bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of herbal extract mixture on menopausal urinary incontinence in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Lee Yong Hyuk , Hyun Sun Hee , Choung Se Young 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe decline of estrogen production after menopause is contributing factor to urinary incontinence (UI), and particularly stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We determined the preventive effects of herbal extract mixture (HEM) on UI in ovariectomized Sprague Dawley rats. Female 9‐weeks old rats were ovariectomized and treated with HEM (2.2, 11, or 55 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks.The index of urinary bladder weight to body weight in the HEM and non‐ovariectomized and non‐treated (SHAM) groups were slightly higher than the ovariectomized, non‐treated group (OVX). The contraction index of acetylcholine to KCl on detrusor smooth muscle strips in the HEM groups showed a dose‐dependent recovery.HEM treatment also significantly improved collagen levels, as shown by Masson trichrome staining, as well as hydroxyproline levels in the urinary bladder.Serum estradiol levels in the HEM groups were higher than the OVX group.In conclusion, HEM increased estradiol levels in serum and improved factors related to urinary incontinence. The improvements in estradiol levels were related to changes in urinary incontinence.
An integrated database of flavonoids
Authors: Kinoshita Takashi , Lepp Zsolt , Kawai Yoshichika , Terao Junji , Chuman Hiroshi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractFlavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that occur ubiquitously in foods of plant origin. Some of these molecules exhibit various physiological activities.Among existing drugs, there are a huge number of compounds bearing a flavonoid‐related skeleton. Because of the relevance for pharmaceutical research, it would be beneficial to collect these compounds into a database. Recently, various databases of chemicals were compiled to help biological and/or chemical research, but no comprehensive database of flavonoids with chemical structures and physicochemical parameters, supposedly related to their activity, is available yet. The aim of this research was to merge the information about flavonoids of plant origin and flavonoids used as medicines into a database. Moreover, predictions of activities against various targets were performed using a virtual screening procedure to demonstrate a possible application of the database for pharmaceutical research.
Anti‐adipogenic activity of rutin in 3T3‐L1 cells and mice fed with high‐fat diet
Authors: Choi Inwook , Park Yongkon , Choi Heedon , Lee Eunjoo H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPolyphenolic compounds were examined for their effects on suppressing adipocyte differentiation in 3T3‐L1 cells. Most polyphenolic compounds inhibited adipocyte development from 3T3‐L1 cells to some extent. Among them, rutin was the most effective in suppressing adipocyte differentiation in a dosage dependant manner. Activity of glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), which has a central position in lipogenesis in adipose cells, was also decreased by rutin addition at the induction stage. RT‐PCR results demonstrated that mRNA expression of adipogenic transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein‐α (C/EBPα) in 3T3‐L1 cells were remarkably down regulated by rutin treatment. For further investigation on anti‐adipogenic activities of rutin, it was orally administered (25 and 50 mg/kg b.w/daily) with high‐fat diet (64.4% of total calories as fat) to C57BL/6 mice. Body weight gains were less in high‐fat diet + rutin fed groups (HFR) than high‐fat diet alone fed group (HF) after 4 weeks. Total cholesterol contents in blood were significantly lower in HFR groups. When mRNA expressions of PPARγ and C/EBPα in hepatocytes were compared between the control HF and HFR groups, their expressions in hepatocytes of HFR groups were significantly suppressed. These results indicate that rutin inhibits adipogenic development in pre‐adipocytes and hepatocytes by down regulating expressions of key adipogenic transcription factors.
Chemopreventive actions of polyphenolic compounds in cancer
Authors: Soobrattee Muhammad A. , Bahorun Theeshan , Aruoma Okezie I. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractOxidative stress and associated mechanisms involving inflammation, aberrant signaling pathways and gap junction intercellular communication is increasingly associated with the pathogenesis of various chronic degenerative disorders such as atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration and cancer. Consumption of fruits, vegetables and beverages like teas continue to be suggested to have the capacity to reduce the incidence of cancer. The bioactive compounds including phenolics may be responsible for the chemopreventive effects. While the free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of phenolics are well established, emerging literature reports suggest that their chemopreventive effects may also be ascribed to their ability to modulate components of cell signaling pathways. This paper reviews the potential chemoprevention role of phenolics with a focus on cellular signal transduction mechanisms and prevention of gap junction intercellular communication relevant to cancer.
