Anti-cancer properties of boswellic acids: mechanism of action as anti-cancerous agent.

With the advent of highly effective plant-based medications with few or no side effects, the use of phytomedicines against complex diseases such as cancer is becoming more widespread. The broadly recognized pentacyclic triterpenes known as boswellic acids (BAs) are derived from the oleogum resin, or frankincense, extracted from the plant species of the genus Boswellia. The frankincense mixture contains various BA types, each having a different potential and helping treat certain cancers. This review focuses on details regarding the traits of the BAs, their roles as anti-cancer agents, the mechanism underlying their activities, and the function of their semi-synthetic derivatives in managing and treating certain cancers. The review also explores the biological sources of BAs, how they are conserved, and how biotechnology might help preserve and improve in vitro BA production. The review concludes that the BAs and their semi-synthetic derivatives are effective against a broad spectrum of cancer cell lines. The detailed information in the review can be helpful for researchers to gain more information about BAs and BA-based medications for efficient and cost-effective cancer treatments.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Increases Growth Factors Favouring the Healing Process of Diabetic Wounds.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the clinical application of oxygen at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure. HBOT has been effectively used to manage diverse clinical pathologies, such as non-healing diabetic ulcers. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effects of HBOT on the plasma oxidative and inflammation biomarkers and growth factors in patients with chronic diabetic wounds. The participants received 20 HBOT sessions (five sessions/week), and blood samples were obtained at sessions 1, 5 and 20, before and 2 h after the HBOT. An additional (control) blood sample was collected 28 days after wound recovery. No significant differences were evident in haematological parameters, whereas the biochemical parameters progressively decreased, which was significant for creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The pro-inflammatory mediators, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), progressively decreased throughout the treatments. Biomarkers of oxidative stress--plasma protein levels of catalase, extracellular superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and protein carbonyls--were reduced in accordance with wound healing. Plasma levels of growth factors--platelet-derived growth factor (PDFG), transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)-- were increased as a consequence of HBOT and reduced 28 days after complete wound healing, whereas matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) progressively decreased with the HBOT. In conclusion, HBOT reduced oxidative and pro-inflammatory mediators, and may participate in activating healing, angiogenesis and vascular tone regulation by increasing the release of growth factors.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of rhizome aqueous extract of sea holly (Eryngium maritimum L.) on Jurkat cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Eryngium is known for producing a wide range of bioactive compounds with proved medicinal properties. In the last years, research has focused on E. maritimum, with previous studies reporting anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Ethnobotanical literature suggests that it has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of illnesses, having antitussive, diuretic and aphrodisiac properties. Being rhizome one of the most bioactive organs, much of the available references from traditional uses suggest that it has been specifically used to treat renal diseases. In this sense, inflammation and oxidative processes play a major role in kidney dysfunctions, which could be associated to the mechanism of action of the plant extracts. AIM OF THE STUDY: The main aim of the study was to investigate the effects of E. maritimum rhizome extract on the antioxidant and inflammatory response in human immune cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rhizome extracts were obtained from plants growing in Mallorca (Balearic Islands), and its composition was determined using HPLC-DAD, highlighting simple phenolic compounds such as trans-ferulic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and rosmarinic acid as the major constituents. Total antioxidant capacity was determined using the FRAP assay. Jurkat cells were cultured to analyse cytotoxicity by cell viability assay. In parallel, cells were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin and treated with different extract concentrations. Gene and protein expression, as well as nitrite and cytokine levels were evaluated as indicators of metabolic responses. RESULTS: The plant extract showed a high diversity of pharmacologically bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic uses. The extract presented null cytotoxicity and exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on Jurkat cells by inducing an antioxidant response and reducing cytokine and nitric oxide release and the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that E. maritimum is a promising phytotherapeutic species because of its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, which could explain some of its traditional uses.

Neurohormetic phytochemicals in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.

