Exploring the Antioxidant Effects and Periodic Regulation of Cancer Cells by Polyphenols Produced by the Fermentation of Grape Skin by Lactobacillus plantarum KFY02

Plant-based foods and hepatocellular carcinoma: A review on mechanistic understanding

Regardless of etiology, hepatocarcinogenesis is frequently preceded by a distinctive sequence of chronic necroinflammation, compensatory hepatic regeneration, development of hepatic fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis. The liver being central immunomodulators, closely maintains immunotolerance. Any dysregulation in this management of immunotolerance is a hallmark of chronic hepatic disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Apart from other malignancies, hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for 90% of liver cancers. Several emerging evidences have recognized diet as lifestyle associated risk factor in HCC development. However, natural compounds have the potential to fight hepatoma aggressiveness via inhibition of cellular proliferation and modulation of oncogenic pathways. This review aimed to identify the several plant-based foods for their protective role in HCC prevention by understating the molecular mechanisms involved in inhibition of progression and proliferation of cancer. Information from relevant publications in which several plant-based foods demonstrated protective potential against HCC has been integrated as well as evaluated. For data integration, Science direct, Google scholar, and Scopus websites were used. Nutrition-based approaches in the deterrence of several cancers offer a substantial benefit to currently used medical therapies and should be implemented more often as an adjunct to first-line medical therapy. Furthermore, the inclusion of these plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices) may improve general health and decline cancer incidence.

Exploring the Anti-Cancer Effects of Fish Bone Fermented Using Monascus purpureus: Induction of Apoptosis and Autophagy in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells

Fish bone fermented using Monascus purpureus (FBF) has total phenols and functional amino acids that contribute to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Colorectal cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers and the third largest cause of death worldwide, has become a serious threat to global health. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of FBF (1, 2.5 or 5 mg/mL) on the cell growth and molecular mechanism of HCT-116 cells. The HCT-116 cell treatment with 2.5 or 5 mg/mL of FBF for 24 h significantly decreased cell viability (p < 0.05). The S and G2/M phases significantly increased by 88-105% and 25-43%, respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, FBF increased the mRNA expression of caspase 8 (38-77%), protein expression of caspase 3 (34-94%), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) (31-34%) and induced apoptosis (236-773%) of HCT-116 cells (p < 0.05). FBF also increased microtubule-associated protein 1B light chain 3 (LC3) (38-48%) and phosphoinositide 3 kinase class III (PI3K III) (32-53%) protein expression, thereby inducing autophagy (26-52%) of HCT-116 cells (p < 0.05). These results showed that FBF could inhibit HCT-116 cell growth by inducing S and G2/M phase arrest of the cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy. Thus, FBF has the potential to treat colorectal cancer.

Rosmarinic Acid and Related Dietary Supplements: Potential Applications in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer

Cancer constitutes a severe threat to human health and quality of life and is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Natural dietary products have drawn substantial attention in cancer treatment and prevention due to their availability and absence of toxicity. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is known for its excellent antioxidant properties and is safe and effective in preventing and inhibiting tumors. This review summarizes recent publications on culture techniques, extraction processes, and anti-tumor applications of RA-enriched dietary supplements. We discuss techniques to improve RA bioavailability and provide a mechanistic discussion of RA regarding tumor prevention, treatment, and adjuvant therapy. RA exhibits anticancer activity by regulating oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and metastasis. These data suggest that daily use of RA-enriched dietary supplements can contribute to tumor prevention and treatment. RA has the potential for application in anti-tumor drug development.

