Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jaeeun Lee, Min-Hyun Kim, Hyeyoung Kim
Summary: A moderate amount of ROS plays an important role in cell signaling and immune response, while excessive production can lead to inflammation and pathological conditions. The gastrointestinal mucosa is continuously exposed to ROS, increasing the risk of GI disorders. AST, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown protective effects against GI diseases through various mechanisms, including ROS neutralization, enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity, and suppression of inflammation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Nan Shen, Tongfei Wang, Quan Gan, Sian Liu, Li Wang, Biao Jin
Summary: Flavonoids are natural polyphenol substances abundant in various plant-based foods. They have significant biological activities in both plants and humans, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, research on their distribution, biosynthesis, and health benefits remains limited. Future opportunities in flavonoid research include biotechnology, therapeutic phytoproducts, and exploring dietary flavonoid bioavailability.
Article
Plant Sciences
Emanuella de Aragao Tavares, Gerlane Coelho Bernardo Guerra, Nadja Maria da Costa Melo, Renato Dantas-Medeiros, Elaine Cristine Souza da Silva, Anderson Wilbur Lopes Andrade, Daline Fernandes de Souza Araujo, Valeria Costa da Silva, Ana Caroline Zanatta, Thais Gomes de Carvalho, Aurigena Antunes de Araujo, Raimundo Fernandes de Araujo-Junior, Silvana Maria Zucolotto
Summary: This study investigated the phytochemical profile of Nopalea cochenillifera extract and its potential toxic and anti-inflammatory effects on DNBS-induced colitis in rats. The extract was found to be rich in phenolic compounds that are beneficial to intestinal health. The results showed that the extract had a significant anti-inflammatory effect and improved the integrity of the colon epithelium.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai Xia, Wei-Jin Qi, Xiao-Qiang Wu, Yu-Yang Song, Jun-Jie Zhu, Yi Ai, Zhen Cui, Zheng-Ping Zhang, Shu-Ai Tang, Yu-Ting Gui, Yue Yuan, Lu Wang, Hang Zhong
Summary: Blumeatin, isolated from Blumea balsamifera, is a compound with hydroxyl groups at C3' and C5' of ring B. However, the traditional isolation procedure for blumeatin is time-consuming and costly. This study presents a new method for efficient preparation of optically pure blumeatin and its R-isomer through Lewis acid-catalyzed ring closure and chiral resolution via Schiff base intermediates. Moreover, a structure revision of putative blumeatin based on logical synthesis and NMR spectroscopic analysis suggests that the reported blumeatin structure is misassigned as sterubin. Ear-swelling test results demonstrate that synthetic (+/-)-blumeatin and (+/-)-sterubin show moderate anti-inflammatory activity, which is lower than that of (-)-sterubin.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai Xia, Wei-Jin Qi, Xiao-Qiang Wu, Yu-Yang Song, Jun-Jie Zhu, Yi Ai, Zhen Cui, Zheng-Ping Zhang, Shu-Ai Tang, Yu-Ting Gui, Yue Yuan, Lu Wang, Hang Zhong
Summary: Blumeatin, isolated from Blumea balsamifera, a traditional Chinese medicine, possesses two hydroxyl groups at C3' and C5' of ring B. However, the current isolation method for blumeatin from plants is time-consuming and expensive. In this study, a Lewis acid-catalyzed ring closure and chiral resolution procedure utilizing Schiff base intermediates was developed for the efficient preparation of optically pure blumeatin and its R-isomer. Furthermore, a structure revision of putative blumeatin was conducted based on a logically synthetic procedure and NMR spectroscopic analysis, which revealed that the reported blumeatin structure corresponds to sterubin instead. The synthetic (+/-)-blumeatin and (+/-)-sterubin exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity, though lower than that of (-)-sterubin, as demonstrated by the ear-swelling test.
