor Growth in an Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium Colorectal Cancer Model In Vivo

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common neoplasia in the world. Its mortality rate is high due to the lack of specific and effective treatments, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy, among other factors. The natural products in cancer are a primary source of bioactive molecules. In this research, we evaluated the antitumor activity of an acetogenin (ACG), laherradurin (LH), isolated from the Mexican medicinal plant Annona macroprophyllata Donn.Sm. in a CRC murine model. The CRC was induced by azoxymethane-dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS) in Balb/c mice and treated for 21 days with LH or cisplatin. This study shows for the first time the antitumor activity of LH in an AOM/DSS CRC model. The acetogenin diminished the number and size of tumors compared with cisplatin; the histologic studies revealed a recovery of the colon tissue, and the blood toxicity data pointed to less damage in animals treated with LH. The TUNEL assay indicated cell death by apoptosis, and the in vitro studies exhibited that LH inhibited cell migration in HCT116 cells. Our study provides strong evidence of a possible anticancer agent for CRC.

The interplay between α-Synuclein and NLRP3 inflammasome in Parkinson's disease

α-Synuclein is a member of a protein of synucleins, which is a presynaptic neuron protein. It is usually highly expressed in the brain and participates in the formation and transmission of nerve synapses. It has been reported that abnormal aggregation of α-Syn can induce the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia, increase the production of IL-1β, and aggravate neuroinflammation. Therefore, it is recognized as one of the important factors leading to neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease. In this paper, we aimed to explore the influence of post-translational modification of α-Syn on its pathological aggregation and summarize various pathways that activate NLRP3 triggered by α-Syn and targeted therapeutic strategies, which provided new insights for further exploring the origin and targeted therapy of Parkinson's disease.

An evaluation of the quality of Annona muricata leaf products

OBJECTIVES

Annona muricata, also known as graviola, is traditionally used for the treatment of a range of disorders including cancer. Interest in A. muricata use has increased in recent years. This study investigated the quality and safety of a selection of commercially available A. muricata leaf products.

METHODS

Seven commercially available products were purchased via online shopping sites. Each product was assessed for quality indicators including weight variation, quantification of the bioactive constituent annonacin, presence of annonaceous acetogenins and contaminants. The samples were evaluated by thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy, low-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Microbial analysis was carried out in accordance with the British Pharmacopoeia. Heavy metals were analysed by inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

KEY FINDINGS

Of the seven products analysed, one product contained less than half of the content stated on the label. The labelled dosage recommendation varied between products. There was a high variation in annonacin concentration (1.05-3.09 mg/g) and the presence of annonaceous acetogenins. One of the products was found to have a total aerobic microbial count above the United States Pharmacopoeia limit.

CONCLUSIONS

The variation in the indicators of quality and safety of commercially available A. muricata leaf products tested have implications for clinicians and people living with cancer who use these herbal products.

Endemic parkinsonism: clusters, biology and clinical features

The term 'endemic parkinsonism' refers to diseases that manifest with a dominant parkinsonian syndrome, which can be typical or atypical, and are present only in a particular geographically defined location or population. Ten phenotypes of endemic parkinsonism are currently known: three in the Western Pacific region; two in the Asian-Oceanic region; one in the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique; and four in Europe. Some of these disease entities seem to be disappearing over time and therefore are probably triggered by unique environmental factors. By contrast, other types persist because they are exclusively genetically determined. Given the geographical clustering and potential overlap in biological and clinical features of these exceptionally interesting diseases, this Review provides a historical reference text and offers current perspectives on each of the 10 phenotypes of endemic parkinsonism. Knowledge obtained from the study of these disease entities supports the hypothesis that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, not only in endemic parkinsonism but also in general. At the same time, this understanding suggests useful directions for further research in this area.

Natural Acetogenins, Chatenaytrienins-1, -2, -3 and -4, Mitochondrial Potential Uncouplers and Autophagy Inducers-Promising Anticancer Agents

The present paper details the complete stereoselective synthesis of four natural acetogenins, chatenaytrienins-1, -2, -3 and -4, previously isolated from the roots of fruit trees of the family Annonaceae (A. nutans and A. muricata), as an inseparable mixture. The novel organometallic reactions, developed by the authors, of Ti-catalyzed cross-cyclomagnesiation of O-containing and aliphatic allenes using available Grignard reagents were applied at the key stage of synthesis. We have studied the biological activity of the synthesized individual chatenaytrienins-1, -2, -3 and -4 in vitro, including their cytotoxicity in a panel of tumor lines and their ability to induce apoptosis, affect the cell cycle and mitochondria, and activate the main apoptotic signaling pathways in the cell, applying modern approaches of flow cytometry and multiplex analysis with Luminex xMAP technology. It has been shown that chatenaytrienins affect mitochondria by uncoupling the processes of mitochondrial respiration, causing the accumulation of ROS ions, followed by the initiation of apoptosis. The most likely mechanism for the death of cortical neurons from the consumption of tea from the seeds of Annona fruit is long-term chronic hypoxia, which leads to the development of an atypical form of Parkinson's disease that is characteristic of the indigenous inhabitants of Guam and New Caledonia.

Effects of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) Seed Extract on the Differentiation and Fat Accumulation of 3T3-L1 Cells under Different Glucose Conditions

Asimina triloba (pawpaw) contains various bioactive alkaloids and acetogenins. In the present study, the effects of pawpaw seed extract (PSE) on adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation were investigated in 3T3-L1 cells under different glucose conditions. Treatment of undifferentiated cells with 10 ng/mL PSE increased lactic acid production, suggesting enhanced anaerobic glycolysis. PSE treatment also suppressed cell proliferation and decreased the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)⁺/NADH ratio in low-glucose medium; however, this effect was not observed in high-glucose medium. Additionally, PSE treatment under low-glucose conditions resulted in reduced accumulation of triglycerides and decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, CAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-α, and sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c in adipocyte-differentiated cells. PSE exerted greater effects on adipocyte differentiation and triglyceride content in 3T3-L1 cells under low-glucose conditions than under high-glucose conditions. These findings indicate that PSE enhances anaerobic glycolysis and inhibits adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells under glucose-restricted conditions.