Inhibitory Effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus KSFY07 on Kappa-Carrageenan-Induced Thrombosis in Mice and the Regulation of Oxidative Damage

A mouse thrombosis model was established by kappa-carrageenan to observe the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus KSFY07 (LDSB-KSFY07) on thrombosis and the oxidative stress response. Mouse serum, liver tissue-related indicators, and intestinal microbial composition were measured by examining the expression of microbes in mouse faeces using a biochemical kit, slice observations, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments. The results showed that LDSB-KSFY07 effectively reduced the degree of black tail in thrombotic mice, increased activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and decreased thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), and prothrombin time (PT) in thrombotic mice. LDSB-KSFY07 was also able to reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in the serum and liver tissues of thrombotic mice. Pathological observations showed that LDSB-KSFY07 reduced liver tissue lesions and tail vein thrombosis. Further, experimental results showed that LDSB-KSFY07 was able to upregulate the mRNA expression of copper/zinc-SOD (Cu/Zn-SOD), manganese-SOD, and GSH-Px in the liver tissue of thrombotic mice. Moreover, LDSB-KSFY07 was also able to downregulate the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in tail vein vascular tissue. Meanwhile, LDSB-KSFY07 could raise plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA expression and reduce tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) expression in heart and tail vein vascular tissues of thrombotic mice. A mouse faeces examination revealed that LDSB-KSFY07 could also upregulate Bacteroides, Lactobacterium, and Bifidobacterium microbial expression and downregulate Firmicutes expression in the gut. These results indicate that LDSB-KSFY07 was able to inhibit mouse thrombosis and reduce liver oxidative stress damage in thrombus mice and show that high concentrations of LDSB-KSFY07 provided a better response similar to that of the drug heparin.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Analysis of Phenolic Compounds from the Fruit of Cephalostachyum fuchsianum Gamble and Their Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Activities

Bamboo is a widely distributed graminaceous plant in China and is a potential source of bioactive substances. Incidentally, bamboo’s fruit is rich in phytochemicals such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which are significant to human health. In this study, we identified the phenolic compounds of the fruit and investigated the antioxidant activities of Cephalostachyum fuchsianum Gamble (CFG) fruit polyphenols with in vitro and in vivo tests for the first time. UPLC–Q–TOF–MS/MS analysis results showed that the fruit contained 43 phenolic compounds, including 7 hydroxybenzoic acids, 12 flavonoids, 7 coumarins, 10 hydroxycinnamic acids, 1 terpenoid, and 5 lignans. The TPC of SP extracts was higher than that of IBPs extracts in FP and FF. The SP extracts in FP showed better antioxidant activities in vitro compared to those in FF. In addition, polyphenols from CFG fruits protected against H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells, and the protective effect of polyphenols in FP was superior to that in FF. The analysis results showed that CFG fruit has great potential in exploiting natural chemical substances, which can provide valuable pieces of information for the further development and utilization of CFG.

Polyphenols in Ilex latifolia Thunb. inhibit human lung cancer cell line A549 by regulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway

Background

The leaves of the plant Ilex latifolia Thunb. can be made into Kuding tea, which is a drink rich in polyphenols. This study aimed to observe the effect of Ilex latifolia Thunb. polyphenols (ILTPs) on human lung cancer cell line A549 (A549 cells) by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.

Methods

In vitro cultured cells were treated with ILTPs; the proliferation of A549 cells and BEAS-2B human normal lung epithelial cells (Beas-2B cells) was observed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the survival status of A549 cells was observed by fluorescence staining. The expression of A549 cells was observed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay and Western blot analysis, while the compound composition of ILTPs was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

The experimental results showed that the proliferation of Beas-2B cells was unaffected by treatment with 0–500 μg/mL of ILTPs, whereas the decreased proliferation of A549 cells was observed with the increasing concentrations of ILTPs. Additionally, ILTPs elevated the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoted apoptosis in A549 cells. The results of qPCR experiments showed that ILTPs upregulated caspase-9 mRNA expression and downregulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in A549 cells. The Western blot analysis results also showed that ILTPs could reduce the protein expression of PI3K and Akt. The HPLC results showed that the main compounds present in the ILTPs were rutin, kaempferol, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C.

Conclusions

Thus, this study indicated that the polyphenols of I. latifolia act as a class of natural functional food materials that potently suppress cancer by exerting their inhibitory effects on A549 cell proliferation through five key polyphenolic compounds.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03568-3.

