Immunomodulatory Effects of Glutathione, Garlic Derivatives, and Hydrogen Sulfide

Multiomics analysis of a resistant European turnip ECD04 during clubroot infection reveals key hub genes underlying resistance mechanism

The clubroot disease has become a worldwide threat for crucifer crop production, due to its soil-borne nature and difficulty to eradicate completely from contaminated field. In this study we used an elite resistant European fodder turnip ECD04 and investigated its resistance mechanism using transcriptome, sRNA-seq, degradome and gene editing. A total of 1751 DEGs were identified from three time points after infection, among which 7 hub genes including XTH23 for cell wall assembly and two CPK28 genes in PTI pathways. On microRNA, we identified 17 DEMs and predicted 15 miRNA-target pairs (DEM-DEG). We validated two pairs (miR395-APS4 and miR160-ARF) by degradome sequencing. We investigated the miR395-APS4 pair by CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing, the result showed that knocking-out APS4 could lead to elevated clubroot resistance in B. napus. In summary, the data acquired on transcriptional response and microRNA as well as target genes provide future direction especially gene candidates for genetic improvement of clubroot resistance on Brassica species.

Allicin Promotes Glucose Uptake by Activating AMPK through CSE/H2S-Induced S-Sulfhydration in a Muscle-Fiber Dependent Way in Broiler Chickens

SCOPE

Allicin, a product of enzymatic reaction when garlic is injured, plays an important role in maintaining glucose homeostasis in mammals. However, the effect of allicin on glucose homeostasis in the state of insulin resistance remains to be elucidated. This study investigates the effect of allicin on glucose metabolism using different muscle fibers in a chicken model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Day-old male Arbor Acres broilers are randomly divided into three groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 150, or 300 mg kg-1 allicin for 42 days. Results show that allicin improves the zootechnical performance of broilers at the finishing stage. The glucose loading test (2 g kg-1 body mass) indicates the regulatory role of allicin on glucose homeostasis. In vitro results demonstrate allicin increases glutathione (GSH) level and the expression of cystathionine γ lyase (CSE), leading to endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production in M. pectoralis major (PM) muscle-derived myotubes. Allicin stimulates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) S-sulfhydration and AMPK phosphorylation to promote glucose uptake, which is suppressed in the presence of d,l-propargylglycine (PAG, a CSE inhibitor).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that allicin induces AMPK S-sulfhydration and AMPK phosphorylation to promote glucose uptake via the CSE/H2S system in a muscle fiber-dependent manner.

Natural products and dietary interventions on liver enzymes: an umbrella review and evidence map

Background

The association between natural products and dietary interventions on liver enzymes is unclear; therefore, this study aimed to examine their effects on liver enzymes in adults.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews databases were searched from inception until March 2023. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) systems were used to assess the methodological and evidence quality, and the therapeutic effects were summarized in a narrative form.

Results

A total of 40 meta-analyses on natural products (n = 25), dietary supplements (n = 10), and dietary patterns (n = 5) were evaluated, and results were presented in a narrative form. The overall methodological quality of the included studies was relatively poor. The results indicated that positive effects were observed for nigella sativa, garlic, artichoke, curcumin, silymarin, vitamin E, vitamin D, L-carnitine, propolis, and polyunsaturated fatty acids on certain liver enzymes. The dietary patterns, including high-protein, Mediterranean, and calorie-restriction diets and evening snacks, may reduce liver enzymes; however, other supplements and herbs did not reduce liver enzyme levels or have minimal effects. The evidence quality was generally weak given the risk of bias, heterogeneity, and imprecision.

Conclusion

This umbrella review suggests that natural products and dietary interventions have beneficial therapeutic effects on liver enzymes levels. Further clinical trials are necessary to establish the effectiveness of supplements that reduce liver enzymes.

Diets and Joint Symptoms: A Survey of Moroccan Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease

Introduction The role of diet in the onset or aggravation of chronic diseases, especially chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRD), such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA), is a question frequently asked by patients. Our study aims to investigate whether Moroccan patients report a relationship between certain diets and disease symptoms and to study whether patients adopt specific dietary behaviours in order to relieve their symptoms. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey that included all patients followed for CIRD. The questionnaire has three parts, patients' sociodemographic and clinical data, patients' beliefs and attitudes regarding diet in relation to their joint symptoms, and a list of 24 foods for which patients were asked to indicate whether they aggravate, improve, or leave their joint symptoms unchanged. Results Thirty-four percent of the patients reported that the food had an effect on their symptoms, with 25% of them reporting an aggravation. Honey, garlic, and olive oil were the foods most often reported to improve joint symptoms, while red meat, fish, and legumes were most often reported to worsen symptoms. Age and type of rheumatism were factors associated with reporting that food affects joint symptoms. Twenty-three percent of the patients stated that they had already had discussions about diet with their rheumatologists, while 85.7% showed interest in such discussions. Experience with a food that improves joint symptoms was the only factor associated with discussing the diet with a rheumatologist. Conclusion Nearly one-third of the patients with CIRD reported an effect of diet on their joint symptoms.

Hydrogen Sulfide: Physiological Roles and Therapeutic Implications against COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) poses a major menace to economic and public health worldwide. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) are two host proteins that play an essential function in the entry of SARS-- COV-2 into host cells. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a new gasotransmitter, has been shown to protect the lungs from potential damage through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-aging effects. It is well known that H2S is crucial in controlling the inflammatory reaction and the pro-inflammatory cytokine storm. Therefore, it has been suggested that some H2S donors may help treat acute lung inflammation. Furthermore, recent research illuminates a number of mechanisms of action that may explain the antiviral properties of H2S. Some early clinical findings indicate a negative correlation between endogenous H2S concentrations and COVID-19 intensity. Therefore, reusing H2S-releasing drugs could represent a curative option for COVID-19 therapy.

Alleviation of Photoreceptor Degeneration Based on Fullerenols in rd1 Mice by Reversing Mitochondrial Dysfunction via Modulation of Mitochondrial DNA Transcription and Leakage

Poor therapeutic outcomes of antioxidants in ophthalmologic clinical applications, including glutathione during photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa (RP), are caused by limited anti-oxidative capacity. In this study, fullerenols are synthesized and proven to be highly efficient in vitro radical scavengers. Fullerenol-based intravitreal injections significantly improve the flash electroretinogram and light/dark transition tests performed for 28 days on rd1 mice, reduce the thinning of retinal outer nuclear layers, and preserve the Rhodopsin, Gnat-1, and Arrestin expressions of photoreceptors. RNA-sequencing, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting validate that mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA)-encoded genes of the electron transport chain (ETC), such as mt-Nd4l, mt-Co1, mt-Cytb, and mt-Atp6, are drastically downregulated in the retinas of rd1 mice, whereas nuclear DNA (n-DNA)-encoded genes, such as Ndufa1 and Atp5g3, are abnormally upregulated. Fullerenols thoroughly reverse the abnormal mt-DNA and n-DNA expression patterns of the ETC and restore mitochondrial function in degenerating photoreceptors. Additionally, fullerenols simultaneously repress Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1)-mediated mt-DNA cleavage and mt-DNA leakage via voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) pores by downregulating the transcription of Fen1 and Vdac1, thereby inactivating the downstream pro-inflammatory cGAS-STING pathway. These findings demonstrate that fullerenols can effectively alleviate photoreceptor degeneration in rd1 mice and serve as a viable treatment for RP.