Identification of Annonaceous Acetogenins and Alkaloids from the Leaves, Pulp, and Seeds of Annona atemoya

Annonaceae is a large family composed of more than 119 genera and more than 2500 species that are distributed in both tropical and subtropical areas. The Annona genus is a member of Annonaceae family, which encompasses about 175 species, most of which are native to Brazil and tropical America. This plant is commonly found on tropical and subtropical continents. Annona atemoya is a commercially important hybrid of A. squamosa and A. cherimola. Phytochemical investigations of A. atemoya leaves, fruit, and seeds have been conducted in limited studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the constituents of the leaves, fruit pulp, and seeds of A. atemoya because few studies have reported their constituents. Annonaceous acetogenins were identified in the leaves and pulp of A. atemoya for the first time. Twenty compounds were identified: sixteen were acetogenins and four were alkaloids. Additionally, two compounds were isolated, and their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis and compared with the results of previous studies. The concentration of acetogenins in the pulp was very low compared with that in the leaves, whereas the seeds were found to contain the highest concentrations and greatest diversity of compounds.

Understanding the Involvement of microRNAs in Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Their Role as Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting the elderly worldwide and causing significant movement impairments. The goal of PD treatment is to restore dopamine levels in the striatum and regulate movement symptoms. The lack of specific biomarkers for early diagnosis, as well as medication aimed at addressing the pathogenic mechanisms to decelerate the progression of dopaminergic neurodegeneration, are key roadblocks in the management of PD. Various pathogenic processes have been identified to be involved in the progression of PD, with mitochondrial dysfunction being a major contributor to the disease's pathogenesis. The regulation of mitochondrial functions is influenced by a variety of factors, including epigenetics. microRNAs (miRNAs) are epigenetic modulators involved in the regulation of gene expression and regulate a variety of proteins that essential for proper mitochondrial functioning. They are found to be dysregulated in PD, as evidenced by biological samples from PD patients and in vitro and in vivo research. In this article, we attempt to provide an overview of several miRNAs linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in PD.

Evaluation of Genotoxicity and Toxicity of Annona muricata L. Seeds and In Silico Studies

Cancer is a multifactorial organic dysfunction for which great efforts are being devoted in searching for new treatments and therapeutic adjuvants. Annona muricata is a fruit that has promising activity against several types of cancer, as it contains acetogenins, the metabolite group associated with this action. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate, in experimental models, the toxic behavior of an extract and fraction rich in acetogenins from A. muricata seeds and study the acetogenin, Annonacin, in silico. Phytochemical characterization was made by thin layer chromatography, spectroscopy in the infrared region and nuclear magnetic resonance. Toxicity was evaluated by tests of Allium cepa and Artemia salina, and in silico studies using the SwissDock servers DockThor, PharmMapper, ADMETLab, PreADME, Osiris and ProTox. The extract and fraction showed genotoxic activity against meristematic cells of A. cepa, reducing the mitotic index; however, the extract produced great deleterious effects on the system, even causing cell necrosis. In A. Saline, the extract was more toxic than the fraction, but both samples were considered toxic. Annonacin was effectively linked to complex I, and presented different activities regarding toxicity. Thus, the results of this study are promising, highlighting the anticancer potential of acetogenins.

Annonaceae Consumption Worsens Disease Severity and Cognitive Deficits in Degenerative Parkinsonism

BACKGROUND

High consumption of Annona muricata fruit has been previously identified as a risk factor for atypical parkinsonism in the French Caribbean islands.

OBJECTIVE

We tested whether consumption of Annonaceae products could worsen the clinical phenotype of patients with any form of degenerative parkinsonism.

METHODS

We analyzed neurological data from 180 Caribbean parkinsonian patients and specifically looked for dose effects of lifelong, cumulative Annonaceae consumption on cognitive performance. Using unsupervised clustering, we identified one cluster with mild/moderate symptoms (N = 102) and one with severe symptoms including cognitive impairment (N = 78).

RESULTS

We showed that even low cumulative consumption of fruits/juices (>0.2 fruit-years) or any consumption of herbal tea from Annonaceae worsen disease severity and cognitive deficits in degenerative parkinsonism including Parkinson's disease (OR fruits-juices: 3.76 [95% CI: 1.13-15.18]; OR herbal tea: 2.91 [95% CI: 1.34-6.56]).

CONCLUSION

We suggest that more restrictive public health preventive recommendations should be made regarding the consumption of Annonaceae products. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Mitochondrial electron transport chain defects modify Parkinson's disease phenotypes in a Drosophila model

INTRODUCTION

Mitochondrial defects have been implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) since complex I poisons were found to cause accelerated parkinsonism in young people in the early 1980s. More evidence of mitochondrial involvement arose when many of the genes whose mutations caused inherited PD were discovered to be subcellularly localized to mitochondria or have mitochondrial functions. However, the details of how mitochondrial dysfunction might impact or cause PD remain unclear. The aim of our study was to better understand mitochondrial dysfunction in PD by evaluating mitochondrial respiratory complex mutations in a Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) model of PD.

METHODS

We have conducted a targeted heterozygous enhancer/suppressor screen using Drosophila mutations within mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) genes against a null PD mutation in parkin. The interactions were assessed by climbing assays at 2-5 days as an indicator of motor function. A strong enhancer mutation in COX5A was examined further for L-dopa rescue, oxygen consumption, mitochondrial content, and reactive oxygen species. A later timepoint of 16-20 days was also investigated for both COX5A and a suppressor mutation in cyclope. Generalized Linear Models and similar statistical tests were used to verify significance of the findings.

