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Shen YX, Lee PS, Wang CC, Teng MC, Huang JH, Fan HF. Exploring the Cellular Impact of Size-Segregated Cigarette Aerosols: Insights into Indoor Particulate Matter Toxicity and Potential Therapeutic Interventions. Chem Res Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38870402 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to anthropogenic aerosols has been associated with a variety of adverse health effects, increased morbidity, and premature death. Although cigarette smoke poses one of the most significant public health threats, the cellular toxicity of particulate matter contained in cigarette smoke has not been systematically interrogated in a size-segregated manner. In this study, we employed a refined particle size classification to collect cigarette aerosols, enabling a comprehensive assessment and comparison of the impacts exerted by cigarette aerosol extract (CAE) on SH-SY5Y, HEK293T, and A549 cells. Exposure to CAE reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with organic components having a greater impact and SH-SY5Y cells displaying lower tolerance compared to HEK293T and A549 cells. Moreover, CAE was found to cause increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased levels of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy, leading to increased cell death. Furthermore, we found that rutin, a phytocompound with antioxidant potential, could reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species and protect against CAE-triggered cell death. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of antioxidant drugs in mitigating the adverse effects of cigarette aerosol exposure for better public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xin Shen
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Pe-Shuen Lee
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chia C Wang
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chu Teng
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Jhih-Hong Huang
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Fang Fan
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Aerosol Science Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
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Huang X, Zhou Y, Li Y, Wang T, Chen Y, Zhou Y, Zhou X, Liu Q. Astragaloside IV inhibits inflammation caused by influenza virus via reactive oxygen species/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1309. [PMID: 38860765 PMCID: PMC11165686 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is the most active monomer in the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Radix Astragali, which has a wide range of antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrosis pharmacological effects, and shows protective effects in acute lung injury. METHODS This study utilized the immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and hematoxylin and eosin staining methods to investigate the mechanism of AS-IV in reducing viral pneumonia caused by influenza A virus in A549 cells and BALB/c mice. RESULTS The results showed that AS-IV suppressed reactive oxygen species production in influenza virus-infected A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and subsequently inhibited the activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 inflammasome and Caspase-1, decreased interleukin (IL) -1β and IL-18 secretion. In BALB/c mice infected with Poly (I:C), oral administration of AS-IV can significantly reduce Poly (I:C)-induced acute pneumonia and lung pathological injury. CONCLUSIONS AS-IV alleviates the inflammatory response induced by influenza virus in vitro and lung flammation and structural damage caused by poly (I:C) in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
- Central Laboratory, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Yifan Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
- Central Laboratory, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Yi Li
- Central Laboratory, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
- Department of Cardio‐Thoracic Surgery, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Yandong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Yuanhong Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Xiaolin Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
- Central Laboratory, The First College of Clinical Medical ScienceChina Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People's HospitalYichangChina
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Golubnitschaja O, Kapinova A, Sargheini N, Bojkova B, Kapalla M, Heinrich L, Gkika E, Kubatka P. Mini-encyclopedia of mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals protecting health in primary and secondary care-clinically relevant 3PM innovation. EPMA J 2024; 15:163-205. [PMID: 38841620 PMCID: PMC11148002 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-024-00358-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Despite their subordination in humans, to a great extent, mitochondria maintain their independent status but tightly cooperate with the "host" on protecting the joint life quality and minimizing health risks. Under oxidative stress conditions, healthy mitochondria promptly increase mitophagy level to remove damaged "fellows" rejuvenating the mitochondrial population and sending fragments of mtDNA as SOS signals to all systems in the human body. As long as metabolic pathways are under systemic control and well-concerted together, adaptive mechanisms become triggered increasing systemic protection, activating antioxidant defense and repair machinery. Contextually, all attributes of mitochondrial patho-/physiology are instrumental for predictive medical approach and cost-effective treatments tailored to individualized patient profiles in primary (to protect vulnerable individuals again the health-to-disease transition) and secondary (to protect affected individuals again disease progression) care. Nutraceuticals are naturally occurring bioactive compounds demonstrating health-promoting, illness-preventing, and other health-related benefits. Keeping in mind health-promoting properties of nutraceuticals along with their great therapeutic potential and safety profile, there is a permanently growing demand on the application of mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals. Application of nutraceuticals is beneficial only if meeting needs at individual level. Therefore, health risk assessment and creation of individualized patient profiles are of pivotal importance followed by adapted nutraceutical sets meeting individual needs. Based on the scientific evidence available for mitochondria-relevant nutraceuticals, this article presents examples of frequent medical conditions, which require protective measures targeted on mitochondria as a holistic approach following advanced concepts of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM/3PM) in primary and secondary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Golubnitschaja
- Predictive, Preventive and Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea Kapinova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Nafiseh Sargheini
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Carl-Von-Linne-Weg 10, 50829 Cologne, Germany
| | - Bianka Bojkova
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Marko Kapalla
- Negentropic Systems, Ružomberok, Slovakia
- PPPM Centre, s.r.o., Ruzomberok, Slovakia
| | - Luisa Heinrich
- Institute of General Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eleni Gkika
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
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Salehi E, Shadboorestan A, Mohammadi-Bardbori A, Mousavi A, Kargar-Abargouei E, Sarkoohi P, Omidi M. Effect of crocin and quercetin supplementation in cryopreservation medium on post-thaw human sperm quality. Cell Tissue Bank 2024; 25:531-540. [PMID: 37776436 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-023-10110-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Biochemical and physical changes during the cryopreservation process adversely affect sperm function required for fertilization. Recently, many studies have been conducted to find effective pre-freezing treatments to limit these damages. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of pre-freezing treatment with quercetin and crocin, individually or in combination, on sperm parameters after thawing procedure. For this, semen samples from 20 normozoospermic men were collected and then each sample was divided into five equal parts: 1. fresh group 2. frozen-thawed group without addition of antioxidants 3. frozen-thawed group containing 1 mM crocin, 4. frozen-thawed group containing 50 μM quercetin, and 5. frozen-thawed group containing a combination of 1 mM crocin and 50 μM quercetin. Pre-cryopreservation and post-thaw sperm motility, morphology, viability, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species [1] (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential [2] (MMP) were investigated. Cryopreservation significantly reduced sperm quality. Both crocin and quercetin individually improved sperm progressive motility, decreased ROS levels, reduced DNA fragmentation, and marginally increased MMP, though crocin seems to be more successful in protecting sperm quality. More interestingly, the combined addition of crocin and quercetin to the sperm-freezing medium did not show positive effects on sperm quality. Crocin and quercetin may play a role in mitigating the cryopreservation-induced injury to sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensieh Salehi
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Amir Shadboorestan
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afshin Mohammadi-Bardbori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abedeh Mousavi
- Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Elias Kargar-Abargouei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Parisa Sarkoohi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Omidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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Yan J, Li T, Ji K, Zhou X, Yao W, Zhou L, Huang P, Zhong K. Safranal alleviates pentetrazole-induced epileptic seizures in mice by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis through GSK-3β inactivation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118408. [PMID: 38823659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Saffron, a traditional Chinese medicine, is derived from Crocus sativus L. stigmas and has been reported to possess neuroprotective properties and potentially contribute to the inhibition of apoptosis and inflammation. Safranal, a potent monothyral aldehyde, is a main component of saffron that has been reported to have antiepileptic activity. However, the specific mechanism by which safranal suppresses epileptic seizures via its antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties is unclear. AIM To evaluate the effect of safranal on seizure severity, inflammation, and postictal neuronal apoptosis in a mouse model of pentetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and explore the underlying mechanism involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS The seizure stage and latency of stage 2 and 4 were quantified to assess the efficacy of safranal in mitigating PTZ-induced epileptic seizures in mice. Electroencephalography (EEG) was employed to monitor epileptiform afterdischarges in each experimental group. The cognitive abilities and motor functions of the mice were evaluated using the novel object recognition test and the open field test, respectively. Neurons were quantified using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Additionally, bioinformatics tools were utilized to predict the interactions between safranal and specific target proteins. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins, and inflammatory factor levels were analyzed through western blotting. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations in brain tissue were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS Safranal decreased the average seizure stage and increased the lantency of stage 2 and 4 seizures in PTZ-induced epileptic mice. Additionally, safranal exhibited neuroprotective effects on hippocampal CA1 and CA3 neurons and reduced hyperactivity caused by postictal hyperexcitability. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that safranal can bind to five specific proteins, including GSK-3β. By promoting Ser9 phosphorylation and inhibiting GSK-3β activity, safranal effectively suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, the findings indicate that safranal treatment can decrease TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the cerebral tissues of epileptic mice and downregulate mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins, including Bcl-2, Bax, Bak, Caspase 9, and Caspase 3. CONCLUSION Safranal can suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis through GSK-3β inactivation, suggesting that it is a promising therapeutic agent for epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieping Yan
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Kaiyue Ji
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Weiyi Yao
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Liujing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Kai Zhong
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