Anti-Hyperglycemic Effects of Bioactive Compounds in the Context of the Prevention of Diet-Related Diseases

Diet-related diseases are health conditions primary caused by poor nutrition. These diseases encompass obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. Functional foods and nutraceuticals offer a promising dietary approach to addressing diet-related diseases across various clinical contexts. The bioactive compounds found in these foods are the subject of intensive studies aimed at discovering their anti-hyperglycemic effects, which are beneficial in alleviating chronic diseases and protecting human health. Hyperglycemia is a common risk factor for metabolic disease and mortality worldwide. Chronic hyperglycemic states can lead to many long-term complications, such as retinopathy, neuropathy, kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. This review explores the potential anti-hyperglycemic effects of bioactive compounds, specifically flavonoids and phenolic acids, and their proposed roles in mitigating chronic diseases and promoting human health. By thoroughly examining the existing literature, we investigated the potential anti-hyperglycemic effects of these bioactive compounds and their proposed roles in managing chronic diseases. The goal of this paper was to enhance our comprehension of how these compounds modulate glucose transporters, with the ultimate aim of identifying effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of diet-related diseases. Overall, this review investigated the use of bioactive compounds from functional foods as potential inhibitors of glucose transporters in the context of prevention/treatment of diet-related diseases.

Influence of Maternal Immune Activation and Stressors on the Hippocampal Metabolome

Prenatal stress often results in maternal immune activation (MIA) that can impact prenatal brain development, molecular processes, and substrates and products of metabolism that participate in physiological processes at later stages of life. Postnatal metabolic and immunological stressors can affect brain metabolites later in life, independently or in combination with prenatal stressors. The effects of prenatal and postnatal stressors on hippocampal metabolites were studied using a pig model of viral MIA exposed to immunological and metabolic stressors at 60 days of age using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Postnatal stress and MIA elicited effects (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.1) on fifty-nine metabolites, while eight metabolites exhibited an interaction effect. The hippocampal metabolites impacted by MIA or postnatal stress include 4-aminobutanoate (GABA), adenine, fumarate, glutamate, guanine, inosine, ornithine, putrescine, pyruvate, and xanthine. Metabolites affected by MIA or postnatal stress encompassed eight significantly (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.1) enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Database (KEGG) pathways. The enriched arginine biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism pathways included metabolites that are also annotated for the urea cycle and polyamine biosynthesis pathways. Notably, the prenatal and postnatal challenges were associated with disruption of the glutathione metabolism pathway and changes in the levels of glutamic acid, glutamate, and purine nucleotide metabolites that resemble patterns elicited by drugs of abuse and may underlie neuroinflammatory processes. The combination of MIA and postnatal stressors also supported the double-hit hypothesis, where MIA amplifies the impact of stressors later in life, sensitizing the hippocampus of the offspring to future challenges. The metabolites and pathways characterized in this study offer evidence of the role of immunometabolism in understanding the impact of MIA and stressors later in life on memory, spatial navigation, neuropsychiatric disorders, and behavioral disorders influenced by the hippocampus.

Protein persulfidation: Rewiring the hydrogen sulfide signaling in cell stress response

The past few decades have witnessed significant progress in the discovery of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) as a ubiquitous gaseous signaling molecule in mammalian physiology, akin to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. As the third gasotransmitter, H₂S is now known to exert a wide range of physiological and cytoprotective functions in the biological systems. However, endogenous H₂S concentrations are usually low, and its potential biologic mechanisms responsible have not yet been fully clarified. Recently, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that protein persulfidation, a posttranslational modification of cysteine residues (RSH) to persulfides (RSSH) elicited by H₂S, is a fundamental mechanism of H₂S-mediated signaling pathways. Persulfidation, as a biological switch for protein function, plays an important role in the maintenance of cell homeostasis in response to various internal and external stress stimuli and is also implicated in numerous diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In this review, the biological significance of protein persulfidation by H₂S in cell stress response is reviewed providing a framework for understanding the multifaceted roles of H₂S. A mechanism-guided perspective can help open novel avenues for the exploitation of therapeutics based on H₂S-induced persulfidation in the context of diseases.

Medicinal and therapeutic properties of garlic, garlic essential oil, and garlic-based snack food: An updated review

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an edible tuber belonging to the family Liliaceae. It has been used since ancient times as a spice to enhance the sensory characteristics of food and as a household remedy for the treatment of a variety of ailments. Garlic has been studied for its medicinal and therapeutic effects in the treatment of various human diseases for a long time. Health benefits associated with the consumption of garlic are attributed to the various sulfur compounds present in it such as allicin, ajoene, vinyl-dithiin, and other volatile organosulfur compounds which are all metabolized from alliin. Several researches in the literature have shown evidence that garlic exhibits antioxidant, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antihypertensive, anti-anemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticarcinogenic, antiaggregant, and immunomodulatory properties. The present review identifies and discusses the various health benefits associated with the consumption of garlic, its essential oil, and bioactive constituents, along with exploring the various snack-food products developed by incorporating garlic.

Effect of Garlic Ethanol Extract Administration on Gluthatione Levels to Prevent Oxidative Stress in Smoker Rat Model

Background

Sickle Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is known as a spice native to western Asia has a strong antioxidant effect and revealed it functions as an antioxidant by increasing ROS-capture activity, cellular antioxidants, SOD, CAT, and GSH levels in cells. Cigarette smoke is very dangerous because it can cause serious illness and death. Cigarette smoke is a major source of exogenous ROS because its particles are high in free radicals. Smoking is also related to a decrease in the body's natural antioxidant levels. Glutathione (GSH) synthesis and expression were found to increase initially and then decrease after being exposed to cigarette smoke.

Objective

The aim of this study is; to analyze effect of garlic ethanol extract administration on gluthatione levels to prevent oxidative stress in smoker rat model.

Methods

This was a case-control study with a control group design, with 15 healthy rats (Rattus norvegicus, sp.) divided into three groups, KN untreated animals (control), K1 animals exposed to cigarette smoke for 40 days (smoker), and K2 animals exposed to cigarette smoke for 40 days and treated with Allium sativum 0.1 g per day for 40 days (smoker and Allium sativum L.). After 40 days of treatment, all animals, including the control, were sacrificed with 30 mg/IP ketamine injections, and the blood plasma were taken for examination.

Results

there were significant difference in glutathione levels between the treatment groups (K2) with the control group (KN) and the smokers group (K1) (p <0.05).

Conclusion

garlic ethanol extract administration can increase gluthatione levels and prevent oxidative stress in smoker rat model.

A Water-Soluble Hydrogen Sulfide Donor Suppresses the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Inhibiting the AKT/GSK-3β/β-Catenin and TGF-β/Smad2/3 Signaling Pathways

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease with high morbidity, high mortality, and low cure rate. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely adopted in tissue engineering and drug delivery. 5-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-3H-1, 2-dithiol-3-thione (ADT-OH) is one of commonly used H₂S donors. In our previous study, HA-ADT was designed and synthesized via coupling of HA and ADT-OH. In this study, compared with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a fast H₂S-releasing donor) and morpholin-4-ium (4-methoxyphenyl)-morpholin-4-ylsulfanylidenesulfido-λ5-phosphane (GYY4137, a slow H₂S-releasing donor), HA-ADT showed stronger inhibitory effect on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle of human HCC cells. HA-ADT promoted apoptosis by suppressing the expressions of phospho (p)-protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), p-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), p-β-catenin, and also inhibited autophagy via the downregulation of the protein levels of p-Smad2, p-Smad3, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in human HCC cells. Moreover, HA-ADT inhibited HCC xenograft tumor growth more effectively than both NaHS and GYY4137. Therefore, HA-ADT can suppress the growth of HCC cells by blocking the AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathways. HA-ADT and its derivatives may be developed as promising antitumor drugs.

