Panax ginseng Fruit Has Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Induces Osteogenic Differentiation by Regulating Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Periodontitis

Recent advances in delivery systems of ginsenosides for oral diseases

BACKGROUND

Ginsenosides, the principal active ingredients in ginseng, have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, osteogenic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Oral diseases afflict about half of the world's population. Ginsenosides' multifunctional properties have led to substantial investigation into their potential to prevent and treat oral disorders. However, their low absorption and poor targeting limit their effectiveness.

PURPOSE

This review summarizes the latest research progress on ginsenoside-based drug delivery systems and the potential of ginsenosides in preventing and treating oral diseases to provide a theoretical basis for clinical applications.

METHODS

Using "ginsenoside", "drug delivery", "nanoparticles", "liposomes", "hydrogel", "oral disease", "toxicology", "pharmacology", "clinical translation" and combinations of these keywords in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The search was conducted until December 2024.

RESULTS

The limitations of natural ginsenosides can be overcome by utilizing drug delivery systems to improve pharmacological activity, bioavailability and targeting. The multifunctional pharmacological activities of ginsenosides offer promising avenues for treating oral diseases. In addition, the susceptibility of the oral cavity to infection by pathogenic bacteria and the diluting effect of saliva pose significant challenges to treatment. The emergence of drug delivery marks a breakthrough in addressing these issues.

CONCLUSION

Ginsenoside-based drug delivery methods improve bioactivity, targeting, and reduce costs. This review emphasizes current advancements in ginsenosides within novel drug delivery systems, specifically on its potential in preventing and treating oral disorders. However, multiple well-designed clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of these drugs.

Heme oxygenase-1: potential therapeutic targets for periodontitis

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent inflammatory disease worldwide, which affects 11% of the global population and is a major cause of tooth loss. Recently, oxidative stress (OS) has been found to be the pivital pathophysiological mechanism of periodontitis, and overactivated OS will lead to inflammation, apoptosis, pyroptosis and alveolar bone resorption. Interestingly, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a rate-limiting enzyme in heme degradation, can exert antioxidant activites through its products-carbon monoxide (CO), Fe2+, biliverdin and bilirubin in the inflammatory microenvironment, thus exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptosis and bone homeostasis-regulating properties. In this review, particular focus is given to the role of HO-1 in periodontitis, including the spatial-temporal expression in periodental tissues and pathophysiological mechanisms of HO-1 in periodontitis, as well as the current therapeutic applications of HO-1 targeted drugs for periodontitis. This review aims to elucidate the potential applications of various HO-1 targeted drug therapy in the management of periodontitis, investigate the influence of diverse functional groups on HO-1 and periodontitis, and pave the way for the development of a new generation of therapeutics that will benefit patients suffering from periodontitis.

Cardamonin inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators in TNF-α-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells

OBJECTIVE

Periodontis is a chronic inflammatory disease induced by periodontopathogenic bacteria. The excessive immune response caused by persistent bacterial infection leads to alveolar bone resorption and ultimately tooth loss. Cardamonin is a biologically active substance that is found in the Zingiberaceae family, such as Alpinia zerumbet, and is classified as a natural chalcone. There have been no attempts to use cardamonin for the treatment of periodontitis, and no reports have examined the effects of cardamonin on periodontal tissue component cells. The aim of this study was to analyze effects of cardamonin on expression of inflammation mediators produced by TNFα-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs), including its effects on signal transduction molecules.

METHODS

Cytokine and chemokine levels were measured by ELISA. Protein expression in HPDLCs and activations of signal transduction pathway were determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Our results indicate that cardamonin suppresses C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)2, CCL20, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)10, and interleukin (IL)-6 production and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in TNF-α-stimulated HPDLCs. In addition, cardamonin induced the expression of the antioxidant enzyme, Heme Oxygenase (HO)-1, in HPDLCs. Furthermore, cardamonin suppressed TNF-α-stimulated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling pathways in HPDLCs.

CONCLUSION

We show that cardamonin reduces inflammatory mediator production by inhibiting the activation of several signaling pathways in this manuscript.

