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Medicine Jun 2024Choline alfoscerate (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a phospholipid that includes choline, which increases the release of acetylcholine. The ASCOMALVA trial, a... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Choline alfoscerate (alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine) is a phospholipid that includes choline, which increases the release of acetylcholine. The ASCOMALVA trial, a combination of donepezil and choline alfoscerate, slowed cognitive decline in Alzheimer disease. This study aims to replicate the effect by combining donepezil with other nootropics currently used in South Korea.
METHODS
The 119 patients with cognitive decline who were eligible to use donepezil, with an mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score of 26 or less, were assigned to: donepezil alone (DO); donepezil and choline alfoscerate (DN); donepezil and acetyl-l-carnitine (DA); or donepezil and ginkgo biloba extract (DG). Cognitive evaluations such as MMSE, clinical dementia rating, Alzheimer disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), and Alzheimer disease assessment scale-noncognitive subscale were performed at the 12th and 24th weeks from the baseline time point.
RESULTS
At the 12th week, the MMSE score increased 3.52% in the DN group, whereas it increased by 1.36% in the DO group. In the DA + DG group, it decreased by 2.17%. At the 24th week, the MMSE score showed an increase of 1.07% in the DO group and 1.61% in the DN group, but decreased by 5.71% in the DA + DG group. ADAS-Cog decreased by 0.9% in the DO group, while it improved by 13.9% in the DN group at the 12th week. At the 24th week, ADAS-Cog showed improvement in the DN group by 18.5%, whereas it improved by 9.4% in the DO group. Alzheimer disease assessment scale-noncognitive subscale also revealed better performance in the DN group than in the DO group at the 12th and 24th weeks.
CONCLUSION
Choline alfoscerate exhibits additional cognitive improvement in both cognitive and noncognitive domains, supporting the findings of the ASCOMALVA trial.
Topics: Humans; Donepezil; Male; Female; Aged; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Glycerylphosphorylcholine; Nootropic Agents; Ginkgo biloba; Indans; Alzheimer Disease; Piperidines; Plant Extracts; Republic of Korea; Acetylcarnitine; Cognitive Dysfunction; Mental Status and Dementia Tests; Treatment Outcome; Aged, 80 and over; Cognition; Ginkgo Extract
PubMed: 38875437
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038067 -
Medicine Jun 2024Diabetes nephropathy (DN), as one of the common complications of diabetes, is characterized by persistent albuminuria, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and elevated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Diabetes nephropathy (DN), as one of the common complications of diabetes, is characterized by persistent albuminuria, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and elevated arterial blood pressure. At present, Xuebijing injection is widely used in the treatment of DN. However, few systematic reviews and meta-analysis related to Xuebijing injection intervention in DN were published. In order to more systematically and objectively evaluate the clinical efficacy of Xuebijing injection intervention in DN, we conducted systematic reviews and meta-analysis to verify it.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the research was to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of Xuebijing injection combined with alprostadil in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
METHODS
We searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biomedical Database (SinoMed), Weipu Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science and other databases by computer, and searched the randomized controlled trials of Xuebijing injection combined with alprostadil in the treatment of DN at home and abroad from the establishment of the database to 2022. The main outcome indicators included blood glucose, and the secondary outcome indicators included blood lipid, renal function, urinary protein, and safety. Two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were included, including 1233 cases, 618 cases in the treatment group and 615 cases in the control group. The results of meta-analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the treatment group could effectively reduce fasting plasma glucose [mean difference [MD] = -1.90, 95% CI (-2.40, -1.40), P < .00001], glycosylated hemoglobin A1c [MD = -2.38, 95% CI (-2.51, -2.25), P < .00001], 2h postprandial blood glucose [MD = -2.92, 95% CI (-3.95, -1.89), P < .00001], triacylglycerol [MD = -1.08, 95% CI (-1.66, -0.50), P = .0003], total cholesterol [MD = -1.17, 95% CI (-1.39, -0.95), P < .00001], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [MD = -1.19, 95% CI (-1.60, -0.78), P < .00001], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [MD = 0.32, 95% CI (0.23, 0.42), P < .00001], serum creatinine [MD = -42.95, 95% CI (-57.46, -28.43), P < .00001], blood urea nitrogen [MD = -2.24, 95%CI (-2.62,-1.86), P < .00001], blood β2 microglobulin [SMD = -1.49, 95% CI (-1.70, -1.28), P < .00001], urine β2 microglobulin [SMD = -0.81, 95% CI (-1.04, -0.58), P < .00001], 24-hour urinary protein quantification [MD = -0.20, 95% CI (-0.26, -0.14), P < .00001], urinary albumin excretion rate [SMD = -1.15, 95% CI (-1.38, -0.93), P < .00001].