Effects of Ganfule capsule on microbial and metabolic profiles in anti-hepatocellular carcinoma

AIMS

Based on the gut microbiota and plasma metabolites, the underlying mechanism was analysed for the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) effects of Ganfule capsule (GFL) in the study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The UPLC-Q-TOF/MS results showed that 13 key compounds were identified in GFL and the major active ingredients included amygdalin, saikosaponin A, astragaloside I, etc. The nude mice received HepG2 injection, and GFL showed lower volume and weight of the tumour. In addition, the apoptosis proteins (Bax and Bcl2) were altered in response to GFL treatment, and apoptosis cells were increased, indicating an anti-HCC effect. Interestingly, 16S rDNA results showed that GFL treatment improved gut microbiota diversity and compositions, especially for the beneficial bacteria, such as Bacilli, Lactobacillales, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillaceae, Firmicutes, Lactobacillus_reuteri and Lactobacillus_gasseri. Metabonomics further identified 426 metabolites and 343 metabolites variation in the positive and negative ion modes after GFL treatment, which might be associated with amino acid, lipid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism pathways, indicating these metabolites might involve in the protective role of GFL in HCC. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between gut microbiota and plasma metabolites.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, GFL exerted an anti-HCC effect in the nude murine model, which might be associated with microbial and metabolic improvements.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study is the first to report the anti-HCC effect of GFL associated with gut microbiota and plasma metabolites. GFL may improve the gut microbiota structure, such as increasing probiotics - Lactobacillus. It also provides a new strategy for the scientific demonstration of the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.

Antioxidant Effect of Soymilk Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum HFY01 on D-Galactose-Induced Premature Aging Mouse Model

The antioxidant effect of soymilk fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum HFY01 (screened from yak yogurt) was investigated on mice with premature aging induced by D-galactose. In vitro antioxidant results showed that L. plantarum HFY01-fermented soymilk (LP-HFY01-DR) had better ability to scavenge the free radicals 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) than unfermented soymilk and Lactobacillus bulgaricus-fermented soymilk. Histopathological observation showed that LP-HFY01-DR could protect the skin, spleen and liver, reduce oxidative damage and inflammation. Biochemical results showed that LP-HFY01-DR could effectively upregulate glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver, brain, and serum. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction further showed that LP-HFY01-DR could promote the relative expression levels of the genes encoding for cuprozinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD, SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD, SOD2), CAT, GSH, and GSH-Px in the liver, spleen, and skin. High-performance liquid chromatography results revealed daidzin, glycitin, genistin, daidzein, glycitein, and genistein in LP-HFY01-DR. In conclusion, LP-HFY01-DR could improve the antioxidant capacity in mice with premature aging induced by D-galactose.

Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC06 in naturally fermented pickles prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by stabilizing the gut-liver axis in mice

Herein, we used a HFD/F to induce NAFLD in mice and intervened with CQPC06 to determine the preventive effect of CQPC06 on NAFLD and its potential regulatory mechanism. C57BL/6J mice were fed with LFD, HFD/F, HFD/F supplemented with CQPC06, and HFD/F supplemented with LDBS for 8 weeks to test the properties of the probiotic. Biochemical and molecular biology methods were used to determine the levels of related indexes in mouse serum, liver tissue, epididymal fat, small intestine tissue, and feces. The results showed that CQPC06 exhibited satisfactory probiotic properties, significantly inhibited mouse weight gain, and decreased the liver index and serum lipid levels, including ALT, AKP, AST, TC, TG, LDL-C, LPS, and HDL-C levels. The HOMA-IR index calculated based on the blood glucose levels and serum insulin levels showed that the HOMA-IR index of NAFLD mice treated with CQPC06 significantly decreased. From the molecular biology level, CQPC06 significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of PPAR-α, CYP7A1, CPT1, and LPL in NAFLD mouse livers, and decreased the expression of PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α. Furthermore, CQPC06 enhanced the expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 in the small intestine of NAFLD mice, and decreased the expression of CD36. CQPC06 decreased the level of Firmicutes and increased the levels of Bacteroides and Akkermansia in the feces of NAFLD mice, and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides was significantly decreased. CQPC06 is highly resistant in vitro and survived in the gastrointestinal tract and exerted its probiotic effect, altered the intestinal microecology of NAFLD mice, and played an important role in NAFLD prevention through the unique anatomical advantages of the gut-liver axis. There was a clear preventive effect with high concentrations of CQPC06 and it was stronger than that of l-carnitine.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Combined With Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 Reduces the Photoaging Damage in Murine Skin by Activating AMPK Signaling Pathway