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Mir RA, Tyagi A, Hussain SJ, Almalki MA, Zeyad MT, Deshmukh R, Ali S. Saffron, a Potential Bridge between Nutrition and Disease Therapeutics: Global Health Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1467. [PMID: 38891276 PMCID: PMC11174376 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Plants are an important source of essential bioactive compounds that not only have a beneficial role in human health and nutrition but also act as drivers for shaping gut microbiome. However, the mechanism of their functional attributes is not fully understood despite their significance. One such important plant is Crocus sativus, also known as saffron, which possesses huge medicinal, nutritional, and industrial applications like food and cosmetics. The importance of this plant is grossly attributed to its incredible bioactive constituents such as crocins, crocetin, safranal, picrocrocin, and glycosides. These bioactive compounds possess a wide range of therapeutic activities against multiple human ailments. Since a huge number of studies have revealed negative unwanted side effects of modern-day drugs, the scientific communities at the global level are investigating a large number of medicinal plants to explore natural products as the best alternatives. Taken into consideration, the available research findings indicate that saffron has a huge scope to be further explored to establish alternative natural-product-based drugs for health benefits. In this review, we are providing an update on the role of bioactive compounds of saffron as therapeutic agents (human disorders and antimicrobial activity) and its nutritional values. We also highlighted the role of omics and metabolic engineering tools for increasing the content of key saffron bioactive molecules for its mass production. Finally, pre-clinical and clinical studies seem to be necessary to establish its therapeutic potential against human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakeeb Ahmad Mir
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal 191201, India
| | - Anshika Tyagi
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sofi Javed Hussain
- Department of Botany, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal 191201, India;
| | - Mohammed A. Almalki
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Tarique Zeyad
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India;
| | - Rupesh Deshmukh
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh 123031, India;
| | - Sajad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea;
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Lee D, Fu Z, Hellstrom A, Smith LEH. Therapeutic Effects of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Nutritional Supplementation in Retinal Ischemic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5503. [PMID: 38791541 PMCID: PMC11122288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Appropriate nutrients are essential for cellular function. Dietary components can alter the risk of systemic metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and obesity, and can also affect retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Dietary nutrients have been assessed for the prevention or treatment of retinal ischemic diseases and the diseases of aging. In this article, we review clinical and experimental evidence concerning the potential of some nutritional supplements to prevent or treat retinal ischemic diseases and provide further insights into the therapeutic effects of nutritional supplementation on retinopathies. We will review the roles of nutrients in preventing or protecting against retinal ischemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deokho Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zhongjie Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ann Hellstrom
- The Sahlgrenska Centre for Pediatric Ophthalmology Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lois E. H. Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Pourmousavi L, Asadi RH, Zehsaz F, Jadidi RP. Potential therapeutic effects of crocin. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03131-6. [PMID: 38758225 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Crocin, a natural bioactive compound derived from saffron (Crocus sativus) and other Crocus genera, has gained significant attention recently due to its potential therapeutic properties. The multifaceted nature of crocin's biological effects has piqued the interest of researchers and health enthusiasts, prompting further investigations into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications. This review article comprehensively explores the emerging evidence supporting crocin's role as a promising ally in protecting against metabolic disorders. The review covers the molecular mechanisms underlying crocin's beneficial effects and highlights its potential applications in preventing and treating diverse pathological conditions. Understanding the mechanisms through which crocin exerts its protective effects could advance scientific knowledge and offer potential avenues for developing novel therapeutic interventions. As we uncover the potential of crocin as a valuable ally in the fight against disorders, it becomes evident that nature's palette holds remarkable solutions for enhancing our health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Pourmousavi
- Department of Sport Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farzad Zehsaz
- Department of Sport Sciences, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
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Cerdá-Bernad D, D’costa AS, Moreno DA, Bordenave N, Frutos MJ. Functional Model Beverages of Saffron Floral By-Products: Polyphenolic Composition, Inhibition of Digestive Enzymes, and Rheological Characterization. Foods 2024; 13:1440. [PMID: 38790740 PMCID: PMC11120039 DOI: 10.3390/foods13101440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the rapid and dynamic evolution of research into dietary polyphenols, there is still a knowledge gap regarding their bioaccessibility since it could be influenced by the chemical and nutritional compositions of the food matrix. This study aimed to describe the impact of food thickeners (xanthan gum, guar gum, β-glucan, pectin) on the bioactivity of flavonoids from saffron floral by-products in model beverages before and after thermal processing. The different beverage formulas were characterized in terms of polyphenolic composition using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn and rheological properties. The impact of food thickeners and thermal processing on the inhibition of digestive enzymes was also determined. The model beverages mainly presented glycosylated flavonols (of kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin), with a reduced content in some heat-treated samples. The inhibitory effect on α-amylase was only detected in heat-treated beverages, showing the formulation without any thickener to have the greatest inhibitory effect. Finally, the presence of saffron floral by-products in the beverages showed a tendency to decrease the flow consistency index (K) and an increase in the flow behavior index (n), most probably driven by the aggregation of phenolics with thickeners. Therefore, this research provides new insights into the development of flavonoid-rich beverages in order to ensure that they exert the expected beneficial effects after their ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Cerdá-Bernad
- Agro-Food Technology Department, CIAGRO-UMH, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental, Miguel Hernández University, 03312 Orihuela, Spain;
| | - Adrian S. D’costa
- School of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (A.S.D.); (N.B.)
| | - Diego A. Moreno
- Phytochemistry and Healthy Food Lab, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS, CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo-25, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Nicolas Bordenave
- School of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (A.S.D.); (N.B.)
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
- INRAE, Avignon Université, UMR SQPOV, 84000 Avignon, France
| | - María José Frutos
- Agro-Food Technology Department, CIAGRO-UMH, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental, Miguel Hernández University, 03312 Orihuela, Spain;
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10
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Morote L, Rubio-Moraga Á, López Jiménez AJ, Aragonés V, Diretto G, Demurtas OC, Frusciante S, Ahrazem O, Daròs JA, Gómez-Gómez L. Verbascum species as a new source of saffron apocarotenoids and molecular tools for the biotechnological production of crocins and picrocrocin. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:58-72. [PMID: 38100533 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Crocins are glucosylated apocarotenoids present in flowers and fruits of a few plant species, including saffron, gardenia, and Buddleja. The biosynthesis of crocins in these plants has been unraveled, and the enzymes engineered for the production of crocins in heterologous systems. Mullein (Verbascum sp.) has been identified as a new source of crocins and picrocrocin. In this work, we have identified eight enzymes involved in the cleavage of carotenoids in two Verbascum species, V. giganteum and V. sinuatum. Four of them were homologous to the previously identified BdCCD4.1 and BdCCD4.3 from Buddleja, involved in the biosynthesis of crocins. These enzymes were analyzed for apocarotenogenic activity in bacteria and Nicotiana benthamiana plants using a virus-driven system. Metabolic analyses of bacterial extracts and N. benthamiana leaves showed the efficient activity of these enzymes to produce crocins using β-carotene and zeaxanthin as substrates. Accumulations of 0.17% of crocins in N. benthamiana dry leaves were reached in only 2 weeks using a recombinant virus expressing VgCCD4.1, similar to the amounts previously produced using the canonical saffron CsCCD2L. The identification of these enzymes, which display a particularly broad substrate spectrum, opens new avenues for apocarotenoid biotechnological production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Morote
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Ángela Rubio-Moraga
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y de Montes y Biotecnología. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Alberto José López Jiménez
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y de Montes y Biotecnología. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - Verónica Aragonés
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València), 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gianfranco Diretto
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development, Casaccia Research Centre, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Olivia Costantina Demurtas
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development, Casaccia Research Centre, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Sarah Frusciante
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Development, Casaccia Research Centre, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Oussama Ahrazem
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y de Montes y Biotecnología. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | - José-Antonio Daròs
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València), 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lourdes Gómez-Gómez
- Instituto Botánico, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología Agroforestal y Genética, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
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11
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Kausar R, Nishiuchi T, Komatsu S. Proteomic and molecular analyses to understand the promotive effect of safranal on soybean growth under salt stress. J Proteomics 2024; 294:105072. [PMID: 38218428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Safranal is a free radical scavenger and useful as an antioxidant molecule; however, its promotive role in soybean is not explored. Salt stress decreased soybean growth and safranal improved it even if under salt stress. To study the positive mechanism of safranal on soybean growth, a proteomic approach was used. According to functional categorization, oppositely changed proteins were further confirmed using biochemical techniques. Actin and calcium-dependent protein kinase decreased in soybean root and hypocotyl, respectively, under salt stress and increased with safranal application. Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/ hydrolase increased in soybean root under salt stress but decreased with safranal application. Peroxidase increased under salt stress and further enhanced by safranal application in soybean root. Actin, RuvB-like helicase, and protein kinase domain-containing protein were upregulated under salt stress and further enhanced by safranal application under salt stress. Dynamin GTPase was downregulated under salt stress but recovered with safranal application under salt stress. Glutathione peroxidase and PfkB domain-containing protein were upregulated by safranal application under salt stress in soybean root. These results suggest that safranal improves soybean growth through the regulation of cell wall and nuclear proteins along with reactive‑oxygen species scavenging system. Furthermore, it might promote salt-stress tolerance through the regulation of membrane proteins involved in endocytosis and post-Golgi trafficking. SIGNIFICANCE: To study the positive mechanism of safranal on soybean growth, a proteomic approach was used. According to functional categorization, oppositely changed proteins were further confirmed using biochemical techniques. Actin and calcium-dependent protein kinase decreased in soybean root and hypocotyl, respectively, under salt stress and increased with safranal application. Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/ hydrolase increased in soybean root under salt stress but decreased with safranal application. Peroxidase increased under salt stress and further enhanced by safranal application in soybean root. Actin, RuvB-like helicase, and protein kinase domain-containing protein were upregulated under salt stress and further enhanced by safranal application under salt stress. Dynamin GTPase was downregulated under salt stress but recovered with safranal application under salt stress. Glutathione peroxidase and PfkB domain-containing protein were upregulated by safranal application under salt stress in soybean root. These results suggest that safranal improves soybean growth through the regulation of cell wall and nuclear proteins along with reactive‑oxygen species scavenging system. Furthermore, it might promote salt-stress tolerance through the regulation of membrane proteins involved in endocytosis and post-Golgi trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehana Kausar
- Department of Botany, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad 13100, Pakistan
| | - Takumi Nishiuchi
- Research Center for Experimental Modeling of Human Disease, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Setsuko Komatsu
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Fukui University of Technology, Fukui 910-8505, Japan.
