Article
Cell Biology
Elisa Mariano Pioltine, Camila Bortoliero Costa, Lais Barbosa Latorraca, Fernanda Fagali Franchi, Priscila Helena dos Santos, Gisele Zoccal Mingoti, Fabiola Freitas de Paula-Lopes, Marcelo Fabio Gouveia Nogueira
Summary: The study showed that adding 200μM of TUDCA to IVM medium reduced ROS production and increased the abundance of transcripts related to antioxidant activity in oocytes and embryos. However, a high concentration of TUDCA (1,000μM) was toxic to oocytes, decreasing nuclear maturation rate, mitochondrial activity, and increasing ER stress and cellular apoptosis related transcripts. Treatment with 200μM of TUDCA was associated with greater resistance to oxidative stress and indirectly with ER stress relief in bovine oocytes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Alejandra Daruich, Emilie Picard, Justine Guegan, Thara Jaworski, Lea Parenti, Kimberley Delaunay, Marie-Christine Naud, Marianne Berdugo, Jeffrey H. Boatright, Francine Behar-Cohen
Summary: This study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of UDCA versus TUDCA in a neuroretinal degeneration model and compared the transcriptionally regulated pathways. The results showed that TUDCA regulated more neuroprotective genes than UDCA.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mohammad Reza Khazdair, Zahra Gholamnezhad, Ramin Rezaee, Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
Summary: The article reviews and compares the immunomodulatory activities of Crocus sativus and Nigella sativa and their main bioactive compounds, indicating their potential as promising treatments for disorders associated with immune-dysregulation.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin Moras, Camille Pouchieu, David Gaudout, Stephane Rey, Anthony Anchisi, Xavier Saupin, Patrick Jame
Summary: In this study, isotopic analysis and metabolite concentration measurement were used to differentiate synthetic safranal from natural safranal in saffron. Linear and quadratic discriminant analysis successfully identified the origin of saffron samples from Iran, Spain, and other origins using the two isotope ratios and saffron metabolites as predictors. This combined approach provides a useful tool for authenticating the origin of unknown saffron.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sunje Kim, Seong Eun Lee, Shinae Yi, Sangmi Jun, Yoon-Sun Yi, Harsha Nagar, Cuk-Seong Kim, Chungmin Shin, Min-Kyung Yeo, Yea Eun Kang, Sang-Ha Oh
Summary: The study identified that mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulated endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling play a role in human keloid formation, and that treatment with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) shows potential in reducing scar formation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Soukaina Chaouqi, Natalia Moratalla-Lopez, Gonzalo L. Alonso, Candida Lorenzo, Abdelmjid Zouahri, Nazha Asserar, El Mehdi Haidar, Taoufiq Guedira
Summary: Climate and soil affect the quality of saffron, which is determined by secondary metabolites. The study analyzed saffron samples using HPLC-DAD and analyzed soil samples using physicochemical methods, ED-XRF fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction. Saffron grown in loam-clay-sand soils contained high levels of crocins and kaempferol 3-sophoroside 7-glucoside, but low levels of safranal. Saffron grown in soils rich in organic matter, phosphorus, and potassium also had high levels of crocins and kaempferol 3-sophoroside 7-glucoside, but low levels of safranal. The presence of clays with low iron content was found to have a positive effect on the coloring strength of saffron.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zueleyha Doganyigit, Asli Okan, Enes Akyuz, Seher Yilmaz, Sukru Ates, Serpil Taheri, Zeynep Yilmaz, Mohd. Farooq Shaikh
Summary: The study found that TUDCA and 4-PBA treatment can suppress the process of endoplasmic reticulum stress, reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis, and protect neurons in epileptic seizures.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Naomi Dicks, Karina Gutierrez, Luke Currin, Mariana P. de Macedo, Werner G. Glanzner, Rafael G. Mondadori, Marek Michalak, Luis B. Agellon, Vilceu Bordignon
Summary: Impaired energy and nutrient homeostasis conditions like diabetes and obesity are associated with infertility. The natural bile acid tauroursodeoxycholic acid reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress and rescues developmentally incompetent embryos, and acts via the Takeda-G-protein-receptor-5 to alleviate nuclear stress in embryos. This study suggests that Takeda-G-protein-receptor-5 signaling pathways play a crucial role in linking the unfolded protein response and genome damage response in embryos, and could be a potential target for mitigating fertility issues caused by nutrient excess-associated stress.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Haleh Darvish, Yousef Ramezan, Mohammad Reza Khani, Amir Kamkari
Summary: This study investigated the microbial decontamination effect of low-pressure cold plasma (LPCP) technology on saffron, and also explored its impact on quality characteristics. The results showed that LPCP treatment significantly reduced bacterial and mold counts, but darkened the color of the treated saffron.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fangyi Chen, Zhe Ge, Nan Li, Zuochong Yu, Rongbo Wu, Yan Zhao, Xianwei He, Guoping Cai