Assessment of the polyphenolic composition of the organic extracts of Mauritian black teas: A potential contributor to their antioxidant functions
Authors: Luximon‐Ramma Amitabye , Neergheen Vidushi S. , Bahorun Theeshan , Crozier Alan , Zbarsky Virginia , Datla Krishna P. , Dexter David T. , Aruoma Okezie I. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThere is increasing interest in the emerging view that tea improves the antioxidant status in vivo and thereby helps to lower risk of certain types of cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke and its component biofactors could provide prophylactic potential for these diseases. The polyphenolic composition and the antioxidant properties of organic extracts (acetone/methanol) of Mauritian commercial black teas were evaluated. HPLC data of the individual compounds revealed remarkably high levels (+)‐Catechin ((+)‐C), (−)‐epicatechin ((−)‐EC), (−)‐epicatechin 3‐gallate ((−)‐ECG), (−)‐epigallocatechin ((−)‐EGC), (−)‐epigallocatechin 3‐gallate ((−)‐EGCG) and gallic acid. Analysis of hydrolysed extracts indicated that quercetin was the dominant flavonol aglycone with traces of myricetin and kaempferol. Based on the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assays Extra tea from Bois Chéri exhibited the highest antioxidant potential. Linear regression analyses showed that the antioxidant capacities of the organic extracts are strongly influenced by total phenols (TEAC: r=0.95 and FRAP: r=0.96) and to a lesser extent by total proanthocyanidin and total flavonoid contents. Catechins and gallic acid seem to add up to the overall antioxidant capacity of black tea extracts. The fresh tea leaves had high levels of total phenols, total flavonoids, total proanthocyanidin and exhibited greater antioxidant potential when compared with black teas. Organic extracts of endemic teas represent useful source of phenolic antioxidants supplements for prophylactic use.
The thiol‐based redox networks of pathogens: Unexploited targets in the search for new drugs
Authors: Jaeger Timo , Flohé Leopold 
Published: December 2008

AbstractHydroperoxide metabolism in diverse pathogens is reviewed under consideration of involved enzymes as potential drug targets. The common denominator of the peroxidase systems of Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Plasmodium, and Mycobacterium species is the use of NAD(P)H to reduce hydroperoxides including peroxynitrite via a flavin‐containing disulfide reductase, a thioredoxin (Trx)‐related protein and a peroxidase that operates with thiol catalysis. In Plasmodium falciparum, thioredoxin‐ and glutathione dependent systems appear to be linked via glutaredoxin and plasmoredoxin to terminal thioredoxin peroxidases belonging to both, the peroxiredoxin (Prx) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a catalase‐type peroxidase is complemented by the typical 2‐C‐Prx AhpC that, in contrast to most bacteria, is reduced by TrxC, and an atypical 2‐C‐Prx reduced by TrxB or C. A most complex variation of the scheme is found in trypanosomatids, where the unique redox metabolite trypanothione reduces the thioredoxin‐related tryparedoxin, which fuels Prx‐ and GPx‐type peroxidases as well as ribonucleotide reductase. In Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania donovani the system has been shown to be essential for viability and virulence by inversed genetics. It is concluded that optimum efficacy can be expected from inhibitors of the most upstream components of the redox cascades. For trypanosomatids attractive validated drug targets are trypanothione reductase and trypanothione synthetase; for mycobacteria thioredoxin reductase appears most appealing, while in Plasmodium simultaneous inhibition of both the thioredoxin and the glutathione pathway appears advisable to avoid mutual substitution in co‐substrate supply to the peroxidases. Financial and organisational needs to translate the scientific progress into applicable drugs are discussed under consideration of the socio‐economic impact of the addressed diseases.
