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Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jun 2024C. deserticola, a highly esteemed medicinal herb in China, commonly referred to as "desert ginseng", has been renowned for its unique pharmacological properties in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
C. deserticola, a highly esteemed medicinal herb in China, commonly referred to as "desert ginseng", has been renowned for its unique pharmacological properties in clinical use for countless centuries. Despite its long-standing reputation, our current comprehension of its active components and pharmacological effects remains shallow and incomplete. Moreover, the unclear mechanism underlying its pharmacological actions hinders the advancement and utilization of novel drug formulations derived from C. deserticola. Furthermore, as a unique parasitic plant, the current research on its parasitic mechanisms is limited, hampering efforts to enhance both its medicinal composition and overall yields.
PURPOSE
The objective of this review is to meticulously assess, condense, and evaluate the salient aspects pertaining to the chemical composition, pharmacological impacts, and parasitic mechanisms of C. deserticola. Furthermore, the aim is to furnish valuable references that can inform and guide future research endeavors and developmental activities related to C. deserticola.
METHODS
This review adheres to the rigorous standards outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A thorough examination and analysis of pertinent research findings, published up to February 6, 2024, has been conducted. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Science Direct were exhaustively searched using targeted keywords and operators to delve into the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and parasitic mechanisms exhibited by C. deserticola.
RESULTS
The review comprehensively summarizes the advancements in research regarding the chemical composition, pharmacological impacts, and toxicological safety of C. deserticola. It delves into the parasitic mechanisms of C. deserticola from three distinct angles: seed germination, haustorium induction, and recognition of signal substances. Furthermore, the review pinpoints pertinent issues and offers insightful recommendations for future exploration and research pertaining to C. deserticola.
CONCLUSION
In recent years, C. deserticola has garnered considerable attention due to its distinctive pharmacological properties. This comprehensive review aims to establish a scientific foundation for the development of potential novel drugs and the enhancement of both the quantity and quality of C. deserticola. It accomplishes this by meticulously analyzing and evaluating the latest research findings pertaining to its chemical composition, pharmacological impacts, and parasitic mechanisms.
PubMed: 38876007
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155808 -
Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic &... Jun 2024Urinary bladder dysfunction might be related to disturbances at different levels of the micturition reflex arc. The current study aimed to further develop and evaluate a...
Urinary bladder dysfunction might be related to disturbances at different levels of the micturition reflex arc. The current study aimed to further develop and evaluate a split bladder model for detecting and analysing relaxatory signalling in the rat urinary bladder. The model allows for discrimination between effects at the efferent and the afferent side of the innervation. In in vivo experiments, the stimulation at a low frequency (1 Hz) of the ipsilateral pelvic nerve tended to evoke relaxation of the split bladder half (contralateral side; -1.0 ± 0.4 mN; n = 5), in contrast to high frequency-evoked contractions. In preparations in which the contralateral pelvic nerve was cut the relaxation occurred at a wider range of frequencies (0.5-2 Hz). In separate experiments, responses to 1 and 2 Hz were studied before and after intravenous injections of propranolol (1 mg/kg IV). The presence of propranolol significantly shifted the relaxations into contractions. Also, electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral pudendal nerve evoked relaxations of similar magnitude as for the pelvic stimulations, which were also affected by propranolol. In control in vitro experiments, substances with β-adrenoceptor agonism, in contrast to a selective α-agonist, evoked relaxations. The current study shows that the split bladder model can be used for in vivo studies of relaxations. In the model, reflex-evoked sympathetic responses caused relaxations at low intensity stimulation. The involvement of β-adrenoceptors is supported by the sensitivity to propranolol and by the in vitro observations.
