scholarly journals Lemon Balm Extract and Its Major Chemical Compound, Rosmarinic Acid, Alleviate Damages of Liver in an Animal Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) (P06-093-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyhye Yoo ◽  
Myungsuk Kim ◽  
Ahmad Randy ◽  
Yang-Ju Son ◽  
Chi Rak Hong ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises the broad histopathological states of liver, that ranging from asymptomatic hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver cirrhosis. In some studies, they suppose that almost 25–30% of world population is underlying NAFLD. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is the herb that has some traditional medicinal usages. Also rosmarinic acid (RA; O-caffeoyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl lactic acid), the major chemical compound of lemon balm, already reported that it has the potency on anti-obesity and -inflammatory. Hence, we evaluate the whether lemon balm extract (LBE) and RA could suppress the pathogenesis of NASH using an in vitro and in vivo model. Methods In vitro model: The palmitic acid (PA) exposed HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells can imitate the lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. PA exposed HepG2 cells were exposed with or without LBE or RA. In vivo model: The methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet fed db/db C57BL/6 J mice model was used. This model is known as it can mimic well symptoms of human NAFLD. The LBE or RA were treated by oral gavage. Results With the MCD diet only, the severe liver damage was caused by progression of NASH in animal model. LBE and RA treatments alleviated the oxidative stress in the MCD diet-fed db/db mice and PA-exposed HepG2 cells by increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes (NRF2, SOD) and augmented lipolysis-related gene (PPARα, PGC-1α, CPT-1 L) expression. In addition, LBE and RA treatments inhibited the expression of genes involved in hepatic fibrosis (α-SMA, COL1A1) and fatty acid synthesis (SREBP-1c, CPT-1 L) and activated AMP-activated protein kinase in vitro and in vivo. Also, the histopathological results were ameliorated by treatment of LBE or RA. Conclusions LBE and RA modulate lipid metabolism via AMPK activation and suppress inflammation via changes in NRF2 and NF-κB signalling. Importantly, the extract of lemon balm obtained with 20% EtOH showed effectiveness similar to that of RA at high concentrations. Therefore, LBE may be a good candidate for the treatment and prevention of NASH. Funding Sources This work was supported by the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST) funded by the Korea Government (MSIP) (grant No. CRC-15-01-KIST). Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hend Maarof Tag ◽  
Ahlem Bargougui ◽  
Sara Gamal Alshayyal ◽  
Amany Kamal ◽  
Hekmat M. Tantawy ◽  
...  

Punica granatum (POM) and Silybum marianum (MT) receiving attention as potential potent anti-oxidant and anti-mutant agents. In this context, the present study was designed to highlight their effects either in vitro as well as in vivo model of induced Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Human hepatoma (HepG2 cells) were treated with MT and POM to explore their antitumor activity then in vivo were carried out on thirty-six male albino rats divided into six groups (n=6). Two weeks after induction of HCC, rats were co-treated with either MT or POM ethanolic extract (500 mg/kg, orally) daily for 8 weeks. The results displayed marked reduction in the viability of HepG2 cells with IC50 equal to 48.4 and 8.6 μg/mL of POM and MT treatment respectively. Considering, in vivo experiment HCC group displayed significant elevation liver function indices (p<0.05). It also elicited depletion of liver reduced glutathione (GSH), and increased content of liver malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to control group. HCC was proved after a significantly elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (p<0.05). All of these measurements were diminished significantly after POM and MT treatments, except the GSH level that was increased significantly. Supplementation of pomegranate and milk thistle extracts had a protective effect against chemically induced HCC. 


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myungsuk Kim ◽  
GyHye Yoo ◽  
Ahmad Randy ◽  
Yang-Ju Son ◽  
Chi Rac Hong ◽  
...  

