scholarly journals Effects of micronutrients on placental function: evidence from clinical studies to animal models

Reproduction ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 156 (3) ◽  
pp. R69-R82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadette C Baker ◽  
Dexter JL Hayes ◽  
Rebecca L Jones
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Human Trophoblast ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Placental Dysfunction

Micronutrient deficiencies are common in pregnant women due to low dietary intake and increased requirements for fetal development. Low maternal micronutrient status is associated with a range of pregnancy pathologies involving placental dysfunction, including fetal growth restriction (FGR), small-for-gestational age (SGA), pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. However, clinical trials commonly fail to convincingly demonstrate beneficial effects of supplementation of individual micronutrients, attributed to heterogeneity and insufficient power, potential interactions and lack of mechanistic knowledge of effects on the placenta. We aimed to provide current evidence of relationships between selected micronutrients (vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, folate, vitamin B12) and adverse pregnancy outcomes, combined with understanding of actions on the placenta. Following a systematic literature search, we reviewed data from clinical,in vitroandin vivostudies of micronutrient deficiency and supplementation. Key findings are potential effects of micronutrient deficiencies on placental development and function, leading to impaired fetal growth. Studies in human trophoblast cells and rodent models provide insights into underpinning mechanisms. Interestingly, there is emerging evidence that deficiencies in all micronutrients examined induce a pro-inflammatory state in the placenta, drawing parallels with the inflammation detected in FGR, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth and preterm birth. Beneficial effects of supplementation are apparentin vitroand in animal models and for combined micronutrients in clinical studies. However, greater understanding of the roles of these micronutrients, and insight into their involvement in placental dysfunction, combined with more robust clinical studies, is needed to fully ascertain the potential benefits of supplementation in pregnancy.

scholarly journals Effect of Hesperidin on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: The Role of Intestinal Microbiota on Hesperidin Bioavailability

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Mas-Capdevila ◽  
Joan Teichenne ◽  
Cristina Domenech-Coca ◽  
Antoni Caimari ◽  
Josep M Del Bas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cvd Risk Factors ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
High Interindividual Variability

Recently, hesperidin, a flavonone mainly present in citrus fruits, has emerged as a new potential therapeutic agent able to modulate several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors. Animal and in vitro studies demonstrate beneficial effects of hesperidin and its derived compounds on CVD risk factors. Thus, hesperidin has shown glucose-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties in diabetic models, dyslipidemia-, atherosclerosis-, and obesity-preventing effects in CVDs and obese models, and antihypertensive and antioxidant effects in hypertensive models. However, there is still controversy about whether hesperidin could contribute to ameliorate glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, adiposity, and blood pressure in humans, as evidenced by several clinical trials reporting no effects of treatments with this flavanone or with orange juice on these cardiovascular parameters. In this review, we focus on hesperidin’s beneficial effects on CVD risk factors, paying special attention to the high interindividual variability in response to hesperidin-based acute and chronic interventions, which can be partly attributed to differences in gut microbiota. Based on the current evidence, we suggest that some of hesperidin’s contradictory effects in human trials are partly due to the interindividual hesperidin variability in its bioavailability, which in turn is highly dependent on the α-rhamnosidase activity and gut microbiota composition.

scholarly journals LABOR COURSE AND CONDITION OF NEWBORNS IN WOMEN WITH PLACENTAL DYSFUNCTION DUE TO GESTATIONAL ENDOTHELIOPATHY

World Science ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (9(49)) ◽  
pp. 4-8
Author(s):  
V. V. Lazurenko ◽  
I. B. Borzenko ◽  
D. Yu. Tertyshnik
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Fetal Distress ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Perinatal Complications ◽  
Placental Dysfunction ◽  
First Trimester Of Pregnancy

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of placental dysfunction caused by gestational endotheliopathy on the course of labor and the condition of the newborn. The first group consisted of 70 patients with placental dysfunction with gestational endotheliopathy confirmed by laboratory-instrumental findings in the first trimester of pregnancy. The control group included 30 pregnant women with physiological gestational course. PD secondary to GE leads to preterm birth, fetal distress, increases the percentage of caesarean section, contributes to the delay of fetal growth and birth weight, poor infant status and perinatal complications.

scholarly journals Botanical Compounds: Effects on Major Eye Diseases

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuan-Phat Huynh ◽  
Shivani N. Mann ◽  
Nawajes A. Mandal
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Retinitis Pigmentosa ◽  
Cell Cultures ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Eye Diseases ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Ocular Diseases ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Age Related

Botanical compounds have been widely used throughout history as cures for various diseases and ailments. Many of these compounds exhibit strong antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. These are also common damaging mechanisms apparent in several ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and retinitis pigmentosa. In recent years, there have been many epidemiological and clinical studies that have demonstrated the beneficial effects of plant-derived compounds, such as curcumin, lutein and zeaxanthin, danshen, ginseng, and many more, on these ocular pathologies. Studies in cell cultures and animal models showed promising results for their uses in eye diseases. While there are many apparent significant correlations, further investigation is needed to uncover the mechanistic pathways of these botanical compounds in order to reach widespread pharmaceutical use and provide noninvasive alternatives for prevention and treatments of the major eye diseases.

