scholarly journals Scientific basis of biomarkers and benefits of functional foods for reduction of disease risk: cancer

2002 ◽  
Vol 88 (S2) ◽  
pp. S219-S224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph J. Rafter
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Functional Foods ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Vast Number

One of the most promising areas for the development of functional foods lies in modification of the activity of the gastrointestinal tract by use of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. While a myriad of healthful effects have been attributed to the probiotic lactic acid bacteria, perhaps the most controversial remains that of anticancer activity. However, it must be emphasised that, to date, there is no direct experimental evidence for cancer suppression in man as a result of consumption of lactic cultures in fermented or unfermented dairy products, although there is a wealth of indirect evidence, based largely on laboratory studies. Presently, there are a large number of biomarkers available for assessing colon cancer risk in dietary intervention studies, which are validated to varying degrees. These include colonic mucosal markers, faecal water markers and immunological markers. Overwhelming evidence from epidemiological, in vivo, in vitro and clinical trial data indicates that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of chronic disease, particularly cancer. It is now clear that there are components in a plant-based diet other than traditional nutrients that can reduce cancer risk. More than a dozen classes of these biologically active plant chemicals, now known as ‘phytochemicals’, have been identified. Although the vast number of naturally occurring health-enhancing substances appear to be of plant origin, there are a number of physiologically active components in animal products (such as the probiotics referred to above) that deserve attention for their potential role in cancer prevention.

Response of preimplantation rat blastocysts in vitro to extracellular uterine luminal components, serum and hormones

1977 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 265-277
Author(s):  
M.A. Surani
Keyword(s):  
Calf Serum ◽  
Giant Cells ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Foetal Calf Serum ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Rat Serum ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Trophoblast Giant Cells

The influence of extracellular environmental factors on preimplantation rat blastocysts was tested by determining the number of embryos which escaped from their zonae pellucidae, followed by attachment and outgrowth of trophoblast giant cells, after 72 h in culture Uterine luminal ocmponents from individual females, or hormones, were included in Dulbecco's medium which contained 4 mg/ml bovine serum albumin. In about 20% of cases, uterine fluids were embryotonic. However, uterine fluids from day-5 pregnant females, the day of implantation in the rat, were more potent in these tests than uterine fluids obtained from ovariectomized females treated with progesterone alone. The potency of a mixture of the 2 fluids was also high. Uterine fluids obtained at 14 h after an injection of oestradiol and progesterone to the ovariectomized females, were also effective in these tests. Rat serum and foetal calf serum were effective too, but steroids or insulin alone in the medium had no detectable influence on embryos. Serum or uterine luminal proteins appear to be essential for maintaining the viability of the blastocysts and for inducing the responses observed here. In the uterine fluids, some proteins released into the lumen after treatment of females with oestradiol and progesterone appear to be the biologically active components. Differences in the responses of blastocysts in vitro are compared with those in vivo.

scholarly journals Is equol production beneficial to health?

2010 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela J. Magee
Keyword(s):  
Disease Risk ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Parent Compound ◽  
Intestinal Bacteria ◽  
Soya Protein ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Breast And Prostate Cancer ◽  
Potent Antagonist

The health benefits associated with soya food consumption have been widely studied, with soya isoflavones and soya protein implicated in the protection of CVD, osteoporosis and cancers such as those of the breast and prostate. Equol (7-hydroxy-3-(4’-hydroxyphenyl)-chroman), a metabolite of the soya isoflavone daidzein, is produced via the formation of the intermediate dihydrodaidzein, by human intestinal bacteria, with only approximately 30–40% of the adult population having the ability to perform this transformation following a soya challenge. Inter-individual variation in conversion of daidzein to equol has been attributed, in part, to differences in the diet and in gut microflora composition, although the specific bacteria responsible for the colonic biotransformation of daidzein to equol are yet to be identified. Equol is a unique compound in that it can exert oestrogenic effects, but is also a potent antagonist of dihydrotestosterone in vivo. Furthermore, in vitro studies suggest that equol is more biologically active than its parent compound, daidzein, with a higher affinity for the oestrogen receptor and a more potent antioxidant activity. Although some observational and intervention studies suggest that the ability to produce equol is associated with reduced risk of breast and prostate cancer, CVD, improved bone health and reduced incidence of hot flushes, others have reported null or adverse effects. Studies to date have been limited and well-designed studies that are sufficiently powered to investigate the relationship between equol production and disease risk are warranted before the clinical relevance of the equol phenotype can be fully elucidated.

