bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of polaprezinc on taste disorders in zinc‐deficient rats
Authors: Hamano Hiroki , Yoshinaga Koji , Eta Runa , Emori Yutaka , Kawasaki Daisuke , Iino Yuka , Sawada Miwa , Kuroda Hiroyuki , Takei Mineo
Published: December 2008

The effect of polaprezinc, a chelate compound consisting of zinc ion and L‐carnosine, on abnormalities of taste sensation induced by feeding a zinc‐deficient diet to rats was examined by using the two‐bottle preference test (quinine hydrochloride as a bitter taste and sodium chloride as a salty taste). Rats were fed either a zinc‐deficient or a zinc‐sufficient diet. The zinc‐deficient diet increased the preference for both taste solutions, while polaprezinc (at doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg) restored the altered taste preferences. We also evaluated the proliferation of taste bud cells using 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU). The BrdU incorporation into taste bud cells was significantly reduced in rats fed a zinc‐deficient diet compared with rats fed a zinc‐sufficient diet (from 50.8% to 45.0%, p < 0.05) and this reduction was reversed by polaprezinc at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, increasing to 50.2%, 53.5%, and 52.5%, respectively. These findings indicate that zinc deficiency induces the delayed of proliferation of taste bud cells, while polaprezinc improves cell proliferation. In conclusion, polaprezinc had a therapeutic effect in a rat model of abnormal taste sensation. Its mechanism of action was suggested to involve improvement of the decrease in taste bud cell proliferation caused by zinc deficiency.
Effects of boron and calcium supplementation on mechanical properties of bone in rats
Authors: Naghii Mohammad Reza , Torkaman Giti , Mofid Mahmood
Published: December 2008

Objective: The objective of this study was to consider the effects of boron (B) and calcium (Ca) supplementation on mechanical properties of bone tissues and mineral content of the selected bones in rats.

Methods: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats underwent three different treatments with boron and calcium in their drinking water, while taking diet ad libitum for 4 weeks. Rats in the three treatment groups received 2 mg B/d, 300 mg Ca/d, and a combination of 2 mg B+ 300 mg Ca/d, respectively. After the experimental period body weights were recorded and bone mechanical properties were determined on the tibiae, femurs, and fifth lumbar vertebral bones and the mineral contents of these bones was calculated as the ash percentage.

Results: Better measurement of bone mechanical properties were observed for boron supplementation. The stiffness of the lumbar vertebral bones tended to increase in all groups and was significant for Ca supplementation. The significant maximal load obtained for boron in all bones indicates higher strength and less strength for apparently a high level of calcium, while this negative defect in the case of lumbar vertebral bones was corrected in the presence of boron. Highest mean energy to maximal load was shown with boron supplementation, demonstrating significant values with Ca group, and lower energy for the lumbar vertebral bones in Ca group in comparison with the controls. Less deformation at the yield points was shown in Ca group. There were no significant differences in ash weights among the four groups.

Conclusions: Additional and longer studies are warranted to further determine the effects of supplemental boron with different calcium levels and possibly other minerals involved in bone mechanical properties in rats.
Holistic and network analysis of meningioma pathogenesis and malignancy
Authors: Tao Yingqun , Wei Qing , Xu Zaihua , Bai Rulin , Li Yao , Luo Chun , Dong Yan , Gao Guoyi , Lu Yicheng
Published: December 2008

Meningiomas, which originate from arachnoid cells and constitute the largest subgroup of all intracranial tumors, are generally benign, yet have the capacity to progress into a higher histological grade of malignancy associated with an increase in biological aggressivity and/or capacity to recur. To elucidate meningioma pathogenesis and malignancy, we applied a holistic and network approach analyzing cDNA and tissue microarray results. A potential pathway leading to meningioma angiogenesis, apoptosis and proliferation was evidenced as well as a regulatory network of the biomarkers including Ki‐67, AR, CD34, P53, c‐MYC, etc. which might support clinical research. In this potential pathway, ITGB1 could be the most important “superoncogene” playing a vital role in apoptosis and proliferation, while FOXO3A, MDM4 and MT3 are important to the malignancy process. Some genes are first reported that could explain why radiation induces meningioma and why more female than male patients are affected. Further, we present the hypothesis that HIV‐Tat protein might have a close relationship with meningioma pathogenesis and malignancy.
Macelignan protects HepG2 cells against tert‐butylhydroperoxide‐induced oxidative damage
Authors: Sohn Jong Hee , Han Kyu Lee , Choo Jeong Han , Hwang Jae‐Kwan
Published: December 2008

In this study, we investigated the protective effect of macelignan, isolated from Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) against tert‐butylhydroperoxide (t‐BHP)‐induced cytotoxicity in a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2. The tetrazolium dye colorimetric test (MTT test) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay were used to monitor cell viability and necrosis, respectively. Lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA) formation] was estimated by the fluorometric method. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured using a fluorescent probe 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA), and DNA damage was detected using single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). The results showed that macelignan significantly reduced the cell growth inhibition and necrosis caused by t‐BHP. Furthermore, macelignan ameliorated lipid peroxidation as demonstrated by a reduction in MDA formation in a dose‐dependent manner. It was also found that macelignan reduced intracellular ROS formation and DNA damaging effect caused by t‐BHP. These results strongly suggest that macelignan has significant protective ability against oxidative damage caused by reactive intermediates
Sanguinarine inhibits VEGF‐induced angiogenesis in a fibrin gel matrix
Authors: Basini Giuseppina , Bussolati Simona , Santini Sujen Eleonora , Grasselli Francesca
Published: December 2008

Background:The identification of possible ways to block blood vessels formation has become a major scientific objective of the last decade and several phytochemicals are currently being exploited to target tumour angiogenesis.

