scholarly journals Adverse biological effects of Milan urban PM looking for suitable molecular markers of exposure

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (4-2) ◽  
pp. 635-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paride Mantecca ◽  
Maurizio Gualtieri ◽  
Eleonora Longhin ◽  
Giuseppina Bestetti ◽  
Paola Palestini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Markers ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Biological Hazard ◽  
The Impact

The results presented summarise the ones obtained in the coordinated research project Tosca, which extensively analysed the impact of Milan urban PM on human health. The molecular markers of exposure and effects of seasonally and size-fractionated PMs (summer and winter PM10, PM2.5) were investigated in in vitro (human lung cell lines) and in vivo (mice) systems. The results obtained by the analyses of cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory and genotoxic parameters demonstrate that the biological responses are strongly dependent upon the PM samples seasonal and dimensional variability, that ultimately reflect their chemical composition and source. In fact summer PM10, enriched in crustal elements and endotoxins, was the most cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory fraction, while fine winter PMs induced genotoxic effects and xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (like CYP1B1) production, likely as a consequence of the higher content in combustion derived particles reach in PAHs and heavy toxic metals. These outcomes outline the need of a detailed knowledge of the PMs physico-chemical composition on a local scale, coupled with the biological hazard directly associated to PM exposure. Apparently this is the only way allowing scientists and police-makers to establish the proper relationships between the respirable PM quantity/quality and the health outcomes described by clinicians and epidemiologists.

Ellagitannins, Gallotannins and their Metabolites- The Contribution to the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Food Products and Medicinal Plants

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (37) ◽  
pp. 4946-4967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna K. Kiss ◽  
Jakub P. Piwowarski
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
The Impact

The popularity of food products and medicinal plant materials containing hydrolysable tannins (HT) is nowadays rapidly increasing. Among various health effects attributable to the products of plant origin rich in gallotannins and/or ellagitannins the most often underlined is the beneficial influence on diseases possessing inflammatory background. Results of clinical, interventional and animal in vivo studies clearly indicate the antiinflammatory potential of HT-containing products, as well as pure ellagitannins and gallotannins. In recent years a great emphasis has been put on the consideration of metabolism and bioavailability of natural products during examination of their biological effects. Conducted in vivo and in vitro studies of polyphenols metabolism put a new light on this issue and indicate the gut microbiota to play a crucial role in the health effects following their oral administration. The aim of the review is to summarize the knowledge about HT-containing products’ phytochemistry and their anti-inflammatory effects together with discussion of the data about observed biological activities with regards to the current concepts on the HTs’ bioavailability and metabolism. Orally administered HT-containing products due to the limited bioavailability of ellagitannins and gallotannins can influence immune response at the level of gastrointestinal tract as well as express modulating effects on the gut microbiota composition. However, due to the chemical changes being a result of their transit through gastrointestinal tract, comprising of hydrolysis and gut microbiota metabolism, the activity of produced metabolites has to be taken into consideration. Studies regarding biological effects of the HTs’ metabolites, in particular urolithins, indicate their strong and structure-dependent anti-inflammatory activities, being observed at the concentrations, which fit the range of their established bioavailability. The impact of HTs on inflammatory processes has been well established on various in vivo and in vitro models, while influence of microbiota metabolites on silencing the immune response gives a new perspective on understanding anti-inflammatory effects attributed to HT containing products, especially their postulated effectiveness in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and cardiovascular diseases.

scholarly journals Targeting of the Pilosebaceous Follicle by Liquid Crystal Nanocarriers: In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of the Entrapped Minoxidil

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1127
Author(s):  
Massimo Fresta ◽  
Antonia Mancuso ◽  
Maria Chiara Cristiano ◽  
Konrad Urbanek ◽  
Felisa Cilurzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Crystal ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Response Duration ◽  
Topical Administration ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Negative Surface

