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Journal of Gastroenterology Sep 2023Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced form of chronic fatty liver disease, which is a driver of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the roles of the C5aR1 in...
BACKGROUND
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced form of chronic fatty liver disease, which is a driver of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the roles of the C5aR1 in the NASH remain poorly understood. Here, we aimed to investigate the functions and mechanisms of the C5aR1 on hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in murine NASH model.
METHODS
Mice were fed a normal chow diet with corn oil (ND + Oil), a Western diet with corn oil (WD + Oil) or a Western diet with carbon tetrachloride (WD + CCl) for 12 weeks. The effects of the C5a-C5aR1 axis on the progression of NASH were analyzed and the underlying mechanisms were explored.
RESULTS
Complement factor C5a was elevated in NASH mice. C5 deficiency reduced hepatic lipid droplet accumulation in the NASH mice. The hepatic expression levels of TNFα, IL-1β and F4/80 were decreased in C5-deficient mice. C5 loss alleviated hepatic fibrosis and downregulated the expression levels of α-SMA and TGFβ1. C5aR1 deletion reduced inflammation and fibrosis in NASH mice. Transcriptional profiling of liver tissues and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that several pathways such as Toll-like receptor signaling, NFκB signaling, TNF signaling, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway were enriched between C5aR1 deficiency and wild-type mice. Mechanistically, C5aR1 deletion decreased the expression of TLR4 and NLRP3, subsequently regulating macrophage polarization. Moreover, C5aR1 antagonist PMX-53 treatment mitigated the progression of NASH in mice.
CONCLUSIONS
Blockade of the C5a-C5aR1 axis reduces hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in NASH mice. Our data suggest that C5aR1 may be a potential target for drug development and therapeutic intervention of NASH.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Corn Oil; Mice, Knockout; Liver; Fibrosis; Hepatitis; Liver Cirrhosis; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Signal Transduction; Liver Neoplasms; Macrophages; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 37227481
DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02002-w -
European Archives of Psychiatry and... Oct 2023We report on a meta-analysis of Silexan, a proprietary active substance produced from Lavandula angustifolia, in subthreshold anxiety, mixed anxiety and depressive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
We report on a meta-analysis of Silexan, a proprietary active substance produced from Lavandula angustifolia, in subthreshold anxiety, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (MADD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
METHODS
The present analyses are based on all currently completed 5 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials investigating Silexan in adult out-patients who received Silexan 1 × 80 mg/day or placebo for ten weeks according to random assignment (n = 1213). Efficacy was assessed based on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), several anxiety self-rating scales, the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) health status questionnaire.
RESULTS
After ten weeks' treatment, Silexan was significantly superior to placebo in reducing the HAMA total score (including the psychic and somatic anxiety sub-scores) and self-rated anxiety. Based on a ≥ 50% HAMA total score reduction, the responder rate ratio was 1.34 favoring Silexan, and the rate ratio of subjects much or very much improved according to the CGI was 1.51. Silexan was also significantly superior in improving the physical and mental health summary scores of the SF-36. There were no significant between-group differences concerning the occurrence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and premature withdrawal due to AEs.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis demonstrates that Silexan exerts significant anxiolytic effects in subthreshold anxiety, GAD and MADD that were consistently reflected in investigator ratings and patient-reported outcomes, including improvement of health-related life-quality, while showing favorable tolerability and safety.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Plant Oils; Oils, Volatile; Anxiety Disorders; Lavandula; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Double-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36717399
DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w -
Nutrients Aug 2023To our knowledge, no studies so far have investigated the role of pizza and its ingredients in modulating disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We assessed this...
To our knowledge, no studies so far have investigated the role of pizza and its ingredients in modulating disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We assessed this question via a recent cross-sectional study including 365 participants from Italy, the birthplace of pizza. Multiple robust linear and logistic regression models were fitted with the tertile consumption categories of each available pizza-related food item/group (i.e., pizza, refined grains, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil) as independent variables, and each available RA activity measure (i.e., the Disease Activity Score on 28 joints with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP), and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI)) as the dependent variable. Stratified analyses were carried out according to the disease severity or duration. Participants eating half a pizza >1 time/week (vs. ≤2 times/month) reported beneficial effects on disease activity, with the significant reductions of ~70% (overall analysis), and 80% (the more severe stratum), and the significant beta coefficients of -0.70 for the DAS28-CRP, and -3.6 for the SDAI (overall analysis) and of -1.10 and -5.30 (in long-standing and more severe RA, respectively). Among the pizza-related food items/groups, mozzarella cheese and olive oil showed beneficial effects, especially in the more severe stratum. Future cohort studies are needed to confirm this beneficial effect of pizza and related food items/groups on RA disease activity.
