-
RSC Advances Sep 2020For centuries, species of the genus (Ranunculaceae) have been extensively utilized for their extremely high ornamental and medicinal values. Phytochemical... (Review)
Review
For centuries, species of the genus (Ranunculaceae) have been extensively utilized for their extremely high ornamental and medicinal values. Phytochemical investigations of species have revealed the presence of multiple active ingredients, including diterpenoid alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, fatty acids, and volatile constituents. These chemical constituents are of great research significance due to their novel structures and broad biological activities. This review addresses, for the first time, the chemical constituents of plants and the biological activities of these compounds to facilitate future research.
PubMed: 35515663
DOI: 10.1039/d0ra06811j -
Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Dec 2023Plant sterols/stanols are effective cholesterol-lowering agents. However, it is unclear whether the apolipoprotein E () genetic variants influence it. We investigated... (Review)
Review
Plant sterols/stanols are effective cholesterol-lowering agents. However, it is unclear whether the apolipoprotein E () genetic variants influence it. We investigated whether genetic variants modulate the responses of blood lipids to dietary intervention plant sterols/stanols in adults and if the intervention dose and duration, as well as the age and status of participants, influence this effect. Randomized clinical trials were identified by searching databases in the Cochrane Library. Random-effect models were used to estimate the pooled effect size of each outcome of interest total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used to investigate the effects of potential modifiers on the outcomes of interest. Eleven articles were selected from 3,248 retrieved abstracts. Plant sterol/stanol intervention was associated with a more significant reduction in LDL levels in the E3 group [-0.251 mmol/L; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), -0.488 to -0.015] compared with both the E4 and E2 groups. In E4 carriers, the plant sterol/stanol intervention dose and duration resulted in a larger decrease in LDL levels (-0.088027 mmol/L; 95% CI, -0.154690 to -0.021364). In conclusion, genetic variants affected the response of blood LDL levels to supplementation with plant sterols/stanols, as individuals with E3 variant showed significantly decreased LDL levels compared with the other genotypes. However, future studies recruiting participants according to their genetic variants are needed to confirm our conclusion.
PubMed: 38188084
DOI: 10.3746/pnf.2023.28.4.377 -
Thrombosis and Haemostasis Jun 2022Cardiovascular disease, in particular due to arterial thrombosis, is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, with crucial roles of platelets in thrombus formation....
Cardiovascular disease, in particular due to arterial thrombosis, is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, with crucial roles of platelets in thrombus formation. For multiple plant-derived phytochemicals found in common dietary components, claims have been made regarding cardiovascular health and antiplatelet activities. Here we present a systematic overview of the published effects of common phytochemicals, applied in vitro or in nutritional intervention studies, on agonist-induced platelet activation properties and platelet signaling pathways. Comparing the phytochemical effects per structural class, we included general phenols: curcuminoids (e.g., curcumin), lignans (honokiol, silybin), phenolic acids (caffeic and chlorogenic acid), derivatives of these (shikimic acid), and stilbenoids (isorhapontigenin, resveratrol). Furthermore, we evaluated the flavonoid polyphenols, including anthocyanidins (delphinidin, malvidin), flavan-3-ols (catechins), flavanones (hesperidin), flavones (apigenin, nobiletin), flavonols (kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin), and isoflavones (daidzein, genistein); and terpenoids including carotenes and limonene; and finally miscellaneous compounds like betalains, indoles, organosulfides (diallyl trisulfide), and phytosterols. We furthermore discuss the implications for selected phytochemicals to interfere in thrombosis and hemostasis, indicating their possible clinical relevance. Lastly, we provide guidance on which compounds are of interest for further platelet-related research.