Exercise, oxidative stress and risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Protective role of antioxidant functional foods
Authors: Galán Ana I. , Palacios Encarna , Ruiz Francisco , Díez Arancha , Arji Mohamed , Almar Mar , Moreno Carlos , Calvo José I. , Muñoz María E. , Delgado Marco A. , Jiménez Rafael 
Published: December 2008

AbstractFree radicals and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and cancer. Exercise is a useful strategy for preventing CVD but in elderly persons it can enhance oxidative stress, which is why some studies recommend antioxidant supplementation for exercising elderly subjects. This intervention study was performed on 320 elderly subjects following a Geriatric Revitalization Program (GEREPRO) to maintain physical health and reduce CVD risk. GEREPRO was based on regular exercise concurrent with a nutritional antioxidant treatment based on daily intake of a functional antioxidant food, Biofrutas™. Sustained exercise (10 months, 3 sessions/week) significantly increased cardiorespiratory fitness and plasma HDL‐cholesterol; it reduced some predictors of cardiovascular risk (arterial pressure, LDL‐cholesterol, total cholesterol/LDL‐C, LDL‐C/HDL‐C), but significantly enhanced some biomarkers of oxidative stress. Concurrent antioxidant supplementation did not produce any ergogenic effects but, meaningfully, enhanced some positive effects of exercise on physical health and the CDV risk index, and it totally prevented the exercise‐induced oxidative stress. Our results show that regular and moderate exercise improves cardiorespiratory function and reduces CVD risk in elderly people, while concurrent antioxidant supplementation modulates oxidative insult during exercise in the elderly and enhances the beneficial effects of exercise.
The effect of plant cytokinin hormones on the production of ethylene, nitric oxide, and protein nitrotyrosine in ageing tobacco leaves
Authors: Wilhelmová N. , Fuksová H. , Srbová M. , Miková D. , Mýtinová Z. , Procházková D. , Vytášek R. , Wilhelm J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractTransgenic plants with genetically increased or decreased levels of cytokinins were used to investigate the effect of cytokinin level on the production of ethylene, a plant hormone with suggested role in senescence, and the production of nitric oxide, potentially important signalling and regulatory molecule. The production of these gases was followed during the course of leaf development and senescence. The production of ethylene and nitric oxide is under genetic control of genes other than those involved in regulation of senescence. The difference in basic ethylene and NO levels in different tobacco cultivars was higher than their changes in senescence. The results of this study did not indicate a direct link between ethylene production and cytokinin levels. However, there was a decreased production of NO in senescent leaves. Low cytokinins level was associated with increased NO production during leaf development. Protein nitrotyrosine proved to be a better indicator of the reactive nitrogen species than measuring of the NO production. Higher nitrotyrosine concentrations were found in insoluble proteins than in the soluble ones, pointing to membrane proteins as the primary targets of the reactive nitrogen species. In plants with elevated cytokinin levels the content of nitrated proteins decreased both in soluble and insoluble fractions. This finding indicates an antioxidative function of cytokinins against reactive nitrogen species.
Low molecular proanthocyanidin dietary biofactor Oligonol: Its modulation of oxidative stress, bioefficacy, neuroprotection, food application and chemoprevention potentials
Authors: Aruoma Okezie I. , Sun Buxiang , Fujii Hajime , Neergheen Vidushi S. , Bahorun Theeshan , Kang Kyung‐Sun , Sung Mi‐Kyung 
Published: December 2008

AbstractInterdisciplinary research endeavors are directed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative and chronic diseases that affect human lifestyle. Hence the potential for developing medicinal herb‐derived and food plant‐derived prophylactic agents directed at neurological, metabolic, cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders abounds. Oligonol is a novel technology product emanating from the oligomerization of polyphenols, typically proanthocyanidin from a variety of fruits (grapes, apples, persimmons etc.) that has optimized bioavailability. It is an optimized phenolic product containing catechin‐type monomers and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, the easily absorbed forms. Typically the constituents of Oligonol are 15–20% monomers, 8–12% dimers and 5–10% trimers. Supplementation of mice with Oligonol prior to the administration of ferric‐nitrilotriacetic complex (a Fenton chemistry model) significantly reduced the extent of lipid peroxidation in the kidney, brain and liver. Oligonol triggers apoptosis in the MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells through modulation of the pro‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family of proteins and the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, an observation suggesting its important chemopreventive effects. The senescence‐accelerated strain of mice (SAM) are models of senescence acceleration and geriatric disorders which exhibit learning and memory deficits and enhanced production or defective control of oxidative stress leading to neuronal damage. Oligonol has been suggested to modulate behavioral deficits, decrease the extent of inflamma‐tion scores in the SAMP8 mice as well as prolonging their life‐span. Oligonol modulates the Aβ induced oxidative insult and dysfunction in mitochondrial membrane integrity in PC12 cells indicating potential neuroprotection functions. Safety studies indicate no adverse effects in mice with an LD50 of 5 g/kg which equates to a dose of approximately 300 g for an average human with a 60 kg body weight. The application of Oligonol in pharmaceutical preparations, cosmetics, dairy, processed meat and food products, supplements and in functional beverages can be envisaged.