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Xiao L, Sun R, Han Y, Xia L, Lin K, Fu W, Zhong K, Ye Y. NAMPT‑NAD + is involved in the senescence‑delaying effects of saffron in aging mice. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:123. [PMID: 38410190 PMCID: PMC10895469 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
As the proportion of the elderly population grows rapidly, the senescence-delaying effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine is being investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the senescence-delaying effects of saffron in naturally aging mice. The active ingredients in an aqueous saffron extract were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mice were divided into saffron (8- and 16-months-old) and control groups (3-, 8-, and 16-months-old), and saffron extract was administered to the former groups for 8 weeks. The open field test and Barnes maze test were used to evaluate the locomotor activity, learning and memory function of the mice. The levels of inflammatory factors in the brain were determined by ELISA. In addition, the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and superoxide dismutase, and the contents of malondialdehyde and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) were detected by enzyme immunoassay, and the content of NAMPT was detected by ELISA, western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The cellular distribution of NAMPT and synaptic density were evaluated by immunofluorescence, and the pathological morphologies of the liver, skin, kidneys were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. HPLC revealed that the crocin and picrocrocin contents of the saffron extract were 19.56±0.14 and 12.00±0.13%, respectively. Saffron exhibited the potential to improve the learning and memory function in aging mice as it increased synaptic density and decreased AChE activity. Also, saffron ameliorated the pathological changes associated with organ aging, manifested by increasing the number of hepatocytes and the thickness of the skin, and preventing the aging-induced ballooning and bleeding in the kidneys. Furthermore, saffron increased the contents of NAMPT and NAD+ in the brain and decreased the content of NAMPT in the serum. In addition, it changed the cellular distribution of NAMPT in aging mice, manifested as reduced NAMPT expression in microglia and astrocytes, and increased NAMPT expression in neurons. Saffron also decreased the contents of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress factors in aging mice. Altogether, these findings indicate that saffron exerts senescence-delaying effects in naturally aging mice, which may be associated with the NAMPT-NAD+ pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Runxuan Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Yubin Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Linhan Xia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Kexin Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Wanyan Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Kai Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
| | - Yilu Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
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Nid Ahmed M, Abourat K, Gagour J, Sakar EH, Majourhat K, Koubachi J, Gharby S. Valorization of saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) stigma as a potential natural antioxidant for soybean ( Glycine max L.) oil stabilization. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25875. [PMID: 38370196 PMCID: PMC10869852 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic antioxidants are known for their efficiency to improve vegetable oil oxidative stability. But owing to their harmful effects on human health, edible oil industry is seeking for safe and healthy natural antioxidants. The present work was setup with the aim of improving soybean oil (SO) oxidative stability by using saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigmas collected in Morocco. Saffron stigmas were used as a natural antioxidant at various concentrations (0.2, 0.3, and 0.6%) in soybean oil compared to tocobiol (0.3%) as a synthetic antioxidant (the positive control). Performances of such natural and synthetic antioxidants were evaluated by measuring oil basic quality indices under accelerated storage at 60 °C for 12 weeks. Such indices consisted of free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (p-AV), total oxidation value (TOTOX), UV extinction coefficients (K232 and K270), fatty acids composition (FA), and iodine value (IV). The obtained data show that there were significant (p < 0.05) increases in FFA, PV, p-AV, K232, K270, and TOTOX but no much variations were observed for FA and IV especially in saffron stigmas fortified oils across storage times. However, in the case of oils fortified with saffron stigmas at different doses, such an increase was of a lesser magnitude (for FFA, PV, p-AV, K270, and TOTOX) as compared to tocobiol. These outcomes were confirmed by principal component analysis with strong positive correlations (p < 0.001) among FFA, PV, p-AV, K232, K270, and TOTOX. The most important, for which determination coefficient R2 > 0.9, were modeled through simple regressions. In conclusion, saffron stigmas with the different doses performed better than the positive control (tocobiol) regardless of the storage time. It could be concluded that saffron stigmas are a promising natural antioxidant, alternative to synthetic antioxidants, to enhance the oxidative stability of edible oils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moussa Nid Ahmed
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control team Faculty Polydisciplinary of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Morocco
| | - Karima Abourat
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control team Faculty Polydisciplinary of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Morocco
| | - Jamila Gagour
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control team Faculty Polydisciplinary of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Morocco
| | - El Hassan Sakar
- Laboratory of Biology, Ecology and Health, FS, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Khalid Majourhat
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control team Faculty Polydisciplinary of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Morocco
- Geo-Bio-Environmental Engineering and Innovation Laboratory, Molecular Engineering, Biotechnology and Innovation Team, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Jamal Koubachi
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control team Faculty Polydisciplinary of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Morocco
| | - Said Gharby
- Biotechnology, Analytical Sciences and Quality Control team Faculty Polydisciplinary of Taroudant, University Ibn Zohr, Morocco
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Li Y, Liu H, Zhao D, Zhang D. Spleen contributes to chronic restraint stress-induced lung injury through splenic CD11b + cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111258. [PMID: 37992443 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress can induce lung injury. The spleen, as the largest peripheral immune organ, plays a crucial role in various lung diseases. Our previous study found that the spleen underwent significant changes during chronic restraint stress (CRS). However, the exact role of the spleen in CRS-induced lung injury remains unclear. In this study, we found that CRS could increase lung index. CRS could lead to alterations of the lungs such as destruction of alveolar wall, thickening of alveolar septa, dilation of pulmonary capillaries, and increased inflammatory cell infiltration. CRS increases the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), decreases the level of surfactant protein A (SP-A), and elevates the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in the lungs. Additionally, CRS could increase the proportions and numbers of CD11b+Ly6ChiLy6G- monocytes in the lung, while cannot alter proportions and numbers of CD3-NK1.1+ NK cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD3+CD8+ T cells, and CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophils. Moreover, the levels of inflammatory markers in lung tissues were positively correlated with the proportion of CD11b+Ly6ChiLy6G- monocytes. Interestingly, splenectomy inhibited CRS-induced lung injury and attenuated the alteration in the proportion of CD11b+Ly6ChiLy6G- monocytes in the lungs induced by CRS. Moreover, splenic CD11b+ cells, rather than splenic CD11b- cells, transfused into splenectomized mice, and subsequently exposed to CRS, can cause lung injury. These results suggest that CRS could induce lung injury and CD11b+Ly6ChiLy6G- monocytes aggregation in the lung. The spleen could contribute to CRS-induced lung injury. Furthermore, splenic CD11b+ cells might play an important role in CRS-induced lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Hailing Liu
- Department of Clinical Hematology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Danwen Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Danjie Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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15
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Wang C, Li X, Su J, Duan J, Yao Y, Shang Q. Crocetin inhibits choroidal neovascularization in both in vitro and in vivo models. Exp Eye Res 2024; 238:109751. [PMID: 38097101 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the primary pathogenic process underlying wet age-related macular degeneration, leading to severe vision loss. Despite current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies, several limitations persist. Crocetin, a major bioactive constituent of saffron, exhibits multiple pharmacological activities, yet its role and mechanism in CNV remain unclear. Here, we investigated the potential effects of crocetin on CNV using in vitro and in vivo models. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, crocetin demonstrated inhibition of VEGF-induced cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro, as assessed by CCK-8 and EdU assays, transwell and scratch assays, and tube formation analysis. Additionally, crocetin suppressed choroidal sprouting in ex vivo experiments. In the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line ARPE-19, crocetin attenuated cobalt chloride-induced hypoxic cell injury, as evidenced by CCK-8 assay. As evaluated by quantitative PCR and Western blot assay, it also reduced hypoxia-induced expression of VEGF and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), while enhancing zonula occludens-1 expression. In a laser-induced CNV mouse model, intravitreal administration of crocetin significantly reduced CNV size and suppressed elevated expressions of VEGF, HIF-1α, TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6. Moreover, crocetin treatment attenuated the elevation of phospho-S6 in laser-induced CNV and hypoxia-induced RPE cells, suggesting its potential anti-angiogenic effects through antagonizing the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. Our findings indicate that crocetin may hold promise as an effective drug for the prevention and treatment of CNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Xuejing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Jialiang Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Yimin Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Qingli Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China.
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Bjørklund G, Cruz-Martins N, Goh BH, Mykhailenko O, Lysiuk R, Shanaida M, Lenchyk L, Upyr T, Rusu ME, Pryshlyak A, Shanaida V, Chirumbolo S. Medicinal Plant-derived Phytochemicals in Detoxification. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:988-1015. [PMID: 37559241 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666230809094242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The average worldwide human life expectancy is 70 years, with a significantly higher value in Western societies. Many modern diseases are not associated with premature mortality but with a decreased quality of life in aged patients and an excessive accumulation of various toxic compounds in the human body during life. Today, scientists are especially interested in finding compounds that can help increase a healthy lifespan by detoxifying the body. Phytotherapy with specific approaches is used in alternative medicine to remove toxins from the body. Worldwide, research is conducted to identify medicinal plant-derived molecules that, with few or no side effects, may protect the liver and other organs. This review provides updated information about the detoxification process, the traditional and modern use of the most effective medicinal plants, their active metabolites as detoxifying agents, and the mechanisms and pathways involved in the detoxification process. Among medicinal plants with substantial detoxifying properties, a major part belongs to the Asteraceae family (Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Arctium lappa, Helichrysum species, Inula helenium, and Taraxacum officinale). The most widely used hepatoprotective phytocomponent is silymarin, a standardized extract from the Silybum marianum seeds containing a mixture of flavonolignans. Many polysaccharides, polyphenols, and terpenoids have a detoxifying effect. Overall, scientific data on medicinal plants used in phytotherapeutic practice worldwide provides an understanding and awareness of their efficacy in detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Department of Research, Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, Mo i Rana 8610, Norway
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernani Monteiro, Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Bey Hing Goh
- Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory (BMEX) Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Victoria, Malaysia
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Science, Lahore, Pakistan
- Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Olha Mykhailenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National University of Pharmacy of Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Bromatology and Medicinal Chemistry Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Roman Lysiuk
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Mariia Shanaida
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medical Botany, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Larysa Lenchyk
- CONEM Ukraine Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry Research Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies and Quality of Medicines, Institute for Advanced Training of Pharmacy Specialists, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Taras Upyr
- CONEM Ukraine Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry Research Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Marius Emil Rusu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Antonina Pryshlyak
- Department of Human Anatomy, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Shanaida
- Design of Machine Tools, Instruments and Machines Department, Ternopil Ivan Puluj National Technical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- CONEM Scientific Secretary, Verona, Italy
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17
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Huang L, Han Y, Wang Z, Qiu Q, Yue S, Zhou Q, Su W, Yan J. Saffron reduces the liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 pathway. Acta Cir Bras 2023; 38:e385823. [PMID: 38055395 PMCID: PMC10691186 DOI: 10.1590/acb385823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic inflammation in the liver is a key trigger for liver injury and fibrosis in various liver diseases. Given the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Saffron, this study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects of Saffron on hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. METHODS The mice model of hepatic fibrosis was constructed using CCl4, and Saffron was administered at low (10 mg/kg) and high (20 mg/kg) doses by gavage. Then, the changes in liver function, liver inflammation and fibrosis markers were evaluated. The effects and mechanisms of Saffron on hepatic stellate cells were further investigated in in-vitro experiments. RESULTS Saffron improved liver function, reduced liver inflammation and attenuated liver fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner in hepatic fibrosis mice. Furthermore, Western blotting showed that Saffron significantly inhibited JAK/STAT3 phosphorylation in fibrotic livers. CONCLUSIONS Saffron can attenuate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 pathway and the activation of hepatic stellate cell, providing a theoretical basis for the development of new anti-fibrotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Huang
- Xiangnan University – College of Nursing – Chenzhou, Hunan Province – People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Han
- Xiangnan University -Affiliated Hospital – Chenzhou, Hunan Province – People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Xiangnan University -Affiliated Hospital – Chenzhou, Hunan Province – People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Qiu
- Xiangnan University -Affiliated Hospital – Chenzhou, Hunan Province – People’s Republic of China
| | - Sichen Yue
- Xiangnan University -Affiliated Hospital – Chenzhou, Hunan Province – People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingmin Zhou
- Xiangnan University -Affiliated Hospital – Chenzhou, Hunan Province – People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Su
- Xiangnan University -Affiliated Hospital – Chenzhou, Hunan Province – People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Yan
