Artichoke, cynarin and cyanidin downregulate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in human coronary smooth muscle cells

Pharmacological profile of dicaffeoylquinic acids and their role in the treatment of respiratory diseases

Dicaffeoylquinic acids (DCQAs) are polyphenolic compounds found in various medicinal plants such as Echinacea species and Hedera helix, whose multi-constituent extracts are used worldwide to treat respiratory diseases. Besides triterpenes, saponins, alkamides, and other constituents, DCQAs are an important group of substances for the pharmacological activity of plant-derived extracts. Therefore, the pharmacological properties of DCQAs have been studied over the last decades, suggesting antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoglycaemic, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. However, the beneficial pharmacological profile of DCQAs has not yet been linked to their use in treating respiratory diseases such as acute or even chronic bronchitis. The aim of this review was to assess the potential of DCQAs for respiratory indications based on published in vitro and in vivo pharmacological and pre-clinical data, with particular focus on antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory-related effects such as antitussive or antispasmodic properties. A respective literature search revealed a large number of publications on the six DCQA isoforms. Based on this search, a focus was placed on 1,3-, 3,4-, 3,5-, and 4,5-DCQA, as the publications focused mainly on these isomers. Based on the available pre-clinical data, DCQAs trigger cellular mechanisms that are important in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as decreasing NF-κB activation, reducing oxidative stress, or activating the Nrf2 pathway. Taken together, these data suggest an essential role for DCQAs within herbal medicines used for the treatment of respiratory diseases and highlights the need for the identifications of DCQAs as lead substances within such extracts.

Comparison of Physicochemical, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Properties of Caffeic Acid Conjugates

Spectroscopic studies (FT-IR, Raman, 1H, and 13C NMR, UV-VIS) of caffeic acid (CFA) and its conjugates, i.e., caftaric acid (CTA), cichoric acid (CA), and cynarin (CY), were carried out. The antioxidant activity of these compounds was determined by a superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity assay and the hydroxyl radical (HO•) inhibition assay. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was performed on DLD-1 cell lines. The molecules were theoretically modeled using the B3LYP-6-311++G(d,p) method. Aromaticity indexes (HOMA, I6, BAC, Aj), HOMO and LUMO orbital energies and reactivity descriptors, NBO electron charge distribution, EPS electrostatic potential maps, and theoretical IR and NMR spectra were calculated for the optimized model systems. The structural features of these compounds were discussed in terms of their biological activities.

Comparative effects of dietary herbal mixture or guanidinoacetic acid supplementation on growth performance, cecal microbiota, blood profile, excreta gas emission, and meat quality in Hanhyup-3-ho chicken

Phytogenic feed additives are renowned for their growth promotion, gut health enhancement, and disease prevention properties, which is important factors for sustaining prolonged poultry rearing. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of herbal mixture (mixture of ginseng and artichoke) or guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) on growth performance, cecal microbiota, excretal gas emission, blood profile, and meat quality in Hanhyup-3-ho chicken. A total of 360 one-day-old chickens (half males and half females) were allocated into one of 3 dietary treatments (12 replicate cages/treatment; 10 broilers/replicate cage) for 100 d of age. Experimental diets were CON: basal diet; TRT1: basal diet combined with 0.05% herbal mixture; and TRT2: basal diet combined with 0.06% GAA. All birds received a basal diet during the first 30 d, but from d 31 to 100, an experimental diet was supplied. The addition of 0.05% herbal mixture improved the average body weight gain and feed conversion ratio from d 31 to 100 as well as the overall experimental period. The cecal Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella count remained consistent across all dietary treatments. Blood albumin and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) levels increased in the herbal mixture supplemented diet. Additionally, there was a notable reduction in excretal NH3 and H2S emissions in the herbal mixture group. Furthermore, the herbal mixture group exhibited increased breast muscle weight, improved breast muscle color, improved water holding capacity, and a decrease in abdominal fat compared to the control group. Additionally, the supplementation of 0.06% GAA did not demonstrate any statistically significant impact on any evaluated parameter throughout the experiment. The results from the present investigation underscore the potential of ginseng together with artichoke extract supplementation as a viable feed additive, conferring improvements in growth performance, feed efficiency, excreta gas emission, meat quality parameters, and defense mechanism against oxidative stress in Hanhyup-3-ho chicken.

