Clinical Effects of the Extract of the Seeds of the Indian Celery-Apium Graveolens-In Horses Affected by Chronic Osteoarthritis.

The extract of the seeds from Indian celery, Apium greaveolens (CSE), tested in experimental animals (rodents), and in humans affected by chronic osteoarthritic diseases, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that can be compared, to some degree, to those of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). In view of a potential use of CSE in the equine species, it was tested on horses affected by chronic articular pathologies. The trial was performed on 20 horses divided into three different groups, orally treated with 0 (controls), 7.0 or 30 g of CSE BID. Basic orthopedic examinations were conducted, vital signs were observed, and blood samples collected. Improvement was observed at the highest dosage tested (30 g of CSE BID), as reflected in the score values of three clinical parameters, (i) amplitude and (ii) sensitivity to passive flexion and (iii) flexion test. Since the improvement of these parameters can be correlated with a lower perception of the pain, the present data suggest that the CSE treatment can have an analgesic effect in horses affected by chronic osteoarthritic diseases.

Biological effects on granulosa cells of hydroxylated and methylated resveratrol analogues.

Several resveratrol analogues have been designed to improve bioactivity: among these polymethoxystilbenes appear to be particularly promising. The present study was set up to investigate the biological functions of polymethoxystilbenes 2 and 3, recently found in our lab as antiangiogenic agents, on a well-defined swine granulosa cell model. Proliferative activity and effects on steroidogenesis were evaluated, as well as the effect on granulosa cell vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, since these cells in basic conditions synthesize the main proangiogenic peptide. Moreover, we considered the effect of these two resveratrol analogues on granulosa cell redox status. Analogue 3 inhibited granulosa cell growth, while it stimulated steroidogenesis. A similar effect was displayed by 2 on estradiol 17beta production and cell proliferation at the highest concentration tested. On the other hand, at the same dosage 2 decreased progesterone levels. Both analogues inhibited VEGF output. Granulosa cell redox status was unaffected by resveratrol analogue 2 while the highest concentration of 3 stimulated free radicals generation and scavenging enzyme activities. The overall results indicate that analogue 3 is the more powerful compound, thus suggesting that a slight modification in the structure markedly increases effectiveness. These data could be useful to develop more active resveratrol analogues for therapeutic use.

The plant alkaloid sanguinarine is a potential inhibitor of follicular angiogenesis.

Sanguinarine (SA), a phytobiotic from Sanguinaria Canadensis, has been demonstrated to inhibit vessel growth. Current restrictions on the use of antibiotic growth promoters have motivated addition of this alkaloid as a naturally appetizing feed additive for farm animals. However, concern may araise since angiogenesis is a fundamental event in ovarian follicle growth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential negative role of SA in follicular angiogenesis. For this purpose, we studied the effect of 300 nM SA on the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by swine granulosa cells from follicles >5 mm and on the activation of Akt, the main effector of the VEGF signalling pathway. In addition, the potential interference of SA in vessel development was tested in an in vitro angiogenesis bioassay. SA inhibited both VEGF production and VEGF-induced Akt activation in swine granulosa cells. Moreover, it was able to block vessel growth induced by VEGF. Taken together, our results suggest that SA could be detrimental to follicular angiogenesis, and therefore supplementation of feed with this alkaloid should be carefully considered.