RESULTS

We have discovered that mutations in individual genes for subunits within the mitochondrial respiratory complexes have interactions with parkin, while others do not, irrespective of complex. One intriguing mutation in a complex IV subunit (cyclope) shows a suppressor rescue effect at early time points, improving the gross motor defects caused by the PD mutation, providing a strong candidate for drug discovery. Most mutations, however, show varying degrees of enhancement or slight suppression of the PD phenotypes. Thus, individual mitochondrial mutations within different oxidative phosphorylation complexes have different interactions with PD with regard to degree and direction. Upon further investigation of the strongest enhancer (COX5A), the mechanism by which these interactions occur initially does not appear to be based on defects in ATP production, but rather may be related to increased levels of reactive oxygen species.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work highlights some key subunits potentially involved in mechanisms underlying PD pathogenesis, implicating ETC complexes other than complex I in PD.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction Contributes To Zinc-induced Neurodegeneration: a Link with NADPH Oxidase

Mitochondrial dysfunction and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase) are the major sources of augmentation in free radical generation leading to neurodegeneration. Although NADPH oxidase involvement is reported in zinc (Zn)-induced neurodegeneration, contribution of the mitochondrial dysfunction and its association with NADPH oxidase are not known. Therefore, the study was aimed to decipher the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and its link with NADPH oxidase in Zn-induced Parkinsonism. Zn reduced the motor activities, the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons, and level of TH protein. Conversely, Zn increased the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and catalytic activities of complex I and III. Zn also attenuated B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and pro-caspase 9/3 levels and augmented the translocation of cytosolic Bcl-2 associated X (Bax) protein to the mitochondria and cytochrome c release into cytosol from the mitochondria. Cyclosporine A, a mitochondrial outer membrane transition pore inhibitor and apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, independently, ameliorated the Zn-induced changes. Similarly, Zn reduced cell viability through mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, which were notably normalized in the presence of cyclosporine or apocynin. The results demonstrate that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to Zn-induced neurodegeneration, which could be partially aided by the NADPH oxidase.

Molecular Targets of Natural Compounds with Anti-Cancer Properties

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in humans. Despite rapid developments in diagnostic methods and therapies, metastasis and resistance to administrated drugs are the main obstacles to successful treatment. Therefore, the main challenge should be the diagnosis and design of optimal therapeutic strategies for patients to increase their chances of responding positively to treatment and increase their life expectancy. In many types of cancer, a deregulation of multiple pathways has been found. This includes disturbances in cellular metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, or epigenetic modifications. Additionally, signals received from the microenvironment may significantly contribute to cancer development. Chemical agents obtained from natural sources seem to be very attractive alternatives to synthetic compounds. They can exhibit similar anti-cancer potential, usually with reduced side effects. It was reported that natural compounds obtained from fruits and vegetables, e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, stilbenes, carotenoids and acetogenins, might be effective against cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Several published results indicate the activity of natural compounds on protein expression by its influence on transcription factors. They could also be involved in alterations in cellular response, cell signaling and epigenetic modifications. Such natural components could be used in our diet for anti-cancer protection. In this review, the activities of natural compounds, including anti-cancer properties, are described. The influence of natural agents on cancer cell metabolism, proliferation, signal transduction and epigenetic modifications is highlighted.

Evolving concepts in progressive supranuclear palsy and other 4-repeat tauopathies

Tauopathies are classified according to whether tau deposits predominantly contain tau isoforms with three or four repeats of the microtubule-binding domain. Those in which four-repeat (4R) tau predominates are known as 4R-tauopathies, and include progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, argyrophilic grain disease, globular glial tauopathies and conditions associated with specific MAPT mutations. In these diseases, 4R-tau deposits are found in various cell types and anatomical regions of the brain and the conditions share pathological, pathophysiological and clinical characteristics. Despite being considered 'prototype' tauopathies and, therefore, ideal for studying neuroprotective agents, 4R-tauopathies are still severe and untreatable diseases for which no validated biomarkers exist. However, advances in research have addressed the issues of phenotypic overlap, early clinical diagnosis, pathophysiology and identification of biomarkers, setting a road map towards development of treatments. New clinical criteria have been developed and large cohorts with early disease are being followed up in prospective studies. New clinical trial readouts are emerging and biomarker research is focused on molecular pathways that have been identified. Lessons learned from failed trials of neuroprotective drugs are being used to design new trials. In this Review, we present an overview of the latest research in 4R-tauopathies, with a focus on progressive supranuclear palsy, and discuss how current evidence dictates ongoing and future research goals.

Neurotoxicity and Behavioral Alterations Following Subchronic Administration of Aqueous Extract of Erythrophleum Ivorense Stem Bark in Mice

Introduction:

Erythrophleum Ivorense (EI) is a tree found across tropical Africa. The bark of EI is widely used as hunting poisons for animals and ordeal poison in humans. Eating this plant causes paralysis, respiratory distress, and amnesia. In folklore, these behavioral changes have been attributed to guilt in victims; nonetheless, no scientific evidence supports this claim. Thus, the mechanism of neurotoxicity and behavioral alteration of this plant should be investigated.

Methods:

A total of 48 BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into four groups. The three experimental groups were administered an aqueous extract of EI in a single daily dose of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg bodyweight for 28 days, while the control group received distilled water. Afterward, the motor coordination, learning, memory, and grip strength of the mice were accessed with wire grip, Morris water maze, and inverted wire mesh grid grip tests. Histological staining of brain sections was also carried out.

Results:

At all tested doses, the aqueous extract of EI caused a significant reduction in hanging latency, significantly increased escape latency, and decreased duration of the target platform in the Morris water maze test compared to control. Reduced grip strength was also observed in the test groups compared to the control. Histology revealed dysmorphic and disoriented Purkinje cells and loss of this cell layer of the cerebellum.

Conclusion:

Erythrophleum ivorense administration altered motor coordination, learning and memory, and grip strength in mice dose-dependently. It also caused disruption of granule cells layer, loss of Purkinje cells, and altered cerebellar anatomy leading to motor deficits in mice.