Salivary isoprostanes indicate increased oxidation injury in periodontitis with additional tobacco abuse
Authors: Wolfram Roswitha M. , Budinsky Alexandra C. , Eder Andreas , Presenhuber Christiane , Nell Andrea , Sperr Wolfgang , Sinzinger Helmut 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIsoprostanes (IPs) are indicators of in‐vivo oxidative stress, and have been successfully used as markers for chronic inflammatory processes. The presence of chronic periodontal disease and cigarette smoking has been individually linked to the development of atherosclerosis, yet data regarding oxidative stress in this context are not available yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of the salivary prostaglandins (PGs) 8‐epi‐PGF2α, 6‐oxo‐PGF1α, thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and PGF2α in association with periodontal disease status with and without additional cigarette smoking.We analyzed saliva samples from 121 adults, (aged 21–73 years, 90 non‐smokers, 31 smokers) for levels of 8‐epi‐PGF2α, 6‐oxo‐PGF1α, TXB2 and PGF2α. On the basis of periodontal disease indices the periodontal status of each subject was assessed and outcomes were then correlated with smoking status and laboratory findings.Salivary 8‐epi‐PGF2α levels increased with deteriorating plaque index, and were significantly higher (115.5 ± 23.5 pg/ml) in smoking individuals, when compared to non‐smokers (70.2 ± 20.4 pg/ml, p<0.0001). In addition, smokers showed higher TXB2 and PGF2α s and lower 6‐oxo‐PGF1α levels p<0.0001). Oxidative stress, as reflected by elevated salivary 8‐epi‐PGF2α levels, is associated with the extent of periodontal disease and is significantly aggravated by concomitant tobacco abuse. Chronic inflammation and smoking have been individually associated with the development of atherosclerosis. The results of this study indicate that: 1) salivary IPs can reliably assess the degree of oxidative stress, and: 2) smoking and periodontal disease are two modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, able to potentiate each other.
Coenzyme Q10 concentration in plasma and blood cells: What about diurnal changes?
Authors: Niklowitz Petra , Andler Werner , Menke Thomas 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCoenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is used by the body as an endogenous antioxidant and performs essential functions in mitochondrial energy production. The value of CoQ10 as a biomarker for oxidative stress will be severely restricted if there are huge individual daily variations in its concentration.For analysis of diurnal changes in CoQ10 plasma and blood cell concentrations, blood was collected from nine healthy adults (at two‐ or three‐hour intervals for plasma, and three times a day for blood cells). CoQ10 was analysed by HPLC using electrochemical detection and internal standardisation.Daytime variations in CoQ10 concentration in plasma are maintained within narrow limits and show no statistically significant difference (Kruskal‐Wallis). However, a drop at night‐time (0300 h) is accompanied by a drop in total cholesterol concentration. Remarkable inter‐individual differences in blood cell (erythrocytes, platelets, white blood cells) content of CoQ10 occur with only slight intra‐individual daily variations.A correlation (Spearman) is found for cholesterol and CoQ10 content in circulation which may be explained by the carrier capacity of blood for this highly lipophilic substance. Moreover, a diurnal change in hepatic HMG‐CoA reductase activity may suggest a common diurnal regulation of synthesis of both CoQ10 and cholesterol.