scholarly journals Cannabis sativa and Skin Health: Dissecting the Role of Phytocannabinoids

Planta Medica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Martinelli ◽  
Andrea Magnavacca ◽  
Marco Fumagalli ◽  
Mario DellʼAgli ◽  
Stefano Piazza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Skin Disorders ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

AbstractThe use of Cannabis sativa is currently recognized to ease certain types of chronic pain, reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea, and improve anxiety. Nevertheless, few studies highlighted the therapeutic potential of C. sativa extracts and related phytocannabinoids for a variety of widespread skin disorders including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pruritus, and pain. This review summarized the current evidence on the effects of phytocannabinoids at the cutaneous level through the collection of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies published on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science until October 2020. Phytocannabinoids have demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-acne properties by various mechanisms involving either CB1/2-dependent and independent pathways. Not only classical immune cells, but also several skin-specific actors, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and sebocytes, may represent a target for phytocannabinoids. Cannabidiol, the most investigated compound, revealed photoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms at the cutaneous level, while the possible impact on cell differentiation, especially in the case of psoriasis, would require further investigation. Animal models and pilot clinical studies supported the application of cannabidiol in inflammatory-based skin diseases. Also, one of the most promising applications of non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids is the treatment of seborrheic disorders, especially acne. In conclusion, the incomplete knowledge of the role of the endocannabinoid system in skin disorders emerged as an important limit for pharmacological investigations. Moreover, the limited studies conducted on C. sativa extracts suggested a higher potency than single phytocannabinoids, thus stimulating new research on phytocannabinoid interaction.

scholarly journals Genome Editing Technologies: From Bench Side to Bedside

Acta Medica ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Fulya Yaylacıoğlu Tuncay ◽  
Pervin Rukiye Dinçer
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Genome Editing ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Human Gene ◽  
Human Gene Therapy ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Preclinical And Clinical Studies

The development of genome editing technologies has given the chance to researchers to manipulate any genomic sequences precisely. This ability is very useful for creating animal models to study human diseases in vivo; for easy creation of isogenic cell lines to study in vitro and most importantly for overcoming many disadvantages that the researchers faced during the human gene therapy trials. Here we review the basic mechanisms of genome editing technology and the four genome-editing platforms. We also discuss the applications of these novel technologies in preclinical and clinical studies in four groups according to the mechanism used, and lastly, summarize the problems in these technologies.

scholarly journals Oxidative Stress in Graves Disease and Graves Orbitopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (Suppl. 1) ◽  
pp. 40-50
Author(s):  
Giulia Lanzolla ◽  
Claudio Marcocci ◽  
Michele Marinò
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Antioxidant Agents ◽  
Graves Orbitopathy

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of Graves hyperthyroidism (GH) and Graves orbitopathy (GO) and an antioxidant approach has been proposed for both. In GH, a disbalance of the cell redox state is associated with thyroid hyperfunction and antithyroid medications may reduce oxidative stress. Tissue hypoxia participates in the pathogenesis of GO, and oxygen free radicals are involved in the typical changes of orbital tissues as reported by in vitro and clinical studies. Antioxidant agents, especially selenium, have been proposed as a therapeutic option for GH and GO. A clinical study regarding the use of selenium in mild GO has provided evidence for a beneficial effect in the short term, even though its beneficial effects in the long term are still to be investigated. In addition to selenium, a protective role of other antioxidant agents, i.e., quercetin, enalapril, vitamin C, <i>N</i>-acetyl-L-cysteine and melatonin has been suggested by in vitro studies, although clinical studies are lacking. Here, we review the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant agents in GH and GO.

scholarly journals Treating the dysfunctional placenta

2017 ◽  
Vol 234 (2) ◽  
pp. R81-R97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin P Sibley
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Human Placenta ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Small Animal ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Placental Dysfunction ◽  
Uteroplacental Blood Flow ◽  
Early Phase Clinical Trials

Placental dysfunction underlies major obstetric diseases such as pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Whilst there has been a little progress in prophylaxis, there are still no treatments for placental dysfunction in normal obstetric practice. However, a combination of increasingly well-described in vitro systems for studying the human placenta, together with the availability of more appropriate animal models of pre-eclampsia and FGR, has facilitated a recent surge in work aimed at repurposing drugs and therapies, developed for other conditions, as treatments for placental dysfunction. This review: (1) highlights potential candidate drug targets in the placenta – effectors of improved uteroplacental blood flow, anti-oxidants, heme oxygenase induction, inhibition of HIF, induction of cholesterol synthesis pathways, increasing insulin-like growth factor II availability; (2) proposes an experimental pathway for taking a potential drug or treatment for placental dysfunction from concept through to early phase clinical trials, utilizing techniques for studying the human placenta in vitro and small animal models, particularly the mouse, for in vivo studies; (3) describes the data underpinning sildenafil citrate and adenovirus expressing vascular endothelial growth as potential treatments for placental dysfunction and summarizes recent research on other potential treatments. The importance of sharing information from such studies even when no effect is found, or there is an adverse outcome, is highlighted. Finally, the use of adenoviral vectors or nanoparticle carriers coated with homing peptides to selectively target drugs to the placenta is highlighted: such delivery systems could improve efficacy and reduce the side effects of treating the dysfunctional placenta.

