A highly bioavailable curcumin formulation ameliorates inflammation cytokines and neurotrophic factors in mice with traumatic brain injury.

A novel curcumin formulation increases relative absorption by 46 times (CurcuWIN®) of the total curcuminoids over the unformulated standard curcumin form. However, the exact mechanisms by which curcumin demonstrates its neuroprotective effects are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a novel formulation of curcumin on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a main component of the glial scar and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43), a signaling molecule in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mice (adult, male, C57BL/6j) were randomly divided into three groups as follows: TBI group (TBI-induced mice); TBI + CUR group (TBI mice were injected i.p. curcumin just after TBI); TBI+ CurcuWIN® group (TBI mice were injected i.p. CurcuWIN® just after TBI). Brain injury was induced using a cold injury model. Injured brain tissue was stained with Cresyl violet to evaluate infarct volume and brain swelling, analyzed, and measured using ImageJ by Bethesda (MD, USA). Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein levels related to injury. While standard curcumin significantly reduced brain injury, CurcuWIN® showed an even greater reduction associated with reductions in glial activation, NF-κB, and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-6. Additionally, both standard curcumin and CurcuWIN® led to increased BDNF, GAP-43, ICAM-1, and Nrf2 expression. Notably, CurcuWIN® enhanced their expression more than standard curcumin. This data suggests that highly bioavailable curcumin formulation has a beneficial effect on the traumatic brain in mice.

Molecular genetics and phenotypic assessment of foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) landraces revealed remarkable variability of morpho-physiological, yield, and yield-related traits.

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.) is highly valued for nutritional traits, stress tolerance and sustainability in resource-poor dryland agriculture. However, the low productivity of this crop in semi-arid regions of Southern India, is further threatened by climate stress. Landraces are valuable genetic resources, regionally adapted in form of novel alleles that are responsible for cope up the adverse conditions used by local farmers. In recent years, there is an erosion of genetic diversity. We have hypothesized that plant genetic resources collected from the semi-arid climatic zone would serve as a source of novel alleles for the development of climate resilience foxtail millet lines with enhanced yield. Keeping in view, there is an urgent need for conservation of genetic resources. To explore the genetic diversity, to identify superior genotypes and novel alleles, we collected a heterogeneous mixture of foxtail millet landraces from farmer fields. In an extensive multi-year study, we developed twenty genetically fixed foxtail millet landraces by single seed descent method. These landraces characterized along with four released cultivars with agro-morphological, physiological, yield and yield-related traits assessed genetic diversity and population structure. The landraces showed significant diversity in all the studied traits. We identified landraces S3G5, Red, Black and S1C1 that showed outstanding grain yield with earlier flowering, and maturity as compared to released cultivars. Diversity analysis using 67 simple sequence repeat microsatellite and other markers detected 127 alleles including 11 rare alleles, averaging 1.89 alleles per locus, expected heterozygosity of 0.26 and an average polymorphism information content of 0.23, collectively indicating a moderate genetic diversity in the landrace populations. Euclidean Ward's clustering, based on the molecular markers, principal coordinate analysis and structure analysis concordantly distinguished the genotypes into two to three sub-populations. A significant phenotypic and genotypic diversity observed in the landraces indicates a diverse gene pool that can be utilized for sustainable foxtail millet crop improvement.

Application of Umami Tastants for Sodium Reduction in Food: An Evidence Analysis Center Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Sodium chloride intake far exceeds the guidelines from health and regulatory agencies. Acknowledging the positive relationship between sodium intake and blood pressure, interest in substances that assist in sodium reduction, while contributing a savory taste such as umami, are highly investigated. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review was to identify and characterize studies investigating umami tastants on sodium reduction in food, with the goal of informing future research. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBSCO PsycInfo, PROSPERO, National Institutes of Health RePORTER, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and completed in March 2022 to identify peer-reviewed publications among adults (18 years and older) with interventions focusing on umami tastants to reduce sodium content. RESULTS: The literature search identified 52 studies, among which monosodium glutamate was the most studied umami tastant or food. Furthermore, most of the research on umami was represented through cross-sectional sensory studies to determine acceptability of foods with part of the original sodium chloride replaced with umami tastants. Only 1 study investigated the use of an umami tastant on overall daily sodium intake. CONCLUSIONS: To assist individuals in adhering to sodium reduction intake goals set forth by regulatory agencies and their guiding policies, these findings indicated that additional research on umami tastants, including systematic reviews and prospective trials, is warranted. In these prospective studies, both intermediate outcomes (ie, dietary pattern changes, daily dietary intake of sodium, and blood pressure) and hard outcomes (ie, incidence of hypertension or stroke, as well as cardiovascular composite outcomes) should be considered.

