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Journal of Ethnopharmacology Aug 2024Cinnamomum cassia Presl (Cinnamomum cassia) is a common traditional Chinese medicine, which can promote the secretion and digestion of gastric juice, improve the...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Cinnamomum cassia Presl (Cinnamomum cassia) is a common traditional Chinese medicine, which can promote the secretion and digestion of gastric juice, improve the function of gastrointestinal tract. Cinnamaldehyde (CA) is a synthetic food flavoring in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
AIM OF THE STUDY
This study aimed to search for the active ingredient (CA) of inhibiting H. pylori from Cinnamomum cassia, and elucidate mechanism of action, so as to provide the experimental basis for the treatment of H. pylori infection with Cinnamomum cassia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
It's in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties were evaluated based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and an acute gastric inflammation model in mice infected with H. pylori. Drug safety was evaluated using the CCK8 method and high-dose administration in mice. The advantageous characteristics of CA in inhibiting H. pylori were confirmed using acidic conditions and in combination with the antibiotics. The mechanism underlying the action of CA on H. pylori was explored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), adhesion experiments, biofilm inhibition tests, ATP and ROS release experiments, and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) screening of target proteins. The protein function and target genes were verified by molecular docking and Real-Time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR).
RESULTS
The results demonstrated that CA was found to be the main active ingredient against H. pylori in Cinnamomum cassia in-vitro tests, with a MIC of 8-16 μg/mL. Moreover, CA effectively inhibited both sensitive and resistant H. pylori strains. The dual therapy of PPI + CA exhibited remarkable in vivo efficacy in the acute gastritis mouse model, superior to the standard triple therapy. DARTS, molecular docking, and qRT-PCR results suggested that the target sites of action were closely associated with GyrA, GyrB, AtpA, and TopA, which made DNA replication and transcription impossible, then leading to inhibition of bacterial adhesion and colonization, suppression of biofilm formation, and inhibition ATP and enhancing ROS.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated the suitability of CA as a promising lead drug against H. pylori, The main mechanisms can target GyrA ect, leading to reduce ATP and produce ROS, which induces the apoptosis of bacterial.
Topics: Animals; Acrolein; Helicobacter pylori; Cinnamomum aromaticum; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Mice; Helicobacter Infections; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Male; Molecular Docking Simulation; Biofilms
PubMed: 38663778
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118222 -
Toxicology May 2024Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are non-combustible, inhaled tobacco products that generate an aerosol with fewer and lower levels of toxicants, with a potential to...
Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are non-combustible, inhaled tobacco products that generate an aerosol with fewer and lower levels of toxicants, with a potential to reduce risk relative to cigarette smoking. Here, we assessed in vitro toxicological effects of three menthol (glo neo neoCLICK, neo Smooth Menthol and Fresh Menthol) and one non-menthol (neo Smooth Tobacco) variants of glo HTP, along with market comparators for cigarettes and HTPs. Limited chemical characterization of the study products revealed significantly lower levels of acetaldehyde, acrolein, crotanaldehyde and formaldehyde in test samples from HTPs than those from cigarettes. The glo HTPs were non-mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutagenesis assay. Although, the whole aerosol exposures of glo HTPs were classified as genotoxic in the in vitro micronucleus assay, and cytotoxic in the NRU (monolayer) and MTT (3 dimensional EpiAirway™ tissues) assays, the cigarette comparators were the most toxic study products in each of these assessments. Further, glo HTPs elicited oxidative stress responses only at the highest dose tested, whereas the cigarette comparators were potent inducers of oxidative stress at substantially lower doses in the EpiAirway tissues. The comparator (non-glo) HTP results were similar to the glo HTPs in these assays. Thus, the glo HTPs exhibit substantially lower toxicity compared to cigarettes.
Topics: Menthol; Tobacco Products; Humans; Hot Temperature; Oxidative Stress; Nicotiana; Aerosols; Cell Survival; Micronucleus Tests; Animals
PubMed: 38614204
DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153801 -
European Journal of Cell Biology Jun 2024Therapeutic options for steroid-resistant non-type 2 inflammation in obstructive lung diseases are limited. Bronchial epithelial cells are key in the pathogenesis by...
BACKGROUND
Therapeutic options for steroid-resistant non-type 2 inflammation in obstructive lung diseases are limited. Bronchial epithelial cells are key in the pathogenesis by releasing the central proinflammatory cytokine interleukine-8 (IL-8). Olfactory receptors (ORs) are expressed in various cell types. This study examined the drug target potential of ORs by investigating their impact on associated pathophysiological processes in lung epithelial cells.