Environmental Risk Factors for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Typically, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is clinically characterized by slow vertical saccades or supranuclear gaze palsy, levodopa-resistant parkinsonism with predominant axial symptoms, and cognitive executive impairment. Over the past decades, various PSP phenotypes, including PSP with predominant parkinsonism, PSP with corticobasal syndrome, PSP with progressive gait freezing, and PSP with predominant frontal dysfunction, have been identified from pathologically confirmed cases. Expanding knowledge led to new diagnostic criteria for PSP that with increased disease awareness led to increased PSP prevalence estimates. The identification of environmental and modifiable risk factors creates an opportunity to intervene and delay the onset of PSP or slow disease progression. To date, despite the increasing number of publications assessing risk factors for PSP, few articles have focused on environmental and lifestyle risk factors for this disorder. In this article, we reviewed the literature investigating the relationship between PSP and several environmental and other modifiable lifestyle risk factors. In our review, we found that exposures to toxins related to diet, metals, well water, and hypertension were associated with increased PSP risk. In contrast, higher education and statins may be protective. Further case-control studies are encouraged to determine the exact role of these factors in the etiopathogenesis of PSP, which in turn would inform strategies to prevent and reduce the burden of PSP.

Understanding the Multiple Role of Mitochondria in Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders: Lesson From Genetics and Protein-Interaction Network

As neurons are highly energy-demanding cell, increasing evidence suggests that mitochondria play a large role in several age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Synaptic damage and mitochondrial dysfunction have been associated with early events in the pathogenesis of major neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, atypical parkinsonisms, and Huntington disease. Disruption of mitochondrial structure and dynamic is linked to increased levels of reactive oxygen species production, abnormal intracellular calcium levels, and reduced mitochondrial ATP production. However, recent research has uncovered a much more complex involvement of mitochondria in such disorders than has previously been appreciated, and a remarkable number of genes and proteins that contribute to the neurodegeneration cascade interact with mitochondria or affect mitochondrial function. In this review, we aim to summarize and discuss the deep interconnections between mitochondrial dysfunction and basal ganglia disorders, with an emphasis into the molecular triggers to the disease process. Understanding the regulation of mitochondrial pathways may be beneficial in finding pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions to delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Synergistic Cotreatment Potential of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Leaves Extract with Doxorubicin on 4T1 Cells with Antisenescence and Anti-reactive-oxygen-species Properties

Annona muricata L. extract (AME) exhibits cytotoxic activities on various types of cancer cells. This study aims to unveil the anticancer activity of AME as a cotreatment agent with doxorubicin (dox) on 4T1 cells and AME's relation to senescence. AME was obtained by maceration using 96% ethanol. AME was then subjected to qualitative analysis using TLC compared to quercetin (hRf = 75). Spectrophotometry analysis of AME resulted in a total flavonoid content of 2.3% ± 0.05%. Cytotoxic evaluation using the MTT assay revealed that AME showed an IC50 value of 63 µg/mL, while its combination (25 µg/mL) with dox (10 nM) decreased the viability of 4T1 cells to 58 % (CI = 0.15). Flowcytometry using propidium iodide staining confirmed that AME (13 and 25 µg/mL) caused cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase as a single treatment and G2/M arrest in combination with dox. However, by using the dichloro dihydrofluorescein diacetate staining assay, it turned out that AME at concentrations of 13 and 25 µg/mL decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels both as a single treatment and in combination with dox. Senescence-associated β - galactosidase assay showed that AME decreased dox-induced senescence. AME alone and in combination with dox (cotreatment) showed cytotoxic effect synergistically on 4T1 cells, but this was not caused by an increase in intracellular ROS levels as well as senescence induction. Therefore, AME showed its potential to be a cotreatment agent with antioxidant property on triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Risk assessment regarding the use of Annona muricata in food supplements

The current risk assessment was performed in the context of the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA) supported by EFSA and was intended to evaluate possible health risks associated with the consumption of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae) and derived food supplements. A. muricata grows as a tree and is native to the Caribbean and Central America. Preparations made from different plant parts of A. muricata (i.e. fruit, leaves, bark, roots) have been used as herbal medicine and are also marketed worldwide as over-the-counter food supplements that have been purported to support general health or to treat a wide range of health conditions, particularly cancer and parasitic infections. However, open questions remain regarding the safety of A. muricata-based food supplements, since Annonaceae have been reported to contain potentially neurotoxic compounds, i.e. acetogenins. The assessment conducted within the present fellowship programme shows that substantial uncertainties exist regarding the safe use of A. muricata-based supplements. The available data provide indications of neurotoxic potential of certain A. muricata preparations. The paucity of adequate studies, particularly related to long-term use of A. muricata supplements, currently does not allow the establishment of a safe intake level. Within this technical report a workflow of the project is presented.

Reduced cutaneous inflammation associated with antioxidant action after topical application of the aqueous extract of Annona muricata leaves

Annona muricata L. is used in folk medicine for treatment of diseases related to inflammatory and oxidative processes. This study investigated the effect of the aqueous extract of A. muricata leaves (AEAM) on TPA-induced ear inflammation and antioxidant capacity, both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of AEAM was measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and lipoperoxidation assays. Cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release were evaluated in the L929 fibroblasts. Swiss mice were submitted to TPA application and were topically treated with AEAM (0.3, 1 or 3 mg/ear). After 6 h, inflammatory and oxidative parameters were evaluated. Quercetin 3-glucoside, rutin, chlorogenic acid, catechin and gallic acid were identified in AEAM. It also presented antioxidant activity in all in vitro assays used. Incubation with AEAM did not cause cell cytotoxicity but reduced ROS release from fibroblasts. Compared with the control group, treatment with AEAM significantly reduced ear oedema and mieloperoxidase activity in inflamed ears, as well as histological parameters of inflammation. These results were associated with the reduction of total hydroperoxides and modulation of catalase, but not superoxide dismutase activity. These findings show the anti-inflammatory effect of AEAM is associated with antioxidant capacity.