Aim:The effects of Sanguinarine (SA), an alkaloid from the root of Sanguinaria Canadensis, were evaluated in an in vitro angiogenesis model; moreover the effects on Akt phosphorylation in porcine aortic endothelial cell line (AOC) were also examined.

Methods:SA (300 nM) was tested in the presence or absence of VEGF (100 ng/ml) in a three dimensional angiogenesis bioassay obtained pipetting a suspension of AOC on microcarrier beads in a fibrinogen solution before the addition of thrombine. Endothelial cell proliferation was measured at 48, 96, 144, 192 h. The phosphorylation of Akt was measured by ELISA in 2×105 AOC treated as described above.

Results:The addition of SA abolished (p < 0.001) VEGF stimulatory effect on AOC growth at all the examined times. In addition, the stimulatory effect induced by VEGF on Akt phosphorylation was significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited by SA.

Conclusion:SA appear to be an antiangiogenic natural product by directly suppressing the proliferative effect of VEGF on endothelial cell line: this effect could be mediated by blocking the VEGF‐induced Akt activation.
NF‐κB as a potential molecular target for cancer therapy
Authors: Lee Chae Hyeong , Jeon Yong‐Tark , Kim Su‐Hyeong , Song Yong‐Sang
Published: December 2008

Nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB), a transcription factor, plays an important role in carcinogenesis as well as in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. NF‐κB induces the expression of diverse target genes that promote cell proliferation, regulate apoptosis, facilitate angiogenesis and stimulate invasion and metastasis. Furthermore, many cancer cells show aberrant or constitutive NF‐κB activation which mediates resistance to chemo‐ and radio‐therapy. Therefore, the inhibition of NF‐κB activation and its signaling pathway offers a potential cancer therapy strategy. In addition, recent studies have shown that NF‐κB can also play a tumor suppressor role in certain settings. In this review, we focus on the role of NF‐κB in carcinogenesis and the therapeutic potential of targeting NF‐κB in cancer therapy.
Low serum selenium concentrations are associated with poor grip strength among older women living in the community
Authors: Beck Justine , Ferrucci Luigi , Sun Kai , Walston Jeremy , Fried Linda P. , Varadhan Ravi , Guralnik Jack M. , Semba Richard D.
Published: December 2008

Aging is associated with a loss of muscle strength, and, in turn, loss of muscle strength has been associated with increased risk of frailty, disability and mortality. The factors that contribute to loss of muscle strength with aging have not been well characterized. Selenium is important in normal muscle function because of its role in selenoenzymes that protect muscle against oxidative damage. We hypothesized that low serum selenium concentrations were associated with poor grip strength. We examined the association between serum selenium and hand grip strength among 676 moderately to severely disabled community‐dwelling women in the Women's Health and Aging Study I in Baltimore, Maryland. After adjusting for age, race, body mass index, Mini‐Mental Status Examination score, current smoking, hypertension, congestive heart failure and depression, serum selenium was associated with grip strength (P = 0.04). This study supports the idea that selenium is important to muscle strength in older women.
Green tea, anti‐diabetic or diabetogenic: A dose response study
Authors: Islam Md.Shahidul , Choi Haymie
Published: December 2008

Present study was conducted to clarify whether lower or higher dietary dose of green tea is beneficial for the reduction of risk of type 2 diabetes. Five weeks old male SD rats were fed high fat diet for 2 weeks then divided into 4 groups of 8 animals as Normal Control (NC), Diabetic Control (DBC), Green Tea Low (GTL, 0.5%), Green Tea High (GTH, 2.0%) groups. Diabetes was induced by intra‐peritoneal (i.p) injection of STZ (40 mg/kg BW) in all animals except NC group. After 4 weeks feeding of experimental diets, serum fasting blood glucose was not decreased but relatively increased in both green tea fed groups compared to DBC group. Serum insulin concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in GTL group but not in GTH group when compared with DBC group. Serum lipids were significantly decreased in GTH group but not in GTL group compared to DBC group. Intra‐peritoneal glucose tolerance test, blood HbA1c, liver weight, and liver glycogen level were not influenced by the feeding of green tea containing diets. Data of this study suggest that lower dose of green tea is insulinotropic when higher dose is hyperglycemic but hypolipidemic at least in this experimental condition.
Protective effect of anthocyanin‐rich extract from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillusL.) against myelotoxicity induced by 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Choi Eun Hye , Ok Hyun Ee , Yoon Yoosik , Magnuson Bernadene A. , Kim Mi Kyung , Chun Hyang Sook
Published: December 2008