Role of Sulfur Compounds in Garlic as Potential Therapeutic Option for Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in the airways with a multifactorial origin but with inflammation and oxidative stress as related pathogenic mechanisms. Garlic (Allium sativum) is a nutraceutical with different biological properties due to sulfur-containing natural compounds. Studies have shown that several compounds in garlic may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, including those related to the lungs. Therefore, it is possible to take advantage of the compounds from garlic as nutraceuticals for treating lung diseases. The objective of this article is to review the biological properties of the sulfur compounds present in garlic for the treatment of asthma, as well as the cellular mechanisms involved. Here, we discuss the potential therapeutic effects of garlic compounds in the modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as its antibiotic and antiviral activities for identifying and testing potential treatment options for asthma management.

The roles of hydrogen sulfide in renal physiology and disease states

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), an endogenous gaseous signaling transmitter, has gained recognition for its physiological effects. In this review, we aim to summarize and discuss existing studies about the roles of H₂S in renal functions and renal disease as well as the underlying mechanisms. H₂S is mainly produced by four pathways, and the kidneys are major H₂S–producing organs. Previous studies have shown that H₂S can impact multiple signaling pathways via sulfhydration. In renal physiology, H₂S promotes kidney excretion, regulates renin release and increases ATP production as a sensor for oxygen. H₂S is also involved in the development of kidney disease. H₂S has been implicated in renal ischemia/reperfusion and cisplatin–and sepsis–induced kidney disease. In chronic kidney diseases, especially diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy and obstructive kidney disease, H₂S attenuates disease progression by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Despite accumulating evidence from experimental studies suggesting the potential roles of H₂S donors in the treatment of kidney disease, these results need further clinical translation. Therefore, expanding the understanding of H₂S can not only promote our further understanding of renal physiology but also lay a foundation for transforming H₂S into a target for specific kidney diseases.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of garlic in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analyses to examine the therapeutic effect of garlic on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases for retrieving articles investigating the impact of garlic on NAFLD patients. The comprehensive meta-analysis software version 2.0 was used for statistical analysis. The standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported and the effect size was calculated.

RESULTS

A preliminary search yielded a total of 293 articles. After screening articles based on inclusion criteria, four articles were included in the final analyses. This systematic review included 186 patients with NAFLD. The result of the meta-analysis showed significant differences between the garlic and placebo groups regarding changes in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting blood sugar. Moreover, the probability of a decrease in hepatic steatosis was 2.75 times lower in the garlic group compared with the placebo group (RR [95% CI]: 2.75 [1.79, 4.23], p-value<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrates that garlic supplementation had a positive effect on hepatic steatosis, liver enzyme levels, and metabolic profile of patients with NAFLD. However, considering the potential limitation of the included studies, more high-quality clinical trials are needed.

Lipoic/Capsaicin-Related Amides: Synthesis and Biological Characterization of New TRPV1 Agonists Endowed with Protective Properties against Oxidative Stress

α-Lipoic acid is a sulfur-containing nutrient endowed with pleiotropic actions and a safe biological profile selected to replace the unsaturated alkyl acid of capsaicin with the aim of obtaining lipoic amides potentially active as a TRPV1 ligand and with significant antioxidant properties. Thus, nine compounds were obtained in good yields following a simple synthetic procedure and tested for their functional TRPV1 activity and radical-scavenger activity. The safe biological profile together with the protective effect against hypoxia damage as well as the in vitro antioxidant properties were also evaluated. Although less potent than capsaicin, almost all lipoic amides were found to be TRPV1 agonists and, specifically, compound 4, the lipoic analogue of capsaicin, proved to be the best ligand in terms of efficacy and potency. EPR experiments and in vitro biological assays suggested the potential protective role against oxidative stress of the tested compounds and their safe biological profile. Compounds 4, 5 and 9 significantly ameliorated the mitochondrial membrane potential caused by hypoxia condition and decreased F2-isoprostanes, known markers of oxidative stress. Thus, the experimental results encourage further investigation of the therapeutic potential of these lipoic amides.

The Key Role of Glutathione Compared to Curcumin in the Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review

In recent years, many documented cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been on the rise. The complicated pathophysiology of the disease makes it challenging to manage. Two databases, PubMed and Google Scholar, have a detailed screening using keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) combinations. The words are "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus OR SLE OR Lupus," "Glutathione," and "Curcumin." Articles had a detailed process of screening and quality appraisal. Using the English language as a primary filtering parameter, papers over the last 20 years, dating from 2002 to 2022, are the basis of this review. We reviewed all possible human studies documenting the use of curcumin and glutathione for treating SLE. A total of 15 articles are part of this systematic review. Curcumin and glutathione can act as potent drugs for treating lupus. Curcumin can be a more promising alternative since it operates on various pathways and is a more easily accessible source.

Deodorized Garlic Decreases Oxidative Stress Caused by Lipopolysaccharide in Rat Heart through Hydrogen Sulfide: Preliminary Findings

Deodorized garlic (DG) may favor the activity of the antioxidant enzymes and promote the synthesis of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The objective was to test if DG favors an increase in H₂S and if it decreases the oxidative stress caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rat hearts. A total of 24 rats were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 control (C), Group 2 LPS, Group 3 DG, and Group 4 LPS plus DG. The cardiac mechanical performance (CMP), coronary vascular resistance (CVR), and oxidative stress markers, such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), selenium (Se), lipid peroxidation (LPO), thiols, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and the activities and expressions of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), cystathionine synthetase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH), iNOS, and eNOS-p, were analyzed in the heart. Infarct zones in the cardiac tissue were present (p = 0.01). The CMP and CVR decreased and increased (p ≤ 0.05), TAC, GSH, H₂S, NO, thiols, and GST activity (p ≤ 0.01) decreased, and LPO and iNOS increased (p ≤ 0.05). The activities and expressions of TrxR, GPx, eNOS-p, CTH, and CBS (p ≤ 0.05) decreased with the LPS treatment; however, DG normalized this effect. DG treatment decreases heart damage caused by LPS through the cross-talk between the H₂S and NO systems.