Acetogenins from Annonaceae family. Their potential biological applications

The aim of this contribution has been to continue with the knowledge about newly isolated acetogenins from Annonaceae family for the last fifteen years. This review will report classification, extraction, isolation, elucidation of the structure, biological activities and mechanism of action of such interesting natural products. In fact, out of the 532 compounds reviewed, 115 previously non-described annonaceous acetogenins have been added to the list of isolated compounds from 2005 to May 2019.

Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Orally Administered Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Patients With Parkinson's Disease-A Pilot Study

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Preliminary data have shown lower brain adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in Parkinson's disease versus age-matched healthy controls. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) may improve impaired mitochondrial function. Our objective was to evaluate UDCA tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and its effect on brain bioenergetics in individuals with Parkinson's disease. An open-label, prospective, multiple-ascending-dose study of oral UDCA in 5 individuals with Parkinson's disease was completed. A blood safety panel, plasma concentrations of UDCA and UDCA conjugates, and brain ATP levels were measured before and after therapy (week 1: 15 mg/kg/day; week 2: 30 mg/kg/day; and weeks 3-6: 50 mg/kg/day). UDCA and conjugates were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. ATP levels and ATPase activity were measured using 7-Tesla 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Secondary measures included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. UDCA was generally well tolerated. The most frequent adverse event was gastrointestinal discomfort, rated by subjects as mild to moderate. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis resulted in (mean ± standard deviation) a maximum concentration of 8749 ± 2840 ng/mL and half-life of 2.1 ± 0.71 hr. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy data were obtained in 3 individuals with Parkinson's disease and showed modest increases in ATP and decreases in ATPase activity. Changes in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (parts I-IV) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (mean ± standard deviation) were -4.6 ± 6.4 and 2 ± 1.7, respectively. This is the first report of UDCA use in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Its pharmacokinetics are variable, and at high doses it appears reasonably well tolerated. Our findings warrant additional studies of its effect on brain bioenergetics.

The Role of Mitochondria in Neurodegenerative Diseases: the Lesson from Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease

Although the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases is still widely unclear, various mechanisms have been proposed and several pieces of evidence are supportive for an important role of mitochondrial dysfunction. The present review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview about the role of mitochondria in the two most common neurodegenerative disorders: Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondrial involvement in AD is supported by clinical features like reduced glucose and oxygen brain metabolism and by numerous microscopic and molecular findings, including altered mitochondrial morphology, impaired respiratory chain function, and altered mitochondrial DNA. Furthermore, amyloid pathology and mitochondrial dysfunction seem to be bi-directionally correlated. Mitochondria have an even more remarkable role in PD. Several hints show that respiratory chain activity, in particular complex I, is impaired in the disease. Mitochondrial DNA alterations, involving deletions, point mutations, depletion, and altered maintenance, have been described. Mutations in genes directly implicated in mitochondrial functioning (like Parkin and PINK1) are responsible for rare genetic forms of the disease. A close connection between alpha-synuclein accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction has been observed. Finally, mitochondria are involved also in atypical parkinsonisms, in particular multiple system atrophy. The available knowledge is still not sufficient to clearly state whether mitochondrial dysfunction plays a primary role in the very initial stages of these diseases or is secondary to other phenomena. However, the presented data strongly support the hypothesis that whatever the initial cause of neurodegeneration is, mitochondrial impairment has a critical role in maintaining and fostering the neurodegenerative process.

Xenobiotics, Trace Metals and Genetics in the Pathogenesis of Tauopathies

Tauopathies are a disease group characterized by either pathological accumulation or release of fragments of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins originating from the central nervous system. The tau hypotheses of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases contain a clinically diverse spectrum of tauopathies. Studies of case records of various tauopathies may reveal clinical phenotype characteristics of the disease. In addition, improved understanding of different tauopathies would disclose environmental factors, such as xenobiotics and trace metals, that can precipitate or modify the progression of the disorder. Important for diagnostics and monitoring of these disorders is a further development of adequate biomarkers, including refined neuroimaging, or proteomics. Our goal is to provide an in-depth review of the current literature regarding the pathophysiological roles of tau proteins and the pathogenic factors leading to various tauopathies, with the perspective of future advances in potential therapeutic strategies.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer: A Tunisian single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and to identify their side effects, when used in cancer patients. We also assessed the communication of the patients and families with the oncologist about this issue.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 120 adult patients treated for cancer in our medical oncology department between January and April 2019, using an anonymous questionnaire to assess complementary and alternative medicine use.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty patients participated in the survey, among them 102 used CAM (85%). A majority of users were female patients (n=72, 70.6%), and mean age was 52.4 years±11.6. Patients had breast cancer in 48% of cases. Wild herbs were the most commonly used alternative therapy (67.7%), particularly Ephedra foeminea (Alanda) in 52% of cases. Patients' families incited them to use CAM in 64.7% of cases. Internet and social network (Facebook) were the major sources of information on CAM (79.4%), followed by family and friends (72.5%). Fourteen patients (13.7%) reported nausea and vomiting secondary to CAM use. We reported disruption of liver function in 9.8% of cases, and renal failure in 1.96%, with fatal issue in one patient using Ephedra. Nineteen patients (18.6%) informed their oncologist about the alternative therapy they received.

CONCLUSION

The oncologist has to explore the use of alternative therapies with their patients. Communication about CAM should be a part of cancer care. It may protect patients from some dangerous side effects and improve efficacy of conventional therapy.