The toxicities associated with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), a potent broad‐spectrum chemotherapeutic agent, can not only affect the morbidity and the efficacy of chemotherapy but also limit its clinical use. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a commercial anthocyanin‐rich extract from bilberry (AREB) against 5‐FU‐induced myelotoxicity in vivo, and against chemosensitivity to 5‐FU in vitro. A single injection of 5‐FU at 200 mg/kg induced severe peripheral erythrocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia as well as hypocellularity of the spleen and bone marrow in C57BL/6 mice. Oral administration of 500 mg/kg of AREB for 10 days significantly increased the number of red blood cells, neutrophils, and monocytes in peripheral blood to 1.2‐fold, 9‐fold, and 6‐fold, respectively, compared with those seen after treatment with 5‐FU alone (p < 0.05–0.001). The hypocellularity of the spleen and bone marrow caused by 5‐FU was also distinctly alleviated in the AREB‐treated group. Furthermore, AREB treatment with 50 and 100 μg/ml as a monomeric anthocyanin did not interfere with, but rather enhanced the chemotherapeutic efficacy of 5‐FU in vitro. These results suggest that AREB may have protective potential against 5‐FU‐induced myelotoxiciy and/or the ability to enhance the chemotherapeutic effectiveness of 5‐FU.
Possible involvement of queuine in regulation of cell proliferation
Authors: Pathak Chandramani , Jaiswal Yogesh K. , Vinayak Manjula
Published: December 2008

An increase in cell number is one of the most prominent characteristics of cancer cells. This may be caused by an increase in cell proliferation or decrease in cell death. Queuine is one of the modified base which is found at first anticodon position of specific tRNAs. It is ubiquitously present throughout the living system except mycoplasma and yeast. The tRNAs of Q‐family are completely modified to Q‐tRNAs in terminally differentiated somatic cells, however hypomodification of Q‐tRNA is closely associated with cell proliferation and malignancy. Queuine participates at various cellular functions such as regulation of cell proliferation, cell signaling and alteration in the expression of growth associated proto‐oncogenes. Like other proto‐oncogenes bcl2 is known to involve in cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis. Queuine or Q‐tRNA is suggested to inhibit cell proliferation but the mechanism of regulation of cell proliferation by queuine or Q‐tRNA is not well understood. Therefore, in the present study regulation in cell proliferation by queuine in vivo and in vitro as well as the expression of cell death regulatory protein Bcl2 are investigated. For this DLAT cancerous mouse, U87 cell line and HepG2 cell line are treated with different concentrations of queuine and the effect of queuine on cell proliferation and apoptosis are studied. The results indicate that queuine down regulates cell proliferation and expression of Bcl2 protein, suggesting that queuine promotes cell death and participates in the regulation of cell proliferation.
A combination of soy isoflavone supplementation and exercise improves lipid profiles and protects antioxidant defense‐systems against exercise‐induced oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Oh Hea Young , Lim Soyoung , Lee Joo Min , Kim Dae‐Young , Ann Eue‐Soo , Yoon Sun
Published: December 2008

Menopause is often accompanied with weight gain, metabolic lipid abnormalities, and oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of exercise and soy isoflavone supplemention on the lipid profiles and antioxidant capacities of ovariectomized rats. Twenty‐five female Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: sham‐operated, ovariectomized (OVX), OVX with exercise (OVX + EX), OVX with soy isoflavone supplementation (OVX + ISO), and OVX with both soy isoflavones and exercise (OVX + ISO + EX). After 12 weeks of intervention, antioxidant status was evaluated in collected blood samples by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), glutathione (GSH) content, and sodium oxide dismutase (SOD) activity. DNA damage in the lymphocytes was determined using alkaline single‐cell gel electrophoresis (the Comet assay). Although there were no significant differences in weight gain and food intake, weight gain was lower in OVX + EX, OVX + ISO, and OVX + ISO + EX than in OVX. OVX + EX, OVX + ISO, and OVX + ISO + EX showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL‐cholesterol compared to OVX. The soy isoflavone supplemented group had significantly increased FRAP values and GSH contents in contrast to no changes in the exercised group, whereas exercise markedly increased SOD activity and H2O2 ‐induced DNA tail length and tail moment. Exercise with soy isoflavone supplementation significantly increased FRAP values and had no difference on SOD activity, including DNA damage. These results demonstrate that a combined treatment of moderate exercise and soy isoflavone supplementation could exert a beneficial effect on weight control and lipid profiles, and offer protection from exercise‐induced oxidative stress in postmenopausal women.
Involvement of ligand occupancy in Insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) induced cell growth in osteoblast like MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Kim Seok‐Kwun , Kwon Ji‐Young , Nam Taek‐Jeong
Published: December 2008

Growth factors and matrix proteins regulate the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. The insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) system comprises IGF‐I, IGF‐II, and six high‐affinity IGF‐binding proteins (IGFBPs). IGFs stimulate cell growth in many types of tissue; IGF‐binding proteins regulate cellular actions and can affect cell growth. IGF‐I is involved in differentiation, proliferation, and matrix formation in osteoblasts; IGFBP‐5 is associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and can potentiate the actions of IGF‐I. We investigated the effect of ECM proteins on the responses of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast cells to IGF‐I and IGFBP‐5. In addition, because extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (Erk 1/2) affect cell growth, we evaluated the effects of IGFBP‐5 on Erk 1/2 phosphorylation in MC3T3‐E1 cells. IGF‐I caused an increase in IGFBP‐5 expression in cultured MC3T3‐E1 cells, and IGF‐I plus IGFBP‐5 significantly increased cell growth. Likewise, the addition of IGF‐I and IGFBP‐5 to cultured MC3T3‐E1 cells increased the synthesis of the ECM proteins osteopontin (OPN) and thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), which can bind to αVβ3 integrin receptors on the cell surface. By contrast, the addition of an antibody against ECM proteins inhibited the effects of OPN and TSP‐1 on IGFBP‐5 expression. The stimulatory effect of IGFBP‐5 was mediated via Erk 1/2 activation. These data suggest that IGFBP‐5 regulates Erk 1/2 phosphorylation in cultured MC3T3‐E1 cells via ECM proteins that may ultimately stimulate the growth of osteoblasts. We determined whether occupation of the αVβ3 integrin receptor affects IGF‐I receptor (IGF‐IR)‐mediated signaling and function in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast cells. Occupation of the αVβ3 integrin receptor with ECM proteins induced IGF‐I‐stimulated IGF‐IR phosphorylation. Conversely, in the presence of the αVβ3‐specific disintegrin echistatin, IGF‐I‐stimulated IGF‐IR activation was inhibited. IGF‐I‐stimulated IGF‐IR phosphorylation was accompanied by IRS‐1 phosphorylation and MAPK activation. However, these effects were attenuated by echistatin. Thus, occupancy of the αVβ3 disintegrin receptor modulates IGF‐I‐induced IGF‐IR activation and IGF‐IR‐mediated function in MC 3T3‐E1 osteoblasts.
Diabetes, metallothionein, and zinc interactions: A review
Authors: Islam MD. Shahidul , Loots Du Toit
Published: December 2008