PubMed: 38875740
DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103194 -
European Journal of Sport Science Jun 2024Citrulline malate (CM) is purported to be an ergogenic aid during various types of exercise performance. However, the effects of CM on repeated sprint performance (RSP)... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Citrulline malate (CM) is purported to be an ergogenic aid during various types of exercise performance. However, the effects of CM on repeated sprint performance (RSP) are under-explored. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, counterbalanced cross-over design, male university-level team sport athletes (n = 13) performed two familiarization trials, after which CM or placebo (PLA) (8 × 1 g tablets each day) were taken on the 2 days prior to, and with breakfast on the morning of, each main experimental trial. The main experimental trials employed a RSP protocol consisting of 10 repetitions of 40 m maximal shuttle run test (MST) with a 30 s interval between the start of each sprint. Sprint times and heart rate were recorded throughout the MST, and blood lactate concentrations were measured before, immediately after, and 5 min after completing the MST. CM resulted in better RSP compared to PLA, as indicated by a lower sprint performance decrement (S: CM, 4.68% ± 1.82% vs. PLA, 6.10% ± 1.83%; p = 0.03; ES = 0.77), which was possibly influenced by the fastest sprint time being faster in CM (CM, 8.16 ± 0.34 s vs. PLA, 8.29 ± 0.39 s; p = 0.011; ES = 0.34). There were no differences between CM and PLA in average sprint time (p = 0.54), slowest sprint time (p = 0.48), blood lactate concentrations (p = 0.73) or heart rate (p = 0.18), nor was there a condition × time interaction effect across the 10 sprints (p = 0.166). Three days of CM supplementation (8 g daily) attenuated the sprint performance decrement during short-duration high-intensity exercise in the form of running RSP in male university-level team sport athletes.
Topics: Humans; Male; Running; Athletic Performance; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Young Adult; Citrulline; Dietary Supplements; Heart Rate; Lactic Acid; Malates; Athletes; Team Sports; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Adult
PubMed: 38874989
DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12090 -
European Journal of Sport Science Jun 2024We investigated the effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) with and without caffeine supplementation on mean power output (MPO) during a 4-min cycling time-trial (TT).... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
We investigated the effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) with and without caffeine supplementation on mean power output (MPO) during a 4-min cycling time-trial (TT). In a double-blinded, randomized, crossover-design, 11 trained men performed a TT on 4 days separated by ∼1 week. One hour before TT, participants ingested either caffeine (3 mg kg bw) or placebo pills, after which femoral blood-flow was either restricted with occlusion cuffs inflated to ∼180 mmHg (IPC), or sham-restricted (0-10 mmHg; Sham) during 3 × 2-min low-intensity cycling (10% of incremental peak power output). Then, participants performed a standardized warm-up followed by the TT. Plasma lactate and K concentrations and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured throughout trials. TT MPO was 382 ± 17 W in Placebo + Sham and not different from Placebo + IPC (-1 W; 95% CI: -9 to 7; p = 0.848; d: 0.06), whereas MPO was higher with Caffeine + Sham (+6W; 95% CI: -2 to 14; p = 0.115; d: 0.49) and Caffeine + IPC (+8 W; 95% CI: 2-13; p = 0.019; d: 0.79) versus Placebo + Sham. MPO differences were attributed to caffeine (caffeine main-effect: +7 W; 95% CI: 2-13; p = 0.015; d: 0.54. IPC main-effect: 0 W; 95% CI: -6 to 7; p = 0.891; d: 0.03; caffeine × IPC interaction-effect: p = 0.580; d: 0.17). TT RPE and plasma variables were not different between treatments. In conlcusion, IPC with co-ingestion of placebo does not improve short-term high-intensity performance in trained men versus a double-placebo control (Placebo + Sham) and does not additively enhance performance with caffeine. These data do not support IPC as a useful strategy for athletes prior to competition but confirms caffeine's performance-enhancing effect.
Topics: Humans; Caffeine; Male; Double-Blind Method; Athletic Performance; Ischemic Preconditioning; Young Adult; Bicycling; Cross-Over Studies; Adult; Lactic Acid; Potassium; Performance-Enhancing Substances; Physical Exertion
PubMed: 38874987
DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12088 -
PeerJ 2024Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited effective treatment options. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a bioactive substance present...
BACKGROUND
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited effective treatment options. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a bioactive substance present primarily in the cruciferous vegetables. PEITC has exhibited anti-cancer properties in various cancers, including lung, bile duct, and prostate cancers. It has been demonstrated that PEITC can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of SK-Hep1 cells, while effectively inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells. However, knowledge of its anti-carcinogenic effects on Huh7.5.1 cells and its underlying mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the anti-carcinogenic effects of PEITC on human HCC Huh7.5.1 cells.
METHODS
MTT assay and colony formation assay was performed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of PEITC against Huh7.5.1 cells. The pro-apoptosis effects of PEITC were determined by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay by flow cytometry (FCM), mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP) measurement, and Caspase-3 activity detection. A DAPI staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay was conducted to estimate the DNA damage in Huh7.5.1 cells induced by PEITC. Cell cycle progression was determined by FCM. Transwell invasion assay and wound healing migration assay were performed to investigate the impact of PEITC on the migration and invasion of Huh7.5.1 cells. In addition, transcriptome sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of PEITC on HCC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to verify the transcriptome data.
