Protocatechuic Acid and Human Disease Prevention: Biological Activities and Molecular Mechanisms

Background: As a major cause of morbidity and mortality, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally increasing. In spite of recent development in the management of cardiovascular complications, CVDs have remained a medical challenge. Numerous conventional drugs are used to play cardioprotective roles; however, they are associated with several side effects. Considering the rich phytochemistry and fewer side effects of herbal medicines, they have gained particular attention to develop novel herbal drugs with cardioprotective potentials. Amongst natural entities, ginger is an extensively used and well-known functional food and condiment, possessing plentiful bioactivities, like antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in several disorders management. Objective: The current review deliberated phytochemical properties as well as the ginger/ginger constituents' biological activities and health benefits in several diseases, with particular attention to cardiovascular complications. Methods: A comprehensive research was conducted using multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, national database (Irandoc and SID), and related articles in terms of the health benefits and cardioprotective effects of ginger/ginger constituents. These data were collected from inception until August 2019. Results: In recent years, several herbal medicines were used to develop new drugs with more potency and also minor side effects. Amongst natural entities, ginger is an extensively used traditional medicine in several diseases. The crude extract, along with related pungent active constituents, is mostly attributed to heart health. The cardioprotective effects of ginger are contributed to its cardiotonic, antihypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-platelet effects. The signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of ginger regarding its cardioprotective effects are also clarified. Conclusion: This study revealed the biological activities, health benefits, and cardioprotective properties of ginger/ginger constituents along with related mechanisms of action, which gave new insights to show new avenue in the treatment of CVDs.

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A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacology and Toxicology of Bioactive Compounds of Lagerstroemia Speciosa (L.) Pers.

Current Traditional Medicine ◽

10.2174/2215083806999201211213931 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 06 ◽

Author(s):

Surya Kant Tripathi ◽

Sunayna Behera ◽

Munmun Panda ◽

Gokhan Zengin ◽

Bijesh K. Biswal

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Health Benefit ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Pharmacological Properties ◽

Lagerstroemia Speciosa ◽

Novel Drugs ◽

Corosolic Acid ◽

Current Article ◽

Preclinical And Clinical Studies

Background: Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers is one of the most valuable plants due to its ornamental and pharmacological relevance. It is known for its anti-diabetic activity with proved potent blood sugar-lowering activity. The anti-diabetic activity is due to presence of its biologically active component corosolic acid. Moreover, L. speciosa and its novel purified compounds are also well-known for its several biological activities with beneficial health benefit on the human being. Objectives: This review provides a summary of pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and pharmacological properties of L. speciosa and its purified phytochemicals which may help researchers for building up new researches in near future. Methods: The current article is prepared by collecting through various online and offline databases. Preliminary source of study and data collection for outlining the review was research articles and reviews that have been already published by many reputed publishers, including Springer, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis imprints, BMC, Willy, The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Environmental health prospective (EHP), and PLOS One. Result: The available studies results suggested that the L. speciosa and its phytochemicals showed antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-obesity, and cardio-protective activities. Pharmacokinetic stud-ies suggested the low bioavailability of its purified compounds. However, nano-encapsulation can improve the bioavaila-bility related issue and effectively potentiate the medicinal properties of its constituents. Conclusion: Considering the worthy pharmacological properties, L. speciosa is considered as a potent source of several novel drugs. Though, still preclinical and clinical studies are needed to reveal the targets, molecular mechanisms, bioavail-ability, and toxicity of its constituents.

