Red light-induced localized release of carbon monoxide for alleviating postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS), which may be triggered by surgical trauma, has been implicated as a significant factor contributing to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). The relationship between mitigating inflammation at peripheral surgical sites and its potential to attenuate the CNS inflammatory response, thereby easing POCD symptoms, remains uncertain. Notably, carbon monoxide (CO), a gasotransmitter, exhibits pronounced anti-inflammatory effects. Herein, we have developed carbon monoxide-releasing micelles (CORMs), a nanoparticle that safely and locally liberates CO upon exposure to 650 nm light irradiation. In a POCD mouse model, treatment with CORMs activated by light (CORMs + hv) markedly reduced the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in both the peripheral blood and the hippocampus, alongside a decrease in ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 in the hippocampal CA1 region. Furthermore, CORMs + hv treatment diminished Evans blue extravasation, augmented the expression of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and occludin, enhanced neurocognitive functions, and fostered fracture healing. Bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation has identified Htr1b and Trhr as potential key regulators in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway implicated in POCD. This work offers new perspectives on the mechanisms driving POCD and avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Atriplex hortensis var. 'rubra' extracts and purified amaranthin-type pigments reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

The use of direct injection ion mobility mass spectrometry (DI-IM-MS) to detect and identify betacyanin pigments in A. hortensis 'rubra' extracts was explored for the first time, with results compared to conventional LC-MS/MS analysis. The anti-inflammatory activities of leaf and seed extracts, alongside purified amaranthin and celosianin pigments, were investigated using a model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophages. Extracts and purified pigments significantly inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2 and NO by up to 90% and 70%, respectively, and reduced the expression of Il6, Il1b, Nos2, and Cox2. Leaf and seed extracts also decreased secretion of Il6 and Il1b cytokines and reduced protein levels of Nos2 and Cox2. Furthermore, extracts and purified pigments demonstrated potent dose-dependent radical scavenging activity in a cellular antioxidant activity assay (CAA) without any cytotoxic effects. Our research highlights the promising biological potential of edible, climate-resilient A. hortensis 'rubra' as a valuable source of bioactive compounds.

Topical frankincense treatment for frostbite based on microcirculation improvements.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Chinese traditional medicine frankincense, which can promote blood circulation, is often used to treat skin lesions, including frostbite. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the properties of frankincense oil extract (FOE) and its active ingredients and their effect on frostbite wound recovery as an approach to understand the mechanism associated with microcirculation-improvement therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The microcirculation-improving effects of FOE and its active ingredients were evaluated using liquid nitrogen-induced frostbite animal models. The rewarming capacity of FOE on the skin was determined through infrared detection, and frostbite wound healing was evaluated following haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and fibre analysis. Moreover, related factors were examined to determine the anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and microcirculatory properties of FOE and its active ingredients on affected tissue in the context of frostbite. RESULTS: FOE and its active ingredients rapidly rewarmed wound tissue after frostbite by increasing the temperature. Moreover, these treatments improved wound healing and restored skin structure through collagen and elastin fibre remodelling. In addition, they exerted anti-apoptotic effects by decreasing the number of apoptotic cells, reducing caspase-3 expression, and eliciting anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing COX-2 and ß-catenin expression. They also improved microcirculatory disorders by decreasing HIF-1α expression and increasing CD31 expression. CONCLUSIONS: FOE and its active components can effectively treat frostbite by enhancing microcirculation, inhibiting the infiltration of inflammatory cells, decreasing cell apoptosis, and exerting antinociceptive effects. These findings highlight FOE as a new treatment option for frostbite, providing patients with an effective therapeutic strategy.

Construction of a one-stop N-doped negatively charged carbon dot nanoplatform with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory dual activities for wound infection based on biocompatibility.