Topics: Humans; Olive Oil; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; C-Reactive Protein; Cohort Studies; Patient Acuity; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 37571389
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153449 -
JAMA Network Open Sep 2023Critically ill pediatric patients often require parenteral nutrition (PN) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Literature suggests mixed lipid emulsions (LE) with soybean... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
IMPORTANCE
Critically ill pediatric patients often require parenteral nutrition (PN) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Literature suggests mixed lipid emulsions (LE) with soybean oil reduction strategies may improve outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association of a hospital-wide switch to a mixed-lipid formula (4-OLE) with pediatric outcomes.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
Retrospective cohort study at a large US academic referral center. Pediatric patients aged 1 month to 17 years requiring parenteral nutrition from May 2016 to September 2019 were included. Data were analyzed from October 2020 to February 2023.
EXPOSURE
In 2017, Duke University Health System fully converted to a soybean oil/MCT/olive/fish oil lipid (4-OLE) from pure soybean oil-based LE in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients before the change (Intralipid [IL] group) were compared with patients after (4-OLE group).
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Clinical outcomes were compared between treatment periods via multivariable regression models. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Fourteen secondary outcomes included hospital mortality of any cause, 30-day or 90-day readmission, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), total caloric delivery, and liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin).
RESULTS
A total of 684 children dependent on PN were identified (342 were critically ill), with 30% (206 children) in the preswitch (IL) period and 70% (478 children) in the postswitch (4-OLE) period; 123 were male (59.7%). In comparing IL vs 4-OLE, there was a significant difference in median (IQR) age (4.0 [1.2-13.0] vs 3.0 [0.8-9.0] years, respectively; P = .04), without difference in body mass index or baseline comorbidities except for significant differences in cancer diagnosis (26 patients in the IL group [12.6%] vs 29 patients in the 4-OLE group [6.1%]; P = .004) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (24 patients in the IL group [11.7%] vs 30 patients in the 4-OLE group [6.3%]; P = .02). In the all children cohort, 4-OLE was associated with shorter hospital LOS (IRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.05-0.78), and reduced UTI risk (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.18-0.64). In the ICU cohort, 4-OLE was associated with shorter hospital LOS (IRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.78-0.83), and reduced UTI risk (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.11-0.51). Other secondary outcomes were not significant.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this observational study of clinical outcomes among children dependent on PN, a switch to 4-OLE in a large academic hospital was associated with a significant decrease in hospital LOS in ICU and non-ICU patients. These findings suggest switching to a soy-LE sparing strategy using 4-OLE is feasible, safe, and associated with improved clinical outcomes in pediatric PN patients.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Alanine Transaminase; Critical Illness; Emulsions; Retrospective Studies; Soybean Oil; Infant; Child, Preschool; Child; Adolescent
PubMed: 37669048
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.32389 -
Nature Communications Sep 2023Embolization (utilizing embolic materials to block blood vessels) has been considered one of the most promising strategies for clinical disease treatments. However, the...
