scholarly journals Selenium bio-fortification: an alternative to improve phytochemicals and bioactivities of plant foods

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rattanamanee Chomchan ◽  
Sunisa Siripongvutikorn ◽  
Panupong Puttarak
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Plant Foods ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Living Things ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Higher Doses

Background: Plants are the major food sources which possess marvelous health benefits and wellness to human. To date, the effort to improve composites in plants using bio-fortification technique is expedient in order to obtain super plant foods. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element works on antioxidant system in living things. Se has been bio-fortified into plants worldwide to increase Se content in plants as well as improve some plant bioactive compounds and biological properties. However, restricted documents were elucidated on the summary and underlying mechanisms which provide beneficial effects on plant phytochemicals and bioactivities improvement. This review attempts to study available literatures on Se bio-fortified plants and clarified possible routes that Se may effect to plants. Increasing the content of Se bio-fortified to plants resulted in both positive and negative effects. The appropriate exogenous concentration of Se bio-fortified to individual plants which can support growth or induce them to the early stage of stress are the vital strategic to provide desired effects on an improvement of phytochemicals, for example, chlorophyll, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid. Moreover, the greater antioxidant, anti-cancer and prebiotic properties were also reported while higher doses of Se were toxic to plants. Consequently, Se bio-fortification can be claimed as a unique strategy to improve plant treasures.Keywords: Selenium, Bio-fortification, Phytochemicals, Bioactivities

scholarly journals All That Glitters Is Not Silver—A New Look at Microbiological and Medical Applications of Silver Nanoparticles

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 854
Author(s):  
Paweł Kowalczyk ◽  
Mateusz Szymczak ◽  
Magdalena Maciejewska ◽  
Łukasz Laskowski ◽  
Magdalena Laskowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Interdisciplinary Research ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Animal Pathogens ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Low Toxicity ◽  
Therapeutic Compounds ◽  
Legal Condition

Silver and its nanoparticles (AgNPs) have different faces, providing different applications. In recent years, the number of positive nanosilver applications has increased substantially. It has been proven that AgNPs inhibit the growth and survival of bacteria, including human and animal pathogens, as well as fungi, protozoa and arthropods. Silver nanoparticles are known from their antiviral and anti-cancer properties; however, they are also very popular in medical and pharmaceutical nanoengineering as carriers for precise delivery of therapeutic compounds, in the diagnostics of different diseases and in optics and chemistry, where they act as sensors, conductors and substrates for various syntheses. The activity of AgNPs has not been fully discovered; therefore, we need interdisciplinary research to fulfil this knowledge. New forms of products with silver will certainly find application in the future treatment of many complicated and difficult to treat diseases. There is still a lack of appropriate and precise legal condition regarding the circulation of nanomaterials and the rules governing their safety use. The relatively low toxicity, relative biocompatibility and selectivity of nanoparticle interaction combined with the unusual biological properties allow their use in animal production as well as in bioengineering and medicine. Despite a quite big knowledge on this topic, there is still a need to organize the data on AgNPs in relation to specific microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. We decided to put this knowledge together and try to show positive and negative effects on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

scholarly journals Dietary Patterns Emphasizing the Consumption of Plant Foods in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: A Narrative Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. S320-S331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordi Salas-Salvadó ◽  
Nerea Becerra-Tomás ◽  
Christopher Papandreou ◽  
Mónica Bulló
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Plant Foods ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Clinical Trial Evidence ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing worldwide. This complex and multifactorial metabolic condition affects both the quality and expectancy of life in adults. Therefore, appropriate lifestyle strategies are needed in order to reduce the burden of T2D. Dietary patterns characterized by a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and a minimal consumption of animal products, have been suggested as a dietary approach to prevent and control T2D and related micro- and macrovascular complications. This narrative review summarizes epidemiologic and clinical trial evidence on the role of the most widely studied dietary patterns that emphasize the consumption of plant foods [vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean, and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets] in the management of T2D and its complications. Furthermore, their potential underlying mechanisms are discussed. Dietary patterns emphasizing the consumption of plant foods appear to confer beneficial effects on glycemic control in different diabetic populations. Several components of these dietary patterns might confer benefits on glycemia and counterbalance the detrimental effects of animal-based foods. The limited evidence on T2D-related complications makes it difficult to draw solid conclusions.

scholarly journals Do Dominant Ants Affect Secondary Productivity, Behavior and Diversity in a Guild of Woodland Ants?