Venkatesh, Nagaraj Parisara, B. T. Prabhakar, Pramod.S.N.. Characterization of antioxidant, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory functions of partially purified garlic (Allium sativum L.) lectin

Introduction and Aim: The metabolic and oxidative stress induces highly reactive free radicals that are known to harm normal physiology and play a role in the development of cancer. Elevated levels of these free radicals contribute to excessive neovascularization leading to angiogenesis mediated cancer progression. Targeting these free radicals through dietary source is important strategy in regulation of cancer. Allium sativum L. (AsL) garlic has important multi pharmacological properties. On the other hand, dietary lectins are proven to be the best anti-cancer molecules. The study presents investigation that focus to assess the antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities of partially purified garlic lectin (PPAsL).  Materials and Methods: Fresh garlic bulbs were processed and evaluated for lectin induced HA activity. Further the garlic lectins (AsL) were partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and dialysis and analyzed through SDS-PAGE. Further lectins were characterized by producing Anti-AsL polyclonal antibodies and purification by affinity chromatography. Pharmacological evaluations of the lectins were assessed through antioxidant, anti-proliferative and antiangiogenic mediated anti-cancer activity. Results: Lectin positive activity was confirmed by HA activity and partial purification lectin identified ?12kDa protein having Glc/Man glycan specificity. The polyclonal antibodies raised against PPAsL, confirmed that it has potent immunogen. Pharmacological evaluation confirmed that PPAsL has potent antioxidant, antiangiogenic and antiproliferative effect both in-vitro and in-vivo.  Conclusion: PPAsL is potent antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-cancer molecule. The dietary recommendation of the garlic lectin is an important therapeutic strategy against the cancer.

Allyl methyl trisulfide protected against LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice via inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways

Allyl methyl trisulfide (AMTS) is one major lipid-soluble organosulfur compound of garlic. Previous studies have reported the potential therapeutic effect of garlic on acute lung injury (ALI) or its severe condition acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but the specific substances that exert the regulatory effects are still unclear. In this study, we investigate the protective effects of AMTS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mice and explored the underlying mechanisms. In vivo experiments, ICR mice were pretreated with 25–100 mg/kg AMTS for 7 days and followed by intratracheal instillation of LPS (1.5 mg/kg). The results showed that AMTS significantly attenuated LPS-induced deterioration of lung pathology, demonstrated by ameliorative edema and protein leakage, and improved pulmonary histopathological morphology. Meanwhile, the expression of inflammatory mediators and the infiltration of inflammation-regulation cells induced by LPS were also inhibited. In vitro experiments also revealed that AMTS could alleviate inflammation response and inhibit the exaggeration of macrophage M1 polarization in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Mechanistically, we identified that AMTS treatment could attenuate the LPS-induced elevation of protein expression of p-IκBα, nuclear NF-κB-p65, COX2, iNOS, p-P38, p-ERK1/2, and p-JNK. Collectively, these data suggest that AMTS could attenuate LPS-induced ALI and the molecular mechanisms should be related to the suppression of the NF-κB and MAPKs pathways.

Hydrogen Sulfide Donor GYY4137 Rescues NRF2 Activation in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause severe respiratory illness in infants, immunocompromised, and older adults. Despite its burden, no vaccine or specific treatment is available. RSV infection is associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, degradation of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), and decreased antioxidant enzymes (AOEs), leading to oxidative damage and lung injury. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous molecule that plays a physiological role in numerous cellular processes and a protective role in multiple pathological conditions, displaying vasoactive, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. H2S can promote NRF2 activation through the sulfhydration of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, the cytoplasmic repressor of NRF2. Here we investigated whether increasing cellular H2S levels could rescue NRF2 and NRF2-dependent gene expression in RSV-infected primary airway epithelial cells. We found that treatment with the H2S donor GYY4137 significantly increased NRF2 levels and AOEs gene expression by decreasing KEAP1 levels, and by modulating pathways involved in RSV-induced NRF2 degradation, such as NRF2 ubiquitination, and promyelocytic leukemia (PML) protein levels. These results suggest that the administration of exogenous H2S can positively impact the altered redox balance associated with RSV infection, which represents an important determinant of RSV-induced lung disease.

Hydrogen Sulfide Biology and Its Role in Cancer

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an endogenous biologically active gas produced in mammalian tissues. It plays a very critical role in many pathophysiological processes in the body. It can be endogenously produced through many enzymes analogous to the cysteine family, while the exogenous source may involve inorganic sulfide salts. H₂S has recently been well investigated with regard to the onset of various carcinogenic diseases such as lung, breast, ovaries, colon cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. H₂S is considered an oncogenic gas, and a potential therapeutic target for treating and diagnosing cancers, due to its role in mediating the development of tumorigenesis. Here in this review, an in-detail up-to-date explanation of the potential role of H₂S in different malignancies has been reported. The study summarizes the synthesis of H₂S, its roles, signaling routes, expressions, and H₂S release in various malignancies. Considering the critical importance of this active biological molecule, we believe this review in this esteemed journal will highlight the oncogenic role of H₂S in the scientific community.

Untargeted metabolomic profiling identifies disease-specific and outcome-related signatures in chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Although metabolomics provides novel insights into disease mechanisms and biomarkers, the metabolic alterations in local tissues affected by chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the metabolomic profiles of sinonasal tissues associated with different types of CRS and their treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Untargeted metabolomic profiling was performed on sinonasal tissues obtained from patients with eosinophilic CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), noneosinophilic CRSwNP or CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and controls. The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines in nasal tissues were detected by quantitative RT-PCR. Nasal polyp tissues were cultured ex vivo and treated with glutathione.

RESULTS

Distinct metabolomic profiles were observed for the CRS subtypes. Eosinophilic CRSwNP had profoundly enhanced unsaturated fatty acid oxidization, which correlated with mucosal eosinophil numbers and IL-5 mRNA levels. Noneosinophilic CRSwNP was characterized by uric acid accumulation. Increased uric acid levels were positively correlated with mucosal neutrophil numbers and IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-1β, and IL-8 mRNA levels. Disrupted purine metabolism was specifically detected in CRSsNP. Reduced levels of amino acid metabolites were found in eosinophilic CRSwNP and CRSsNP, and were inversely associated with mucosal total inflammatory cell numbers and inflammatory cytokines. Compared to non-difficult-to-treat CRS, difficult-to-treat CRS had higher glutathione disulfide levels, which were positively correlated with IL-8 mRNA levels. Glutathione treatment reduced IL-8 mRNA expression in cultured nasal polyp tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific metabolic signatures are associated with different types of CRS, inflammatory patterns and disease outcomes, which may provide novel insights into pathophysiological mechanisms, subtype-specific biomarkers, and treatment targets of CRS.

Biological properties and therapeutic applications of garlic and its components

Garlic is one of the most widely employed condiments in cooking. It has also been used since ancient times in traditional plant-based medicine, largely based on its organosulfur compounds. The objective of this study was to provide updated information on the biological and therapeutic garlic properties. Garlic has been found to possess important biological properties with high therapeutic potential, which is influenced by the mode of its utilization, preparation, and extraction. It has been attributed with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory capacities. Garlic, in particular its organosulfur compounds, can maintain immune system homeostasis through positive effects on immune cells, especially by regulating cytokine proliferation and expression. This may underlie their usefulness in the treatment of infectious and tumor processes. These compounds can also offer vascular benefits by regulating lipid metabolism or by exerting antihypertensive and antiaggregant effects. However, further clinical trials are warranted to confirm the therapeutic potential of garlic and its derivatives.