CONCLUSION
Xuebijing injection combined with alprostadil has more advantages in treating DN compared to routine Western medicine.
Topics: Humans; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Diabetic Nephropathies; Alprostadil; Drug Therapy, Combination; Injections; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Blood Glucose; Treatment Outcome; Lipids
PubMed: 38875385
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032095 -
Medicine Jun 2024This study aims to analyze the effective components of Polygonum capitatum (PC) inhibiting Escherichia coli based on network pharmacology methods and predict its... (Review)
Review
This study aims to analyze the effective components of Polygonum capitatum (PC) inhibiting Escherichia coli based on network pharmacology methods and predict its molecular mechanism of action. PC compounds and targets were collected from the TCMSP database, Swiss Target Prediction, and the literature. E coli targets were searched using the GeneCards database. The targets of E coli and the targets of the active ingredients of PC were taken as intersections to obtain the intersecting targets. The resulting overlapping targets were uploaded to the STRING database to construct the protein interaction network diagram of E coli target inhibition. The key targets for the inhibitory effect of PC on E coli were obtained. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed by uploading key targets into the DAVID database. The results showed that there were 50 targets for PC to inhibit E coli. Among them, there are 5 core targets, mainly including AKT1, TNF, EGFR, JUN, and ESR1. A total of 196 gene ontology functional analysis results and 126 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis results were obtained. These include cellular response to cadmium-ion, cellular response to reactive oxygen species, pathways in cancer, prostate cancer, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking results indicate that Lutedin, Hirsutin, Flazin, and Ellagic acid in PC have high affinity for the target genes AKT1, TNF, MAPK3 and EGFR. PC exerts its inhibitory effect on E coli through multi-targets and multi-pathways, which provides a new basis for the new use of PC as an old medicine.
Topics: Polygonum; Molecular Docking Simulation; Escherichia coli; Network Pharmacology; Humans; Protein Interaction Maps; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38875382
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038536 -
Medicine Jun 2024Approximately 10% to 40% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) exhibit poor response to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), indicating refractory GERD... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Approximately 10% to 40% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) exhibit poor response to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), indicating refractory GERD (RGERD). Banxia Houpu Decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for treating GERD, particularly for atypical symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the improvement of different symptoms in RGERD patients treated with Banxia Houpu Decoction and identify relevant factors influencing its efficacy. From November 2021 to November 2022, a total of 89 RGERD patients voluntarily participated in this clinical study at our hospital. They were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: the Banxia Houpu Decoction group and the Western medicine group. The former received standard-dose Banxia Houpu Decoction, while the latter had a switch in PPI type with double-dose maintenance and the addition of magnesium aluminum carbonate as an acid suppressant. The improvement of different symptoms was compared between the 2 groups. Clinical data, including age, gender, gastric mucosal status, and esophagitis severity, were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to explore factors influencing the therapeutic effect of Banxia Houpu Decoction. Both treatment groups showed significant improvement in Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD (FSSG) scores. The Banxia Houpu Decoction group exhibited the most significant efficacy in relieving throat burning sensation (P = .003) and frequent hiccups (P = .003). It also demonstrated improvement in swallowing difficulty (P = .048) and postprandial abdominal distension (P = .041), surpassing the Western medicine group. The Western medicine group had the most significant improvement in heartburn sensation (P = .008) and showed significant improvement in gastric burning sensation (P = .022), surpassing Banxia Houpu Decoction. Age (P = .025) and gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) grade (P = .014) were identified as factors influencing the efficacy of Banxia Houpu Decoction. Banxia Houpu Decoction exhibits superior efficacy compared to double-dose PPI combined with acid suppressants in relieving symptoms such as throat burning sensation, swallowing difficulty, and frequent hiccups. It shows significant efficacy in patients under 60 years of age and with GEFV grades I-II.
Topics: Humans; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Aged
PubMed: 38875370
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038045 -
Antiviral Therapy Jun 2024Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor that enables SARS-CoV-2 to invade host cells. Previous studies have reported that reducing ACE2 expression may...