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Local anesthetics impair the growth and self-renewal of glioblastoma stem cells by inhibiting ZDHHC15-mediated GP130 palmitoylation

Stem Cell Research & Therapy ◽

10.1186/s13287-021-02175-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiaoqing Fan ◽

Haoran Yang ◽

Chenggang Zhao ◽

Lizhu Hu ◽

Delong Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Western Blot ◽

Local Anesthetics ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Cell Counting ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Self Renewal

Abstract Background A large number of preclinical studies have shown that local anesthetics have a direct inhibitory effect on tumor biological activities, including cell survival, proliferation, migration, and invasion. There are few studies on the role of local anesthetics in cancer stem cells. This study aimed to determine the possible role of local anesthetics in glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) self-renewal and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods The effects of local anesthetics in GSCs were investigated through in vitro and in vivo assays (i.e., Cell Counting Kit 8, spheroidal formation assay, double immunofluorescence, western blot, and xenograft model). The acyl-biotin exchange method (ABE) assay was identified proteins that are S-acylated by zinc finger Asp-His-His-Cys-type palmitoyltransferase 15 (ZDHHC15). Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, and liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer-mass spectrometry assays were used to explore the mechanisms of ZDHHC15 in effects of local anesthetics in GSCs. Results In this study, we identified a novel mechanism through which local anesthetics can damage the malignant phenotype of glioma. We found that local anesthetics prilocaine, lidocaine, procaine, and ropivacaine can impair the survival and self-renewal of GSCs, especially the classic glioblastoma subtype. These findings suggest that local anesthetics may weaken ZDHHC15 transcripts and decrease GP130 palmitoylation levels and membrane localization, thus inhibiting the activation of IL-6/STAT3 signaling. Conclusions In conclusion, our work emphasizes that ZDHHC15 is a candidate therapeutic target, and local anesthetics are potential therapeutic options for glioblastoma.

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RNAseq Reveals Differential Gene Expression Contributing to Phytophthora nicotianae Adaptation to Partial Resistance in Tobacco

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11040656 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 656

Author(s):

Jing Jin ◽

Rui Shi ◽

Ramsey Steven Lewis ◽

Howard David Shew

Keyword(s):

Partial Resistance ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Effective Means ◽

Phytophthora Nicotianae ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Black Shank ◽

Differential Gene ◽

Go Terms

Phytophthora nicotianae is a devastating oomycete plant pathogen with a wide host range. On tobacco, it causes black shank, a disease that can result in severe economic losses. Deployment of host resistance is one of the most effective means of controlling tobacco black shank, but adaptation to complete and partial resistance by P. nicotianae can limit the long-term effectiveness of the resistance. The molecular basis of adaptation to partial resistance is largely unknown. RNAseq was performed on two isolates of P. nicotianae (adapted to either the susceptible tobacco genotype Hicks or the partially resistant genotype K 326 Wz/Wz) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during their pathogenic interactions with K 326 Wz/Wz and Hicks. Approximately 69% of the up-regulated DEGs were associated with pathogenicity in the K 326 Wz/Wz-adapted isolate when sampled following infection of its adapted host K 326 Wz/Wz. Thirty-one percent of the up-regulated DEGs were associated with pathogenicity in the Hicks-adapted isolate on K 326 Wz/Wz. A broad spectrum of over-represented gene ontology (GO) terms were assigned to down-regulated genes in the Hicks-adapted isolate. In the host, a series of GO terms involved in nuclear biosynthesis processes were assigned to the down-regulated genes in K 326 Wz/Wz inoculated with K 326 Wz/Wz-adapted isolate. This study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of P. nicotianae adaptation to partial resistance in tobacco by elucidating how the pathogen recruits pathogenicity-associated genes that impact host biological activities.