Review
Plant Sciences
Marcello Nicoletti
Summary: The therapeutic story of European mistletoe has had ups and downs. In ancient times, it was considered a panacea, but recent concerns about its toxicity led to doubts about its medicinal value. However, its selective action on tumor cells has brought back medical interest in mistletoe.
Article
Plant Sciences
Leandro Ferrini, Juan Pablo Rodriguez, Juan Pablo Melana Colavita, Gabriela Olea, Gonzalo Adrian Ojeda, Gabriela Ricciardi, Ana Maria Torres, Maria Victoria Aguirre
Summary: The ethanolic extract of Nectandra angustifolia has a high content of flavonoids and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as demonstrated by multiparametric analyses from in vitro assays and an in vivo model of inflammation.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jing Wei, Jinyu Mu, Yong Tang, Dalian Qin, Junguo Duan, Anguo Wu
Summary: This review investigates the potential of advanced nanomaterials in revolutionizing ocular anti-inflammatory drug interventions. It explores different categories of nanomaterials and their unique properties for drug delivery, while also discussing the challenges and advantages of these systems. The review emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in advancing this field.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marcillinus Zekrumah, Peter Begua, Abdul Razak, John Wahab, Ngouna Moffo, Mohamed Oman, Haroon Elrashied, Xiaobo Zou, Di Zhang
Summary: Polyphenols play a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases by reducing inflammation. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the literature that highlights the impact of polyphenols on chronic diseases and their interactions with other food compounds. The evaluation is based on various studies including animal models, cohort studies, case controls, and feeding experiments, with a focus on the effects of dietary polyphenols on cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, accurately estimating dietary intake remains a major challenge.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hilda Martinez-Coria, Isabel Arrieta-Cruz, Roger Gutierrez-Juarez, Hector Eduardo Lopez-Valdes
Summary: Aging leads to reduced homeostasis, increased risk of brain diseases, and death. Chronic inflammation, increased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory markers are key characteristics of aging. Several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are associated with aging. Flavonoids, commonly found in plant-based foods, have been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in animal models of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. However, evidence from human studies is limited. This review highlights the potential of individual natural molecules to modulate neuroinflammation and discusses future research directions for developing new therapeutic agents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ziwei Lin, Tiantian Gan, Yanzhen Huang, Lijun Bao, Shuang Liu, Xiaopeng Cui, Hexin Wang, Feng Jiao, Minjuan Zhang, Chao Su, Yonghua Qian
Summary: This study found that mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs) eluted by 30% ethanol exhibited the best anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. In cell experiments, MLFs effectively inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, these MLFs also enhanced antioxidative capacity. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that quercetin and kaempferol compounds were more abundant in the 30% MLFs. Animal experiments confirmed that 30% MLF can alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis and inhibit the activation of the inflammatory pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Angelika Silbereisen, Ronaldo Lira-Junior, Sigvard Akerman, Bjorn Klinge, Elisabeth A. A. Bostrom, Nagihan Bostanci
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of age, sex, smoking, and different oral and systemic non-communicable diseases on the levels of TREM-1 and PGLYRP1 in saliva. The results showed that salivary TREM-1 is associated with periodontitis and caries, while PGLYRP1 is associated with gingival inflammation and caries. Furthermore, TREM-1 levels are modified by smoking, while PGLYRP1 is modified by sex and muscle and joint diseases. Therefore, TREM-1 and PGLYRP1 in saliva could serve as potential biomarkers for detecting and monitoring non-communicable diseases.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Weisong Wu, Limei Liu, Yingwei Zhu, Jingbin Ni, Jian Lu, Xiaoli Wang, Li Ma, Yanjun Jiang
Summary: In patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), the immune system is disrupted and the intestinal barrier function is compromised. Six zinc-flavonoid particles were produced and tested for their cytocompatibility and ability to scavenge H2O2, free radicals, and LPS-induced ROS. The zinc-rutin particles (W-ZnRT) showed promising results, exhibiting high cell viability, efficient scavenging abilities, and the ability to restore normal levels of intracellular ROS. In addition, W-ZnRT was found to be more effective than rutin alone in treating chronic colitis in mice, improving intestinal permeability, reducing proinflammatory factors, and maintaining intestinal barrier function. Overall, these findings suggest that W-ZnRT is a safe and efficient therapeutic strategy for IBD.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Shekhar Chauhan, Shubham Kumar, Ratna Patel, David Jean Simon, Aradhana Kumari
