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Versteeg N, Wellauer V, Wittenwiler S, Aerenhouts D, Clarys P, Clijsen R. Short-term cutaneous vasodilatory and thermosensory effects of topical methyl salicylate. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1347196. [PMID: 38706945 PMCID: PMC11066213 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1347196] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Methyl salicylate, the main compound of wintergreen oil, is widely used in topical applications. However, its vascular and thermosensory effects are not fully understood. The primary aim was to investigate the effects of topical methyl salicylate on skin temperature (Tskin), skin microcirculation (MCskin) and muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) compared to a placebo gel. The secondary aim was to assess thermosensory responses (thermal sensation, thermal comfort) and to explore to which extent these sensations correspond to the physiological responses over time. Methods 21 healthy women (22.2 ± 2.9 years) participated in this single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Custom-made natural wintergreen oil (12.9%), containing methyl salicylate (>99%) and a placebo gel, 1 g each, were applied simultaneously to two paravertebral skin areas (5 cm × 10 cm, Th4-Th7). Tskin (infrared thermal imaging), MCskin (laser speckle contrast imaging) and SmO2 (deep tissue oxygenation monitoring) and thermosensation (Likert scales) were assessed at baseline (BL) and at 5-min intervals during a 45 min post-application period (T0-T45). Results Both gels caused an initial decrease in Tskin, with Tskin(min) at T5 for both methyl salicylate (BL-T5: Δ-3.36°C) and placebo (BL-T5: Δ-3.90°C), followed by a gradual increase (p < .001). Methyl salicylate gel resulted in significantly higher Tskin than placebo between T5 and T40 (p < .05). For methyl salicylate, MCskin increased, with MCskin(max) at T5 (BL-T5: Δ88.7%). For placebo, MCskin decreased (BL-T5: Δ-17.5%), with significantly lower values compared to methyl salicylate between T0 and T45 (p < .05). Both gels had minimal effects on SmO2, with no significant differences between methyl salicylate and placebo (p > .05). Thermal sensation responses to topical methyl salicylate ranged from "cool" to "hot", with more intense sensations reported at T5. Discussion The findings indicate that topical methyl salicylate induces short-term cutaneous vasodilation, but it may not enhance skeletal muscle blood flow. This study highlights the complex sensory responses to its application, which may be based on the short-term modulation of thermosensitive transient receptor potential channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninja Versteeg
- Rehabilitation and Exercise Science Laboratory (RESlab), Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Landquart, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa Wellauer
- Rehabilitation and Exercise Science Laboratory (RESlab), Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Landquart, Switzerland
| | - Selina Wittenwiler
- Rehabilitation and Exercise Science Laboratory (RESlab), Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Landquart, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Aerenhouts
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Clarys
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ron Clijsen
- Rehabilitation and Exercise Science Laboratory (RESlab), Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Landquart, Switzerland
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- International University of Applied Sciences THIM, Landquart, Switzerland
- Department of Health, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Berne, Switzerland
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Sokolov AY, Mengal M, Berkovich R. Menthol dural application alters meningeal arteries tone and enhances excitability of trigeminocervical neurons in rats. Brain Res 2024; 1825:148725. [PMID: 38128811 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148725] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Headaches, including migraines, can have a causal relationship to exposure to cold, and this relationship may be both positive and negative, as cold can both provoke and alleviate cephalgia. The role of thermoreceptors responsible for transduction of low temperatures belongs to the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily melastatin member 8 (TRPM8). These channels mediate normal cooling sensation and have a role in both cold pain and cooling-mediated analgesia; they are seen as a potential target for principally new anti-migraine pharmaceuticals. Using a validated animal migraine models, we evaluated effects of menthol, the TRPM8-agonist, on trigeminovascular nociception. In acute experiments on male rats, effects of applied durally menthol solution in various concentrations on the neurogenic dural vasodilatation (NDV) and firing rate of dura-sensitive neurons of the trigeminocervical complex (TCC) were assessed. Application of menthol solution in concentrations of 5 % and 10 % was associated with NDV suppression, however amplitude reduction of the dilatation response caused not by the vascular dilatation degree decrease, but rather due to the significant increase of the meningeal arterioles' basal tone. In electrophysiological experiments the 1 % and 30 % menthol solutions intensified TCC neuron responses to the dural electrical stimulation while not changing their background activity. Revealed in our study excitatory effects of menthol related to the vascular as well as neuronal branches of the trigeminovascular system indicate pro-cephalalgic effects of TRPM8-activation and suggest feasibility of further search for new anti-migraine substances among TRPM8-antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Y Sokolov