Therapeutic Potential of Ginsenosides on Bone Metabolism: A Review of Osteoporosis, Periodontal Disease and Osteoarthritis

Ginsenosides, bioactive compounds from the genus Panax, have potential therapeutic effects on diverse ailments, including diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests their involvement in bone metabolism. The present review summarizes the current understanding of the effects of ginsenosides on osteoporosis, periodontal disease, and osteoarthritis. Their mechanisms of action include effects on osteoblasts, osteoclasts, periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs), and chondrocytes, which are pivotal in maintaining bone, periodontal tissue, and cartilage homeostasis. Ginsenosides may exert their beneficial effects by enhancing PDLF and osteoblast activity, suppressing osteoclast function, augmenting chondrocyte synthesis in the cartilage matrix, and mitigating connective tissue degradation. Moreover, they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-pyroptotic properties. Their efficacy in increasing bone density, ameliorating periodontitis, and alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms has been demonstrated in preclinical studies using animal models. In terms of their mechanism of action, ginsenosides modulate cellular differentiation, activity, and key signaling pathway molecules, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), while also regulating various mediators. Furthermore, the symptomatic relief observed in animal models lends further credence to their therapeutic utility. However, to translate these preclinical findings into clinical practice, rigorous animal and clinical investigations are imperative to ascertain the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing regimens in human subjects.

Potential mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of periodontitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

OBJECTIVES

To explore the mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of periodontitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.

METHODS

Potential targets of ginseng and periodontitis were obtained through various databases. The intersection targets of ginseng and periodontitis were obtained by using VENNY, the protein-protein interaction network relationship diagram was formed on the STRING platform, the core target diagram was formed by Cytoscape software, and the ginseng-active ingredient-target network diagram was constructed. The selected targets were screened for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The core targets of ginseng's active ingredients in treating periodontitis were analyzed by molecular docking technique.

RESULTS

The 22 ginseng's active ingredients, 591 potential targets of ginseng's active ingredients, 2 249 periodontitis gene targets, and 145 ginseng-periodontitis intersection targets were analyzed. Ginseng had strong binding activity on core targets such as vascular endothelial growth factor A and epidermal growth factor receptor, as well as hypoxia induced-factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Ginseng and its active components can regulate several signaling pathways such as HIF-1 and PI3K-Akt, thereby indicating that ginseng may play a role in treating periodontitis through multiple pathways.

The effects of berteroin on inflammatory mediators and antioxidant enzymes expression in human periodontal ligament cells

Berteroin is a bioactive substance classified as an isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, arugula, and salad leaves. In this study, we aimed to determine whether berteroin exerts anti-inflammatory effects on human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs), a resident cells of periodontal tissue. Berteroin suppressed interleukin (IL)-1β or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced chemokines (C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)2, CCL20, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)10, IL-8, and IL-6) production and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression in HPDLCs. In addition, berteroin inhibited phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKK)- α/ β, nuclear factor (NF)- κB p65, and IκB- α and degradation of IκB- α in the NF-κB pathway induced by IL-1 β or TNF- α stimulation. Moreover, berteroin could inhibit signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 phosphorylation in TNF- α -stimulated HPDLC. Furthermore, berteroin increased the expression of the antioxidant enzymes, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase (NQO)1, in IL-1 β or TNF- α -stimulated HPDLCs. These results suggest that berteroin may decrease the production of inflammatory mediators in HPDLCs by suppressing the NF-κB pathway, and may also decrease the local reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in periodontal lesions by increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes.

Combination of Panax ginseng and Diospyros kaki Leaf Inhibits White Adipocyte Differentiation and Browning Process through AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Activation In Vitro and In Vivo

Activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) and stimulating white adipose tissue (WAT) browning is a prospective obesity treatment method. Dietary components derived from plants are the most effective approach to activate BAT and promote WAT browning in rodents. This study investigated the synergistic effects of Panax ginseng (PG) and Diospyros kaki leaf (DKL) extract on adipocyte differentiation and browning, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying their beneficial effects. The administration of PG and DKL to HFD-induced obese mice significantly decreased body weight and epididymal and abdominal adipose tissue mass. In in vitro, PG inhibited the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by regulating the expression of key adipogenic regulators, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP)-α. In contrast, DKL negligibly influenced the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes but greatly increased the protein expression of UCP-1, PGC-1α, and PPARα in BAT and/or WAT. Moreover, PG and DKL inhibited adipogenesis synergistically and activated white adipocyte browning via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathways. These results suggest that a combination of PG and DKL regulates adipogenesis in white adipocytes and browning in brown adipocytes by activating AMPK/SIRT1 axis. The potential use of PG and DKL may represent an important strategy in obesity management that will be safer and more effective.