The development of bacterial resistance significantly contributes to the persistence of infections. Although previous studies have highlighted the benefits of metal-doped positive carbon nanodots in managing bacterial wound infections, their mechanism of action is relatively simple and they may pose potential hazards to human cells. Therefore, it is essential to develop a one-stop carbon dot nanoplatform that offers high biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and anti-inflammatory activities for wound infection management. This study explores the antibacterial efficacy, without detectable resistance, and wound-healing potential of nitrogen-doped (N-doped) negatively charged carbon dots (TPP-CDs). These carbon dots are synthesized using tannic acid (TA), polyethylene polyamine, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as precursors, with a focus on their biocompatibility. Numerous systematic studies have shown that TPP-CDs can effectively destroy bacterial biofilms and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), while also inducing oxidative stress, leading to a potent antimicrobial effect. TPP-CDs also demonstrate the ability to scavenge excess free radicals, promote cellular proliferation, and inhibit inflammatory factors, all of which contribute to improved wound healing. TPP-CDs also demonstrate favorable cell imaging capabilities. These findings suggest that N-doped negatively charged TPP-CDs hold significant potential for treating bacterial infections and offer practical insights for their application in the medical field.

Therapeutic potential of Leea asiatica: Chemical isolation and validation of ethnomedicinal claims through in vitro and in silico assessment of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale has been used by different ethnic communities to manage diseased conditions that can be traced to oxidative stress and cellular inflammations but scientific evidences to support the claim are scanty. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the antioxidants present in the aerial parts of Leea asiatica, perform their molecular docking against proteins to inspect whether the traditional uses of the plant can be validated by an in-silico approach. Quercetin (1), gallic acid (2), kaempferol (3), methyl gallate (4), myricetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (5), (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (6) and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (7) were isolated from the 70 % methanolic extract of the aerial parts. Compounds 2, 4, 6, and 7 are reported for the first time from Leea asiatica. Quercetin (1), gallic acid (2), (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (6) and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (7) showed potent antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Molecular docking with NADPH oxidase and TNF-α revealed that epicatechin-3-O-gallate, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate and quercetin bound with the least binding energy amongst the isolated compounds as well as standard (Trolox and Prednisolone). By molecular dynamics analysis, epicatechin-3-O-gallate maintained stable conformation with NADPH oxidase and TNF-α and was found to possess good ADMET profile thereby validating the ethnic use of the plant as a medicine in the management of inflammatory conditions by an in vitro and in silico approach.

Update on Inflammatory Biomarkers for Defining Asthma Phenotype.

Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous disease characterized by various symptoms and persistent airway inflammation, resulting in progressive lung function decline. Classifying asthma phenotypes/endotypes is crucial because the underlying mechanisms and long-term outcomes vary from patient to patient. Recent trials have identified several biomarkers for classifying asthma phenotypes/endotypes, and current treatments have been developed on the basis of these biomarkers. Conventional biomarkers, including immunoglobulin E, blood/sputum eosinophil counts, airway obstruction or reversibility, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide, are widely used to diagnose asthma. However, these markers have some limitations, necessitating the discovery of additional biomarkers. Therefore, this review summarizes recently suggested biomarkers for representing type 2-high (eosinophilic) vs. type 2-low (neutrophilic) asthma, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease, and severe asthma. Additionally, we discuss the potential benefits of these biomarkers in classifying specific phenotypes/endotypes and managing asthmatic patients.

Inflammation in Dry Eye Disease-Pathogenesis, Preclinical Animal Models, and Treatments.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a rapidly growing ocular surface disease with a significant socioeconomic impact that affects the patients' visual function and, thus, their quality of life. It is distinguished by a loss of tear film homeostasis, leading to tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, ocular surface inflammation, and neurosensory abnormalities, with all of these playing etiological roles in the propagation of the vicious DED circle. While current treatments primarily focus on reducing tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, increasingly more attention is being placed on tackling the underlying inflammation that propagates and potentiates these factors. As such, preclinical models are crucial to further elucidate the DED pathophysiology and develop novel therapeutic strategies. This review outlines the role of inflammation in DED, highlighting related signs and diagnostic tools before focusing on relevant preclinical animal models and potential therapeutic strategies to tackle DED-associated inflammation.

Clinical Grade Fibroin Sutures with Bioactive Gold Clusters Enhance Surgical Wound Healing via Inflammation Modulation.