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges in severity from hepatic steatosis to cirrhosis. Lemon balm and its major constituent, rosmarinic acid (RA), effectively improve the liver injury and obesity; however, their therapeutic effects on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of RA and a lemon balm extract (LBE) on NAFLD and liver fibrosis and elucidated their mechanisms. Palmitic acid (PA)-exposed HepG2 cells and db/db mice fed a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet were utilized to exhibit symptoms of human NASH. LBE and RA treatments alleviated the oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzymes and modulated lipid metabolism-related gene expression by the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in vitro and in vivo. LBE and RA treatments inhibited the expression of genes involved in hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Together, LBE and RA could improve liver damage by non-alcoholic lipid accumulation and may be promising medications to treat NASH.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah M. Alnuqaydan ◽  
Bilal Rah

Background:Tamarix Articulata (T. articulata), commonly known as Tamarisk or Athal in Arabic region, belongs to the Tamaricaece species. It is an important halophytic medicinal plant and a good source of polyphenolic phytochemical(s). In traditional medicines, T. articulata extract is commonly used, either singly or in combination with other plant extracts against different ailments since ancient times.Methods:Electronic database survey via Pubmed, Google Scholar, Researchgate, Scopus and Science Direct were used to review the scientific inputs until October 2018, by searching appropriate keywords. Literature related to pharmacological activities of T. articulata, Tamarix species, phytochemical analysis of T. articulata, biological activities of T. articulata extracts. All of these terms were used to search the scientific literature associated with T. articulata; the dosage of extract, route of administration, extract type, and in-vitro and in-vivo model.Results:Numerous reports revealed that T. articulata contains a wide spectrum of phytochemical(s), which enables it to have a wide window of biological properties. Owing to the presence of high content of phytochemical compounds like polyphenolics and flavonoids, T. articulata is a potential source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. In view of these pharmacological properties, T. articulata could be a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions including cancer in the near future.Conclusion:In this review, the spectrum of phytochemical(s) has been summarized for their pharmacological properties and the mechanisms of action, and the possible potential therapeutic applications of this plant against various diseases discussed.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1424
Author(s):  
Seyeon Oh ◽  
Myeongjoo Son ◽  
Joonhong Park ◽  
Donghwan Kang ◽  
Kyunghee Byun

Rosacea is a skin inflammatory condition that is accompanied by not only redness and flushing but also unseen symptoms, such as burning, stinging, and itching. TRPV1 expression in UVB-exposed skin can lead to a painful burning sensation. Upregulated TRPV1 expression helps release neuropeptides, including calcitonin gene-related peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, and vasoactive intestinal peptide, which can activate macrophage and inflammatory molecules. In this study, we found that radiofrequency (RF) irradiation reduced TRPV1 activation and neuropeptide expression in a UVB-exposed in vivo model and UVB- or heat-treated in an in vitro model. RF irradiation attenuated neuropeptide-induced macrophage activation and inflammatory molecule expression. Interestingly, the burning sensation in the skin of UVB-exposed mice and patients with rosacea was significantly decreased by RF irradiation. These results can provide experimental and molecular evidence on the effective use of RF irradiation for the burning sensation in patients with rosacea.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer K. Dowling ◽  
Remsha Afzal ◽  
Linden J. Gearing ◽  
Mariana P. Cervantes-Silva ◽  
Stephanie Annett ◽  
...  

AbstractMitochondria are important regulators of macrophage polarisation. Here, we show that arginase-2 (Arg2) is a microRNA-155 (miR-155) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) regulated protein localized at the mitochondria in inflammatory macrophages, and is critical for IL-10-induced modulation of mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative respiration. Mechanistically, the catalytic activity and presence of Arg2 at the mitochondria is crucial for oxidative phosphorylation. We further show that Arg2 mediates this process by increasing the activity of complex II (succinate dehydrogenase). Moreover, Arg2 is essential for IL-10-mediated downregulation of the inflammatory mediators succinate, hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and IL-1β in vitro. Accordingly, HIF-1α and IL-1β are highly expressed in an LPS-induced in vivo model of acute inflammation using Arg2−/− mice. These findings shed light on a new arm of IL-10-mediated metabolic regulation, working to resolve the inflammatory status of the cell.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 817
Author(s):  
Abbas Rahdar ◽  
Mohammad Reza Hajinezhad ◽  
Saman Sargazi ◽  
Maryam Zaboli ◽  
Mahmood Barani ◽  
...  