The world population is progressively ageing, assuming an enormous social and health challenge. As the world ages, neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise. Regarding the progressive nature of these diseases, none of the neurodegenerative diseases are curable at date, and the existing treatments can only help relieve the symptoms or slow the progression. Recently, hormesis has increased attention in the treatment of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The concept of hormesis refers to a biphasic dose-response phenomenon, where low levels of the drug or stress exert protective of beneficial effects and high doses deleterious or toxic effects. Neurohormesis, as the adaptive aspect of hormetic dose responses in neurons, has been shown to slow the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and reduce the damages caused by aging, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Hormesis was also observed to modulate anxiety, stress, pain, and the severity of seizure. Thus, neurohormesis can be considered as a potentially innovative approach in the treatment of neurodegenerative and other neurologic disorders. Herbal medicinal products and supplements are often considered health resources with many applications. The hormesis phenomenon in medicinal plants is valuable and several studies have shown that hormetic mechanisms of bioactive compounds can prevent or ameliorate the neurodegenerative pathogenesis in animal models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Moreover, the hormesis activity of phytochemicals has been evaluated in other neurological disorders such as Autism and Huntington's disease. In this review, the neurohormetic dose-response concept and the possible underlying neuroprotection mechanisms are discussed. Different neurohormetic phytochemicals used for the better management of neurodegenerative diseases, the rationale for using them, and the key findings of their studies are also reviewed.

Recent advances in the therapeutic potential of emodin for human health.

Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) is a bioactive compound, a natural anthraquinone aglycone, present mainly in herbaceous species of the families Fabaceae, Polygonaceae and Rhamnaceae, with a physiological role in protection against abiotic stress in vegetative tissues. Emodin is mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat sore throats, carbuncles, sores, blood stasis, and damp-heat jaundice. Pharmacological research in the last decade has revealed other potential therapeutic applications such as anticancer, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The present study aimed to summarize recent studies on bioavailability, preclinical pharmacological effects with evidence of molecular mechanisms, clinical trials and clinical pitfalls, respectively the therapeutic limitations of emodin. For this purpose, extensive searches were performed using the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google scholar, TRIP database, Springer link, Wiley and SciFinder databases as a search engines. The in vitro and in vivo studies included in this updated review highlighted the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of emodin. Because its bioavailability is low, there are limitations in clinical therapeutic use. In conclusion, for an increase in pharmacotherapeutic efficacy, future studies with carrier molecules to the target, thus opening up new therapeutic perspectives.

Propolis: An update on its chemistry and pharmacological applications.

Propolis, a resinous substance produced by honeybees from various plant sources, has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for several purposes all over the world. The precise composition of propolis varies according to plant source, seasons harvesting, geography, type of bee flora, climate changes, and honeybee species at the site of collection. This apiary product has broad clinical applications such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic as well asimmunomodulatory effects. It is also well known from traditional uses in treating purulent disorders, improving the wound healing, and alleviating many of the related discomforts. Even if its use was already widespread since ancient times, after the First and Second World War, it has grown even more as well as the studies to identify its chemical and pharmacological features, allowing to discriminate the qualities of propolis in terms of the chemical profile and relative biological activity based on the geographic place of origin. Recently, several in vitro and in vivo studies have been carried out and new insights into the pharmaceutical prospects of this bee product in the management of different disorders, have been highlighted. Specifically, the available literature confirms the efficacy of propolis and its bioactive compounds in the reduction of cancer progression, inhibition of bacterial and viral infections as well as mitigation of parasitic-related symptoms, paving the way to the use of propolis as an alternative approach to improve the human health. However, a more conscious use of propolis in terms of standardized extracts as well as new clinical studies are needed to substantiate these health claims.

Regulation of DAPK1 by Natural Products: An Important Target in Treatment of Stroke.

Stroke is a sudden neurological disorder that occurs due to impaired blood flow to an area of the brain. Stroke can be caused by the blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, called ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, respectively. Stroke is more common in men than women. Atrial fibrillation, hypertension, kidney disease, high cholesterol and lipids, genetic predisposition, inactivity, poor nutrition, diabetes mellitus, family history and smoking are factors that increase the risk of stroke. Restoring blood flow by repositioning blocked arteries using thrombolytic agents or endovascular therapy are the most effective treatments for stroke. However, restoring circulation after thrombolysis can cause fatal edema or intracranial hemorrhage, and worsen brain damage in a process known as ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, there is a pressing need to find and develop more effective treatments for stroke. In the past, the first choice of treatment was based on natural compounds. Natural compounds are able to reduce the symptoms and reduce various diseases including stroke that attract the attention of the pharmaceutical industry. Nowadays, as a result of the numerous studies carried out in the field of herbal medicine, many useful and valuable effects of plants have been identified. The death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) family is one of the vital families of serine/threonine kinases involved in the regulation of some biological functions in human cells. DAPK1 is the most studied kinase within the DAPKs family as it is involved in neuronal and recovery processes. Dysregulation of DAPK1 in the brain is involved in the developing neurological diseases such as stroke. Natural products can function in a variety of ways, including reducing cerebral edema, reducing brain endothelial cell death, and inhibiting TNFα and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) through regulating the DAPK1 signal against stroke. Due to the role of DAPK1 in neurological disorders, the aim of this article was to investigate the role of DAPK1 in stroke and its modulation by natural compounds.

