Amino acid profiles: exploring their diagnostic and pathophysiological significance in hypertension.

Hypertension, a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity, is closely linked to amino acid metabolism. Amino acids, particularly branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs), may play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis and potential management of hypertension. This review investigated the relationships between amino acid profiles, specifically BCAAs and AAAs, and hypertension, and examined their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. An in-depth analysis was conducted on studies highlighting the associations of specific amino acids such as arginine, glycine, proline, glutamine, and the BCAAs and AAAs with hypertension. BCAAs and AAAs, alongside other amino acids like arginine, glycine, and proline, showed significant correlations with hypertension. These amino acids influence multiple pathways including nitric oxide synthesis, vascular remodeling, and neurotransmitter production, among others. Distinct amino acid profiles were discerned between hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals. Amino acid profiling, particularly the levels of BCAAs and AAAs, offers promising avenues in the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for hypertension. Future studies are crucial to confirm these findings and to delineate amino acid-based interventions for hypertension treatment.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Anastatica hierochuntica essential oil in DSS-induced colitis.

The aim of this investigation was to explore the protective impacts and mechanisms of Anastatica hierochuntica essential oil (EOAH) against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis in mice. EOAH demonstrated a reduction in DSS-induced body weight decline, disease activity index (DAI), colon length reduction, colonic tissue damage, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The essential oil significantly mitigated the production of pro-inflammatory agents including TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-12. Further analysis revealed that EOAH's anti-inflammatory effects involved the regulation of NF-κB and PPARγ pathways, as well as the inhibition of NLRP3 activation in colitis mice. Notably, EOAH treatment elevated the levels of beneficial commensal bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, while reducing Escherichia coli levels in the mice's feces. In addition, EOAH restored the expression of occludin and ZO-1 proteins in colonic tissues affected by ulcerative colitis (UC). These findings indicate that supplementing with EOAH might offer a novel therapeutic approach for UC prevention.

Isorhamnetin Reduces Glucose Level, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin Diabetic Mice Model.

Background: Isorhamnetin is a flavonoid that is found in medical plants. Several studies showed that isorhamnetin has anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects. This study aims to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of isorhamnetin in a high-fat diet and Streptozotocin-(HFD/STZ)-induced mice model of type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: Mice were fed with HFD followed by two consecutive low doses of STZ (40 mg/kg). HFD/STZ diabetic mice were treated orally with isorhamnetin (10 mg/kg) or (200 mg/kg) metformin for 10 days before sacrificing the mice and collecting plasma and soleus muscle for further analysis. Results: Isorhamnetin reduced the elevated levels of serum glucose compared to the vehicle control group (p < 0.001). Isorhamnetin abrogated the increase in serum insulin in the treated diabetic group compared to the vehicle control mice (p < 0.001). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was decreased in diabetic mice treated with isorhamnetin compared to the vehicle controls. Fasting glucose level was significantly lower in diabetic mice treated with isorhamnetin during the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) (p < 0.001). The skeletal muscle protein contents of GLUT4 and p-AMPK-α were upregulated following treatment with isorhamnetin (p > 0.01). LDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol were reduced in diabetic mice treated with isorhamnetin compared to vehicle control (p < 0.001). Isorhamnetin reduced MDA, and IL-6 levels (p < 0.001), increased GSH levels (p < 0.001), and reduced GSSG levels (p < 0.05) in diabetic mice compared to vehicle control. Conclusions: Isorhamnetin ameliorates insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Isorhamnetin could represent a promising therapeutic agent to treat T2D.

Protective effects of α-Pinene against carbon tetrachloride-induced cardiac injury in Wistar rats: modulation of antioxidant and inflammatory responses.

The escalating global burden of cardiovascular diseases is a growing concern. Numerous research studies have established that plant-derived polyphenols, including α-pinene-a monocyclic monoterpene found in various plant essential oils-have significant effects on key cardiovascular mechanisms. These effects are mediated through their influence on antioxidant systems, cellular signaling pathways, and gene transcription processes. This study investigated the protective effects of α-pinene against cardiac damage caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in Wistar rats. Rats were divided into four groups: a control group receiving saline, a disease control group-administered CCl4 (1 mL/kg body weight, intraperitoneally), and two treatment groups receiving α-pinene orally at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight alongside CCl4, to assess its dose-dependent effects. We conducted comprehensive evaluations, including assessments of serum and cardiac toxicity biomarkers, inflammatory mediators, antioxidant defense mechanisms, lipid peroxidation levels, lipid profiles, and histopathological analyses. CCl4 exposure resulted in notable increases in free fatty acids (FFA), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (PL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Treatment with α-pinene at 100 mg/kg effectively counteracted these lipid profile changes. CCl4 also caused lipid oxidation and a reduction in antioxidant activities, which were restored to normal levels with α-pinene treatment at 100 mg/kg body weight. Moreover, an upsurge in inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP)) and cardiac toxicity biomarkers (creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) and troponin) induced by CCl4 intoxication was reversed by α-pinene. Histopathological studies further validated these findings. The study concludes that α-pinene, administered at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight, effectively alleviates cardiac injury induced by CCl4. The data suggest that α-pinene exerts its protective effects through modulation of various signaling pathways involved in CCl4-induced cardiac toxicity.