METHODS
Experiments were performed in the A549 cell line and in primary human bronchial epithelial cells. OR expression was investigated using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemical staining. OR-mediated effects were analyzed by measuring 1) intracellular calcium concentration via calcium imaging, 2) cAMP concentration by luminescence-based assays, 3) wound healing by scratch assays, 4) proliferation by MTS-based assays, 5) cellular vitality by Annexin V/PI-based FACS staining, and 6) the secretion of IL-8 in culture supernatants by ELISA.
RESULTS
By screening 100 potential OR agonists, we identified two, Brahmanol and Cinnamaldehyde, that increased intracellular calcium concentrations. The mRNA and proteins of the corresponding receptors OR2AT4 and OR2J3 were detected. Stimulation of OR2J3 with Cinnamaldehyde reduced 1) IL-8 in the absence and presence of bacterial and viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), 2) proliferation, and 3) wound healing but increased cAMP. In contrast, stimulation of OR2AT4 by Brahmanol increased wound healing but did not affect cAMP and proliferation. Both ORs did not influence cell vitality.
CONCLUSION
ORs might be promising drug target candidates for lung diseases with non-type 2 inflammation. Their stimulation might reduce inflammation or prevent tissue remodeling by promoting wound healing.
Topics: Humans; Epithelial Cells; Receptors, Odorant; Bronchi; A549 Cells; Interleukin-8; Calcium; Lung Diseases; Cell Proliferation; Acrolein
PubMed: 38583306
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151408 -
Biomaterials Advances Jun 2024Combating antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest health challenges because of the ineffectiveness of standard biocide treatments. This challenge could be...
Remarkable enhancement of cinnamaldehyde antimicrobial activity encapsulated in capped mesoporous nanoparticles: A new "nanokiller" approach in the era of antimicrobial resistance.
Combating antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest health challenges because of the ineffectiveness of standard biocide treatments. This challenge could be approached using natural products, which have demonstrated powerful therapeutics against multidrug-resistant microbes. In the present work, a nanodevice consisting of mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with an essential oil component (cinnamaldehyde) and functionalized with the polypeptide ε-poly-l-lysine is developed and used as an antimicrobial agent. In the presence of the corresponding stimuli (i.e., exogenous proteolytic enzymes from bacteria or fungi), the polypeptide is hydrolyzed, and the cinnamaldehyde delivery is enhanced. The nanodevice's release mechanism and efficacy are evaluated in vitro against the pathogenic microorganisms Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The results demonstrate that the new device increases the delivery of the cinnamaldehyde via a biocontrolled uncapping mechanism triggered by proteolytic enzymes. Moreover, the nanodevice notably improves the antimicrobial efficacy of cinnamaldehyde when compared to the free compound, ca. 52-fold for E. coli, ca. 60-fold for S. aureus, and ca. 7-fold for C. albicans. The enhancement of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil component is attributed to the decrease of its volatility due to its encapsulation in the porous silica matrix and the increase of its local concentration when released due to the presence of microorganisms.
Topics: Acrolein; Nanoparticles; Escherichia coli; Candida albicans; Silicon Dioxide; Staphylococcus aureus; Anti-Infective Agents; Porosity; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Polylysine
PubMed: 38579520
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213840 -
International Journal of Hygiene and... Jun 2024A growing literature has reported associations between traffic-related air pollution and breast cancer, however there are fewer investigations into specific ambient...
BACKGROUND
A growing literature has reported associations between traffic-related air pollution and breast cancer, however there are fewer investigations into specific ambient agents and any putative risk of breast cancer development, particularly studies occurring in populations residing in higher pollution areas such as Los Angeles.
OBJECTIVES
To estimate breast cancer risks related to ambient air toxics exposure at residential addresses.
METHODS
We examined the relationships between ambient air toxics and breast cancer risk in the Multiethnic Cohort among 48,665 California female participants followed for cancer from 2003 through 2013. We obtained exposure data on chemicals acting as endocrine disruptors or mammary gland carcinogens from the National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate breast cancer risk per one interquartile range (IQR) increase in air toxics exposure lagged by 5-years. Stratified analyses were conducted by race, ethnicity, and hormone receptor types.