scholarly journals Tetraphenylethene-based highly emissive metallacage as a component of theranostic supramolecular nanoparticles

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (48) ◽  
pp. 13720-13725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guocan Yu ◽  
Timothy R. Cook ◽  
Yang Li ◽  
Xuzhou Yan ◽  
Dan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Theranostic Agent ◽  
Supramolecular Coordination ◽  
Targeting Ability

A theranostic agent combines diagnostic reporter with therapeutic activity in a single entity, an approach that seeks to increase the efficacy of cancer treatment. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a highly emissive tetraphenylethene-based metallacage using multicomponent coordination-driven self-assembly that exhibits a coordination-triggered aggregation-induced emission (AIE) enhancement. The formation of metallacage-loaded nanoparticles (MNPs) occurs when the assembly is treated with two variants of a 1,2-distearoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate, mPEG-DSPE, and biotin-PEG-DSPE. This combination endows the resultant MNPs with excellent stability and targeting ability, specifically enabling selective delivery of the metallacages to cancer cells that overexpress biotin receptors via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Although the mechanism of activity is based on existing Pt(II) anticancer drugs such as oxaliplatin, carboplatin, and cisplatin, in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the MNPs are more active and show low systemic activity while also possessing emissive properties that allow for fluorescence-based imaging. This pioneering example of a metallacage that combines biologically active components with AIE imaging establishes supramolecular coordination complexes imbedded within nanoparticles as a promising potential theranostic platform for cancer treatment.

The Role of Polyphenols in the Modulation of Plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC)

2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Serafini ◽  
Giuseppa Morabito
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
The Body ◽  
Dietary Polyphenols ◽  
Enzymatic Antioxidant ◽  
Endogenous Antioxidant

Dietary polyphenols have been shown to scavenge free radicals, modulating cellular redox transcription factors in different in vitro and ex vivo models. Dietary intervention studies have shown that consumption of plant foods modulates plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC), a biomarker of the endogenous antioxidant network, in human subjects. However, the identification of the molecules responsible for this effect are yet to be obtained and evidences of an antioxidant in vivo action of polyphenols are conflicting. There is a clear discrepancy between polyphenols (PP) concentration in body fluids and the extent of increase of plasma NEAC. The low degree of absorption and the extensive metabolism of PP within the body have raised questions about their contribution to the endogenous antioxidant network. This work will discuss the role of polyphenols from galenic preparation, food extracts, and selected dietary sources as modulators of plasma NEAC in humans.

Metabolomics of Healthy Berry Fruits

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (37) ◽  
pp. 4888-4902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilda D'Urso ◽  
Sonia Piacente ◽  
Cosimo Pizza ◽  
Paola Montoro
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Bioactive Metabolites ◽  
Active Metabolites ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Berry Fruits

The consumption of berry-type fruits has become very popular in recent years because of their positive effects on human health. Berries are in fact widely known for their health-promoting benefits, including prevention of chronic disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Berries are a rich source of bioactive metabolites, such as vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds, mainly anthocyanins. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies recognized the health effects of berries and their function as bioactive modulators of various cell functions associated with oxidative stress. Plants have one of the largest metabolome databases, with over 1200 papers on plant metabolomics published only in the last decade. Mass spectrometry (MS) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) are the most important analytical technologies on which the emerging ''omics'' approaches are based. They may provide detection and quantization of thousands of biologically active metabolites from a tissue, working in a ''global'' or ''targeted'' manner, down to ultra-trace levels. In the present review, we highlighted the use of MS and NMR-based strategies and Multivariate Data Analysis for the valorization of berries known for their biological activities, important as food and often used in the preparation of nutraceutical formulations.

