Comparison of the Polyamine Content of Five Spring Flowers with Wheat Germ as a Rich Anti-aging Polyamine Source for Preparation of Nutraceutical Products.

Polyamines prolong longevity due to their role in cell proliferation and are regarded as an essential group of anti-aging substances that reduce the risk of cardiovascular, neurological, and chronic inflammatory illnesses, as well as cancer. Because of its importance in growth and tissue regeneration, discovering polyamine-rich sources has gotten a lot of interest. Given the role of polyamines in controlling plant growth and physiological changes in the spring after cold winter stress, high polyamine concentrations in quickly growing plant tissues such as flowers, blossoms, and germs are possible. Based on this premise, five different spring flowers were selected and isolated from relevant plants, dried, and then quantified for the first time using an accurate, simple, and repeatable quantification method, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. According to the amount of spermidine found in the samples investigated in this study, dried flower powders of Wisteria sinensis (244.18 µg/g), Lonicera caprifolium (217.28 µg/g), and Jasminum officinale (200.33 µg/g) appear to be a good source of spermidine. With additional research, W. sinensis dried flower powder is a good source of polyamines, whereas L. caprifolium and J. officinale dried flower powders are recommended as a rich source of spermidine for the preparation of natural supplements for people over the age of 30 to improve cell proliferation and anti-aging.

Wheat germ, a byproduct of the wheat milling industry, as a beneficial source of anti-aging polyamines: A quantitative comparison of various forms.

Polyamines have received a lot of attention since the 1990s because of their anti-aging, anti-chronic disease, and proliferative effects. Wheat germ was reported as one of the natural sources of high polyamine, especially spermidine. The current study used three types of wheat germ: group A was industrially separated germ from whole grain, group B was the commercially available germinated wheat germ, and group C was manually separated wheat germ from germinated grain. The polyamine content of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine has been determined using a simplified isocratic LC-MS/MS method. An optimized extraction procedure was performed on all seven samples for obtaining a polyamine-enriched extract. The three dominant carbomylated polyamines were identified by analyzing the extracted samples in order to determine their relative abundance. Wheat germ powders contain the highest amount of polyamines (220-337 µg/g) of which spermidine is one of the most important. Germinated wheat grains, on the other hand, contain the least amount of this polyamine. The commercially available separated wheat germs are suggested as a good nutrition source of these polyamines.

Promising clinical outcomes of nano-curcumin treatment as an adjunct therapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

Different immunomodulation strategies have been used to manage COVID-19 due to the complex immune-inflammatory processes involved in the pathogenesis of this infection. Curcumin with its powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties could serve as a possible COVID-19 therapy. In this study, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of nano-curcumin oral soft gels as a complementary therapy in moderate-severe COVID-19 patients. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) plus sofosbuvir was routinely administered to all 42 COVID-19 patients, who were randomly assigned to receive 140 mg of nano-curcumin or placebo for 14 days. CT scans of the chest were taken, and blood tests were run for all patients at time points of 0, 7, and 14 days. Our results indicated that C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels significantly decreased from baseline in the nano-curcumin-treated group on day 7. Furthermore, blood levels of D-dimer, CRP, serum ferritin, ESR, and inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 decreased more significantly in the nano-curcumin-treated group after 14 days. Additionally, the nano-curcumin group showed significant improvements in chest CT scores, oxygen saturation levels, and hospitalization duration. Based on our data, oral administration of nano-curcumin may be regarded as a promising adjunct treatment for COVID-19 patients due to its ability to speed up chest clearance and recovery.

Sb(V) Kaempferol and Quercetin Derivative Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization and Antileishmanial Activities.

