scholarly journals Vaccinium Species (Ericaceae): From Chemical Composition to Bio-Functional Activities

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5655
Author(s):  
Rosa Tundis ◽  
Maria C. Tenuta ◽  
Monica R. Loizzo ◽  
Marco Bonesi ◽  
Federica Finetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Functional Food ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Functional Activities ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Cellular Pathways ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Different Cultures

The genus Vaccinium L. (Ericaceae) includes more than 450 species, which mainly grow in cooler areas of the northern hemisphere. Vaccinium species have been used in traditional medicine of different cultures and the berries are widely consumed as food. Indeed, Vaccinium supplement-based herbal medicine and functional food, mainly from V. myrtillus and V. macrocarpon, are used in Europe and North America. Biological studies support traditional uses since, for many Vaccinium components, important biological functions have been described, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and endothelium protective activities. Vaccinium components, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids, are widely recognized as modulators of cellular pathways involved in pathological conditions, thus indicating that Vaccinium may be an important source of bioactive molecules. This review aims to better describe the bioactivity of Vaccinium species, focusing on anti-inflammatory and endothelial protective cellular pathways, modulated by their components, to better understand their importance for public health.

scholarly journals Joint Reconstituted Signaling of the IL-6 Receptor via Extracellular Vesicles

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Arnold ◽  
Wiebke Lückstädt ◽  
Wenjia Li ◽  
Inga Boll ◽  
Juliane Lokau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Stat3 Phosphorylation ◽  
Attractive Therapeutic Target ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Β Receptor ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Transcription 3 ◽  
Regulatory Event

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling is a crucial regulatory event important for many biological functions, such as inflammation and tissue regeneration. Accordingly, several pathological conditions are associated with dysregulated IL-6 activity, making it an attractive therapeutic target. For instance, blockade of IL-6 or its α-receptor (IL-6R) by monoclonal antibodies has been successfully used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, based on different signaling modes, IL-6 function varies between pro- and anti-inflammatory activity, which is critical for therapeutic intervention. So far, three modes of IL-6 signaling have been described, the classic anti-inflammatory signaling, as well as pro-inflammatory trans-signaling, and trans-presentation. The IL-6/IL-6R complex requires an additional β-receptor (gp130), which is expressed on almost all cells of the human body, to induce STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of signal transcription 3) phosphorylation and subsequent transcriptional regulation. In contrast, the IL-6R is expressed on a limited number of cells, including hepatocytes and immune cells. However, the proteolytic release of the IL-6R enables trans-signaling on cells expressing gp130 only. Here, we demonstrate a fourth possibility of IL-6 signaling that we termed joint reconstituted signaling (JRS). We show that IL-6R on extracellular vesicles (EVs) can also be transported to and fused with other cells that lack the IL-6R on their surface. Importantly, JRS via EVs induces delayed STAT3 phosphorylation compared to the well-established trans-signaling mode. EVs isolated from human serum were already shown to carry the IL-6R, and thus this new signaling mode should be considered with regard to signal intervention.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-Candida Effects of Brazilian Organic Propolis, a Promising Source of Bioactive Molecules and Functional Food

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (10) ◽  
pp. 2861-2871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Dias Nani ◽  
Janaína de Cássia Orlandi Sardi ◽  
Josy Goldoni Lazarini ◽  
Diego Romário Silva ◽  
Adna Prado Massariolli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Food ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Promising Source

The Role of Glyoxalase in Glycation and Carbonyl Stress Induced Metabolic Disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 846-859
Author(s):  
Mohd Saeed ◽  
Mohd Adnan Kausar ◽  
Rajeev Singh ◽  
Arif J. Siddiqui ◽  
Asma Akhter
Keyword(s):  
Protein Misfolding ◽  
Covalent Binding ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Enzymatic Reaction ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Carbonyl Stress ◽  
Defense System ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Age Related

Glycation refers to the covalent binding of sugar molecules to macromolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and lipids in a non-enzymatic reaction, resulting in the formation of irreversibly bound products known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are synthesized in high amounts both in pathological conditions, such as diabetes and under physiological conditions resulting in aging. The body’s anti-glycation defense mechanisms play a critical role in removing glycated products. However, if this defense system fails, AGEs start accumulating, which results in pathological conditions. Studies have been shown that increased accumulation of AGEs acts as key mediators in multiple diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis, cancer, atherosclerosis, decreased skin elasticity, male erectile dysfunction, pulmonary fibrosis, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, glycation of nucleotides, proteins, and phospholipids by α-oxoaldehyde metabolites, such as glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO), causes potential damage to the genome, proteome, and lipidome. Glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1) acts as a part of the anti-glycation defense system by carrying out detoxification of GO and MGO. It has been demonstrated that GLO-1 protects dicarbonyl modifications of the proteome and lipidome, thereby impeding the cell signaling and affecting age-related diseases. Its relationship with detoxification and anti-glycation defense is well established. Glycation of proteins by MGO and GO results in protein misfolding, thereby affecting their structure and function. These findings provide evidence for the rationale that the functional modulation of the GLO pathway could be used as a potential therapeutic target. In the present review, we summarized the newly emerged literature on the GLO pathway, including enzymes regulating the process. In addition, we described small bioactive molecules with the potential to modulate the GLO pathway, thereby providing a basis for the development of new treatment strategies against age-related complications.