Long-term exposure to UVB (280-320 nm) can cause oxidative skin damage, inflammatory injury, and skin cancer. Research on nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with regard to antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and prevention of other age-related diseases has received increasing attention. In the present study, the in vitro antioxidant analysis showed that NMN combined with Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 (L. fermentum TKSN041) has a high scavenging ability on hydroxyl (OH), 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and it also possess a good total antioxidant capacity. The animal experimental results show that NMN combined with LAB maintained normal liver morphology of mice and reduced pathological damage to murine skin. NMN combined with LAB significantly increased the serum levels of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and interleukin (IL)-10, but reduced the levels of malondialdehyde, advanced glycation end products, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6. NMN combined with LAB increased T-SOD, CAT, IL-10, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, and NAD⁺ levels in the skin, but reduced TNF-α level in the skin. NMN combined with LAB increased the mRNA expression levels of SOD1, CAT, glutathione (GSH), inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB-α), IL-10, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), adaptor protein, phosphotyros ineinteraction, PH domain and leucine zipper containing 1 (APPL1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α), and forkhead transcription factor O (FOXO) in the skin and liver, but decreased the mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-6, and rapamycin target protein (mTOR). NMN combined with LAB increased the protein expression levels of AMPK, IκB-α, SOD1, and CAT in the skin tissues and reduced protein expression of NF-κBp65. NMN combined with L. fermentum TKSN041 improved murine skin damage caused by UVB irradiation, and the protective mechanism may be related to activation of the AMPK signaling pathway. The results of this study are expected to provide a reference for preventing and the treating skin photoaging.

Lotus leaf flavonoids induce apoptosis of human lung cancer A549 cells through the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway

Background

Leaves of the natural plant lotus are used in traditional Chinese medicine and tea production. They are rich in flavonoids.

Methods

In this study, lotus leaf flavonoids (LLF) were applied to human lung cancer A549 cells and human small cell lung cancer cells H446 in vitro to verify the effect of LLF on apoptosis in these cells through the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway.

Results

LLF had no toxic effect on normal cells at concentrations up to 500 µg/mL, but could significantly inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells and H446 cells. Flow cytometry showed that LLF could induce growth in A549 cells. We also found that LLF could increase ROS and MDA levels, and decrease SOD activity in A549 cells. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses showed that LLF could upregulate the expression of p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), caspase-3, caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and Bax and downregulate the expression of Cu/Zn SOD, CAT, Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, and Bcl-2 in A549 cells. Results of HPLC showed that LLF mainly contain five active substances: kaempferitrin, hyperoside, astragalin, phloridzin, and quercetin. The apoptosis-inducing effect of LLF on A549 cells came from these naturally active compounds.

Conclusions

We have shown in this study that LLF is a bioactive substance that can induce apoptosis in A549 cells in vitro, and merits further research and development.

Protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum YS3 on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice

The protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum YS3 (LP-YS3) on ulcerative colitis (UC) was assessed using a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Different concentrations of LP-YS4 were administered to the experimental mice by daily gavage. Several inflammatory and biochemical indices, such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO), were examined in mouse serum and colon tissue. The mRNA and protein expression levels of c-Kit, CXC chemokine receptor type 2 (CXCR2), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and stem cell factor (SCF) in mouse colon tissue were assessed using Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The findings indicated that LP-YS3 remarkably decreased the disease activity index (DAI) of UC mice (p < .05), inhibited colon length shortening induced by UC, and elevated the value of colon weight/length ratio. LP-YS3 could also markedly reduce (p < .05) the activities of MDA, MPO, and NO; while an increase in the GSH content in the colonic tissue of UC mice. Moreover, LP-YS3 remarkably increased (p < .05) the serum level of IL-2 in UC mice, while reduced those of IL-10, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α cytokines. qPCR data revealed that LP-YS3 could markedly upregulate the expression levels of c-Kit and SCF, while downregulate those of CXCR2 and IL-8 in the colonic tissue of UC mice (p < .05). LP-YS3 exerted an outstanding protective effect on DSS-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice, especially at higher concentrations. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Lactobacillus plantarum YS3 is a newly isolated and identified lactic acid bacteria. This study confirmed that L. plantarum YS3 can inhibit colitis and has good probiotic potential, which needs further development and utilization.