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Herb-target virtual screening and network pharmacology for prediction of molecular mechanism of Danggui Beimu Kushen Wan for prostate cancer

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-86141-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hong Li ◽

Andrew Hung ◽

Angela Wei Hong Yang

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Binding Affinity ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Tight Binding ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Network Pharmacology ◽

High Morbidity ◽

High Binding ◽

High Binding Affinity

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is a cancer that occurs in the prostate with high morbidity and mortality. Danggui Beimu Kushen Wan (DBKW) is a classic formula for patients with difficult urination including PCa. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of DBKW for PCa. We obtained DBKW compounds from our previous reviews. We identified potential targets for PCa from literature search, currently approved drugs and Open Targets database and filtered them by protein–protein interaction network analysis. We selected 26 targets to predict three cancer-related pathways. A total of 621 compounds were screened via molecular docking using PyRx and AutoDock Vina against 21 targets for PCa, producing 13041 docking results. The binding patterns and positions showed that a relatively small number of tight-binding compounds from DBKW were predicted to interact strongly and selectively with three targets. The top five high-binding-affinity compounds were selected to generate a network, indicating that compounds from all three herbs had high binding affinity against the 21 targets and may have potential biological activities with the targets. DBKW contains multi-targeting agents that could act on more than one pathway of PCa simultaneously. Further studies could focus on validating the computational results via experimental studies.

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When the Balance Tips: Dysregulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics as a Culprit in Disease

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22094617 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (9) ◽

pp. 4617

Author(s):

Styliana Kyriakoudi ◽

Anthi Drousiotou ◽

Petros P. Petrou

Keyword(s):

Insulin Resistance ◽

Mitochondrial Function ◽

Human Disease ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽

Mitochondrial Fusion ◽

Mitochondrial Morphology ◽

Disease Development ◽

Pathological Conditions ◽

Wide Range

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles, the morphology of which is tightly linked to their functions. The interplay between the coordinated events of fusion and fission that are collectively described as mitochondrial dynamics regulates mitochondrial morphology and adjusts mitochondrial function. Over the last few years, accruing evidence established a connection between dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics and disease development and progression. Defects in key components of the machinery mediating mitochondrial fusion and fission have been linked to a wide range of pathological conditions, such as insulin resistance and obesity, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Here, we provide an update on the molecular mechanisms promoting mitochondrial fusion and fission in mammals and discuss the emerging association of disturbed mitochondrial dynamics with human disease.

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Mangiferin as New Potential Anti-Cancer Agent and Mangiferin-Integrated Polymer Systems—A Novel Research Direction

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom11010079 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 79

Author(s):

Svetlana N. Morozkina ◽

Thi Hong Nhung Vu ◽

Yuliya E. Generalova ◽

Petr P. Snetkov ◽

Mayya V. Uspenskaya

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Research Direction ◽

Biological Action ◽

The Body ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Polymer Systems ◽

Anti Cancer ◽

Long Time ◽

Cancer Agent

For a long time, the pharmaceutical industry focused on natural biologically active molecules due to their unique properties, availability and significantly less side-effects. Mangiferin is a naturally occurring C-glucosylxantone that has substantial potential for the treatment of various diseases thanks to its numerous biological activities. Many research studies have proven that mangiferin possesses antioxidant, anti-infection, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, cardiovascular, neuroprotective properties and it also increases immunity. It is especially important that it has no toxicity. However, mangiferin is not being currently applied to clinical use because its oral bioavailability as well as its absorption in the body are too low. To improve the solubility, enhance the biological action and bioavailability, mangiferin integrated polymer systems have been developed. In this paper, we review molecular mechanisms of anti-cancer action as well as a number of designed polymer-mangiferin systems. Taking together, mangiferin is a very promising anti-cancer molecule with excellent properties and the absence of toxicity.

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Fucosterol Protects against Concanavalin A-Induced Acute Liver Injury: Focus on P38 MAPK/NF-κB Pathway Activity

Gastroenterology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2018/2824139 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Wenhui Mo ◽

Chengfen Wang ◽

Jingjing Li ◽

Kan Chen ◽

Yujing Xia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liver Injury ◽

P38 Mapk ◽

Concanavalin A ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Therapeutic Agent ◽

Acute Liver Injury ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Hepatic Necrosis ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Eisenia Bicyclis