scholarly journals Cellular Effects of Rhynchophylline and Relevance to Sleep Regulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 312-341
Author(s):  
Maria Neus Ballester Roig ◽  
Tanya Leduc ◽  
Cassandra C. Areal ◽  
Valérie Mongrain
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Time ◽  
Sleep Regulation ◽  
Neuronal Communication ◽  
Cellular Effects ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein ◽  
Cellular Pathways ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase ◽  
Protein Kinase Akt

Uncaria rhynchophylla is a plant highly used in the traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines. It has numerous health benefits, which are often attributed to its alkaloid components. Recent studies in humans show that drugs containing Uncaria ameliorate sleep quality and increase sleep time, both in physiological and pathological conditions. Rhynchophylline (Rhy) is one of the principal alkaloids in Uncaria species. Although treatment with Rhy alone has not been tested in humans, observations in rodents show that Rhy increases sleep time. However, the mechanisms by which Rhy could modulate sleep have not been comprehensively described. In this review, we are highlighting cellular pathways that are shown to be targeted by Rhy and which are also known for their implications in the regulation of wakefulness and sleep. We conclude that Rhy can impact sleep through mechanisms involving ion channels, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/RAC serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. In modulating multiple cellular responses, Rhy impacts neuronal communication in a way that could have substantial effects on sleep phenotypes. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of action of Rhy will have implications for sleep pharmacology.

scholarly journals Identification of the Active Principle Conferring Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Properties in Bamboo Plant

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 3054
Author(s):  
Bruna Araujo Sousa ◽  
Osmar Nascimento Silva ◽  
William Farias Porto ◽  
Thales Lima Rocha ◽  
Luciano Paulino Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Amino Acid Sequence ◽  
Folk Medicine ◽  
Active Principle ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Protein Biochemistry ◽  
Antinociceptive Effects ◽  
Cellular Pathways ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Bamboo Plant

Early plants began colonizing earth about 450 million years ago. During the process of coevolution, their metabolic cellular pathways produced a myriad of natural chemicals, many of which remain uncharacterized biologically. Popular preparations containing some of these molecules have been used medicinally for thousands of years. In Brazilian folk medicine, plant extracts from the bamboo plant Guadua paniculata Munro have been used for the treatment of infections and pain. However, the chemical basis of these therapeutic effects has not yet been identified. Here, we performed protein biochemistry and downstream pharmacological assays to determine the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of an aqueous extract of the G. paniculata rhizome, which we termed AqGP. The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of AqGP were assessed in mice. We identified and purified a protein (AgGP), with an amino acid sequence similar to that of thaumatins (~20 kDa), capable of repressing inflammation through downregulation of neutrophil recruitment and of decreasing hyperalgesia in mice. In conclusion, we have identified the molecule and the molecular mechanism responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of a plant commonly used in Brazilian folk medicine.

scholarly journals Bioactive Lipids of Marine Microalga Chlorococcum sp. SABC 012504 with Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-thrombotic Activities

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Katie Shiels ◽  
Alexandros Tsoupras ◽  
Ronan Lordan ◽  
Constantina Nasopoulou ◽  
Ioannis Zabetakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Lipid Fraction ◽  
Platelet Activating Factor ◽  
Human Platelets ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Bioactive Lipids ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Lipid Fractions ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Microalgae are at the start of the food chain, and many are known producers of a significant amount of lipids with essential fatty acids. However, the bioactivity of microalgal lipids for anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities have rarely been investigated. Therefore, for a sustainable source of the above bioactive lipids, the present study was undertaken. The total lipids of microalga Chlorococcum sp., isolated from the Irish coast, were fractionated into neutral-, glyco-, and phospho-lipids, and were tested in vitro for their anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities. All tested lipid fractions showed strong anti-platelet-activating factor (PAF) and antithrombin activities in human platelets (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging ~25–200 μg of lipid) with the highest activities in glyco- and phospho-lipid fractions. The structural analysis of the bioactive lipid fraction-2 revealed the presence of specific sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerols (SQDG) bioactive molecules and the HexCer-t36:2 (t18:1/18:1 and 18:2/18:0) cerebrosides with a phytosphingosine (4-hydrosphinganine) base, while fraction-3 contained bioactive phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) molecules. These novel bioactive lipids of Chlorococcum sp. with putative health benefits may indicate that marine microalgae can be a sustainable alternative source for bioactive lipids production for food supplements and nutraceutical applications. However, further studies are required towards the commercial technology pathways development and biosafety analysis for the use of the microalga.