Bioprospecting of Artemisia genus: from artemisinin to other potentially bioactive compounds

Species from genus Artemisia are widely distributed throughout temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and many cultures have a long-standing traditional use of these plants as herbal remedies, liquors, cosmetics, spices, etc. Nowadays, the discovery of new plant-derived products to be used as food supplements or drugs has been pushed by the exploitation of bioprospection approaches. Often driven by the knowledge derived from the ethnobotanical use of plants, bioprospection explores the existing biodiversity through integration of modern omics techniques with targeted bioactivity assays. In this work we set up a bioprospection plan to investigate the phytochemical diversity and the potential bioactivity of five Artemisia species with recognized ethnobotanical tradition (A. absinthium, A. alba, A. annua, A. verlotiorum and A. vulgaris), growing wild in the natural areas of the Verona province. We characterized the specialized metabolomes of the species (including sesquiterpenoids from the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway) through an LC-MS based untargeted approach and, in order to identify potential bioactive metabolites, we correlated their composition with the in vitro antioxidant activity. We propose as potential bioactive compounds several isomers of caffeoyl and feruloyl quinic acid esters (e.g. dicaffeoylquinic acids, feruloylquinic acids and caffeoylferuloylquinic acids), which strongly characterize the most antioxidant species A. verlotiorum and A. annua. Morevoer, in this study we report for the first time the occurrence of sesquiterpenoids from the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway in the species A. alba.

Cynarin ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis in mice through the STAT3/NF-κB pathway

OBJECTIVE

Cynarin is a derivative of hydroxycinnamic acid presented in various medicinal plants, such as Cynara scolymus L. and Onopordum illyricum L. To date, the antioxidant and antihypertensive activities of cynarin have been reported. However, whether cynarin has a therapeutic impact on ulcerative colitis (UC) is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the potential effect of cynarin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in vivo and on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced RAW264.7 and J774A.1 cellular inflammation model in vitro.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we investigated that cynarin alleviated clinical symptoms in animal models, including disease activity index (DAI) and histological damage. Furthermore, cynarin can attenuate colon inflammation through decreasing the proportion of neutrophils in peripheral blood, reducing the infiltration of neutrophils, and macrophages in colon tissue, inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressing the expression of STAT3 and p65. In cellular inflammation models, cynarin inhibited the expression of M1 macrophage markers, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS. Besides, cynarin suppressed the expression of STAT3 and p65 as well as the phosphorylation of STAT3, p65. Cynarin inhibited the polarization of RAW264.7 and J774A.1 cells toward M1 and alleviated LPS/IFN-γ-induced cellular inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Considering these results, we conclude that cynarin mitigates experimental UC partially through inhibiting the STAT3/NF-кB signaling pathways and macrophage polarization toward M1. Accordingly, cynarin might be a potential and effective therapy for UC.

Bioactive Compounds from Artichoke and Application Potential

Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus, known as the artichoke, originated in the Mediterranean region and is now cultivated in several countries. The artichoke has leaves, a stem, and a head, also called a floral capitulum, covered with green and pointed bracts. It is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, inulin, coumarins, terpenes, dietary fibre, enzymes, polysaccharides, minerals and vitamins, and therefore has a wide range of uses, including in the food industry, medicine and biofuels. Several studies have shown that artichokes have properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, hypocholesterolaemic, anti-HIV, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects. The aim of this study is to provide a literature review on the phytochemical composition, bioactivity and applications, focusing on the methods of extraction, purification and concentration of enzymes present in artichoke.