Silk sutures are common in surgeries, and silk-based textiles are widely used in clinical medicine on account of their great mechanical properties and biodegradability. However, due to the lack of biocatalytic activity, silk sutures show unsatisfactory anti-inflammatory properties and healing speed. To address this constraint, we construct clinical grade bioactive gold cluster-sutures through a heterojunction. The antioxidant activity of bioactive gold cluster-sutures is ∼160 times more than that of clinical sutures. Meanwhile, the suture displays superb reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, superoxide dismutase-like (SOD-like, 5 times more than the silk suture), and catalase-like (CAT-like) activities. The clusters assemble on the surface of silk through hydrogen bonding, leading to a durable catalytic and structural stability for 15 months without decay. Subsequently, the suture significantly accelerates wound healing by exerting excellent anti-inflammatory effects, improving neovascularization and collagen deposition. Clinical grade bioactive gold clusters with high bioactivity, stability, and biocompatibility hold promise for clinical translation and pave the way for other implanted biomaterials from wound healing to intelligent textiles.

Inhibition of neuroinflammation and neuronal damage by the selective non-steroidal ERß agonist AC-186.

BACKGROUND: AC-186 (4-[4-4-Difluoro-1-(2-fluorophenyl) cyclohexyl] phenol) is a neuroprotective non-steroidal selective oestrogen receptor modulator. This study investigated whether inhibition of neuroinflammation contributed to neuroprotective activity of this compound. METHODS: BV-2 microglia were treated with AC-186 (0.65-5 µM) prior to stimulation with LPS (100 ng/mL). Levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and proteins were then evaluated. RESULTS: Treatment of LPS-activated BV-2 microglia with AC-186 resulted in significant (p < 0.05) reduction in TNFα, IL-6, NO, PGE2, iNOS and COX-2. Further investigations showed that AC-186 decreased LPS-induced elevated levels of phospho-p65, phospho-IκBα and acetyl-p65 proteins, while blocking DNA binding and luciferase activity of NF-κB. AC-186 induced significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein expression of ERß, while enhancing ERE luciferase activity in BV-2 cells. Effects of the compound on oestrogen signalling in the microglia was confirmed in knockdown experiments which revealed a loss of anti-inflammatory activity following transfection with ERß siRNA. In vitro neuroprotective activity of AC-186 was demonstrated by inhibition of activated microglia-mediated damage to HT-22 neurons. CONCLUSIONS: This study established that AC-186 produces NF-κB-mediated anti-inflammatory activity, which is proposed as a contributory mechanism involved in its neuroprotective actions. It is suggested that the anti-inflammatory activity of this compound is linked to its agonist effect on ERß.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Euphorbia paralias (L.): a bioprospecting study with phytoconstituents analysis.

Objectives: The phytochemicals in the aerial parts of Euphorbia paralias (also known as Sea Spurge) and their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were investigated. Methods: The methanolic extract was characterized using GC-MS and HPLC techniques. The anti-inflammatory feature was estimated through a Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization technique, while the antimicrobial feature was evaluated by the disc diffusion agar technique, minimum bactericidal concentration, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) via micro-broth dilution method. Results: The GC/MS results demonstrated the existence of various phytochemicals, such as n-hexadecenoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid, and methyl stearate, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial features. The similarity of the phytochemical composition with other Euphorbia species emphasizes the genus-wide similarity. The anti-inflammatory activity exhibited a noteworthy inhibitory effect comparable to the reference drug indomethacin. The extract's antimicrobial potential was tested against a range of microorganisms, demonstrating significant action against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. The quantification of total phenolics and flavonoids further supported the therapeutic potential of the extract. Conclusion: The methanolic extract from E. paralias emerges as a successful natural source of important active constituents with potential applications as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents. This research provides a first step to valorize Euphorbia paralias insights as a source of worthwhile phytochemicals that have potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Tao Hong Si Wu Tang in mice with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer (LC) combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common combination of comorbidities. Anti-inflammation and modulation of oxidative/antioxidative imbalance may prevent COPD-induced LC, and are also crucial to the treatment of LC combined with COPD. Modern studies have shown that Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (THSW) has vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, anti-shock, immunoregulatory, lipid-reducing, micronutrient-supplementing, and anti-allergy effects. AIM: To observe the effects of THSW on COPD and LC in mice. METHODS: A total of 100 specific pathogen-free C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: Blank control group (group A), model control group (group B), THSW group (group C), IL-6 group (group D), and THSW + IL-6 group (group E), with 20 mice in each group. A COPD mouse model was established using fumigation plus lipopolysaccharide intra-airway drip, and an LC model was replicated by in situ inoculation using the Lewis cell method. RESULTS: The blank control group exhibited a clear alveolar structure. The model control and IL-6 groups had thickened alveolar walls, with smaller alveolar lumens, interstitial edema, and several inflammatory infiltrating cells. Histopathological changes in the lungs of the THSW and THSW + IL-6 groups were less than those of the model control group. The serum IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and IL-6R, JAK, p-JAK, STAT1/3, p-STAT1/3, FOXO, p-FOXO, and IL-7R expression levels in lung tissues of mice in the rest of the groups were significantly higher than those of the blank control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model control group, the IL-6 group demonstrated significantly higher levels for the abovementioned proteins in the serum and lung tissues (P < 0.01), and the THSW group had significantly higher serum IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and IL-7R expression levels in lung tissues (P < 0.01) but significantly decreased IL-6R, JAK, p-JAK, STAT1/3, p-STAT1/3, FOXO, p-FOXO, and IL-7R levels (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: THSW reduces the serum IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the mouse model with anti-inflammatory effects. Its anti-inflammatory mechanism lies in inhibiting the overactivation of the JAK/STAT1/3 signaling pathway.