Mitigation of cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity by Isorhamnetin: Mechanistic insights into oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis modulation.

The flavonoid compound Isorhamnetin (IRMN) is known for its considerable pharmacological properties, which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as significant protective actions on heart health. However, the potential of IRMN to guard against heart damage caused by cisplatin (CP), a common chemotherapeutic agent, and the specific mechanisms involved, remain unexplored areas. This research was designed to investigate how IRMN counters CP-induced heart toxicity. In our study, mice were orally given IRMN at 50 or 150 mg/kg/day for a week, followed by CP injections (5 mg/kg/day) on the third and sixth days. The animals were euthanized under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on the eighth day to collect blood and heart tissues for further examination. Our findings reveal that IRMN administration significantly reduced the heart damage and the elevation of heart injury markers such as cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase induced by CP. IRMN also effectively lowered oxidative stress markers, including reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, while boosting ATP production and antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. The compound's capability to diminish the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, alongside modulating apoptosis-regulating proteins (enhancing Bcl-2 while suppressing Bax and Caspase-3 expression), further underscores its cardioprotective effect. Notably, IRMN modulated the p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting a mechanism through which it exerts its protective effects against CP-induced cardiac injury. These insights underscore the potential of IRMN as an effective adjunct in cancer therapy, offering a strategy to mitigate the cardiotoxic side effects of cisplatin.

Cirsimaritin Alleviates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Acute Colitis in Experimental Animals: A Therapeutic Approach for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease that affects the entire digestive tract. IBD can be classified as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. The key symptoms of IBD include the emergence of abscesses or pustules, pronounced abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, fistulas, and intestinal narrowing, all of which can greatly affect a patient's daily well-being. Several factors, including bacterial infections, immune response irregularities, and changes in the intestinal milieu, can contribute to the onset of IBD. The aim of this study was investigating the role of cirsimaritin in reducing the severity of colitis in animal model. To induce colitis in laboratory Swiss albino mice, a 4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) concoction was provided in their hydration source for a duration of six days. Before the onset of colitis, mice were treated with cirsimaritin (10 mg/kg) once daily to evaluate its potential treatment effects against DSS-induced inflammation. The results showed that 10 mg/kg of cirsimaritin decreased colitis severity (P<0.05). Moreover, cirsimaritin successfully reversed the detrimental effects induced by DSS, including weight reduction, colon truncation, tissue-related damage, increased levels of inflammatory cells in the affected region, and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Our findings suggest that cirsimaritin can effectively alleviate acute colitis triggered by DSS.

Therapeutic potential of a novel pyrazolyl-pyridine derivative in the treatment of experimental colitis.

Aim: Investigating a novel compound, DMPNP, for treating colitis in mice, a key issue in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).Methods: Mice with induced colitis received DMPNP (50, 100, 150 mg/kg) or sulfasalazine (SUL), evaluated via tissue assessment, Disease Activity Index (DAI), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO) levels and cytokine analysis.Results: DMPNP significantly reduced colitis symptoms, inflammation and oxidative stress at higher doses, with marked improvements in DAI, MPO, NO and cytokines, comparable to SUL results.Conclusion: DMPNP shows potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, indicating potential as an IBD therapeutic. Further clinical trials are suggested to validate these outcomes.

This article focuses on a study testing a new compound, DMPNP, for treating colitis, a challenging aspect of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The researchers aimed to determine if DMPNP could alleviate colitis symptoms and serve as an effective treatment option.The study involved mice with induced colitis symptoms, treated with different doses of DMPNP (50, 100, 150 mg/kg). For comparison, another group received sulfasalazine (SUL), a standard IBD medication. The evaluation focused on colon tissue health, disease severity through the Disease Activity Index (DAI) and levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO), which are markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, the effect of DMPNP on immune cell production and inflammatory gene expression was assessed.The results were encouraging. Mice treated with DMPNP showed significant improvements, particularly at higher doses. Symptoms like inflammation, tissue damage and ulceration in the colon reduced noticeably. The DAI scores, indicative of colitis severity, were substantially lower in the DMPNP group, suggesting reduced disease intensity. Also, decreases in MPO and NO levels indicated less oxidative stress and inflammation. The compound also mirrored sulfasalazine's effects in reducing inflammatory cell and gene production.These findings are crucial as they indicate DMPNP's potential as a new treatment for colitis and possibly other IBD forms. Its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and regulating the immune response, akin to existing treatments but possibly with different advantages, highlights its promise. The study paves the way for more in-depth research and eventual human trials to confirm DMPNP's safety and efficacy in IBD treatment.