Summary: The rising elderly population in India poses significant challenges to the underdeveloped healthcare system. While communicable diseases remain a concern, non-communicable diseases are also burdening the health and social security system. This study examines the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases among the elderly in India, highlighting the impact of education and rural-urban differences.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rajat Nag
Summary: There is a global focus from the public health community on addressing climate-related public health issues. Climate change can have direct and indirect health impacts, including diseases carried by vectors, foodborne and waterborne diseases, deteriorated air quality, heat stress, mental health, and potential disasters. It is important to identify and prioritize the consequences of climate change to be prepared for the future.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Hui Ao, Wuwen Feng, Cheng Peng
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
(2018)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hui Ao, Jing Wang, Lu Chen, Shengmao Li, Chunmei Dai
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Jing Wang, Wuwen Feng, Shiyang Zhang, Lu Chen, Fei Tang, Yongcheng Sheng, Hui Ao, Cheng Peng
BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shengmao Li, Yu Huang, Fan Zhang, Hui Ao, Lu Chen
Summary: Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix (LReR), the dried rhizomes and roots of Ligusticum sinese Oliv. (LS) or Ligusticum jeholense Nakai et Kitag. (LJ), are frequently confused with each other in the market. In this study, a strategy combining gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and chemical pattern recognition (CPR) was used to compare the volatile components of LJ and LS. The results showed that neocnidilide and myristicin were the most critical components in the volatile oils of LS and LJ, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) successfully distinguished the chemical components of the volatile oils in LJ and LS. Furthermore, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) identified myristicin and neocnidilide as quality markers with high discriminative value for the classification of LJ and LS. The relative contents of myristicin and neocnidilide were significantly different between LJ and LS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baohong Song, Wei Wang, Ruipeng Liu, Jinjin Cai, Yuanyuan Jiang, Xuemei Tang, Hongfei Wu, Hui Ao, Lu Chen
Summary: By using GC-MS and chemical pattern recognition analysis, this study found that the essential oil of cultivated Atractylodes lancea from different regions had a similar composition but varied significantly in relative content. The producing regions were classified into three areas based on geographical location and chemical composition analysis. Furthermore, three compounds were identified as potential markers for distinguishing different areas.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Dong Liu, Fei Tang, Li Zhang, Jing-Nan Zhang, Xiao-Lan Zhao, Li-Yue Xu, Cheng Peng, Hui Ao
Summary: This study investigated the therapeutic effect and mechanism of AKHO on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. The results showed that AKHO reduced diarrhea scores and intestinal damage, regulated the expressions of tight junction proteins, and exerted its effects via the GC/GR and mPGES-1/PGE2/EP4 signaling pathways.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuanyuan Jiang, Hongfei Wu, Paul Chi Lui Ho, Xuemei Tang, Hui Ao, Lu Chen, Jinjin Cai
Summary: This study successfully developed a strategy combining gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) fingerprints and chemical pattern recognition to identify two seahorse species, and discovered chemical markers that can differentiate between them. This study holds significant importance for the identification of seahorses and the conservation of wild seahorse resources.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Dong Liu, Fei Tang, Li Zhang, Jing-Nan Zhang, Xiao-Lan Zhao, Li-Yue Xu, Cheng Peng, Hui Ao
Summary: This study demonstrated that AKHO has a therapeutic effect on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. AKHO improved intestinal epithelial barrier function by regulating the expressions of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, AKHO exerted its protective effects through modulation of lactobacillus abundance and KEGG pathways such as cortisol synthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)