Progressive supranuclear palsy

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized pathologically by 4 repeat tau deposition in various cell types and anatomical regions. Richardson's syndrome (RS) is the initially described and one of the clinical phenotypes associated with PSP pathology, characterized by vertical supranuclear gaze paly in particular downwards, postural instability with early falls and subcortical frontal dementia. PSP can manifest as several other clinical phenotypes, including PSP-parkinsonism, -pure akinesia with gait freezing, -frontotemporal dementia, - corticobasal syndrome, - speech/language impairment. RS can also have a pathologic diagnosis other than PSP, including corticobasal degeneration, FTD-TDP-43 and others. New clinical diagnostic criteria take into account this phenotypic variability in an attempt to diagnose the disease earlier, given the current lack of a validated biomarker. At present, therapeutic options for PSP are symptomatic and insufficient. Recent large neuroprotective trials have failed to provide a positive clinical outcome, however, have led to the design of better studies that are ongoing and hold promise for a neuroprotective treatment for PSP.

The safety and tolerability of Annona muricata leaf extract: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Annona muricata, also known as graviola, soursop and guanabana, has been widely utilised for the treatment of a range of cancers. The mechanism of action and the efficacy of A. muricata and its constituents in the treatment of cancer have been comprehensively reviewed. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the available literature that reports on factors related to the safety and tolerability of A. muricata leaf extract and its acetogenins.

METHODS

In-vitro, preclinical animal studies and human studies of any design written in any language were included. Studies that evaluated A. muricata leaf extract and its constituents were searched through the databases Pubmed, Medline and Embase from inception to April 2019. The elaborated item 4 of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement and Animals in Research: Reporting In vivo Experiments guidelines were used to evaluate the quality of the studies.

KEY FINDINGS

The results suggest that A. muricata and its constituents have hepatoprotective, neurotoxic, antinociceptive, anti-ulcerative and chemopreventive effects. The dose and duration used in animal studies demonstrating toxicity may not directly translate into the effects in humans. Studies included in this review were judged to be of medium to high quality.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall outcome of the current review suggests that A. muricata has a favourable safety and tolerability profile. Future studies investigating its use in people diagnosed with a range of cancers are warranted.

Food toxins and the Caribbean Parkinson plus types

In the 90's, clinico pathological studies have considerably improved the diagnosis of specific and rare neurodegenerative diseases. After a training in Parkinsons' disease in Paris, the author moved to French West Indies (Guadeloupe) and observed a high incidence of atypical parkinsonism with dementia, unresponsive to levodopa. Similar features were observed in Martinique. An environmental origin has been suspected with the exposure to toxins of annonaceae leaves and seeds. The candidate toxins are acetogenins acting as mitochondrial poison. This was demonstrated in neuronal cell cultures, and in animals. However, the agency for food security did not conclude that Annonaceae should not be used for herbal (medicinal) tea, even if the population is now aware about the possible risk of parkinsonism after exposure to annonaceae acetogenins.

Antiangiogenic Activity and Chemical Derivatization of the Neurotoxic Acetogenin Annonacin Isolated from Asimina triloba

Annonacin (1) was isolated from the North American pawpaw ( Asimina triloba), as reported earlier from these laboratories. Natural 1 was submitted to the rat aortic ring bioassay for evaluation of antiangiogenic activity and was found to inhibit microvessel growth (IC₅₀ value of 3 μM). 4,10,15,20-Tetraazido derivatives of 1 were prepared by permesylation followed by azide displacement or by iodination followed by azide displacement. The tetraazide derived from mesylation/azidation was antiangiogenic, while that derived from iodination/azidation exhibited no appreciable activity. The membrane permeability of natural 1 was evaluated using the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay and was found to be marginally permeable as compared to several clinically relevant compounds.

Prenatal exposure to oxidative phosphorylation xenobiotics and late-onset Parkinson disease

Late-onset Parkinson disease is a multifactorial and multietiological disorder, age being one of the factors implicated. Genetic and/or environmental factors, such as pesticides, can also be involved. Up to 80% of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra are lost before motor features of the disorder begin to appear. In humans, these neurons are only formed a few weeks after fertilization. Therefore, prenatal exposure to pesticides or industrial chemicals during crucial steps of brain development might also alter their proliferation and differentiation. Oxidative phosphorylation is one of the metabolic pathways sensitive to environmental toxicants and it is crucial for neuronal differentiation. Many inhibitors of this biochemical pathway, frequently found as persistent organic pollutants, affect dopaminergic neurogenesis, promote the degeneration of these neurons and increase the risk of suffering late-onset Parkinson disease. Here, we discuss how an early, prenatal, exposure to these oxidative phosphorylation xenobiotics might trigger a late-onset, old age, Parkinson disease.

Annona muricata Leaf Extract Triggered Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway to Attenuate Cancerous Features of Triple Negative Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells

Annona muricata L., known as graviola, is an evergreen plant of the tropical regions and is a rich source of natural products. Graviola has various biological activities, and it is best known for its anticancer activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of crude graviola extract in vitro on breast cancer cells; in particular, we aimed to identify an agent against triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We used the TNBC MDA-MB-231 cell line as the experimental model and the ER(+) non-TNBC MCF-7 breast cancer cell line as the control. We identified annonaceous acetogenins, including annonacin isomers, characteristic to this plant by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). We observed a significant decrease in the cell viability in both cell lines within 48 h, whereas impaired cell motility and invasiveness were observed only in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. While the MCF-7 cells showed an ER-dependent mechanism of apoptosis, the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells was governed by an intrinsic apoptotic pathway triggered by graviola leaf extract (GLE).

