Targets and Effects of Common Biocompounds of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Delphinidin-3-Sambubiosid, Quercetin, and Hibiscus Acid) in Different Pathways of Human Cells According to a Bioinformatic Assay.

The utilization of food as a therapeutic measure for various ailments has been a prevalent practice throughout history and across different cultures. This is exemplified in societies where substances like Hibiscus sabdariffa have been employed to manage health conditions like hypertension and elevated blood glucose levels. The inherent bioactive compounds found in this plant, namely, delphinidin-3-sambubioside (DS3), quercetin (QRC), and hibiscus acid (HA), have been linked to various health benefits. Despite receiving individual attention, the specific molecular targets for these compounds remain unclear. In this study, computational analysis was conducted using bioinformatics tools such as Swiss Target Prediction, ShinnyGo 0.77, KEGG, and Stringdb to identify the molecular targets, pathways, and hub genes. Supplementary results were obtained through a thorough literature search in PubMed. DS3 analysis revealed potential genetic alterations related to the metabolism of nitrogen and glucose, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation, particularly impacting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. QRC analysis demonstrated interconnected targets spanning multiple pathways, with some overlap with DS3 analysis and a particular focus on pathways related to cancer. HA analysis revealed distinct targets, especially those associated with pathways related to the nervous system. These findings emphasize the necessity for focused research on the molecular effects of DS3, QRC, and HA, thereby providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic pathways.

Curcumin Stimulates the Overexpression of Virulence Factors in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium: In Vitro and Animal Model Studies.

Salmonella spp. is one of the most common food poisoning pathogens and the main cause of diarrheal diseases in humans in developing countries. The increased Salmonella resistance to antimicrobials has led to the search for new alternatives, including natural compounds such as curcumin, which has already demonstrated a bactericidal effect; however, in Gram-negatives, there is much controversy about this effect, as it is highly variable. In this study, we aimed to verify the antibacterial activity of curcumin against the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium growth rate, virulence, and pathogenicity. The strain was exposed to 110, 220 or 330 µg/mL curcumin, and by complementary methods (spectrophotometric, pour plate and MTT assays), we determined its antibacterial activity. To elucidate whether curcumin regulates the expression of virulence genes, Salmonella invA, fliC and siiE genes were investigated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, to explore the effect of curcumin on the pathogenesis process in vivo, a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model was employed. No antibacterial activity was observed, even at higher concentrations of curcumin. All concentrations of curcumin caused overgrowth (35−69%) and increased the pathogenicity of the bacterial strain through the overexpression of virulence factors. The latter coincided with a significant reduction in both the lifespan and survival time of C. elegans when fed with curcumin-treated bacteria. Our data provide relevant information that may support the selective antibacterial effects of curcumin to reconsider the indiscriminate use of this phytochemical, especially in outbreaks of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria.

GABAergic system's Injuries Induced by Sodium Sulfite in Caenorhabditis elegans Were Prevented by the Anti-Oxidative Properties of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate.

Several pathophysiological processes involve Hypoxia conditions, where the nervous system is affected as well. We postulate that the GABAergic system is especially sensitive. Furthermore, drugs improving the resistance to hypoxia have been investigated, such as the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) which has shown beneficial effects in hypoxic processes in mammals; however, at the cellular level, its exact mechanism of action has yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we used a chemical hypoxia model through sodium sulfite (SS) exposure in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a nematode whose response to hypoxia involves pathways and cellular processes conserved in mammals, and that allows study the direct effect of DHEAS without its conversion to sex hormones. This work aimed to determine the effect of DHEAS on damage to the GABAergic system associated with SS exposure in C. elegans. Worms were subjected to nose touch response (Not Assay) and observed in epifluorescence microscopy. DHEAS decreased the shrinkage response of Not Assay and the level of damage in GABAergic neurons on SS-exposed worms. Also, the enhanced nuclear localization of DAF-16 and consequently the overexpression of chaperone HSP-16.2 by hypoxia were significantly reduced in SS + DHEAS exposed worms. As well, DHEAS increased the survival rate of worms exposed to hydrogen peroxide. These results suggest that hypoxia-caused damage over the GABAergic system was prevented at least partially by DHEAS, probably through non-genomic mechanisms that involve its antioxidant properties related to its chemical structure.

The rs822396 Polymorphism of the ADIPOQ Gene Is Associated with Anthropometric, Clinical, and Biochemical Alterations Related to the Metabolic Syndrome in the Mexican Population.

Background: Adiponectin, encoded by the ADIPOQ gene, is produced mainly by adipose tissue, and meaning as a metabolic and immunological regulator. The polymorphism rs822396 in ADIPOQ gene was previously associated with diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome components in Caucasian and Asiatic populations. The aim was to evaluate the association of the rs822396 polymorphism of the ADIPOQ gene with anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical alterations related to the metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population. Materials and Methods: Measurements, as well as peripheral blood for DNA extraction, were obtained from 434 participants from Mexico. The rs822396 polymorphism genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical analysis was made with IBM-SPSSv20. Results: The rs822396G allele frequency was 22.1% in the Mexican population analyzed. In this study were detected differences according to G allele or GG genotype with the highest means, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage, visceral fat, systolic arterial tension, glucose levels, triglyceride levels, total cholesterol (TC) levels, very low-density lipoprotein, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase and with triglycerides/glucose index. Significant differences were found with increased risk in the dominant model (AG/GG) of anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical alterations with regard to metabolic syndrome as the BMI [odds ratio (OR) = 2.19], WC (OR = 2.00), waist/hip index (OR = 1.65), body fat percentage (OR = 2.76), visceral fat (OR = 1.84), glucose levels (OR = 1.95), triglyceride levels (OR = 2.75), TC levels (OR = 1.63), high-density lipoprotein (OR = 1.86), and insulin resistance surrogated by the Triglyceride/glucose index (OR = 2.64). Conclusion: The rs822396 polymorphism of the ADIPOQ gene seems to be a risk factor for obesity and metabolic alterations with regard to the metabolic syndrome in the Mexican population.