Cistus albidus L.-Review of a Traditional Mediterranean Medicinal Plant with Pharmacological Potential

Cistus albidus L. (Cistaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been used therapeutically since ancient times in the Mediterranean basin for its important pharmacological properties. The ability of C. albidus to produce large quantities of a wide range of natural metabolites makes it an attractive source of raw material. The main constituents with bioactive functions that exert pharmacological effects are terpenes and polyphenols, with more than 200 identified compounds. The purpose of this review is to offer a detailed account of the botanical, ethnological, phytochemical, and pharmacological characteristics of C. albidus with the aim of encouraging additional pharmaceutical investigations into the potential therapeutic benefits of this medicinal plant. This review was carried out using organized searches of the available literature up to July 2023. A detailed analysis of C. albidus confirms its traditional use as a medicinal plant. The outcome of several studies suggests a deeper involvement of certain polyphenols and terpenes in multiple mechanisms such as inflammation and pain, with a potential application focus on neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. Other diseases such as prostate cancer and leukemia have already been researched with promising results for this plant, for which no intoxication has been reported in humans.

Cynarin inhibits PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and activation in hepatic stellate cells through PPARγ

Cynarin, a caffeoylquinic acid compound that was mainly extracted from Cynara scolymus L., displays various activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, choleretic, and hepatoprotective functions. However, the target of cynarin and the mechanism of its hepatoprotective effect are still unclear. To find cynarin’s target, we performed molecular docking analysis, fluorescence-based ligand-binding assay, and reporter gene system assay. Our results indicated that cynarin was a partial agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Further studies showed that cynarin significantly inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation and activation of rat CFSC-8G hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Our results also revealed that cynarin inhibited PDGF-BB-induced extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) and v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) phosphorylation in HSCs. In addition, this inhibition effect was PPARγ dependent since the knockdown of PPARγ significantly attenuated the effects of cynarin on PDGF-BB-induced p-ERK, p-AKT, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressions. Therefore, this study suggests that cynarin is a promising antifibrotic lead compound that inhibits the activation of HSCs, and it works by targeting PPARγ.

Metabolite Profiling of “Green” Extracts of Cynara cardunculus subsp. scolymus, Cultivar “Carciofo di Paestum” PGI by 1H NMR and HRMS-Based Metabolomics

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L.), is a perennial plant widely cultivated in the Mediterranean area, known for its edible part named capitula or heads. Its functional properties are related to its high levels of polyphenolic compounds and inulin. “Carciofo di Paestum”, an Italian traditional cultivar, is a labeled PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) product of the Campania region, representing an important economic resource. So far, a few chemical investigations were performed on this cultivar, mainly focused on the analysis of methanol extracts. Due to the increasing use of food supplements, in this study, a comprehensive analysis of green extracts of “Carciofo di Paestum” PGI heads was performed. EtOH, EtOH: H₂O (80:20, 70:30, 60:40) extracts, as well as infusions and decoctions prepared according to Pharmacopeia XII were analyzed by LC-ESI/QExactive/MS/MS. A total of 17 compounds corresponding to caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids were identified. The extracts were further submitted to NMR analysis to highlight the occurrence of primary metabolites. Both LCMS and NMR data were analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), showing significant differences among the extraction methods. Moreover, 5-caffeoylquinic acid and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were quantified in the extracts by LC-ESI/QTrap/MS/MS using the Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) method. Furthermore, the phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of C. cardunculus var. scolymus “Carciofo di Paestum” extracts were evaluated.

Cynarin attenuates LPS-induced endothelial inflammation via upregulation of the negative regulator MKP-3

Clinical observations have revealed that non-resolving low-grade inflammation is linked to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, for example arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Interestingly, low levels of circulating lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria appear to be one of the primary causes of persistent low-grade inflammation. The inner surface of the blood vessels is lined with endothelial cells; therefore, even low levels of circulating LPS can directly activate these cells and elicit specific cellular responses, such as an increase in the expression levels of cell adhesion molecules and proinflammatory mediators. In endothelial cells, LPS exposure results in an inflammatory response through activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Cynarin, a phytochemical found in artichokes, has several pharmacological properties against endothelial inflammation. In the present study, we discovered that cynarin suppressed the LPS-induced increase in the expression levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and proinflammatory mediators such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β in EA.hy926 cells. Further, cynarin inhibited the activation of p38 and NF-κB pathways by inducing the negative regulator mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 3 (MKP-3) in LPS-stimulated EA.hy926 cells. In conclusion, cynarin alleviates inflammation by upregulating MKP-3, a negative regulator of p38 and NF-κB, and it may be a therapeutic option for treating endothelial inflammation-related diseases.

