Viburnum opulus L. Juice Phenolic Compounds Influence Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Osteosarcoma Saos-2 Cells

Effects on quality characteristics of ultrasound-treated gilaburu juice using RSM and ANFIS modeling with machine learning algorithm

Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L.) is a red-colored fruit with a sour taste that grows in Anatolia. It is rich in various antioxidant and bioactive compounds. In this study, bioactive compounds and ultrasound parameters of ultrasound-treated gilaburu water were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). As a result of RSM optimization, the independent ultrasound parameters were determined as an ultrasound duration of 10.7 min and an ultrasound amplitude of 53.3, respectively. The R2 values of the RSM modeling level were 99.93%, 98.54%, and 99.80%, respectively, and the R2 values of the ANFIS modeling level were 99.99%, 98.89%, and 99.87%, respectively. Some quality parameters of gilaburu juice were compared between ultrasound-treated gilaburu juice (UT-GJ), thermal pasteurized gilaburu juice (TP-GJ), and control group (C-GJ). The quality parameters include bioactive compounds, phenolic compounds, minerals, and sensory evaluation. Bioactive compounds in the samples increased after ultrasound application compared to C-GJ and TP-GJ samples. The content of 15 different phenolic compounds was determined in Gilaburu juice samples, and the phenolic compound of UT-GJ samples increased compared to TP-GJ and C-GJ samples, except for gentisic acid. Ultrasound treatment applied to gilaburu juice enabled its bioactive compounds to hold more in the juice.

Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L.) fruit extract has potential therapeutic and prophylactic role in a rat model of acetic acid-induced oxidant colonic damage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ulcerative colitis (UC) which has a global impact on the health care system with its recurrent and incompletely curable characteristics, affects the patients' quality of life. Gilaburu (GB; Viburnum opulus L.) is a fruit with rich polyphenol ingredient which is used ethnobotanically in Türkiye for medicinal purposes (for example, to pass kidney stones, to treat stomach, heart, and liver diseases, hemorrhages, hypertension, ulcers, common cold, tuberculosis, rheumatic and menstrual pain, and diabetes). On the other hand, the effects of GB in the experimental UC model have not been studied.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of GB fruit extract in improving acetic acid (AA)-induced UC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Starting immediately after (AA + GB group) or 1 week before (GB + AA + GB group) the colitis induced by intrarectal AA (5%; v/v) administration, the rats orally received GB (100 mg/kg) once per day for 3 days. The control and AA groups were administered orally saline (1 ml), while the AA + SS group were administered sulfasalazine (SS; 100 mg/kg; orally) as a positive control once per day for 3 days. Distal colonic tissue specimens were obtained for the histological and biochemical [myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), chemiluminescence (CL), caspase-3, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, smad-3 and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, interferon (IFN)-γ), measurements] evaluations on the 3rd day.

RESULTS

Elevated macroscopic and microscopic damage scores, high tissue wet weight values, increased tissue-associated MPO, MDA, CL, caspase-3, 8-OHdG, cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8), MMP-9, TGF-β1, smad-3 levels, and decreased GSH values of the AA group were all reversed by GB treatments (AA + GB and GB + AA + GB groups) (p < 0.05-0.001). However, sulfasalazine treatment (AA + SS group) did not change the IL-8, 8-OHdG, MMP-9, and TGF-β1 measurements significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Gilaburu shows both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against AA-induced colonic damage by suppressing neutrophil infiltration, regulating inflammatory mediators, inhibiting reactive species production, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis, conserving endogenous antioxidant glutathione, and ameliorating oxidative DNA damage. Since the current ulcerative colitis drugs display limited benefits and adverse side effects, potential therapeutic and/or prophylactic role of gilaburu can be evaluated in ulcerative colitis.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine in osteosarcoma: Cross-interference of signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets

