Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laetitia Coassolo, Tianyun Liu, Yunshin Jung, Nikki P. Taylor, Meng Zhao, Gregory W. Charville, Silas Boye Nissen, Hannele Yki-Jarvinen, Russ B. Altman, Katrin J. Svensson
Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a heterogeneous disease with unclear molecular mechanisms. By analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data, this study identifies previously unknown clusters of hepatocytes with distinct lipid signatures and uncovers high constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) expression as a novel driver of NAFLD. The study further reveals the functional modules associated with CAR and demonstrates the correlation between CAR expression and steatohepatitis in human livers. These findings provide valuable insights into the cellular differences in lipid signatures and the underlying mechanisms of hepatic steatosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peiwei Chai, Pengfei Lan, Shaobai Li, Deqiang Yao, Chenchen Chang, Mi Cao, Yafeng Shen, Shengfang Ge, Jian Wu, Ming Lei, Xianqun Fan
Summary: This study used cryo-electron microscopy to capture the intermediate states of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) during its catalytic cycle, revealing the mechanism of how acetyl-CoA induces PC activation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chrisna Gouws, Tanya Smit, Clarissa Willers, Hanna Svitina, Carlemi Calitz, Krzysztof Wrzesinski
Summary: This study evaluated the potential activity of two South African medicinal plants, Sutherlandia frutescens and Xysmalobium undulatum, against colorectal cancer. The results indicated that these two phytomedicines have the potential to become a new source of treatment for colorectal cancer.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Juanjuan Cheng, Xingdong Ma, Guangtao Yan, Qiuxia Yu, Zhen Huang, Guoshu Lin, Mengyao Li, Fengkun Guan, Ziren Su, Fang Yan, Yuhong Liu, Qingfeng Xie
Summary: This study aimed to examine the protective effect of berberine against fructose-induced insulin resistance in rats and L6 cells and its potential activation mechanism on AMPK. The results showed that berberine effectively reversed body weight gain, dyslipidemia, and insulin intolerance. Moreover, berberine alleviated inflammation, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and promoted glucose uptake. The beneficial effect was associated with the upregulation of Nrf2 and AKT/GLUT4 pathways, regulated by AMPK, and berberine activated AMPK by increasing AMP levels and the AMP/ATP ratio while suppressing AMPD1 and promoting ADSL expression.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Temidayo S. Omolaoye, Shantal Lynn Windvogel, Stefan S. Du Plessis
Summary: The study investigated the effects of rooibos, honeybush, and Sutherlandia on insulin signalling in the testicular tissue of type I diabetic rats. Results showed that these infusions may enhance insulin signalling through diverse pathways, improving glucose metabolism in diabetic rats.
DIABETES METABOLIC SYNDROME AND OBESITY-TARGETS AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Odwa Gonyela, Xolani Peter, John B. Dewar, Chris van Der Westhuyzen, Paul Steenkamp, Gerda Fouche
Summary: A novel cycloartanol and an acylated Sutherlandioside D were isolated from Sutherlandia frutescens, along with two known cycloartane derivatives. These compounds were found to have varying effects on cytokine expression, with some showing an increase in IL-6 expression and others suppressing IL-10 expression. The plant extracts were found to inhibit the expression of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF alpha, suggesting a potential influence on the immune system.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sushmita Singh, Aditya Sharma, Bhavimani Guru, Shadab Ahmad, Farah Gulzar, Pawan Kumar, Ishbal Ahmad, Akhilesh K. Tamrakar
Summary: Long-term consumption of high fructose diet activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in adipose tissue, leading to inflammation and lipid accumulation, which in turn impairs glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Daniko P. Sindhunata, A. Stijn Meijnikman, Victor E. A. Gerdes, Max Nieuwdorp
Summary: The role of the intestinal microbiota in metabolic diseases has been recognized in recent decades. Diet is one of the major factors influencing the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota. The increased intake of dietary sugars, especially fructose, has been considered as a major risk factor for obesity and metabolic disturbances.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Audrey Jalabert, Laura Reininger, Emmanuelle Berger, Yohann Coute, Emmanuelle Meugnier, Alexis Forterre, Elizabeth Errazuriz-Cerda, Alain Geloen, Myriam Aouadi, Karim Bouzakri, Jennifer Rieusset, Sophie Rome
Summary: The study revealed differences in the lipid, protein, and miRNA composition of skeletal muscle-released extracellular vesicles between atrophic insulin-resistant mice and wild-type mice, indicating a role of the ELVs in lipid metabolism and fatty acid oxidation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Mattia Quattrocelli, Michelle Wintzinger, Karen Miz, Manoj Panta, Ashok D. Prabakaran, Grant D. Barish, Navdeep S. Chandel, Elizabeth M. McNally
Summary: This study found that intermittent use of glucocorticoids can improve metabolic status, exercise tolerance, and energy expenditure in mice with diet-induced obesity. These effects are associated with the regulation of adiponectin, and are achieved through the modulation of glucocorticoid receptor and the CAMKK2-AMPK cascade in muscle metabolism.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Tsobedi Absalom Masenya, Phatu William Mashela, Kgabo Martha Pofu
Summary: The study compared the efficacy of commercial and native nodulation bacteria on the productivity of S. frutescens, with results showing that native strains significantly increased plant variables more than commercial strains.