Background: Recent studies on Leishmaniasis treatment have confirmed the antiparasitic effects of flavonols and organic antimony pentavalent [(Sb(V)] complexes. Objectives: This study aimed to identify new Sb(V) complexes by combining the benefits of antimonials and flavonols as well as by optimizing their properties. Methods: Kaempferol and quercetin peracetate were prepared using acetic anhydride in pyridine. By performing regioselective synthesis, 7-O-paramethylbenzyl as an electron-donating group and 7-O-paranitrobenzyl as an electron-withdrawing group were added to quercetin, and, then, the synthesis of Sb(V) kaempferol and quercetin derivative complexes were performed using SbCl5 solution in glacial acetic acid. The structures were confirmed by UV, ESI mass, IR, 1H-, and 13C-NMR spectral data, and the Stoichiometry of the ligand-metal complex by the mole ratio method. Computational molecular modeling was conducted using the Gaussian program. Results: The structures were confirmed based on the results from UV, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass analyses (3-12). Among the produced compounds, 11 and 12 as newly described, and other compounds as pre-defined compounds were identified. According to the results from biological test, kaempferol triacetate with more lipophilicity showed the highest anti-promastigote activity with an IC50 value of 14.93 ± 2.21 µM. As for anti-amastigote activity, despite the differences, all antimony complexes showed anti-amastigote effects in vitro with IC50 values of 0.52 to 14.50 µM. Conclusions: All flavonol Sb(V) complexes showed higher activity compared to meglumine antimonate in anti-amastigote effect. Inside the host macrophages, by breaking down the complex into antimony and quercetin or kaempferol analogs, the observed antiparasitic effects may have been related to both Sb(V)/Sb(III) conversion and flavonoid antileishmanial activities.

Two leading international congresses in Iran in the era of COVID-19: 21st royan international twin congress, 4th international and 16th Iranian genetics congress.

In this report, we look at the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19 and how the Executive Board of these two congresses succeeded in overcoming those challenges and holding two congresses. The approach for a large festival with different virtual setting components provided a suitable solution that led to exemplary achievements and created an appropriate model for future virtual or combined virtual and face-to-face events. These events proved that pandemic problems could not limit the organizers, pushing them to make better use of the facilities and turning this threat into an opportunity.

Malva species: Insights on its chemical composition towards pharmacological applications.

Malvaceae family is typical from the Mediterranean region, contains 240 genera and more than 4,200 species. They are most commonly used as ornamental plants, although they can also be conceived as a food resource and remedy for various diseases, such as digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, throat infections, and skeletal and skin disorders, as also injuries where they are profoundly applied for skin care and as antiseptic and demulcent. They also possess diuretic, lenitive, spasmolytic, and laxative effects, besides to be used as antidiarrheal. Thus, the present review provides in-depth data on Malva spp. potential applications and phytochemical composition for food and pharmaceutical industries. Habitat and cultivation conditions and the clinical reports related to its biological effects are also emphasized. Malva spp. possess a wide variety of chemical constituents (such as polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, terpenes, and tannins) found in different plant organs, especially in leaves and flowers, connected to their biological activity. In general, Malva spp. have rather moderate antimicrobial activity, high antiinflammatory and wound healing activities, strong antioxidant activity, and anticancer properties. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments encourage more in-depth studies, namely clinical trials, towards to improve knowledge on the use of Malva spp. for the treatment of various health conditions in humans.

Biotransformation of two furanocoumarins by the fungi species Aspergillus sp. PTCC 5266 and Aspergillus niger PTCC 5010.

The microbial transformations of peucedanin and oreoselon by the fungi Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus sp. were investigated for the first time. Incubation of peucedanin with A. niger yielded a new hydroxylated metabolite with high yield (56%), which was characterized as 2-(1-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-3-methoxy-7H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one. Oreoselon was converted to a new reduced metabolite methyl 3-(2,3-dihydro-6-hydroxy-2-isopropyl-3-oxobenzofuran-5-yl)propanoate in biotransformation by Aspergillus sp. The structures of the metabolites were determined by spectroscopic methods including IR, EI-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis.

Veronica persica Poir. extract - antibacterial, antifungal and scolicidal activities, and inhibitory potential on acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase.