Rare-earth complexes with anti-inflammatory drug sulindac: synthesis, characterization, spectroscopic and in vitro biological studies

2021 ◽  
pp. 120516
Author(s):  
Renan Barrach Guerra ◽  
Diogo Alves Gálico ◽  
Thais Fernanda de Campos Fraga-Silva ◽  
Julia Aguiar ◽  
James Venturini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rare Earth ◽  
Rare Earth Complexes ◽  
Inflammatory Drug ◽  
Biological Studies ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

scholarly journals Pharmacological Effects and Potential Clinical Usefulness of Polyphenols in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 450
Author(s):  
Kensuke Mitsunari ◽  
Yasuyoshi Miyata ◽  
Tomohiro Matsuo ◽  
Yuta Mukae ◽  
Asato Otsubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Prostatic Hyperplasia ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Urinary Tract Symptoms ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Lower Urinary

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is arguably the most common benign disease among men. This disease is often associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men and significantly decreases the quality of life. Polyphenol consumption reportedly plays an important role in the prevention of many diseases, including BPH. In recent years, in addition to disease prevention, many studies have reported the efficacy and safety of polyphenol treatment against various pathological conditions in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, numerous studies have also revealed the molecular mechanisms of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenols. We believe that an improved understanding of the detailed pharmacological roles of polyphenol-induced activities at a molecular level is important for the prevention and treatment of BPH. Polyphenols are composed of many members, and their biological roles differ. In this review, we first provide information regarding the pathological roles of oxidative stress and inflammation in BPH. Next, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenols, including those of flavonoids and non-flavonoids, are discussed. Finally, we talk about the results and limitations of previous clinical trials that have used polyphenols in BPH, with particular focus on their molecular mechanisms of action.

scholarly journals ACE2: the molecular doorway to SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Marlene Medina-Enríquez ◽  
Sandra Lopez-León ◽  
José Alberto Carlos-Escalante ◽  
Zuleika Aponte-Torres ◽  
Angelica Cuapio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renin Angiotensin System ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Angiotensin System ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Functional Activities ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Different Cell Types ◽  
Functional Receptor

AbstractThe angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the host functional receptor for the new virus SARS-CoV-2 causing Coronavirus Disease 2019. ACE2 is expressed in 72 different cell types. Some factors that can affect the expression of the ACE2 are: sex, environment, comorbidities, medications (e.g. anti-hypertensives) and its interaction with other genes of the renin-angiotensin system and other pathways. Different factors can affect the risk of infection of SARS-CoV-2 and determine the severity of the symptoms. The ACE2 enzyme is a negative regulator of RAS expressed in various organ systems. It is with immunity, inflammation, increased coagulopathy, and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we describe the genetic and molecular functions of the ACE2 receptor and its relation with the physiological and pathological conditions to better understand how this receptor is involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In addition, it reviews the different comorbidities that interact with SARS-CoV-2 in which also ACE2 plays an important role. It also describes the different factors that interact with the virus that have an influence in the expression and functional activities of the receptor. The goal is to provide the reader with an understanding of the complexity and importance of this receptor.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles and Matrix Remodeling Enzymes: The Emerging Roles in Extracellular Matrix Remodeling, Progression of Diseases and Tissue Repair

Cells ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Nawaz ◽  
Neelam Shah ◽  
Bruna Zanetti ◽  
Marco Maugeri ◽  
Renata Silvestre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Tissue Repair ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Tissue Inhibitors Of Metalloproteinases ◽  
Matrix Remodeling ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane enclosed micro- and nano-sized vesicles that are secreted from almost every species, ranging from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, and from almost every cell type studied so far. EVs contain repertoire of bioactive molecules such as proteins (including enzymes and transcriptional factors), lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids including DNA, coding and non-coding RNAs. The secreted EVs are taken up by neighboring cells where they release their content in recipient cells, or can sail through body fluids to reach distant organs. Since EVs transport bioactive cargo between cells, they have emerged as novel mediators of extra- and intercellular activities in local microenvironment and inter-organ communications distantly. Herein, we review the activities of EV-associated matrix-remodeling enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases, heparanases, hyaluronidases, aggrecanases, and their regulators such as extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducers and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases as novel means of matrix remodeling in physiological and pathological conditions. We discuss how such EVs act as novel mediators of extracellular matrix degradation to prepare a permissive environment for various pathological conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis and metabolic diseases. Additionally, the roles of EV-mediated matrix remodeling in tissue repair and their potential applications as organ therapies have been reviewed. Collectively, this knowledge could benefit the development of new approaches for tissue engineering.

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