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Frontiers in Immunology 2024Allergic sensitization is an essential step in the development of allergic airway inflammation to birch pollen (BP); however, this process remains to be fully...
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVE
Allergic sensitization is an essential step in the development of allergic airway inflammation to birch pollen (BP); however, this process remains to be fully elucidated. Recent scientific advances have highlighted the importance of the allergen context. In this regard, microbial patterns (PAMPs) present on BP have attracted increasing interest. As these PAMPs are recognized by specialized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), this study aims at investigating the roles of intracellular PRRs and the inflammasome regulator NLRP3.
METHODS
We established a physiologically relevant intranasal and adjuvant-free sensitization procedure to study BP-induced systemic and local lung inflammation.
RESULTS
Strikingly, BP-sensitized -deficient mice showed significantly lower IgE levels, Th2-associated cytokines, cell infiltration into the lung, mucin production and epithelial thickening than their wild-type counterparts, which appears to be independent of inflammasome formation. Intriguingly, bone-marrow chimera revealed that expression of NLRP3 in the hematopoietic system is required to trigger an allergic response.
CONCLUSION
Overall, this study identifies NLRP3 as an important driver of BP-induced allergic immune responses.
Topics: Animals; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Pollen; Betula; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Administration, Intranasal; Allergens; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammasomes; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Cytokines; Hypersensitivity; Plant Extracts; Immunoglobulin E
PubMed: 38933263
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1393819 -
Ecology and Evolution Jun 2024Beyond ecological and health impacts, invasive alien plant species can generate indirect and direct costs, notably through reduced agricultural yields, restoration, and...
Beyond ecological and health impacts, invasive alien plant species can generate indirect and direct costs, notably through reduced agricultural yields, restoration, and management of the invaded environment. and are invasive plant species that cause particularly significant damage to the railway network in the Mediterranean area. The allelopathic properties of Mediterranean plant species could be used as nature-based solutions to slow down the spread of such invasive plant species along railway borders. In this context, a mesocosm experiment was set-up: (i) to test the potential allelopathic effects of , , and leaf aqueous extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of and ; (ii) to evaluate whether these effects depend on the extract dose; and finally, (iii) to estimate whether these effects are modified by soil amendment. Leaf aqueous extracts of the three native plant species showed negative effects on both seed germination and seedling growth of the two invasive species. Our results show that the presence of allelochemicals induces a delay in seed germination (, germination lasted up to 269% longer in the presence of high-dose leaf aqueous extracts of ), which can lead to a decrease in individual recruitment. They also highlight a decrease in seedling growth (, high-dose leaf aqueous extracts induced a 26% decrease in radicle growth), which can alter the competitiveness of invasive species for resource access. Our results also highlight that compost addition limits the inhibitory effect of native Mediterranean plants on the germination of invasive alien plants, suggesting that soil organic matter content can counteract allelopathic effects on invasive alien plants. Thus, our findings revealed that the allelopathic potential of certain Mediterranean plant species could be a useful tool to manage invasive plant species.
PubMed: 38932976
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11499 -
Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic... Jun 2024Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-standing and non-transmissible endocrine disease that generates significant clinical issues and currently affects approximately 400... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a long-standing and non-transmissible endocrine disease that generates significant clinical issues and currently affects approximately 400 million people worldwide. The aim of the present review was to analyze the most relevant and recent studies that focused on the potential application of plant extracts and phytocompounds in nanotechnology for the treatment of T2DM.
METHODS
Various databases were examined, including Springer Link, Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, and Science Direct. The search focused on discovering the potential application of nanoparticulate technologies in enhancing drug delivery of phytocompounds for the mentioned condition.
RESULTS
Several drug delivery systems have been considered, that aimed to reduce adverse effects, while enhancing the efficiency of oral antidiabetic medications. Plant-based nanoformulations have been highlighted as an innovative approach for DM treatment due to their eco-friendly and cost-effective synthesis methods. Their benefits include targeted action, enhanced availability, stability, and reduced dosage frequency.
CONCLUSIONS
Nanomedicine has opened new opportunities for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of DM. The use of nanomaterials has demonstrated improved outcomes for both T1DM and T2DM. Notably, flavonoids, including substances such as quercetin, naringenin and myricitrin, have been recognized for their enhanced efficacy when delivered through novel nanotechnologies in preventing T2DM onset and associated complications. The perspectives on the addressed subject point to the development of more nanostructured phytocompounds with improved bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.
PubMed: 38932892
DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01376-1 -
Plant Disease Jun 2024Soybean cyst nematode is a major pest of soybean crops, causing significant yield losses and economic impact. Current management strategies primarily rely on resistant...