Curcumin is known to exhibit antioxidant and tissue-healing properties and has recently attracted the attention of the biomedical community for potential use in advanced therapies. This work reports the formulation and characterization of oil-in-water F127 microemulsions to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin Microemulsions showed a high encapsulation efficiency and prolonged release. To investigate the interactions of curcumin with one unit of the polymeric chain of surfactant F127, ethyl butyrate, and sodium octanoate, as well as the interaction between ethyl butyrate and one unit of the F127 polymer chain, the Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations at the M06-2X level of theory, were performed in water solution. The MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of free and encapsulated curcumin on non-malignant and malignant cell lines. Combination effects were calculated according to Chou-Talalay’s principles. Results of in vitro studies indicated that MCF7 and HepG2 cells were more sensitive to curcumin microemulsions. Moreover, a synergistic relationship was observed between curcumin microemulsions and cisplatin in all affected fractions of MCF7 and HepG2 cells (CI < 0.9). For in vivo investigation, thioacetamide-intoxicated rats received thioacetamide (100 mg/kg Sc) followed by curcumin microemulsions (30 mg/kg Ip). Thioacetamide-intoxicated rats showed elevated serum liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels, and a significant reduction in liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities (p < 0.05). Curcumin microemulsions reduced liver enzymes and serum creatinine and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in thioacetamide-treated rats in comparison to the untreated thioacetamide-intoxicated group. Histopathological investigations confirmed the biochemical findings. Overall, the current results showed the desirable hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and anti-cancer effects of curcumin microemulsions.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (14) ◽  
pp. 4221
Author(s):  
Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup ◽  
Svend Borup Jensen ◽  
Ole Lerberg Nielsen ◽  
Lars Jødal ◽  
Pia Afzelius

The development of new and better radioactive tracers capable of detecting and characterizing osteomyelitis is an ongoing process, mainly because available tracers lack selectivity towards osteomyelitis. An integrated part of developing new tracers is the performance of in vivo tests using appropriate animal models. The available animal models for osteomyelitis are also far from ideal. Therefore, developing improved animal osteomyelitis models is as important as developing new radioactive tracers. We recently published a review on radioactive tracers. In this review, we only present and discuss osteomyelitis models. Three ethical aspects (3R) are essential when exposing experimental animals to infections. Thus, we should perform experiments in vitro rather than in vivo (Replacement), use as few animals as possible (Reduction), and impose as little pain on the animal as possible (Refinement). The gain for humans should by far exceed the disadvantages for the individual experimental animal. To this end, the translational value of animal experiments is crucial. We therefore need a robust and well-characterized animal model to evaluate new osteomyelitis tracers to be sure that unpredicted variation in the animal model does not lead to a misinterpretation of the tracer behavior. In this review, we focus on how the development of radioactive tracers relies heavily on the selection of a reliable animal model, and we base the discussions on our own experience with a porcine model.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayato Mizuta ◽  
Koutaroh Okada ◽  
Mitsugu Araki ◽  
Jun Adachi ◽  
Ai Takemoto ◽  
...  

AbstractALK gene rearrangement was observed in 3%–5% of non-small cell lung cancer patients, and multiple ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been sequentially used. Multiple ALK-TKI resistance mutations have been identified from the patients, and several compound mutations, such as I1171N + F1174I or I1171N + L1198H are resistant to all the approved ALK-TKIs. In this study, we found that gilteritinib has an inhibitory effect on ALK-TKI–resistant single mutants and I1171N compound mutants in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, EML4-ALK I1171N + F1174I compound mutant-expressing tumors were not completely shrunk but regrew within a short period of time after alectinib or lorlatinib treatment. However, the relapsed tumor was markedly shrunk after switching to the gilteritinib in vivo model. In addition, gilteritinib was effective against NTRK-rearranged cancers including entrectinib-resistant NTRK1 G667C-mutant and ROS1 fusion-positive cancer.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document