Epidemiological evidence, associating diabetes with zinc (Zn) deficiencies, has resulted in numerous research studies describing the effects of Zn and associated metallothionein (MT), on reducing diabetic complications associated with oxidative stress. MT has been found to have a profound effect on the reduction of oxidative stress induced by the diabetic condition. Over expression of MT in various metabolic organs has also been shown to reduce hyperglycaemia‐induced oxidative stress, organ specific diabetic complications, and DNA damage in diabetic experimental animals, which have been further substantiated by the results from MT‐knockout mice. Additionally, supplementation with Zn has been shown to induce in vivo MT synthesis in experimental animals and to reduce diabetes related complications in both humans and animal models. Although the results are promising, some caution regarding this topic is however necessary, due to the fact that the majority of the studies done have been animal based. Hence more human intervention trials are needed regarding the positive effects of MT and Zn before firm conclusions can be made regarding their use in the treatment of diabetes.
Antidiabetic zinc(II)‐N ‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine complex: Evaluations of in vitro insulinomimetic and in vivo blood glucose‐lowering activities
Authors: Adachi Yusuke , Yoshikawa Yutaka , Sakurai Hiromu
Published: December 2008

The diabetic state is known to induce oxidative stress in its mechanism, which in turn is responsible for the complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Recently, we found that Zn(II) complexes have in vitro insulinomimetic and in vivo blood glucose‐lowering activities. During our study on the development of new Zn(II) complexes with antioxidative ligands involving L‐cysteine, L‐cysteine‐methylester, and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (nac), we found a new (N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteinato)Zn(II) (Zn(nac)) complex by evaluating of both its in vitro insulinomimetic and in vivo potencies. The insulinomimetic activity of Zn(nac) with respect to the inhibition of free fatty acid release in isolated rat adipocytes treated with epinephrine was higher than that of a well‐known insulinomimetic VOSO4, being equivalent to that of ZnSO4 . The blood glucose level of hyperglycemic KK‐Ay mice with type 2 DM was reduced by daily intraperitoneal injections of Zn(nac) for 28 days. Their serum insulin, HbA1c, TCHO, and UN levels were remarkably decreased, indicating that Zn(nac) improved the insulin resistance of the mice. The improvement of DM by Zn(nac) was also confirmed by the oral glucose tolerance test. In conclusion, Zn(nac) complex is proposed to attenuate both hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in KK‐Ay mice by decreasing serum insulin, HbA1c, UN, and TCHO levels.
Anti‐obesity activities of fermented soygerm isoflavones by Bif idobacterium breve
Authors: Choi Inwook , Kim Yoonsook , Park Yonggon , Seog Homoon , Choi Heedon
Published: December 2008

Soygerm isoflavones were subjected to fermentation by Bifidobacterium breve. Most of isoflavone glycosides (daidzin, glycitin and genistin) in soygerms were deglycosylated to their corresponding isoflavone aglycones (daidzein, glycitein and genistein) within 24 h fermentation. Fermented isoflavones significantly inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in fermentationtime and dosage dependant manner. When fermented isoflavones were orally administered with olive oil to SD rats, the triglyceride (TG) level in plasma after 2 h of ingestion was significantly lower than the control of only olive oil administered group whereas no such significant decrease in plasma TG was observed in unfermented isoflavone administered group. This result indicates that oral administration of fermented isoflavones effectively suppressed absorption of excessive lipid into a body. Addition of either unfermented or fermented soygerm isoflavones effectively inhibited adipocyte differentiation from 3T3‐L1 in a dose dependent manner. In conclusion, B. breve successfully converted soygerm isoflavones into their aglycones, and these aglycones were more effective in suppressing lipid absorption as well as adipocytes differentiation than their glycosides.
The nutritional and metabolic indices in rats fed cholesterol‐containing diets supplemented with durian at different stages of ripening
Authors: Leontowicz Maria , Leontowicz Hanna , Jastrzebski Zenon , Jesion Iwona , Haruenkit Ratiporn , Poovarodom Sumitra , Katrich Elena , Tashma Zev , Drzewiecki Jerzy , Trakhtenberg Simon , Gorinstein Shela
Published: December 2008

The aim of this investigation was to assess the nutritional and health properties of Mon Thong durian cultivar at different stages of ripening. The assessment was carried out in vitro and in vivo. The contents of dietary fibers, minerals and trace metals at different stages of ripening were comparable. Total polyphenols (mgGAE/100 g FW) and flavonoids (mg CE/100 gFW) in ripe durian (358.8 ± 31.4 and 95.4 ± 9.3) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in mature (216.1 ± 1 and 39.9 ± 3.8) and overripe (283.3 ± 26.2 and 53.5 ± 4.9).