Protective effect of protexin concentrate in reducing the toxicity of chlorpyrifos in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of protexin supplementation against chlorpyrifos-induced oxidative stress and immunotoxicity in Cyprinus carpio. After 21 days, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), and total antioxidant levels significantly decreased in hepatocytes of fish exposed to chlorpyrifos, while malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. Treatment with protexin was able to reverse the decrease in SOD and GR and significantly reduce MDA levels. Exposure to chlorpyrifos also induced alterations in blood biochemical parameters and caused immunosuppression. Dietary protexin return some parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and γ-glutamyltransferase activities, and glucose, cholesterol, total protein, creatinine, and complement C4 levels) to values similar to those of the control group. Based on the results, it can be concluded that protexin exerted protective effects against chlorpyrifos exposure in C. carpio reducing oxidative damage, and ameriorating blood biochemical alterations and the immunosuppression.

Pharmacological Properties of Bergapten: Mechanistic and Therapeutic Aspects.

Bergapten (BP) or 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP) is a furocoumarin compound mainly found in bergamot essential oil but also in other citrus essential oils and grapefruit juice. This compound presents antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipemic, and anticancer effects and is successfully used as a photosensitizing agent. The present review focuses on the research evidence related to the therapeutic properties of bergapten collected in recent years. Many preclinical and in vitro studies have been evidenced the therapeutic action of BP; however, few clinical trials have been carried out to evaluate its efficacy. These clinical trials with BP are mainly focused on patients suffering from skin disorders such as psoriasis or vitiligo. In these trials, the administration of BP (oral or topical) combined with UV irradiation induces relevant lesion clearance rates. In addition, beneficial effects of bergamot extract were also observed in patients with altered serum lipid profiles and in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver. On the contrary, there are no clinical trials that investigate the possible effects on cancer. Although the bioavailability of BP is lower than that of its 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) isomer, it has fewer side effects allowing higher concentrations to be administered. In conclusion, although the use of BP has therapeutic applications on skin disorders as a sensitizing agent and as components of bergamot extract as hypolipemic therapy, more trials are necessary to define the doses and treatment guidelines and its usefulness against other pathologies such as cancer or bacterial infections.

The Role of Natural Products in Treatment of Depressive Disorder.

Depressive disorder is one of the most common psychiatric syndromes that, if left untreated, can cause many disturbances in a person's life. Numerous factors are involved in depression, including inflammation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), GABAergic system, hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal (HPA) Axis, monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline, and dopamine). Common treatments for depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, but these drugs have several side effects such as anxiety, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, and sexual dysfunctions. These agents only reduce the symptoms and temporarily reduce the rate of cognitive impairment associated with depression. As a result, extensive research has recently been conducted on the potential use of antidepressant and sedative herbs. According to the available data, herbs used in traditional medicine can be significantly effective in reducing depression, depressive symptoms and improving patients' performance. The present study provides a summary of biomarkers and therapeutic goals of depression and shows that natural products such as saffron or genipin have antidepressant effects. Some of the useful natural products and their mechanisms were evaluated. Data on various herbs and natural isolated compounds reported to prevent and reduce depressive symptoms is also discussed.

Effect of petroleum wastewater treated with gravity separation and magnetite nanoparticles adsorption methods on the blood biochemical response of mrigal fish (Cirrhinus cirrhosus).

Drainage of treated wastewater to surface water is a severe threat to the health of aquatic organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 0.5 and 1% water-soluble fractions of crude oil (WSFO), WSFO treated with magnetic nanoparticles of Fe3O4 (TWSFO-Fe3O4) and with the gravity separation method (TWSFO-GSM) on Cirrhinus cirrhosis for 21 days. The rate of erythrocyte hemolysis in fish exposed to untreated 0.5 and 1% WSFO were significantly high. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly increased in the groups exposed to TWSFO-GSM compared to the control group, while lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was reduced. No significant differences in LDH, ALT, ALP, and GGT activities were observed in the fish treated with TWSFO-Fe3O4. The aspartate aminotransferase activity was significantly increased after exposure to TWSFO-Fe3O4 (1%) and TWSFO-GSM. The levels of triglyceride were decreased, whereas glucose, cholesterol, and cholinesterase activity increased in fish after both treatments. The total protein and albumin contents significantly decreased in fish under exposure to both doses of TWSFO-Fe3O4 and TWSFO-GSM. The globulin level decreased in fish exposed to TWSFO-Fe3O4 (1%) and TWSFO-GSM. Glutathione peroxidase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities, and total antioxidant levels were significantly reduced in the hepatocytes of fish exposed to TWSFO-Fe3O4, TWSFO-GSM, and WSFO, while superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde content were increased. This study showed that despite removing oil drips from the WSFO, the xenobiotics present in the effluent treated by gravitational or nano-magnetite methods caused changes in biochemical parameters and induced oxidative stress. Therefore, it is recommended to prevent the discharge of treated effluent from the oil and petrochemical industries to aquatic ecosystems.

