Ameliorative effects of type-A procyanidins polyphenols from cinnamon bark in compound 48/80-induced mast cell degranulation

Myricetin Attenuates Ethylene Glycol-Induced Nephrolithiasis in Rats via Mitigating Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers

Urolithiasis or nephrolithiasis is a condition of kidney stone formation and is considered a painful disease of the urinary tract system. In this work, we planned to discover the therapeutic roles of myricetin on the ethylene glycol (EG)-induced nephrolithiasis in rats. The experimental rats were treated with 0.75% of EG through drinking water for 4 weeks to initiate the nephrolithiasis and subsequently treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg of myricetin. The body weight and urine volume were measured regularly. After the sacrification of rats, the samples were collected, and serum and urinary biomarkers such as creatinine, urea, Ca2 + ion, and BUN, OPN, oxalate, and citrate levels were determined using assay kits. These biomarkers, the MDA level and CAT, SOD, and GPx activities, were assessed in the kidney tissue homogenates. The IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were also quantified using respective kits. The histopathological analysis was done on the kidney tissues. Myricetin treatment did not show major changes in the body weight and kidney weight in the EG-induced rats. The treatment with 25 and 50 mg/kg of myricetin considerably reduced the urea, creatinine, BUN, Ca2 + ion, and oxalate and increased the citrate content in serum and urine samples of EG-induced rats. Further, myricetin depleted the inflammatory cytokines and MDA levels and elevated the CAT, SOD, and GPx activities in the renal tissues. The activities of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and LDH were also reduced by the myricetin. Furthermore, the myricetin upheld the histoarchitecture of the kidneys. The outcomes of this investigation propose that myricetin is effective in EG-induced urolithiasis probably because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and renoprotective activities. In addition, further studies are still required to verify the precise therapeutic mechanism of myricetin.

Dietary Polyphenols, Plant Metabolites, and Allergic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

Given the ongoing rise in the occurrence of allergic disorders, alterations in dietary patterns have been proposed as a possible factor contributing to the emergence and progression of these conditions. Currently, there is a significant focus on the development of dietary therapies that utilize natural compounds possessing anti-allergy properties. Dietary polyphenols and plant metabolites have been intensively researched due to their well-documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory characteristics, making them one of the most prominent natural bioactive chemicals. This study seeks to discuss the in-depth mechanisms by which these molecules may exert anti-allergic effects, namely through their capacity to diminish the allergenicity of proteins, modulate immune responses, and modify the composition of the gut microbiota. However, further investigation is required to fully understand these effects. This paper examines the existing evidence from experimental and clinical studies that supports the idea that different polyphenols, such as catechins, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and others, can reduce allergic inflammation, relieve symptoms of food allergy, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis, and prevent the progression of the allergic immune response. In summary, dietary polyphenols and plant metabolites possess significant anti-allergic properties and can be utilized for developing both preventative and therapeutic strategies for targeting allergic conditions. The paper also discusses the constraints in investigating and broad usage of polyphenols, as well as potential avenues for future research.

Six sesquiterpenoids from the stems and leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat and their anti-asthma activities

Six previously undescribed sesquiterpenoids, chrysanthterpenoids H-M (1-6), were isolated from the stem and leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. Structure elucidation of isolated compounds was unambiguously determined based on extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses. Furthermore, computational prediction of ECD was used to propose the absolute configurations of the compounds. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-asthma effects on RBL-2H3 cells in vitro. The results showed that Compounds 2 and 3 significantly inhibited the release of β-aminohexosidase and improved RBL-2H3 degranulation by chromogenic substrate and high-content imaging. These results suggest that Compounds 2 and 3 may exhibit anti-asthma activities.

Dietary Polyphenols-Natural Bioactive Compounds with Potential for Preventing and Treating Some Allergic Conditions

In light of the constantly increasing prevalence of allergic diseases, changes in dietary patterns have been suggested as a plausible environmental explanation for the development and progression of these diseases. Nowadays, much attention has been paid to the development of dietary interventions using natural substances with anti-allergy activities. In this respect, dietary polyphenols have been studied extensively as one of the most prominent natural bioactive compounds with well-documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This review aims to discuss the mechanisms underlying the potential anti-allergic actions of polyphenols related to their ability to reduce protein allergenicity, regulate immune response, and gut microbiome modification; however, these issues need to be elucidated in detail. This paper reviews the current evidence from experimental and clinical studies confirming that various polyphenols such as quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, catechins, and many others could attenuate allergic inflammation, alleviate the symptoms of food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, and prevent the development of allergic immune response. Conclusively, dietary polyphenols are endowed with great anti-allergic potential and therefore could be used either for preventive approaches or therapeutic interventions in relation to allergic diseases. Limitations in studying and widespread use of polyphenols as well as future research directions are also discussed.

Tackling the Future Pandemics: Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents (BSAAs) Based on A-Type Proanthocyanidins

A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC-As) are plant-derived natural polyphenols that occur as oligomers or polymers of flavan-3-ol monomers, such as (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin, connected through an unusual double A linkage. PAC-As are present in leaves, seeds, flowers, bark, and fruits of many plants, and are thought to exert protective natural roles against microbial pathogens, insects, and herbivores. Consequently, when tested in isolation, PAC-As have shown several biological effects, through antioxidant, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and antiviral activities. PAC-As have been observed in fact to inhibit replication of many different human viruses, and both enveloped and non-enveloped DNA and RNA viruses proved sensible to their inhibitory effect. Mechanistic studies revealed that PAC-As cause reduction of infectivity of viral particles they come in contact with, as a result of their propensity to interact with virion surface capsid proteins or envelope glycoproteins essential for viral attachment and entry. As viral infections and new virus outbreaks are a major public health concern, development of effective Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents (BSAAs) that can be rapidly deployable even against future emerging viruses is an urgent priority. This review summarizes the antiviral activities and mechanism of action of PAC-As, and their potential to be deployed as BSAAs against present and future viral infections.