Enoxaparin sodium bone cement displays local anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α

Objective

To explore the roles of Enoxaparin Sodium-Polymethyl methacrylate bone cement on inflammatory factors Interleukin-6 and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α in a rabbit knee replacement model. As well as the mechanisms underlying its potential effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial cell injury.

Methods

A knee replacement model was established using New Zealand rabbits. Forty rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: PMMA, ES-PMMA, sham-operated, and blank control groups (n = 10 in each group). Local tissues around the incision were taken at the 30th, 60th, and 90th minute after the surgical implantation of the corresponding bone cement. Immunohistochemistry in the surgical field was used to measure the expression of local inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α. In the in vitro experiments, 1 cm³ of bone cement was immersed in 3 mL of the medium for 24 h. The bone cement was discarded and diluted to 25% with normal medium. Pre-experiments were screened for the best LPS-inducing concentration of 100 mg/mL, and the most compatible LPS concentration was used for subsequent experiments simulating the primary cultures of rats' Inferior Vena Cava Endothelial Cells. The experiments were divided into four groups: blank control group, LPS induction group, PMMA + LPS group, and ES-PMMA + LPS group. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the cells and supernatant were measured by ELISA, western blotting, and immunofluorescence.

Results

According to immunohistochemical results, IL-6-positive cells were concentrated in the tissue interstitial space. In the PMMA and sham-operated groups, the number of IL-6-positive cells gradually increased over time. At all time points, IL-6 expression in the ES-PMMA group was much lower than in the PMMA and sham-operated groups. At 30 min, TNF-α positive cells in the ES-PMMA group expressed less than those in the PMMA and sham-operated groups, with no discernible difference between the PMMA and ES-PMMA groups at 60 or 90 min. Using ELISA and flow cytometry, the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were improved and the apoptosis rate was magnified in the LPS-induced group (***P < 0.001) in contrast with the blank control group. Additionally, the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were reduced in the ES-PMMA + LPS group compared with the LPS-induced group (*P < 0.05) and the apoptosis rate was reduced (***P < 0.001), with statistically significant variations. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression in cells was upregulated in the LPS-induced group compared to the blank control group (***P < 0.001), and the mean fluorescence intensity was enlarged (***P < 0.001). Meanwhile, IL-6 and TNF-α expression in the ES-PMMA + LPS group were down-regulated (**P < 0.01 or *P < 0.05) compared with the LPS-induced group and PMMA + LPS crew protein expression, and the average fluorescence intensity of IL-6 and TNF-α was lowered in the ES-PMMA + LPS group compared to the LPS-induced group (***P < 0.001).

Conclusions

ES-PMMA bone cement reduced the expression levels of local inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α in a rabbit knee model. ES-PMMA bone cement reduced the rate of LPS-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and diminished local inflammatory damage by regulating the secretion of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6.

Protective effect of Nrf2 in periodontitis - A preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease, while Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) acts a significant part in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune response. However, the evidence in preclinical studies to certify Nrf2 can slow down the progression of periodontitis or facilitate its recovery is not enough. The present report aims to investigate the functional implications of Nrf2 in animal periodontitis models by evaluating the changes of Nrf2 levels and analyzing the clinical benefits of Nrf2 activation in the same models.

DESIGN

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang databases. The random-effects model was used to evaluate the mean differences (MD) and 95 % confidence intervals (95%CI) when the units of measurements of outcome indicators were the same, in contrast, the standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95%CI were evaluated while the units were different.