Antioxidant capacity (μMTE/100 g FW) in total polyphenol extracts of ripe durian measured by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and [2,2'‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid)] (ABTS) assays (259.4 ± 23.6 and 2341.8 ± 93.2) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of mature (151.6 ± 15.2 and 1394.6 ± 41.5) and overripe (201.7 ± 19.4 and 1812.2 ± 61.4) samples. The correlation coefficients between the bioactive compounds in different stages of ripening and their antioxidant capacities were high (R2 = 0.99). Then 35 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 dietary groups each of 7 and named Control, Chol, Chol/Mature, Chol/Ripe and Chol/Overripe. During 30 days of the experiment the rats of all 5 groups were fed basal diet (BD), which included wheat starch, casein, soybean oil, vitamin and mineral mixtures. The rats of the Control group were fed a BD only. To the BD of the Chol group was added 1% of cholesterol. The BD of the Chol/Mature, Chol/Ripe and Chol/Overripe groups was supplemented with 1% of cholesterol and 5% of the mature, ripe and overripe durian as freeze‐dried powder, respectively. Diets containing ripe and to a lesser degree mature and overripe durian significantly hindered the rise in plasma lipids and also hindered a decrease in plasma antioxidant activity. The nitrogen retention in rats of the Chol/Ripe group was significantly higher (63.6%, P < 0.05) than in other diet groups and the level of the plasma glucose remained normal. A decrease in fibrinogen fraction with ripe durian included in rat's diets was shown by electrophoretic separation. These changes were detected mostly in the low molecular weight proteins of rat's serum. Histological examination of aorta showed only slight differences in the tissue. In conclusion, ripe durian contains higher quantity of bioactive compounds, has higher antioxidant capacity and nutritional value. It positively affects the plasma lipid profile, the plasma glucose and the antioxidant activity in rats fed cholesterol enriched diets. Therefore, the ripe durian supplemented diet could be beneficial for patient suffering from hypercholesterolemia and diabetes mellitus.
Date seed oil limit oxidative injuries induced by hydrogen peroxide in human skin organ culture
Authors: Dammak Ines , Abdallah Fatma Ben , Boudaya Sonia , Besbes Souhail , Keskes Leila , Gaied Amel El , Turki Hamida , Attia Hammadi , Hentati Basma
Published: December 2008

The skin is chronically exposed to pro‐oxidant agents, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To protect the skin against an over‐load of oxidant species, we studied the chemoprotective effect of one new natural product: “date seed oil: DSO”. This oil may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants such as phenols and tocopherols.

Here, the antioxidative potential of DSO was compared that of to extra virgin olive oil. Adult human skin was maintained in organ culture in the presence of the DSO and extra virgin olive oil before the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 ), in order to prevent the tissue from its oxidizing effects. Skin specimens were collected for histology and for melanin studies.

In the investigated model system, DSO protects skin against oxidative injuries. It has a significant chemoprotective effect, by inhibition of damage caused by H2O2 compared with specimens without such addition endowing with a radical scavenging ability. The various components from DSO were much more potent antioxidant and more free radical scavengers of the H2O2 than those of olive oil.

Our study shows that topical DSO treatment of the skin stimulates events in the epidermis leading to repair skin damage possibly due to antioxidant synergisms.
Modulatory effect of spice extracts on iron‐induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver
Authors: Yadav Amit Singh , Bhatnagar D.
Published: December 2008

The antioxidants in foods play an important role in preventing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Some of the dietary constituents, commonly used in Indian foods such as cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), mace (aril of Myristica fragrans) and greater cardamom (Amomum subulatum), were selected as the test samples to find their effect on the inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rat liver homogenate. Three different oxidant systems were used to induce LPO. The results show that all the spices have antioxidant activities at various concentrations. None of the spices showed prooxidant properties. The effect of spices on the inhibition of LPO was concentration dependent. Cloves, mace and cardamom inhibited the initiation as well as propagation phases of FeCl3 induced LPO, while licorice inhibited the initiation phase only. The reducing power and the superoxide scavenging activity of spices was also measured in vitro. The reducing power of various spices increased with concentration. The percentage inhibition of superoxide radical generation by the spices was also observed to be concentration dependent. The results show that spices used in the present study have significant ability to inhibit LPO due to their polyphenol content, strong reducing power and superoxide radical scavenging activity. Cloves showed the highest antioxidant activity probably due to the higher polyphenol content as compared to other spices.
Effects of 7‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycadalene on cell cycle, apoptosis and protein translation in A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Jin Hua , Kim Hyun‐Woo , Xu Cheng‐Xiong , Kwon Jung‐Taek , Hwang Soon‐Kyung , Lee Eun‐Sun , Chang Seung‐Hee , Park Sung‐Jin , Noh Mi‐Suk , Woo Min‐Ah , Yu Kyeong‐Nam , Lee Hu‐Jang , Choi Joon‐Weon , Choi Don‐Ha , Cho Myung‐Haing
Published: December 2008