Proteo-Molecular Investigation of Cultivated Rice, Wild Rice, and Barley Provides Clues of Defense Responses against Rhizoctonia solani Infection.

Rhizoctonia solani is a soil-borne fungus causing sheath blight disease in cereal crops including rice. Genetic resistance to sheath blight disease in cereal crops is not well understood in most of the host(s). Aside from this, a comparative study on the different hosts at the biochemical and proteomic level upon R. solani infection was not reported earlier. Here, we performed proteomic based analysis and studied defense pathways among cultivated rice (cv. Pusa Basmati-1), wild rice accession (Oryza grandiglumis), and barley (cv. NDB-1445) after inoculation with R. solani. Increased levels of phenol, peroxidase, and ß-1, 3-glucanase were observed in infected tissue as compared to the control in all of the hosts. Wild rice accession O. grandiglumis showed a higher level of biochemical signals than barley cv. NDB 1445 and cultivated rice cv. Pusa Basmati-1. Using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and mass spectrometry (MS), differently expressed proteins were also studied in control and after inoculation with R. solani. Wild rice accession O. grandiglumis induced a cysteine protease inhibitor and zinc finger proteins, which have defense functions and resistance against fungal pathogens. On the other hand, barley cv. NDB-1445 and cultivated rice cv. Pusa Basmati-1 mainly induce energy metabolism-related proteins/signals after inoculation with R. solani in comparison to wild rice accession O. grandiglumis. The present comprehensive study of R. solani interaction using three hosts, namely, Pusa Basmati-1 (cultivated rice), O. grandiglumis (wild rice), and NDB-1445 (barley) would interpret wider possibilities in the dissection of the protein(s) induced during the infection process. These proteins may further be correlated to the gene(s) and other related molecular tools that will help for the marker-assisted breeding and/or gene editing for this distressing disease among the major cereal crops.

UC-II Undenatured Type II Collagen for Knee Joint Flexibility: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.

Objective: Joint-related stress models have been used in the past to induce a standardized load on physical structures, allowing researchers to observe changes in perceived stress on joints as accurately as possible in healthy individuals. Previous studies support the efficacy of UC-II® undenatured type II collagen ("undenatured collagen") supplementation in maintaining joint health. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of undenatured collagen on knee flexibility in healthy subjects who experience activity-related joint discomfort (ArJD). Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled study was conducted in healthy subjects with ArJD who had no history of osteoarthritis, or joint diseases. Ninety-six (n = 96, 20-55 years old) subjects who reported joint discomfort while performing a standardized single-leg-step-down test were randomized to receive either PLA (n = 48) or 40 mg of undenatured collagen (n = 48) supplementation daily for 24 weeks. Range of motion (ROM) flexion and extension were measured using a digital goniometer. Results: At the end of the study, a statistically significant increase in knee ROM flexion was observed in the undenatured collagen group versus the PLA group (3.23° vs. 0.21°; p = 0.025). In addition, an increase in knee ROM extension by 2.21° was observed over time in the undenatured collagen group (p = 0.0061), while the PLA group showed a nonsignificant increase by 1.27° (p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis by age showed a significant increase in knee ROM flexion in subjects >35 years old in the undenatured collagen supplemented group compared with PLA (6.79° vs. 0.30°; p = 0.0092). Conclusion: Overall, these results suggest that daily supplementation of 40 mg of undenatured collagen improved knee joint ROM flexibility and extensibility in healthy subjects with ArJD.

Niacinamide and undenatured type II collagen modulates the inflammatory response in rats with monoiodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis.