In vitro anti-inflammatory, anticancer effects and phytochemical characterisation of organic extracts from Aristolochia olivieri Colleg. ex Boiss.

Natural extract plays a crucial role in our lives, major compound in the n-hexane (AR-H) and the ethyl acetate (AR-E) Aristolochia olivieri extracts was n-hexadecanoic acid, and of the methanol extract (AR-M) was pentacosane. The AR-M extract had a strong ability to induce mRNA expression of an inflammatory cytokine, IL-6, as an M1-like macrophage subset compared to the negative control (DMSO-treated cells). In contrast, AR-E treatment showed strong anti-inflammatory activity against macrophages. The AR-H extract had a moderate inflammatory effect against macrophages. The IC50 results of the anticancer assays ranged from 58.29 to 451.03 µg/mL for the three extracts. The anticancer action of the AR-E extract against U-87MG cells was higher (58.29 µg/mL) than that of AR-H and AR-M (156.38 and 196.14 µg/mL, respectively). The greater cytotoxicity effect observed with the AR-E extract against U-87MG can be linked to its high content of hexadecanoic acid (32.49%) and linolenic acid (12.90%).

Curcumol derivatives exhibit ameliorating effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury: Synthesis, biological evaluation, structure-activity relationship and action mechanism.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is an intricate clinical disease marked by high mortality and a sudden start. Currently, although there are no specific therapeutics for ALI, the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs is a promising treatment strategy. Curcumol, a terpenoid natural product, has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity. Herein, we designed and synthesised 42 curcumol derivatives using curcumol as the core scaffold. These derivatives underwent in vitro screening for anti-inflammatory activity, and their structure-activity relationship was assessed. Among them, derivative 2 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory potential, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory markers at the nanomolar level. In addition, its water solubility was considerably improved, thereby laying the foundation for enhanced druggability. Derivative 2 also ameliorated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and reduced pulmonary inflammation at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Proteomics analysis revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect of this compound primarily involved the mTOR signalling pathway. Furthermore, molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assays indicated that GSK3ß is a critical target of action of derivative 2, as verified via western blotting. These findings suggest that derivative 2 can be a lead therapeutic compound for ALI, with GSK3ß emerging as a promising novel target for the development of specific anti-ALI drugs.

The anti-inflammatory effect of arsenic trioxide effectively mitigates the pathogenic process in local chickens with avian leukosis.