Ferroptosis due to Cystathionine γ Lyase/Hydrogen Sulfide Downregulation Under High Hydrostatic Pressure Exacerbates VSMC Dysfunction

Hydrostatic pressure, stretch, and shear are major biomechanical forces of vessels and play critical roles in genesis and development of hypertension. Our previous work demonstrated that high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) promoted vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) two novel subsets: inflammatory and endothelial function inhibitory VSMCs and then exacerbated VSMC dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we first identified that aortic GPX4 (a core regulator of ferroptosis) significantly downregulated association with VSMC novel phenotype elevation in SHR rats and hypertension patients. In primary VSMCs, HHP (200 mmHg) increased iron accumulation, ROS production, and lipid peroxidation compared with normal pressure (100 mmHg). Consistently, the ferroptosis-related gene (COX-2, TFRC, ACSL4, and NOX-1) expression was also upregulated. The ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) administration blocked HHP-induced VSMC inflammatory (CXCL2 expression) and endothelial function inhibitory (AKR1C2 expression) phenotyping switch association with elevation in the GPX4 expression, reduction in the reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation production. In contrast, the ferroptosis inducer RLS3 increased HHP-induced CXCL2 and AKR1C2 expressions. These data indicate HHP-triggering ferroptosis contributes to VSMC inflammatory and endothelial function inhibitory phenotyping switch. In mechanism, HHP reduced the VSMC GSH content and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE)/hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)—an essential system for GSH generation. Supplementation of the H₂S donor-NaHS increased the VSMC GSH level, alleviated iron deposit, ROS and lipid peroxidation production. NaHS administration rescues both HHP- and RLS3-induced ferroptosis. Collectively, HHP downregulated VSMC CSE/H₂S triggering GSH level reduction, resulting in ferroptosis, which contributed to the genesis of VSMC inflammation and endothelial function inhibitory phenotypes.

Buffering Adaptive Immunity by Hydrogen Sulfide

T cell-mediated adaptive immunity is designed to respond to non-self antigens and pathogens through the activation and proliferation of various T cell populations. T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17 and Treg cells finely orchestrate cellular responses through a plethora of paracrine and autocrine stimuli that include cytokines, autacoids, and hormones. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is one of these mediators able to induce/inhibit immunological responses, playing a role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, asthma, acute pancreatitis, and sepsis. Both endogenous and exogenous H₂S modulate numerous important cell signaling pathways. In monocytes, polymorphonuclear, and T cells H₂S impacts on activation, survival, proliferation, polarization, adhesion pathways, and modulates cytokine production and sensitivity to chemokines. Here, we offer a comprehensive review on the role of H₂S as a natural buffer able to maintain over time a functional balance between Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg immunological responses.

Oxidative Stress in Plasma from Patients with Marfan Syndrome Is Modulated by Deodorized Garlic Preliminary Findings

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic disorder of connective tissue that affects the fibrillin-1 protein (FBN-1). It is associated with the formation of aneurysms, damage to the endothelium and oxidative stress (OS). Allium sativum (garlic) has antioxidant properties; therefore, the goal of this study was to show the antioxidant effect of deodorized garlic (DG) on antioxidant enzymes and OS markers in the plasma of patients with MFS. The activity of antioxidant enzymes such as extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD), peroxidases, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), gluthatione-S-tranferase (GST), and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) was quantified, and nonenzymatic antioxidant system markers including lipid peroxidation (LPO), carbonylation, nitrates/nitrites, GSH, and vitamin C in plasma were determined in patients with MFS before and after treatment with DG. The results show that DG increased the activity of the EcSOD, peroxidases, GPx, GST, TrxR (p ≤ 0.05) and decrease LPO, carbonylation, and nitrates/nitrites (p ≤ 0.01). However, glutathione was increased (p = 0.01) in plasma from patients with MFS. This suggests that treatment with garlic could lower the OS threshold by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and could help in the prevention and mitigation of adverse OS in patients with MFS.

Promising New Antimalarial Combination Drugs: Garlic And Arteether in Pregnant Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei

BACKGROUND

Antimalarial prescription remains a challenge in pregnant women because of maternal and fetal complications. Recently, garlic and α-β-arteether combination treatment in malaria-infected mice conferred protection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of these drugs during pregnancy malaria and its safety measures.

OBJECTIVE

The study is to evaluate the efficacy of arteether and garlic combination drugs in protection against malaria infected pregnant mice.

METHODS

Plasmodium berghei-infected pregnant mouse model was used to assess the combination drug efficacy and the outcome of abnormalities of the disease after drug treatment. After optimizing the dose and gestation period, maternal protection was confirmed by parasite clearance in smear and mortality observation. In addition, maternal hematological parameters, different organ histopathology and IgG levels were documented along with the fetal and infant outcomes.

RESULTS

Arteether monotherapy led to spontaneous fetal abortion or resorption but after the dose optimization and with garlic combination has resulted in completion of the pregnancy and protection against malaria. The derangements observed in the histoarchitecture of organs and hematological parameters caused by malaria infection revealed improvement after drug treatment and the smear observation confirms the clearance of malaria parasite in the peripheral blood, but IgG level was maintained at the same higher level as in malaria-infected mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The first report of arteether and garlic combination promising high efficacy in protection against malaria-infected pregnant mice ascertain their safety and an effective alternative for pregnancy-associated malaria.

Pretreatment of Garlic Oil Extracts Hampers Epithelial Damage in Cell Culture Model of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Background and Objectives: Peptic ulcer disease is a chronic disease affecting up to 10% of the world’s population. Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole are the gold standard in the treatment of ulcer disease. However, various studies have shown the effectiveness of garlic oil extracts in the treatment of ulcer disease. A cellular model can be established in the human gastric cell line by sodium taurocholate. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of garlic oil extracts pretreatment and LPZ addition in the cell culture model of peptic ulcer disease by examining oxidative stress and F-actin distribution. Materials and Methods: Evaluation was performed by determination of glutathione and prostaglandin E2 concentrations by ELISA; human gastric cell line proliferation by cell counting; expression of ATP-binding cassette, sub-family G, member 2; nuclear factor kappa B subunit 2 by RT PCR; and F-actin cytoskeleton visualization by semi-quantification of Rhodamine Phalloidin stain. Results: Our results showed significant reduction of cell damage after sodium taurocholate incubation when the gastric cells were pretreated with lansoprazole (p < 0.001) and increasing concentrations of garlic oil extracts (p < 0.001). Pretreatment with lansoprazole and different concentrations of garlic oil extracts increased prostaglandin E2 and glutathione concentrations in the cell culture model of peptic ulcer disease (p < 0.001). Positive correlation of nuclear factor kappa B subunit 2 (p < 0.01) with lansoprazole and garlic oil extracts pretreatment was seen, while ATP-binding cassette, sub-family G, member 2 expression was not changed. Treatment with sodium taurocholate as oxidative stress on F actin structure was less pronounced, although the highest concentration of garlic oil extracts led to a statistically significant increase of total amount of F-actin (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Hence, pretreatment with garlic oil extracts had gastroprotective effect in the cell model of peptic ulcer disease. However, further experiments are needed to fully elucidate the mechanism of this protective role.

VEGFR2 in vascular smooth muscle cells mediates H2S-induced dilation of the rat cerebral basilar artery

INTRODUCTION

The aim of present study was to study whether the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR₂) mediates hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)-induced relaxation of the rat cerebral vasculature.

METHODS

Relaxation of cerebral basilar artery (CBA) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was measured by using a pressure myograph system and image analysis system, respectively. The intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) in VSMCs was detected using fluorescence imaging analysis.