The current work aimed to examine the properties of oral supplementation of niacinamide and undenatured type II collagen (UCII) on the inflammation and joint pain behavior of rats with osteoarthritis (OA). Forty-nine Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups; control (no MIA), MIA as a non-supplemental group with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced knee osteoarthritis, MIA + undenatured type II collagen (UCII) at 4 mg/kg BW, MIA + Niacinamide at 40 mg/kg BW (NA40), MIA + Niacinamide at 200 mg/kg BW (NA200), MIA + UCII + NA40 and MIA + UCII + NA200. Serum IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, COMP, and CRP increased in rats with OA and decreased in UCII and NA groups (p < 0.05). Rats with osteoarthritis had greater serum MDA and knee joint MMP-3, NF-κB, and TGß protein levels and decreased in treated groups with UCII and NA (p < 0.05). The rats with OA also bore elevated joint diameters with joint pain behavior measured as decreased the stride lengths, the paw areas, and the paw widths, and increased the Kellgren-Lawrence and the Mankin scores (p < 0.05) and decreased in UCII treated groups. These results suggest the combinations with the UCII + NA supplementation as being most effective and reduce the inflammation responses for most OA symptoms in rats.

Effects of Exercise Combined with Undenatured Type II Collagen on Endurance Capacity, Antioxidant Status, Muscle Lipogenic Genes and E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Rats.

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise combined with undenatured type II collagen (UCII) administration on endurance capacity, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant status in rats. Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups as follows: (1) Sedentary control, (2) Exercise (E), (3) Exercise + UCII (4 mg/kg BW/day; E + UCII). The findings showed that the exhaustive running time in the UCII group was significantly prolonged compared to that of the non-supplemented group (p < 0.001). When compared to the control group, total serum cholesterol (TC, p < 0.05) and triglyceride (TG, p < 0.05) levels decreased, while creatinine kinase (CK) levels increased in the E group (p < 0.001). Serum creatinine kinase levels were reduced in the E + UCII group compared to the E group (p < 0.01). Serum lactate, myoglobin (p < 0.01), and osteocalcin levels (p < 0.01) increased significantly in exercised rats compared to sedentary control rats, while serum lactate (p < 0.01) and myoglobin (p < 0.0001) levels decreased in the E + UCII group compared to control. Additionally, UCII supplementation caused significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities [SOD (p < 0.01) and GSH-Px (p < 0.05)] and decreases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels (p < 0.001). Muscle lipogenic protein (SREBP-1c, ACLY, LXR, and FAS) levels were lower in the E + UCII group than in other groups. In addition, UCII supplementation decreased muscle MAFbx, MuRF-1, myostatin and increased MyoD levels in exercised rats. Moreover, the E + UCII group had lower muscle inflammatory markers [TNF-α (p < 0.0001) and IL-1ß (p < 0.01)] than the control group. These results suggest exercise combined with UCII (4 mg/kg BW/day) modulates lipid, muscle, and antioxidant status in rats.

Lutein/zeaxanthin isomers regulate neurotrophic factors and synaptic plasticity in trained rats

Background/aim: This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of lutein/zeaxanthin isomers (L/Zi) on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, NF-κB/Nrf2 pathways, and synaptic plasticity proteins in trained rats. Materials and methods: Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: 1) control, 2) L/Zi: rats received L/Zi at the dose of 100 mg/kg by oral gavage, 3) exercise, 4) exercise+L/Zi: rats exercised and received L/Zi (100 mg/kg) by oral gavage. The duration of the study was eight weeks. Results: Exercise combined with L/Zi reduced lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant enzyme activities of muscle and cerebral cortex in rats (p < 0.001). In the Exercise + L/Zi group, muscle and cerebral cortex Nrf2 and HO-1 levels increased, while NF-κB levels decreased (p <0.001). Also, L/Zi improved BDNF, synapsin I, SYP, and GAP-43 levels of the cerebral cortex of trained rats (p < 0.001). The highest levels of BDNF, synapsin SYP, and GAP-43 in the cerebral cortex were determined in the Exercise+L/Zi group. Conclusion: These results suggested that exercise combined with L/Zi supplementation might be effective to reduce neurodegeneration via improving neurotrophic factors and synaptic proteins, and oxidative capacity in the cerebral cortex.