Soybean cyst nematode is a major pest of soybean crops, causing significant yield losses and economic impact. Current management strategies primarily rely on resistant varieties, cover crops, and seed treatments. However, there is a growing interest in developing sustainable, ecologically based approaches to integrate SCN risk reduction into soybean production systems. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various compost and manure amendments in suppressing SCN populations and promoting soybean productivity. An in vitro egg hatching assay was conducted to screen the inhibitory effects of different compost and manure extracts on SCN egg hatching. Results indicated that poultry manure, Layer Ash Blend®, and swine manure extracts significantly inhibited SCN hatching compared to other treatments across multiple time points. Greenhouse trials further validated the effectiveness of Layer Manure®, poultry manure, High Carbon Dairy Doo®, and Seed Starter 101® in suppressing SCN cysts, eggs, and juveniles. A field microplot trial confirmed the practical promise of Layer Ash Blend® and poultry manure in SCN management, with significant reductions in SCN populations and increased soybean yields. The study also investigated the impact of these amendments on promoting the population of bacterivorous and frugivorous nematodes, contributing to a biological diverse soil ecosystem. Overall, the results indicate that amending SCN-infested soil with specific compost or manure formulations can effectively suppress nematode populations while improving soybean productivity. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable strategies for SCN management in soybean production systems.
PubMed: 38932447
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-04-24-0783-RE -
Polymers Jun 2024Materials based on highly reactive α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) powder were developed and evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of different polymeric additives, such...
Materials based on highly reactive α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) powder were developed and evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of different polymeric additives, such as citrus pectin or polyacrylamide (PAAM) modified with sago starch, neem flower, or rambutan peel, on the physiochemical and biological properties of the developed materials was assessed. The addition of modified PAAM shortened the setting process of bone cements and decreased their compressive strength. On the other hand, the addition of citrus pectin significantly enhanced the mechanical strength of the material from 4.46 to 7.15 MPa. The improved mechanical properties of the bone cement containing citrus pectin were attributed to the better homogenization of cementitious pastes and pectin cross-linking by Ca ions. In vitro tests performed on L929 cells showed that 10% extracts from α-TCP cements modified with pectin are more cytocompatible than control cements without any additives. Cements containing PAAM with plant-derived modifiers show some degree of cytotoxicity for the highly concentrated 10% extracts, but for diluted extracts, cytotoxicity was reduced, as shown by a resazurin reduction test and live/dead staining. All the developed bone substitutes exhibited in vitro bioactivity, making them promising candidates for further biological studies. This research underscores the advantageous properties of the obtained biomaterials and paves the way for subsequent more advanced in vitro and in vivo investigations.
PubMed: 38932061
DOI: 10.3390/polym16121711 -
Pharmaceutics Jun 2024The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses a significant global health threat. The spike glycoprotein S1 of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to induce the...
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses a significant global health threat. The spike glycoprotein S1 of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to induce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, contributing to hyperinflammation in COVID-19 patients. Triphala, an ancient Ayurvedic remedy composed of dried fruits from three plant species- (Family Euphorbiaceae), (Family Combretaceae), and (Family Combretaceae)-shows promise in addressing inflammation. However, the limited water solubility of its ethanolic extract impedes its bioavailability. In this study, we aimed to develop nanoparticles loaded with Triphala extract, termed "nanotriphala", as a drug delivery system. Additionally, we investigated the in vitro anti-inflammatory properties of nanotriphala and its major compounds, namely gallic acid, chebulagic acid, and chebulinic acid, in lung epithelial cells (A549) induced by CoV2-SP. The nanotriphala formulation was prepared using the solvent displacement method. The encapsulation efficiency of Triphala in nanotriphala was determined to be 87.96 ± 2.60% based on total phenolic content. In terms of in vitro release, nanotriphala exhibited a biphasic release profile with zero-order kinetics over 0-8 h. A549 cells were treated with nanotriphala or its active compounds and then induced with 100 ng/mL of spike S1 subunit (CoV2-SP). The results demonstrate that chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid are the active compounds in nanotriphala, which significantly reduced cytokine release (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18) and suppressed the expression of inflammatory genes (, , , and ) ( < 0.05). Mechanistically, nanotriphala and its active compounds notably attenuated the expression of inflammasome machinery proteins (NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1) ( < 0.05). In conclusion, the nanoparticle formulation of Triphala enhances its stability and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties against CoV2-SP-induction. This was achieved by suppressing inflammatory mediators and the NLRP3 inflammasome machinery. Thus, nanotriphala holds promise as a supportive preventive anti-inflammatory therapy for COVID-19-related chronic inflammation.
PubMed: 38931873
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060751 -
Pharmaceutics May 2024The aims of the present research include (1) optimization of extraction from leaf waste via investigation of plant material:medium ratio, extraction medium, and...
The aims of the present research include (1) optimization of extraction from leaf waste via investigation of plant material:medium ratio, extraction medium, and extraction period, employing extractions at room and high temperatures, or using ultrasound and microwaves (M, HAE, UAE, and MAE, respectively), (2) physicochemical characterization, and (3) investigation of extract biological potential. The statistical analysis revealed that optimal levels of parameters for the greatest polyphenolic yield were a proportion of 1:30 g/mL, ethyl alcohol 50% (/) during 2 min of microwave irradiation. By LC-MS analysis, 29 phenolic components were detected; HAE showed the highest richness of almost all determined polyphenols, while chlorogenic acid and quercetin 3--glucuronide were dominant. All extracts showed a high inhibition of growth. The effect of different parameters on extracts' antioxidant capacity depended on the used tests. The extracts also showed a stimulative influence on keratinocyte viability and anti-inflammatory activity (proven in cell-based ELISA and erythrocyte stabilization assays). The extraction procedure significantly affected the extraction yield (MAE ≥ maceration ≥ UAE ≥ HAE), whereas conductivity, density, surface tension, and viscosity varied in a narrow range. The presented research provides evidence on the optimal extraction conditions and technique, chemical composition, and antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and keratinocyte viability properties of bilberry extracts for potential applications in pharmacy and cosmetics.
