scholarly journals Therapeutic effects of an aspalathin-rich green rooibos extract, pioglitazone and atorvastatin combination therapy in diabetic db/db mice

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251069
Author(s):  
Oelfah Patel ◽  
Christo J. F. Muller ◽  
Elizabeth Joubert ◽  
Bernd Rosenkranz ◽  
Johan Louw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Liver Weight ◽  
Diabetic Control ◽  
Fatty Acid Transport ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Hypotriglyceridemic Effect ◽  
Expression Of Genes

Oral therapeutics used to treat type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease often fail to prevent the progression of disease and their comorbidities. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), an endemic South African plant used as an herbal tea, has demonstrated positive effects on glycemia and hypercholesterolemia. However, the treatment efficacy of rooibos extract in combination with conventional hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic medications on blood glucose and lipid profiles has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining an aspalathin-rich green rooibos extract (Afriplex GRT™) with pioglitazone and atorvastatin, on blood glucose and lipid levels in obese diabetic (db/db) mice. Six-week-old male db/db mice and their nondiabetic lean littermate controls (db+) were divided into 8 experimental groups (n = 6/group). Db/db mice were treated daily either with pioglitazone (25 mg/kg), atorvastatin (80 mg/kg) and GRT (100 mg/kg), a combination of either drug with GRT or a combination of GRT-pioglitazone and atorvastatin for 5 weeks. Untreated vehicle controls were given dimethyl sulfoxide (0.1%) and phosphate buffered saline solution. At termination, serum and liver tissue were collected for lipid and gene expression analysis. Treatment with GRT, pioglitazone and atorvastatin combination effectively lowered fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels in db/db mice (p = 0.02), whilst increasing body weight, liver weight, and reducing retroperitoneal fat weight. Atorvastatin monotherapy was effective at reducing cholesterol (from 4.00 ± 0.12 to 2.93 ± 0.13, p = 0.0003), LDL-C (from 0.58 ± 0.04 to 0.50 ± 0.00, p = 0.04), HDL-C (from 2.86 ± 0.05 to 2.50 ± 0.04, p = 0.0003) and TG (from 2.77 ± 0.50 to 1.48 ± 0.23, p = 0.04), compared to the untreated diabetic control. The hypotriglyceridemic effect of atorvastatin was enhanced when used in combination with both GRT and pioglitazone. The addition of pioglitazone to GRT significantly lowered FPG and TG. In db/db mice, Apoa1 was significantly downregulated in the liver, whilst Pparγ was significantly upregulated compared to their db+ counterparts. GRT monotherapy downregulated Apoa1 expression (p = 0.02). Atorvastatin combined with GRT significantly downregulated mRNA expression of Apoa1 (p = 0.03), whilst upregulating the expression of Pparγ (p = 0.03), Pparα (p = 0.002), Srebp1 (p = 0.002), and Fasn (p = 0.04). The GRT-pioglitazone-atorvastatin combination therapy downregulated Apoa1 (p = 0.006), whilst upregulating Fasn (p = 0.005), Pparα (p = 0.041), and Srebp1 (p = 0.03). Natural products can improve the efficacy of current drugs to prevent diabetes-associated complications. GRT in combination with pioglitazone enhanced the reduction of FPG, whilst the addition of atorvastatin to the combination, significantly lowered triglyceride levels. However, when GRT was used in combination with atorvastatin only cholesterol levels were affected. Although these results confirm both glucose- and lipoprotein-lowering biological effects of GRT in combination with pioglitazone and atorvastatin, increased expression of genes involved in lipogenesis, cholesterol, and fatty acid transport, β-oxidation, and synthesis and storage of fatty acids, may exacerbate the hepatotoxic effects of atorvastatin.