The topical administration of active compounds represents an advantageous strategy to reach the various skin components as well as its appendages. Pilosebaceous follicles are skin appendages originating in the deeper skin layers. They are very difficult to target, and hence higher active dosages are generally required to achieve effective biological responses, thus favoring the rise of side effects. The aim of this work was to design a supramolecular colloidal carrier, i.e., a liquid crystal nanocarrier, for the selective delivery of active compounds into the pilosebaceous follicle. This nanocarrier showed mean sizes of ~80 nm, a good stability, a negative surface charge, and great safety properties. In vitro studies highlighted its ability to contain and release different substances and to successfully permeate the skin. Minoxidil was encapsulated in the nanocarriers and the in vivo biological effect was compared with a conventional dosage form. Minoxidil-loaded liquid crystal nanocarrier was able to selectively reach the pilosebaceous follicle, thus allowing an increased biological effectiveness of the delivered active in terms of biological response, duration of the biological effects, and reduction of collaterals. Our investigation showed that liquid crystal nanocarriers represent a promising device for the treatment of different pilosebaceous follicular impairments/diseases.

scholarly journals Prosopis Plant Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Attributes: Targeting Clinical Studies from Preclinical Evidence

Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 777 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javad Sharifi-Rad ◽  
Farzad Kobarfard ◽  
Athar Ata ◽  
Seyed Abdulmajid Ayatollahi ◽  
Nafiseh Khosravi-Dehaghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Plant Chemical ◽  
Food Applications

Members of the Prosopis genus are native to America, Africa and Asia, and have long been used in traditional medicine. The Prosopis species most commonly used for medicinal purposes are P. africana, P. alba, P. cineraria, P. farcta, P. glandulosa, P. juliflora, P. nigra, P. ruscifolia and P. spicigera, which are highly effective in asthma, birth/postpartum pains, callouses, conjunctivitis, diabetes, diarrhea, expectorant, fever, flu, lactation, liver infection, malaria, otitis, pains, pediculosis, rheumatism, scabies, skin inflammations, spasm, stomach ache, bladder and pancreas stone removal. Flour, syrup, and beverages from Prosopis pods have also been potentially used for foods and food supplement formulation in many regions of the world. In addition, various in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed interesting antiplasmodial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic and wound healing effects. The phytochemical composition of Prosopis plants, namely their content of C-glycosyl flavones (such as schaftoside, isoschaftoside, vicenin II, vitexin and isovitexin) has been increasingly correlated with the observed biological effects. Thus, given the literature reports, Prosopis plants have positive impact on the human diet and general health. In this sense, the present review provides an in-depth overview of the literature data regarding Prosopis plants’ chemical composition, pharmacological and food applications, covering from pre-clinical data to upcoming clinical studies.

scholarly journals The phytochemical lindleyin, isolated from Rhei rhizoma, mediates hormonal effects through estrogen receptors

2002 ◽  
Vol 175 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Usui ◽  
Y Ikeda ◽  
T Tagami ◽  
K Matsuda ◽  
K Moriyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Estrogenic Activity ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Herbal Extract ◽  
Japanese Medaka ◽  
Herbal Extracts ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Rhei Rhizoma

Some plant compounds or herb mixtures are popular alternatives to conventional therapies and contain organic compounds that bind to some nuclear receptors, such as the estrogen receptor (ER), to exert various biological effects. We studied the effect of various herbal extracts on ERalpha and ERbeta isoforms. One herbal extract, Rhei rhizoma (rhubarb), acts as an agonist to both ERalpha and ERbeta. The phytochemical lindleyin, a major component of rhubarb, might contribute to this estrogenic activity through ERalpha and ERbeta. 4-Hydroxytamoxifen, an ER antagonist, completely reversed the estrogenic activity of lindleyin. Lindleyin binds to ERalpha in vitro, as demonstrated using a fluorescent polarization assay. The in vivo effect of rhubarb extract was studied using a vitellogenin assay system in the freshwater fish, Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). There were marked increases in serum vitellogenin levels in male medaka exposed to rhubarb extract. We conclude that lindleyin, a component of some herbal medicines, is a novel phytoestrogen and might trigger many of the biological responses evoked by the physiological estrogens.