Oral administration of Antioxidant Biofactor (AOB™) ameliorates ischemia/reperfusioninduced neuronal death in the gerbil
Authors: Yasui Hironobu , Asanuma Taketoshi , Watanabe Yasuko , Waki Kenji , Inanami Osamu , Kuwabara Mikinori 
Published: December 2008

AbstractOxidative damage due to ischemia/reperfusion has been implicated as one of the leading causes for delayed neuronal cell death in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including stroke. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether oral administration of a fermented grain food mixture (AOB ) might offer protective effects against ischemia/reperfusioninduced neuronal damage in Mongolian gerbils, a model known for delayed neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region. Histological analysis revealed that AOB administration ad libitum for 3 weeks (preoperative administration) and 1 week (postoperative administration) dose‐dependently suppressed the induction of transient ischemia/reperfusion‐induced neuronal cell death. TUNEL assay also revealed that AOB suppressed it by inhibiting the induction of apoptosis. A significant increase of superoxide dismutase‐like (SOD‐like) activity was observed in the hippocampal CA1 region of the AOB‐treated gerbil. Furthermore, immunoblot analysis showed that AOB administration down‐regulated the expression of heat shock proteins HSP27 and HSP70 in the same region. These results indicated that oral administration of AOB protected against ischemia/reperfusion‐induced brain injury by minimizing oxidative damage via its SOD‐like activity and inhibiting apoptosis.
Protective effects of a red orange extract on UVB‐induced damage in human keratinocytes
Authors: Cimino Francesco , Cristani Mariateresa , Saija Antonina , Bonina Franco Paolo , Virgili Fabio 
Published: December 2008

AbstractUV light is considered one of the major etiological factor in skin aging, cancer and also to systemic impairment such as immunosuppression. Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress condition are known to play a central role in initiating and driving the signalling events that lead to cellular response following UV irradiation. In the present study we have investigated the photoprotective activity of a standardized extract from red orange (ROE), obtained from three red orange varieties and containing as main active principles phenolic compounds (anthocyanins, flavanones and hydroxycinnamic acids) and ascorbic acid.The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ROE in modulating cellular responses to UVB in human keratinocytes (HaCaT).Our data indicate that ROE is potentially able to efficiently counteract UVB‐induced response, and in particular some events associated to inflammation and apoptosis, such as NF‐kB and AP‐1 translocation and procaspase‐3 cleavage. This activity is probably due to a block of cellular oxidative stress‐related events. Thus we can propose ROE as a useful natural standardised extract in skin photoprotection with promising applications in the field of dermatology.
Brazilin and the extract from Caesalpinia sappan L. protect oxidative injury through the expression of heme oxygenase‐1
Authors: Choi Byung‐Min , Lee Ju‐A. , Gao Shang Shang , Eun Sang Yong , Kim Young‐Sup , Ryu Shi‐Yong , Choi Yeon‐Hee , Park Raekil , Kwon Dae Young , Kim Bok‐Ryang 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this study, we examined the protective effects of Caesalpinia sappan L. and its major component, brazilin, against tert‐butylhydroperoxide (t‐BHP)‐induced cell death in House Ear Institute‐Organ of Corti 1 (HEI‐OC1) cells. We found that the extract of C. sappan L. and brazilin induced antioxidant response element (ARE)‐luciferase activity and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression in a concentration‐dependent manner. The inductive effect of brazilin was more potent than the extract of C. sappan L. and the expression of HO‐1 reached a peak at 12 h after brazilin treatment. The extract and brazilin protected the cells against t‐BHP‐induced cell death. Their protective effects were abrogated by zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX), a HO inhibitor. These results demonstrate that the extract of C. sappan L. and brazilin induce the expression of HO‐1 and the enzyme diminishes t‐BHP‐induced cell death in HEI‐OC1 cells.