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia; Laboratory of Cortico-Visceral Physiology, Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia; St. Petersburg Medico-Social Institute, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Miran Mengal
- Valdman Institute of Pharmacology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Regina Berkovich
- LAC+USC General Hospital and Neurology Clinic, Regina Berkovich MD, PhD Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Wang G, Hurr C. Effects of cutaneous administration of an over-the-counter menthol cream during temperate-water immersion for exercise-induced hyperthermia in men. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1161240. [PMID: 37234416 PMCID: PMC10206141 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1161240] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperthermia impairs various physiological functions and physical performance. We examined the effects of cutaneous administration with an over-the-counter (OTC) analgesic cream containing 20% methyl salicylate and 6% L-menthol during temperate-water immersion (TWI) for exercise-induced hyperthermia. Methods: In a randomized crossover design, twelve healthy males participated in both of two experiments. Firstly, participants underwent a 15-min TWI at 20°C with (CREAM) or without (CON) cutaneous application of an analgesic cream. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was measured using laser doppler flowmetry during TWI. In a subsequent experiment, same participants performed a 30-min strenuous interval exercise in a heated (35°C) environment to induce hyperthermia (~39°C), which was followed by 15 min of TWI. Results: Core body temperature, as measured by an ingestible telemetry sensor, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. CVC and %CVC (% baseline) were higher during TWI in CREAM than in CON (Condition effect: p = 0.0053 and p = 0.0010). An additional experiment revealed that core body heat loss during TWI was greater in CREAM than in CON (Cooling rate: CON 0.070 ± 0.020 vs. CREAM 0.084°C ± 0.026°C/min, p = 0.0039). A more attenuated MAP response was observed during TWI in CREAM than in CON (Condition effect: p = 0.0007). Conclusion: An OTC analgesic cream containing L-menthol and MS augmented cooling effects when cutaneously applied during TWI in exercise-induced hyperthermia. This was, at least in part, due to the counteractive vasodilatory effect of the analgesic cream. The cutaneous application of OTC analgesic cream may therefore provide a safe, accessible, and affordable means of enhancing the cooling effects of TWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physical Education, Xinyang Normal University, Xingang, China
| | - Chansol Hurr
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
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Greenfield AM, Alba BK, Giersch GEW, Seeley AD. Sex differences in thermal sensitivity and perception: Implications for behavioral and autonomic thermoregulation. Physiol Behav 2023; 263:114126. [PMID: 36787810 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Temperature sensitive receptors in the skin and deep body enable the detection of the external and internal environment, including the perception of thermal stimuli. Changes in heat balance require autonomic (e.g., sweating) and behavioral (e.g., seeking shade) thermoeffector initiation to maintain thermal homeostasis. Sex differences in body morphology can largely, but not entirely, account for divergent responses in thermoeffector and perceptual responses to environmental stress between men and women. Thus, it has been suggested that innate differences in thermosensation may exist between men and women. Our goal in this review is to summarize the existing literature that investigates localized and whole-body cold and heat exposure pertaining to sex differences in thermal sensitivity and perception, and the interplay between autonomic and behavioral thermoeffector responses. Overall, it appears that local differences in thermal sensitivity and perception are minimized, yet still apparent, when morphological characteristics are well-controlled. Sex differences in the early vasomotor response to environmental stress and subsequent changes in blood flow likely contribute to the heightened thermal awareness observed in women. However, the contribution of thermoreceptors to observed sex differences in thermal perception and thermoeffector function is unclear, as human studies investigating these questions have not been performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Greenfield
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States of America; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Belcamp, MD, United States of America.