RESULTS
Among all women, increased risks of invasive breast cancer were observed with toxicants related to industries [1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.22, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.18-5.60), ethylene dichloride (HR = 2.81, 95% CI 2.20-3.59), and vinyl chloride (HR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.81, 2.85); these 3 agents were correlated (r2 = 0.45-0.77)]. Agents related to gasoline production or combustion were related to increased breast cancer risk [benzene (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.24, 1.41), ethylbenzene (HR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.13-1.28), toluene (HR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.20-1.38), naphthalene (HR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-2.22), acrolein (HR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.92, 2.65)]. Higher hazard ratios were observed in African Americans and Whites compared to other racial and ethnic groups (p-heterogeneity <0.05 for traffic-related air toxics, acrolein, and vinyl acetate).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that specific toxic air pollutants may be associated with increase breast cancer risk.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Middle Aged; Air Pollutants; Aged; Cohort Studies; Environmental Exposure; California; Adult; Risk Factors; Los Angeles; Proportional Hazards Models
PubMed: 38574449
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114362 -
A Self-Amplifying ROS-Responsive Nanoplatform for Simultaneous Cuproptosis and Cancer Immunotherapy.Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Jun 2024Cuproptosis is an emerging cell death pathway that depends on the intracellular Cu ions. Elesclomol (ES) as an efficient Cu ionophore can specifically transport Cu into...
Cuproptosis is an emerging cell death pathway that depends on the intracellular Cu ions. Elesclomol (ES) as an efficient Cu ionophore can specifically transport Cu into mitochondria and trigger cuproptosis. However, ES can be rapidly removed and metabolized during intravenous administration, leading to a short half-life and limited tumor accumulation, which hampers its clinical application. Here, the study develops a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive polymer (PCP) based on cinnamaldehyde (CA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to encapsulate ES-Cu compound (EC), forming ECPCP. ECPCP significantly prolongs the systemic circulation of EC and enhances its tumor accumulation. After cellular internalization, the PCP coating stimulatingly dissociates exposing to the high-level ROS, and releases ES and Cu, thereby triggering cell death via cuproptosis. Meanwhile, Cu-stimulated Fenton-like reaction together with CA-stimulated ROS production simultaneously breaks the redox homeostasis, which compensates for the insufficient oxidative stress treated with ES alone, in turn inducing immunogenic cell death of tumor cells, achieving simultaneous cuproptosis and immunotherapy. Furthermore, the excessive ROS accelerates the stimuli-dissociation of ECPCP, forming a positive feedback therapy loop against tumor self-alleviation. Therefore, ECPCP as a nanoplatform for cuproptosis and immunotherapy improves the dual antitumor mechanism of ES and provides a potential optimization for ES clinical application.
Topics: Reactive Oxygen Species; Animals; Mice; Immunotherapy; Copper; Neoplasms; Humans; Disease Models, Animal; Acrolein; Nanoparticles; Cell Line, Tumor; Polyethylene Glycols; Polymers
PubMed: 38569217
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401047 -
Poultry Science Jun 2024This study was to determine the effects of the mixture of glycerol monolaurate and cinnamaldehyde (GCM) supplementation on the intestinal morphology, immunity,...
This study was to determine the effects of the mixture of glycerol monolaurate and cinnamaldehyde (GCM) supplementation on the intestinal morphology, immunity, antioxidant status and cecal microbiota of laying hens. A total of 1,120 healthy laying hens (Jingfen-1 strain) at the age of 14 wk were randomly divided into 4 groups with 10 replicates of 28 layers in each and layers were fed diets containing 0 (control group), or 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg GCM for 12 wk. The results showed that dietary supplementation with GCM significantly increased intestinal villus height and villus height/crypt depth, duodenal villus area, total superoxide disumutase activities in the liver and jejunum, jejunal glutathione peroxidase activities while decreased duodenal and jejunal crypt depth, hydrogen peroxide content in the liver and jejunal malondialdehyde content of laying hens aging 28 wk (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, GCM addition significantly increased serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M concentration of layers at the age of 20, 24, and 28 wk (P < 0.05). Moreover, it was observed in the 16S rRNA sequencing that the addition of GCM elevated the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota in laying hens. The predominant bacteria from each group were Bacteroidota and Firmicutes at the phylum level and Bacteroides and Lactobacillus were the dominant genera. The composition and structure of cecal microflora were changed by the addition of GCM to the diet of laying hens. In conclusion, the addition of GCM (500-1,000 mg/kg diet) can improve intestinal morphology, immune function, intestinal and liver antioxidant status and intestinal flora of laying hens, thereby improving intestinal digestion and absorption capacity. These findings provide a new way to further explore the mechanism of GCM improving intestinal health.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Female; Antioxidants; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Animal Feed; Acrolein; Intestines; Cecum; Laurates; Random Allocation; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Monoglycerides
PubMed: 38547675
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103645 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024This paper presents the thermal behavior of polymer microspheres based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and crosslinking agents benzene-1,4-diylbis(2-methylprop-2-enoate)...
