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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2021Cicadae Periostracum (CP), derived from the slough of , has been used as traditional medicine in Korea and China because of its diaphoretic, antipyretic,...
Extract and Its Main Active Component, Oleic Acid, Inhibit Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Airway Inflammation through Inhibition of Th2/GATA-3 and Interleukin-17/RORγt Signaling Pathways in Asthmatic Mice.
Cicadae Periostracum (CP), derived from the slough of , has been used as traditional medicine in Korea and China because of its diaphoretic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antianaphylactic activities. The major bioactive compounds include oleic acid (OA), palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. However, the precise therapeutic mechanisms underlying its action in asthma remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the antiasthmatic effects of CP in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse model. CP and OA inhibited the inflammatory cell infiltration, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and production of interleukin (IL)7 and Th2 cytokines (IL-5) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and OVA-specific imunoglobin E (IgE) in the serum. The gene expression of IL-5, IL-13, CCR3, MUC5AC, and COX-2 was attenuated in lung tissues. CP and OA might inhibit the nuclear translocation of GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) via the upregulation of forkhead box p3 (Foxp3), thereby preventing the activation of GATA-3 and RORγt. In the in vitro experiment, a similar result was observed for Th2 and GATA-3. These results suggest that CP has the potential for the treatment of asthma via the inhibition of the GATA-3/Th2 and IL-17/RORγt signaling pathways.
Topics: Animals; Asthma; Complex Mixtures; GATA3 Transcription Factor; Hemiptera; Interleukin-17; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3; Oleic Acid; Ovalbumin; Signal Transduction; Th2 Cells
PubMed: 33806085
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26071854 -
BMJ Case Reports Apr 2021A 33-year-old man without significant medical history presented to the emergency department with a 6-month history of fatigue and 30 pounds of unintentional weight loss,...
A 33-year-old man without significant medical history presented to the emergency department with a 6-month history of fatigue and 30 pounds of unintentional weight loss, with a recent cough and fever over the past week. He recalled two similar illnesses during college that did not require medical care. He denied tobacco use but reported inhaling marijuana 1-2 times daily over the past year with a vaping device. Physical exam was notable for a temperature of 100.0°F and an elevated blood pressure at 161/77 mm Hg. He was diaphoretic with clear breath sounds bilaterally. Chest imaging revealed diffuse ground glass opacities with subpleural sparing and mildly enlarged hilar lymph nodes. Bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsies and needle aspirate of lymph nodes revealed organising pneumonia, and subsequent cultures grew He was treated with amoxicillin and corticosteroids with subsequent resolution on repeat chest imaging.
Topics: Actinomycosis; Adult; Cannabis; Cough; Humans; Lung Diseases; Male; Vaping
PubMed: 33795280
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-240973 -
Cureus Dec 2020Life-threatening cardiovascular complications can occur as a result of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) induced autonomic dysfunction necessitating the need for early...
Life-threatening cardiovascular complications can occur as a result of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) induced autonomic dysfunction necessitating the need for early recognition and potential cardiac pacing. We present the case of a 69-year-old female who was admitted to the hospital for worsening fatigue, bilateral lower extremity weakness and inability to ambulate for two days. Five days later, she experienced large fluctuations in blood pressure, appeared diaphoretic, and had spells of bradycardia. This was soon followed by an episode of unresponsive and cardiac arrest with rhythm strip consistent with asystole. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated with a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after 6 minutes. The patient was intubated and transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). Reassessment of the patient revealed a new bilateral symmetric upper extremity weakness. Respiratory failure with ascending symmetric paralysis warranted a lumbar puncture which revealed albuminocytologic dissociation-ultimately leading to the diagnosis of GBS.
PubMed: 33489561
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12149 -
Natural Product Research Jul 2022is a medicinal plant commonly known as little ironweed is used in various traditional systems of medicines. In , it is known as and is used as remedy for many...
is a medicinal plant commonly known as little ironweed is used in various traditional systems of medicines. In , it is known as and is used as remedy for many ailments. It has been reported to possess numerous biological properties including diaphoretic, anthelmintic, diuretic, lithontriptic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Metabolite profiling of aqueous extract of (CCE) and its herbal formulation KGS tablet has been carried out by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopic analysis. ESI-MS/MS based characterisation led to the identification of several bioactive phytochemicals belonging to various classes of metabolites like phenolic acids, phenolic glycosides, flavonoids and anthocyanin. Most of the identified compounds are known for their various biological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Asteraceae; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Flavonoids; Phenols; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 33430627
DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1869972 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Apr 2021Genus Canna is used in folk medicine as demulcent, diaphoretic, antipyretic, mild laxative and in gastrointestinal upsets therapy. Canna x generalis (CG) L.H. Bailey is...
Canna x generalis L.H. Bailey rhizome extract ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis via modulating intestinal mucosal dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and TLR4/ NF-ҡB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Genus Canna is used in folk medicine as demulcent, diaphoretic, antipyretic, mild laxative and in gastrointestinal upsets therapy. Canna x generalis (CG) L.H. Bailey is traditionally used as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic. Besides, CG is used in Ayurvedic medicines' preparations and in the treatment of boils, wounds, and abscess. Nevertheless, its anti-inflammatory effects against ulcerative colitis (UC) are not yet investigated.