| | - Billie K Alba
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle E W Giersch
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States of America
| | - Afton D Seeley
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, United States of America
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Zhao Y, Pan H, Liu W, Liu E, Pang Y, Gao H, He Q, Liao W, Yao Y, Zeng J, Guo J. Menthol: An underestimated anticancer agent. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1148790. [PMID: 37007039 PMCID: PMC10063798 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1148790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Menthol, a widely used natural, active compound, has recently been shown to have anticancer activity. Moreover, it has been found to have a promising future in the treatment of various solid tumors. Therefore, using literature from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, ScienceDirect, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, the present study reviewed the anticancer activity of menthol and the underlying mechanism. Menthol has a good safety profile and exerts its anticancer activity via multiple pathways and targets. As a result, it has gained popularity for significantly inhibiting different types of cancer cells by various mechanisms such as induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, disruption of tubulin polymerization, and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. Owing to the excellent anticancer activity menthol has demonstrated, further research is warranted for developing it as a novel anticancer agent. However, there are limitations and gaps in the current research on menthol, and its antitumor mechanism has not been completely elucidated. It is expected that more basic experimental and clinical studies focusing on menthol and its derivatives will eventually help in its clinical application as a novel anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Zhao
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Huafeng Pan
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - E. Liu
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaobin Pang
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongjin Gao
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingying He
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenhao Liao
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yejing Yao
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jinhao Zeng, ; Jing Guo,
| | - Jing Guo
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jinhao Zeng, ; Jing Guo,
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Cheng H, An X. Cold stimuli, hot topic: An updated review on the biological activity of menthol in relation to inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1023746. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1023746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundRising incidence of inflammation-related diseases is an increasing concern nowadays. However, while menthol is a wildly-used and efficacious complementary medicine, its pharmacological mechanism still remains uncertain. Superimposed upon that, the aim of this review is to summarize the contemporary evidence of menthol’s anti-inflammatory activity.MethodsUsing the pharmacopeias and electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI, this study analyzed the relevant research articles and review articles from 2002 to 2022 and concluded those results and conjectures to finish this article.ResultsThe decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and related inflammatory markers, as well as associated pathway activation, was found to play the greatest role in the protective effects of menthol against inflammatory damage or association with protection against chronic inflammation.ConclusionThis review mainly concludes the progress in menthol’s anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies are needed to establish relationships between the mechanisms of action and to clarify the clinical relevance of any anti-inflammatory effects.
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Wang G, Zhang T, Wang A, Hurr C. Topical Analgesic Containing Methyl Salicylate and L-Menthol Accelerates Heat Loss During Skin Cooling for Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia. Front Physiol 2022; 13:945969. [PMID: 35910580 PMCID: PMC9326359 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.945969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperthermia impairs physical performance and, when prolonged, results in heat stroke or other illnesses. While extensive research has investigated the effectiveness of various cooling strategies, including cold water immersion and ice-suit, there has been little work focused on overcoming the cutaneous vasoconstriction response to external cold stimulation, which can reduce the effectiveness of these treatments. Over-the-counter (OTC) topical analgesics have been utilized for the treatment of muscle pain for decades; however, to date no research has examined the possibility of taking advantage of their vasodilatory functions in the context of skin cooling. We tested whether an OTC analgesic cream containing 20% methyl salicylate and 6% L-menthol, known cutaneous vasodilators, applied to the skin during skin cooling accelerates heat loss in exercise-induced hyperthermia. Firstly, we found that cutaneous application of OTC topical analgesic cream can attenuate cold-induced vasoconstriction and enhance heat loss during local skin cooling. We also revealed that core body heat loss, as measured by an ingestible telemetry sensor, could be accelerated by cutaneous application of analgesic cream during ice-suit cooling in exercise-induced hyperthermia. A blunted blood pressure response was observed during cooling with the analgesic cream application. Given the safety profile and affordability of topical cutaneous analgesics containing vasodilatory agents, our results suggest that they can be an effective and practical tool for enhancing the cooling effects of skin cooling for hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
- Department of Physical Education, Xinyang Normal University, Xingang, China
| | - Tingran Zhang
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Anjie Wang