Cinnamon and its possible impact on COVID-19: The viewpoint of traditional and conventional medicine

The COVID-19 global epidemic caused by coronavirus has affected the health and other aspects of life for more than one year. Despite the current pharmacotherapies, there is still no specific treatment, and studies are in progress to find a proper therapy with high efficacy and low side effects. In this way, Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM), due to its holistic view, can provide recommendations for the prevention and treatment of new diseases such as COVID-19. The muco-obstruction of the airway, which occurs in SARS-CoV-2, has similar features in TPM textbooks that can lead us to new treatment approaches. Based on TPM and pharmacological studies, Cinnamomum verum (Darchini)'s potential effective functions can contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment and has been known to be effective in corona disease in Public beliefs. From the viewpoint of TPM theories, Cinnamon can be effective in SARS-CoV-2 improvement and treatment through its anti-obstructive, diuretic, tonic and antidote effects. In addition, there is pharmacological evidence on anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, organ-o-protective and anti-depression effects of Cinnamon that are in line with the therapeutic functions mentioned in TPM.Overall, Cinnamon and its ingredients can be recommended for SARS-CoV2 management due to multi-targeting therapies. This review provides basic information for future studies on this drug's effectiveness in preventing and treating COVID-19 and similar diseases.

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Mitigates Interstitial Cystitis by Inhibiting Mast Cells

Background

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a recurrent and chronic inflammatory disease that compromises patients’ quality of life. Effective treatments for IC are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potency of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in an IC-induced rat model and investigate the potential molecular mechanism in a mast cell model (rat basophilic leukemia cells, RBL-2H3) in treating IC in a coculture system.

Material/Methods

The rat model of IC was induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham, IC+PBS, and IC+MSC. In the coculture system, RBL-2H3 cells were sensitized overnight to Compound 48/80 (C48/80), cocultured with UC-MSCs for 3 days, and collected for subsequent experiments. RBL-2H3 cells were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham, C48, and UC-MSCs (C48+MSC).

Results

The UC-MSCs marked by thymidine analog 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) were transplanted in the treatment group, and were densely distributed in the bladder. Accordingly, the conscious cystometry was measured and the bladder tissues were harvested. Compared with the sham group, the treated IC rats exhibited shorter bladder voiding intervals (307±35 vs 217±37 s; P<0.01), more integral epithelia, and less collagen fiber aggregation, infiltration and degranulation of mast cells, and inflammatory cytokines in the bladder tissue. In the coculture system, compared with the C48 group, the UC-MSC-treated RBL-2H3 cells had suppressed degranulation.

Conclusions

UC-MSCs treatment showed a promising therapeutic effect on treating IC in vivo and in vitro. UC-MSCs inhibit mast cell degranulation in IC and could be a potential therapeutic target to ameliorate inflammation in IC.

Tumor associated mast cells: biological roles and therapeutic applications

Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells of the myeloid lineage and are present in connective tissues throughout the body. The activation and degranulation of MCs significantly modulates many aspects of physiological and pathological conditions in various settings. Recent data have expanded the concept that inflammation is a critical component for tumor progression. Interestingly, three of the most aggressive human cancers, malignant melanoma, breast carcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma, are commonly associated with a marked host response comprising of various inflammatory cells, but especially MCs around the tumor periphery. A systematic review of the literature was performed based on the English titles listed in the PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, Science Direct, ISI web Science, and SciELO databases using the keywords. Abstracts and full-text articles were assessed. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of MCs in tumor progression.

Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin from Phyllanthus amarus ameliorates immune-inflammatory response in ovalbumin-induced asthma: role of IgE, Nrf2, iNOs, TNF-α, and IL's

Background: Asthma is a chronic airway immunoinflammatory disorder characterized by airway remodeling. Phyllanthus amarus has been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Aim: To evaluate the possible mechanism of action of isolated phytoconstituents from P. amarus (PA) against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced experimental airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Material and method: Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin were isolated and characterized (HPLC) from the methanolic extract of PA. AHR was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by OVA-challenged, and animals were treated with PA (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Results: The HPLC analysis showed the presence of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin in methanolic extract of PA at RT of 25.243 and 26.832 min, respectively. OVA-induced alterations in hemodynamic parameters, lung functions test, peripheral blood oxygen level, total, and differential cell count in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid was significantly attenuated (p < .05) by PA (100 and 200 mg/kg). It also significantly decreased (p < .05) the levels of total protein and albumin in serum, BALF, and lungs. OVA-induced increase in IgE (total and OVA-specific), and oxido-nitrosative stress (SOD, GSH, MDA, and NO) levels were significantly (p < .05) decreased by PA. RT-PCR analysis revealed that elevated oxido-nitrosative stress (Nrf2 and iNOs), immune-inflammatory makers (HO-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and TGF-β1), Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-6) levels were significantly attenuated (p < .05) by PA. PA also attenuated histological and ultrastructural aberrations induced by OVA. Conclusion: Results of the present investigation demonstrated that the presence of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin in P. amarus alleviated Th2 response in OVA-induced AHR via modulation of endogenous markers in a murine model of asthma. Thus, phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin may be a new therapeutic approach for the management of asthma.