Topics: Blood Platelets; Flavonoids; Hemostasis; Humans; Phenols; Phytochemicals; Thrombosis
PubMed: 34715717
DOI: 10.1055/a-1683-5599 -
Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research Feb 2022The aim of this systematic review was (i) to determine the role of muscular traction in the occurrence of skeletal relapse after advancement BSSO and (ii) to investigate... (Review)
Review
The aim of this systematic review was (i) to determine the role of muscular traction in the occurrence of skeletal relapse after advancement BSSO and (ii) to investigate the effect of advancement BSSO on the perimandibular muscles. This systematic review reports in accordance with the recommendations proposed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Electronic database searches were performed in the databases MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria were as follows: assessment of relapse after advancement BSSO; assessment of morphological and functional change of the muscles after advancement BSSO; and clinical studies on human subjects. Exclusion criteria were as follows: surgery other than advancement BSSO; studies in which muscle activity/traction was not investigated; and case reports with a sample of five cases or fewer, review articles, meta-analyses, letters, congress abstracts or commentaries. Of the initial 1006 unique articles, 11 studies were finally included. In four studies, an intervention involving the musculature was performed with subsequent assessment of skeletal relapse. The changes in the morphological and functional properties of the muscles after BSSO were studied in seven studies. The findings of this review demonstrate that the perimandibular musculature plays a role in skeletal relapse after advancement BSSO and may serve as a target for preventive strategies to reduce this complication. However, further research is necessary to (i) develop a better understanding of the role of each muscle group, (ii) to develop new therapeutic strategies and (iii) to define criteria that allow identification of patients at risk.
Topics: Humans; Mandible; Mandibular Advancement; Osteotomy; Recurrence; Sitosterols; Traction
PubMed: 33938136
DOI: 10.1111/ocr.12488 -
Marine Drugs May 2021Air pollution has recently become a subject of increasing concern in many parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that nearly 4.2 million early...
Air pollution has recently become a subject of increasing concern in many parts of the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that nearly 4.2 million early deaths are due to exposure to fine particles in polluted air, which causes multiple respiratory diseases. Algae, as a natural product, can be an alternative treatment due to potential biofunctional properties and advantages. This systematic review aims to summarize and evaluate the evidence of metabolites derived from algae as potential anti-inflammatory agents against respiratory disorders induced by atmospheric particulate matter (PM). Databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were systematically searched for relevant published full articles from 2016 to 2020. The main key search terms were limited to "algae", "anti-inflammation", and "air pollutant". The search activity resulted in the retrieval of a total of 36 publications. Nine publications are eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. A total of four brown algae (, , and ) with phytosterol, polysaccharides and polyphenols were reported in the nine studies. The review sheds light on the pathways of particulate matter travelling into respiratory systems and causing inflammation, and on the mechanisms of actions of algae in inhibiting inflammation. Limitations and future directions are also discussed. More research is needed to investigate the potential of algae as anti-inflammatory agents against PM in in vivo and in vitro experimental models, as well as clinically.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Humans; Particulate Matter; Phaeophyceae; Respiratory Tract Diseases
PubMed: 34070821
DOI: 10.3390/md19060317 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Lipids are a large group of natural compounds, together with proteins and carbohydrates, and are essential for various processes in the body. After death, the organism's... (Review)
Review
Lipids are a large group of natural compounds, together with proteins and carbohydrates, and are essential for various processes in the body. After death, the organism's tissues undergo a series of reactions that generate changes in some molecules, including lipids. This means that determining the lipid change profile can be beneficial in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). These changes can also help determine burial sites and advance the localization of graves. The aim was to explore and analyze the decomposition process of corpses, focusing on the transformation of lipids, especially triglycerides (TGs) and fatty acids (FAs), and the possible application of these compounds as markers to estimate PMI and detect burial sites. A systematic review of 24 scientific articles from the last 23 years (2000-2023) was conducted. The results show that membrane glycerophospholipids (such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol, among others) are the most studied, and the most promising results are obtained, with decreasing patterns as PMI varies. Fatty acids (FAs) are also identified as potential biomarkers owing to the variations in their postmortem concentration. An increase in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), such as stearic acid and palmitic acid, and a decrease in unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), such as oleic acid and linoleic acid, were observed. The importance of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in decomposition is also observed. Finally, as for the burial sites, the presence of fatty acids and some sterols in burial areas of animal and human remains can be verified. In conclusion, glycerophospholipids and fatty acids are good markers for estimating PMI. It has been observed that there are still no equations for estimating the PMI that can be applied to forensic practice, as intrinsic and extrinsic factors are seen to play a vital role in the decomposition process. As for determining burial sites, the importance of soil and textile samples has been demonstrated, showing a direct relationship between saturated fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids, and some sterols with decomposing remains.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Lipidomics; Fatty Acids; Cadaver; Phytosterols; Sterols; Glycerophospholipids
PubMed: 38256058
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020984 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2021In 2020, an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer deaths have occurred worldwide, with colorectal cancer ranking as the third most...