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a classic first-line treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). An increasing number of studies regarding the use of ATO in tumor treatment have shown consistently remarkable results. In this study, subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) was used as a model virus, and different doses of ATO were used to treat ALV-J-positive chickens. Sexually mature green-shelled laying hens from the same ALV-J-positive offspring were grouped and treated with one of 3 different doses of ATO. The anti-inflammatory effects of different doses of ATO in ALV-J-positive chickens and their mechanisms were investigated by analyzing levels of inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant parameters and apoptosis-related genes. The results showed that ATO administration mitigated ALV-induced lymphoid leukosis in the liver. ATO inhibited the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and downregulated the expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α. The SOD and GSH-Px activities were also increased, and the MDA content was decreased in the serum of ALV-J-positive chickens treated with different doses of ATO, so the antioxidant capacity of ALV-J-positive chickens was improved. The mRNA expression levels of p53, p21 and Bcl-2 in the livers of ALV-J-positive chickens treated with different doses of ATO were significantly downregulated, which induced the apoptosis of tumor cells and slowed the inflammatory response. The combined analysis revealed that the therapeutic effect of 2 mg/kg/dose ATO was superior to that of the other 2 treatments (0.5 and 1 mg/kg/dose ATO). In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effect of ATO can effectively alleviate the ALV-J pathogenic process. ALV-J serves as a model virus for antiviral tumor research, while ATO provides references for the treatment of such tumors.

Investigation of the anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and analgesic effects of sophocarpine inhibiting TRP channels in a mouse model of inflammatory itch and pain.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sophocarpine is a bioactive compound extracted from the dried root of Sophorae Flavesentis Aiton, a plant that has been used for thousands of years for various conditions including skin itch and pain. Its antipruritic and analgesic effects are suggested in publications, while the molecular mechanisms underneath interacting with TRP channels are not understood. AIM OF THE STUDY: We investigated the anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and analgesic effects of sophocarpine in a murine inflammatory itch and pain model to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated sophocarpine's anti-pruritic and analgesic effects by monitoring mice's scratching and wiping behaviors, and the anti-inflammatory effect by measuring psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score. The mRNA and protein expression of TRPA1/TRPV1 was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. We further investigated the relationship between sophocarpine and TRPA1/TRPV1 in mice administered allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) or capsaicin and by molecular docking. RESULTS: We found that sophocarpine decreased scratching bouts, wipes, and the PASI score, reduced the TNF-α and IL-1ß in the skin and TRPA1 and TRPV1 in the trigeminal ganglion. Pretreatment of sophocarpine decreased AITC-induced scratching bouts and wipes and capsaicin-induced wipes. We also found potential competitive bindings between sophocarpine and AITC/capsaicin to TRPA1/TRPV1. CONCLUSIONS: Sophocarpine is a potential competitive inhibitor of TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels eliciting strong anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and analgesic effects, suggesting its significant therapeutic potential in treating diseases with inflammatory itch and pain.

Naturally-derived modulators of the Nrf2 pathway and their roles in the intervention of diseases.

Cumulative evidence has verified that persistent oxidative stress is involved in the development of various chronic diseases, including pulmonary, neurodegenerative, kidney, cardiovascular, and liver disease, as well as cancer. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is pivotal role in regulating cellular oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions, making it a focal point for disease prevention and treatment strategies. Natural products are essential resources for discovering leading molecules for new drug research and development. In this review, we comprehensively outlined the progression of the knowledge on the Nrf2 pathway, Nrf2 activators in clinical trials, the naturally-derived Nrf2 modulators (particularly from 2014-present), as well as their effects on the pathogenesis of chronic diseases.

Postoperative Pain Comparison Between Alcohol-Assisted and Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy Using Nepafenac Treatment: A Novel Study.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to compare postoperative pain between alcohol-assisted and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy in patients who received the novel analgesic preoperative nepafenac treatment 2 days preoperatively and 3 days postoperatively. Pain, stinging, tearing, light sensitivity, and stress levels were evaluated. METHODS: The study included a retrospective analysis of 55 patients divided into two groups: bilateral alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (aa-PRK) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (transepithelial-PRK). Nepafenac was administered for pain control for all patients, with patients receiving four drops for 2 days before the surgery and 3 days postoperatively per clinical instructions. Patients completed questionnaires on the day of the surgery and for the first 5 days postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using XLSTAT (version 2023.1.2). t-Test was used to analyze and compare pain and symptom levels and Fisher's exact test for categorical data. p-Values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study examined 55 patients (49% female) with a mean age of 25.11 ± 6.81 years who had undergone bilateral surface refractive surgery to correct myopic errors. The mean baseline standard error (SE) was -3.16 ± 2.20 D. Among these patients, 27 patients underwent aa-PRK and 28 patients underwent transepithelial-PRK. Higher levels of pain were significant in the aa-PRK group (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in the average levels of stinging, tearing, or light sensation. Additionally, stress levels decreased over time in both groups, with levels becoming almost equal after 5 days, and there was no significant difference in the average stress levels between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that patients who underwent the transepithelial-PRK procedure had significantly lower pain levels compared with those who underwent aa-PRK after being treated with nepafenac per protocol. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of stinging, tearing, light sensation, and stress levels.