This paper presents the thermal behavior of polymer microspheres based on glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and crosslinking agents benzene-1,4-diylbis(2-methylprop-2-enoate) (1,4DMB) and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM) before and after functionalization with thioglycolic acid (TGA). The thermal stability of the polymers was determined using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry under non-oxidizing conditions. The evolved gases were detected by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, and the chemical structure of solid residues after preheating was assessed by FTIR/ATR spectroscopy. The post-functionalized microspheres showed higher thermal stability (within 270-290 °C) than the initial copolymers (within 240-250 °C). In this paper, examples of decomposition patterns of polymer microspheres before and after functionalization are presented. The decomposition of the initial microspheres starts with the emission of GMA monomers, acrolein, carbon dioxide, and the formation of unsaturated bonds in the solid residue. In the case of functionalized microspheres, degradation involves the transesterification of ester groups with the -SH groups, resulting in the emission of carbonyl sulfide, acrolein and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, lactone groups are created in the solid residue. The degradation of the functionalized copolymers is a complex process due to their crosslinked structure, rendering the identification of all the degradation products unattainable.
PubMed: 38541526
DOI: 10.3390/ma17061372 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Apr 2024From 2020 to 2023 many people around the world were forced to wear masks for large proportions of the day based on mandates and laws. We aimed to study the potential of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
From 2020 to 2023 many people around the world were forced to wear masks for large proportions of the day based on mandates and laws. We aimed to study the potential of face masks for the content and release of inanimate toxins.
METHODS
A scoping review of 1003 studies was performed (database search in PubMed/MEDLINE, qualitative and quantitative evaluation).
RESULTS
24 studies were included (experimental time 17 min to 15 days) evaluating content and/or release in 631 masks (273 surgical, 228 textile and 130 N95 masks). Most studies (63%) showed alarming results with high micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) release and exceedances could also be evidenced for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), xylene, acrolein, per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates (including di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate, DEHP) and for Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, Sb and TiO.
DISCUSSION
Of course, masks filter larger dirt and plastic particles and fibers from the air we breathe and have specific indications, but according to our data they also carry risks. Depending on the application, a risk-benefit analysis is necessary.
CONCLUSION
Undoubtedly, mask mandates during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been generating an additional source of potentially harmful exposition to toxins with health threatening and carcinogenic properties at population level with almost zero distance to the airways.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Masks; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics
PubMed: 38537476
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115858 -
Poultry Science May 2024Essential oils (EOs) have been considered as an alternative to antibiotics for animal production. In the current study, 4 trials were conducted on a commercial broiler...
Essential oils (EOs) have been considered as an alternative to antibiotics for animal production. In the current study, 4 trials were conducted on a commercial broiler farm to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of an encapsulated cinnamon EO product (NE-OFF) on the bird growth performance, gut health, and gene expression in the ileum, spleen, and liver relating to the host response to heat and other stresses, including potential NE challenge. In each trial, approximately 30,000 Cobb or Ross broilers were randomly allocated to 4 treatments: a raised without antibiotics (RWA) commercial diet as positive control, an adjusted RWA commercial diet as negative control, and the negative control diet supplemented with 2 different dosages of NE-OFF, which was added during feed pelleting. Although the final average body weight did not differ significantly among treatment groups, birds fed NE-OFF had an increased ratio of villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum, and reduced fecal oocyst counts. Trial 2 was conducted in the summer and had a necrotic enteritis (NE) outbreak. The supplementation of NE-OFF reduced the NE incidence and bird mortality. The samples from Trial 2 were hence selected for the analyses of Clostridium perfringens and NetB toxin gene abundance in the ileum, and host responses. The C. perfringens population appeared to be positively correlated with the NetB gene abundance. The gene expression analysis suggested that NE-OFF supplementation improved nutrient absorption and transportation as well as antioxidant activities to help the birds against stress. These on-farm trial results support the hypothesis that the use of NE-OFF as a feed additive can improve bird gut health and performance in commercial broiler production, especially for preventing NE outbreaks when birds are under stress.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Animal Feed; Acrolein; Dietary Supplements; Diet; Poultry Diseases; Random Allocation; Clostridium Infections; Clostridium perfringens; Male
PubMed: 38507831
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103625