Previously we reported that cadalene extracted from Zelkova serrata inhibited lung tumorigenesis in mice. However, the precise mechanism has not yet investigated. Here, we examined the effects of cadalene on signal pathways important for apoptosis, cell cycle, and protein translation in lung cancer cells. Our results showed that cadalene suppressed the expression of Akt and its phosphor‐forms through controlling PI3K and PTEN. Cadalene also induced apoptosis through facilitating proapoptotic protein expression. In addition, cadalene caused cell cycle arrest and decreased mTOR‐mediated protein translation. Taken together, cadalene may be developed as a lung cancer therapeutic agent in the future.
Low serum selenium concentration as a possible factor for persistent goiter in Iranian school children
Authors: Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Sadegholvaad Abdolsamad , Ejtehadi Fardad , Omrani Gholamhossein
Published: December 2008

Selenium deficiency can have adverse effect on thyroid metabolism and response to iodine supplementation. The aim of this study was to determine relationship between prevalence of goiter, thyroid hormone profile, urinary iodine and serum selenium concentrations in Iranian schoolchildren.

In a cross‐ sectional study, 1188 schoolchildren in the age group of 8‐13 years were evaluated for goiter prevalence. Urine and serum samples were collected from 500 children and assayed for urinary iodine concentration, thyroid hormone profile and serum selenium concentration.

The overall goiter prevalence was 39.6% and the median urinary iodine excretion, indicated to an adequate iodine intake. The mean serum selenium concentration was 119.1 ± 31 μg/l with significant difference between boys and girls (108.4 ± 26.2 μg/l vs 127.7 ± 32.1 μg/l). An increase in free T4 concentration was observed in those with a lower selenium level and there was a significant relationship between the presence or absence of goiter and serum selenium concentration. Selenium supplementation may be an advisable measure to optimize thyroid hormone metabolism and decrease the prevalence of goiter in schoolchildren with low serum selenium concentration.
Coenzyme Q10 concentration in the plasma of children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia before and during induction treatment
Authors: Niklowitz Petra , Wiesel Thomas , Andler Werner , Menke Thomas
Published: December 2008

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is used by the body as an endogenous antioxidant. This property combined with its essential function in mitochondrial energy production suggests that it may have therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. As part of the body's antioxidant defence against free radical production, CoQ10 concentrations may change during anti‐cancer chemotherapy.

Our study measured CoQ10 concentration in the plasma of 27 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at the time of diagnosis, during induction (protocol ALL‐BFM 2000), and post induction treatment. The starting values were compared to the CoQ10 concentrations in 92 healthy children. The total CoQ10 concentration and its redox status were measured by HPLC using electrochemical detection and internal standardisation. While the CoQ10 concentration in the plasma of children with ALL was within a normal range at the time of diagnosis (0.99 ± 0.41 pmol/μl), a drastic increase was observed during induction treatment (2.19 ± 1.01 pmol/μl on day 33). This increase was accompanied by shift in the redox status in favour of the reduced form of CoQ10. The increase in CoQ10 concentration during induction treatment may be attributed to the activation of a natural antioxidative defence mechanism, endocrine influence on CoQ10 synthesis from steroid treatment, or a shift in CoQ10 from the damaged cells to the plasma after cell lysis.
The activity of an extract and fraction ofAgrimonia eupatoriaL. against reactive species
Authors: Correia Helena S. , Batista Maria Teresa , Dinis Teresa C.P.
Published: December 2008

Agrimonia eupatoriaL. (agrimony) is a medicinal plant largely used in traditional medicine. Recently, phytochemical studies on an agrimony hydro‐alcoholic extract and a polyphenol‐enriched fraction obtained from it were carried out. The fraction was found to possess a high concentration of flavan‐3‐ols, flavonols, flavones and phenolic acids. So, the main purpose of this study was to search out, the extract and fraction antioxidant potential and scavenging activity against the reactive species formed during inflammation and to establish a relationship between such activity and the phenolic composition. Results showed that both the extract and the fraction promptly reacted with DPPH denoting a general radical scavenger activity and a potential antioxidant capacity. They also reacted with superoxide anion, peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals as well as with the oxidant species, hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid and peroxynitrite, strengthening their radical scavenger and antioxidant activities. In most assays, the polyphenol‐enriched fraction was more efficient, pointing to a significant contribution of the polyphenols content to those activities. Our data suggest that the significant scavenging capacity of reactive species by polyphenols fromAgrimonia eupatoriaL., could be a mechanism of its anti‐inflammatory activity.
Phenethyl isothiocyanate suppresses receptor activator of NF‐kappaB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis by blocking activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Murakami Akira , Song Meiyu , Ohigashi Hajime
Published: December 2008

Osteoclastogenesis is induced by differentiation of hemopoietic cells of monocyte‐macrophage lineage into boneresorbing osteoclasts. The process is initiated by receptor activator of NF‐kappaB ligand (RANKL) and resultant activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, as well as the NFκB pathway. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a phytochemical present in various cruciferous plants, has been shown to disrupt those signaling pathways in several cell types. In this study, we examined the efficacy of PEITC for suppressing RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 murine macrophages and addressed the underlying molecular mechanisms. PEITC (2–10 μM) suppressed osteoclastogenesis in a concentration dependent manner, as detected by tartarate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and microscopic observations. RANKL‐up‐regulated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) activities were attenuated by PEITC, whereas c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK1/2) activation was increased. PEITC also abrogated the RANKL‐induced degradation of IκB‐α, a suppressive partner of nuclear factor kappaB (NFκB), thereby inhibiting transcription activity, as detected by a reporter assay. In addition, PEITC reduced the level of NFκB‐dependent mRNA expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT)c1, a master regulator of osteoclastogenesis. Our results indicate that PEITC is a promising agent for treatment of osteoclastogenesis with a reasonable action mechanism.
Effects of decylubiquinone (coenzyme Q10 analog) supplementation on SHRSP
Authors: Murad Leonardo Borges , Guimarães Marcela Rodrigues Moreira , Vianna Ucia Marques
Published: December 2008