Veronica persica (Persian speedwell) is a flowering plant local to Eurasia. In this study, several analyses were done to discover the antimicrobial and scolicidal activities and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), tyrosinase (TYR), lipoxygenase (LOX), and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activities of V. persica extract. The results presented that B. subtilis was the most susceptible to the extract (MIC = 40.3 µg/mL), while P. aeruginosa was the most resistant strain (MIC = 250.9 µg/mL) among all bacteria evaluated. The extracts demonstrated significant activity versus E. granulosus (P < 0.5) with dose-dependent inhibitions of the protoscolices. The analyzed plant extract exhibited a high AChE and TYR inhibitory activity 55.3% and 52.7% (at the highest utilized dose - 3 mg/mL), respectively. The extract also showed high anti-inflammatory activities in analyses tested. Our research proposed that extract of this plant could be promising to the human health, markedly in the infectious, neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders.

Synthesis and In vitro Leishmanicidal Activities of Six Quercetin Derivatives.

BACKGROUND: Today, leishmaniasis is a widespread, infectious parasitic disease caused by Leishmania spp. Natural-derived compounds are likely to provide a valuable source of new pharmaceuticals, and among them, quercetin derivatives may have antileishmanial effects. The antileishmanial activity of 3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavonol (quercetin) derivatives is partly attributed to the position and pKa of phenolic or catechol hydroxyl groups. Therefore, to optimize their leishmanicidal effect, the structural features of quercetin and its derivatives were improved by acylation or alkylation of hydroxyl groups and changing their pKa and consequently their activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, during a regioselective method, quercetin derivatives were synthesized. The structures of synthesized compounds were confirmed by mass, IR, 1H-, and 13C-NMR spectral data. The antileishmanial activities of compounds 1-6 were compared with glucantime as the standard drug against promastigotes of Leishmania major using standard cell-based leishmanicidal assay. RESULTS: In this study, during a regioselective method, two 7-O-quercetin derivatives (5 and 6), and three quercetin acetate derivatives (2, 3, and 4) were synthesized. In detail, the IC50 values found against L. major were (1) 2.5 ± 0.92; (2) 2.85 ± 0.99; (3) 15.5 ± 1.95; (4) 13.5 ± 3.5; (5) 2.6 ± 0.57; and (6) 1.3 ± 0.35 µM while IC50 value of glucantime as the standard drug was 88.5 ± 9.47 µM. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed an effective antileishmanial activity of quercetin semisynthetic compounds (1-6) against in vitro promastigotes of L. major. Among them, quercetin analogs with more lipophilic and iron-chelating activity showed more antiparasite activity.

Pertussis toxin promotes relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats.

Animal models simulate different aspects of human diseases and are essential to get a better understanding of the disease, studying treatments and producing new drugs. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a preferred model in multiple sclerosis research. Common EAE model in Lewis rats is induced using MBP peptide as a myelin antigen which results in a monophasic disease course. In the present study, EAE was induced in Lewis rats by homogenized guinea pig spinal cord along with or without pertussis toxin (PT). When PT was used, EAE turned into remitting-relapsing form and worsen the clinical symptoms. Higher inflammation and oxidative stress marker gene expression was observed when PT was administrated.

Polymerized nano-curcumin attenuates neurological symptoms in EAE model of multiple sclerosis through down regulation of inflammatory and oxidative processes and enhancing neuroprotection and myelin repair.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder of central nervous system (CNS). Polyphenol curcumin has been used in traditional medicine as an effective drug for a variety of diseases. Different formulations of curcumin are introduced to increase its stability and effectiveness. Here we have examined the effect of polymerized form of nano-curcumin (PNC) on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as an animal model of MS. EAE was induced in female Lewis rats and PNC or curcumin was daily administrated intraperitonealy from day 12-29 post immunization. When the prophylactic effect of PNC was under investigation, rats received PNC from the first day of immunization. Treatment with PNC resulted in decreased scores of disease in therapeutic and prophylactic administration when compared with control group. Staining by luxol fast blue and H&E and immuno-staining of lumbar spinal cord cross sections, confirmed a significant decrease in the amounts of demyelination, inflammation and BBB breaking down. Gene expression studies in lumbar spinal cord showed a corrected balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes expression, decreased oxidative stress, improved remyelination and increased progenitor cell markers after treatment with PNC. Our results demonstrated an efficient therapeutic effect of PNC as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress agent, with significant effects on the EAE scores and myelin repair mechanisms.

