scholarly journals Peganum harmala Extract Has Antiamoebic Activity to Acanthamoeba triangularis Trophozoites and Changes Expression of Autophagy-Related Genes

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 842
Author(s):  
Rachasak Boonhok ◽  
Suthinee Sangkanu ◽  
Julalak Chuprom ◽  
Mayuna Srisuphanunt ◽  
Roghayeh Norouzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Cyst Formation ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Seed Extract ◽  
Transcriptional Expression ◽  
Peganum Harmala ◽  
Future Drug ◽  
Antiamoebic Activity ◽  
Parasitic Activity ◽  
Autophagic Activity

Peganum harmala, a well-known medicinal plant, has been used for several therapeutic purposes as it contains numerous pharmacological active compounds. Our study reported an anti-parasitic activity of P. harmala seed extract against Acanthamoeba triangularis. The stress induced by the extract on the surviving trophozoites for Acanthamoeba encystation and vacuolization was examined by microscopy, and transcriptional expression of Acanthamoeba autophagy-related genes was investigated by quantitative PCR. Our results showed that the surviving trophozoites were not transformed into cysts, and the number of trophozoites with enlarged vacuoles were not significantly different from that of untreated control. Molecular analysis data demonstrated that the mRNA expression of tested AcATG genes, i.e., ATG3, ATG8b, and ATG16, was at a basal level along the treatment. However, upregulation of AcATG16 at 24 h post treatment was observed, which may indicate an autophagic activity of this protein in response to the stress. Altogether, these data revealed the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of P. harmala extract and indicated the association of autophagy mRNA expression and cyst formation under the extract stress, representing a promising plant for future drug development. However, further identification of an active compound and a study of autophagy at the protein level are needed.

scholarly journals Autophagy Modulation in Cancer: Current Knowledge on Action and Therapy

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mija Marinković ◽  
Matilda Šprung ◽  
Maja Buljubašić ◽  
Ivana Novak
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Human Diseases ◽  
The Core ◽  
Future Drug ◽  
Autophagic Activity ◽  
Tumor Types ◽  
Catabolic Process

In the last two decades, accumulating evidence pointed to the importance of autophagy in various human diseases. As an essential evolutionary catabolic process of cytoplasmatic component digestion, it is generally believed that modulating autophagic activity, through targeting specific regulatory actors in the core autophagy machinery, may impact disease processes. Both autophagy upregulation and downregulation have been found in cancers, suggesting its dual oncogenic and tumor suppressor properties during malignant transformation. Identification of the key autophagy targets is essential for the development of new therapeutic agents. Despite this great potential, no therapies are currently available that specifically focus on autophagy modulation. Although drugs like rapamycin, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and others act as autophagy modulators, they were not originally developed for this purpose. Thus, autophagy may represent a new and promising pharmacologic target for future drug development and therapeutic applications in human diseases. Here, we summarize our current knowledge in regard to the interplay between autophagy and malignancy in the most significant tumor types: pancreatic, breast, hepatocellular, colorectal, and lung cancer, which have been studied in respect to autophagy manipulation as a promising therapeutic strategy. Finally, we present an overview of the most recent advances in therapeutic strategies involving autophagy modulators in cancer.

scholarly journals Effect of resistance exercise intensity on the expression of PGC-1α isoforms and the anabolic and catabolic signaling mediators, IGF-1 and myostatin, in human skeletal muscle

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 856-863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil A. Schwarz ◽  
Sarah K. McKinley-Barnard ◽  
Mike B. Spillane ◽  
Thomas L. Andre ◽  
Joshua J. Gann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Exercise Intensity ◽  
Human Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Transcriptional Expression ◽  
Lower Intensity ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Body Resistance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute messenger (mRNA) expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) isoforms, insulin-like growth factor-1Ea (IGF-1Ea), and myostatin in response to 2 resistance exercise intensities. In a uniform-balanced, crossover design, 10 participants performed 2 separate testing sessions involving a lower body resistance exercise component consisting of a lower intensity (50% of 1-repetition maximum; 1RM) protocol and a higher intensity (80% of 1RM) protocol of equal volumes. Muscle samples were obtained at before exercise, 45 min, 3 h, 24 h, and 48 h postexercise. Resistance exercise did not alter total PGC-1α mRNA expression; however, distinct responses of each PGC-1α isoform were observed. The response of each isoform was consistent between sessions, suggesting no effect of resistance exercise intensity on the complex transcriptional expression of the PGC-1α gene. IGF-1Ea mRNA expression significantly increased following the higher intensity session compared with pre-exercise and the lower intensity session. Myostatin mRNA expression was significantly reduced compared with pre-exercise values at all time points with no difference between exercise intensity. Further research is needed to determine the effects of the various isoforms of PGC-1α in human skeletal muscle on the translational level as well as their relation to the expression of IGF-1 and myostatin.