scholarly journals Combined treatment with a gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor antagonist and a peptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor improves metabolic abnormalities in diabetic mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 030006052098566
Author(s):  
Fei Yang ◽  
Shan Dang ◽  
Hongjun LV ◽  
Bingyin Shi
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Combination Therapy ◽  
Glucose Tolerance ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Cell Mass ◽  
Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Metabolic Abnormalities ◽  
Diabetic Mice

Objectives Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibition and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor antagonism have therapeutic effects in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We assessed the effects of sitagliptin and Pro 3 (GIP) in a mouse model of diabetes. Methods Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6J mice by a high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin. Blood glucose was assessed weekly. Six weeks later, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and glucose tolerance were assessed and pancreatic and adipose tissues were collected. Results Combination therapy with sitagliptin and Pro 3 (GIP) resulted in significantly greater reductions of blood glucose and triglycerides than either monotherapy. Combination therapy also improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. β-cell mass and insulin-positive cell percentage in the pancreas was higher in mice receiving combination therapy compared with either monotherapy. Crown-like structures, inflammatory markers in adipose tissue, and serum leptin concentrations were decreased in mice receiving combination therapy compared with either monotherapy. Conclusions Combination therapy with Pro 3 (GIP) and sitagliptin improved metabolic abnormalities in diabetic mice. Changes in serum leptins and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in adipose tissue might account for the observed effects.

scholarly journals Bisamide Derivative of Dicarboxylic Acid Contributes to Restoration of Testicular Tissue Function and Influences Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Metabolic Disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelina Pakhomova ◽  
Olga Pershina ◽  
Vladimir Nebolsin ◽  
Natalia Ermakova ◽  
Vyacheslav Krupin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Dicarboxylic Acid ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽  
Testicular Tissue ◽  
Spermatogonial Stem Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Positive Effects

Metabolic syndrome can lead to several challenging complications including degeneration of the pancreas and hypogonadism. Recently, we have shown that Bisamide Derivative of Dicarboxylic Acid (BDDA) can contribute to pancreatic restoration in mice with metabolic disorders via its positive effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, and by increasing the numbers of pancreatic stem cells. In the present study, we hypothesized that BDDA might also be effective in restoring hypogonadism caused by metabolic syndrome. Experiments were performed on male C57BL/6 mice with hypogonadism, where metabolic disorders have been introduced by a combination of streptozotocin treatment and high fat diet. Using a combination of histological and biochemical methods along with a flow cytometric analysis of stem and progenitor cell markers, we evaluated the biological effects of BDDA on testicular tissue, germ cells, spermatogonial stem cells in vitro and in vivo, as well as on fertility. We demonstrate that in mice with metabolic disorders, BDDA has positive effects on spermatogenesis and restores fertility. We also show that BDDA exerts its therapeutic effects by reducing inflammation and by modulating spermatogonial stem cells. Thus, our results suggest that BDDA could represent a promising lead compound for the development of novel therapeutics able to stimulate regeneration of the testicular tissue and to restore fertility in hypogonadism resulting from complications of metabolic syndrome.

scholarly journals Effect of Flaxseed Extract on the Liver Histological Structure in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imad M. Al-Ani ◽  
Ahmed N. Abired ◽  
Basma E. Mustafa ◽  
Emad N. Abdel Wahab ◽  
Marwan S. Azzubaidi
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Liver Weight ◽  
Diabetic Control ◽  
Diabetic Rats ◽  
Histological Structure ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels ◽  
Flaxseed Extract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus has become a serious warning to mankind health all over the world. The management goal of diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels as close as possible to healthy individuals. Medications used to treat diabetes are usually associated with complications and may cause different side effects. Many traditional anti-diabetic plants have become popular in the management of diabetes mellitus. Flaxseed has been used as traditional medicine for centuries. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of flaxseed extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg i.p.). The rats were divided into five groups of 8 rats each. Group NC, normal control rats; Group NF, normal rats treated with flaxseed extract (400 mg/kg); Group DC, diabetic control rats; Group DG, diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg); Group DF, diabetic rats treated with flaxseed extract (400 mg/kg); for 4 weeks. Results: There were significant increase in relative liver weight, blood glucose levels in DC group comparing to NC group (p<0.05). The disturbance of these parameters was ameliorated in DF and DG groups. Histological observation revealed congestion of central veins, degeneration of hepatocytes, and reduced glycogen granules in DC group. These pathological changes were ameliorated in the flaxseed extract and glibenclamide treated rats. Conclusion: Flaxseed extract may represent a candidate alternative treatment to control diabetes mellitus and its related hepatopathy.