Undenatured Type II Collagen Ameliorates Inflammatory Responses and Articular Cartilage Damage in the Rat Model of Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related joint disease that includes gradual disruption of the articular cartilage and the resulting pain. The present study was designed to test the effects of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II®) on joint inflammation in the monoiodoacetate (MIA) OA model. We also investigated possible mechanisms underlying these effects. Female Wistar rats were divided into three groups: (i) Control; (ii) MIA-induced rats treated with vehicle; (iii) MIA-induced rats treated with UC-II (4 mg/kg BW). OA was induced in rats by intra-articular injection of MIA (1 mg) after seven days of UC-II treatment. UC-II reduced MIA-induced Kellgren-Lawrence scoring (53.3%, P < 0.05). The serum levels of inflammatory cytokines [IL-1ß (7.8%), IL-6 (18.0%), TNF-α (25.9%), COMP (16.4%), CRP (32.4%)] were reduced in UC-II supplemented group (P < 0.0001). In the articular cartilage, UC-II inhibited the production of PGE2 (19.6%) and the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-a, COX-2, MCP-1, NF-κB, MMP-3, RANKL (P < 0.001). The COL-1 and OPG levels were increased, and MDA decreased in UC-II supplemented rats (P < 0.001). UC-II could be useful to alleviate joint inflammation and pain in OA joints by reducing the expression of inflammatory mediators.

High throughput detection and genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 using COVIDSeq next-generation sequencing.

The rapid emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic affecting millions of individuals globally has necessitated sensitive and high-throughput approaches for the diagnosis, surveillance, and determining the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. In the present study, we used the COVIDSeq protocol, which involves multiplex-PCR, barcoding, and sequencing of samples for high-throughput detection and deciphering the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. We used the approach on 752 clinical samples in duplicates, amounting to a total of 1536 samples which could be sequenced on a single S4 sequencing flow cell on NovaSeq 6000. Our analysis suggests a high concordance between technical duplicates and a high concordance of detection of SARS-CoV-2 between the COVIDSeq as well as RT-PCR approaches. An in-depth analysis revealed a total of six samples in which COVIDSeq detected SARS-CoV-2 in high confidence which were negative in RT-PCR. Additionally, the assay could detect SARS-CoV-2 in 21 samples and 16 samples which were classified inconclusive and pan-sarbeco positive respectively suggesting that COVIDSeq could be used as a confirmatory test. The sequencing approach also enabled insights into the evolution and genetic epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 samples. The samples were classified into a total of 3 clades. This study reports two lineages B.1.112 and B.1.99 for the first time in India. This study also revealed 1,143 unique single nucleotide variants and added a total of 73 novel variants identified for the first time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the COVIDSeq approach for detection and genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. Our analysis suggests that COVIDSeq could be a potential high sensitivity assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, with an additional advantage of enabling the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2.

Ginger extract suppresses the activations of NF-κB and Wnt pathways and protects inflammatory arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disabling inflammatory disorder. Ginger is used for food and medicine to treat arthralgia, sprains, and muscle aches. Anti-inflammatory effects of ginger have been observed. The aim of our study was to detect the effects of ginger on experimentally induced inflammatory arthritis. METHODS: Female Wistar albino rats (n = 21) were randomly separated into three groups (control, arthritis, and arthritis + ginger). Arthritis was generated by an appropriate method using type 2 collagen and Freund's adjuvant (collagen-induced arthritis model). The ginger group was treated starting at the first collagen injection with ginger root extract for 32 days by oral gavage (50 mg/kg/daily). Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), sclerostin, dickkopf-related protein-1 (DKK-1), and obestatin serum levels were studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Tissue TNF-α, IL-17, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels were detected using the Western blot method. RESULTS: Mean arthritis score and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17 were significantly decreased in ginger group than in the arthritis group. Increased sclerostin serum level and decreased DKK-1 serum levels were detected in ginger group compared with arthritis group. The decreases of IL-17, TNF-α, COX-2, and NF-κB tissue levels were statistically significant in the ginger group compared with arthritis group. Histopathological evaluation of the ginger group showed a decrease in the inflammation score compared to arthritis group. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that ginger has protective properties in the development of inflammatory arthritis. The antiarthritic acts of ginger are related to NF-κB activity and Wnt pathway. Thus, it may be suggested that ginger is a candidate to research in human RA treatment.