ACTA AGRICULTURAE SCANDINAVICA SECTION B-SOIL AND PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Fernanda da Silva Lopes, Juliana de Souza Felix, Natalia Francisco Scaramele, Mariana Cordeiro Almeida, Amanda de Oliveira Furlan, Jessica Antonini Troiano, Flavia Regina Florencio de Athayde, Flavia Lombardi Lopes
Summary: The obesity epidemic is a global public health crisis, with caloric intake, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic factors contributing to its increase. Recent research has linked early exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) to obesity. This study explored the differential expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gonadal white adipose tissue samples from mice ancestrally exposed to the obesogen tributyltin (TBT), and found that the differentially expressed lncRNAs may be involved in the regulation of adipogenesis and pathways related to lipid and glucose metabolism and insulin signaling.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zeyu Yang, Ruslan Kubant, Clara E. E. Cho, Eva Kranenburg, Jacqueline Beaudry, Teodoro Bottiglieri, G. Harvey Anderson
Summary: In this study, the addition of micronutrients to a high-fat diet was found to decrease insulin resistance and modify associated gene expression in both obese and lean mice.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zhenyang Hu, Kang Yuan, Qi Zhou, Chen Lu, Lihui Du, Fang Liu
Summary: The study demonstrated the antifungal activity of Perilla frutescens essential oil against Aspergillus flavus by causing destructive effects on its growth and influencing gene expression and metabolic pathways.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Richard J. Johnson, Dean R. Tolan, Dale Bredesen, Maria Nagel, Laura G. Sanchez-Lozada, Mehdi Fini, Scott Burtis, Miguel A. Lanaspa, David Perlmutter
Summary: Fructose metabolism activates a survival mechanism that helps preserve glucose supply for the brain in times of scarcity, but prolonged engagement of this mechanism may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Diets high in sugar, high glycemic carbohydrates, and salt can activate this pathway. Further studies are needed to understand the role of fructose metabolism and its metabolite, uric acid, in Alzheimer's disease, and dietary and pharmacologic trials should be conducted to explore potential benefits in the prevention, management, or treatment of this disease.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mutiat Ibrahim, Nutan Kaushik, Abimbola Sowemimo, Hemraj Chhipa, Trevor Koekemoer, Maryna van de Venter, Olukemi A. Odukoya
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Neurosciences
R. van Onselen, L. Venables, M. van de Venter, T. G. Downing
NEUROTOXICITY RESEARCH
(2018)
Article
Plant Sciences
G. J. Boukes, T. C. Koekemoer, M. van de Venter, S. Govender
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2017)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Idowu Jonas Sagbo, Maryna van de Venter, Trevor Koekemoer, Graeme Bradley
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
(2018)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nadine A. Pringle, Trevor C. Koekemoer, Andrea Holzer, Carly Young, Luanne Venables, Maryna van de Venter
Article
Plant Sciences
M. B. Ibrahim, A. A. Sowemimo, L. Venables, Na. Koorbanally, G. V. Awolola, M. O. Sofidiya, O. A. Odukoya, T. Koekemoer, M. van de Venter
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2018)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ernst Fredericks, Gill Dealtry, Saartjie Roux
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Anna C. Hattingh, Maryna van de Venter, Trevor C. Koekemoer
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2019)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Olusola B. Adewale, Hajierah Davids, Lynn Cairncross, Saartjie Roux
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bresler Swanepoel, George Mihai Nitulescu, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Luanne Venables, Maryna van de Venter
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2019)
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maryna van de Venter, Jenske Didloff, Shanika Reddy, Bresler Swanepoel, Sharlene Govender, Ntokozo Shirley Dambuza, Saralene Williams, Trevor Craig Koekemoer, Luanne Venables
Summary: This review highlights the increasing importance of developing new drugs to treat diabetes and its complications, emphasizing the value of using wild-type zebrafish larvae as a suitable animal model. It discusses organ development in zebrafish larvae and provides an overview of technical aspects in using them for diabetes research, suggesting them as a cost-effective alternative to mutant zebrafish lines.