Artichoke and bergamot extracts: a new opportunity for the management of dyslipidemia and related risk factors

The relationship between low LDL-C (cholesterol associated with low-density lipoprotein) and a lower relative risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been widely demonstrated. Although from a pharmacological point of view, statins, ezetimibe and PCSK inhibitors, alone or in combination are the front and center of the therapeutic approaches for reducing LDL-C and its CV consequences, in recent years nutraceuticals and functional foods have increasingly been considered as a valid support in the reduction of LDL-C, especially in patients with mild/moderate hyperlipidemia - therefore not requiring pharmacological treatment - or in patients intolerant to statins or other drugs. An approach also shared by the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS). Of the various active ingredients with hypolipidemic properties, we include the artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, Cynara scolymus) and the bergamot (Citrus bergamia) which, thanks essentially to the significant presence of polyphenols in their extracts, can exert this action associated with a number of other complementary inflammation and oxidation benefits. In light of these evidence, this review aimed to describe the effects of artichoke and bergamot in modifying the lipid and inflammatory parameters described in in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. The available data support the use of standardized compositions of artichoke and bergamot extracts, alone or in combination, in the treatment of mild to moderate dyslipidemia, in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis, or intolerant to common hypolipidemic treatments.

Antidepressant-like effects of a chlorogenic acid- and cynarine-enriched fraction from Dittrichia viscosa root extract

Dittrichia viscosa is a perennial Mediterranean plant used in traditional medicine for “calming purposes”, pointing at a possible antidepressant activity of the plant. We conducted chromatographic and bioassay-guided fractionation of D. viscosa root extract to isolate a specific fraction (fraction “K”) with antidepressant-like characteristics in vivo and strong antioxidant properties in vitro. A single dose of “K” reduced immobility time in the forced swim test with a mouse model possessing a depressive-like phenotype. Neurochemical profiling for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its primary metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of “K”-treated mice showed reduction in 5-HIAA, indicative of either serotonin uptake transporter or monoamine oxidase-A inhibition, as well as slight increases in 5-HT content. These neurochemical alterations, as well as the behavioral changes observed, were comparable to the effects of paroxetine. “K” also protected PC12 cells in a H₂O₂ cytotoxicity assay, thus demonstrating antioxidant properties, yet paroxetine augmented oxidative damage and cell death. Identification of the main compounds in “K” by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) indicated that chlorogenic acid and cynarine comprised 87% of the total components. D. viscosa root extract appears to produce antidepressant and cytoprotective effects and may serve as an attractive alternative to standard therapies for depression.

Endogenous NO-releasing Carbon Nanodots for Tumor-specific Gas Therapy

Carbon nanodots based on L-arginine (L-Arg) were developed for enhanced nitric oxide (NO) gas therapy for cancer. The L-Arg-based carbon nanodots (Arg-dots) produced high levels of NO in the tumor environment rich in endogenous H₂O₂. In vitro cell experiments revealed that the Arg-dots could kill tumor cells (including human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, female gastric cancer cell line BGC-823, male lung cancer cell line A549, and female leukemic cell line K562) but did not affect the activity of normal cells (human normal lung epithelial cell line BEAS-2B). The Arg-dots produced twice the amount of NO for an equivalent amount of L-Arg. Theoretical calculations showed that the carbonization structure of the Arg-dots promoted significantly more electrons toward the guanidinium groups of L-Arg and boosted the adsorption of H₂O₂ molecules. In vitro and in vivo investigations confirmed that the Arg-dots reduced the multidrug resistance (MDR) effect of the tumor cells (MCF-7/ADR cells) and produced a combined antitumor efficacy with traditional chemotherapeutic drugs (adriamycin [ADR]). The fluorescence property (quantum yield, 6.88%) allows the Arg-dots to be used as a suitable fluorescent probe for fluorescence imaging of tumor cells. The ultra-small size of the Arg-dots (diameter: ca. 2.5 nm) enables them not only to penetrate deep tumors and provide enhanced antitumor activity but also to be removed through kidney filtration and have a renal clearance property. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Nitric oxide (NO), which serves as a biological messenger, can be used in gas therapy for cancer. The development of a safe and efficient NO cancer therapy is, however, challenging because of the low NO release amount and poor tumor specificity of most NO donors. Many efforts have been made to overcome these drawbacks, but solving both these limitations through a single approach has been seldom achieved. In the present work, carbon nanodots (Arg-dots) from L-arginine were used for gas therapy of cancer. The Arg-dots produced NO in the H₂O₂-rich tumor environment. Theoretical calculations were consistent with the mechanism of enhanced NO release amount. The Arg-dots also reduced the multidrug resistance effect in cancer chemotherapy. In vivo and in vitro toxicity assessments confirmed that the Arg-dots have excellent biosafety.

Effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation or artichoke juice consumption on lipid profile: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Accumulating evidence regarding the effect of artichoke on lipid profile is equivocal. We updated a previous meta-analysis on the effect of artichoke extract supplementation on lipid profile and performed dose-response analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to June 2021 using relevant keywords. Papers from identified articles were collected. Two researchers rated the certainty in the estimates using the GRADE approach. Combining 15 effect sizes from 14 studies based on the random-effects analysis, we found that artichoke significantly reduced TG (weighed mean difference [WMD]: -17.01 mg/dl, 95% CI: -23.88, -10.13, p = .011), TC (WMD: -17.01 mg/dl, 95% CI: -23.88, -10.13, p < .001), and LDL-C (WMD: -17.48 mg/dl, 95%CI: -25.44, -9.53, p < .001). No significant effect of artichoke on HDL-C level was detected (WMD: 0.78 mg/dl, 95%CI: -0.93, 2.49, p = .371). Combining the two effect sizes revealed that artichoke juice supplementation significantly reduced TG (WMD: -3.34 mg/dl, 95%CI: -5.51, -1.17, p = .003), TC (WMD: -18.04 mg/dl, 95%CI: -20.30, -15.78, p < .001), LDL-C (WMD: -1.75 mg/dl, 95%CI: -3.02, -0.48, p = .007), and HDL-C levels (WMD: -4.21 mg/dl, 95%CI: -5.49, -2.93, p < .001). In conclusion, we found that artichoke supplementation may favor CVD prevention by acting in improving the lipid profile.

Production of Vegetables and Artichokes Is Associated with Lower Cardiovascular Mortality: An Ecological Study

Mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), including cerebrovascular disease (CED) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD), was considerably different in eight municipalities of the province of Castellón, Community of Valencia (Spain) during the period of 1991-2011. In addition, these villages showed differences in agricultural practices and production. Since high vegetable consumption has been linked to decreased all-cause, CVD, and CED mortalities, we hypothesized that the diversity in vegetable and artichoke production, used as proxies for their consumption, could be associated with the diversity of mortality rates. In order to test our hypothesis, we estimated the smoothed standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of CVD, CED, and IHD mortalities and a directed, age-adjusted mortality rate (AMR). We used a multilevel linear regression analysis to account for the ecological nature of our study. After adjustment, the CVD and CED SMRs were inversely associated with vegetable and artichoke production, with a reduction in SMRs for CVD: -0.19 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] -0.31 to -0.07) and -0.42 (95% CI -0.70 to -0.15) per hectare/10³ inhabitants, respectively. The SMRs for CED also decreased: -0.68 (95% CI -1.61 to -0.19) and -1.47 (95% CI -2.57 to -0.36) per hectare/10³ inhabitants, respectively. The SMRs for IHD were not associated with vegetal and artichoke production. When the directed AMR was used, CED mortality was consistent with the previous results, whereas the CVD mortality association was lost. Our results indicate that vegetable and artichoke production may act as protective factors of CED and CVD mortalities.