scholarly journals Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and mRNA Expression of Hemocyanin Subunit in Oriental River PrawnMacrobrachium nipponense

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youqin Kong ◽  
Liqiao Chen ◽  
Zhili Ding ◽  
Jianguang Qin ◽  
Shengming Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Molecular Cloning ◽  
Aeromonas Hydrophila ◽  
Open Reading Frame ◽  
Transcriptional Expression ◽  
Dietary Copper ◽  
Macrobrachium Nipponense ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Mrna Transcripts

Hemocyanin is a copper-containing protein with immune function against disease. In this study, a hemocyanin subunit named MnHc-1 was cloned fromMacrobrachium nipponense. The full-length cDNA of MnHc-1 was 2,163 bp with a 2,028-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide of 675 amino acids. The MnHc-1 mRNA was expressed in the hepatopancreas, gill, hemocytes, intestine, ovary, and stomach, with the highest level in the hepatopancreas. In the infection trial, the MnHc-1 mRNA transcripts in the hemocytes were significantly downregulated at 3 h after injection ofAeromonas hydrophilaand then upregulated at 6 h and 12 h, followed by a gradual recovery from 24 to 48 h. The MnHc-1 transcriptional expression in the hepatopancreas was measured afterM. nipponensewere fed seven diets with 2.8, 12.2, 20.9, 29.8, 43.1, 78.9, and 157.1 mg Cu kg−1for 8 weeks, respectively. The level of MnHc-1 mRNA was significantly higher in the prawns fed 43.1–157.1 mg Cu kg−1diet than in that fed 2.8–29.8 mg Cu kg−1diet. This study indicated that the MnHc-1 expression can be affected by dietary copper and the hemocyanin may potentially participate in the antibacterial defense ofM. nipponense.

scholarly journals Regulation of glucose metabolism via hepatic forkhead transcription factor 1 (FoxO1) by Morinda citrifolia (noni) in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

2011 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pratibha V. Nerurkar ◽  
Adrienne Nishioka ◽  
Philip O. Eck ◽  
Lisa M. Johns ◽  
Esther Volper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Glucose Production ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Morinda Citrifolia ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Forkhead Transcription Factor ◽  
Human Hepatoma Cells ◽  
Insulin Tolerance

Renewed interest in alternative medicine among diabetic individuals prompted us to investigate anti-diabetic effects of Morinda citrifolia (noni) in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased glucose production due to the inability of insulin to suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis and promote glycolysis. Insulin inhibits gluconeogenesis by modulating transcription factors such as forkhead box O (FoxO1). Based on microarray analysis data, we tested the hypothesis that fermented noni fruit juice (fNJ) improves glucose metabolism via FoxO1 phosphorylation. C57BL/6 male mice were fed a HFD and fNJ for 12 weeks. Body weights and food intake were monitored daily. FoxO1 expression was analysed by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Specificity of fNJ-associated FoxO1 regulation of gluconeogenesis was confirmed by small interfering RNA (siRNA) studies using human hepatoma cells, HepG2. Supplementation with fNJ inhibited weight gain and improved glucose and insulin tolerance and fasting glucose in HFD-fed mice. Hypoglycaemic properties of fNJ were associated with the inhibition of hepatic FoxO1 mRNA expression, with a concomitant increase in FoxO1 phosphorylation and nuclear expulsion of the proteins. Gluconeogenic genes, phosphoenolpyruvate C kinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), were significantly inhibited in mice fed a HFD+fNJ. HepG2 cells demonstrated more than 80 % inhibition of PEPCK and G6P mRNA expression in cells treated with FoxO1 siRNA and fNJ. These data suggest that fNJ improves glucose metabolism via FoxO1 regulation in HFD-fed mice.

scholarly journals Peganum harmala enhanced GLP-1 and restored insulin signaling to alleviate AlCl3-induced Alzheimer-like pathology model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rofida A. Saleh ◽  
Tarek F. Eissa ◽  
Dalaal M. Abdallah ◽  
Muhammed A. Saad ◽  
Hanan S. El-Abhar
Keyword(s):  
Glucose Transporter ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Lipid Peroxides ◽  
Seed Extract ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Peganum Harmala ◽  
Y Maze ◽  
Phosphorylated Akt ◽  
Amyloid Aβ ◽  
Gsk 3Β