Therapeutic Perspectives of Food Bioactive Peptides: A Mini Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 664-675
Author(s):  
Sulochana Priya
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Peptides ◽  
Marine Organism ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Amide Bond ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Specific Sequence ◽  
The Past ◽  
Cancer Immunity ◽  
Microbial Infections ◽  
Diverse Origin

Bioactive peptides are short chain of amino acids (usually 2-20) that are linked by amide bond in a specific sequence which have some biological effects in animals or humans. These can be of diverse origin like plant, animal, fish, microbe, marine organism or even synthetic. They are successfully used in the management of many diseases. In recent years increased attention has been raised for its effects and mechanism of action in various disease conditions like cancer, immunity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, inflammation, diabetes, microbial infections etc. Bioactive peptides are more bioavailable and less allergenic when compared to total proteins. Food derived bioactive peptides have health benefits and its demand has increased tremendously over the past decade. This review gives a view on last two years research on potential bioactive peptides derived from food which have significant therapeutic effects.

Cucurbitacins as Anticancer Agents: A Patent Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidayat Hussain ◽  
Ivan R. Green ◽  
Muhammad Saleem ◽  
Khanzadi F. Khattak ◽  
Muhammad Irshad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Natural Sources ◽  
Oh Groups ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range

Background: Cucurbitacins belong to a group of tetracyclic triterpenoids that display a wide range of biological effects. In the past, numerous cucurbitacins have been isolated from natural sources and many active compounds have been synthesized using the privileged scaffold in order to enhance its cytotoxic effects. Objective: his review covers patents on the therapeutic effects of natural cucurbitacins and their synthetic analogs published during the past decade. By far, the majority of patents published are related to cancer and Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) of these compounds are included to lend gravitas to this important class of natural products. Methods: The date about the published patents was downloaded via online open access patent databases. Results: Cucurbitacins display significant cytotoxic properties, in particular cucurbitacins B and D which possess very potent effects towards a number of cancer cells. Numerous cucurbitacins isolated from natural sources have been derivatized through chemical modification at the C(2)-OH and C(25)- OH groups. Most importantly, an acyl ester of the C(25)-OH and, iso-propyl, n-propyl and ethyl ether groups of the C(2)-OH demonstrated the most increased cytotoxic activity. Conclusion: The significant cytotoxic effects of natural and semi-synthetic cucurbitacins make them attractive as new drug candidates. Moreover, cucurbitacins have the capability to form conjugates with other anticancer drugs which will synergistically enhance their anticancer effects. The authors believe that in order to get lead compounds, there should be a greater focus on the synthesis of homodimers, heterodimers, and halo derivatives of cucurbitacins. In the opinion of the authors the analysis of the published patents on the cucurbitacins indicates that these compounds can be developed into a regimen to treat a wide spectrum of cancers.

Anti-Diabetic and Angio-Protective Effect of Guluronic Acid (G2013) as a New Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug in the Experimental Model of Diabetes

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 446-452
Author(s):  
Seyed S. Mortazavi-Jahromi ◽  
Shahab Alizadeh ◽  
Mohammad H. Javanbakht ◽  
Abbas Mirshafiey
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Experimental Model ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Diabetic Control ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Guluronic Acid