RESULTS
MTT assay showed that treatment of Huh7.5.1 cells with PEITC resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in viability, and colony formation assay further confirmed its anti-proliferative effect. Furthermore, we found that PEITC could induce mitochondrial-related apoptotic responses, including a decrease of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, activation of Caspase-3 activity, and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. It was also observed that PEITC caused DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in the S-phase in Huh7.5.1 cells. In addition, the inhibitory effect of PEITC on the migration and invasion ability of Huh7.5.1 cells was assessed. Transcriptome sequencing analysis further suggested that PEITC could activate the typical MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and p53 signaling pathways, revealing the potential mechanism of PEITC in inhibiting the carcinogenic properties of Huh7.5.1 cells.
CONCLUSION
PEITC exhibits anti-carcinogenic activities against human HCC Huh7.5.1 cells by activating MAPK/PI3K-Akt/p53 signaling pathways. Our results suggest that PEITC may be useful for the anti-HCC treatment.
Topics: Humans; Isothiocyanates; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Cell Line, Tumor; Signal Transduction; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
PubMed: 38873643
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17532 -
RSC Advances Jun 2024: AICAR (5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxyamide ribonucleoside) was reported as the first pharmacological AMPK (adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase)...
: AICAR (5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxyamide ribonucleoside) was reported as the first pharmacological AMPK (adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase) activator, and it has been confirmed to exhibit a significant endurance enhancement effect and prohibited for doping by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Due to the fact that the human body can produce such substances, in order to ensure fairness in sports competition, methods for rapid detection and multi-type identification of AICAR drugs taken orally should be established. : to assess AICAR levels, a new rapid, sensitive, efficient, and selective method was reported for the quantitative detection of AICAR in urine using LC-MS/MS. The method was validated for quantitative purposes based on the elemental selectivity, intra- (1.0-15.6%) and inter-day precision (1.3-16.3%), accuracy (99.9-112.8%), matrix effects (88.9-103.6%), recovery (87.4-106.5%), and stability at four different concentrations. The calibration curve was linear over a wide concentration range of 10-10,000 ng mL with a high coefficient of determination ( > 0.998). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for the experiment were determined to be 1 and 10 ng mL, respectively. Simultaneously, metabolomics analysis was used to obtain the metabolic fingerprint of different populations and biomarkers to distinguish administration cases through partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. : the method enables easy quantitation for LC-MS/MS analysis with the best recovery yield maintained, and the method was applied to 122 Asian biological samples with an average concentration of 1310.5 ± 1031.4 ng mL. Through drug metabolism research, 734 and 294 variables were extracted for data analysis respectively in the positive and negative ion modes, and more than 100 metabolites with significant up- and down-regulation were found after the test. : this research developed a fast, precise, effective, and specific approach for the qualitative and quantitative identification of AICAR in urine. Meanwhile, administration metabolism studies found that there were significant changes in AICAR levels and other compounds, such as PC types PC(18:1/16:0), PC(16:0/18:0), and PC(16:0/16:0), PE types PE(18:0/20:4), and LPE-type 18:1, which could better distinguish samples before and after AICAR administration. The analysis provides a multi-perspective reference for WADA to determine a positive criterion.
PubMed: 38873554
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02878c -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Areca nut (AN), the fruit or seed of Linn, has many uses, including chewing and medicinal purposes. It has sparked worries about health due to the presence of... (Review)
Review
Areca nut (AN), the fruit or seed of Linn, has many uses, including chewing and medicinal purposes. It has sparked worries about health due to the presence of alkaloids. Chewing AN may have a variety of negative consequences; however, the medicinal use of AN has no notable adverse effects. To completely understand and effectively use AN, researchers have investigated its chemical makeup or biological activity, analyzed the variations between different AN species and different periods, and improved extraction and processing procedures. Today, an increasing number of researchers are exploring the underlying reasons for AN variations, as well as the molecular mechanisms of biosynthesis of chemical components, to comprehend and change AN at the genetic level. This review presents an overview of the clinical study, pharmacology, and detection of the main bioactive components in AN, and the main factors influencing their content, delving into the omics applications in AN research. On the basis of the discussions and summaries, this review identifies current research gaps and proposes future directions for investigation.