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor that enables SARS-CoV-2 to invade host cells. Previous studies have reported that reducing ACE2 expression may have an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect. In this study, we constructed a pGL4.10-F2-ACE2 vector with double luciferase genes (firefly and Renilla luciferase) under the control of the ACE2 promoter and used it to screen compounds from Chinese traditional medicinal herbs (CTMHs) that can inhibit ACE2 transcription in human cells. We transfected HEK293T cells with pGL4.10-F2-ACE2 and treated them with CTMH compounds and then measured fluorescence to evaluate the indirect inhibition of ACE2 transcription. Out of 37 compounds tested, andrographolide demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of ACE2 transcription. We further confirmed by RT-qPCR and Western blot assays that andrographolide also reduced ACE2 expression in BEAS-2B cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, pseudovirus infection assays in BEAS-2B cells demonstrated that andrographolide can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that andrographolide has potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and could be a candidate drug for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Diterpenes; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; SARS-CoV-2; HEK293 Cells; Down-Regulation; COVID-19 Drug Treatment; COVID-19; Antiviral Agents; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38873947
DOI: 10.1177/13596535241259952 -
Current Research in Microbial Sciences 2024In mango pickle industry, a significant quantity of mango seed kernels is discarded as solid wastes. These seed kernels can be an ideal source for obtaining extracts...
In mango pickle industry, a significant quantity of mango seed kernels is discarded as solid wastes. These seed kernels can be an ideal source for obtaining extracts rich in bioactive polyphenolic compounds with good antioxidant properties. The potential of mango kernel phenolic extract (MKPE) was investigated as a natural and effective antimicrobial agent for controlling major postharvest fungal pathogen infections, a significant threat to global food supply chains. Fungal pathogens contribute to the deterioration of fruits, vegetables, and grains during storage and transportation, leading to economic losses and compromised food safety. MKPE was obtained from pickling variety 'Ramkela' raw mango kernels, and its phenolic composition was characterized using LC-MS. The antifungal activity of MKPE against , and was evaluated in vitro. A concentration-dependent inhibition of fungal radial growth against all three pathogens was observed, exhibiting the potential of MKPE as a valuable natural resource for addressing postharvest losses caused by fungal pathogens. The extraction process yielded a total phenolic content of 2128 mg GAE/100 g. Major polyphenolic bioactive compounds present were mangiferin, quercetin, and rhamnetin. The antimicrobial assay showed reduction in the radial growth and inhibition percent of the pathogens. EC values of MKPE for , and was found to 364.17, 963.8 and 926 ppm, respectively. Our results demonstrate an economical, sustainable, and eco-friendly approach to manage post-harvest diseases rendered by fungi using mango MKPE from pickling industry waste.
PubMed: 38873591
DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100243 -
Food Science & Nutrition Jun 2024During the last decade, nanotechnology has attained a significant place among the scientific community for the biosynthesis of plant-based nanoparticles owing to its...
During the last decade, nanotechnology has attained a significant place among the scientific community for the biosynthesis of plant-based nanoparticles owing to its effective, safe, and eco-friendly nature. Hence, keeping in view the significance of nanotechnology, the current study was conducted to develop, characterize (UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), and assess the antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) properties of L. Extract-based Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs). Characteristic absorption peaks at 420 and 540 nm revealed the formation of AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively. SEM images revealed that both silver and gold nanoparticles were oval and spherical with average size ranging from 42 to 72 and 12.6 to 35.7 nm, respectively. Similarly, FT-IR spectra revealed that the functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and polyphenolic groups of biomolecules present in the extract are possibly responsible for reducing metallic ions and the formation of nanoparticles. Likewise, the EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silver and gold in synthesized NPs. Furthermore, the AgNPs and AuNPs showed good antibacterial and antifungal activities. The maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity was noticed for extract against (21 mm) and (18 mm), respectively. Whereas, the maximum antibacterial and antifungal activities of synthesized AgNPs were observed against (25 mm) and (36 mm), respectively. Moreover, in the case of AuNPs, the highest antibacterial and antifungal activity of synthesized AuNPs was noticed against (25 mm) and (31 mm), respectively. Findings of this study revealed that extract and biosynthesized NPs (silver and gold) possessed significant antibacterial and antifungal properties against different bacterial (, , , , and ) and fungal (, , and ) strains. Further studies must be carried out to assess the probable mechanism of action associated with these antimicrobial properties.