In 2020, an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer deaths have occurred worldwide, with colorectal cancer ranking as the third most frequently diagnosed (10.0%). Several attempts have been conducted against cancer, including surgery, radiation, monoclonal antibodies, and chemotherapy. Many people choose natural products as alternatives against cancer. These products will not only help in human life preservation but also work as a source of up-to-date information, leading people away from incorrect information. We discuss the current status, distribution, and future implications of protecting populations with natural products as an alternative against colorectal cancer in Indonesia. Thirty-eight studies were included in this review for data extraction. The distribution of natural products in Indonesia that have potential activity against colorectal cancer cells was predominated by terpenoids, followed by phytosterols, phenolics, alkaloids, and polyisoprenoids. The type of cell line utilized in the cytotoxic activity analysis of natural products was the WiDr cell line, followed by HT-29 cells and HCT-116 cells. This review showed that MTT in vitro assay is a general method used to analyze the cytotoxic activity of a natural product against colorectal cancer cells, followed by other in vitro and in vivo methods. The systematic review provided predictions for several secondary metabolites to be utilized as an alternative treatment against colorectal cancer in Indonesia. It also might be a candidate for a future co-chemotherapy agent in safety, quality, and standardization. In addition, computational methods are being developed to predict the drug-likeness of compounds, thus, drug discovery is already on the road towards electronic research and development.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Biological Products; Colorectal Neoplasms; Humans; Indonesia
PubMed: 34443572
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164984 -
Nutrients Jan 2021Conclusive data on the effectiveness of dietary interventions in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) management are unavailable. Whether this is due to a...
BACKGROUND
Conclusive data on the effectiveness of dietary interventions in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) management are unavailable. Whether this is due to a true lack of effects or biases in intervention designs remains unsettled. We systematically assessed the impact on LDL-C of published dietary randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted among individuals with HeFH in relation to their design and risk of bias.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase in November 2020 to identify RCTs that assessed the impact of: (1) food-based interventions; (2) dietary counseling interventions; or (3) dietary supplements on LDL-C in individuals with HeFH. We evaluated the risk of bias of each study using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 method.
RESULTS
A total of 19 RCTs comprising 837 individuals with HeFH were included. Of those, five were food-based interventions, three were dietary counseling interventions and 12 were dietary supplement-based interventions (omega-3, = 3; phytosterols, = 7; guar gum, = 1; policosanol, = 1). One study qualified both as a food-based intervention and as a dietary supplement intervention due to its factorial design. A significant reduction in LDL-C levels was reported in 10 RCTs, including eight dietary supplement interventions (phytosterols, = 6, omega-3, = 1; guar gum, = 1), one food-based intervention and one dietary counseling intervention. A total of 13 studies were judged to have some methodological biases in a way that substantially lowers confidence in the results. Studies at low risk of biases were more likely to report significant reductions in LDL-C concentrations, compared with studies at risk of bias (chi-square statistic: 5.49; = 0.02).
CONCLUSION
This systemic review shows that the apparent lack of effectiveness of diet manipulation in modulating plasma levels of LDL-C among individuals with HeFH is likely due to biases in study designs, rather than a true lack of effects. The likelihood of reporting significant reductions in LDL-C was associated with the concurrent risk of bias.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Cholesterol, LDL; Counseling; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Heterozygote; Humans; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II; Lipids; Male; Middle Aged; Publication Bias
PubMed: 33561083
DOI: 10.3390/nu13010235