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Chansol Hurr
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physical Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Chansol Hurr,
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Bajagai YS, Petranyi F, Horyanto D, Batacan R, Lobo E, Ren X, Whitton MM, Yu SJ, Kayal A, Stanley D. Ileum transcriptional response to prolonged supplementation with phytogenic product containing menthol, carvacrol and carvone. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09131. [PMID: 35345405 PMCID: PMC8956889 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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McSwan J, Gudin J, Song XJ, Grinberg Plapler P, Betteridge NJ, Kechemir H, Igracki-Turudic I, Pickering G. Self-Healing: A Concept for Musculoskeletal Body Pain Management - Scientific Evidence and Mode of Action. J Pain Res 2021; 14:2943-2958. [PMID: 34584448 PMCID: PMC8464648 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s321037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, musculoskeletal pain management has focused on the use of conventional treatments to relieve pain. However, multi-modal integrative medicine including alternative/complementary treatments is becoming more widely used and integrated into treatment guidelines around the world. The uptake of this approach varies according to country, with generally a higher uptake in developed countries and in females aged more than 40 years. Integral to the concept described here, is that the body has an innate ability to self-heal, which can be optimized by the use of integrative medical strategies. Stress triggers for acute or recurring musculoskeletal pain are diverse and can range from physical to psychological. The mechanism by which the body responds to triggers and initiates the self-healing processes is complex, but five body networks or processes are thought to be integral: the nervous system, microcirculation/vasodilation, immune modulation, muscular relaxation/contraction and psychological balance. Multi-modal integrative medicine approaches include nutritional/dietary modification, postural/muscular training exercises, and cognitive behavioral mind/body techniques. This article will review the self-healing concept and provide plausible scientific evidence where available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce McSwan
- GCPHN Persistent Pain Program, PainWISE, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Gudin
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xue-Jun Song
- SUSTech Center of Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Perola Grinberg Plapler
- Division of Physical Medicine, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Hayet Kechemir
- Consumer Healthcare Medical Affairs Department, Sanofi CHC, Paris, France
| | - Iva Igracki-Turudic
- Consumer Healthcare Medical Affairs Department, Sanofi CHC, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gisele Pickering
- Clinical Investigation Center CIC Inserm 1405, University Hospital Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Cross-Talk between Mechanosensitive Ion Channels and Calcium Regulatory Proteins in Cardiovascular Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168782. [PMID: 34445487 PMCID: PMC8395829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanosensitive ion channels are widely expressed in the cardiovascular system. They translate mechanical forces including shear stress and stretch into biological signals. The most prominent biological signal through which the cardiovascular physiological activity is initiated or maintained are intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+). Growing evidence show that the Ca2+ entry mediated by mechanosensitive ion channels is also precisely regulated by a variety of key proteins which are distributed in the cell membrane or endoplasmic reticulum. Recent studies have revealed that mechanosensitive ion channels can even physically interact with Ca2+ regulatory proteins and these interactions have wide implications for physiology and pathophysiology. Therefore, this paper reviews the cross-talk between mechanosensitive ion channels and some key Ca2+ regulatory proteins in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis and its relevance to cardiovascular health and disease.
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Silva H. A Descriptive Overview of the Medical Uses Given to Mentha Aromatic Herbs throughout History. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:484. [PMID: 33371310 PMCID: PMC7767097 DOI: 10.3390/biology9120484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mints have been among the most widely used herbs for medicinal purposes since ancient civilizations. They are still presently used for numerous purposes, including non-medicinal, which makes them economically relevant herbs. Information regarding the medical and scientific uses given to mints throughout history are vastly scattered and/or incomplete. The aim of this paper is to provide an extensive descriptive overview of the medical uses given to these herbs, highlighting both the authors in medical culture responsible for their dissemination, as well as their major galenic formulations. Databases on medical science, reference textbooks on medical history, botanics (aromatic herbs), and pharmacognosy were consulted. The use of mints remotes to Classical Antiquity, with major contributions from Pliny the Elder. In the Middle Ages, the increased knowledge surrounding mints came from Byzantine physicians, while, in the Modern Age, technological developments allowed the production of mint-based products which have become part of elaborate galenic formulas employed by an increasing number of physicians, as well as have also stimulated both scientific and artistic interests alike. In present-day medicine, several mints and mint-based products are being researched as potential therapeutic alternatives for many diseases, while also being vastly employed in food and cosmetic industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Silva
- Informetrics Research Group, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 758307, Vietnam;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 758307, Vietnam
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