- Xiangnan University -Affiliated Hospital – Chenzhou, Hunan Province – People’s Republic of China
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Rodriguez-Amaya DB, Esquivel P, Meléndez-Martínez AJ. Comprehensive Update on Carotenoid Colorants from Plants and Microalgae: Challenges and Advances from Research Laboratories to Industry. Foods 2023; 12:4080. [PMID: 38002140 PMCID: PMC10670565 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The substitution of synthetic food dyes with natural colorants continues to be assiduously pursued. The current list of natural carotenoid colorants consists of plant-derived annatto (bixin and norbixin), paprika (capsanthin and capsorubin), saffron (crocin), tomato and gac fruit lycopene, marigold lutein, and red palm oil (α- and β-carotene), along with microalgal Dunaliella β-carotene and Haematococcus astaxanthin and fungal Blakeslea trispora β-carotene and lycopene. Potential microalgal sources are being sought, especially in relation to lutein, for which commercial plant sources are lacking. Research efforts, manifested in numerous reviews and research papers published in the last decade, have been directed to green extraction, microencapsulation/nanoencapsulation, and valorization of processing by-products. Extraction is shifting from conventional extraction with organic solvents to supercritical CO2 extraction and different types of assisted extraction. Initially intended for the stabilization of the highly degradable carotenoids, additional benefits of encapsulation have been demonstrated, especially the improvement of carotenoid solubility and bioavailability. Instead of searching for new higher plant sources, enormous effort has been directed to the utilization of by-products of the fruit and vegetable processing industry, with the application of biorefinery and circular economy concepts. Amidst enormous research activities, however, the gap between research and industrial implementation remains wide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia B. Rodriguez-Amaya
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Esquivel
- Centro Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CITA), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica;
- Escuela de Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501, Costa Rica
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Anaeigoudari F, Anaeigoudari A, Kheirkhah‐Vakilabad A. A review of therapeutic impacts of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its constituents. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15785. [PMID: 37537722 PMCID: PMC10400758 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Application of herbal medicines in the treatment of diseases is in the center of attention of medical scientific societies. Saffron (Cricus sativus L.) is a medicinal plant belonging to the Iridaceae family with different therapeutic properties. The outcomes of human and animal experiments indicate that therapeutic impacts of saffron and its constituents, crocin, crocetin, and safranal, mainly are mediated via inhibiting the inflammatory reactions and scavenging free radicals. It has been suggested that saffron and crocin extracted from it also up-regulate the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), down-regulate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and untimely improve the body organs dysfunction. Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) also is attributed to crocin. The current review narrates the therapeutic effects of saffron and its constituents on various body systems through looking for the scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from the beginning of 2010 until the end of 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Anaeigoudari
- Student Research Committee, Afzalipour Faculty of MedicineKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Akbar Anaeigoudari
- Department of Physiology, School of MedicineJiroft University of Medical SciencesJiroftIran
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Liu Z, Wang Z, Zhu Z, Hong J, Cui L, Hao Y, Cheng G, Tan R. Crocetin Regulates Functions of Neural Stem Cells to Generate New Neurons for Cerebral Ischemia Recovery. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203132. [PMID: 37001492 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Many neurons undergo apoptosis after ischemic stroke. In the brain, neurogenesis has the potential for neuronal replacement and can be activated by external conditions to repair the injury. Crocetin (CRO), naturally extracted from the plant saffron, acts as a neuroprotective agent for ischemic stroke. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this work, the effect of CRO on neural stem cell (NSC) behaviors and subventricular zone neurogenesis is investigated. Initially, NSCs are incubated with different concentrations of CRO to detect the cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Second, ischemic stroke induced rats are treated with CRO using nimodipine (NMDP) as a comparison. The behavioral functions, infarcted volume, and apoptotic Nissl bodies of rats are noticeably improved after CRO-treatment, comparable to those of NMDP. In addition, the increased regional cerebral blood flow and promoted neuronal differentiation are achieved by CRO-treatment. Brain tissue examination shows significantly increased neuronal regeneration in the focal ischemic injury area. Meanwhile, the length of neurites is prolonged, indicating that CRO could potentially promote neurite extension to enhance cell-cell communication. These findings demonstrate that CRO facilitated the neuronal differentiation of NSCs by activating subventricular zone neurogenesis in damaged cortex and striatum sites to repair ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqing Liu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Zhaojun Wang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Zhanchi Zhu
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Jing Hong
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Leisha Cui
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Ying Hao
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Guosheng Cheng
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Rui Tan
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
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Singh G, Brim H, Haileselassie Y, Varma S, Habtezion A, Rashid M, Sinha SR, Ashktorab H. Microbiomic and Metabolomic Analyses Unveil the Protective Effect of Saffron in a Mouse Colitis Model. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:5558-5574. [PMID: 37504267 PMCID: PMC10378474 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45070351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the existence of effective drugs used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many patients fail to respond or lose response over time. Further, many drugs can carry serious adverse effects, including increased risk of infections and malignancies. Saffron (Crocus sativus) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. Its protective role in IBD and how the microbiome and metabolome play a role has not been explored extensively. We aimed to establish whether saffron treatment modulates the host microbiome and metabolic profile in experimental colitis. Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice with 3% DSS and treated with either saffron in a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight or vehicle through daily gavage. On day 10, stool pellets from mice were collected and analyzed to assess saffron's effect on fecal microbiota and metabolites through 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted primary metabolite analysis. Saffron treatment maintained gut microbiota homeostasis by counter-selecting pro-inflammatory bacteria and maintained Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio, which was otherwise disturbed by DSS treatment. Several metabolites (uric acid, cholesterol, 2 hydroxyglutaric acid, allantoic acid, 2 hydroxyhexanoic acid) were altered significantly with saffron treatment in DSS-treated mice, and this might play a role in mediating saffron's colitis-mitigating effects. These data demonstrate saffron's therapeutic potential, and its protective role is modulated by gut microbiota, potentially acting through changes in metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulshan Singh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hassan Brim
- Department of Pathology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Yeneneh Haileselassie
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sudhir Varma
- Hithru Analytics LLC, Silver Spring, MD 20877, USA
| | - Aida Habtezion
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mudasir Rashid
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Sidhartha R Sinha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
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Fusi F, Romano G, Speranza G, Agati G. Photon- and Singlet-Oxygen-Induced Cis-Trans Isomerization of the Water-Soluble Carotenoid Crocin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10783. [PMID: 37445961 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Studying the cis-trans isomerization process in crocin (CR), one of the few water-soluble carotenoids extracted from saffron, is important to better understand the physiological role of cis-carotenoids in vivo and their potential as antioxidants in therapeutic applications. For that, cis-trans isomerization of both methanol- and water-dissolved CR was induced by light or thermally generated singlet oxygen (1O2). The kinetics of molecular concentrations were monitored by both high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and non-destructive spectrophotometric methods. These last made it possible to simultaneously follow the cis-trans isomerization, the possible bleaching of compounds and the amount of thermally generated 1O2. Our results were in accordance with a comprehensive model where the cis-trans isomerization occurs as relaxation from the triplet state of all-trans- or 13-cis-CR, whatever is the way to populate the CR triplet state, either by photon or 1O2 energy transfer. The process is much more (1.9 to 10-fold) efficient from cis to trans than vice versa. In H2O, a 1O2-induced bleaching effect on the starting CR was not negligible. However, the CR "flip-flop" isomerization reaction could still occur, suggesting that this process can represent an efficient mechanism for quenching of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo, with a limited need of carotenoid regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Fusi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanna Speranza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Agati
- "Nello Carrara" Institute of Applied Physics (IFAC), National Research Council (CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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Sheng SR, Wu YH, Dai ZH, Jin C, He GL, Jin SQ, Zhao BY, Zhou X, Xie CL, Zheng G, Tian NF. Safranal inhibits estrogen-deficiency osteoporosis by targeting Sirt1 to interfere with NF-κB acetylation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 114:154739. [PMID: 37004404 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoporosis is a prevalent bone metabolic disease in menopause, and long-term medication is accompanied by serious side effects. Estrogen deficiency-mediated hyperactivated osteoclasts is the initiating factor for bone loss, which is regulated by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. Safranal (Saf) is a monoterpene aldehyde produced from Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and possesses multiple biological properties, particularly the anti-inflammatory property. However, Saf's role in osteoporosis remains unknown. PURPOSE This study aims to validate the role of Saf in osteoporosis and explore the potential mechanism. STUDY DESIGN The RANKL-exposed mouse BMM (bone marrow monocytes) and the castration-mediated osteoporosis model were applied to explore the effect and mechanism of Saf in vitro and in vivo. METHOD The effect of Saf on osteoclast formation and function were assessed by TRAcP staining, bone-resorptive experiment, qPCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, etc. Micro-CT, HE, TRAcP and immunohistochemical staining were performed to estimate the effects of Saf administration on OVX-mediated osteoporosis in mice at imaging and histological levels. RESULTS Saf concentration-dependently inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation without affecting cellular viability. Meanwhile, Saf-mediated anti-osteolytic capacity and Sirt1 upregulation were also found in ovariectomized mice. Mechanistically, Saf interfered with NF-κB signaling by activating Sirt1 to increase p65 deacetylation and inactivating IKK to decrease IκBα degradation. CONCLUSION Our results support the potential application of Saf as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Ren Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu-Hao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zi-Han Dai
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chen Jin
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Gao-Lu He
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shu-Qing Jin
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Bi-Yao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Cheng-Long Xie
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Gang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Nai-Feng Tian
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China; The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, 270# Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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24
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Bari E, Perteghella S, Rassu G, Gavini E, Petretto GL, Bonferoni MC, Giunchedi P, Torre ML. Sericin/crocetin micro/nanoparticles for nucleus pulposus cells regeneration: An “active” drug delivery system. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1129882. [PMID: 36969863 PMCID: PMC10036567 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1129882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Initiation and progression of intervertebral disk degeneration are linked to oxidative stress, with reactive oxygen species being a key factor. Therefore, as a potentially novel approach able to regenerate the damaged intervertebral disk, this work aimed to prepare an “active per sé” drug delivery system by combining sericin and crocetin: both are bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulant and regenerative properties.Methods: In detail, sericin nanoparticles were prepared using crocetin as a cross-linker; then, the nanoparticle dispersions were dried by spray drying as it is (NP), with an excess of sericin (NPS) or crocin/crocetin (NPMix), obtaining three microparticle formulations.Results and Discussion: Before drying, the nanoparticles were nanometric (about 250 nm), with a negative surface charge, and appeared spherical and smooth. Following the drying process, spherical and smooth microparticles were obtained, with a mean diameter of about 1.7–2.30 μm. NPMix was the most active in antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities, likely due to the excess of crocin/crocetin, while NPS had the best anti-elastase activity, likely due to sericin in excess. Furthermore, all the formulations could prevent oxidative stress damage on nucleus pulposus cells, with NPMix being the best. Overall, the intrinsic anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase activities and the ability to protect from oxidative stress-induced damages justify future investigations of these “active per sé” formulations in treating or preventing intervertebral disk degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Bari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Rassu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanna Rassu,
| | - Elisabetta Gavini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Giunchedi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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On the Importance of the Starting Material Choice and Analytical Procedures Adopted When Developing a Strategy for the Nanoencapsulation of Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) Bioactive Antioxidants. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020496. [PMID: 36830054 PMCID: PMC9951940 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Saffron is known as the most expensive spice in the world. It is comprised of the dried stigmas of the pistil of the Crocus sativus L., which is a cultivated, sterile crocus plant. This plant material is now recognized as the unique edible source of certain bioactive apocarotenoids for which in-vivo antioxidant properties have been reported. Among the latter, crocins, red-orange natural colorants, and their parent molecule crocetin prevail in bioactivity significance. This review is focused on the strategies developed so far for their nanoencapsulation in relation to the characteristics of the starting material, extraction procedures of the bioactive antioxidants and analytical methods applied for their characterization and quantification throughout the process. The literature so far points out gaps that lead to publishable data, on one hand, but not necessarily to repeatable and meaningful processes due to incomplete characterization of the starting and the released material in efficiency and stability studies of the nanoencapsulates. Accurate terminology and quantitative chromatographic or spectrophotometric procedures for the determination of the core compounds are needed. Authenticity control and quality of saffron samples, and the verification of the concentrations of compounds in commercial preparations labeled as 'crocin,' are prerequisites in any experimental design setup.