Exploring Scopoletin's Therapeutic Efficacy in DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis: Insights into Inflammatory Pathways, Immune Modulation, and Microbial Dynamics.

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of scopoletin in ulcerative colitis, with a primary focus on its impact on crucial inflammatory pathways and immune responses. A male mouse model of DSS-induced colitis was employed with six distinct groups: a control group, a group subjected to DSS only, three groups treated with varying scopoletin doses, and the final group treated with dexamethasone. The investigation included an assessment of the effects of scopoletin on colitis symptoms, including alterations in body weight, Disease Activity Index (DAI), and histopathological changes in colonic tissue. Furthermore, this study scrutinized the influence of scopoletin on cytokine production, PPARγ and NF-κB expression, NLRP3 inflammasome, and the composition of intestinal bacteria. Scopoletin treatment yielded noteworthy improvements in DSS-induced colitis in mice, as evidenced by reduced weight loss and colonic shortening (p < 0.05, < 0.01, respectively). It effectively diminished TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-12 cytokine levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the associated cytokine release (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), and modulated the immune response by elevating PPARγ expression while suppressing NF-κB pathway activation (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Additionally, scopoletin induced alterations in the gut microbiota composition, augmenting beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria while reducing E. coli (p < 0.05). It also enhanced tight junction proteins, signifying an improvement in the intestinal barrier integrity (p < 0.05, < 0.01). Scopoletin is a promising therapeutic agent for managing ulcerative colitis, showing benefits that extend beyond mere anti-inflammatory actions to encompass regulatory effects on gut microbiota and restoration of intestinal integrity.

Scopoletin mitigates maternal separation-induced anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in male mice through modulation of the Sirt1/NF-κB pathway.

RATIONALE: Early-life maternal separation can lead to anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in mice reared under maternal separation conditions. Scopoletin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties, may offer therapeutic benefits, but its effectiveness against behaviors induced by maternal separation during adulthood remains unexplored. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates scopoletin's efficacy in alleviating anxiety-like and depression-like phenotypes in male mice subjected to early-life maternal separation. METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice experienced daily maternal separation for 4 h from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 21. From postnatal day 61(PND 61), scopoletin was administered intraperitoneally at 20 mg/kg/day for four weeks. Behavioral and biochemical assessments were conducted at postnatal day 95 (PND 95). RESULTS: Maternally separated mice displayed marked anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors, evident in behavioral tests like the open field and elevated plus maze. These mice also showed increased immobility in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Biochemically, there were elevated levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in the hippocampus, with a decrease in Sirt1 and upregulation in NF-κB p65 expression. Scopoletin treatment significantly mitigated these behavioral abnormalities, normalizing both anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors. Correspondingly, it reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reinstated the expression of Sirt1 and NF-κB p65. CONCLUSIONS: Scopoletin effectively reverses the adverse behavioral and biochemical effects induced by early-life maternal separation in male mice, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for treating anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors. Modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways and the Sirt1/NF-κB signaling axis is one possible mechanism.

Evaluation of the antinociceptive effect of valerian and hops combination in experimental animal models: Involvement of the opioid system.

Pain is a common undertreated worldwide complaint. The need to explore the antinociceptive potential of alternative herbal products is essential. Although used as a mild sedative, limited evidence focused on the potential antinociceptive effect of valerian and hops combination. The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vivo anti-nociceptive effect of the valerian-hops combination to justify its use as an effective and safe analgesic agent. Anti-nociceptive effects of valerian-hops combination (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were assessed in swiss albino mice for performing the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the paw licking test using formalin, the paw licking test using glutamate, and the tail immersion test. The effects were compared to those of diclofenac or morphine in the presence or absence of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Valerian-hops" extract of 100 and 200 mg/kg demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of writhing episodes induced by acetic acid compared to the control (p < 0.05), a significant reduction in the licking number at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg in the late phase formalin-induced paw licking, significantly reduced the number of lickings after glutamate injection compared to control (p < 0.05). And significantly increased pain reaction after 60 and 90 min of tail immersion test, this effect was opposed by naloxone treatment. The valerian-hops combination produced a significant antinociceptive effect that involved the opioid system. Further studies are required to fully uncover the underlying active constituents and their mechanisms.