Osteosarcoma (OS) has a high recurrence rate, disability rate, mortality and metastasis, it brings great economic burden and psychological pressure to patients, and then seriously affects the quality of life of patients. At present, the treatment methods of OS mainly include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgical therapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with limb salvage surgery. These treatment methods can relieve the clinical symptoms of patients to a certain extent, and also effectively reduce the disability rate, mortality and recurrence rate of OS patients. However, because metastasis of tumor cells leads to new complications, and OS cells become resistant with prolonged drug intervention, which reduces the sensitivity of OS cells to drugs, these treatments still have some limitations. More and more studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of "multiple targets and multiple pathways," and can play an important role in the development of OS through several key signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, tyrosine kinase/transcription factor 3 (JAK/STAT3), Notch, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad, nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Hippo/YAP, OPG/RANK/RANKL, Hedgehog and so on. In this paper, the signaling pathways of cross-interference between active ingredients of TCM and OS were reviewed, and the development status of novel OS treatment was analyzed. The active ingredients in TCM can provide therapeutic benefits to patients by targeting the activity of signaling pathways. In addition, potential strategies for targeted therapy of OS by using ferroptosis were discussed. We hope to provide a unique insight for the in-depth research and clinical application of TCM in the fields of OS growth, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance by understanding the signaling crosstalk between active ingredients in TCM and OS.

Natural compounds against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A review on the involvement of the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway

Although various therapeutic approaches are used to manage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the best approach to NAFLD management is unclear. NAFLD is a liver disorder associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. NAFLD progression can lead to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. Hepatic kinase B1 (LKB1) is an upstream kinase of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a crucial regulator in hepatic lipid metabolism. Activation of LKB1/AMPK inhibits fatty acid synthesis, increases mitochondrial β-oxidation, decreases the expression of genes encoding lipogenic enzymes, improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and suppresses NAFLD progression. One potential opening for new and safe chemicals that can tackle the NAFLD pathogenesis through the LKB1-AMPK pathway includes natural bioactive compounds. Accordingly, we summarized in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the effect of natural bioactive compounds such as a few members of the polyphenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and some natural extracts on NAFLD through the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway. This manuscript may shed light on the way to finding a new therapeutic agent for NAFLD management.

Safety assessment of European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) fruit juice: Acute and subacute oral toxicity

European cranberrybush (ECB) (Viburnum opulus L.) fruits are abundant in phenolic compounds associated with various health benefits. However, the toxicity and safety of ECB juice have not been systematically studied. In the present study, acute and subacute oral toxicities of ECB fruit juice were evaluated on Sprague-Dawley rats and BALB/c mice to establish a toxicity profile. In acute tests, a single administration of 2000 mg/kg body weight of extract to rats exhibited no clinical signs of toxicity or mortality, indicating that the lethal dose (LD50) was over 2000 mg/kg. In subacute tests, repeated administration for 28 days at 0 (control), 500, and 2000 mg/kg doses of extract in mice did not display adverse clinical signs or deaths. However, in the 2000 mg/kg subacute group, platelet counts were significantly high, which correlated with histopathological analyses revealing that ECB extract at 2000 mg/kg was toxic to the kidney, liver, and adipose tissue. The NOAEL value of ECB extract was found as 500 mg/kg/day, but further sub-chronic and chronic toxicity studies are warranted to comprehensively evaluate the long-term safety implications. The study's results emphasize the importance of considering the dosage of dietary supplements containing high levels of phenolic compounds over an extended period to avoid potential cumulative effects from prolonged consumption of high doses.

Microbiome dysbiosis occurred in hypertrophic scars is dominated by S. aureus colonization

Background

The mechanisms of hypertrophic scar formation and its tissue inflammation remain unknown.

Methods

We collected 33 hypertrophic scar (HS) and 36 normal skin (NS) tissues, and detected the tissue inflammation and bacteria using HE staining, Gram staining, and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. In addition, the samples were assayed by 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate the microbiota diversity in HS, and the correlation between the microbiota and the indices of Vancouver Scar Scale(VSS)score.

Results

HE staining showed that a dramatically increased number of inflammatory cells accumulated in HS compared with NS, and an enhanced number of bacteria colonies was found in HS by Gram staining, even individual bacteria could be clearly observed by TEM. In situ hybridization demonstrated that the bacteria and inflammation cells co-localized in the HS tissues, and immunohistochemistry indicated the expression of MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly upregulated in HS than that in NS. In addition, there was a significantly different microbiota composition between HS and NS. At the phylum level, Firmicutes was significantly higher in HS than NS. At the genus level, S. aureus was the dominant species, which was significantly higher in HS than NS, and was strongly correlated with VSS indices.

Conclusion

Microbiome dysbiosis, dominated by S. aureus, occurred in HS formation, which is correlated with chronic inflammation and scar formation, targeting the microbiome dysbiosis is perhaps a supplementary way for future scar management.