PubMed: 38931863
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060740 -
Pharmaceutics May 2024Malaria poses a global threat to human health, with millions of cases and thousands of deaths each year, mainly affecting developing countries in tropical and... (Review)
Review
Malaria poses a global threat to human health, with millions of cases and thousands of deaths each year, mainly affecting developing countries in tropical and subtropical regions. Malaria's causative agent is species, generally transmitted in the hematophagous act of female sp. mosquitoes. The main approaches to fighting malaria are eliminating the parasite through drug treatments and preventing transmission with vector control. However, vector and parasite resistance to current strategies set a challenge. In response to the loss of drug efficacy and the environmental impact of pesticides, the focus shifted to the search for biocompatible products that could be antimalarial. Plant derivatives have a millennial application in traditional medicine, including the treatment of malaria, and show toxic effects towards the parasite and the mosquito, aside from being accessible and affordable. Its disadvantage lies in the type of administration because green chemical compounds rapidly degrade. The nanoformulation of these compounds can improve bioavailability, solubility, and efficacy. Thus, the nanotechnology-based development of plant products represents a relevant tool in the fight against malaria. We aim to review the effects of nanoparticles synthesized with plant extracts on and while outlining the nanotechnology green synthesis and current malaria prevention strategies.
PubMed: 38931823
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060699 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024() is a prominent plant used in Moroccan traditional medicine. This study investigated the phenolic composition and the anti-inflammatory, the hepatoprotective, and the...
() is a prominent plant used in Moroccan traditional medicine. This study investigated the phenolic composition and the anti-inflammatory, the hepatoprotective, and the anticancer activities of a hydroethanolic extract of leaves and stems. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography identified the phenolic profile. The in vitro anticancer activity was evaluated using the MTT assay on HL-60 and K-562 myeloleukemia cells and liver (Huh-7) cell lines. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed in vivo using carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. The hepatoprotective effect at 300 and 1000 mg/kg doses against the acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity on rats was studied for seven days. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were performed to evaluate the extract's inhibitory potential against key targets: lipoxygenase, cytochrome P450, tyrosine kinase, and TRADD. The extract exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against K-562 and HL-60 cells, but not against lung cancer cells (Huh-7 line). The 1000 mg/kg dose demonstrated the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, inhibiting edema by 99.10% after 6 h. extract displayed promising hepatoprotective properties. Procyanidin (-7.27 kcal/mol), quercetin (-8.102 kcal/mol), and catechin (-9.037 kcal/mol) were identified as the most active molecules against lipoxygenase, cytochrome P450, and tyrosine kinase, respectively. These findings highlight the untapped potential of for further exploration in treating liver damage, inflammation, and leukemia.
PubMed: 38931453
DOI: 10.3390/ph17060786 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024(Lamiaceae) is a plant which has long been known and used in traditional medicine for various purposes. However, few recent studies have documented its chemical...
(Lamiaceae) is a plant which has long been known and used in traditional medicine for various purposes. However, few recent studies have documented its chemical composition and biological properties. The present study investigated the phytochemical composition of horehound, as well as its protective, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major components of horehound essential oil are E-caryophyllene (35.7%), germacrene D (25.2%), and bicyclogermacrene (10.6%). The biological activity of horehound hydroethanolic herb extract derives from multiple chemical compounds, including polyphenols (55.72 mg/mL), flavonoids (11.01 mg/mL), phenolic acids (4.33 mg/mL), and tannins (4.46 mg/mL). Chromatographic analyses of the extract identified 12 phenolic compounds, of which ferulic acid, catechin, quercetin, protocatechuic acid, rutin, and syringic acid (35.42, 24.69, 20.65, 18.70, 14.46, and 12.69 mg/mL, respectively) were the main constituents. Its DPPH radical scavenging ability was 68.29%, while its antioxidant properties, determined by the FRAP method, were at the level of 1.22 mmol/L. Moreover, extract decreased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species in the fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro, achieving the strongest antioxidant effect at a concentration of 2.5% in the case of both types of skin cells. Extracts from the horehound herb showed significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity, confirming the plant's potential in therapeutic applications against various microbial pathogens (gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi). The research results demonstrate the protective effect of horehound extract on the viability of both fibroblasts and keratinocytes in vitro. To sum up, , as a valuable natural material with high preventive and therapeutic effectiveness, is a potential candidate for new applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.
PubMed: 38931446
DOI: 10.3390/ph17060780