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of guluronic acid (G2013) on blood sugar, insulin, and gene expression profile of oxLDL receptors (SR-A, CD36, LOX-1, and CD68) in the experimental model of diabetes. Methods: 18 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups of healthy control, diabetic control, and G2013 group. Diabetes was induced through intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. The subjects were IP treated with 25 mg/kg of G2013 per day for 28 days. The body weight, food intake, fasting blood glucose and insulin were measured. In addition, the expression of mentioned genes was investigated through quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The data showed that the final weight increased significantly in the G2013-treated subjects compared to the diabetic control (p < 0.05). The results indicated that final food intake significantly reduced in the G2013-treated subjects compared to the diabetic control (p < 0.05). The study findings also suggested that the final fasting blood glucose significantly reduced in the G2013-treated group, whereas the final fasting serum insulin level significantly increased in this group compared to the diabetic control (p < 0.05). Moreover, the gene expression levels of SR-A, CD36, LOX-1, and CD68 in the G2013 group significantly reduced compared to the diabetic control (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that G2013, could reduce blood glucose and increase insulin levels and reduce the gene expression level of oxLDL receptors. In addition, it may probably play an important role in reducing the severity of diabetes-induced inflammatory symptoms.

Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Effects of Extracts of Gymnema Sylvestre in Streptozotocin Induced Type I Diabetes in Rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishtha R. Mahida ◽  
G. . Mandali ◽  
Vijaysinh V. Sindha ◽  
S. K. Raval
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Type I Diabetes ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Diabetic Control ◽  
Hypolipidemic Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Type I ◽  
Gymnema Sylvestre ◽  
Altered Glucose

Gymnema sylvestre of the family Asclepiadaceae is one of the most important medicinal plants of the central eco-region. It is popularly known as Gurmar, which means “sugar killer”. Extract of leaves is reported to have tannins, gum, flavonoids, proteins and saponins. It has displayed a wide array of pharmacological activities. This study was aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of Gymnema sylvestre extract in experimentally induced diabetes in rats. Diabetes was produced in adult Wistar rats with single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) @ 60 mg/kg b.wt. intraperitoneally. After the confirmation of diabetes on 7th day (sugar >200 mg/dl), alcoholic and aqueous extracts of G. sylvestre (400 mg/kg) were administered orally to the experimental rats from 8th day and continued for 42 days thereafter. The antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity was estimated by measuring blood glucose, lipid profile and histopathological examination of various tissues from all the groups. Administration of STZ resulted in a significant (p less than 0.01) increase in blood glucose and lipid profile and histopathological alterations in Diabetic control group as compared to healthy control group. Gymnema treatment demonstrated significant (p less than 0.01) antidiabetic effect indicated by restoration of blood glucose compared to STZ control group. The study concluded that extracts of Gymnema sylvestre improved the altered glucose and lipid profile in diabetic rats, suggesting that the Gymnema Sylvestre extracts exhibit the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity.

scholarly journals Enhanced Bilosomal Properties Resulted in Optimum Pharmacological Effects by Increased Acidification Pathways

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1184
Author(s):  
Armin Mooranian ◽  
Thomas Foster ◽  
Corina M Ionescu ◽  
Daniel Walker ◽  
Melissa Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bile Acids ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Cellular Respiration ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Pharmacological Effects ◽  
Β Cells ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Introduction: Recent studies in our laboratory have shown that some bile acids, such as chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), can exert cellular protective effects when encapsulated with viable β-cells via anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress mechanisms. However, to explore their full potential, formulating such bile acids (that are intrinsically lipophilic) can be challenging, particularly if larger doses are required for optimal pharmacological effects. One promising approach is the development of nano gels. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine biological effects of various concentrations of CDCA using various solubilising nano gel systems on encapsulated β-cells. Methods: Using our established cellular encapsulation system, the Ionic Gelation Vibrational Jet Flow technology, a wide range of CDCA β-cell capsules were produced and examined for morphological, biological, and inflammatory profiles. Results and Conclusion: Capsules’ morphology and topographic characteristics remained similar, regardless of CDCA or nano gel concentrations. The best pharmacological, anti-inflammatory, and cellular respiration, metabolism, and energy production effects were observed at high CDCA and nano gel concentrations, suggesting dose-dependent cellular protective and positive effects of CDCA when incorporated with high loading nano gel.