Comparing the potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CGMCC18230 with antimicrobial growth promoters for growth performance, bone development, expression of phosphorus transporters, and excreta microbiome in broiler chickens

Bone health of broiler chickens is essential for welfare and production. In this study, the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA) CGMCC18230 was compared with antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) for its ability to promote growth and bone health. To address this, a total of 180 Arbor Acres (AA) 1-day-old, male, broiler chicks were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups, with 6 replicates, containing 10 chicks in each replicate. The treatment groups were: control group (CON) fed a corn-soybean based diet; BA treatment group fed the basal diet supplemented with 2.5 × 10¹⁰ CFU/kg BA CGMCC18230; AGPs treatment group was fed the basal diet containing the antibiotics aureomycin (75 mg/kg), flavomycin (5 mg/kg) and kitasamycin (20 mg/kg). Over the 42 d experiment, broilers fed BA and AGPs diets both had higher BW, and the ADG was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the CON group both in the grower phase (22–42 d) and overall. Moreover, with BA birds had higher (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of phosphorus (P, day 42) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP, days 21 and 42). Conversely, the content of P in excreta decreased significantly (P < 0.05) on days 21 and 42. Tibia bone mineralization was improved in BA, and the mRNA of P transport related genes PiT-1,2 in the duodenum and jejunum were significantly up-regulated in the BA group than in the CON group (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that dietary BA supplementation increased the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria (Ruminococcaceae) and polyamine-producing bacteria (Akkermansia and Alistipes), which had a positive effect on bone development. These data show that dietary supplementation of BA CGMCC18320 improves broiler growth performance and bone health similar to supplementation with AGPs through up-regulation of intestinal P transporters, microbial modulation and increase P retention. However, no significant influence of BA CGMCC18320 supplementation on the retention of Ca was found.

Promotion of angiogenesis in vitro by Astragalus polysaccharide via activation of TLR4 signaling pathway

During the implantation of functional tissue-engineered constructs for treating bone defects, a functional vascular network is critical for the survival of the construct. One strategy to achieve rapid angiogenesis for this application is the co-culture of outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) and primary human osteoblasts (POBs) within a scaffold prior to implantation. In the present study, we aim to investigate whether Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) promotes angiogenesis or vascularization via the TLR4 signaling pathway in a co-culture of OECs and POBs. The co-cultures were treated with various concentrations of APS for 24 h and, subsequently, another 7 days, followed by CD31 staining and analysis of micro-vessel-formation areas using software. Additionally, APS (0.4 mg/ml for 24 h) was added to monocultures of OECs or POBs for evaluating proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, osteogenesis, TLR4 signaling pathway, and inflammatory cytokine release. We found that APS promoted angiogenesis in the co-culture at the optimal concentration of 0.4 mg/ml. TLR4 activation by APS up-regulated the expression level of TLR4/MyD88 and enhanced angiogenesis and osteogenesis in monocultures of OECs and POBs. The levels of E-selectin adhesion molecules, three cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), and VEGF and PDGF-BB, which can induce angiogenesis, increased significantly (p < .05) following APS treatment. Therefore, APS appears to promote angiogenesis and ossification in the co-culture system via the TLR4 signaling pathway. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates that APS may promote angiogenesis and osteocyte proliferation in OEC and POB co-culture systems through the MyD88-dependent TLR4 signaling pathway. APS might represent a potential therapeutic strategy in tissue-engineered bone implantation for the treatment of large bone defects; additionally, it has the advantage of safety, as it exhibits low or no side effects. In the future, it is expected to be used in vitro for the construction of tissue-engineered bone and in vivo after implantation in patients with bone defects for promoting rapid vascularization and ossification of tissue-engineered bone and early fusion with the recipient's bone. In addition, as a food additive, Astragalus membranaceus can be used as a tonic material in patients recovering from a fracture for promoting blood-vessel formation at the fracture site and fracture recovery. Combining traditional Chinese medicine with tissue engineering can provide further strategies for promoting the development of regenerative medicine.