Embolization (utilizing embolic materials to block blood vessels) has been considered one of the most promising strategies for clinical disease treatments. However, the existing embolic materials have poor embolization effectiveness, posing a great challenge to highly efficient embolization. In this study, we construct Janus particle-engineered structural lipiodol droplets by programming the self-assembly of Janus particles at the lipiodol-water interface. As a result, we achieve highly efficient renal embolization in rabbits. The obtained structural lipiodol droplets exhibit excellent mechanical stability and viscoelasticity, enabling them to closely pack together to efficiently embolize the feeding artery. They also feature good viscoelastic deformation capacities and can travel distally to embolize finer vasculatures down to 40 μm. After 14 days post-embolization, the Janus particle-engineered structural lipiodol droplets achieve efficient embolization without evidence of recanalization or non-target embolization, exhibiting embolization effectiveness superior to the clinical lipiodol-based emulsion. Our strategy provides an alternative approach to large-scale fabricate embolic materials for highly efficient embolization and exhibits good potential for clinical applications.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Ethiodized Oil; Multifunctional Nanoparticles; Arteries; Bandages; Kidney
PubMed: 37696820
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41322-6 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Mar 2024Olive oil extraction has recently experienced a continuous increase due to its related beneficial properties. Consequently, large amounts of olive mill wastes (OMWs)... (Review)
Review
Olive oil extraction has recently experienced a continuous increase due to its related beneficial properties. Consequently, large amounts of olive mill wastes (OMWs) derived from the trituration process are annually produced, causing serious environmental problems. The limited financial capabilities of olive mills make them usually unable to bear the high costs required for the disposal of their wastes. Alternatively, the valorization of OMWs within the framework of the so-called waste-to-resource concept and their recycling can represent a successful strategy for the implementation of circular economy model in the olive industry, which could have significant socioeconomic impacts on low-income Mediterranean countries. There is, however, no unique solution for OMWs valorization, due to the wide variety of the wastes' composition and their seasonal production. In this review, the potential of OMWs for being reused and the recent technological advances in the field of OMWs valorization are assessed. Special focus is given to the analysis of the advantages and limitations of each technology and to reporting the most significant issues that still limiting its industrial scale-up. The information collected in this review shows that OMW could be effectively exploited in several sectors, including energy production and agriculture. OMWs potential seems, however, undervalued, and the implementation of sustainable valorization strategies in large-scale remains challenging. More efforts and policy actions, through collective actions, encouraging subsidies, and establishing public-private collaborations, are still needed to reconcile research progress with industrial practices and encourage the large-scale implementation of the waste-to-resource concept in the olive sector.
Topics: Olea; Industrial Waste; Olive Oil; Agriculture
PubMed: 38407704
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32468-x -
PeerJ 2023Mutation breeding is one of the effective techniques used for improving desired traits such as yield quality and quantity in economic crops. The present study aims to...
Mutation breeding is one of the effective techniques used for improving desired traits such as yield quality and quantity in economic crops. The present study aims to develop oil and protein contents in addition to high yield attributes in soybean using gamma rays as a mutagen. Seeds of the soybean genotypes Giza 21, Giza 22, Giza 82, Giza 83 and 117 were treated with gamma rays doses 50, 100, 200 and 300 Gy. Plants were then scored based on morphological parameters correlated with yield quantity including plant height, seed weight and valuable protein and oil contents. Mutant lines exhibiting the highest yield attributes were selected and used as parents for M2 generation. The M2 progeny was further assessed based on their ability to maintain their yield attributes. Twenty mutant lines were selected and used as M3 lines. The yield parameters inferred a positive effect of gamma irradiation on the collected M3 mutant lines compared to their parental genotypes. 100 Gy of gamma rays gave the highest effect on the number of pods, branches and seeds per plant in addition to protein content, while 200 Gy was more effective in increasing plant height, number of pods per plant, and oil content. Six mutant lines scored the highest yield parameters. Further assessment inferred an inverse relationship between oil and protein content in most of the tested cultivars with high agronomic features. However, four mutant lines recorded high content of oil and protein besides their high seed yield as well, which elect them as potential candidates for large-scale evaluation. The correlation among examined parameters was further confirmed principal component analysis (PCA), which inferred a positive correlation between the number of pods, branches, seeds, and seed weight. Conversely, oil and protein content were inversely correlated in most of yielded mutant lines. Together, those findings introduce novel soybean lines with favorable agronomic traits for the market. In addition, our research sheds light on the value of using gamma rays treatment in enhancing genetic variability in soybean and improving oil, protein contents and seed yield.
Topics: Soybean Oil; Gamma Rays; Plant Breeding; Glycine max; Mutation
PubMed: 38025746
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16395 -
F1000Research 2023The growing popularity of nutrient-rich foods, among which is quinoa, is due to the increasing demand for healthier choices. Oils and hydrolyzed proteins from these...