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Baradaran Rahimi V, Saadat S, Rahmanian Devin P, Jebalbarezy A, Moqaddam M, Boskabady MH, Askari VR. Crocetin regulates Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balances, nitric oxide production, and nuclear localization of NF-κB in Th2-provoked and normal situations in human-isolated lymphocytes. Biofactors 2023. [PMID: 36747328 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Crocetin is a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid derived from Crocus sativus. It has been utilized as natural biomedicine with healing effects. The immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties may cause the biological activities of crocetin. Nevertheless, it is not still clear how this compound acts and causes an immune-modulatory impact on human lymphocytes. The effects of three concentrations (5, 10, and 20 μM) of crocetin or dexamethasone (0.1 mM) were assessed on gene expression and secretion of cytokines, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) level, and nitric oxide (NO) production in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated and non-stimulated lymphocytes. By incubation with PHA, gene expression and cytokine concentration comprising interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-10, and IL-4 were increased, along with NF-κB concentration and NO production (all, p < 0.001). In comparison with the controls, an alteration occurred in the T-helper (Th)2/Th1 and Th17/Treg balance in the stimulated lymphocyte toward a Th2 and Th17 response. In stimulated cells, crocetin and dexamethasone decreased pro-inflammatory significantly and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines and related gene expression, respectively. Moreover, Th17/Treg and Th1/Th2 balance was changed toward Treg and Th1 significantly reducing NF-κB and NO levels (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Promoting effects were represented by crocetin on T-cell subsets to Treg and Th1. Hence, it can have therapeutic value for treating predominant diseases of Th2 or Th17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vafa Baradaran Rahimi
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saeideh Saadat
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Pouria Rahmanian Devin
- Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Jebalbarezy
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Moqaddam
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Reza Askari
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Mohammadi Y, Zangooei M, Salmani F, Farimani AR. Effect of crocin and losartan on biochemical parameters and genes expression of FRMD3 and BMP7 in diabetic rats. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:10-18. [PMID: 36945919 PMCID: PMC10387854 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is a multifactorial and growing disease, one of the severe complications of which is diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is the most common cause of chronic renal failure. FERM domain containing 3 (FRMD3) is responsible for maintaining the shape and integrity of nephron cells, and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) helps maintain function and reduce kidney damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of crocin and losartan on biochemical parameters and the expression of FRMD3 and BMP7 genes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five experimental groups as healthy, diabetic control (D), crocin, losartan, and diabetic rats treated with losartan-crocin (n = 8). A single dose of STZ (50 mg/kg intraperitoneally injection) was used to induce diabetes. Four weeks after induction of diabetes, rats received crocin (50 mg/kg) and losartan (25 mg/kg) daily for four weeks orally. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the intervention, and blood samples were taken to determine serum levels of glucose, urea, creatinine (Cr), malondialdehyde (MDA), and thiol. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to assess the expression of the FRMD3 and BMP7 genes in the kidney samples. RESULTS Diabetes induction increased serum levels of glucose, Cr, urea, MDA, and thiol, but decreased BMP7 and FRMD3 genes expression. Treatment with crocin and losartan decreased these biochemical parameters and increased the expression of the BMP7 and FRMD3 genes. DISCUSSION Crocin may be a promising therapeutic agent for preventing and improving diabetes-related kidney disease due to its antidiabetic and antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser Mohammadi
- Qaen School of Nursing and Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zangooei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Salmani
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Azam Rezaei Farimani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran ; Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Morote L, Lobato-Gómez M, Ahrazem O, Argandoña J, Olmedilla-Alonso B, López-Jiménez AJ, Diretto G, Cuciniello R, Bergamo P, Frusciante S, Niza E, Rubio-Moraga Á, Crispi S, Granell A, Gómez-Gómez L. Crocins-rich tomato extracts showed enhanced protective effects in vitro. J Funct Foods 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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Wu H, Li Y, Zhang Q, Wang H, Xiu W, Xu P, Deng Y, Huang W, Wang DO. Crocetin antagonizes parthanatos in ischemic stroke via inhibiting NOX2 and preserving mitochondrial hexokinase-I. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:50. [PMID: 36681688 PMCID: PMC9867762 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05581-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Parthanatos is one of the major pathways of programmed cell death in ischemic stroke characterized by DNA damage, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) activation, and poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) formation. Here we demonstrate that crocetin, a natural potent antioxidant compound from Crocus sativus, antagonizes parthanatos in ischemic stroke. We reveal that mechanistically, crocetin inhibits NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) activation to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and PAR production at the early stage of parthanatos. Meanwhile we demonstrate that PARylated hexokinase-I (HK-I) is a novel substrate of E3 ligase RNF146 and that crocetin interacts with HK-I to suppress RNF146-mediated HK-I degradation at the later stage of parthanatos, preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage that ultimately trigger the irreversible cell death. Our study supports further development of crocetin as a potential drug candidate for preventing and/or treating ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Ying Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hanxun Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Wenyu Xiu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Pu Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yujie Deng
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510530, China
| | - Wanxu Huang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510700, China.
- State Key Laboratory of New-tech for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, 222001, China.
