Effects of Pistacia atlantica on Oxidative Stress Markers and Antioxidant Enzymes Expression in Diabetic Rats

Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Cinnamomum cassia Oil in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus presents a great diversity of treatments that cause adverse effects; therefore, plants are a source of compounds that may have fewer adverse effects; Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia) has compounds with potential antidiabetic activity. The objective was to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of C. cassia oil (CCO) and its impact on oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Five groups were evaluated: (1) sham (SH), (2) 300 mg/kg CCO (CCO), (3) diabetic (D) induced with alloxan, (4) D + 300 mg/kg of CCO (D + CCO), and (5) D + 500 mg/kg of metformin (D + MET); all were treated for 5 days. CCO did not show alteration in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) vs. SH. D + CCO vs. D significantly reduced glucose (333 ± 109 vs. 458 ± 81 mg/dL), ALT (66 ± 15 vs. 160 ± 54 U/L), AST (119 ± 26 vs. 243 ± 104 U/L), and blood urea nitrogen (18.8 ± 2.3 vs. 29.2 ± 6.9 mg/dL). No significant changes were observed in D + CCO vs. D in malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), whereas a significant reduction in MDA and GSH was achieved in D + MET, with an increase in SOD. There was a reduction in Rela and Gpx in D + CCO and D + MET vs. D. CCO has antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects and reduces ALT, AST, and BUN levels.

Sodium p-perfluorinated noneoxybenzen sulfonate (OBS) induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish through mitochondrial dysfunction

Sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS)-one of the main alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonate-has been increasingly detected in both aquatic environments and human bodies. Therefore, the pathogenic risks of OBS exposure warrant attention, especially its central nervous system toxicity mechanism under long-term exposure. In this study, the effects and mechanisms of OBS on the zebrafish brain at 40 days post exposure were examined. The results demonstrated that at 3.2 μg/L, OBS had no significant effect on the zebrafish brain, but 32 μg/L OBS caused depression or poor social behavior in zebrafish and reduced both their memory and survival ability. These changes were accompanied by histological damage and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, OBS caused the accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species in the fish brain, leading to oxidative stress and subsequently cell apoptosis. Moreover, an imbalance of both inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, and NF-κB) and neurotransmitters (GABA and Glu) led to neuroinflammation. Additionally, 32 μg/L OBS induced decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and Na+-K+-ATPase activity, leading to both mitochondrial structural damage and the emergence of mitochondrial autophagosomes, partly explaining the neurotoxicity of OBS. These results help to analyze the target sites and molecular mechanisms of OBS neurotoxicity and provide a basis for the scientific evaluation of its health risks to humans.

Evaluation of the Effect of Pistacia atlantica Oleoresin on Blood Sugar, Pressure and Lipids in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by high blood sugar (BS) levels due to impaired insulin production or insulin resistance. It is a global health concern with significant implications for morbidity and mortality. Persian medicine has long utilised natural remedies, such as Pistacia atlantica Desf., for various diseases. In this randomised clinical trial, the effects of P. atlantica oleoresin in the improvement of lipid profiles, glucose indices and blood pressure (BP) were assessed in patients with Type 2 DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled study, 42 patients with Type 2 DM were randomly allocated to receive either P. atlantica oleoresin or placebo capsule for 3 months. Patients were evaluated prior to and 12 weeks after the beginning of the intervention, in terms of changes in lipid profiles, glucose indices and BP.

RESULTS

After 3 months, the mean BP in patients with DM receiving P. atlantica oleoresin was significantly reduced compared with the baseline (p = 0.001). Also, these changes were significantly higher than those of the control group. The mean of total cholesterol (p = 0.89), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (p = 0.43) and triglyceride (TG) (p = 0.98) in the intervention group after 3 months was lower than that in the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

After 3 months, there was no significant difference between the P. atlantica and control groups in terms of blood sugar and lipid profiles. The mean BP in patients with DM receiving P. atlantica oleoresin was significantly reduced compared with that in the beginning of the study. Also, these changes were significant compared with the control group.