Decylubiquinone treatment in vitro has demonstrated a potent inhibitor effect on reactive oxidative species production. However, the effect in vivo has not been demonstrated yet. Thus, rats SHRSP male were divided in two groups: treated and controls (n = 6, each). The treated group received 10 mg/Kg−/body weight of decylubiquinone diluted in coconut oil by oral gavage during four weeks. Control rats just received the vehicle. Body weight, diuresis, food and water intake, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose levels and malondialdehyde were determined. There were a significant (p < 0.05) reduction on systolic blood pressure, plasma malondialdehyde, total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol in the treated group. Additionally, HDL‐cholesterol also increased significantly. However, body weight, diuresis, food and water intake, blood glucose levels and triglycerides did not alter after treatment. Thus, decylubiquinone can be a new antihypertensive, hypolipidemic and antioxidant agent on the prevention and treatment of diseases linked to oxidative stress.
Impact of daily consumption of iron fortified ready‐to‐eat cereal and pumpkin seed kernels (Cucurbita pepo) on serum iron in adult women
Authors: Naghii Mohammad Reza , Mofid Mahmood
Published: December 2008

Iron deficiency, anemia, is the most prevalent nutritional problem in the world today.

The objective of this study was to consider the effectiveness of consumption of iron fortified ready‐to‐eat cereal and pumpkin seed kernels as two sources of dietary iron on status of iron nutrition and response of hematological characteristics of women at reproductive ages. Eight healthy female, single or non pregnant subjects, aged 20–37 y consumed 30 g of iron fortified ready‐to‐eat cereal (providing 7.1 mg iron/day) plus 30 g of pumpkin seed kernels (providing 4.0 mg iron/day) for four weeks. Blood samples collected on the day 20 of menstrual cycles before and after consumption and indices of iron status such as reticulocyte count, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), serum ferritin, iron, total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin and transferrin saturation percent were determined. Better response for iron status was observed after consumption period. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the pre and post consumption phase for higher serum iron (60 ± 22 vs. 85 ± 23 ug/dl), higher transferrin saturation percent (16.8 ± 8.0 vs. 25.6 ± 9.0%), and lower TIBC (367 ± 31 vs. 339 ± 31 ug/dl). All individuals had higher serum iron after consumption. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.981, p = 0.000) between the differences in serum iron levels and differences in transferrin saturation percentages and a significant negative correlation (r = −0.916, p < 0.001) between the differences in serum iron levels and differences in TIBC was found, as well.

Fortified foods contribute to maintaining optimal nutritional status and minimizing the likelihood of iron insufficiencies and use of fortified ready‐to‐eat cereals is a common strategy. The results showed that adding another food source of iron such as pumpkin seed kernels improves the iron status. Additional and longer studies using these two food products are recommended to further determine the effect of iron fortification on iron nutrition and status among the target population, and mainly in young children, adolescents, women of reproductive ages and pregnant women.
Changes in zinc uptake in response to ascorbic acid and folic acid in rat liver slices under normal and oxidative stress conditions
Authors: Tupe R.S. , Chiplonkar S.A. , Agte V.V.
Published: December 2008

Zinc plays a dual role, as an integral part of metabolic machinery and in defense against reactive oxygen species. Hepatocytes are important sites for zinc metabolism for synthesis of zinc metalloproteins and maintaining its homeostasis. However, the factors influencing post absorptive zinc metabolism under normal and oxidative stress (OS) conditions are not well understood. Using rat liver slices, we conducted a series of four in vitro zinc uptake experiments to study influence of ascorbic acid and folic acid in normal and oxidative stress conditions with Zn concentrations representing deficient to excess states (7.7–30.7 millimole/L). Zinc uptakes under OS at these four zinc levels were lower than the normal conditions. Folic acid showed significant inhibitory effect on zinc uptake under both normal and OS conditions in a dose response manner. Nevertheless, dose response of ascorbic acid at four zinc levels indicated its marked enhancing effect under OS condition. Differences in zinc uptake trend lines between the normal and OS conditions for interaction of both the vitamins narrowed down as the zinc levels increased. Our results suggest that folic acid causes inhibitory effect, while ascorbic acid may be protective in OS with reference to zinc uptake.
Mitochondrial recycling of ascorbic acid as a mechanism for regenerating cellular ascorbate
Authors: May James M. , Li Liying , Qu Zhi‐Chao , Cobb Charles E.
Published: December 2008