| | - Dan Ohtan Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 2-2-3 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-Ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida Hon-Machi, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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Yousefi M, Jafari SM, Ahangari H, Ehsani A. Application of Nanoliposomes Containing Nisin and Crocin in Milk. Adv Pharm Bull 2023; 13:134-142. [PMID: 36721817 PMCID: PMC9871285 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of nanoliposomes containing crocin and nisin in milk samples as a food model. Therefore, three formulations were prepared and compared, including (1) milk samples containing free nisin and crocin, (2) samples with nanoliposomes containing nisin and crocin, and (3) nisin and crocin-loaded nanoliposomes coated with chitosan. Methods: In order to find the optimum amount of both bioactives within nanoliposomes, analyses of size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency were accomplished. Then, the best formulated nanoliposome was evaluated and compared with a solution containing free bioactives and nanoliposomes coated with chitosan using other experiments, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities, viscosity, colorimetric and bacterial growth. Results: The best nanoliposomal system based on the factors of size, PDI, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency was related for the nanocarrier with 4 mg crocin, 4.5 mg nisin, and 40 mg lecithin. Based on the results obtained, both nanoliposome (a*=5.41) and chitosancoated nanoliposome (a*=5.09) solutions could significantly (P<0.05) reduce the redness of milk induced by free bioactives (a*=12.32). However, viscosity of milk in chitosan-coated nanoliposome solution was found to be higher (3.42 cP) than other formulations (viscosity of samples with free bioactives was 1.65 cP and viscosity of samples containing nanoliposome was 1.71 cP). In addition, chitosan-coated nanoliposomes could inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes stronger than other samples. Conclusion: Encapsulation of nisin and crocin in nanoliposomes showed promising results for preserving food safety and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Tabriz, Iran. Food and Beverage Safety Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Department of Food Materials and Process Design Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hossein Ahangari
- Department of Food Science and Technology & Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Ehsani
- Department of Food Science and Technology & Nutrition Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Tabriz, Iran
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31
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Gardenia fruit and Eucommia leaves combination improves hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia via pancreatic lipase and AMPK-PPARα and Keap-1-Nrf2-HO-1 regulation. J Funct Foods 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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32
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Liu ZY, Han YT, Wang CY, Lei XJ, Wang YY, Dong WF, Xie QJ, Fu YJ, Gao CQ. The growth-regulating factor PdbGRF1 positively regulates the salt stress response in Populus davidiana × P. bolleana. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 326:111502. [PMID: 36252856 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Growth-regulating factor (GRF) is a transcription factor unique to plants that plays a crucial role in the growth, development and stress adaptation of plants. However, information on the GRFs related to salt stress in Populus davidiana × P. bolleana is lacking. In this study, we characterized the activity of PdbGRF1 in transgenic Populus davidiana × P. bolleana under salt stress. qRTPCR analyses showed that PdbGRF1 was highly expressed in young leaves and that the pattern of PdbGRF1 expression was significantly changed at most time points under salt stress, which suggests that PdbGRF1 expression may be related to the salt stress response. Moreover, PdbGRF1 overexpression enhanced tolerance to salt stress. A physiological parameter analysis showed that the overexpression of PdbGRF1 significantly decreased the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and POD) and the proline content. A molecular analysis showed that PdbGRF1 regulated the expression of PdbPOD17 and PdbAKT1 by binding to the DRE ('A/GCCGAC') in their respective promoters. Together, our results demonstrate that the binding of PdbGRF1 to DRE regulates genes related to stress tolerance and activates the associated physiological pathways, and these effects increase the ROS scavenging ability, reduce the degree of damage to the plasma membrane and ultimately enhance the salt stress response in Populus davidiana × P. bolleana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ya-Ting Han
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chun-Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xiao-Jin Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wen-Fang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Qing-Jun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yu-Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Plant Ecology, Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Cai-Qiu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
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Cerdá-Bernad D, Pitterou I, Tzani A, Detsi A, Frutos MJ. "Novel chitosan/alginate hydrogels as carriers of phenolic-enriched extracts from saffron floral by-products using natural deep eutectic solvents as green extraction media". Curr Res Food Sci 2023; 6:100469. [PMID: 36926417 PMCID: PMC10011189 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The current saffron production system is generating several hundreds of tons of tepal waste, because only stigmas are used for food. Consequently, the valorization of saffron floral by-products by developing stable functional ingredients could lead to the environmental impact minimization. Thus, the main aim of this study was to develop innovative green extraction processes from saffron floral by-products by using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) as ecological extraction method. Response surface methodology was used to optimize process parameters. To improve the stability of the optimal extracts, they were incorporated into chitosan/alginate hydrogels, studying their water-uptake and water retention capacity and the total phenolic content (TPC) during the in vitro digestion. The results indicated that the optimal extraction, regarding total phenolic and flavonoid content, was achieved in 20 min, using 180 W ultrasound power and 90% of NaDES. The results of the DPPH assay revealed the potent antioxidant activity of saffron floral by-products. The chitosan/alginate hydrogels incorporating the as-obtained NaDES extracts showed favorable properties whereas the TPC remained stable under intestinal conditions. Therefore, NaDES combined with UAE was an efficient technique to isolate high added-value compounds from saffron flowers, succeeding also the valorization of discarded waste by using green and low-cost strategies. Furthermore, these novel hydrogels could be used as promising candidates for food or cosmetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Cerdá-Bernad
- Agro-Food Technology Department, CIAGRO-UMH, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental, Miguel Hernández University, 03312, Orihuela, Spain
| | - Ioanna Pitterou
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - Andromachi Tzani
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Detsi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - María José Frutos
- Agro-Food Technology Department, CIAGRO-UMH, Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental, Miguel Hernández University, 03312, Orihuela, Spain
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34
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Saffron against Neuro-Cognitive Disorders: An Overview of Its Main Bioactive Compounds, Their Metabolic Fate and Potential Mechanisms of Neurological Protection. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245368. [PMID: 36558528 PMCID: PMC9781906 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a spice used worldwide as a colouring and flavouring agent. Saffron is also a source of multiple bioactive constituents with potential health benefits. Notably, saffron displays consistent beneficial effects against a range of human neurological disorders (depression, anxiety, sleeping alterations). However, the specific compounds and biological mechanisms by which this protection may be achieved have not yet been elucidated. In this review, we have gathered the most updated evidence of the neurological benefits of saffron, as well as the current knowledge on the main saffron constituents, their bioavailability and the potential biological routes and postulated mechanisms by which the beneficial protective effect may occur. Our aim was to provide an overview of the neuroprotective effects attributed to this product and its main bioactive compounds and to highlight the main research gaps that need to be further pursued to achieve full evidence and understanding of the benefits of saffron. Overall, improved clinical trials and adequately designed pre-clinical studies are needed to support the evidence of saffron and of its main bioactive components (e.g., crocin, crocetin) as a therapeutic product to combat neurological disorders.
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35
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Ali A, Yu L, Kousar S, Khalid W, Maqbool Z, Aziz A, Arshad MS, Aadil RM, Trif M, Riaz S, Shaukat H, Manzoor MF, Qin H. Crocin: Functional characteristics, extraction, food applications and efficacy against brain related disorders. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1009807. [PMID: 36583211 PMCID: PMC9792498 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1009807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocin is a bioactive compound that naturally occurs in some medicinal plants, especially saffron and gardenia fruit. Different conventional and novel methods are used for its extraction. Due to some control conditions, recent methods such as ultrasonic extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-associated extraction, microwave extraction, and pulsed electric field extraction are widely used because these methods give more yield and efficiency. Crocin is incorporated into different food products to make functional foods. However, it can also aid in the stability of food products. Due to its ability to protect against brain diseases, the demand for crocin has been rising in the pharmaceutical industry. It also contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidepressant qualities. This review aims to describe crocin and its role in developing functional food, extraction, and bioavailability in various brain-related diseases. The results of the literature strongly support the importance of crocin against various diseases and its use in making different functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Ali
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Yu
- Department of Research and Development Office, Hunan First Normal University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Liang Yu
| | - Safura Kousar
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Waseem Khalid
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Zahra Maqbool
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Afifa Aziz
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sajid Arshad
- Department of Food Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Rana Muhammad Aadil
- National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Monica Trif
- Food Research Department, Centre for Innovative Process Engineering, Syke, Germany
| | - Sakhawat Riaz
- Department of Home Economics, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan,Food and Nutrition Society, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
| | - Horia Shaukat
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Muhammad Faisal Manzoor
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Intelligent Food Manufacturing, Foshan University, Foshan, China,School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,Muhammad Faisal Manzoor
| | - Hong Qin
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China,Hong Qin
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36
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Thakur M, Modi VK. Biocolorants in food: Sources, extraction, applications and future prospects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:4674-4713. [PMID: 36503345 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2144997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Color of a food is one of the major factors influencing its acceptance by consumers. At presently synthetic dyes are the most commonly used food colorant in food industry by providing more esthetically appearance and as a means to quality control. However, the growing concern about health and environmental due to associated toxicity with synthetic food colorants has accelerated the global efforts to replace them with safer and healthy food colorants obtained from natural resources (plants, microorganisms, and animals). Further, many of these biocolorants not only provide myriad of colors to the food but also exert biological properties, thus they can be used as nutraceuticals in foods and beverages. In order to understand the importance of nature-derived pigments as food colorants, this review provides a thorough discussion on the natural origin of food colorants. Following this, different extraction methods for isolating biocolorants from plants and microbes were also discussed. Many of these biocolorants not only provide color, but also have many health promoting properties, for this reason their physicochemical and biological properties were also reviewed. Finally, current trends on the use of biocolorants in foods, and the challenges faced by the biocolorants in their effective utilization by food industry and possible solutions to these challenges were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Thakur
- Amity Institute of Food Technology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - V K Modi
- Amity Institute of Food Technology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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37
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Ma A, Zou F, Zhang R, Zhao X. The effects and underlying mechanisms of medicine and food homologous flowers on the prevention and treatment of related diseases. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14430. [PMID: 36165435 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The theory of medicine and food homology has a long history in China. Numerous traditional Chinese medicinal could be used as both medicine and food. Many flower medicinal materials also belong to the homology of medicine and food, such as Chrysanthemum morifolium, Lonicera japonica, Crocus sativus, and Lonicera macranthoides. They mainly contain flavonoids, organic acids, terpenoids, and other active ingredients, which have a variety of medicinal values, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant. There are many formulations and functional foods containing these plants in Chinese medicine, which have a variety of nutritional and health effects on the human body. In this review, 10 widely used flowers were selected to review their pharmacological activities, prevention and treatment of related diseases and underlying mechanisms, and discussed the current limitations and future development prospects, hoping to provide references for the research on the development and utilization of natural medical flowers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The "homology of medicine and food" flowers have a wide range of uses and are of great research value. In this paper, we introduce 10 "homology of medicine and food" flowers. Their active ingredients, pharmacological activities, and treatments for related diseases are reviewed, and the limitations and development prospects of the "homology of medicine and food" flowers are discussed. It is hoped that this will contribute to the development of the food and pharmacological fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijinxiu Ma
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fengmao Zou
- School of Traditional Chinese Material Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruowen Zhang
- Jiahehongsheng (Shenzhen) Health Industry Group, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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38
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Ezati P, Khan A, Rhim JW, Roy S, Hassan ZU. Saffron: Perspectives and Sustainability for Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Applications. FOOD BIOPROCESS TECH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11947-022-02949-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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39
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Pantazopoulou P, Kalogeropoulou S, Theohari S, Papamichalis E, Tzeli D. Evaluation of Crocin as green corrosion inhibitor for aluminum in NaCl solution. CHEM ENG COMMUN 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00986445.2022.2147834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Pantazopoulou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Kalogeropoulou
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatina Theohari
- Graphic Design and Visual Communication Department, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Papamichalis
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Demeter Tzeli
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
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40
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Potential Role of Phytochemical Extract from Saffron in Development of Functional Foods and Protection of Brain-Related Disorders. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6480590. [PMID: 36193081 PMCID: PMC9526642 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6480590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The present review is designed to measure the effects of saffron extract in functional foods and its pharmacological properties against various disorders. Saffron is a traditional medicinal plant used as a food additive. The stigma of saffron has bioactive compounds such as safranal, crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, kaempferol, and flavonoid. These bioactive compounds can be extracted using conventional (maceration, solvent extraction, soxhlet extraction, and vapor or hydrodistillation) and novel techniques (emulsion liquid membrane extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, enzyme-associated extraction, pulsed electric field extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction). Saffron is used as a functional ingredient, natural colorant, shelf-life enhancer, and fortifying agent in developing different food products. The demand for saffron has been increasing in the pharma industry due to its protection against cardiovascular and Alzheimer disease and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidepressant properties. Conclusively, the phytochemical compounds of saffron improve the nutrition value of products and protect humans against various disorders.