Phytochemical, Analytical and Medicinal Studies of Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. Planch - A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 270-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Kumar ◽  
Simranjeet Singh ◽  
Ragini Bhadouria ◽  
Ravindra Singh ◽  
Om Prakash
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Thin Layer ◽  
Thin Layer Chromatography ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Toxicological Studies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Layer Chromatography

Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. Planch (HI) has been used to treat various ailments including obesity, osteoarthritis, arthritis, inflammation, anemia, diabetes etc. To review the major phytochemicals and medicinal properties of HI, exhaustive bibliographic research was designed by means of various scientific search engines and databases. Only 12 phytochemicals have been reported including biologically active compounds like betulin, betulinic acid, epifriedlin, octacosanol, Friedlin, Holoptelin-A and Holoptelin-B. Analytical methods including the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography With Mass Spectral (LC-MS) analysis have been used to analyze the HI. From medicinal potency point of view, these phytochemicals have a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor. In the current review, it has been noticed that the mechanism of action of HI with biomolecules has not been fully explored. Pharmacology and toxicological studies are very few. This seems a huge literature gap to be fulfilled through the detailed in-vivo and in-vitro studies.

scholarly journals Photosensitizing Medications and Skin Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2344
Author(s):  
Elisabeth A. George ◽  
Navya Baranwal ◽  
Jae H. Kang ◽  
Abrar A. Qureshi ◽  
Aaron M. Drucker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
The United States ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Cancer Risk Factors ◽  
Skin Cancer Risk ◽  
Number Of Patients

(1) The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in the United States (US) despite scientific advances in our understanding of skin cancer risk factors and treatments. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence that suggests that certain photosensitizing medications (PSMs) increase skin cancer risk. This review summarizes current epidemiological evidence on the association between common PSMs and skin cancer. (2) A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify meta-analyses, observational studies and clinical trials that report on skin cancer events in PSM users. The associated risks of keratinocyte carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma) and melanoma are summarized, for each PSM. (3) There are extensive reports on antihypertensives and statins relative to other PSMs, with positive and null findings, respectively. Fewer studies have explored amiodarone, metformin, antimicrobials and vemurafenib. No studies report on the individual skin cancer risks in glyburide, naproxen, piroxicam, chlorpromazine, thioridazine and nalidixic acid users. (4) The research gaps in understanding the relationship between PSMs and skin cancer outlined in this review should be prioritized because the US population is aging. Thus the number of patients prescribed PSMs is likely to continue to rise.

scholarly journals Inhibitory Effect of Sargassum fusiforme and Its Components on Replication of Respiratory Syncytial Virus In Vitro and In Vivo

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 548
Author(s):  
Kiramage Chathuranga ◽  
Asela Weerawardhana ◽  
Niranjan Dodantenna ◽  
Lakmal Ranathunga ◽  
Won-Kyung Cho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Antiviral Agent ◽  
Active Components ◽  
Sargassum Fusiforme ◽  
Antiviral Effects ◽  
Improve Life Expectancy ◽  
Rsv Infection ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Sargassum fusiforme, a plant used as a medicine and food, is regarded as a marine vegetable and health supplement to improve life expectancy. Here, we demonstrate that S. fusiforme extract (SFE) has antiviral effects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in vitro and in vivo mouse model. Treatment of HEp2 cells with a non-cytotoxic concentration of SFE significantly reduced RSV replication, RSV-induced cell death, RSV gene transcription, RSV protein synthesis, and syncytium formation. Moreover, oral inoculation of SFE significantly improved RSV clearance from the lungs of BALB/c mice. Interestingly, the phenolic compounds eicosane, docosane, and tetracosane were identified as active components of SFE. Treatment with a non-cytotoxic concentration of these three components elicited similar antiviral effects against RSV infection as SFE in vitro. Together, these results suggest that SFE and its potential components are a promising natural antiviral agent candidate against RSV infection.