PubMed: 38873426
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1407212 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Substance use disorders contribute to considerable U.S. morbidity and mortality. While effective pharmacotherapy options are available to treat opioid and alcohol use... (Review)
Review
Substance use disorders contribute to considerable U.S. morbidity and mortality. While effective pharmacotherapy options are available to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders, for a variety of reasons, many patients lack access to treatment or may be reluctant to seek care due to concerns such as perceived stigma or a current lack of desire to completely curtail their substance use. Furthermore, treatment options are limited for patients with stimulant or polysubstance use disorders. Thus, there is considerable need to expand the substance use disorder harm reduction armamentarium. Kratom ( Korth.) is an herbal substance that can produce both opioid and stimulant-like effects, and its use in the US is growing. Though there are concerns regarding adverse effects, dependence risk, and limited regulation of its manufacturing and sale, the pharmacology of kratom and early preclinical studies suggest a potential role as a harm reduction agent for various substance use disorders, and it has historically been used in Southeast Asia for such purposes. The goal of this review is to describe kratom's history of use, pharmacology, and early pre-clinical and observational research regarding its therapeutic potential in opioid use disorder, as well as alcohol, stimulant, and polysubstance use disorders, while also highlighting current concerns around its use, existing gaps in the literature, and directions for future research.
Topics: Mitragyna; Humans; Substance-Related Disorders; Harm Reduction; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38873312
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1416689 -
Breast Cancer Research : BCR Jun 2024In this study, we prepared a bionic nanosystem of trastuzumab-functionalized SK-BR-3 cell membrane hybrid liposome-coated pyrotinib (Ptb-M-Lip-Her) for the treatment of...
In this study, we prepared a bionic nanosystem of trastuzumab-functionalized SK-BR-3 cell membrane hybrid liposome-coated pyrotinib (Ptb-M-Lip-Her) for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blotting were used to verify the successful preparation of Ptb-M-Lip-Her. In vitro drug release experiments proved that Ptb-M-Lip-Her had a sustained release effect. Cell uptake experiments and in vivo imaging experiments proved that Ptb-M-Lip-Her had good targeting ability to homologous tumor cells (SK-BR-3). The results of cell experiments such as MTT, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining and in vivo antitumor experiments showed that Ptb-M-Lip-Her could significantly promote apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of SK-BR-3 cells. These results clearly indicated that Ptb-M-Lip-Her may be a promising biomimetic nanosystem for targeted therapy of HER2-positive breast cancer.
Topics: Humans; Female; Liposomes; Trastuzumab; Breast Neoplasms; Receptor, ErbB-2; Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Mice; Apoptosis; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Cell Proliferation; Drug Liberation; Drug Delivery Systems; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Acrylamides; Aminoquinolines
PubMed: 38867302
DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01853-2 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Mast cells are immune cells minimally present in normal tendon tissue. The increased abundance of mast cells in tendinopathy biopsies and at the sites of tendon injury...
Mast cells are immune cells minimally present in normal tendon tissue. The increased abundance of mast cells in tendinopathy biopsies and at the sites of tendon injury suggests an unexplored role of this cell population in overuse tendon injuries. Mast cells are particularly present in tendon biopsies from patients with more chronic symptom duration and a history of intensive mechanical loading. This study, therefore, examined the cross talk between mast cells and human tendon cells in either static or mechanically active conditions in order to explore the potential mechanistic roles of mast cells in overuse tendon injuries. A coculture of isolated human tenocytes and mast cells (HMC-1) combined with Flexcell Tension System for cyclic stretching of tenocytes was used. Additionally, human tenocytes were exposed to agonists and antagonists of substance P (SP) receptors. Mast cell degranulation was assessed by measuring β-hexosaminidase activity. Transwell and cell adhesion assays were used to evaluate mast cell migration and binding to tendon extracellular matrix components (collagen and fibronectin), respectively. Gene expressions were analyzed using real time qRT-PCR. Our results indicate that mechanical stimulation of human tenocytes leads to release of SP which, in turn, activates mast cells through the Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2). The degranulation and migration of mast cells in response to MRGPRX2 activation subsequently cause human tenocytes to increase their expression of inflammatory factors, matrix proteins and matrix metalloproteinase enzymes. These observations may be important in understanding the mechanisms by which tendons become tendinopathic in response to repetitive mechanical stimulation.
Topics: Humans; Substance P; Mast Cells; Tenocytes; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Receptors, Neuropeptide; Tendons; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Cell Degranulation; Tendinopathy; Inflammation; Male; Coculture Techniques; Cells, Cultured; Adult; Cell Movement
PubMed: 38866832
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64222-1