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41
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Novel Insight into the Volatile Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Crocus sativus L. Flowers. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091650. [PMID: 36139726 PMCID: PMC9495350 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The current production system of saffron spice generates hundreds of tons of waste. Thus, the aim of this study was to value both saffron and its floral by-products as a source of natural bioactive extracts, studying the in vitro antioxidant capacity, the composition of the volatile fraction by GC-MS/MS, and the determination of crocetins esters by HPLC-PDA. Saffron stigmas and floral by-products showed a high content of polyphenols and different antioxidant properties. Floral bio-residues (tepals, stamens, and styles) presented a high concentration of anthocyanins, and stigmas had high levels of flavonoids, β-carotene, and total crocins. In stigmas, 25 different volatile components were found, with safranal the most relevant. Floral by-products volatile composition consisted of 55 compounds with varying amounts depending on the drying treatment; all the samples presented acetic acid, 2(5H)-furanone, and phenylethyl alcohol. Therefore, saffron stigmas and flower by-products represent a sustainable source of bioactive ingredients for innovative healthy food formulations.
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Evaluation of Microwave-Assisted Extraction as a Potential Green Technology for the Isolation of Bioactive Compounds from Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.) Floral By-Products. Foods 2022; 11:foods11152335. [PMID: 35954101 PMCID: PMC9368118 DOI: 10.3390/foods11152335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The saffron flower stigmas are used for the saffron spice production while the remaining saffron floral by-products, that are a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds, remain underutilized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) through response surface methodology to obtain high value-added compounds from saffron tepals as ingredients with potential application in the food, pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic industries. A central composite design was applied to optimize process variables: temperature, time and ethanol solvent concentration. Extracts were characterized in terms of total phenolic and total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity (ORAC and HOSC assays), being the maximum values obtained: 126.20 ± 2.99 mg GAE/g dry matter; 8.05 ± 0.11 mg CE/g dry matter; 6219 ± 246 μmol TEAC/dry matter; 3131 ± 205 μmol TEAC/dry matter, respectively. Results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions were the combination of low temperature (25 °C)—high extraction time (5 min) using ethanol as solvent (100%). MAE revealed to be an efficient technique to isolate bioactive compounds from saffron floral by-products with a low energy footprint.
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Vitale S, Colanero S, Placidi M, Di Emidio G, Tatone C, Amicarelli F, D’Alessandro AM. Phytochemistry and Biological Activity of Medicinal Plants in Wound Healing: An Overview of Current Research. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27113566. [PMID: 35684503 PMCID: PMC9182061 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complicated process, and the effective management of wounds is a major challenge. Natural herbal remedies have now become fundamental for the management of skin disorders and the treatment of skin infections due to the side effects of modern medicine and lower price for herbal products. The aim of the present study is to summarize the most recent in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on major herbal preparations, their phytochemical constituents, and new formulations for wound management. Research reveals that several herbal medicaments have marked activity in the management of wounds and that this activity is ascribed to flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. These phytochemicals can act at different stages of the process by means of various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, collagen synthesis stimulating, cell proliferation, and angiogenic effects. The application of natural compounds using nanotechnology systems may provide significant improvement in the efficacy of wound treatments. Increasing the clinical use of these therapies would require safety assessment in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Vitale
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
| | - Sara Colanero
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Martina Placidi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
| | - Giovanna Di Emidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
| | - Carla Tatone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
| | - Fernanda Amicarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
| | - Anna Maria D’Alessandro
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (S.V.); (M.P.); (G.D.E.); (C.T.); (F.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Abdalla Y, Abdalla A, Hamza AA, Amin A. Safranal Prevents Liver Cancer Through Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Alleviating Inflammation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:777500. [PMID: 35177980 PMCID: PMC8845597 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.777500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite all efforts, an effective and safe treatment for liver cancer remains elusive. Natural products and their derived biomolecules are potential resources to mine for novel anti-cancer drugs. Chemopreventive effects of safranal, a major bioactive ingredient of the golden spice "saffron", were evaluated in this study against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer in rats. Safranal's mechanisms of action were also investigated in the human liver cancer line "HepG2". When administered to DEN-treated rats, safranal significantly inhibited proliferation (Ki-67) and also induced apoptosis (TUNEL and M30 CytoDeath). It also exhibited anti-inflammatory properties where inflammatory markers such as NF-kB, COX2, iNOS, TNF-alpha, and its receptor were significantly inhibited. Safranal's in vivo effects were further supported in HepG2 cells where apoptosis was induced and inflammation was downregulated. In summary, safranal is reported here as a potent chemopreventive agent against hepatocellular carcinoma that may soon be an important ingredient of a broad-spectrum cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Abdalla
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Ali Abdalla
- Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Alaaeldin Ahmed Hamza
- Hormone Evaluation Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amr Amin
- The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Biology Department, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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El Midaoui A, Ghzaiel I, Vervandier-Fasseur D, Ksila M, Zarrouk A, Nury T, Khallouki F, El Hessni A, Ibrahimi SO, Latruffe N, Couture R, Kharoubi O, Brahmi F, Hammami S, Masmoudi-Kouki O, Hammami M, Ghrairi T, Vejux A, Lizard G. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A Source of Nutrients for Health and for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric and Age-Related Diseases. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030597. [PMID: 35276955 PMCID: PMC8839854 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a medicinal plant, originally cultivated in the East and Middle East, and later in some Mediterranean countries. Saffron is obtained from the stigmas of the plant. Currently, the use of saffron is undergoing a revival. The medicinal virtues of saffron, its culinary use and its high added value have led to the clarification of its phytochemical profile and its biological and therapeutic characteristics. Saffron is rich in carotenoids and terpenes. The major products of saffron are crocins and crocetin (carotenoids) deriving from zeaxanthin, pirocrocin and safranal, which give it its taste and aroma, respectively. Saffron and its major compounds have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo. Anti-tumor properties have also been described. The goal of this review is to present the beneficial effects of saffron and its main constituent molecules on neuropsychiatric diseases (depression, anxiety and schizophrenia) as well as on the most frequent age-related diseases (cardiovascular, ocular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as sarcopenia). Overall, the phytochemical profile of saffron confers many beneficial virtues on human health and, in particular, on the prevention of age-related diseases, which is a major asset reinforcing the interest for this medicinal plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil El Midaoui
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Errachidia 52000, Morocco;
- Laboratory of Genetics, Neuroendocrinology, and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14020, Morocco; (A.E.H.); (S.O.I.)
- Correspondence: (A.E.M.); (G.L.); Tel.: +1-514-343-6111 (ext. 3320) (A.E.M.); +33-3-80-39-62-56 (G.L.)
| | - Imen Ghzaiel
- Team ‘Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism’, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, 21000 Dijon, France; (I.G.); (M.K.); (T.N.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
- Lab-NAFS ‘Nutritio—Functional Food & Vascular Health’, Faculty of Medicine, LR12ES05, University Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.Z.); (S.H.); (M.H.)
| | - Dominique Vervandier-Fasseur
- Team OCS, Institute of Molecular Chemistry (ICMUB UMR CNRS 6302), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, 21000 Dijon, France;
| | - Mohamed Ksila
- Team ‘Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism’, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, 21000 Dijon, France; (I.G.); (M.K.); (T.N.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
- Laboratory Neurophysiology, Cellular Physiopathology and Valorisation of Biomolecules, (LR18ES03), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 2092, Tunisia; (O.M.-K.); (T.G.)
| | - Amira Zarrouk
- Lab-NAFS ‘Nutritio—Functional Food & Vascular Health’, Faculty of Medicine, LR12ES05, University Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.Z.); (S.H.); (M.H.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia
| | - Thomas Nury
- Team ‘Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism’, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, 21000 Dijon, France; (I.G.); (M.K.); (T.N.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
| | - Farid Khallouki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Errachidia 52000, Morocco;
| | - Aboubaker El Hessni
- Laboratory of Genetics, Neuroendocrinology, and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14020, Morocco; (A.E.H.); (S.O.I.)
| | - Salama Ouazzani Ibrahimi
- Laboratory of Genetics, Neuroendocrinology, and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra 14020, Morocco; (A.E.H.); (S.O.I.)
| | - Norbert Latruffe
- Team ‘Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism’, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, 21000 Dijon, France; (I.G.); (M.K.); (T.N.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
| | - Réjean Couture
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
| | - Omar Kharoubi
- Laboratory of Experimental Biotoxicology, Biodepollution and Phytoremediation, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University Oran1 ABB, Oran 31000, Algeria;
| | - Fatiha Brahmi
- Laboratory Biomathématique, Biochimie, Biophysique et Scientométrie, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria;
| | - Sonia Hammami
- Lab-NAFS ‘Nutritio—Functional Food & Vascular Health’, Faculty of Medicine, LR12ES05, University Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.Z.); (S.H.); (M.H.)
| | - Olfa Masmoudi-Kouki
- Laboratory Neurophysiology, Cellular Physiopathology and Valorisation of Biomolecules, (LR18ES03), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 2092, Tunisia; (O.M.-K.); (T.G.)
| | - Mohamed Hammami
- Lab-NAFS ‘Nutritio—Functional Food & Vascular Health’, Faculty of Medicine, LR12ES05, University Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia; (A.Z.); (S.H.); (M.H.)
| | - Taoufik Ghrairi
- Laboratory Neurophysiology, Cellular Physiopathology and Valorisation of Biomolecules, (LR18ES03), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 2092, Tunisia; (O.M.-K.); (T.G.)
| | - Anne Vejux
- Team ‘Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism’, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, 21000 Dijon, France; (I.G.); (M.K.); (T.N.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
| | - Gérard Lizard
- Team ‘Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism’, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comte, 21000 Dijon, France; (I.G.); (M.K.); (T.N.); (N.L.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence: (A.E.M.); (G.L.); Tel.: +1-514-343-6111 (ext. 3320) (A.E.M.); +33-3-80-39-62-56 (G.L.)