Exploring the Leaves of Annona muricata L. as a Source of Potential Anti-inflammatory and Anticancer Agents

The use of anti-inflammatory natural products to treat inflammatory disorders for cancer prevention and therapy is an appealing area of interest in the last decades. Annona muricata L. is one of the many plant extracts that have been explored owing to their anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Different parts of A. muricata especially the leaves have been used for various ethnomedicinal purposes by traditional healers to treat several diseases including cancer, inflammation, diabetes, liver diseases, and abscesses. Some of these experience-based claims on the use of the plant have been transformed into evidence-based information by scientific investigations. The leaves of the plant have been extensively investigated for its diverse pharmacological aspects and found eminent for anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, most studies were not on the bioactive isolates which were responsible for the activities but were based on crude extracts of the plant. In this comprehensive review, all significant findings from previous investigations till date on the leaves of A. muricata, specifically on their anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities have been compiled. The toxicology of the plant which has been shown to be due to the presence of neurotoxic annaceous acetogenins and benzyltetrahydro-isoquinoline alkaloids has also been updated to provide recent information on its safety aspects. The present knowledge of the plant has been critically assessed, aimed at providing direction toward improving its prospect as a source of potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. The analysis will provide a new path for ensuring research on this plant to discover new agents to treat inflammatory diseases and cancer. Further in vitro and in vivo studies should be carried out to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-inflammatory responses in relation to anticancer activity and more detail toxicity study to ensure they are safe for human consumption. Sufficient preclinical data and safety data generated will allow clinical trials to be pursued on this plant and its bioactive compounds.

Medicinal plants used by the people of Nsukka Local Government Area, south-eastern Nigeria for the treatment of malaria: An ethnobotanical survey

ETHNOBOTANICAL RELEVANCE

Malaria is a serious public health problem especially in sub-Saharan African countries such as Nigeria. The causative parasite is increasingly developing resistance to the existing drugs. There is urgent need for alternative and affordable therapy from medicinal plants which have been used by the indigenous people for many years.

AIM OF STUDY

This study was conducted to document the medicinal plant species traditionally used by the people of Nsukka Local Government Area in south-eastern Nigeria for the treatment of malaria.

METHODS

A total of 213 respondents, represented by women (59.2%) and men (40.8%), were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results were analysed and discussed in the context of previously published information on anti-malarial and phytochemical studies of the identified plants.

RESULTS

The survey revealed that 50 plant species belonging to 30 botanical families were used in this region for the treatment of malaria. The most cited families were Apocynaceae (13.3%), Annonaceae (10.0%), Asteraceae (10.0%), Lamiaceae (10.0%), Poaceae (10.0%), Rubiaceae (10.0%) and Rutaceae (10.0%). The most cited plant species were Azadirachta indica (11.3%), Mangifera indica (9.1%), Carica papaya (8.5%), Cymbopogon citratus (8.5%) and Psidium guajava (8.5%).

CONCLUSION

The present findings showed that the people of Nsukka use a large variety of plants for the treatment of malaria. The identified plants are currently undergoing screening for anti-malarial, toxicity and chemical studies in our laboratory.

Emerging therapeutic potential of graviola and its constituents in cancers

Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the USA and around the world. Although the current synthetic inhibitors used in targeted therapies have improved patient prognosis, toxicity and development of resistance to these agents remain a challenge. Plant-derived natural products and their derivatives have historically been used to treat various diseases, including cancer. Several leading chemotherapeutic agents are directly or indirectly based on botanical natural products. Beyond these important drugs, however, a number of crude herbal or botanical preparations have also shown promising utility for cancer and other disorders. One such natural resource is derived from certain plants of the family Annonaceae, which are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Among the best known of these is Annona muricata, also known as soursop, graviola or guanabana. Extracts from the fruit, bark, seeds, roots and leaves of graviola, along with several other Annonaceous species, have been extensively investigated for anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Phytochemical studies have identified the acetogenins, a class of bioactive polyketide-derived constituents, from the extracts of Annonaceous species, and dozens of these compounds are present in different parts of graviola. This review summarizes current literature on the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanism of these constituents from A.muricata against cancer and many non-malignant diseases. Based on available data, there is good evidence that these long-used plants could have both chemopreventive and therapeutic potential. Appropriate attention to safety studies will be important to assess their effectiveness on various diseases caused or promoted by inflammation.

Glucocerebrosidase and Parkinson Disease: Molecular, Clinical, and Therapeutic Implications

Parkinson disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterised by multiple motor and non-motor symptoms. In the last 20 years, more than 20 genes have been identified as causes of parkinsonism. Following the observation of higher risk of PD in patients affected by Gaucher disease, a lysosomal disorder caused by mutations in the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene, it was discovered that mutations in this gene constitute the single largest risk factor for development of idiopathic PD. Patients with PD and GBA mutations are clinically indistinguishable from patients with idiopathic PD, although some characteristics emerge depending on the specific mutation, such as slightly earlier onset. The molecular mechanisms which lead to this increased PD risk in GBA mutation carriers are multiple and not yet fully elucidated, they include alpha-synuclein aggregation, lysosomal-autophagy dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Moreover, dysfunction of glucocerebrosidase has also been demonstrated in non-GBA PD, suggesting its interaction with other pathogenic mechanisms. Therefore, GBA enzyme function represents an interesting pharmacological target for PD. Cell and animal models suggest that increasing GBA enzyme activity can reduce alpha-synuclein levels. Clinical trials of ambroxol, a glucocerebrosidase chaperone, are currently ongoing in PD and PD dementia, as is a trial of substrate reduction therapy. The aim of this review is to summarise the main features of GBA-PD and discuss the implications of glucocerebrosidase modulation on PD pathogenesis.