RESULTS

8 studies were included for quantitative synthesis. Compared with healthy groups, the expression of Nrf2 was markedly lower in periodontitis groups (SMD: -3.69; 95%CI: -6.25, -1.12). After administration of kinds of Nrf2-activators, a significant increase in Nrf2 levels (SMD: 2.01; 95%CI: 1.27, 2.76) was accompanied by a decrease in distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest (CEJ-ABC) (SMD: -2.14; 95%CI: -3.29, -0.99) and an improvement of bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) (SMD:17.51; 95%CI: 16.24, 18.77) was evaluated compared with periodontitis groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Nrf2 has a certain protective effect on periodontitis, however, the specific role Nrf2 plays in the development and severity of periodontitis remains to be demonstrated. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022328008.

Potential Oral Health Benefits of Ginseng and Its Extracts

This review discusses the effects of ginseng and its extracts in the treatment of dental caries, periodontal diseases, endodontic diseases, oral cancers, oral mucosal diseases, and some other dental associations. In the meantime, bioavailability and safety application of ginseng products are discussed. All of the articles reviewed were from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Full-Text Database through November 2022, including full-text English or non-English publications. Ginseng and its extracts were shown to have beneficial effects on oral diseases, and further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms and confirm the effects in humans.

The oral microbiome in young women at different stages of periodontitis: Prevotella dominant in stage III periodontitis

Objective

Periodontitis progression is related to the dynamic dysbiosis of oral microbiome. We identified the dominant bacteria and the potential pathway in young women with stage-III periodontitis.

Materials and methods

Samples of subgingival plaque were collected from 26 young women with periodontitis (20 with stage-I and 6 with stage-III). Using 16S rRNA-sequencing, we determined the variation in oral bacterial communities of the two groups, and identified the dominant bacteria of each group. We used the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database to evaluate the signaling pathways related to the difference in oral bacterial composition. The role of the dominant bacteria of stage-III periodontitis was investigated in vivo and in vitro using an endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor.

Results

Young women with stage-I periodontitis had higher values for the Chao1 Index, Observed Species and Phylogenetic Diversity Whole Tree Index than those for women with stage-III periodontitis. β-diversity analyses revealed that samples could be divided into different groups according to the periodontitis stage. The most representative biomarkers of stage-III periodontitis in young women were bacteria of the phylum Bacteroidetes, its order, family and genera Bacteroidales, Prevotellaceae and Prevotella. The KEGG database revealed that the change in oral bacterial composition of young women with stage-III periodontitis may be related to protein processing in an endoplasmic reticulum pathway. Salubrinal (an endoplasmic reticulum stress regulator) controlled expression of Runx2, Col1a1, Ocn in mouse bone-marrow mesenchymal cells. Salubrinal administration showed that moderate endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibited alveolar bone loss in periodontitis induced by Prevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide.

Conclusion

Differences between periodontitis stages were noted and bacteria of Prevotella species were abundant in young women with stage-III periodontitis. This phenomenon was related to protein processing in an endoplasmic reticulum pathway.

The role of Nrf2 in periodontal disease by regulating lipid peroxidation, inflammation and apoptosis

Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2) is a transcription factor that mainly regulates oxidative stress in the body. It initiates the expression of several downstream antioxidants, anti-inflammatory proteins and detoxification enzymes through the Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 (Keap1) -nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2) -antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway. Its anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects have gradually become the focus of periodontal disease research in recent years. In this paper, the structure and function of Nrf2 pathway and its mechanism of action in the treatment of periodontitis in recent years were analyzed and summarized, so as to further clarify the relationship between Nrf2 pathway and oxidative stress in the occurrence and development of periodontitis, and to provide ideas for the development of new treatment drugs targeting Nrf2 pathway.