Loaded paraquaton polymeric nanocapsules and evaluation for cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats

Present work was conducted to prepare and evaluate, loaded paraquat nano-hydrogels using chitosan, sodium polytriphosphate, and xanthan via ionic gelification method. The fabricated L-PQ formulations were analyzed for surface morphology and functional groups using SEM and FTIR, respectively. The stability of the synthesized nanoparticle was, also, analyzed in terms of diameter size, zeta potential, dispersion index, and pH. Furthermore, the cardiotoxicity effects of the synthesized nanogels were investigated on Wistar rats in terms of enzymatic activity, echocardiographic, and histological analysis. The proper stability of the prepared formulation was also confirmed by diameter size, zeta potential, dispersion index, and pH. The efficiency of encapsulation was about 90±3.2% and the release of PQ in the loaded nanogel was about 90±2.3%. A decrease in ST (shortening time) segment by formulated PQ, either in peritoneal or gavage exposure pathway, indicates the effectiveness of the capsule layer against the penetration of toxin into the body.

Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activities of Pistacia atlantica: A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies

To determine the pharmaceutical applications, we assessed the evidence from preclinical studies about the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant potential of Pistacia atlantica (PA) as a natural source for prevention and treatment of diabetes. A comprehensive literature search of the articles published until March 12, 2022 was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases, using relevant keywords. This meta-analysis included 12 articles that examined the blood glucose (BG), insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size. Findings indicated that PA supplementation significantly decreased BG, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, and MDA, and increased insulin and SOD in diabetic animals compared with control group (p < .05). However, PA supplementation had no significant effects on HDL-C (p > .05). The subgroup analysis also confirmed the beneficial effect of PA supplementation with longer duration (>4 weeks) and higher doses (≥100 mg/kg/day) as well as in the extract type. The studies have heterogeneity associated with methodological diversity and there were some concerns about the risk of bias, especially about randomization and blind outcome assessment. This meta-analysis provided convincing evidence for antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activity of PA in animals. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.

The impact of a blend of Pistacia atlantica seed and canola oil compared with a blend of corn-canola oil with synthetic antioxidant and corn-canola oil without synthetic antioxidant on oxidative stress markers in patients with metabolic syndrome: protocol for a triple-blind, randomized, three-way cross-over clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is regarded as a complex metabolic disorder. Recently, the role of dietary antioxidants in the underlying pathogenesis and complications of MetS has come into focus. Pistacia atlantica oil is known as a high antioxidant oil which might improve the antioxidant status of dietary oils and also oxidative stress markers. On the other hand, tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is an approved food-grade synthetic antioxidant that acts both as an inducer and inhibitor of carcinogenesis. The current trial will explore the possible effect of a blend of Pistacia atlantica seed-canola oils, corn-canola oils with TBHQ, and corn-canola oil without TBHQ on oxidative stress markers in patients with MetS.

METHODS

We will conduct a single-center, triple-blind, three-way randomized cross-over clinical trial (RCT) among 72 patients with MetS. After a 1-month run-in period, eligible participants will consume the intervention oils as their regularly consumed oils in a random order. Each intervention period will last 8 weeks separated by 4-week washout periods. Anthropometric indices, body composition, physical activity, blood pressure, and 24-h dietary food recall measurements will be assessed at the beginning and the end of each intervention period. The primary outcome will be oxidative stress markers including serum total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and the enzyme activity of myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. The secondary outcomes will be changes in MetS components including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and anthropometric measurements.

DISCUSSION

Pistacia atlantica seed oil is high in antioxidants. An intervention with this oil could offer an option for oxidative stress prevention among patients with metabolic syndrome. The present clinical trial will be the first one assessing the impact of Pistacia atlantica oil on human oxidative stress markers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical trials IRCT20130223012571N8 . Registered on 4 March 2022.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) Extract Prevents Neurodegeneration in the HFD Mouse Model by Modulating Astrocytes and Microglia Activation

Obesity and related metabolic dysfunctions are associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a cyanobacterium considered a suitable supplement for its nutritional profile and beneficial properties. The potential neuroprotective effect of an AFA extract, commercialized as KlamExtra^®, including the two AFA extracts Klamin^® and AphaMax^®, in High-Fat Diet (HFD)-fed mice was explored. Three groups of mice were provided with a standard diet (Lean), HFD or HFD supplemented with AFA extract (HFD + AFA) for 28 weeks. Metabolic parameters, brain insulin resistance, expression of apoptosis biomarkers, modulation of astrocytes and microglia activation markers, and Aβ deposition were analyzed and compared in the brains of different groups. AFA extract treatment attenuated HFD-induced neurodegeneration by reducing insulin resistance and loss of neurons. AFA supplementation improved the expression of synaptic proteins and reduced the HFD-induced astrocytes and microglia activation, and Aβ plaques accumulation. Together, these outcomes indicate that regular intake of AFA extract could benefit the metabolic and neuronal dysfunction caused by HFD, decreasing neuroinflammation and promoting Aβ plaques clearance.