scholarly journals Plant Extracts and Reactive Oxygen Species as Two Counteracting Agents with Anti- and Pro-Obesity Properties

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (18) ◽  
pp. 4556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Zielinska-Blizniewska ◽  
Przemyslaw Sitarek ◽  
Anna Merecz-Sadowska ◽  
Katarzyna Malinowska ◽  
Karolina Zajdel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Complex Disease ◽  
Reactive Oxygen ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Oxygen Species

Obesity is a complex disease of great public health significance worldwide: It entails several complications including diabetes mellitus type 2, cardiovascular dysfunction and hypertension, and its prevalence is increasing around the world. The pathogenesis of obesity is closely related to reactive oxygen species. The role of reactive oxygen species as regulatory factors in mitochondrial activity in obese subjects, molecules taking part in inflammation processes linked to excessive size and number of adipocytes, and as agents governing the energy balance in hypothalamus neurons has been examined. Phytotherapy is the traditional form of treating health problems using plant-derived medications. Some plant extracts are known to act as anti-obesity agents and have been screened in in vitro models based on the inhibition of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells and activity of pancreatic lipase methods and in in vivo high-fat diet-induced obesity rat/mouse models and human models. Plant products may be a good natural alternative for weight management and a source of numerous biologically-active chemicals, including antioxidant polyphenols that can counteract the oxidative stress associated with obesity. This review presents polyphenols as natural complementary therapy, and a good nutritional strategy, for treating obesity without serious side effects.

scholarly journals Global metabolomic and lipidomic analysis reveals the potential mechanisms of hemolysis effect of Ophiopogonin D and Ophiopogonin D' in vivo

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huan-Hua Xu ◽  
Zhen-Hong Jiang ◽  
Cong-Shu Huang ◽  
Yu-Ting Sun ◽  
Long-Long Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Plasma Metabolites ◽  
Active Components ◽  
The Difference

Abstract Background OPD and OPD' are the two main active components of Ophiopogon japonicas in Shenmai injection (SMI). Being isomers of each other, they are supposed to have similar pharmacological activities, but the actual situation is complicated. The difference of hemolytic behavior between OPD and OPD' in vivo and in vitro was discovered and reported by our group for the first time. In vitro, only OPD' showed hemolysis reaction, while in vivo, both OPD and OPD' caused hemolysis. In vitro, the primary cause of hemolysis has been confirmed to be related to the difference between physical and chemical properties of OPD and OPD'. In vivo, although there is a possible explanation for this phenomenon, the one is that OPD is bio-transformed into OPD' or its analogues in vivo, the other one is that both OPD and OPD' were metabolized into more activated forms for hemolysis. However, the mechanism of hemolysis in vivo is still unclear, especially the existing literature are still difficult to explain why OPD shows the inconsistent hemolysis behavior in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, the study of hemolysis of OPD and OPD' in vivo is of great practical significance in response to the increase of adverse events of SMI. Methods Aiming at the hemolysis in vivo, this manuscript adopted untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics technology to preliminarily explore the changes of plasma metabolites and lipids of OPD- and OPD'-treated rats. Metabolomics and lipidomics analyses were performed on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) system tandem with different mass spectrometers (MS) and different columns respectively. Multivariate statistical approaches such as principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were applied to screen the differential metabolites and lipids. Results Both OPD and OPD' groups experienced hemolysis, Changes in endogenous differential metabolites and differential lipids, enrichment of differential metabolic pathways, and correlation analysis of differential metabolites and lipids all indicated that the causes of hemolysis by OPD and OPD' were closely related to the interference of phospholipid metabolism. Conclusions This study provided a comprehensive description of metabolomics and lipidomics changes between OPD- and OPD'-treated rats, it would add to the knowledge base of the field, which also provided scientific guidance for the subsequent mechanism research. However, the underlying mechanism require further research.

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