Biotransformation of testosterone and testosterone heptanoate by four filamentous fungi.

The microbial transformations of testosterone and testosterone heptanoate by four fungi: Absidia griseolla var. igachii PTCC 5260, Acremonium chrysogenu PTCC 5271, Fusarium fujikuroi PTCC 5144, and Fusarium solani complex PTCC 5285 were investigated for the first time. Incubation of testosterone heptanoate with F. fujikuroi and F. solani yielded three metabolites, which were isolated and characterized as testosterone, androst-4-ene-3,17-dione, and 6ß-hydroxy testosterone. 6ß-Hydroxy testosterone was the major metabolite obtained from testosterone heptanoate biotransformation by two fungal species. A. griseolla and A. chrysogenu produced 14α-hydroxy testosterone as major metabolite, together with testosterone and 6ß-hydroxy testosterone in lower yields. The biotransformation of testosterone by F. fujikuroi and A. griseolla was also investigated in order to examine the influence of the ester group on the course of transformation. Androst-4-ene-3,17-dione was only identified in the biotransformation of testosterone by F. fujikuroi. The same product was observed in incubation of testosterone by A. griseolla, together with 14α-hydroxy testosterone in very low yield. Furthermore, time course study was also carried out in order to examine the formation of metabolites as a function of time, which was determined by HPLC. The structures of compounds were determined by their comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data.

Evaluation of cytokines in multiple sclerosis patients treated with mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are currently strong candidates for stem cell therapy. Cytokines have a profound effect on the resultant immune responses. This study aims to evaluate variations in the cytokine profile of multiple sclerosis patients treated with autologous MSC. METHODS: Twenty five patients received one dose of intrathecal MSCs (mean number: 29.5 × 106). To measure the gene expression of FOXP3, IFN-γ, TGF-ß, IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, and their serum proteins, samples were collected at five intervals: day 0 prior to injection and months 1, 3, 6, and 12 after MSC therapy. Gene expression was evaluated via real-time PCR and protein values were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant variations in gene expression and serum level of cytokines after a 1-year follow-up of MSC-treated MS patients. The only correlation found was an increase in IL-6 gene expression in patients with progressive disease. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal injection of MSCs does not affect cytokine variation in peripheral blood. Because the condition of most of our patients either improved or stabilized after stem cell therapy (SCT), we speculate that the immunomodulatory or neuroregenerative effects of MSC are exerted locally in the central nervous system.

FOXP3 gene expression in multiple sclerosis patients pre- and post mesenchymal stem cell therapy.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), which mainly affects young adults. Activated T lymphocytes promote the neuro-inflammatory cascade of MS by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines and play a significant role in its pathogenesis. T lymphocytes may trigger the inflammation, which in turn leads to axonal loss and neurodegeneration observed in the course of MS. Currently, there is no cure for MS, however, one of the most promising neuroprotective research tools consists of the use of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). This method promotes immune system regulation and possibly induces neurological repair and re-myelination of the damaged axons. Recent studies have shown that MSC exert an immune regulatory function and induce T regulatory-cell proliferation, therefore, it may serve as a potentially useful treatment for immune-mediated diseases such as MS. In this pilot study a group of MS patients underwent MSC therapy and we assayed the expression of an X-linked transcription factor, FoxP3, as a specific marker of T Regulatory cells in peripheral blood, prior to and after the treatment. Using q RT-PCR for measurement of expression of FoxP3 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we found that in all subjects, except for one, the expression of FoxP3 at 6 months after intrathecal injection of MSC was significantly higher than the levels prior to treatment. Such significant enhanced expression of FoxP3 associated with clinical stability. Findings from this pilot study further support the potential of bone marrow derived MSC for treatment of MS patients.