Myrcene Salvages Rotenone-Induced Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Autophagy

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, resulting in motor deficits. The exact etiology of PD is currently unknown; however, the pathological hallmarks of PD include excessive production of reactive oxygen species, enhanced neuroinflammation, and overproduction of α-synuclein. Under normal physiological conditions, aggregated α-synuclein is degraded via the autophagy lysosomal pathway. However, impairment of the autophagy lysosomal pathway results in α-synuclein accumulation, thereby facilitating the pathogenesis of PD. Current medications only manage the symptoms, but are unable to delay, prevent, or cure the disease. Collectively, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy play crucial roles in PD; therefore, there is an enormous interest in exploring novel bioactive agents of natural origin for their protective roles in PD. The present study evaluated the role of myrcene, a monoterpene, in preventing the loss of dopaminergic neurons in a rotenone (ROT)-induced rodent model of PD, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Myrcene was administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg, 30 min prior to the intraperitoneal injections of ROT (2.5 mg/kg). Administration of ROT caused a considerable loss of dopaminergic neurons, subsequent to a significant reduction in the antioxidant defense systems, increased lipid peroxidation, and activation of microglia and astrocytes, along with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Rotenone also resulted in impairment of the autophagy lysosomal pathway, as evidenced by increased expression of LC3, p62, and beclin-1 with decreased expression in the phosphorylation of mTOR protein. Collectively, these factors result in the loss of dopaminergic neurons. However, myrcene treatment has been observed to restore antioxidant defenses and attenuate the increase in concentrations of lipid peroxidation products, pro-inflammatory cytokines, diminished microglia, and astrocyte activation. Myrcene treatment also enhanced the phosphorylation of mTOR, reinstated neuronal homeostasis, restored autophagy-lysosomal degradation, and prevented the increased expression of α-synuclein following the rescue of dopaminergic neurons. Taken together, our study clearly revealed the mitigating effect of myrcene on dopaminergic neuronal loss, attributed to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, and favorable modulation of autophagic flux. This study suggests that myrcene may be a potential candidate for therapeutic benefits in PD.

Extraction and purification of α-pinene; a comprehensive review

Extensive use of α-pinene in cosmetics, and medicine, especially for its antioxidant/antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties, and also as a flavoring agent, has made it a versatile product. α-Pinene (one of the two pinene isomers) is the most abundant terpene in nature. When extracting α-pinene from plants and, to a lesser extent, fruits, given that its purity is essential, purification methods should also be used as described in this study. Also, an attempt has been made to describe the extraction techniques of α-pinene, carried out by conventional and novel methods. Some disadvantages of conventional methods (such as hydrodistillation or solvent extraction) are being time consuming, low capacity per batch and being labor intensive and the requirement of trained operators. Most novel methods, such as supercritical fluid extraction and microwave-assisted extraction, can reduce the extraction time, cost, and energy compared to conventional methods, and, in fact, the extraction and preservation efficiency of α-pinene in these methods is higher than conventional methods. Although the above-mentioned extraction methods are effective, they still require rather long extraction times. In fact, advanced methods such as green and solvent-free ultrasonic-microwave-assisted extraction are much more efficient than microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction because the extraction efficiency and separation of α-pinene in these methods are higher; furthermore, no solvent consumption and maximum extraction efficiency are some crucial advantages of these techniques. However, the application of some novel methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, in industry scale is still problematic because of their intricate design data.

Why Should Pistachio Be a Regular Food in Our Diet?

The pistachio is regarded as a relevant source of biologically active components that, compared to other nuts, possess a healthier nutritional profile with low-fat content composed mainly of monounsaturated fatty acids, a high source of vegetable protein and dietary fibre, remarkable content of minerals, especially potassium, and an excellent source of vitamins, such as vitamins C and E. A rich composition in terms of phytochemicals, such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and, importantly, phenolic compounds, makes pistachio a powerful food to explore its involvement in the prevention of prevalent pathologies. Although pistachio has been less explored than other nuts (walnut, almonds, hazelnut, etc.), many studies provide evidence of its beneficial effects on CVD risk factors beyond the lipid-lowering effect. The present review gathers recent data regarding the most beneficial effects of pistachio on lipid and glucose homeostasis, endothelial function, oxidative stress, and inflammation that essentially convey a protective/preventive effect on the onset of pathological conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, CVD, and cancer. Likewise, the influence of pistachio consumption on gut microbiota is reviewed with promising results. However, population nut consumption does not meet current intake recommendations due to the extended belief that they are fattening products, their high cost, or teething problems, among the most critical barriers, which would be solved with more research and information.