scholarly journals Protective Effects of Polyphenol Enriched Complex Plants Extract on Metabolic Dysfunctions Associated with Obesity and Related Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases in High Fat Diet-Induced C57BL/6 Mice

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 302
Author(s):  
Ahtesham Hussain ◽  
Jin Sook Cho ◽  
Jong-Seok Kim ◽  
Young Ik Lee
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Liver Diseases ◽  
Liver Weight ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Herbal Formulation ◽  
Plants Extract

Background: Currently, obesity is a global health challenge due to its increasing prevalence and associated health risk. It is associated with various metabolic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, certain forms of cancer, and non-alcoholic liver diseases (NAFLD). Objective: The aim of this study to evaluate the effects of polyphenol enriched herbal complex (Rubus crataegifolius/ellagic acid, Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge/vitexin, chlorogenic acid, Cinnamomum cassiaa/cinnamic acid) on obesity and obesity induced NAFLD in the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. Methods: Obesity was induced in male C57BL/6 mice using HFD. After 8 weeks, the mice were treated with HFD+ plants extract for 8 weeks. Body weight, food intake weekly, and blood sugar level were measured. After sacrifice, changes in the treated group’s liver weight, fat weight, serum biochemical parameters, hormone levels, and enzyme levels were measured. For histological analysis, tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Oil Red-O. Results: Our results showed that the herbal complex ameliorated body weight and liver weight gain, and decreased total body fat in HFD-fed animals. Post prandial blood glucose (PBG) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were lower in the herbal complex-treated group than in the HFD control group. Additionally, herbal formulation treatment significantly increased HDL levels in serum and decreased TC, TG, AST, ALT, deposition of fat droplets in the liver, and intima media thickness (IMT) in the aorta. Herbal complex increased serum adiponectin and decreased serum leptin. Herbal complex also increased carnitine palmityl transferase (CPT) activity and significantly decreased enzyme activity of beta-hydroxy beta methyl glutamyl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that the herbal complex is an effective herbal formulation in the attenuation of obesity and obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction including NAFLD in HFD-induced mouse model.

scholarly journals Strong Antimicrobial and Healing Effects of Beta-Acids from Hops in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Infected External Wounds In Vivo

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 708
Author(s):  
Radek Sleha ◽  
Vera Radochova ◽  
Jiri Malis ◽  
Alexander Mikyska ◽  
Milan Houska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Porcine Model ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Methicillin Resistant ◽  
Antimicrobial Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Modalities ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Inflammatory Parameters

Staphylococcus (S.) aureus is an important causative agent of wound infections with increasing incidence in the past decades. Specifically, the emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) causes serious problems, especially in nosocomial infections. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop of alternative or supportive antimicrobial therapeutic modalities to meet these challenges. Purified compounds from hops have previously shown promising antimicrobial effects against MRSA isolates in vitro. In this study, purified beta-acids from hops were tested for their potential antimicrobial and healing properties using a porcine model of wounds infected by MRSA. The results show highly significant antimicrobial effects of the active substance in both the powder and Ambiderman-based application forms compared to both no-treatment control and treatment with Framycoin. Moreover, the macroscopic evaluation of the wounds during the treatment using the standardized Wound Healing Continuum indicated positive effects of the beta-acids on the overall wound healing. This is further supported by the microscopic data, which showed a clear improvement of the inflammatory parameters in the wounds treated by beta-acids. Thus, using the porcine model, we demonstrate significant therapeutic effects of hops compounds in the management of wounds infected by MRSA. Beta-acids from hops, therefore, represent a suitable candidate for the treatment of non-responsive nosocomial tissue infections by MRSA.

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