Mentha aquatica (Water Mint) as a Source of Active Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Ingredients: A Critical Review.

Mentha aquatica L., or water mint, is an important member of the Mentha genus, and has long been used in traditional medicine, mainly to treat respiratory diseases such as the common cold. Nevertheless, although over the years many studies have shown that it's potential grows beyond this use, a review that highlights M. aquatica L.'s true potential is still lacking. Thus, the main purpose of the present article is to provide a thorough and multidisciplinary critical review of M. aquatica L., including its phytochemical characterization, main bioactivities, and current marketed cosmetic products. Many compounds have been identified as part of M. aquatica L. composition, such as terpenes, phenolic acids, phenols, and terpenoids, which have been linked to a vast therapeutic potential, namely anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiobesity, and hepatoprotection bioactivities, with additional anticancer potential for several types of tumors (breast, lung, and skin), and psycho and neuroactive potential in depression, or Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it has been proven to be suitable for cosmetic application since several cleansing, hydrating, protecting, and/or odor masking products containing it are already available, with the main functions attributed to M. aquatica including refreshing/cooling effects, calming/soothing/relaxing effects, and purifying effects, properties closely related to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactivities. Hence, M. aquatica is an extremely versatile plant, with its extracts and essential oils having great therapeutic and cosmetic potential. With many marketed cosmetic products, future studies should focus on this plant's medicinal aspects, so that 1 day it can be part of therapeutic regimens.

Unraveling the Dual Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Mechanisms of Acteoside: Computational Insights and Experimental Validation.

Acteoside (ACT) is one of the primary bioactive ingredients in Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk). Its remarkable efficacy in treating immune-related and inflammatory disorders has garnered significant interest among scientific circles. However, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of ACT and its underlying molecular mechanisms require further investigation. In this study, pharmacophore-based reverse docking and molecular dynamics simulations identified potential anti-inflammatory targets in silico. Studies conducted in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells validated the anti-inflammatory properties of ACT. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays indicated ACT's non-toxic and growth-promoting effects on cells. ACT significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and restored levels of antioxidant enzymes. It also decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines. Western blotting assays indicated that ACT inhibited p38, TNF-α, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB signaling pathways. These findings underscore ACT's ability to mitigate acute inflammation in RAW264.7 cells by modulating key signaling pathways and provide the scientific basis for enhancing the medicinal value of ACT and future drug development.

Europium-Doped 3D Dimensional Porous Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds as a Strategy for Facilitating the Comprehensive Regeneration of Bone Tissue: In Vitro and In Vivo.

In response to the challenges faced by clinicians treating bone defects caused by various factors, various bone repair materials have been investigated, but the efficiency of bone healing still needs to be improved due to the acting of scaffolds only in a single stage of bone tissue regeneration. We investigated the potential of a novel 3D scaffold to support different stages of bone tissue regeneration, including initial inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Eu (0, 0.5, 2, 3.5, 5, and 6.5%) was added to calcium polyphosphate to obtain 3D porous network-doped Eu calcium polyphosphate (EuCPP) scaffolds with ideal mechanical strength and pore size. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments proved that Eu3+ released from 5% EuCPP scaffolds could significantly promote the migration and proliferation of bone marrow stromal cells which effectively promote angiogenesis; 5% EuCPP could significantly upregulate the ratio of OPG/RANKL in MC3T3-E1 and promote the secretion of osteogenic-related growth factors (ALP and OPN) from MC3T3-E1, indicating the potential of the scaffold to inhibit bone resorption and promote bone formation. In conclusion, 5% EuCPP possesses the biological properties of pro-angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, pro-osteogenesis, and inhibiting bone resorption, which may provide a sustained positive effect throughout the process of bone tissue repair.