Effects of erythropoietin on osteoblast in the tooth extraction socket in mice periodontitis model

Periodontitis is an excessive inflammatory event in tooth-supporting tissues and can cause tooth loss. We used erythropoietin (EPO), which has been reported to play an important role in bone healing and modulation of angiogenesis, as a therapeutic agent in vivo and in vitro experimental models to analyze its effect on periodontitis. First, EPO was applied to in vitro MC3T3-E1 cells and human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF) cells to examine its function in altered cellular events and gene expression patterns. In vitro cultivation of MC3T3-E1 and hPDLF cells with 10 IU/ml EPO at 24 and 48 h showed an obvious increase in cell proliferation. Interestingly, EPO treatment altered the expression of osteogenesis-related molecules, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and osteocalcin (OC) in MC3T3-E1 cells but not in hPDLF cells. In particular, MC3T3-E1 cells showed increased expression of ALP, BMP-2, and OC on day 5, while hPDLF cells showed increased expression of BMP-2, and OC on day 14. Based on the in vitro examination, we evaluated the effect of EPO on bone formation using an experimentally-induced animal periodontitis model. After the induction of periodontitis in the maxillary left second M, 10 IU/ml of EPO was locally applied to the extraction tooth sockets. Histomorphological examination using Masson’s trichrome (MTC) staining showed facilitated bone formation in the EPO-treated groups after 14 days. Similarly, stronger positive reactions against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and osteocalcin (OC) were detected in the EPO-treated group compared to the control. Meanwhile, myeloperoxidase, an inflammatory marker, was decreased in the EPO-treated group on days 1 and 5. Overall, EPO facilitates bone healing and regeneration through altered signaling regulation and modulation of inflammation in the osteoblast cell lineage and to a lesser extent in hPDLF cells.

Nrf2 Activation Is Involved in Cyclic Mechanical Stress-Stimulated Osteogenic Differentiation in Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells via PI3K/Akt Signaling and HO1-SOD2 Interaction

Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), the major transcriptional regulator in antioxidant response and cellular defense, had the vital effect on regulating osteogenic differentiation. Our previous study revealed that Nrf2 activation was involved in cyclic mechanical stress-stimulated osteogenic differentiation in the human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). However, the mechanisms of Nrf2 underlying this process remained unclear. The goal of the study was to explore the mechanisms of Nrf2 in PDLSCs during cyclic mechanical stress-stimulated osteogenic differentiation via the tandem mass tag (TMT)-based liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. And we applied tert-Butylhydroquinone (t-BHQ), the Nrf2 activator, to the orthodontic rats and detected the expression levels of the osteogenesis markers by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Our results showed that Nrf2 activation in PDLSCs was involved in cyclic mechanical stress-stimulated osteogenic differentiation via phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. The protein-protein interaction between Akt and Nrf2 was detected. And the protein-protein interaction between heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), the downstream antioxidants of Nrf2, was associated with cyclic mechanical stress-stimulated osteogenic differentiation. T-BHQ enhanced the expression levels of the osteogenesis markers in orthodontic rats. Nrf2 might possess the potential to be a feasible molecular target in orthodontics.

The Role of NRF2 in Bone Metabolism - Friend or Foe?

Bone metabolism is closely related to oxidative stress. As one of the core regulatory factors of oxidative stress, NRF2 itself and its regulation of oxidative stress are both involved in bone metabolism. NRF2 plays an important and controversial role in the regulation of bone homeostasis in osteoblasts, osteoclasts and other bone cells. The role of NRF2 in bone is complex and affected by several factors, such as its expression levels, age, sex, the presence of various physiological and pathological conditions, as well as its interaction with certains transcription factors that maintain the normal physiological function of the bone tissue. The properties of NRF2 agonists have protective effects on the survival of osteogenic cells, including osteoblasts, osteocytes and stem cells. Activation of NRF2 directly inhibits osteoclast differentiation by resisting oxidative stress. The effects of NRF2 inhibition and hyperactivation on animal skeleton are still controversial, the majority of the studies suggest that the presence of NRF2 is indispensable for the acquisition and maintenance of bone mass, as well as the protection of bone mass under various stress conditions. More studies show that hyperactivation of NRF2 may cause damage to bone formation, while moderate activation of NRF2 promotes increased bone mass. In addition, the effects of NRF2 on the bone phenotype are characterized by sexual dimorphism. The efficacy of NRF2-activated drugs for bone protection and maintenance has been verified in a large number of in vivo and in vitro studies. Additional research on the role of NRF2 in bone metabolism will provide novel targets for the etiology and treatment of osteoporosis.