Article
Toxicology
M. C. Pereira, O. B. Adewale, S. Roux, L. Cairncross, H. Davids
Summary: The study investigated the neurotoxic impact of peptide-targeted gold nanoparticles in a rat model and found that PEG-coated AuNP-peptide conjugates showed potential safety for colorectal cancer diagnosis. On the other hand, exposure to citrate-capped AuNPs could induce delayed neuro-inflammation, warranting further investigation.
HUMAN & EXPERIMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Khumo M. Rampa, Maryna van de Venter, Trevor C. Koekemoer, Bresler Swanepoel, Luanne Venables, Anna C. Hattingh, Alvaro M. Viljoen, Guy P. Kamatou
Summary: The study evaluated the potential anti-inflammatory activity of four South African Croton species extracts and assessed the potential risk for hepatotoxicity and genotoxicity using an in vitro cellomics approach. Research found that while the selected species have anti-inflammatory components, there is a risk for possible hepatotoxic and genotoxic side effects which may limit their prospect for further drug development.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sendibitiyosi Gandidzanwa, Natasha Beukes, Sinelizwi Joseph, Arno Janse Van Vuuren, Philani Mashazi, Jonathan Britton, Gareth Kilian, Saartjie Roux, Tebello Nyokong, Michael E. Lee, Carminita L. Frost, Zenixole R. Tshentu
Summary: Folate receptor-targeted therapy shows promise in breast cancer treatment. Folate-conjugated palladium-based nanoparticles with non-toxic concentrations were utilized to specifically target breast cancer cells with overexpressed folate receptors. The nanoparticles were found to selectively accumulate in cancer cells relative to normal cells, as demonstrated by qualitative and quantitative analysis using transmission electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. These findings support the potential use of folate-conjugated palladium nanoparticles in targeting breast cancer cells for radiopharmaceutical applications.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Cheryl Stevenson, Renee Blaauw, Ernst Fredericks, Janicke Visser, Saartjie Roux
Summary: This study investigated the effects of probiotics on gut microbiota and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), finding that the probiotic had no significant impact on symptoms and microbiota profiles. Certain nutrients were strongly correlated with specific bacterial profiles, suggesting that nutrients may play a significant role in influencing gastrointestinal microbiota composition.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Correction
Plant Sciences
Lingmiao Wen, Tinglan Zhang, Fangfang Chen, Lin Hu, Chongyang Dou, Xian Ding, Alvin Altamirano, Guihua Wei, Zhiyong Yan
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qing Tang, Mengfei Xu, Shunqin Long, Yaya Yu, Changju Ma, Rui Wang, Jing Li, Xi Wang, Fang Fang, Ling Han, Wanyin Wu, Sumei Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates that Fuzheng Kang-Ai (FZKA) decoction can inhibit the cell growth, proliferation, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and reverse the acquired resistance of gefitinib. FZKA exerts its effects by regulating the p-ERK1/2-EZH2-Snail/EGFR signaling pathway.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiang Zhao, Xianrun Hu, Qi Xie, Shenglan Qi, Zedong Xiang, Xin Sun, Zhejun Xie, Rui Dang, Limei Zhou, Wei Liu, Xuemei Cheng, Changhong Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Fufangmuniziqi formula (FFMN) on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the role of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins in the process. The results showed that FFMN improved cognitive and memory impairment in the AD mouse model. Alkaloids enhanced the cholinergic system, while flavonoids and saponins attenuated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that the combination of alkaloid, flavonoid, and saponin fractions derived from FFMN is a promising anti-AD agent.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bangjian Dong, Ying Peng, Mengyue Wang, Chongsheng Peng, Xiaobo Li
Summary: This study elucidated the tissue distribution and excretion characteristics of the non-polysaccharide components of Sijunzi decoction in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome. It proposed new insights into the rationality of the compatibility of Sijunzi decoction.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jung-Seop Kim, Man-Gi Kim, Ji Eun Ryu, Ye-Been Lee, Quan Feng Liu, Kwang Ki Kim, Seung-Hun Cho, Sung Joon Shin, Byung-Soo Koo, Hyung-Kyoon Choi
Summary: Co-treatment with WCW and donepezil shows promise in improving cognitive function and serum metabolic profiles in a scopolamine-induced AD model. This combination therapy may reduce tyrosine and methionine levels, enhancing cognitive function by mitigating known risk factors for AD. The study provides a foundation for developing other bioactive compounds in AD treatment.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kuang-Hsing Chiang, Tain-Junn Cheng, Wei-Chih Kan, Hsien-Yi Wang, Jui-Chen Li, Yan-Ling Cai, Chia-Hui Cheng, Yi-Chien Liu, Chia-Yu Chang, Jiunn-Jye Chuu
Summary: The ethanolic extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (OA) demonstrated an improving effect on memory and could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD).