Salacia chinensis exerts its antidiabetic effect by modulating glucose-regulated proteins and transcription factors in high-fat diet fed-streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

This study aimed to investigate the properties of Salacia chinensis (Celastraceae, SC) and its molecular mechanism in the type 2 diabetic rats. Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 7): control, SC (100 mg/kg, per os), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD + SC (100 mg/kg), HFD + streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg, i.p.), and HFD + STZ+SC. SC decreased serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides, free fatty acid, and malondialdehyde levels, but increased serum total antioxidant capacity (0.33 ± 0.02 versus. 0.79 ± 0.03), compared with the untreated group (p < .001). Additionally, SC elevated the expression of glucose-regulated proteins GLUT2, PPAR-É£, p-IRS, and Nrf2, but downregulated NF-κB in the liver and kidney (p < .001). In conclusion, SC could improve insulin resistance by modulation of glucose-regulated proteins and transcription factors in diabetic rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Present data has contributed to the current ethnomedicinal benefits of SC, through which the SC intake regulated the carbohydrate metabolism and increased the antioxidant capacity. The balance of transcription factors can mediate these efficacies partially and various key proteins involved in energy metabolism, along with oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity.

High throughput detection and genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 using COVIDSeq next generation sequencing

The rapid emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic affecting millions of individuals globally has necessitated sensitive and high-throughput approaches for the diagnosis, surveillance and for determining the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. In the present study, we used the COVIDSeq protocol, which involves multiplex-PCR, barcoding and sequencing of samples for high-throughput detection and deciphering the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. We used the approach on 752 clinical samples in duplicates, amounting to a total of 1536 samples which could be sequenced on a single S4 sequencing flow cell on NovaSeq 6000. Our analysis suggests a high concordance between technical duplicates and a high concordance of detection of SARS-CoV-2 between the COVIDSeq as well as RT-PCR approaches. An in-depth analysis revealed a total of six samples in which COVIDSeq detected SARS-CoV-2 in high confidence which were negative in RT-PCR. Additionally, the assay could detect SARS-CoV-2 in 21 samples and 16 samples which were classified inconclusive and pan-sarbeco positive respectively suggesting that COVIDSeq could be used as a confirmatory test. The sequencing approach also enabled insights into the evolution and genetic epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 samples. The samples were classified into a total of 3 clades. This study reports two lineages B.1.112 and B.1.99 for the first time in India. This study also revealed 1,143 unique single nucleotide variants and added a total of 73 novel variants identified for the first time. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the COVIDSeq approach for detection and genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. Our analysis suggests that COVIDSeq could be a potential high sensitivity assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2, with an additional advantage of enabling genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2.

Mango ginger (curcuma amada) inhibits collagen-induced arthritis by modulating inflammatory cytokine levels in rats

Background/aim: Mango ginger (MG: curcuma amada) has antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. The aim was to evaluate the antiarthritic potential efficacy of MG on collagen-induced arthritis. Materials and methods: Twenty-one female Wistar-albino rats were divided into three groups. Arthritis was induced by intradermal injections of type II collagen and Freund's adjuvant. MG extract was orally administered starting from the first collagen injection. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, obestatin, sclerostin, and DKK-1 serum levels were determined, and perisynovial inflammation and cartilage-bone destruction in the paws were histologically evaluated. Moreover, joint tissue TNF-α, IL-17, NF-κB, and COX-2 levels were analyzed. Results: TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6, and DKK-1 serum levels were increased, and obestatin and sclerostin serum levels were decreased in the arthritis group compared to the control group. However, MG supplements decreased TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6, and DKK-1 serum levels and increased obestatin and sclerostin serum levels. Similarly, while collagen injection increased tissue TNF-α, IL-17, NF-κB, and COX-2 levels, MG decreased TNF-α, IL-17, and NF-κB levels. Moreover, MG ameliorated perisynovial inflammation and cartilage-bone destruction in the paws. Conclusion: MG ameliorates arthritis via actions on inflammatory ways and wingless (Wnt) signaling pathway. These results suggest that MG may have a considerable potential efficacy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Effects of walnut oil on metabolic profile and transcription factors in rats fed high-carbohydrate-/-fat diets.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of walnut oil (WO) on metabolic profile and transcription factors in rats fed high carbohydrate (HCD) and high-fat diet (HFD). Forty-two male rats were divided in to six groups: (a) Control, (b) WO (20 mg/kg BW), (c) HCD (20% of sucrose), (d) HCD + WO (e) HFD (42% of calories as fat), and (f) HFD + WO. HFD and HCD intake increased final body weights by 19% and 23% and visceral fat weights by 3- and 5-fold, respectively (p < .05 for all). In addition, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and free fatty acids (FFA) insulin, leptin, and MDA levels increased in rats fed with HFD and HCD. WO supplementation improved these metabolic parameters (p < .05 for all). HFD + WO and HCD + WO treated groups had a significant reduction in serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 12% or 15% (p < .05 for both). In addition, WO supplementation lowered the levels of hepatic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and NADPH oxidase subunit p22phox , whereas increased the endothelial-NO synthase (e-NOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2, and sirtuin-1 levels. In conclusion, WO supplementation could alleviate the adverse impacts of both HCD and HFD in the rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study suggests that WO intake can modulate carbohydrate metabolism and increase antioxidant capacity. These properties might be partially mediated through the regulation of the transcription factors and some proteins involved in energy metabolism, as well as a balance of oxidative stress, and insulin sensitivity.