Local Wisdom and Diversity of Medicinal Plants in Cha Miang Forest in Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Their Potential for Use as Osteoprotective Products

“People-Forest-Miang” communities are villages located in the cultivated area of Camellia sinensis var. assamica, or Cha Miang, in northern Thailand. Cha Miang forests are a form of agriculture relying on forest-rich bioresources. This study focuses on a survey of the diversity of medicinal plants used by “People-Forest-Miang” communities in Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The results demonstrated that 73 species of medicinal plants were used to prevent and treat various ailments. The highest number of species (30.14%) was used for musculoskeletal system disorders, followed by digestive system disorders (21.92%) and unspecified medicinal disorders (15.07%). The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is the most widely recognized biochemical marker for osteoblast activity. The ALP activity of ethanol and deionized water extracts of the nine selected medicinal plants used for musculoskeletal system disorders were examined in the MG63 cell line. The results showed that the numerous water extracts, including MKP1, MKP2, MKP5, MKP6, MKP7, MKP8, and MKP9, and the ethanolic extracts—namely, MKP2, MKP3, MKP7, and MKP9—significantly increased ALP activity in the MG-63 cell line. The findings indicate that some medicinal plants may be further studied for active chemicals and developed as natural active pharmaceutical ingredients for osteoprotective products.

Phenolics-Rich Extracts of Dietary Plants as Regulators of Fructose Uptake in Caco-2 Cells via GLUT5 Involvement

The latest data link the chronic consumption of large amounts of fructose present in food with the generation of hypertension and disturbances in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which promote the development of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. This effect is possible after fructose is absorbed by the small intestine cells and, to a lesser extent, by hepatocytes. Fructose transport is dependent on proteins from the family of glucose transporters (GLUTs), among which GLUT5 selectively absorbs fructose from the intestine. In this study, we examined the effect of four phenolic-rich extracts obtained from A. graveolens, B. juncea, and M. chamomilla on fructose uptake by Caco-2 cells. Extracts from B. juncea and M. chamomilla most effectively reduced fluorescent fructose analogue (NBDF) accumulation in Caco-2, as well as downregulated GLUT5 protein levels. These preparations were able to decrease the mRNA level of genes encoding transcription factors regulating GLUT5 expression-thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP). Active extracts contained large amounts of apigenin and flavonols. The molecular docking simulation suggested that some of identified phenolic constituents can play an important role in the inhibition of GLUT5-mediated fructose transport.

The Effect of Simulated In Vitro Digestion on Biological Activity of Viburnum opulus Fruit Juices

In the present study, an in vitro digestion method has been used to assay the influence of the physiological conditions in the mouth, stomach, and intestine on the stability and activity in different cell models of the main phenolic compounds from Viburnum opulus fresh juice (FJ), phenolic-rich juice (PJ), and the bioavailable fractions (DFJ and DPJ). The data obtained indicate that the V. opulus samples achieved after in vitro digestion had an influence on cellular glucose and lipid metabolism. The bioavailable fraction of both digested juices stimulated glucose uptake and decreased lipid accumulation by L6 myoblasts and HepG2 hepatocytes. Both DFJ and DPJ reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by 3T3-L1 adipocytes: interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Simultaneously, DFJ and DPJ enhanced oxidative stress in MIN6 cells and decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). UPLC-MS analysis revealed qualitative and quantitative changes in hydroxycinnamic acids. In particular, the content of chlorogenic acid decreased drastically; its content in the bioavailable fraction was almost 7 times and 30 times lower than in the FJ and PJ, respectively. Our results suggested that although the phenolic compounds of V. opulus juices undergo transformation during digestion, they are still potent antioxidant agents with biological activity.

Glycoside Hydrolases and Non-Enzymatic Glycation Inhibitory Potential of Viburnum opulus L. Fruit-In Vitro Studies

Phytochemicals of various origins are of great interest for their antidiabetic potential. In the present study, the inhibitory effects against carbohydrate digestive enzymes and non-enzymatic glycation, antioxidant capacity, and phenolic compounds composition of Viburnum opulus L. fruits have been studied. Crude extract (CE), purified extract (PE), and ethyl acetate (PEAF) and water (PEWF) fractions of PE were used in enzymatic assays to evaluate their inhibitory potential against α-amylase with potato and rice starch as substrate, α-glucosidase using maltose and sucrose as substrate, the antioxidant capacity (ABTS, ORAC and FRAP assays), antiglycation (BSA-fructose and BSA-glucose model) properties. Among four tested samples, PEAF not only had the highest content of total phenolics, but also possessed the strongest α-glucosidase inhibition, antiglycation and antioxidant activities. UPLC analysis revealed that this fraction contained mainly chlorogenic acid, proanthocyanidin oligomers and flavalignans. Contrary, the anti-amylase activity of V. opulus fruits probably occurs due to the presence of proanthocyanidin polymers and chlorogenic acids, especially dicaffeoylquinic acids present in PEWF. All V. opulus samples have an uncompetitive and mixed type inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Considering strong anti-glucosidase, antioxidant and antiglycation activities, V. opulus fruits may find promising applications in nutraceuticals and functional foods with antidiabetic activity.