Characterization of Antimonium crudum Activity Using Solvatochromic Dyes

Homeopathy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 109 (02) ◽  
pp. 079-086 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leoni Villano Bonamin ◽  
Renata Rossettini Palombro Pedro ◽  
Hannah Maureen G. Mota ◽  
Michelle S. Correia Aguiar ◽  
Sandra A. G. Pinto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dipole Moments ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Biological Systems ◽  
Chemical Effects ◽  
Solvatochromic Dyes ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Visible Spectra ◽  
Methylene Violet

Abstract Background The mechanism by which highly diluted and agitated solutions have their effect is still unknown, but the development in recent years of new methods identifying changes in water and solute dipole moments is providing insights into potential modes of action. Objective The objective of the current study was to compare the biological effects of Antimonium crudum (AC) previously obtained by our group and already described in the literature with now measurable physico-chemical effects on solvatochromic dyes. Methods Different dilutions of AC and succussed water have been characterized with respect to their effect on the visible spectra of the solvatochromic dyes methylene violet (MV), a pyridinium phenolate (ET33), and a dimethylamino naphthalenone (BDN) compared with in-vitro action against Leishmania amazonensis-infected macrophages. Results Dye responses varied according to the dye used and the level of AC dilution and results were found to corroborate previously published in-vivo and in-vitro effects of AC. In addition, a very significant enhancement in the absorbance increase of MV was seen using the supernatant from AC 200cH-treated cells (15%; p < 0.0001) over that seen with AC 200cH itself (4%; p = 0.034), suggesting the amplification of ultra-high dilution effects by biological systems. Furthermore, supernatants from AC-treated cells increased the range of dilutions of AC that were capable of producing effects on the spectra of MV. The effect of AC dilutions on dye ET33 was eliminated by a weak electric current passed through potency solutions. Conclusion The data confirm a correspondence between the biological effects of dilutions of AC in-vitro and physico-chemical effects on solvatochromic dyes as measured by changes in their visible spectra. Results also indicate high dilutions of AC are sensitive to exposure to electric currents and biological systems.

scholarly journals The Puzzling Potential of Carbon Nanomaterials: General Properties, Application, and Toxicity

Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1508
Author(s):  
Danica Jović ◽  
Vesna Jaćević ◽  
Kamil Kuča ◽  
Ivana Borišev ◽  
Jasminka Mrdjanovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanomaterials ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Carbon Nanomaterial ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cell Signaling Pathways

Being a member of the nanofamily, carbon nanomaterials exhibit specific properties that mostly arise from their small size. They have proved to be very promising for application in the technical and biomedical field. A wide spectrum of use implies the inevitable presence of carbon nanomaterials in the environment, thus potentially endangering their whole nature. Although scientists worldwide have conducted research investigating the impact of these materials, it is evident that there are still significant gaps concerning the knowledge of their mechanisms, as well as the prolonged and chronic exposure and effects. This manuscript summarizes the most prominent representatives of carbon nanomaterial groups, giving a brief review of their general physico-chemical properties, the most common use, and toxicity profiles. Toxicity was presented through genotoxicity and the activation of the cell signaling pathways, both including in vitro and in vivo models, mechanisms, and the consequential outcomes. Moreover, the acute toxicity of fullerenol, as one of the most commonly investigated members, was briefly presented in the final part of this review. Thinking small can greatly help us improve our lives, but also obliges us to deeply and comprehensively investigate all the possible consequences that could arise from our pure-hearted scientific ambitions and work.

scholarly journals Cartwright's method as a physico-chemical marker of antimonium crudum biological effect