The impact of the co-exposure of melanoma cells to chlorogenic acid and a moderate-strength static magnetic field

A static magnetic field (SMF) or the bioactive compounds that are found in foods are potential agents that can be used to support cancer therapy. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the impact of the SMF that are induced by neodymium magnets on the culture growth and antioxidant status of melanoma cells that had been treated with chlorogenic acid (CGA). The melanoma cells, the control and those that had been treated with CGA, were put in special magnetic test chambers that generated a 0.7 T magnetic field. The mRNA levels of the antioxidant enzymes were analyzed using RT-qPCR. The activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT was measured in the cell lysates. While the expression and activity of the antioxidant enzymes was inhibited relative to the untreated cells as a result of the CGA treatment (1 mmol/L), it was not after the CGA treatment in combination with an SMF. The demonstrated cytotoxicity of CGA (1 mmol/L) and its inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes suggests the usefulness of phenolic compounds as a supporting pharmacological treatment for melanoma. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Phenolic acids and their derivatives, which are the bioactive components of the human diet, are signal molecules that transfer information from the external environment that affects the level of gene expression in cells. This study suggests the usefulness of phenolic compounds as a supporting pharmacological treatment for melanoma and seems to be important for the development of experimental oncology.

Prophylactic Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum YS4 on Oxazolone-Induced Colitis in BALB/c Mice

In the present research, the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum YS4 (LP-YS4) on colitis were tested in an oxazolone-induced mouse model. BALB/c mice were induced by oxazolone and then treated with LP-YS4. The serum levels of mice were analyzed using commercial kits and the protein and mRNA expression levels of mouse colon tissue were detected by Western blotting and qPCR assay, respectively. The results demonstrated that LP-YS4 significantly (P < 0.05) increased the colon length and ratio of colon weight/length in mice with colitis and attenuated the negative effects of colitis. The results also showed that treatment with LP-YS4 significantly reduced the serum concentrations of ET-1, SP, and IL-10 while significantly increasing those of SS, VIP, and IL-2 in colitis mice (P < 0.05). In addition, LP-YS4 significantly increased the activities of GSH and SOD while decreasing those of MPO and MDA in the colon tissue of colitis mice (P < 0.05). LP-YS4 also significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of c-Kit, eNOS, nNOSe, and SCF in colitis mice while significantly downregulating the relative expression of iNOS. In summary, LP-YS4 could reduce the negative effects of colitis, and such effects were better than those of the common probiotic Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

Effect of Malus asiatica Nakai Leaf Flavonoids on the Prevention of Esophageal Cancer in C57BL/6J Mice by Regulating the IL-17 Signaling Pathway

Background

The aim of this study was to observe the preventive effect of flavonoids extracted from Malus asiatica Nakai leaves (FMANL) on esophageal cancer in mice, especially the ability of FMANL to regulate the interleukin 17 (IL-17) signaling pathway during this process.

Materials and Methods

The C57BL/6J mice were treated with 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO) to induce esophageal cancer, and the visceral tissue index and the serum and esophageal tissue indexes of mice were used to verify the effect of FMANL.