The Oxygen Paradox, the French Paradox, and age-related diseases

A paradox is a seemingly absurd or impossible concept, proposition, or theory that is often difficult to understand or explain, sometimes apparently self-contradictory, and yet ultimately correct or true. How is it possible, for example, that oxygen "a toxic environmental poison" could be also indispensable for life (Beckman and Ames Physiol Rev 78(2):547-81, 1998; Stadtman and Berlett Chem Res Toxicol 10(5):485-94, 1997)?: the so-called Oxygen Paradox (Davies and Ursini 1995; Davies Biochem Soc Symp 61:1-31, 1995). How can French people apparently disregard the rule that high dietary intakes of cholesterol and saturated fats (e.g., cheese and paté) will result in an early death from cardiovascular diseases (Renaud and de Lorgeril Lancet 339(8808):1523-6, 1992; Catalgol et al. Front Pharmacol 3:141, 2012; Eisenberg et al. Nat Med 22(12):1428-1438, 2016)?: the so-called, French Paradox. Doubtless, the truth is not a duality and epistemological bias probably generates apparently self-contradictory conclusions. Perhaps nowhere in biology are there so many apparently contradictory views, and even experimental results, affecting human physiology and pathology as in the fields of free radicals and oxidative stress, antioxidants, foods and drinks, and dietary recommendations; this is particularly true when issues such as disease-susceptibility or avoidance, "healthspan," "lifespan," and ageing are involved. Consider, for example, the apparently paradoxical observation that treatment with low doses of a substance that is toxic at high concentrations may actually induce transient adaptations that protect against a subsequent exposure to the same (or similar) toxin. This particular paradox is now mechanistically explained as "Adaptive Homeostasis" (Davies Mol Asp Med 49:1-7, 2016; Pomatto et al. 2017a; Lomeli et al. Clin Sci (Lond) 131(21):2573-2599, 2017; Pomatto and Davies 2017); the non-damaging process by which an apparent toxicant can activate biological signal transduction pathways to increase expression of protective genes, by mechanisms that are completely different from those by which the same agent induces toxicity at high concentrations. In this review, we explore the influences and effects of paradoxes such as the Oxygen Paradox and the French Paradox on the etiology, progression, and outcomes of many of the major human age-related diseases, as well as the basic biological phenomenon of ageing itself.

Characterization of interactions of eggPC lipid structures with different biomolecules

In this paper we study the interactions of two biomolecules (ascorbic acid and Annonacin) with a bilayer lipid membrane. Egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (eggPC) liposomes (in crystalline liquid state) were prepared in solutions of ascorbic acid (AA) at different concentration levels. On the other hand, liposomes were doped with Annonacin (Ann), a mono-tetrahydrofuran acetogenin (ACG), which is an effective citotoxic substance. While AA pharmacologic effect and action mechanisms are widely known, those of Ann's are only very recently being studied. Both Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic techniques were used to study the participation of the main functional groups of the lipid bilayer involved in the membrane-solution interaction. The obtained spectra were comparatively analyzed, studying the spectral bands corresponding to both the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic regions in the lipid bilayer. Electrochemical experiments namely; impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltamperometry (CV) were used as the main characterization techniques to analyse stability and structural changes of a model system of supported EggPC bilayer in connection with its interactions with AA and Ann. At high molar ratios of AA, there is dehydration in both populations of the carbonyl group of the polar head of the lipid. On the other hand, Ann promotes the formation of hydrogen bonds with the carbonyl groups. No interaction between AA and phosphate groups is observed at low and intermediate molar ratios. Ann is expected to be able to induce the dehydration of the phosphate groups without the subsequent formation of H bonds with them. According to the electrochemical analysis, the interaction of AA with the supported lipid membrane does not alter its dielectric properties. This fact can be related to the conservation of structured water of the phosphate groups in the polar heads of the lipid. On the other hand, the incorporation of Ann into the lipid membrane generates an increase in the number of defects while changes the dielectric constant. This, in turn, can be associated with the induced dehydration of the phosphate groups.

Mitochondria: A Common Target for Genetic Mutations and Environmental Toxicants in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a devastating neurological movement disorder. Since its first discovery 200 years ago, genetic and environmental factors have been identified to play a role in PD development and progression. Although genetic studies have been the predominant driving force in PD research over the last few decades, currently only a small fraction of PD cases can be directly linked to monogenic mutations. The remaining cases have been attributed to other risk associated genes, environmental exposures and gene-environment interactions, making PD a multifactorial disorder with a complex etiology. However, enormous efforts from global research have yielded significant insights into pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for PD. This review will highlight mitochondrial dysfunction as a common pathway involved in both genetic mutations and environmental toxicants linked to PD.

Annonaceae: Breaking the Wall of Inflammation

Inventories of tropical forests have listed Annonaceae as one of the most diverse plant families. For centuries, it is employed in traditional medicines to cure various pathological conditions including snakebite, analgesic, astringent, diarrhea, dysentery, arthritis pain, rheumatism, neuralgia, and weight loss etc. Phytochemical analysis of Annonaceae family have reported the occurrence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, diterpenes and diterpene flavone glycosides, sterols, lignans, and annonaceous acetogenin characteristically affiliated with Annonaceae sp. Numerous past studies have underlined the pleotropic pharmacological activities of the crude extracts and isolated compounds from Annonaceae species. This review is an effort to abridge the ethnobotany, morphology, phytochemistry, toxicity, and particularly focusing on the anti-inflammatory activity of the Annonaceae species.

The Annona muricata leaf ethanol extract affects mobility and reproduction in mutant strain NB327 Caenorhabditis elegans

The C. elegans NB327 mutant strain is characterized for the knockdown of the dic-1 gene. The dic-1 gene is homologous to the dice-1 gene in humans, encoding the protein DICE-1 as a tumor suppressor. Absence or under-regulation of the dice-1 gene can be reflected in lung and prostate cancer [17], [18]. This study evaluated the effect of EEAML on the C. elegans NB327 mutant strain. Phenotypic aspects such as morphology, body length, locomotion, and reproductive behaviour were analyzed. It is important to emphasize that the strain presents a phenotype characteristic with respect to egg laying and hatching. Reported studies showed that Annona muricata extract and its active components evidence anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects, through experimentation in vivo and in vitro models. However, neurotoxicity has been reported as a side effect. The results showed that the mutant strain NB327 was exposed to EEAML (5 mg/ml) concentration, it showed a significant decrease in average locomotion, resulting in 13 undulations in 30 s. This contrasts with the control strain's 17.5 undulations in 30 s. Similarly, the number of progenies was reduced from 188 progenies (control strain) to 114 and 92 progenies at the dose of (1 mg/ml and 5 mg/m) EEAML. The results of this study suggest that EEAML has a possible neurotoxic effect in concentrations equal to or greater than 5 mg/ml. Also, it does not have positive effects on the mutant strain of Caenorhabditis elegans NB327 phenotype.