Objective. Fucosterol is derived from the brown alga Eisenia bicyclis and has various biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of fucosterol pretreatment on Concanavalin A- (ConA-) induced acute liver injury in mice, and to understand its molecular mechanisms. Materials and Methods. Acute liver injury was induced in BALB/c mice by ConA (25 mg/kg), and fucosterol (dissolved in 2% DMSO) was orally administered daily at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. The levels of hepatic necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagy associated with inflammatory cytokines were measured at 2, 8, and 24 h. Results. Fucosterol attenuated serum liver enzyme levels and hepatic necrosis and apoptosis induced by TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Fucosterol also inhibited apoptosis and autophagy by upregulating Bcl-2, which decreased levels of functional Bax and Beclin-1. Furthermore, reduced P38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling were accompanied by PPARγ activation. Conclusion. This study showed that fucosterol could alleviate acute liver injury induced by ConA by inhibiting P38 MAPK/PPARγ/NF-κB signaling. These findings highlight that fucosterol is a promising potential therapeutic agent for acute liver injury.

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Protective Effects of Pelargonidin on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Hepatic Failure

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x1801300114 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 1934578X1801300 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Wonhwa Lee ◽

Yuri Lee ◽

Jaehong Kim ◽

Jong-Sup Bae

Keyword(s):

Liver Failure ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Primary Response ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Toll Like Receptor 4 ◽

Extracellular Signal ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Lps Treatment

Pelargonidin (PEL) is a well-known red pigment found in plants and has important biological activities that are potentially beneficial for human health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PEL on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver failure in mice, and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Liver failure was induced by LPS (15 mg/kg, i.p) in mice, and 12 h later, they were treated intravenously with PEL. Administration of LPS significantly increased mortality, serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and inflammatory cytokines, and expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein; PEL treatment effectively countered these effects of LPS. Further, LPS treatment markedly increased the expression of myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), phosphorylation of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and expressions of nuclear proteins, such as nuclear factor (NF)-κB and phosphorylated c-Jun. Additionally, LPS increased the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. All these effects of LPS were attenuated by PEL. In addition, the LPS-mediated increase in the level of serum interferon (IFN)-β expression of the TLR-associated activator of IFN (TRIF) protein, and phosphorylation of IFN regulator factor 3 (IRF3) were reduced by PEL. Our results suggest that PEL attenuates LPS-induced liver damage by inhibition of the TLR-mediated inflammatory pathway and could be used to treat liver diseases.

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Human Defensins: A Novel Approach in the Fight against Skin Colonizing Staphylococcus aureus

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics9040198 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 198 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Olga Scudiero ◽

Mariarita Brancaccio ◽

Cristina Mennitti ◽

Sonia Laneri ◽

Barbara Lombardo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Innate Immunity ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Interleukin 1 ◽

Interleukin 17 ◽

Skin Infections ◽

Skin Disorders ◽

Novel Approach ◽

Pharmacological Potential

Staphylococcus aureus is a microorganism capable of causing numerous diseases of the human skin. The incidence of S. aureus skin infections reflects the conflict between the host skin′s immune defenses and the S. aureus’ virulence elements. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small protein molecules involved in numerous biological activities, playing a very important role in the innate immunity. They constitute the defense of the host′s skin, which prevents harmful microorganisms from entering the epithelial barrier, including S. aureus. However, S. aureus uses ambiguous mechanisms against host defenses by promoting colonization and skin infections. Our review aims to provide a reference collection on host-pathogen interactions in skin disorders, including S. aureus infections and its resistance to methicillin (MRSA). In addition to these, we discuss the involvement of defensins and other innate immunity mediators (i.e., toll receptors, interleukin-1, and interleukin-17), involved in the defense of the host against the skin disorders caused by S. aureus, and then focus on the evasion mechanisms developed by the pathogenic microorganism under analysis. This review provides the “state of the art” on molecular mechanisms underlying S. aureus skin infection and the pharmacological potential of AMPs as a new therapeutic strategy, in order to define alternative directions in the fight against cutaneous disease.

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