Mitochondria are the major source of potentially damaging reactive oxygen species in most cells. Since ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, can protect against cellular oxidant stress, we studied the ability of mitochondria prepared from guinea pig skeletal muscle to recycle the vitamin from its oxidized forms. Although ascorbate concentrations in freshly prepared mitochondria were only about 0.2 mM, when provided with 6 mM succinate and 1 mM dehydroascorbate (the two‐electronoxidized form of the vitamin), mitochondria were able to generate and maintain concentrations as high as 4 mM, while releasing most of the ascorbate into the incubation medium. Mitochondrial reduction of dehydroascorbate was strongly inhibited by 1,3‐bis(chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea and by phenylarsine oxide. Despite existing evidence that mitochondrial ascorbate protects the organelle from oxidant damage, ascorbate failed to preserve mitochondrial α‐tocopherol during prolonged incubation in oxygenated buffer. Nonetheless, the capacity for mitochondria to recycle ascorbate from its oxidized forms, measured as ascorbate‐dependent ferricyanide reduction, was several‐fold greater than total steady‐state ascorbate concentrations. This, and the finding that more than half of the ascorbate recycled from dehydroascorbate escaped the mitochondrion, suggests that mitochondrial recycling of ascorbate might be an important mechanism for regenerating intracellular ascorbate.
The characterization and molecular structure of hepatoproliferin: A liver regeneration factor from rat hepatocytes
Authors: Oosthuizen Mathys M. J. , Lambrechts Hugo
Published: December 2008

Hepatoproliferin (HPF) was purified from regenerating rat livers as an oligomeric entity (big‐HPF) from which the monomeric form (small‐HPF) could be obtained using disaggregating conditions. By using a solid‐phase ion‐exchange method, small‐HPF was forced to dissociate into two charged ionic species, namely norepinephrine (NE) and a sulfonated disaccharide with a molecular structure consisting of D‐glucuronic acid bound to glucosamine 2,6‐disulfate by a β‐glycosidic linkage having a β, 1 → 4 configuration. Monomeric HPF stemmed from the formation of three electrostatic bonds between the protonated amine groups of three norepinephrines, of which two bind to the deprotonated sulfonic groups of glucosamine 2,6‐disulfate and one to the deprotonated carboxylic group of glucuronic acid, to constitute a tightly associated complex with a molecular mass of 1046 Da. This represents one of the two purified isoforms of small‐HPF. The other isoform, which has a lower molecular mass of 877 Da, lack one NE, leaving the weaker carboxylic group of glucuronic acid unoccupied, to constitute a more acidic form of HPF.
Enhanced anti‐proliferative effects of combinatorial treatment of δ ‐tocopherol and resveratrol in human HMC‐1 cells
Authors: Reiter Elke , Azzi Angelo , Zingg Jean‐Marc
Published: December 2008

The tocopherols (α‐, β‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherol) and resveratrol are phytochemicals with alleged beneficial effects against atherosclerosis, vascular diseases and different cancers. They both can act as antioxidants, but they also modulate signal transduction and gene expression by non‐antioxidant mechanisms. Here we wanted to determine whether the combined treatment of mast cells with the two compounds inhibits cell proliferation more efficiently when compared to individual treatments. Both compounds inhibit HMC‐1 mastocytoma cell proliferation and reduce the activity of Protein Kinase B (PKB/Akt) by inhibiting its Ser473‐phosphorylation. The combination of 50 μM δ‐tocopherol and 50 μM resveratrol inhibits proliferation of HMC‐1 cells more efficiently when compared to single treatments. In line with this, PKB Ser473‐phosphorylation is inhibited best by δtocopherol and resveratrol combinatory treatment. Resveratrol acts more efficiently as an inhibitor of PKB phosphorylation than α‐, β‐, γ‐tocopherols, whereas δ‐tocopherol shows a stronger inhibition possibly as a result of its apoptotic secondary effects. Our data suggest that δ‐tocopherol and resveratrol can act additively in reducing cell proliferation and PKB phosphorylation. The combination of phytochemicals with relatively broad specificity on enzymes involved in signal transduction and gene expression may increase their activity in disease prevention by modulating several different molecular targets.
Antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of methanol extracts from aerial parts of Korean salad plants
Authors: Heo Buk‐Gu , Park Yong‐Seo , Chon Sang‐Uk , Lee Sook‐Young , Cho Ja‐Yong , Gorinstein Shela
Published: December 2008

The aim of this investigation was to determine the content of total phenolics, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of methanol extracts from the aerial parts of 11 Korean medicinal salad plants. The highest total phenolic content of the methanol extracts was found in Aster scaber (17.1 mg 100 g−1 ), followed by Ixeris dentate (16.4 mg 100 g−1 ), Aster yomena (12.0 mg 100 g−1 ) and Sedum sarmentosum (9.1 mg 100 g−1 ) of FW. Methanol extracts of Ixeris dentate and Aster scaber at 50 μg mL−1 exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity by 86.4 and 83.3%, respectively. It was registered a dose‐dependent increase of DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Total phenolic content of the studied plant extracts was correlated with the DPPH radical scavenging activity. It was found by means of MTT assay, that cytotoxicity of the methanol extracts was the highest against HCT‐116. Methanol extracts from Petasites japonicus (IC50 < 25.0 μg mL−1 ) showed the highest activity against HCT‐116, following by Angelica gigas (34.75 μg mL−1 ), Erythronium japonicum (44.06 μg mL−1 ), and Aster scaber (54.87 μg mL−1 ).

In conclusion, the studied salad plants have high total phenolics content and high antioxidant activity. These plants dosedependently increased DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The total phenolics level was highly correlated with the free radical scavenging activity. Most of the studied salad plants have potent cytotoxicity activity. The results of this investigation suggest that the extracts of studied salad plants could be an addition to basic medicine for some diseases.