RESULTS

We found that H₂S donor NaHS induced significant relaxation of VSMCs from the CBA of wild type rat, but in VEGFR₂ knockdown VSMCs, NaHS-induced relaxation reduced markedly. In addition, NaHS-induced vasodilation of rat CBA also attenuated obviously when the expression of VEGFR₂ was knocked down in vivo. In addition, pretreatment with the VEGFR₂ blocker SU5416 likewise lowered the NaHS-induced relaxation of rat CBA. Nevertheless, the VEGFR₂ agonist, vascular endothelial growth factor 164 (VEGF164), induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of CBA, which is similar to the effect of NaHS. Furthermore, we found that both NaHS and VEGF164 significantly inhibited the U₄₆₆₁₉-induced increase of [Ca²⁺]_i fluorescence intensity in the VSMCs. However, the inhibitory effect of NaHS on the [Ca²⁺]_i fluorescence intensity in VSMCs was markedly inhibited by pretreatment with SU5416 or VEGFR₂ knockdown.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that H₂S-induced CBA dilation and reduction of [Ca²⁺]_i in VSMCs occur by acting on VEGFR₂.

An Updated Insight Into Molecular Mechanism of Hydrogen Sulfide in Cardiomyopathy and Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Under Diabetes

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common complications of diabetes, and diabetic cardiomyopathy is a major cause of people death in diabetes. Molecular, transcriptional, animal, and clinical studies have discovered numerous therapeutic targets or drugs for diabetic cardiomyopathy. Within this, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), an endogenous gasotransmitter alongside with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), is found to play a critical role in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Recently, the protective roles of H₂S in diabetic cardiomyopathy have attracted enormous attention. In addition, H₂S donors confer favorable effects in myocardial infarction, ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and heart failure under diabetic conditions. Further studies have disclosed that multiplex molecular mechanisms are responsible for the protective effects of H₂S against diabetes-elicited cardiac injury, such as anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-necrotic properties. In this review, we will summarize the current findings on H₂S biology and pharmacology, especially focusing on the novel mechanisms of H₂S-based protection against diabetic cardiomyopathy. Also, the potential roles of H₂S in diabetes-aggravated ischaemia-reperfusion injury are discussed.

Antimicrobial, immunological and biochemical effects of florfenicol and garlic (Allium sativum) on rabbits infected with Escherichia coli serotype O55: H7

Florfenicol (FFC) is a synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic and garlic has a bactericidal action against coliforms. This study was carried out to compare the antimicrobial, immunological and biochemical effects of florfenicol and garlic, for their ability to treat enteropathogenic Escherichia coli serotype O55: H7 infection in rabbits. Four groups (G1-G4) were included. G1 group was the negative control; G2 group was the infected with a field-isolated strain of E. coli and untreated; G3 group was the infected+treated with FFC for 5 days; and G4 group was the infected+treated with garlic tablets for 14 days. The rabbits were observed for clinical signs, growth performance and mortality rates. Garlic-infused disks had a larger clear zone of inhibition than other antibiotic disks. Garlic treatment improved growth performance, biochemical parameters, and immunological response and reduced the fecal shedding and histopathological lesions in E. coli O55: H7 infected rabbits compared to the other groups. Colonization of E. coli more rapidly declined in G3 & G4 than in G2. Hepatic and intestinal gene expressions; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly elevated in G2 compared to the other groups, and their levels were elevated more in G3 than in G4. Serum interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and phagocytic activity were significantly elevated in G4 compared to G3. G3 revealed macrocytic hypochromic anaemia that was confirmed histopathologically by moderate haematopoiesis of the bone marrow. In conclusion, garlic powder can reduce rabbit colibacillosis, like FFC, and can enhance the immune status of rabbits.

Accelerated immunosenescence, oxidation and inflammation lead to a higher biological age in COPD patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by inflammatory and oxidative alterations in the lung and extrapulmonary compartments, through involvement of the immune system. Several leukocyte functions are health markers and good predictors of longevity, and high pro-inflammatory and oxidative states are related to more aged profiles. Here, we aimed to investigate the aging rate in terms of immunosenescence in COPD men with respect to healthy age-matched controls. Several neutrophil (adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, superoxide anion stimulated production) and lymphocyte (adherence, chemotaxis, lymphoproliferation, natural killer activity) functions, cytokine concentrations released in response to lipopolysaccharide (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10) and redox parameters (intracellular glutathione content, basal superoxide anion level) were assessed in circulating leukocytes of men with moderate and severe stages of COPD, and compared to healthy age-matched volunteers. The biological age or aging rate in each participant was determined using the values of leukocyte functions. The results indicated impairment of immune functions in COPD patients, both in innate and adaptive immunity, and higher pro-inflammatory and oxidative states in peripheral leukocytes than controls. In general, these changes were more remarkable at the severe stage of airway obstruction. Importantly, COPD patients were found to be aging at a faster rate than age-matched healthy counterparts.

Nano-Drug Design Based on the Physiological Properties of Glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) is involved in and regulates important physiological functions of the body as an essential antioxidant. GSH plays an important role in anti-oxidation, detoxification, anti-aging, enhancing immunity and anti-tumor activity. Herein, based on the physiological properties of GSH in different diseases, mainly including the strong reducibility of GSH, high GSH content in tumor cells, and the NADPH depletion when GSSH is reduced to GSH, we extensively report the design principles, effect, and potential problems of various nano-drugs in diabetes, cancer, nervous system diseases, fluorescent probes, imaging, and food. These studies make full use of the physiological and pathological value of GSH and develop excellent design methods of nano-drugs related to GSH, which shows important scientific significance and prominent application value for the related diseases research that GSH participates in or responds to.

Current Advances in the Development of Decellularized Plant Extracellular Matrix

An imbalance exists between the supply of organs for transplantation and the number of patients in the donor transplant waiting lists. Current use of autologous, synthetic, and animal-derived grafts for tissue replacement is limited by the low availability, poor biocompatibility, and high cost. Decellularized plant scaffolds with remarkable physical similarities to human organs have recently emerged and have been found to present favorable characteristics that make them suitable as an alternative biomaterial, such as a superficial surface area, excellent water transport and retention, pre-existing vascular networks, interconnected porosity, and a wide range of mechanical properties. In addition to their unique and superior biocompatibility, plant-derived scaffolds present the advantages of low production cost, no ethical or supply constraints, simple operation and suitability for large-scale production and research. However, there are still some problems and deficiencies in this field, such as immature decellularization standards and methods, insufficient research on the biocompatibility of plant extracellular matrix. At present, research on decellularized plant extracellular matrix is still in its infancy, and its applicability to tissue engineering needs to be further improved. In this review, the current research progress on decellularized plant scaffolds is reviewed, the problems to be solved and future research directions are discussed.

Garlic Essential Oil as Promising Option for the Treatment of Acute Campylobacteriosis-Results from a Preclinical Placebo-Controlled Intervention Study

Since human infections with Campylobacter jejuni including antibiotic-resistant strains are rising worldwide, natural compounds might constitute promising antibiotics-independent treatment options for campylobacteriosis. Since the health-beneficial properties of garlic have been known for centuries, we here surveyed the antimicrobial and immune-modulatory effects of garlic essential oil (EO) in acute experimental campylobacteriosis. Therefore, secondary abiotic IL-10^-/- mice were orally infected with C. jejuni strain 81-176 and garlic-EO treatment via the drinking water was initiated on day 2 post-infection. Mice from the garlic-EO group displayed less severe clinical signs of acute campylobacteriosis as compared to placebo counterparts that were associated with lower ileal C. jejuni burdens on day 6 post-infection. Furthermore, when compared to placebo application, garlic-EO treatment resulted in alleviated colonic epithelia cell apoptosis, in less pronounced C. jejuni induced immune cell responses in the large intestines, in dampened pro-inflammatory mediator secretion in intestinal and extra-intestinal compartments, and, finally, in less frequent translocation of viable pathogens from the intestines to distinct organs. Given its potent immune-modulatory and disease-alleviating effects as shown in our actual preclinical placebo-controlled intervention study, we conclude that garlic-EO may be considered as promising adjunct treatment option for acute campylobacteriosis in humans.