scholarly journals Heliotropium indicum L.: From Farm to a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Therapeutic Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Chandan Sarkar ◽  
Milon Mondal ◽  
Bilkis Khanom ◽  
Md. Monir Hossain ◽  
Md. Solayman Hossain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Therapeutic Activity ◽  
Bioactive Components ◽  
Volatile Oils ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Heliotropium Indicum

This study aimed to summarize the available data on the ethnomedicinal and phytopharmacological activities of Heliotropium indicum L. based on database reports. For this purpose, an up-to-date literature search was carried out in the Google Scholar, Scopus, Springer Link, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, PubMed, Chem Spider, Elsevier, BioMed Central, and patent offices (e.g., USPTO, CIPO, NPI, Google patents, and Espacenet) for the published materials. The findings suggest that the plant contains many important phytochemicals, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids, indicine, echinitine, supinine, heleurine, heliotrine, lasiocarpine, acetyl indicine, indicinine, indicine N-oxide, cynoglossine, europine N-oxide, heleurine N-oxide, heliotridine N-oxide, heliotrine N-oxide, heliotrine, volatile oils, triterpenes, amines, and sterols. Scientific reports revealed that the herb showed antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, anticancer, antituberculosis, antiplasmodial, anticataract, antifertility, wound healing, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, antihyperglycemic, anthelmintic, diuretic, antitussive, antiglaucoma, antiallergic, and larvicidal activity. In conclusion, in vitro studies with animal models seem to show the potential beneficial effects of H. indicum against a wide variety of disorders and as a source of phytotherapeutic compounds. However, clinical studies are necessary to confirm the effects observed in animal models, determine the toxicity of the therapeutic dose and isolate the truly bioactive components.

scholarly journals The potential role of the ERRγ pathway in placental dysfunction

Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiyong Zou ◽  
Karen Forbes ◽  
Lynda K. Harris ◽  
Alexander E P Heazell
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Human Trophoblast ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Placental Dysfunction ◽  
And Function ◽  
Upstream Regulators ◽  
Estrogen Related Receptor

Normal placental development and function is of key importance to fetal growth. Conversely aberrations of placental structure and function are evident in pregnancy complications including fetal growth restriction (FGR) and preeclampsia. Although trophoblast turnover and function is altered in these conditions, their underlying aetiologies and pathophysiology remains unclear, which hampers development of therapeutic interventions. Here we review evidence that supports a role for Estrogen Related Receptor-gamma (ERRγ) in the development of placental dysfunction in FGR and preeclampsia. This relationship deserves particular consideration because ERRγ is highly expressed in normal placenta, is reduced in FGR and preeclampsia and its expression is altered by hypoxia, which is thought to result from deficient placentation seen in FGR and preeclampsia. Several studies have also found microRNA or other potential upstream regulators of ERRγ negatively influence trophoblast function which could contribute to placental dysfunction seen in FGR and preeclampsia. Interestingly, microRNAs regulate ERRγ expression in human trophoblast. Thus, if ERRγ is pivotally associated with the abnormal trophoblast turnover and function it may be targeted by microRNAs or other possible upstream regulators in the placenta. This review explores altered expression of ERRγ and upstream regulation of ERRγ-mediated pathways resulting in the trophoblast turnover, placental vascularisation, and placental metabolism underlying placental dysfunctions. This demonstrates that the ERRγ pathway merits further investigation as a potential therapeutic target in FGR and preeclampsia.

scholarly journals A Review of Potential Beneficial Effects of Honey on Bone Health

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Mohd Amir Kamaruzzaman ◽  
Kok-Yong Chin ◽  
Elvy Suhana Mohd Ramli
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Bone Health ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Bone Remodelling ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Signalling Pathways ◽  
Polyphenol Content ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Bioactive Ingredients

Bone remodelling is a complex and tightly regulated process. Disruption of bone remodelling skewing towards resorption will cause osteoporosis and increase the risk of fragility fracture. Honey is a natural product containing various bioactive ingredients with health benefits, especially polyphenols. Therefore, honey may be a novel dietary supplement to prevent osteoporosis. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on the effects of honey on bone health. The evidence reported so far indicates a skeletal-beneficial effect of honey in animal models of osteoporosis. However, the number of studies on humans is limited. Honey can protect the bone via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, primarily through its polyphenol content that acts upon several signalling pathways, leading to bone anabolic and antiresorptive effects. In conclusion, honey is a potential functional food for bone health, but the dose and the bioactive contents of honey need to be verified prior to its application in humans.

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