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Liu X, Wang Z, Song X, Chang X, Zu E, Ma X, Sukegawa M, Liu D, Wang DO. Crocetin Alleviates Ovariectomy-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction through Regulating Estrogen Receptor β. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:14824-14839. [PMID: 34851635 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c04570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction (MD) is a major health problem threatening the life quality of menopausal women. Saffron has been widely used in herb prescriptions for treating menopausal syndrome. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of saffron are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of crocin, the major ingredient of saffron and its active metabolite in blood, crocetin, on MD and lipid metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The present study showed that intragastric treatment of crocin prevented weight gain, fat accumulation, and insulin resistance in OVX mice by increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Mechanistically, crocin influenced adipose tissue homeostasis by regulating adipogenic and lipolytic factors, which was strongly associated with the restoration of the downregulated ERβ function in white adipose tissue (WAT). In vitro, crocetin facilitated lipid metabolism in an ERβ-dependent manner. Our results demonstrated the beneficial effects of crocetin/crocin-mediated intervention against metabolic dysfunction, revealing a prospective therapeutic application in menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xintong Song
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xinyu Chang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Er Zu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xiaowei Ma
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Momoe Sukegawa
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida hon-machi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Dongchun Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dan Ohtan Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida hon-machi, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Wu L, Yang W, Zhang Y, Du X, Jin N, Chen W, Li H, Zhang S, Xie B. Elevated Serum Uric Acid is Associated With Poor Survival in Advanced HCC Patients and Febuxostat Improves Prognosis in HCC Rats. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:778890. [PMID: 34858193 PMCID: PMC8632057 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.778890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Serum uric acid is associated with tumor progression and hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we aimed to determine whether serum uric acid is related to the survival time of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and whether the inhibition of uric acid production affects the progression and survival of rats with HCC. Methods: The follow-up data of 288 patients with advanced HCC were analyzed. Ten purine metabolites in serum and liver samples of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC rats were quantitatively determined by an established UPLC-MS/MS method. On this basis, febuxostat, a specific inhibitor of xanthine oxidase (XOD), was used to interfere with HCC rats. Results: The serum uric acid level of HCC patients was significantly negatively correlated with survival days (r = -0.155). The median survival time was 133.5 days in the high uric acid group (>360 μmol/L, n = 80) and 176.0 days in the normal serum uric acid group (<360 μmol/L, n = 208, p = 0.0013). The levels of hypoxanthine, guanine, and uric acid; XOD activity; and xanthine dehydrogenase mRNA expression in the serum or liver samples of HCC rats were significantly upregulated compared with those in the control group. After febuxostat intervention in DEN-induced HCC rats, the number of atypical cells and inflammatory cells decreased significantly; the serum alpha fetoprotein level and Fisher's ratio tended to return to normal; the median survival time increased from 36 to 96 days (p = 0.08). In addition, serum malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione activity nearly returned to the level of the healthy control group. Conclusion: The elevation of serum uric acid implies a risk of poor survival in advanced HCC patients and Febuxostat can reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby playing a role in delaying the progression of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Medical College of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenlong Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoyue Du
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Medical College of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Nan Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Medical College of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Huangbao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Shouhua Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Baogang Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Medical College of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Wang H, Zheng B, Che K, Han X, Li L, Wang H, Liu Y, Shi J, Sun S. Protective effects of safranal on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury in H9c2 cardiac myoblasts via the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1400. [PMID: 34675994 PMCID: PMC8524664 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Safranal (SFR), an active ingredient extracted from saffron, exhibits a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. However, the mechanism of SFR against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte injury has previously not been investigated in vitro. The aim of the present study was therefore to observe the protective effects of SFR on H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury and to explore its mechanisms. A H/R injury model of H9c2 cardiac myoblasts was established by administering 800 µmol/l CoCl2 to H9c2 cells for 24 h and reoxygenating the cells for 4 h to induce hypoxia. H9c2 cardiac myoblasts were pretreated with SFR for 12 h to evaluate the associated protective effects. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used for cell viability detection, and the expression levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and caspase-3, and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration were measured using the corresponding commercial kits. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells were detected using 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Flow cytometry was used to determine the degree of apoptosis and the level of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Moreover, the expression levels of phosphorylated (p-)PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), p-GSK3β, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 were measured using western blot analysis. Results of the present study demonstrated that the H9c2 cardiac myoblasts treated with SFR exhibited significantly improved levels of viability and significantly reduced levels of ROS, compared with the H/R group. Furthermore, compared with the H/R group, SFR treatment significantly increased the MMP levels and antioxidant enzyme levels, including CAT, SOD and GSH-px; whereas the levels of CK-MB, LDH, MDA and intracellular Ca2+ concentration were significantly decreased. Moreover, the results of the present study demonstrated that SFR significantly reduced caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax protein expression levels, but upregulated the Bcl-2 protein expression levels. SFR also increased the protein expressions of PI3K/AKT/GSK3β. In summary, the results suggested that SFR may exert a protective effect against H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury, which occurs in connection with the inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis via regulation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hefei Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical History Literature, School of Basic Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Kaimeng Che
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical History Literature, School of Basic Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical History Literature, School of Basic Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Hongfang Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Yanshuang Liu
- Department of Diagnostics, Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Scientific Research Management, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Shijiang Sun
- Department of Hospital Management and Medical History Literature, Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
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Fernández-Albarral JA, Martínez-López MA, Marco EM, de Hoz R, Martín-Sánchez B, San Felipe D, Salobrar-García E, López-Cuenca I, Pinazo-Durán MD, Salazar JJ, Ramírez JM, López-Gallardo M, Ramírez AI. Is Saffron Able to Prevent the Dysregulation of Retinal Cytokines Induced by Ocular Hypertension in Mice? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10214801. [PMID: 34768320 PMCID: PMC8584889 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokine- and chemokine-mediated signalling is involved in the neuroinflammatory process that leads to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage in glaucoma. Substances with anti-inflammatory properties could decrease these cytokines and chemokines and thus prevent RGC death. The authors of this study analysed the anti-inflammatory effect of a hydrophilic saffron extract standardized to 3% crocin content, focusing on the regulation of cytokine and chemokine production, in a mouse model of unilateral laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT). We demonstrated that following saffron treatment, most of the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10), Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and fractalkine were unaffected in response to laser-induced OHT in both the OHT eye and its contralateral eye. Only IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the OHT eye one day after laser induction compared with the control group. These results differed from those observed in animals subjected to unilateral OHT and not treated with saffron, where changes in cytokine levels occurred in both eyes. Therefore, saffron extract regulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines, VEGF, and fractalkine induced by increasing intraocular pressure (IOP), protecting the retina from inflammation. These results indicate that saffron could be beneficial in glaucoma by helping to reduce the inflammatory process.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A. Fernández-Albarral
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.F.-A.); (R.d.H.); (E.S.-G.); (I.L.-C.); (J.J.S.); (J.M.R.)
| | - Miguel A. Martínez-López
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo UCM 951579, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.M.-L.); (B.M.-S.); (D.S.F.)
| | - Eva M. Marco
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de CC. Biológicas, Fisiología y Microbiología, Grupo UCM 951579, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.F.-A.); (R.d.H.); (E.S.-G.); (I.L.-C.); (J.J.S.); (J.M.R.)
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Oftalmología y ORL, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martín-Sánchez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo UCM 951579, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.M.-L.); (B.M.-S.); (D.S.F.)
| | - Diego San Felipe
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo UCM 951579, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.M.-L.); (B.M.-S.); (D.S.F.)
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.F.-A.); (R.d.H.); (E.S.-G.); (I.L.-C.); (J.J.S.); (J.M.R.)
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Oftalmología y ORL, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.F.-A.); (R.d.H.); (E.S.-G.); (I.L.-C.); (J.J.S.); (J.M.R.)
| | - María D. Pinazo-Durán
- Ophthalmic Research Unit “Santiago Grisolía”—FISABIO and Cellular and Molecular Ophthalmobiology Unit, University of Valencia, 46017 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Juan J. Salazar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.F.-A.); (R.d.H.); (E.S.-G.); (I.L.-C.); (J.J.S.); (J.M.R.)
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Oftalmología y ORL, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.F.-A.); (R.d.H.); (E.S.-G.); (I.L.-C.); (J.J.S.); (J.M.R.)
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Oftalmología y ORL, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Meritxell López-Gallardo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Grupo UCM 951579, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.M.-L.); (B.M.-S.); (D.S.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.L.-G.); (A.I.R.)
| | - Ana I. Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.F.-A.); (R.d.H.); (E.S.-G.); (I.L.-C.); (J.J.S.); (J.M.R.)
- Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Oftalmología y ORL, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.L.-G.); (A.I.R.)
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Ganjiani V, Ahmadi N, Divar MR, Sharifiyazdi H, Meimandi-Parizi A. Protective effects of crocin on testicular torsion/detorsion in rats. Theriogenology 2021; 173:241-248. [PMID: 34399388 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress, caused by extreme accumulation of un-scavenged reactive oxygen species, plays an integral role in the Ischemia-Reperfusion (I/R) injury to the testicles following testicular torsion. The current research aimed to examine the protective effects of crocin as a natural antioxidant on testicular I/R injury in rats. Animals were divided randomly into five groups (seven each): (1) sham group, (2) torsion/detorsion (T/D) group, (3) intact group with 100 mg/kg crocin, (4) and (5) T/D groups followed by treatment with two different doses of crocin (50 and 100 mg/kg (IP)). I/R injury was induced by 720° clockwise torsion of the left testicles for 2 h. After 24 h of reperfusion, blood samples and epididymal sperms were collected to measure biochemical (GPx, SOD, and MDA), hormonal (testosterone), and sperm parameters (total sperm recovery, motility, viability, and morphology). Moreover, affected testicles were subjected to histopathology examination. I/R injury caused a significant reduction in sperm characteristics (except for morphology) (P < 0.05), which could not be significantly improved by crocin administration at either dose (P > 0.05). Johnsen's testicular score, mean seminiferous tubular diameter, and germinal epithelial cell thickness were significantly decreased in the T/D group compared to the intact and sham groups. However, crocin could significantly improve the histopathological parameters in both treatment groups compared to the T/D group (P < 0.05). T/D reduced SOD and GPx activity and testosterone level significantly (except for GPx) compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). However, crocin administration could significantly reverse them. Also, crocin reduced the amount of MDA significantly in the high-dose treatment group in comparison to T/D group (P < 0.05). The results of the current study revealed that crocin could be a promising agent to protect against I/R injury following surgical correction of the testicular torsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Ganjiani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Nasrollah Ahmadi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Divar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Hassan Sharifiyazdi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
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