The effect of glutathione as adjuvant therapy on levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in wistar rat peritonitis model

Background

Peritonitis is the second most common cause of severe sepsis that associated with a significant mortality rate. Due to a large gap of newer antibiotics innovation and antibiotic resistance emergence, the use of antioxidant has a possible alternative as adjuvant therapy in peritonitis management. It has been studied that glutathione as an alternative in the development of new anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of TNF-α and IL-10 after glutathione administration as adjuvant therapy in rat peritonitis model.

Materials and methods

Male wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group), Group 1: control group (C), Group 2: peritonitis group (P), Group 3: peritonitis + Ceftriaxone group (P + Cef), Group 4: peritonitis + Ceftriaxone + Glutathione group (P + Cef + Glu). Twenty-four hours after peritonitis induction, the blood samples were taken to evaluate TNF-α and IL-10 levels.

Results

There was a significantly increase of mean TNF-α level in group 2 (P) 473,86 ± 388,99 pg/ml (p value 0,00) and significantly decrease of mean TNF-α level after glutathione injection in group 4 (P + Cef + Glu) (p value 0,02). No significant changes in IL-10 levels in rats peritonitis model.

Conclusions

Glutathione supplementation is significantly decrease the mean level of TNF-α in rats induced peritonitis, however there is no difference compare to antibiotic only. Moreover, there no significant changes level of IL-10 in rats induced peritonitis after glutathione injection.

Therapeutic potential of Allium Sativum against the Aβ(1-40)-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the Wistar rats

From the early stages of any neurodegenerative-disease mitochondrial functionality has been mortally extricated, though the exact timeline of these events is still unclear, it is likely to represent a progressive neurons-decline and cognitive-functions. Hence strategies suggested by herbal extract to restore mitochondrial functions may be a remedial approach to chronic neurodegenerative disorder like Alzheimer's disease (AD). This research was designed to evaluate if Aβ1-40 induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction could be inhibited by Allium Sativum (AS) supplementation. AD was induced by a single intra-hippocampal injection of Aβ1-40 (5 μg/4 μl), while herbal supplementation was given orally (100, 250, 500 mg/kg body weight, daily) for 3 weeks. Morris water maze was used to assess cognitive function shows deficits in Aβ1-40 treated animals, there is no significant alteration in locomotor function as examined by actophotometer. This was accompanied by enhancement in oxidative stress indicating by accentuated ROS and protein carbonyl levels. Concomitantly, decrease in activity of antioxidant enzymes was observed in diseased animals; as expressed by reduced superoxide-dismutase and catalase activity, as well as reduction in GSH levels and impaired mitochondrial functions. Medium dose of AS has been found effective in restoring the memory impairment along with antioxidant levels but high dose is more efficient as observed in the Aβ1-40 treated rats. High dose of AS, on the other hand significantly ameliorates the mitochondrial-dysfunction in comparison to medium dose. Taken together, the findings reveal that AS reverses Aβ1-40 induced brain alteration, it could be an efficient clinical mitigation action against AD growth.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Mixture of Dipropyl Polysulfides in Concanavalin A-Induced Hepatitis

The main biologically active components of plants belonging to the genus Allium, responsible for their biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory, are organosulfur compounds. The aim of this study was to synthetize the mixture of dipropyl polysulfides (DPPS) and to test their biological activity in acute hepatitis. C57BL/6 mice were administered orally with DPPS 6 h before intravenous injection of Concanavalin A (ConA). Liver inflammation, necrosis and hepatocytes apoptosis were determined by histological analyses. Cytokines in liver tissue were determined by ELISA, expression of adhesive molecules and enzymes by RT PCR, while liver mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. DPPS pretreatment significantly attenuated liver inflammation and injury, as evidenced by biochemical and histopathological observations. In DPPS-pretreated mice, messenger RNA levels of adhesion molecules and NADPH oxidase complex were significantly reduced, while the expression of SOD enzymes was enhanced. DPPS pretreatment decreased protein level of inflammatory cytokines and increased percentage of T regulatory cells in the livers of ConA mice. DPPS showed hepatoprotective effects in ConA-induced hepatitis, characterized by attenuation of inflammation and affection of Th17/Treg balance in favor of T regulatory cells and implicating potential therapeutic usage of DPPS mixture in inflammatory liver diseases.

Hepatocyte-targeting and microenvironmentally responsive glycolipid-like polymer micelles for gene therapy of hepatitis B

Hepatitis B (HB) is a viral infectious disease that seriously endangers human health, and since there are no radical drugs to counter this, effective and safe therapies urgently need to be developed. HB virus (HBV) mainly infects hepatocytes (HCs), while the drugs are easily phagocytosed by Kupffer cells (KCs). In this study, the glutathione concentration difference between HCs and KCs was examined and utilized in an ideal drug-release strategy. Here, galactosylated chitosan-oligosaccharide-SS-octadecylamine (Gal-CSSO) was prepared to accurately deliver 10-23 DNAzyme DrzBC (blocking HBeAg expression) or DrzBS (blocking HBsAg expression) in targeted HB therapy. In vitro Gal-CSSO systems exhibited low cytotoxicity, endosomal escape, and glutathione responsiveness. The HBeAg and HBsAg secretion of HepG2.2.15 was significantly decreased by Gal-CSSO systems, and the maximum inhibition rates were 1.82-fold and 2.38-fold greater than those of commercial Lipofectamine 2000 (Lipo2000) systems. In vivo Gal-CSSO systems exhibited HC targeting and HC microenvironmental responsiveness without noticeable hepatotoxicity or systemic toxicity. The HBeAg and HBsAg titers of the HBV-infected mice were evidently decreased by Gal-CSSO systems, and the inhibition rates were 1.52-fold and 1.22-fold greater than those of Lipo2000 systems. This study presents a kind of glycolipid-like polymer micelles that promise efficient and safe gene therapy of HB.

Oxidative Stress, Plant Natural Antioxidants, and Obesity

Oxidative stress is important in the pathophysiology of obesity, altering regulatory factors of mitochondrial activity, modifying the concentration of inflammation mediators associated with a large number and size of adipocytes, promoting lipogenesis, stimulating differentiation of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes, and regulating the energy balance in hypothalamic neurons that control appetite. This review discusses the participation of oxidative stress in obesity and the important groups of compounds found in plants with antioxidant properties, which include (a) polyphenols such as phenolic acids, stilbenes, flavonoids (flavonols, flavanols, anthocyanins, flavanones, flavones, flavanonols, and isoflavones), and curcuminoids (b) carotenoids, (c) capsaicinoids and casinoids, (d) isothiocyanates, (e) catechins, and (f) vitamins. Examples are analyzed, such as resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, ferulic acid, phloretin, green tea, Hibiscus Sabdariffa, and garlic. The antioxidant activities of these compounds depend on their activities as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers and on their capacity to prevent the activation of NF-κB (nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), and reduce the expression of target genes, including those participating in inflammation. We conclude that natural compounds have therapeutic potential for diseases mediated by oxidative stress, particularly obesity. Controlled and well-designed clinical trials are still necessary to better know the effects of these compounds.