An Update of Anthraquinone Derivatives Emodin, Diacerein, and Catenarin in Diabetes.

Diabetes is part of metabolic diseases and is characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period as result of an insulin-deficient production or an inappropriate response to insulin by our cells. This chronic disease was the direct cause of 1.6 million deaths in 2016 as reported by the World Health Organization. Emodin is a natural product and active ingredient of various Chinese herbs with the chemical formula 1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone. Diacerein is another naturally occurring anthraquinone (1,8-diacetoxy-3-carboxyanthraquinone) commonly used as commercial drug to treat osteoarthritis. These two anthraquinone derivatives have been shown to exert antidiabetic activities. Emodin seems to enhance the glucose tolerance and insulin sensibility via activation of PPARγ and modulation of metabolic-related genes. Diacerein seems to decrease inflammatory cytokines and increase insulin secretion enhancing insulin sensibility and therefore improving glucose control. Other naturally occurring anthraquinone derivatives, such as catenarin (1,4,6,8-tetrahydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone), have been shown to have antidiabetic activities although few studies have been performed. The synthesis of new emodin derivatives is increasing, but these new molecules have not been tested for diabetes treatment. In the current work, available literature on anthraquinone derivatives' effects in diabetes disease is reviewed. Moreover, we discuss the chemistry, food sources, bioavailability, and toxicity of the naturally occurring anthraquinone with antidiabetic effects.

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

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.

Systematic review: Effectiveness of herbal oral care products on ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) resulting from bacterial infection is a prevalent medical problem in intensive care units (ICUs). The purpose of this study was to systematically review available studies on oral products employed to control and reduce VAP in patients undergoing tracheal intubation. This study was based on a systematic review of clinical trial data from science databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of science. Articles were reviewed and selected according to defined criteria and assessed by the primary evaluation checklist. After a critical review of 3,143 search hits, only 18 relevant articles were finally selected for discussion. Our assessment revealed that chlorhexidine and some other oral herbal medications are beneficial in preventing VAP. Chlorhexidine oral dosage forms provide a remarkable role in oral health and prevention of VAP by decreasing the microbial flora in the mouth. Because of similar benefits and comparable effects, some herbal medicines can be suggested as a practical alternative to chlorhexidine.

Role of natural products for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Negative psychological and physiological consequences of neurodegenerative disorders represent a high social and health cost. Among the neurodegenerative disorders Alzheimer's disease (AD) is recognized as a leading neurodegenerative condition and a primary cause of dementia in the elderlys. AD is considered as neurodegenerative disorder that progressively impairs cognitive function and memory. According to current epidemiological data, about 50 milLion people worldwide are suffering from AD. The primary symptoms of AD are almost inappreciable and usually comprise forgetfulness of recent events. Numerous processes are involved in the development of AD, for example oxidative stress (OS) mainly due to mitochondrial dysfunction, intracellular the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau (τ) proteins in the form of neurofibrillary tangles, excessive the accumulation of extracellular plaques of beta-amyloid (Aß), genetic and environmental factors. Running treatments only attenuate symptoms and temporarily reduce the rate of cognitive progression associated with AD. This means that most treatments focus only on controlLing symptoms, particularly in the initial stages of the disease. In the past, the first choice of treatment was based on natural ingredients. In this sense, diverse natural products (NPs) are capable to decrease the symptoms and alleviate the development of several diseases including AD attracting the attention of the scientific community and the pharmaceutical industry. Specifically, numerous NPs including flavonoids, gingerols, tannins, anthocyanins, triterpenes and alkaloids have been shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-amyloidogenic, and anti-choLinesterase properties. This review provide a summary of the pathogenesis and the therapeutic goals of AD. It also discusses the available data on various plants and isolated natural compounds used to prevent and diminish the symptoms of AD.

Epigenetic targeting of cancer stem cells by polyphenols (cancer stem cells targeting).