Effectiveness of Magnolol, a Lignan from Magnolia Bark, in Diabetes, Its Complications and Comorbidities-A Review

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, often accompanied by oxidative stress. Diabetes treatment is a complicated process in which, in addition to the standard pharmacological action, it is necessary to append a comprehensive approach. Introducing the aspect of non-pharmacological treatment of diabetes allows one to alleviate its many adverse complications. Therefore, it seems important to look for substances that, when included in the daily diet, can improve diabetic parameters. Magnolol, a polyphenolic compound found in magnolia bark, is known for its health-promoting activities and multidirectional beneficial effects on the body. Accordingly, the goal of this review is to systematize the available scientific literature on its beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes and its complications. Taking the above into consideration, the article collects data on the favorable effects of magnolol on parameters related to glycemia, lipid metabolism, or oxidative stress in the course of diabetes. After careful analysis of many scientific articles, it can be concluded that this lignan is a promising agent supporting the conventional therapies with antidiabetic drugs in order to manage diabetes and diabetes-related diseases.

Promising Intervention Approaches to Potentially Resolve Neuroinflammation And Steroid Hormones Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease and Its Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

Neuroinflammation is a biological process by which the central nervous system responds to stimuli/injuries affecting its homeostasis. So far as this reactive response becomes exacerbated and uncontrolled, it can lead to neurodegeneration, compromising the cognitive and neuropsychiatric domains. Parallelly, modifications in the hypothalamic signaling of neuroprotective hormones linked also to the inflammatory responses of microglia and astrocytes can exacerbate these processes. To complicate the picture, modulations in the gut microbiota (GM) can induce changes in neuroinflammation, altering cognitive and neuropsychiatric functioning. We conducted a web-based search on PubMed. We described studies regarding the cross-talk among microglia and astrocytes in the neuroinflammation processes, along with the role played by the steroid hormones, and how this can reflect on cognitive decline/neurodegeneration, in particular on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and its neuropsychiatric manifestations. We propose and support the huge literature showing the potentiality of complementary/alternative therapeutic approaches (nutraceuticals) targeting the sustained inflammatory response, the dysregulation of hypothalamic system and the GM composition. NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2 are the main molecular targets on which a list of nutraceuticals can modulate the altered processes. Since there are some limitations, we propose a new intervention natural treatment in terms of Oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) therapy that could be potentially used for AD pathology. Through a meta-analytic approach, we found a significant modulation of O3 on inflammation-NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome/Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/Interleukin IL-17α signalling, reducing mRNA (p<0.00001 Odd Ratio (OR)=-5.25 95% CI:-7.04/-3.46) and protein (p<0.00001 OR=-4.85 95%CI:-6.89/-2.81) levels, as well as on Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Through anti-inflammatory, immune, and steroid hormones modulation and anti-microbial activities, O3 at mild therapeutic concentrations potentiated with nutraceuticals and GM regulators could determine combinatorial effects impacting on cognitive and neurodegenerative domains, neuroinflammation and neuroendocrine signalling, directly or indirectly through the mediation of GM.

Insight Into Polysaccharides From Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer in Improving Intestinal Inflammation: Modulating Intestinal Microbiota and Autophagy

Polysaccharides from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (P. ginseng) are the main active component of P. ginseng and exhibit significant intestinal anti-inflammatory activity. However, the therapeutic mechanism of the ginseng polysaccharide is unclear, and this hinders the application for medicine or functional food. In this study, a polysaccharide was isolated from P. ginseng (GP). The primary structure and morphology of the GP were studied by HPLC, FT-IR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further, its intestinal anti-inflammatory activity and its mechanism of function were evaluated in experimental systems using DSS-induced rats, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and LPS-stimulated HT-29 cells. Results showed that GP modulated the structure of gut microbiota and restored mTOR-dependent autophagic dysfunction. Consequently, active autophagy suppressed inflammation through the inhibition of NF-κB, oxidative stress, and the release of cytokines. Therefore, our research provides a rationale for future investigations into the relationship between microbiota and autophagy and revealed the therapeutic potential of GP for inflammatory bowel disease.