Grown to be Blue-Antioxidant Properties and Health Effects of Colored Vegetables. Part II: Leafy, Fruit, and Other Vegetables

The current trend for substituting synthetic compounds with natural ones in the design and production of functional and healthy foods has increased the research interest about natural colorants. Although coloring agents from plant origin are already used in the food and beverage industry, the market and consumer demands for novel and diverse food products are increasing and new plant sources are explored. Fresh vegetables are considered a good source of such compounds, especially when considering the great color diversity that exists among the various species or even the cultivars within the same species. In the present review we aim to present the most common species of colored vegetables, focusing on leafy and fruit vegetables, as well as on vegetables where other plant parts are commercially used, with special attention to blue color. The compounds that are responsible for the uncommon colors will be also presented and their beneficial health effects and antioxidant properties will be unraveled.

Phytoestrogenic Effects of Blackcurrant Anthocyanins Increased Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) Expression in Human Endothelial Cells and Ovariectomized Rats

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived chemicals that are found in many foods and have estrogenic activity. We previously showed that blackcurrant extract (BCE) and anthocyanins have phytoestrogenic activity mediated via estrogen receptors (ERs), and anthocyanins may improve vascular function. BCE contains high levels of anthocyanins, but their health-promoting effects are unclear. This study examined the effects of BCE on the regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in human endothelial cells as key regulators in cardiovascular disease. The results showed that eNOS mRNA levels were significantly upregulated in BCE- or anthocyanin-treated human vascular endothelial cells but decreased in cells treated with fulvestrant, an ER antagonist. These results corresponded with NO levels, suggesting that BCE and anthocyanin may regulate NO synthesis via eNOS expression. Thus, the phytoestrogenic effects exerted by BCE via ERs influenced eNOS mRNA expression and NO synthesis. In vivo, we investigated whether anthocyanin-rich BCE upregulated eNOS protein expression in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, a widely used animal model of menopause. Our results showed that anthocyanin-rich BCE significantly upregulated eNOS mRNA levels and NO synthesis through phytoestrogenic activity and therefore promoted blood vessel health in OVX rats as a postmenopausal model.

The protective effects of Cichorium glandulosum seed and cynarin against cyclophosphamide and its metabolite acrolein-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely utilized chemotherapy drug. CP and its metabolite, acrolein, could induce hepatotoxicity. In this study, Cichorium glandulosum seed (CGS) effectively mitigated CP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Protection of cynarin, the major compound of CGS, against acrolein cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells was studied. Pretreatment with cynarin could improve cell survival against acrolein cytotoxicity. Cynarin restored the balance of glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhibited mitochondrial depolarization. The kinetics of Nrf2 expression in cytosolic and nuclear fractions were observed after acrolein exposure. Intracellular Nrf2 expression was triggered within 6 h of exposure but did not translocate to the nucleus. Cynarin pretreatment ameliorated the expression and activity of GSH S-transferase and triggered Nrf2 nuclear translocation. In conclusion, treatment with CGS and cynarin protects liver injury against CP and acrolein hepatotoxicity via improvement of GSH activity and activation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Discovery of Potential Inhibitors of Squalene Synthase from Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Virtual Screening and In Vitro Evaluation of Lipid-Lowering Effect

Squalene synthase (SQS), a key downstream enzyme involved in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, plays an important role in treating hyperlipidemia. Compared to statins, SQS inhibitors have shown a very significant lipid-lowering effect and do not cause myotoxicity. Thus, the paper aims to discover potential SQS inhibitors from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by the combination of molecular modeling methods and biological assays. In this study, cynarin was selected as a potential SQS inhibitor candidate compound based on its pharmacophoric properties, molecular docking studies and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Cynarin could form hydrophobic interactions with PHE54, LEU211, LEU183 and PRO292, which are regarded as important interactions for the SQS inhibitors. In addition, the lipid-lowering effect of cynarin was tested in sodium oleate-induced HepG2 cells by decreasing the lipidemic parameter triglyceride (TG) level by 22.50%. Finally. cynarin was reversely screened against other anti-hyperlipidemia targets which existed in HepG2 cells and cynarin was unable to map with the pharmacophore of these targets, which indicated that the lipid-lowering effects of cynarin might be due to the inhibition of SQS. This study discovered cynarin is a potential SQS inhibitor from TCM, which could be further clinically explored for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism of Arctium lappa Extract on NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation

Arctium lappa (A. lappa), Compositae, is considered a potential source of nutrition and is used as a traditional medicine in East Asian countries for centuries. Although several studies have shown its biological activities as an anti-inflammatory agent, there have been no reports on A. lappa with regard to regulatory role in inflammasome activation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of A. lappa extract (ALE) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and explore the underlying mechanisms. We found that ALE inhibited IL-1β secretion from NLRP3 inflammasome activated bone marrow derived macrophages but not that secreted by NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasomes activation. Mechanistic studies revealed that ALE suppressed the ATPase activity of purified NLRP3 and reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) generated during NLRP3 activation. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of ALE on NLRP3 inflammasome might be attributed to its ability to inhibit the NLRP3 ATPase function and attenuated the mROS during inflammasome activation. In addition, ALE significantly reduced the LPS-induced increase of plasma IL-1β in mouse peritonitis model. These results provide evidence of novel anti-inflammatory mechanisms of A. lappa, which might be used for therapeutic applications in the treatment of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated inflammatory disorders.

Recent Pathophysiological Aspects of Peyronie's Disease: Role of Free Radicals, Rationale, and Therapeutic Implications for Antioxidant Treatment-Literature Review

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a chronic inflammation of tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa that causes an inelastic plaque resulting in penis deformation. Although its etiology is not completely known, there is general consensus that PD is genetically transmitted and secondary to penile trauma. In recent years, numerous studies demonstrated the role played by oxidative stress in PD pathogenesis, and other studies have described successful use of antioxidants in PD treatment. Oxidative stress is an integral part of this disease, influencing its progression. In the early stages of PD, the inflammatory infiltrate cells produce high quantities of free radicals and proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, with consequent activation of transcription factor NF-κB. While conservative therapies commonly used in the early stages of PD include oral substances (Potaba, tamoxifen, colchicine, and vitamin E), intralesional treatment (verapamil, interferon, steroids, and more recently collagenase clostridium histolyticum-Xiaflex), and local physical treatment (iontophoresis, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, and penile extender), the significant results obtained by emerging treatments with the antioxidants cited in this article suggest these therapeutic agents interfere at several levels with the disease's pathogenetic mechanisms. Antioxidants therapy outcomes are interesting for good clinical practice and also confirm the fundamental role played by oxidative stress in PD.

In vitro bioavailability and cellular bioactivity studies of flavonoids and flavonoid-rich plant extracts: questions, considerations and future perspectives

In vitro techniques are essential in elucidating biochemical mechanisms and for screening a wide range of possible bioactive candidates. The number of papers published reporting in vitro bioavailability and bioactivity of flavonoids and flavonoid-rich plant extracts is numerous and still increasing. However, even with the present knowledge on the bioavailability and metabolism of flavonoids after oral ingestion, certain inaccuracies still persist in the literature, such as the use of plant extracts to study bioactivity towards vascular cells. There is therefore a need to revisit, even question, these approaches in terms of their biological relevance. In this review, the bioavailability of flavonoid glycosides, the use of cell models for intestinal absorption and the use of flavonoid aglycones and flavonoid-rich plant extracts in in vitro bioactivity studies will be discussed. Here, we focus on the limitations of current in vitro systems and revisit the validity of some in vitro approaches, and not on the detailed mechanism of flavonoid absorption and bioactivity. Based on the results in the review, there is an apparent need for stricter guidelines on publishing data on in vitro data relating to the bioavailability and bioactivity of flavonoids and flavonoid-rich plant extracts.

Natural Products to Counteract the Epidemic of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders

Natural products have always been exploited to promote health and served as a valuable source for the discovery of new drugs. In this review, the great potential of natural compounds and medicinal plants for the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, global health problems with rising prevalence, is addressed. Special emphasis is laid on natural products for which efficacy and safety have already been proven and which are in clinical trials, as well as on plants used in traditional medicine. Potential benefits from certain dietary habits and dietary constituents, as well as common molecular targets of natural products, are also briefly discussed. A glimpse at the history of statins and biguanides, two prominent representatives of natural products (or their derivatives) in the fight against metabolic disease, is also included. The present review aims to serve as an "opening" of this special issue of Molecules, presenting key historical developments, recent advances, and future perspectives outlining the potential of natural products for prevention or therapy of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.