Epigenetic alterations are one of the main factors that disrupt the expression of genes and consequently, they have an important role in the carcinogenicity and the progression of different cancers. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are accountable for the recurrence, metastasis, and therapeutic failure of cancer. The noticeable and specific pathways in CSCs can be organized by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, regulatory RNAs, among others. Since epigenetics modifications can be changed and reversed, it is a possible tool for cancer control and treatment. Epigenetic therapies against CSCs are emerging as a very new strategy with a good future expectation to treat cancer patients. Phenolic compounds are a vast group of substances with anticarcinogenic functions, antiinflammatory, and antioxidative activities. It seems these characteristics are related to neutralizing CSCs development, their microenvironment, and metabolism through epigenetic mechanisms. In the current work, the types of epigenetic changes known in these cells are introduced. In addition, some studies about the use of polyphenols acting through a variety of epigenetic mechanisms to counteract these cells will be reviewed. The reported results seem to indicate that the use of these phenolic compounds may be useful for CSCs defeat.

Genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and biochemical biomarkers of exposure to green synthesized cadmium nanoparticles in Oreochromis niloticus (L.).

The considerable increment in the use of Nanoparticles in the industry has been recognized as an environmental concern today. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the toxicity effects of green synthesized cadmium nanoparticles [Cd]NPs using Moringa oleifera leaves extract on multi-biomarkers in Oreochromis niloticus after four weeks of exposure. The results showed that LC50 values of [Cd]NPs for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h were 2.17, 1.75, 1.49 and 1.22 mg l-1, respectively. There was a significant decrease in the number of white and red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration value in fish exposed to [Cd]NPs. The mean corpuscular volume and neutrophils were increased. [Cd]NPs exposure to fish has led to cytotoxic and genotoxic changes in the erythrocytes. Significant changes were observed in the cortisol, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine levels of the fish exposed to [Cd]NPs. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase increased. Glucose, total lipids, urea, and creatinine levels increased in the serum of fish exposed to [Cd]NPs, whereas total protein contents and alkaline phosphatase activity decreased. A significant reduction was observed in glycogen, total antioxidant levels, and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities of fish exposed to [Cd]NPs. In contrast, the [Cd]NPs exposure resulted in a significant increase in DNA fragmentation percentages, lipid peroxidation, and carbonyl protein levels in different tissues. The results of the present study confirmed that [Cd]NPs has the toxicity potential to cause Cyto-genotoxicity, oxidative damages, changes in the hematological and biochemical changes, and endocrine disruptor in the fish.

Grape Polyphenols Ameliorate Muscle Decline Reducing Oxidative Stress and Oxidative Damage in Aged Rats.

A large number of studies have demonstrated the implication of oxidative stress (OxS) in the pathogenesis of ageing-related muscle decline and atrophy. The key mechanism is related to the OxS-induced production of free radicals, with the consequent increase in oxidative damage, resulting in affected muscle quality and strength. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a grape polyphenol-based nutraceutical formulation (Taurisolo®) in reducing the OxS in muscle of aged rats. A group of 16 aged (20 months) rats were orally administered with Taurisolo® (n = 8; 100 mg/kg Taurisolo®) or placebo (n = 8; 50 mg/kg maltodextrin); an additional group of eight young (three months) rats were also treated with placebo. All the treatments were orally administered for 30 days. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrotyrosine (N-Tyr) and the expression of OxS- and inflammation-related genes were evaluated on the gastrocnemius muscle. In muscle samples of the treated-group, increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, reduced MDA and N-Tyr levels and increased expression of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes were observed in respect to the placebo. Data herein presented suggest that the chronic treatment with Taurisolo® significantly reduces oxidative damage and improves muscle performance in aged rats.

Therapeutic potential of polyphenols in cardiovascular diseases: Regulation of mTOR signaling pathway.

Cardiovascular diseases comprise of non-communicable disorders that involve the heart and/or blood vessels and have become the leading cause of death worldwide with increased prevalence by age. mTOR is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase which plays a central role in many physiological processes including cardiovascular diseases, and also integrates various proliferative signals, nutrient and energy abundance and stressful situations. mTOR also acts as central regulator during chronic stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and deregulated autophagy which are associated with senescence. Under oxidative stress, mTOR has been reported to exert protective effects regulating apoptosis and autophagy processes and favoring tissue repair. On the other hand, inhibition of mTOR has been suggested to have beneficial effects against atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, and also in extending the lifespan. In this aspect, the use of drugs or natural compounds, which can target mTOR is an interesting approach in order to reduce the number of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease. In the present review, we intend to shed light on the possible effects and molecular mechanism of natural agents like polyphenols via regulating mTOR.