Metabolic regulation of the bone marrow microenvironment in leukemia

Most leukemia patients experience little benefit from immunotherapy, in part due to the immunosuppressive bone marrow microenvironment. Various metabolic mechanisms orchestrate the behaviors of immune cells and leukemia cells in the bone marrow microenvironment. Furthermore, leukemia cells regulate the bone marrow microenvironment through metabolism to generate an adequate supply of energy and to escape antitumor immune surveillance. Thus, the targeting of the interaction between leukemia cells and the bone marrow microenvironment provides a new therapeutic avenue. In this review, we describe the concept of the bone marrow microenvironment and several important metabolic processes of leukemia cells within the bone marrow microenvironment, including carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. In addition, we discuss how these metabolic pathways regulate antitumor immunity and reveal potential therapeutic targets.

Polysulfide and Hydrogen Sulfide Ameliorate Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Renal Inflammation through Persulfidating STAT3 and IKKβ

Cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapy for the treatment of various tumors, is clinically limited due to its extensive nephrotoxicity. Inflammatory response in tubular cells is a driving force for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The plant-derived agents are widely used to relieve cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction in preclinical studies. Polysulfide and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) are ubiquitously expressed in garlic, and both of them are documented as potential agents for preventing and treating inflammatory disorders. This study was designed to determine whether polysulfide and H₂S could attenuate cisplatin nephrotoxicity through suppression of inflammatory factors. In renal proximal tubular cells, we found that sodium tetrasulfide (Na₂S₄), a polysulfide donor, and sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) and GYY4137, two H₂S donors, ameliorated cisplatin-caused renal toxicity through suppression of the massive production of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Mechanistically, the anti-inflammatory actions of Na₂S₄ and H₂S may be mediated by persulfidation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and inhibitor kappa B kinase β (IKKβ), followed by decreased phosphorylation of STAT3 and IKKβ. Moreover, the nuclear translocation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-κB), and phosphorylation and degradation of nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor protein alpha (IκBα) induced by cisplatin, were also mitigated by both polysulfide and H₂S. In mice, after treatment with polysulfide and H₂S donors, cisplatin-associated renal dysfunction was strikingly ameliorated, as evidenced by measurement of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, renal morphology, and the expression of renal inflammatory factors. Our present work suggests that polysulfide and H₂S could afford protection against cisplatin nephrotoxicity, possibly via persulfidating STAT3 and IKKβ and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammatory cascade. Our results might shed light on the potential benefits of garlic-derived polysulfide and H₂S in chemotherapy-induced renal damage.

Hydrogen sulfide: An endogenous regulator of the immune system

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is now recognized as an endogenous signaling gasotransmitter in mammals. It is produced by mammalian cells and tissues by various enzymes - predominantly cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) - but part of the H₂S is produced by the intestinal microbiota (colonic H₂S-producing bacteria). Here we summarize the available information on the production and functional role of H₂S in the various cell types typically associated with innate immunity (neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, mast cells, basophils, eosinophils) and adaptive immunity (T and B lymphocytes) under normal conditions and as it relates to the development of various inflammatory and immune diseases. Special attention is paid to the physiological and the pathophysiological aspects of the oral cavity and the colon, where the immune cells and the parenchymal cells are exposed to a special "H₂S environment" due to bacterial H₂S production. H₂S has many cellular and molecular targets. Immune cells are "surrounded" by a "cloud" of H₂S, as a result of endogenous H₂S production and exogenous production from the surrounding parenchymal cells, which, in turn, importantly regulates their viability and function. Downregulation of endogenous H₂S producing enzymes in various diseases, or genetic defects in H₂S biosynthetic enzyme systems either lead to the development of spontaneous autoimmune disease or accelerate the onset and worsen the severity of various immune-mediated diseases (e.g. autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis or asthma). Low, regulated amounts of H₂S, when therapeutically delivered by small molecule donors, improve the function of various immune cells, and protect them against dysfunction induced by various noxious stimuli (e.g. reactive oxygen species or oxidized LDL). These effects of H₂S contribute to the maintenance of immune functions, can stimulate antimicrobial defenses and can exert anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects in various diseases.

S-allylmercaptocysteine inhibits mucin overexpression and inflammation via MAPKs and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Cytokine storm is an important cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. Excessive secretion and accumulation of mucins on the surface of airway cause airway obstruction and exacerbate lung infections. MUC5AC and MUC5B are the main secreted mucins and overexpressed in various inflammatory responses. S-allylmercaptocysteine, a water-soluble organic sulfur compound extracted from garlic, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects for various pulmonary diseases. The aim of this work was to investigate the therapeutic effects of SAMC on mucin overproduction and inflammation in 16HBE cells and LPS-induced ARDS mice. Results show that SAMC treatment ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration and lung histopathological changes in the LPS-induced ARDS mice. SAMC also inhibited the expressions of MUC5AC and MUC5B, decreased the production of pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, CD86 and IL-12) and increased the production of anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10, CD206 and TGF-β). These results confirm that SAMC had potential beneficial effects on suppressed hyperinflammation and mucin overexpression. Furthermore, SAMC exerted the therapeutic effects through the inhibition of phosphorylation of MAPKs and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways in the 16HBE cells and mice. Overall, our results demonstrate the effects of SAMC on the LPS-induced mucin overproduction and inflammation both in the 16HBE cells and mice.

The effects of garlic (Allium sativum) supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers, fatigue, and clinical symptoms in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Based on the antiinflammatory properties of garlic, current study was conducted to evaluate the garlic supplement effects on serum levels of some inflammatory biomarkers, clinical symptoms, and fatigue in women with active rheumatoid arthritis. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study, 70 women with RA were randomly divided into two groups: The intervention group was supplemented with 1,000 mg of garlic, and the control group received placebo for 8 weeks. At baseline and at the end of the study, clinical symptoms, fatigue, serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined. After intervention, serum levels of CRP (p = .018) and TNF-a (p < .001) decreased significantly in the garlic group as compared with the placebo group. Also, pain intensity, tender joint count, disease activity score (DAS-28), and fatigue were significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group (p < .001; for all). Swollen joint count was significantly decreased in the garlic group (p < .001), but not in the placebo group (p = .123). No significant changes were observed for ESR. Garlic supplementation by improving inflammatory mediators and clinical symptoms can be considered as a potential adjunct treatment in patients with RA. However, further studies with larger duration are needed.

Gut-Derived Metabolites and Their Role in Immune Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease

Several of the uremic toxins, which are difficult to remove by dialysis, originate from the gut bacterial metabolism. This opens opportunities for novel targets trying to decrease circulating levels of these toxins and their pathophysiological effects. The current review focuses on immunomodulatory effects of these toxins both at their side of origin and in the circulation. In the gut end products of the bacterial metabolism such as p-cresol, trimethylamine and H₂S affect the intestinal barrier structure and function while in the circulation the related uremic toxins stimulate cells of the immune system. Both conditions contribute to the pro-inflammatory status of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Generation and/or absorption of these toxin precursors could be targeted to decrease plasma levels of their respective uremic toxins and to reduce micro-inflammation in CKD.