AIM
This study aimed to investigate the phytoconstituents of CG rhizome ethanol extract (CGE). Additionally, we aimed to comparatively evaluate its therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms against the reference drug "sulphasalazine (SAS)" in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Metabolic profiling of CG rhizomes was performed via UHPLC/qTOF-HRMS; the total phenolic, flavonoid and steroid contents were determined, and the main phytoconstituents were isolated and identified. Next, DSS-induced (4%) acute UC was established in C57BL/6 mice. DSS-induced mice were administered either CGE (100 and 200 mg/kg) or SAS (200 mg/kg) for 7 days. Body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI) and histopathological alterations in colon tissues were examined. Colon levels of oxidative stress (GSH, MDA, SOD and catalase) and pro-inflammatory [Myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), IL-1β, IL-12, TNF-α, and INF-γ] markers were colourimetrically determined. Serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and relative mRNA expressions of occludin, TLR4 and ASC (Apoptosis-Associated Speck-Like Protein Containing CARD) using RT-PCR were measured. Protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome and cleaved caspase-1 were determined by Western blot. Furthermore, immunohistochemical examinations of caspase-3, NF-ҡB and claudin-1 were performed.
RESULTS
Major identified constituents of CGE were flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, beside five isolated phytoconstituents (β-sitosterol, triacontanol fatty alcohol, β-sitosterol-3-O-β-glucoside, rosmarinic acid, 6-O-p-coumaroyl-β-D-fructofuranosyl α-D-glucopyranoside). The percentage of the phenolic, flavonoid and steroid contents in CGE were 20.55, 6.74 and 98.09 μg of gallic acid, quercetin and β-sitosterol equivalents/mg extract, respectively. In DSS-induced mice, CGE treatment ameliorated DAI, body weight loss and colon shortening. CGE attenuated the DSS-induced colonic histopathological alternations, inflammatory cell infiltration and histological scores. CGE elevated GSH, SOD and catalase levels, and suppressed MDA, pro-inflammatory mediators (MPO and NO) as well as cytokines levels in colonic tissues. Moreover, CGE downregulated LPS/TLR4 signaling, caspase-3 and NF-ҡB expressions. CGE treatment inhibited NLRP3 signaling pathway as indicated by the suppression of the protein expression of NLRP3 and cleaved caspase-1, and the ASC mRNA expression in colonic tissues. Additionally, CGE restored tight junction proteins' (occludin and claudin-1) expressions.
CONCLUSION
Our findings provided evidence for the therapeutic potential of CGE against UC. CGE restored intestinal mucosal barrier's integrity, mitigated oxidative stress, inflammatory cascade, as well as NF-ҡB/TLR4 and NLRP3 pathways activation in colonic tissues. Notably, CGE in a dose of 200 mg/kg was more effective in ameliorating DSS-induced UC as compared to SAS at the same dose.
Topics: Animals; Colitis; Dextran Sulfate; Inflammation; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; NF-kappa B; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Oxidative Stress; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Signal Transduction; Toll-Like Receptor 4
PubMed: 33301917
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113670 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2020is a well-known species for flavoring many food products and for formulation of perfume and medicated balm. It is also used to treat indigestion, stomach ulcers, liver...
is a well-known species for flavoring many food products and for formulation of perfume and medicated balm. It is also used to treat indigestion, stomach ulcers, liver disorders, and, as emmenagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, nervine, and aphrodisiac. We examined antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds in various solvent extracts from the seeds of . Methanol, ethanol, and acetone extracts exhibited relatively strong antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging tests. Furthermore, methanol extracts also displayed significant anti-α-glucosidase activity. Examined and compared to the various solvent extracts for their chemical compositions using HPLC analysis, we isolated the ten higher content compounds and analyzed antioxidant and anti-α-glucosidase activities. Among the isolates, dehydrodiisoeugenol, malabaricone B and malabaricone C were main antioxidant components in seeds of . Malabaricone C exhibited stronger antioxidant capacities than others based on lower half inhibitory concentration (IC) values in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and it also showed significant inhibition of α-glucosidase. These results shown that methanol was found to be the most efficient solvent for extracting the active components from the seeds of , and this material is a potential good source of natural antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitor.
Topics: Acetone; Antioxidants; Ethanol; Eugenol; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors; Methanol; Myristica; Plant Extracts; Resorcinols; Seeds; Solvents; alpha-Glucosidases
PubMed: 33171671
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215198 -
The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology... 2020Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor that is labeled for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza. We describe a previously healthy 4-month-old infant who tested...
Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor that is labeled for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza. We describe a previously healthy 4-month-old infant who tested positive for influenza A and was started on oseltamivir. One hour after receiving his first dose of oseltamivir, the infant had a diaphoretic episode and appeared grey and clammy. The infant was subsequently seen by the primary care physician and referred for admission to the hospital. Approximately 40 minutes after the second dose of oseltamivir in the hospital, the infant's heart rate rose to greater than 300 bpm. An electrocardiogram was suggestive of supraventricular tachycardia. At the time of the event, the infant received 2 doses of adenosine, and oseltamivir was discontinued prior to transfer to a tertiary facility for a higher level of care.
PubMed: 33041722
DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-25.7.654 -
Cureus Aug 2020Leukostasis is a medical emergency caused by compromise of tissue perfusion secondary to hyperleukocytosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Typically it affects lungs...
Leukostasis is a medical emergency caused by compromise of tissue perfusion secondary to hyperleukocytosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Typically it affects lungs and brain, with cardiac involvement being exceedingly rare. We present a case of AML presenting as acute coronary syndrome secondary to leukostasis-induced myocardial ischemia. A 43-year-old morbidly obese gentleman presented with typical anginal chest pain. On examination, he was diaphoretic and in acute distress secondary to pain. EKG revealed ST elevation in lead I and aVL and PR depressions in precordial leads. Troponin peaked at 5.55 ng/mL. Echocardiogram showed normal left ventricle function with no wall motion abnormality. Blood work was notable for white blood cell (WBC) count of 185,200 cells/μL with 81% blasts. Coronary angiogram revealed no obstruction. Emergent leukapheresis and hydroxyurea were initiated. WBC count decreased to 48,200 cells/ μL and angina resolved after leukapheresis. With diagnosis of AML, he received 7+3 induction chemotherapy with cytarabine and idarubicin, followed by re-induction and consolidation chemotherapy. He subsequently underwent allogenic bone marrow transplantation and achieved complete remission. Hyperleukocytosis in AML can cause leukostasis, characterized by evidence of tissue ischemia. Coronary vasculature accounts for 6% of cases with leukostasis. This can manifest as myocardial infarction. Emergent and timely initiation of leukapheresis can potentially lead to a complete resolution of microvascular occlusion.
PubMed: 32775121
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.9551 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Aug 2020Dipsacus asper Wall. ex C.B. Clarke, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has long been used in China for the therapy of bone diseases (e.g. bone fracture,... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Dipsacus asper Wall. ex C.B. Clarke, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has long been used in China for the therapy of bone diseases (e.g. bone fracture, osteoporosis, rheumatic arthritis), traumatic hematoma, uterine bleeding and those caused by the deficiency of liver and kidney.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This work aims to evaluate current research progress on chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, quality control, and pharmacokinetic of Dipsacus asper Wall. ex C.B. Clarke, pinpoint the shortcomings of existing studies, and provide meaningful guidelines for our future investigations.
METHODS
Extensive database retrieval, such as PubMed, SciFinder and CNKI, was carried out by using keywords such as "Dipsacus asper", "Radix Dipsaci", and "Xuduan". Furthermore, relevant textbooks, patents, reviews, and digital documents were consulted to collate all available scientific literature and to provide a complete science-based survey of the topic.
RESULTS
More than 100 compounds have been isolated and identified from Dipsacus asper Wall. ex C.B. Clarke, a substantial proportion of which were reported to be triterpenoids and iridoids. Biological effects such as protective effects against bone fracture, anti-osteoporosis, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-aging and protection of reproductive system activities were also evaluated in vitro and in vivo.
CONCLUSIONS
Diaphoretic processing resulted in the drop in the content of asperosaponin VI, which was highly associated with bone protective effect of DA. Therefore, diaphoretic processing was not a suitable processing method for DA. Although Dipsacus asper Wall. ex C.B. Clarke was traditionally used for therapy of osteoarthritis, the in-depth study of the underlying mechanism was very rare. Much endeavor had been made on the effect of DA on bone fracture. Notably, high-dose of Dipsacus asper administration may cause adverse impacts in maternal healthy and embryo-fetal development. It's not suitable for further development in those bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging, which are shared in many other plant species. Pharmacological effects of individual component of DA is not equivalent to its traditional usage. Attention should be paid to the traditional effect of extract of DA.
Topics: Animals; Dipsacaceae; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Plant Extracts; Quality Control
PubMed: 32348843
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112912 -
Clinical Practice and Cases in... Feb 2020A 39-year-old female presents to the emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath. Her electrocardiogram suggests ST-elevation myocardial infarction, but...
A 39-year-old female presents to the emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath. Her electrocardiogram suggests ST-elevation myocardial infarction, but she has no atherosclerotic risk factors. She is gravida 4, para 4, and four weeks postpartum from uncomplicated vaginal delivery. She is diaphoretic and anxious, but otherwise her exam is unremarkable. Cardiac enzymes are markedly elevated and point-of-care echocardiogram shows inferolateral hypokinesis and ejection fraction of 50%. In this clinicopathological case, we explore a classically underappreciated cause of acute coronary syndrome in healthy young women.
PubMed: 32064413
DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.2019.10.44141