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 460
Author(s):  
Jean-Philippe Lessard ◽  
Katharine L. Stuble ◽  
Nathan J. Sanders
Keyword(s):  
Dominant Species ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Ecological Communities ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Secondary Productivity ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Formica Subsericea ◽  
Dominant Ant

The degree to which competition by dominant species shapes ecological communities remains a largely unresolved debate. In ants, unimodal dominance–richness relationships are common and suggest that dominant species, when very abundant, competitively exclude non-dominant species. However, few studies have investigated the underlying mechanisms by which dominant ants might affect coexistence and the maintenance of species richness. In this study, we first examined the relationship between the richness of non-dominant ant species and the abundance of a dominant ant species, Formica subsericea, among forest ant assemblages in the eastern US. This relationship was hump-shaped or not significant depending on the inclusion or exclusion of an influential observation. Moreover, we found only limited evidence that F. subsericea negatively affects the productivity or behavior of non-dominant ant species. For example, at the colony-level, the size and productivity of colonies of non-dominant ant species were not different when they were in close proximity to dominant ant nests than when they were away and, in fact, was associated with increased productivity in one species. Additionally, the number of foraging workers of only one non-dominant ant species was lower at food sources near than far from dominant F. subsericea nests, while the number of foragers of other species was not negatively affected. However, foraging activity of the non-dominant ant species was greater at night when F. subsericea was inactive, suggesting a potential mechanism by which some non-dominant species avoid interactions with competitively superior species. Gaining a mechanistic understanding of how patterns of community structure arise requires linking processes from colonies to communities. Our study suggests the negative effects of dominant ant species on non-dominant species may be offset by mechanisms promoting coexistence.

scholarly journals Metformin – its potential anti-cancer and anti-aging effects

2017 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 0-0 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Podhorecka ◽  
Blanca Ibanez ◽  
Anna Dmoszyńska
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Stress ◽  
Glucose Deprivation ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Aging Properties ◽  
Treatment Of Diabetes ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Amp Activated Protein Kinase

The generally accepted mechanism of metformin’s effect is stimulation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is directly activated by an increase in AMP:ATP ratio in metabolic stress conditions including hypoxia and glucose deprivation. Lately, many novel pathways, besides AMPK induction, have been revealed, which can explain some of metformin’s beneficial effects. It may help to identify new targets for treatment of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, metformin is now attracting the attention of researchers in fields other than diabetes, as it has been shown to have anti-cancer, immunoregulatory and anti-aging effects. The aim of this review is to describe the potential anti-cancer and anti-aging properties of metformin and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms.

Effects of GMO agricultural products on living things

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
ERCAN ÇATAK ◽  
Ali ATALAY
Keyword(s):  
Genetically Modified Organisms ◽  
World Population ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Living Things ◽  
Late Twentieth ◽  
Agricultural Use ◽  
Late Twentieth Century ◽  
Living Creature

By obtaining changes on gene sequences of living things with the applied biotechnological methods; The idea of "Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)", which aims to bring the living creature in question the original gene combinations with the desired characteristics, came to life in the late twentieth century. Despite the high probability that hunger problems may increase with the increasing world population; It is thought that plant breeding with classical farming methods will be insufficient in solving these problems. With various GMO applications developed all over the world, it aims to produce solutions to these problems. With the presence of GMO, it was possible to increase the shelf life of qualitative and quantitative values of the existing foods. In addition, decreases in agricultural use of pesticides used in agricultural struggle and threatening human health with GMO production are noteworthy. However, some concerns about anomalies that may occur in living things fed GMO products remain on the agenda. Because, in the long term, there is no clear and precise information that GMO will not have negative effects on living things; There are many recorded incidents showing their negative effects.

Diabetes and Heart Failure: Is it Hyperglycemia or Hyperinsulinemia?