Efficacy of a standardized herbal product from Pistacia atlantica subsp. Kurdica in type 2 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Hyperlipidemia is one of the consequences of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that puts the patients at the risk of getting cardiovascular disease. Pistacia atlantica subsp. Kurdica is used by local people for the improvement of lipid and glucose indices. This study was carried out to evaluate clinical effects of P. atlantica subsp. Kurdica on hyperlipidemia related to T2DM patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomized, triple-blind, and placebo-controlled study, type 2 diabetes patients with hyperlipidemia were randomly allocated to receive either P. atlantica kurdica or placebo capsule for 2 months. 58 Patients were followed up at the beginning and after the end of each month for assessment of lipid profiles, glucose indices, and liver and renal function tests. The herbal capsule was standardized according to volatile and nonvolatile compounds by GC-MS/FID and RP-HPLC-PDA, respectively. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined with a spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

After 1 and 2 months of the intervention period, mean differences of 2HPP, total cholesterol, and LDL-c have been reduced significantly (P < 0.05) between the two groups, but there were not reported any significant statistical changes in FBS, HbA1c, TG, HDL-c, ALT, AST, and Cr. The herbal capsule was standardized according to benzoic acid, ballic acid, rutin, and quercetin standard (6.5, 2.1, 1.4, 0.7 mg, respectively), and also α-pinene as major volatile constituent 28.51%.

CONCLUSION

According to results the P. atlantica kurdica is effective in the improvement of lipid profile and glucose indices in line with its local application.

CLINICAL TRIAL ID

(IRCT201708109014N178).

In Vitro and In Vivo Antidiabetic Potential of Monoterpenoids: An Update

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin levels or insulin resistance. Despite the availability of several oral and injectable hypoglycemic agents, their use is associated with a wide range of side effects. Monoterpenes are compounds extracted from different plants including herbs, vegetables, and fruits and they contribute to their aroma and flavor. Based on their chemical structure, monoterpenes are classified into acyclic, monocyclic, and bicyclic monoterpenes. They have been found to exhibit numerous biological and medicinal effects such as antipruritic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities. Therefore, monoterpenes emerged as promising molecules that can be used therapeutically to treat a vast range of diseases. Additionally, monoterpenes were found to modulate enzymes and proteins that contribute to insulin resistance and other pathological events caused by DM. In this review, we highlight the different mechanisms by which monoterpenes can be used in the pharmacological intervention of DM via the alteration of certain enzymes, proteins, and pathways involved in the pathophysiology of DM. Based on the fact that monoterpenes have multiple mechanisms of action on different targets in in vitro and in vivo studies, they can be considered as lead compounds for developing effective hypoglycemic agents. Incorporating these compounds in clinical trials is needed to investigate their actions in diabetic patients in order to confirm their ability in controlling hyperglycemia.

Regular Intake of Pistachio Mitigates the Deleterious Effects of a High Fat-Diet in the Brain of Obese Mice

Obesity has been associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunctions. Recent data showed that pistachio consumption is able to prevent and ameliorate dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, systemic and adipose tissue inflammation in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of pistachio intake in HFD mice. Three groups of mice were fed a standard diet (STD), HFD, or HFD supplemented with pistachio (HFD-P) for 16 weeks. Metabolic parameters (oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction) were analyzed by using specific assays and biomarkers. The pistachio diet significantly reduced the serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the HFD model. No difference was observed in the index of insulin resistance between HFD and HFD-P. A higher number of fragmented nuclei were found in HFD cerebral cortex compared to STD and HFD-P. A decrease in reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and an increase of superoxide dismutase 2 and heme oxygenase expression were found in the brains of the HFD-P samples compared to HFD. Furthermore, the impaired mitochondrial function found in HFD brain was partially recovered in HFD-P mice. These results suggest that the regular intake of pistachio may be useful in preventing obesity-related neurodegeneration, being able to reduce both metabolic and cellular dysfunctions.