The growing popularity of nutrient-rich foods, among which is quinoa, is due to the increasing demand for healthier choices. Oils and hydrolyzed proteins from these foods may help prevent various health issues. The objective of this work was to perform extraction from the endosperm of the grain from high-protein quinoa flour by physical means a differential abrasive milling process and extracting the oil using an automatic auger extractor at 160°C, as well as characterizing extracted oil. Quinoa oil extraction and physicochemical characterization were carried out. Chemical and physical quality indexes of quinoa oil were established, and both characterizations were conducted based on international and Columbian standards. Thermal properties were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, and rheological and interfacial properties of the oil were evaluated using hybrid rheometers and Drop Tensiometers, respectively, to determine its potential for obtaining functional foods. The result was 10.5 g of oil/ 100 g of endosperm, with a moisture content of 0.12%, insoluble impurities of 0.017%, peroxide index of 18.5 meq O /kg of oil, saponification index of 189.6 mg potassium hydroxide/g of oil, refractive index of 1.401, and a density of 0.9179 g/cm at 20°C. Regarding contaminating metals, it presented 7 mg of iron/kg of oil, a value higher than previously established limits of 5 mg of iron/kg of oil. The oil contained 24.9% oleic acid, 55.3% linoleic acid, and 4% linolenic acid, demonstrating antioxidant capacity. Quinoa oil showed thermal properties similar to other commercial oils. The interfacial and rheological properties were suitable for the stabilization of emulsions, gels, and foams, which are important in various industrial applications and could facilitate the development of new products. The extracted quinoa oil presented similar characteristics to other commercial oils, which could make it a potential product for commercialization and application in different industries.
Topics: Chenopodium quinoa; Rheology; Plant Oils; Chemical Phenomena; Temperature
PubMed: 38854700
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.134134.1 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Essential oils are a complex mixture of aromatic substances whose pharmacological actions, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory...
Essential oils are a complex mixture of aromatic substances whose pharmacological actions, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities, have been widely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the anti- and dermal anti-inflammatory activity of essential oils from native and cultivated Ecuadorian plants. Essential oils from , , , and were isolated by hydrodistillation and were characterized physically and chemically. Its tolerance was analyzed by in vitro and in vivo studies. The antifungal activity was studied against , , and , whereas the anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by a mouse ear edema model. The main compounds were limonene, α-phellandrene, ()-methyl cinnamate, and 1,8-cineole, respectively. All essential oils showed high tolerability for skin application, antifungal activity against the three strains, and anti-inflammatory efficacy by decreasing edema and overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. essential oil showed the highest antifungal activity. On the other hand, and showed the greatest anti-inflammatory potential, decreasing edema by 53.3% and 65.25%, respectively, and inhibiting the overexpression of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-23. The results suggest that these essential oils could be used as alternative therapies in the treatment of both cutaneous candidiasis and dermal inflammation.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Oils, Volatile; Antifungal Agents; Plant Oils; Ecuador; Candida; Candida albicans; Candidiasis; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 37570874
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155903 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023fruit seeds are one of the main types of agri-food waste generated worldwide during the processing of fruits to produce jams, juices and preserves. To valorize this...
fruit seeds are one of the main types of agri-food waste generated worldwide during the processing of fruits to produce jams, juices and preserves. To valorize this by-product, the aim of this work was the nutritional analysis of peach, apricot, plum and cherry seeds using the official AOAC methods, together with the extraction and characterization of the lipid profile of seed oils using GC-FID, as well as the measurement of the antioxidant activity and oxidative stability using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging method. Chemometric tools were required for data evaluation and the obtained results indicated that the main component of seeds were oils (30-38%, w). All seed oils were rich in oleic (C18:1n9c) and linoleic (C18:2n6c) acids and presented heart-healthy lipid indexes. Oil antioxidant activity was estimated in the range IC = 20-35 mg·mL, and high oxidative stability was observed for all evaluated oils during 1-22 storage days, with the plum seed oil being the most antioxidant and stable over time. Oxidative stability was also positively correlated with oleic acid content and negatively correlated with linoleic acid content. Therefore, this research showed that the four seed oils present interesting healthy characteristics for their use and potential application in the cosmetic and nutraceutical industries.
Topics: Fatty Acids; Antioxidants; Plant Oils; Refuse Disposal; Seeds; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 37894525
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207045