AbstractPeganum harmala (P. harmala) is a folk medicinal herb used in the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) as a remedy for central disorders. The main constituents, harmine and harmaline, have displayed therapeutic efficacy against Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the P. harmala potential on sensitizing central insulin to combat AD remains to be clarified. An AD-like rat model was induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3; 50 mg/kg/day for six consecutive weeks; i.p), whereas a methanolic standardized P. harmala seed extract (187.5 mg/kg; p.o) was given to AD rats starting 2 weeks post AlCl3 exposure. Two additional groups of rats were administered either the vehicle to serve as the normal control or the vehicle + P. harmala seed extract to serve as the P. harmala control group. P. harmala enhanced cognition appraised by Y-maze and Morris water maze tests and improved histopathological structures altered by AlCl3. Additionally, it heightened the hippocampal contents of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and insulin, but abated insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation at serine 307 (pS307-IRS-1). Besides, P. harmala increased phosphorylated Akt at serine 473 (pS473-Akt) and glucose transporter type (GLUT)4. The extract also curtailed the hippocampal content of beta amyloid (Aβ)42, glycogen synthase (GSK)-3β and phosphorylated tau. It also enhanced Nrf2, while reduced lipid peroxides and replenished glutathione. In conclusion, combating insulin resistance by P. harmala is a novel machinery in attenuating the insidious progression of AD by enhancing both insulin and GLP-1 trajectories in the hippocampus favoring GLUT4 production.

scholarly journals Favourable effects of grape seed extract on intestinal epithelial differentiation and barrier function in IL10-deficient mice

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guan Yang ◽  
Yansong Xue ◽  
Hanying Zhang ◽  
Min Du ◽  
Mei-Jun Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Grape Seed Extract ◽  
Grape Seed ◽  
Seed Extract ◽  
Aetiological Factor ◽  
Gut Barrier Function ◽  
Deficient Mice

The impairment in the rate of cell proliferation and differentiation leads to a negative consequence on the renewal of the intestinal epithelium, which is the aetiological factor of a number of digestive diseases. Grape seed extract (GSE), a rich source of proanthocyanidins, is known for its beneficial health effects. The present study evaluated the beneficial effects of GSE on colonic cell differentiation and barrier function in IL10-deficient mice. Female mice aged 6 weeks were randomised into two groups and given drinking-water containing 0 or 0·1 % GSE (w/v) for 12 weeks. GSE supplementation decreased serum TNF-α level and intestinal permeability, and increased the colonic goblet cell density that was associated with increased mRNA expression of mucin (Muc)-2. Immunohistochemical analyses showed lower accumulation of β-catenin in the crypts of colon tissues of the GSE-supplemented mice, which was associated with a decreased mRNA expression of two downstream effectors of Wingless and Int (Wnt)/catenin signalling, myelocytomatosis oncogene protein (Myc) and cyclin D1 (Ccnd1). Consistently, GSE supplementation decreased the number of colonic proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells, a well-known cell proliferation marker, and a weakened extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) signalling. In summary, these data indicate that supplementation of 0·1 % GSE for 12 weeks improved gut barrier function and colonic cell differentiation in the IL10-deficient mice probably via inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

scholarly journals Peganum harmala seed extract can prevent HSV-1 replication in vitro

2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.J Kiani ◽  
M Shamsi Shahrabadi ◽  
A Ataei ◽  
N Sajjadi ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Extract ◽  
Peganum Harmala ◽  
Hsv 1

scholarly journals Why Cytoskeletal Associated Proteins are Important in Colorectal Cancer Patients: Molecular & Bioinformatic Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-31
Author(s):  
Dilara Fatma Akin Bali
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
The Cancer Genome Atlas ◽  
Messenger Ribonucleic Acid ◽  
Bioinformatic Tools ◽  
Functional Relations

Introduction: It has been aimed to analyze the role of pathogenic effects of mutation and expression anomalies occurring on diaphanous-related formin 1 (DIAPH1), WASP actin nucleation-promoting factor (WASP), myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), actinin alpha 1 (ACNT1), filamin A (FLNA), and tubulin beta 1 class VI (TUBB1), which are known as fundamental cellular skeleton proteins, on the development and progression of cancer via bioinformatic tools. Methods: The genome sequence and expression profiles of 594 Colorectal Cancer (CRC) patients were obtained via bioinformatic tools, which provide data for The Cancer Genome Atlas. The mutation patterns of six genes were determined in detail, and for the prediction of pathogenic properties of identified changes for CRC, Polymorphism Phenotyping v2, Screening for Non-Acceptable Polymorphisms, and the Catalogue Of Somatic Mutations In Can- cer were utilized. Apart from the mutation profile, the effects of existing mutations on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and survival were also identified. Moreover, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins network analysis was realized to further comprehend the functional relations of proteins in cellu- lar processes. Results: There have been 142 distinct point mutations, gene amplification, and deep deletions identified on DIAPH1, WAS, MYH9, ACNT1, FLNA, and TUBB1 genes. ACTN1 and FLNA low mRNA expression levels for DIAPH1 increased, and the mRNA expression level was statistically significant (p<0.05). Prognosis-wise, the effect of mRNA expression on survival in the absence of disease was meaningful for FLNA (p=0.011). Discussion and Conclusion: Bioinformatic analysis data in DIAPH1, WASP, MYH9, ACNT1, FLNA, and TUBB1 genes, which are important in CRC pathogenesis revealed in this study, will be a guide for future laboratory studies.

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