Results

The experimental results showed that FMANL can effectively control the changes in visceral tissue caused by esophageal cancer. FMANL could increase the cytokine levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and decrease the cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 12p70 (IL-12p70) in serum of mice with esophageal cancer. FMANL could also reduce CD3⁺, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ and enhance CD19⁺ mouse peripheral blood lymphocytes. The results of qPCR and Western blot analysis showed that FMANL could down-regulate the mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-17, interleukin 23 (IL-23), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), chemokine (C-X-C) ligand 1 (CXCL1), chemokine (C-X-C) ligand 2 (CXCL2), S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8), S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9), and matrix metalloprotein 13 (MMP-1) in mice with esophageal cancer. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detection showed that FMANL contained 10 chemicals, including rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, dihydroquercetin, quercitrin, hesperidin, myricetin, baicalin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, and quercetin.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that FMANL can effectively prevent experimentally induced esophageal cancer in mice, and its effects might be obtained from 10 compounds present in FMANL.

β-Asarone Exerts Antioxidative Effects on H2O2-Stimulated PC12 Cells by Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Oxidative stress-mediated neuron damage is considered an important contributor to the pathogenesis and development of neurodegenerative diseases. Although β-asarone is widely known for its neuroprotective pharmacological properties, the exact mechanism of β-asarone against oxidative stress has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate underlying mechanisms of β-asarone against oxidative damage in PC12 cells. Our results demonstrated that the treatment of β-asarone significantly alleviated the reduction in cell viability and the excessive accumulation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH). Moreover, β-asarone pretreatment also activated nuclear factor 2 erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which was involved in quenching reactive oxygen to inhibit oxidative stress. Furthermore, when silenced by Nrf2 siRNA, the protective effect of β-asarone was reduced and the oxidative stress induced by H2O2 was enhanced. In conclusion, our findings revealed that β-asarone could reduce oxidative stress via activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in PC12 cells, highlighting the potential therapeutic role of β-asarone in neurodegenerative diseases.

Inhibitory Effect of Flavonoid Extract of Lotus Leaf on Alcohol-Induced Gastric Injury by Antioxidant Capacity in Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of flavonoid extract of lotus leaf (FELL) in vitro and in mice with gastric injury and elucidate the inhibitory effect of FELL on alcohol-induced gastric injury by antioxidant capacity. Gastric juice volume and acid value were measured in the established alcohol-induced acute gastric injury model in mice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated the morphological changes in the gastric mucosa. FELL improved the alcohol-induced gastric lesions. Serological testing results showed that FELL significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) and significantly reduced the levels of MDA and MPO in mice with gastric injury. Besides, FELL significantly reduced the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot results proved that FELL upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of SOD1, SOD2, CAT, epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and downregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the gastric tissue of mice with gastric injury. Five compounds, including kaempferitrin, hyperoside, astragalin, phloridzin, and quercetin, were detected in FELL using high-performance liquid chromatography. Thus, FELL has an inhibitory effect on experimental alcohol-induced gastric injury because of the antioxidant capacity of the five compounds. Its effect increases as the FELL concentration increases, which is close to that of ranitidine. FELL, which is an active substance, provides a good gastroprotective effect.

Intervention effect of Malus pumila leaf flavonoids on senna-induced acute diarrhea in BALB/c mice

The Malus pumila leaves are used as a kind of tea drink in China, and there are abundant flavonoids in the leaves of Malus pumila. In this study, BALB/c mice received senna extract solution via gavage, which induced acute diarrhea, and the interventive effect of Malus pumila leaf flavonoids (MPLF) was observed. The results showed that MPLF decreased the diarrhea index, and MPLF also decreased the capillary permeability in the abdominal cavity of mice. The result of serum cytokine detection indicated that MPLF decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 12 (IL-12), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The results of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) indicated that diarrhea decreased the mRNA and protein expression of aquaporin-3 (AQP3) in the jejunum and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in the ileum, which were inhibited by MPLF. By high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), MPLF mainly contains 10 flavonoids, which are rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, taxifolin, quercitrin, hesperidin, myricetin, baicalin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone and quercetin, the synergistic effect of these components plays an antidiarrhea role in MPLF. Therefore, MPLF achieved good antidiarrheal effect, which was better than that of the commonly used montmorillonite powder at the same concentration. MPLF is a natural raw material for functional food with an antidiarrheal effect.