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 14-14
Author(s):  
Hannah MG Mota ◽  
Ana Carla Aparicio ◽  
Larissa Helen Silva Oliveira ◽  
Renata Rossettini Palombo Pedro ◽  
Sandra AG Pinto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Electric Signal ◽  
Chemical Marker ◽  
Chemical Parameters ◽  
Monocyte Migration ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Methylene Violet ◽  
One Way Anova

Mice bearing Leishmania (L) amazonensis infection and treated with Antimonium crudum (AC) 30cH presented significant reduction of the monocyte migration to the site of infection with clinical improvement. In vitro, the treatment of infected macrophages with AC 30cH produced inhibition of the parasite-induced peaks of CCL2 (a chemokine for monocytes migration) and inhibition of lysosome activity, explaining the results obtained previously in vivo. In the following studies, physical-chemical parameters of the remedy and respective controls were evaluated, to search for a correlation with the former described biological effects. The study of polarity changes in different water-based dilutions of AC using Cartwright´s method, revealed dilution-dependent variations in the absorbance of three solvatochromic dyes ET 33, BDN and methylene Violet (MV), used as “probes” to evaluate the dipole features of the medicine. The electrical activity of the homeopathic preparations appears to be dilution-dependent and related to their biological effects. Further experiments were performed using samples of the supernatant of infected macrophages after 96 hours of incubation with AC in different dilutions. These samples were processed using the same procedures as used for the original medicines and were analyzed by MV method. All tested potencies presented a sharp increase of absorbance at 580 nm, in relation to all controls (supernatant from untreated cells and cells treated with succussed water), as performed by one-way ANOVA, being F = 176.208; p = 0.001 and ?2 = 0.988. This results strongly suggest that biological systems could amplify the electric signal and the following changes in the medium polarity.

scholarly journals Biocompatibility and Cytotoxicity of Gold Nanoparticles: Recent Advances in Methodologies and Regulations

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (20) ◽  
pp. 10952
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Kus-Liśkiewicz ◽  
Patrick Fickers ◽  
Imen Ben Tahar
Keyword(s):  
Gold Nanoparticles ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Healthcare Research ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
The Impact

Recent advances in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles (MeNPs), and more specifically gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), have led to tremendous expansion of their potential applications in different fields, ranging from healthcare research to microelectronics and food packaging. The properties of functionalised MeNPs can be fine-tuned depending on their final application, and subsequently, these properties can strongly modulate their biological effects. In this review, we will firstly focus on the impact of MeNP characteristics (particularly of gold nanoparticles, AuNPs) such as shape, size, and aggregation on their biological activities. Moreover, we will detail different in vitro and in vivo assays to be performed when cytotoxicity and biocompatibility must be assessed. Due to the complex nature of nanomaterials, conflicting studies have led to different views on their safety, and it is clear that the definition of a standard biosafety label for AuNPs is difficult. In fact, AuNPs’ biocompatibility is strongly affected by the nanoparticles’ intrinsic characteristics, biological target, and methodology employed to evaluate their toxicity. In the last part of this review, the current legislation and requirements established by regulatory authorities, defining the main guidelines and standards to characterise new nanomaterials, will also be discussed, as this aspect has not been reviewed recently. It is clear that the lack of well-established safety regulations based on reliable, robust, and universal methodologies has hampered the development of MeNP applications in the healthcare field. Henceforth, the international community must make an effort to adopt specific and standard protocols for characterisation of these products.