Assessment and Imaging of Intracellular Magnesium in SaOS-2 Osteosarcoma Cells and Its Role in Proliferation

Magnesium is an essential nutrient involved in many important processes in living organisms, including protein synthesis, cellular energy production and storage, cell growth and nucleic acid synthesis. In this study, we analysed the effect of magnesium deficiency on the proliferation of SaOS-2 osteosarcoma cells. When quiescent magnesium-starved cells were induced to proliferate by serum addition, the magnesium content was 2–3 times lower in cells maintained in a medium without magnesium compared with cells growing in the presence of the ion. Magnesium depletion inhibited cell cycle progression and caused the inhibition of cell proliferation, which was associated with mTOR hypophosphorylation at Serine 2448. In order to map the intracellular magnesium distribution, an analytical approach using synchrotron-based X-ray techniques was applied. When cell growth was stimulated, magnesium was mainly localized near the plasma membrane in cells maintained in a medium without magnesium. In non-proliferating cells growing in the presence of the ion, high concentration areas inside the cell were observed. These results support the role of magnesium in the control of cell proliferation, suggesting that mTOR may represent an important target for the antiproliferative effect of magnesium. Selective control of magnesium availability could be a useful strategy for inhibiting osteosarcoma cell growth.

Viburnum opulus L.-A Review of Phytochemistry and Biological Effects

Viburnum opulus (VO) is a valuable decorative, medicinal, and food plant. This deciduous shrub is found in natural habitats in Europe, Russia, and some regions in North Africa and North Asia. The VO is traditionally used to treat aliments such as cough, colds, tuberculosis, rheumatic aches, ulcers, stomach, and kidney problems, among others. Many of the health-promoting properties of VO are associated with antioxidant activity, which has been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The results of in vitro studies show the antimicrobial potential of VO, especially against Gram-positive bacteria. In cell-based studies, VO demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, osteogenic, cardio-protective, and cytoprotective properties. The applicability of VO in the treatment of urinary tract diseases, endometriosis, and some cancers has been confirmed in in vivo studies. The health benefits of VO result from the presence of bioactive components such as phenolic compounds, vitamin C, carotenoids, iridoids, and essential oils. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the botanical characteristics, chemical compositions, including bioactive compounds, and pro-health properties of VO different morphological parts.

A Review of the Pharmacological Properties of Psoralen

Psoralen is the principal bioactive component in the dried fruits of Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik (syn. Psoralea corylifolia L), termed "Buguzhi" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Recent studies have demonstrated that psoralen displays multiple bioactive properties, beneficial for the treatment of osteoporosis, tumors, viruses, bacteria, and inflammation. The present review focuses on the research evidence relating to the properties of psoralen gathered over recent years. Firstly, multiple studies have demonstrated that psoralen exerts strong anti-osteoporotic effects via regulation of osteoblast/osteoclast/chondrocyte differentiation or activation due to the participation in multiple molecular mechanisms of the wnt/β-catenin, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)/apoptosis signaling kinase 1 (ASK1)/c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the Protein Kinase B(AKT)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) axis, and the expression of miR-488, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, the antitumor properties of psoralen are associated with the induction of ER stress-related cell death via enhancement of PERK: Pancreatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor (ATF), 78kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP78)/C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and 94kD glucose-regulated protein (GRP94)/CHOP signaling, and inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) or ATPase that overcomes multidrug resistance. Furthermore, multiple articles have shown that the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of psoralen are a result of its interaction with viral polymerase (Pol), destroying the formation of biofilm, and regulating the activation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interleukin 4/5/6/8/12/13 (IL-4/5/6/8/12/13), GATA-3, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Finally, the toxic effects and mechanisms of action of psoralen have also been reviewed.