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Triantafyllos Didangelos ◽  
Konstantinos Kantartzis
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Insulin Treatment ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Treatment Of Diabetes

The cardiac effects of exogenously administered insulin for the treatment of diabetes (DM) have recently attracted much attention. In particular, it has been questioned whether insulin is the appropriate treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure. While several old and some new studies suggested that insulin treatment has beneficial effects on the heart, recent observational studies indicate associations of insulin treatment with an increased risk of developing or worsening of pre-existing heart failure and higher mortality rates. However, there is actually little evidence that the associations of insulin administration with any adverse outcomes are causal. On the other hand, insulin clearly causes weight gain and may also cause serious episodes of hypoglycemia. Moreover, excess of insulin (hyperinsulinemia), as often seen with the use of injected insulin, seems to predispose to inflammation, hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Nevertheless, it should be stressed that most of the data concerning the effects of insulin on cardiac function derive from in vitro studies with isolated animal hearts. Therefore, the relevance of the findings of such studies for humans should be considered with caution. In the present review, we summarize the existing data about the potential positive and negative effects of insulin on the heart and attempt to answer the question whether any adverse effects of insulin or the consequences of hyperglycemia are more important and may provide a better explanation of the close association of DM with heart failure.

Effects of Minor Compounds of Edible Oils on Human Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1196-1208
Author(s):  
Ramin Ghodsi ◽  
Rahmat Nosrati
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Edible Oils ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Bioactive Constituents ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Minor Compounds ◽  
Anti Inflammation

Background: Oils and fats are the densest sources of food energy among food groups. Vegetable oils are constituted predominantly of triglycerides. Due to the importance of edible oils in nutrition, food industry and human health, great attention has been paid to them in recent years. Some minor bioactive constituents in oils include phospholipids, tocols, sterols, carotenoid, chlorophyll, phenols, phylokynon and terpenes. Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine beneficial effects of minor compounds in edible oils on human health. Results: Minor compounds of edible oils that we use daily can produce remarkable results in the prevention and treatment of various diseases like diabetes, inflammation, hypertension, cancer, allergy and central nervous system disorders due to their antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammation, anti-mutagenic, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties, among others. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the presence of beneficial minor compounds in oils could have significant impact on the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Therefore, the type of consumed oil can play an important role in human health.

Novel Findings of Anti-cancer Property of Propofol

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaqiang Wang ◽  
Chien-shan Cheng ◽  
Yan Lu ◽  
Xiaowei Ding ◽  
Minmin Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Anesthesia ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Intravenous Anesthetic ◽  
The Past ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Recent Attention

Background: Propofol, a widely used intravenous anesthetic agent, is traditionally applied for sedation and general anesthesia. Explanation: Recent attention has been drawn to explore the effect and mechanisms of propofol against cancer progression in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, the proliferation-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing properties of propofol in cancer have been studied. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Conclusion: This review focused on the findings within the past ten years and aimed to provide a general overview of propofol's malignance-modulating properties and the potential molecular mechanisms.

Diosgenin: Therapeutic Action, Pharmacology and Applications

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15
Author(s):  
Sanasam Sanjeev ◽  
◽  
Maibam Sunita Devi ◽  
Khushboo Maurya ◽  
Vikas Kumar Roy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Development ◽  
Liver Diseases ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Herbal Product ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Therapeutic Action ◽  
Pharmacokinetics And Pharmacodynamics ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Diosgenin [25R-spriost-5-en-3þ-ol], is an important steroidal metabolite found in various plant species. The discovery of diosgenin has made it one of the most researched and studied herbal product. Moreover, there is excellent opportunity to address whether diosgenin plays a role in chemoprevention versus therapy, or both. However, rigorous experimental based evidence in support of ethnomedicine-derived notions would lead to the development of products relevant to drug development. The health beneficial effects of diosgenin are further extended to its potential role to treat other ailments such as HIV and hepatitis-C infections as well as liver diseases. There is little information regarding the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of diosgenin in relation to its health beneficial effects. It has been reported to have wide spectrum of biological properties that contributes to several diseases in its role as a health beneficial phytochemical by citing new studies.

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