Summary: The study demonstrated that TUDCA may protect against tunicamycin-induced DRG apoptosis by suppressing ER stress. The protective effect and therapeutic value of TUDCA in nervous system injury need further investigation in animal models.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Israelle Netto Freitas, Joel Alves da Silva Jr, Kenia Moreno de Oliveira, Bruna Lourenconi Alves, Thiago Dos Reis Araujo, Joao Paulo Camporez, Everardo Magalhaes Carneiro, Ana Paula Davel
Summary: Adipose tissue, an organ with metabolic and endocrine activity, undergoes morphological, functional, and molecular changes during obesity. The ER stress inhibitor TUDCA has shown therapeutic potential in minimizing adipose tissue dysfunction and metabolic alterations associated with obesity. Specifically, TUDCA has been demonstrated to inhibit ER stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in adipocytes, and may have cardiovascular protective effects through its influence on perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) function and adiponectin release.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Horticulture
Deepak Kothari, Rajesh Thakur, Rakesh Kumar
Summary: Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, is produced by a herbaceous plant with main constituents responsible for color, taste, and aroma. Iran is the leading producer, with the market expected to continue growing.
HORTICULTURE ENVIRONMENT AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Renata Matraszek-Gawron, Miroslawa Chwil, Karol Terlecki, Michal Marian Skoczylas
Summary: This systematic review examines the antidepressant effects of Crocus sativus compounds and their mechanisms of action. The study finds that aqueous and alcoholic extracts, as well as biologically active compounds isolated from various parts of the plant, show effectiveness and safety in the adjuvant treatment of depression and anxiety. The main proposed mechanisms of antidepressant action include monoamine reuptake inhibition, NMDA receptor antagonism, and GABA-α agonism.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Adil El Midaoui, Imen Ghzaiel, Dominique Vervandier-Fasseur, Mohamed Ksila, Amira Zarrouk, Thomas Nury, Farid Khallouki, Aboubaker El Hessni, Salama Ouazzani Ibrahimi, Norbert Latruffe, Rejean Couture, Omar Kharoubi, Fatiha Brahmi, Sonia Hammami, Olfa Masmoudi-Kouki, Mohamed Hammami, Taoufik Ghrairi, Anne Vejux, Gerard Lizard
Summary: Saffron, a medicinal plant rich in carotenoids and terpenes, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its beneficial effects on neuropsychiatric and age-related diseases make it significant in promoting human health.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Himanshu Sankrityayan, Vishwadeep Shelke, Ajinath Kale, Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad
Summary: This study evaluated the potential and underlying molecular mechanism of the bile acid tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) as a monotherapy and as an add-on therapy to telmisartan for treating diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The results showed that the addition of TUDCA to telmisartan treatment was more effective in restoring renal function and suppressing apoptotic and fibrotic signaling compared to monotherapies. This suggests that TUDCA, traditionally used in Chinese medicine, could be a potential renoprotective compound when used in combination with telmisartan.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Victoria Maneu, Pedro Lax, Nicolas Cuenca
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Victoria Maneu, Pedro Lax, Antonio Miguel G. De Diego, Nicolas Cuenca, Antonio G. Garcia
Summary: This article discusses the multi-target therapy approach for treating retina degenerative diseases, with a focus on common signaling pathways leading to cell death. It suggests the use of combined medicines acting on complementary pathogenic mechanisms and highlights the potential efficacy of this approach compared to single-drug treatments.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Laura Fernandez-Sanchez, Henar Albertos-Arranz, Isabel Ortuno-Lizaran, Pedro Lax, Nicolas Cuenca
Summary: The study demonstrates that Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) not only has a neuroprotective effect on photoreceptor cells but also prevents vascular and glial degeneration. This finding provides support for the potential use of TUDCA as a therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isabel Pinilla, Victoria Maneu, Laura Campello, Laura Fernandez-Sanchez, Natalia Martinez-Gil, Oksana Kutsyr, Xavier Sanchez-Saez, Carla Sanchez-Castillo, Pedro Lax, Nicolas Cuenca
Summary: Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of the retina and loss of visual function. Oxidative stress and inflammation play key roles in the pathophysiology of IRDs. Gene therapy has shown some success in treating IRDs, but other therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress and inflammation are also being investigated.
Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Natalia Martinez-Gil, Victoria Maneu, Oksana Kutsyr, Laura Fernandez-Sanchez, Xavier Sanchez-Saez, Carla Sanchez-Castillo, Laura Campello, Pedro Lax, Isabel Pinilla, Nicolas Cuenca
Summary: Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are characterized by common physiopathology features, including cell death accompanied by inflammation and oxidative stress. The vulnerability of retinal cells to oxidative and nitrosative imbalance compromises their function. As the disease progresses, retinal cells undergo morphological and functional changes, leading to tissue remodeling.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Martinez-Gil, Oksana Kutsyr, Agustina Noailles, Laura Fernandez-Sanchez, Lorena Vidal, Xavier Sanchez-Saez, Carla Sanchez-Castillo, Pedro Lax, Nicolas Cuenca, Antonio G. Garcia, Victoria Maneu
Summary: P2X7R and P2X4R play important roles in retinal diseases and their expression increases during disease progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Anatomy & Morphology
Luis Perez de Sevilla, Laura Fernandez-Sanchez
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Victoria Maneu, Ricardo Borges, Luis Gandia, Antonio G. Garcia
Summary: This article reviews the evolution of knowledge on the biology of the adrenal medulla gland and its chromaffin cells over the past two centuries. It is divided into two periods: before 1982 and from 1982 to 2022. The article assesses the important breakthroughs and advancements made in the field of adrenal medulla gland and chromaffin cells.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Xavier Sanchez-Saez, Isabel Ortuno-Lizaran, Carla Sanchez-Castillo, Pedro Lax, Nicolas Cuenca
Summary: This study aimed to determine if starburst amacrine cells, involved in motion direction selectivity, are degenerated in Parkinson's disease (PD) and if the dopaminergic system is related to this degeneration. The results showed a reduction in starburst amacrine cell density and a decrease in dopaminergic synaptic contacts in PD retinas. In conclusion, the degeneration of starburst amacrine cells in PD is related to dopaminergic degeneration, and dopaminergic amacrine cells play a role in modulating the function of starburst amacrine cells. Assessment of motion perception circuitries using visual tests could be a valuable tool for PD diagnosis.
TRANSLATIONAL NEURODEGENERATION
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Henar Albertos-Arranz, Natalia Martinez-Gil, Xavier Sanchez-Saez, Agustina Noailles, Clara Monferrer Adsuara, Lidia Remoli Sargues, Juan J. Perez-Santonja, Pedro Lax, Ramon Calvo Andres, Nicolas Cuenca
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19 affected retinal cells and establish correlations with clinical parameters. Immunostaining and confocal microscopy analysis revealed that Muller cells in COVID-19 patients showed stronger expression of ACE2 and CRALBP, and the retinas exhibited glial activation and neuronal alterations, mainly related to inflammation, hypoxic conditions, and age.
Article
Cell Biology
Maria Jose Ruiz-Pastor, Xavier Sanchez-Saez, Oksana Kutsyr, Henar Albertos-Arranz, Carla Sanchez-Castillo, Isabel Ortuno-Lizaran, Natalia Martinez-Gil, Lorena Vidal-Gil, Lucia Mendez, Manuel Sanchez-Martin, Victoria Maneu, Pedro Lax, Nicolas Cuenca
Summary: This study successfully generated and characterized a mouse model carrying the p.Arg195Leu mutation, which simulates the retinal degeneration characteristic of central areolar choroidal dystrophy. The generated mouse models can be used to study the mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of the disease, as well as to test the efficacy of new therapeutic strategies.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2023)