THYROID STIMULATORS AND THYROID STIMULATION

1971 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 558-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald Burke
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory System ◽  
Control Site ◽  
Thyroid Cell ◽  
Primary Control ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Site Of Action ◽  
Long Acting

ABSTRACT A long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS), distinct from pituitary thyrotrophin (TSH), is found in the serum of some patients with Graves' disease. Despite the marked physico-chemical and immunologic differences between the two stimulators, both in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that LATS and TSH act on the same thyroidal site(s) and that such stimulation does not require penetration of the thyroid cell. Although resorption of colloid and secretion of thyroid hormone are early responses to both TSH and LATS, available evidence reveals no basic metabolic pathway which must be activated by these hormones in order for iodination reactions to occur. Cyclic 3′, 5′-AMP appears to mediate TSH and LATS effects on iodination reactions but the role of this compound in activating thyroidal intermediary metabolism is less clear. Based on the evidence reviewed herein, it is suggested that the primary site of action of thyroid stimulators is at the cell membrane and that beyond the(se) primary control site(s), there exists a multifaceted regulatory system for thyroid hormonogenesis and cell growth.

The role of aromatic microbial metabolites

2018 ◽  
pp. 97-108
Author(s):  
Н.В. Белобородова ◽  
В.В. Мороз ◽  
А.Ю. Бедова
Keyword(s):  
Process Integration ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Critical Conditions ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Microbial Metabolites ◽  
Blood Concentrations

Интеграция метаболизма макроорганизма и его микробиоты, обеспечивающая в норме симбиоз и саногенез, нарушается при заболеваниях, травме, критическом состоянии, и вектор взаимодействия может изменяться в пользу прокариотов по принципу «метаболиты бактерий - против хозяина». Анализ литературы показал, что, с одной стороны, имеется живой интерес к ароматическим микробным метаболитам, с другой - отсутствует четкое представление об их роли в организме человека. Публикации, касающиеся ряда ароматических микробных метаболитов (фенилкарбоновых кислот, ФКК), как правило, не связаны между собой по тематике и направлены на решение тех или иных прикладных задач в разных областях биологии и медицины. Цель обзора - анализ информации о происхождении, биологических эффектах ФКК в экспериментах in vitro и in vivo , и клинических наблюдениях. Обобщая результаты приведенных в обзоре исследований на клеточном, субклеточном и молекулярном уровнях, логично предположить участие ароматических микробных метаболитов в патогенезе полиорганной недостаточности при сепсисе. Наиболее перспективным для раскрытия роли ароматических микробных метаболитов представляется изучение механизмов вторичной почечной недостаточности и септической энцефалопатии. Важным направлением для будущих исследований является изучение влияния продуктов микробной биодеградации ароматических соединений на развитие диссеминированного внутрисосудистого свертывания крови, артериальной гипотензии и септического шока. Результаты дальнейших исследований будут иметь не только фундаментальное значение, но и обогатят практическую медицину новыми диагностическими и лечебными технологиями. Significant increases in blood concentrations of some aromatic metabolites (phenylcarboxylic acids, PhCAs) in patients with sepsis have been previously shown. Enhanced bacterial biodegradation of aromatic compounds has been demonstrated to considerably contribute to this process. Integration of macroorganism metabolism and its microbiota, which provides normal symbiosis and sanogenesis, is disturbed in diseases, trauma, and critical conditions. Direction of this interaction may change in favor of prokaryotes according to the principle, “bacterial metabolites are against the host”. Analysis of literature showed a particular interest of many investigators to aromatic microbial metabolites. However, there is no clear understanding of their role in the human body. Publications on PhCAs are generally not thematically interrelated and usually focus on solving applied tasks in different fields of biology and medicine. The aim of this work was to consolidate existing information about origin and biological effects of PhCAs in in vitro / in vivo experiments and some clinical findings. The presented summary of reported data from studies performed at cellular, sub-cellular, and molecular levels suggests participation of aromatic microbial metabolites in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure in sepsis. Studying mechanisms of secondary renal failure and septic encephalopathy is most promising for discovering the function of aromatic microbial metabolites. Effects of microbial biodegradation products of aromatic substances on development of disseminated intravascular coagulation, hypotension, and septic shock are an important challenge for future studies. Results of further investigations will be not only fundamental, but will also enrich medical practice with new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.

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