Lutein and zeaxanthin isomers may attenuate photo-oxidative retinal damage via modulation of G protein-coupled receptors and growth factors in rats.

BACKGROUND: Retina photoreceptor cells are specially adapted for functioning over comprehensive ambient light conditions. Lutein and Zeaxanthin isomers (L/Zi) can protect photoreceptor cells against excessive light degeneration. Efficacy of L/Zi has been assessed on some G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), transcription and neurotrophic factors in the retina of rats exposed to incremental intense light emitting diode (LED) illumination conditions. METHODS: Forty-two male rats (age: 8 weeks) were randomly assigned to six treatment groups, 7 rats each. The rats with a 3x2 factorial design were kept under 3 intense light conditions (12hL/12hD, 16hL/8hD, 24hL/0hD) and received two levels of L/Zi (0 or 100 mg/kg BW) for two months. Increased nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and decreased Rhodopsin (Rho), Rod arrestin (Sag), G Protein Subunit Alpha Transducin1 (Gnat1), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were observed in 24 h light intensity adaptation followed by 16 h IL and 8 h D. RESULTS: L/Zi administration significantly improved antioxidant capacity and retinal Rho, Rod-arrestin (Sag), Gnat1, NCAM, GAP43, BDNF, NGF, IGF1, Nrf2, and HO-1 levels. However, the levels of NF-κB and GFAP levels were decreased by administration of L/Zi. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, L/Zi may be assumed as an adjunct therapy to prevent early photoreceptor cell degeneration and neutralize free radicals derived from oxidative stress.

Effects of allyl isothiocyanate on insulin resistance, oxidative stress status, and transcription factors in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats.

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a dietary phytochemical found in some cruciferous vegetables, is commonly used as an antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant agent. In the present study, we investigated the effects of AITC on insulin resistance and transcription factors in a diabetic rat model. A total of 42 Wistar rats were divided into six groups and orally treated for 12 weeks as follows: (i) control; (ii) AITC (100 mg/kg body weight [BW]); (iii) high fat diet (HFD); (iv) HFD + AITC (100 mg/kg BW); (v) HFD + streptozotocin (STZ, 40 mg/kg BW); and (vi) HFD + STZ + AITC. Administration of AITC reduced blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine levels, but increased (P < 0.001) total antioxidant capacity. In AITC-treated rats, the glucose transporter-2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, p-insulin receptor substrate-1, and nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 in the liver and kidney were increased while nuclear factor-kappa B was downregulated (P < 0.05). In conclusion, AITC possesses antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities in HFD/STZ-induced T2DM in rats. These findings may further justify the importance of AITC in phytomedicine.