PubMed: 38873463
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4112 -
Food Science & Nutrition Jun 2024The utilization of plant-based residues has been extensively employed for the control of diverse illnesses, owing to their safety and minimal adverse effects. In the...
The utilization of plant-based residues has been extensively employed for the control of diverse illnesses, owing to their safety and minimal adverse effects. In the current study, it was aimed for the characterization of the bioactive, enzyme inhibitory, and cytotoxic activities of fresh pistachio shell skin (FPSS), green walnut husk and walnut membrane (GWH), almond outer shell and inner brown skin (ASIS), as well as peanut husk and inner skin (PHIS) to be used as industrial food processing by-products. The results showed that the samples exhibited different extraction yields, with GWH having the highest percentage at 15.18%, followed by FPSS at 12.81%, ASIS at 10.29%, and PHIS at 7.80%. FPSS had the highest total phenolic content (16.28 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g) as well as the best antioxidant capabilities for DPPH (8.96 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g), FRAP (11.46 mg TE/g), and ABTS (22.38 mg TE/g) assays. FPSS was followed by PHIS, ASIS, and GWH, respectively. Moreover, the extracts exhibited relatively low activity against acetylcholinesterase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase compared to standard acarbose or galantamine. Furthermore, the extracts may have the potential to induce cytotoxic effects, varying from moderate to mild, on both cancerous (IC = 454.55-617.28 μg/mL) and healthy cells (IC = 438.60-490.20 μg/mL). The results of this research showed that shell residues of nut hold promise for a variety of industrial applications spanning the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.
PubMed: 38873436
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4103 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024In China, plants are widely used to reduce atopic dermatitis and inflammation-related diseases, but their protective mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated...
In China, plants are widely used to reduce atopic dermatitis and inflammation-related diseases, but their protective mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the anti-allergic dermatitis, anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effect and underlying mechanism of five species, including , var. , , , and . . A total of about 110 chemical compositions were detected from five teas extracts. The level of mast cell infiltration in the model mice skin was determined by HE (Hematoxylin and eosin) staining and toluidine blue staining, and the level of interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and nerve growth factor was detected by immunohistochemistry. The five Camellia tea leaf extracts have histamine-induced allergic dermatitis. Lipopolysaccharide (Lipopolysaccharide)-induced murine macrophage RAW264.7 inflammation model was found to secrete NF-κB factor, as shown by immunofluorescence, and reactive oxygen species secretion and related cytokine levels were detected. The results suggested that Camellia's five tea extracts had the ability to resist cellular oxidative stress. In addition, the results of cell inflammatory cytokines including fibronectin (FN) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) suggested that the five tea extracts of had anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it is suggested that five teas may possess inhibitory properties against allergic reactions, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and may prove beneficial in the treatment of allergies.
PubMed: 38873420
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1296190 -
Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal : SPJ :... Jul 2024Aging is a natural process that occurs in all living organisms. Particularly, the skin embodies aging since it serves as a barrier between the body and its surroundings....
Aging is a natural process that occurs in all living organisms. Particularly, the skin embodies aging since it serves as a barrier between the body and its surroundings. Previously, we reported the wound healing effect of and identified compounds therein. The study aims to explore the skin anti-aging properties of the plant extract. To that effect, the antioxidant potential of methanolic extract (LPM) was assessed using two complementary DPPH and FRAP assays. The enzyme inhibitory effect of the extract on collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase was evaluated to assess the direct skin anti-aging effects. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated to explore the indirect anti-aging effects via the assessment of extract inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). In addition, ADMET and molecular docking studies were performed to explore the interaction mechanisms of identified compounds in LPM with target enzymes. LPM demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in DPPH (IC = 29.08 µg/mL) and FRAP (1214.67 µM FeSO4/g extract) assays. Plant extract showed significant inhibition of collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase (IC = 52.68, 43.76, 31.031, and 37.13 µg/mL, respectively). The extract demonstrated significant COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibition capacity with IC values of 8.635 and 10.851 µg/mL, respectively. The molecular docking study revealed the high potential of the identified compounds to bind to the active sites of enzymes crucially involved in the skin aging process. ADMET analysis of the compounds revealed their good absorption, distribution, and metabolism profiles, and they were found to be safe as well. Study findings suggest as a promising source for the development of natural skin anti-aging and antioxidant compounds. This, in turn, may facilitate its incorporation into cosmetic formulations after further investigation.
PubMed: 38873335
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102107