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Meryem Tourabi, Asmae EL Ghouizi, Ghizlane Nouioura, Khaoula Faiz, Hind Elfatemi, Karima El-yagoubi, Badiaa Lyoussi, Elhoussine Derwich
Summary: Mentha longifolia is a native plant in Morocco, traditionally used to treat various diseases. This study analyzed the phytochemical profile of the aqueous extract of M. longifolia and evaluated its acute and subacute toxicity in mice. The results showed that M. longifolia extract is rich in phenolic compounds and has no observed toxicity up to a certain dosage limit.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yue Zhang, Liang Li, Tao Chai, Han Xu, Hong-yan Du, Yan Jiang
Summary: Mulberry leaf multi-components (MMC) have hypoglycemic effects and can improve insulin resistance by activating the PI-3K/Akt signaling pathway. These findings highlight the multi-component, multi-target, and combined effects of MMC, and suggest it may be further developed as a hypoglycemic drug.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Correction
Plant Sciences
Shan Luo, Yuanchun Chen, Ruoxi Zhao, Donglai Ma, Yanmeng Zhao, Ying Zhang, Jianming Jiang, Wentao Yu
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nittaya Chansiw, Pattranuch Chusri, Siwaporn Praman, Thaneeya Hawiset, Wannisa Sukhorum, Sorraya Champakam, Rawiwan Charoensup
Summary: This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory activity of Prabchompoothaweep (PCT) extract in an animal model. The results show that PCT significantly reduces inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines in acute and sub-acute inflammation. These findings suggest that PCT could be a new option for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanting Wang, Guoqiang Liang, Wei Mu, Shu Sun, Xuanyi Chen, Xiaofeng Xu
Summary: Bushen Tianjing Recipe (BTR) is a tonic-kidney formula of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with good therapeutic effects in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BTR on women's reproductive system by incubating miR-23a-induced KGN cells.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiayi Zhi, Li Yin, Zhoudong Zhang, Yaozhong Lv, Fan Wu, Yang Yang, Enming Zhang, Huanqiu Li, Ning Lu, Mengze Zhou, Qinghua Hu
Summary: This study verified the pharmacodynamics of JSW in the treatment of AD and explored its potential mechanism using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Plant Sciences
Elizabeth Syowai Mutinda, Dong-Juan Zhang, Felix Wambua Muema, Elijah Mbandi Mkala, Emmanuel Nyongesa Waswa, Wyclif Ochieng Odago, Clintone Onyango Ochieng, Moses Kirega Gichua, John Kamau Muchuku, Elizabeth Kamande, Guang-Wan Hu
Summary: This article reviews the traditional uses, pharmacological properties, and phytoconstituents of Balanophora species, revealing that they contain diverse chemical compounds with interesting biological activities. However, research on many species in this genus is still lacking.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Luqi Cai, Yu Chen, Huizhong Xue, Yimeng Yang, Yuqi Wang, Junhe Xu, Chunyan Zhu, Long He, Yonghua Xiao
Summary: Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SM) has been proven to have potential therapeutic effects for diabetic nephropathy (DN) through its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway pharmacological effects.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chao Wang, Rui-Jia Fu, Ding-Qiao Xu, Qian Zuo, Ji-Ping Liu, Yu-Ping Tang
Summary: This study aimed to explore the hepatoprotective effects of Shicao on CCl4-induced acute liver injury. A rat model of acute liver injury was established and liver function indices were assessed. Untargeted metabolomics was conducted to identify differential metabolites. Network pharmacology was used to construct a network of metabolite-reaction-enzyme-gene constituents, and key components and hub genes were screened. Shicao showed hepatoprotective effects against acute liver injury in rats.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)