Allyl isothiocyanate attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation by modulating Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways in traumatic brain injury in mice.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in young adults and children in the industrialized countries; however, there are presently no FDA approved therapies. TBI results in oxidative stress due to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and overwhelming of the endogenous antioxidant mechanisms. Recently, it has been reported that antioxidants including phytochemicals have a protective role against oxidative damage and inflammation after TBI. To analyze the effects of a naturally occurring antioxidant molecule, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in TBI, a cryogenic injury model was induced in mice. Here, we showed that AITC administered immediately after the injury significantly decreased infarct volume and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1ß (IL1ß) and interleukin-6 (IL6), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and NF-κB were decreased, while Nrf2, growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) and neural cell adhesion molecule levels were increased with AITC when compared with vehicle control. Our results demonstrated that the antioxidant molecule AITC, when applied immediately after TBI, provided beneficial effects on inflammatory processes while improving infarct volume and BBB permeability. Increased levels of plasticity markers, as well as an antioxidant gene regulator, Nrf2, by AITC, suggest that future studies are warranted to assess the protective activities of dietary or medicinal AITC in clinical studies.

(3R, 3'R)-zeaxanthin protects the retina from photo-oxidative damage via modulating the inflammation and visual health molecular markers.

PURPOSE: Zeaxanthin protects the macula from ocular damage due to light or radiation by scavenging harmful reactive oxygen species. In the present study, zeaxanthin product (OmniXan®; OMX), derived from paprika pods (Capsicum annum; Family-Solanaceae), was tested for its efficacy in the rat retina against photooxidation. METHODS: Forty-two male 8-week-old Wistar rats exposed to 12L/12D, 16L/8D and 24L/0D hours of intense light conditions were orally administrated either 0 or 100 mg/kg BW of zeaxanthin concentration. Retinal morphology was analyzed by histopathology, and target gene expressions were detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction methods. RESULTS: OMX treatment significantly increased the serum zeaxanthin concentration (p < 0.001) and ameliorated oxidative damage by increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities in the retina induced by light (p < 0.001). OMX administration significantly upregulated the expression of genes, including Rhodopsin (Rho), Rod arrestin (SAG), Gα Transducin 1 (GNAT-1), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), nuclear factor-(erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) and decreased the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF- κB) and GFAP by OMX treatment rats. The histologic findings confirmed the antioxidant and gene expression data. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that OMX is a potent substance that can be used to protect photoreceptor cell degeneration in the retina exposed to intense light.

Capsaicinoids supplementation decreases percent body fat and fat mass: adjustment using covariates in a post hoc analysis.

BACKGROUND: Capsaicinoids (CAPs) found in chili peppers and pepper extracts, are responsible for enhanced metabolism. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of CAPs on body fat and fat mass while considering interactions with body habitus, diet and metabolic propensity. METHODS: Seventy-five (N = 75) volunteer (male and female, age: 18 and 56 years) healthy subjects were recruited. This is a parallel group, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled exploratory study. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either placebo, 2 mg CAPs or 4 mg CAPs dosing for 12 weeks. After initial screening, subjects were evaluated with respect to fat mass and percent body fat at baseline and immediately following a 12-week treatment period. The current study evaluates two measures of fat loss while considering six baseline variables related to fat loss. Baseline measurements of importance in this paper are those used to evaluate body habitus, diet, and metabolic propensity. Lean mass and fat mass (body habitus); protein intake, fat intake and carbohydrate intake; and total serum cholesterol level (metabolic propensity) were assessed. Body fat and fat mass were respectively re-expressed as percent change in body fat and change in fat mass by application of formula outcome = (12-week value - baseline value) / baseline value) × 100. Thus, percent change in body fat and change in fat mass served as dependent variables in the evaluation of CAPs. Inferential statistical tests were derived from the model to compare low dose CAPs to placebo and high dose CAPs to placebo. RESULTS: Percent change in body fat after 12 weeks of treatment was 5.91 percentage units lower in CAPs 4 mg subjects than placebo subjects after adjustment for covariates (p = 0.0402). Percent change in fat mass after 12 weeks of treatment was 6.68 percentage units lower in Caps 4 mg subjects than placebo subjects after adjustment for covariates (p = 0.0487). CONCLUSION: These results suggest potential benefits of Capsaicinoids (CAPs) on body fat and fat mass in post hoc analysis. Further studies are required to explore pharmacological, physiological, and metabolic benefits of both chronic and acute Capsaicinoids consumption. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN10458693 'retrospectively registered'.