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Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Oct 2020In recent years, many studies have shown that hydrogen has therapeutic and preventive effects on various diseases. Its selective antioxidant properties were well... (Review)
Review
In recent years, many studies have shown that hydrogen has therapeutic and preventive effects on various diseases. Its selective antioxidant properties were well noticed. Most of the ionizing radiation-induced damage is caused by hydroxyl radicals (OH) from radiolysis of HO. Since hydrogen can mitigate such damage through multiple mechanisms, it presents noteworthy potential as a novel radio-protective agent. This review analyses possible mechanisms for hydrogen's radioprotective properties and effective delivery methods. We also look into details of vitro and vivo studies for hydrogen's radioprotective effects, and clinical practices. We conclude that hydrogen has good potential in radio-protection, with evidence that warrants greater research efforts in this field.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Hydrogen; Radiation Injuries; Radiation, Ionizing; Radiation-Protective Agents
PubMed: 32763820
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110589 -
Planta Medica Oct 2018Ellagic acid is a common metabolite present in many medicinal plants and vegetables. It is present either in free form or as part of more complex molecules... (Review)
Review
Ellagic acid is a common metabolite present in many medicinal plants and vegetables. It is present either in free form or as part of more complex molecules (ellagitannins), which can be metabolized to liberate ellagic acid and several of its metabolites, including urolithins. While ellagic acid's antioxidant properties are doubtless responsible for many of its pharmacological activities, other mechanisms have also been implicated in its various effects, including its ability to reduce the lipidemic profile and lipid metabolism, alter pro-inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-, interleukin-1, interleukin-6), and decrease the activity of nuclear factor-B while increasing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression. These events play an important role in ellagic acid's anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Several of these activities, together with the effect of ellagic acid on insulin, glycogen, phosphatases, aldose reductase, sorbitol accumulation, advanced glycation end-product formation, and resistin secretion, may explain its effects on metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In addition, results from recent research have increased the interest in ellagic acid, both as a potential protective agent of the liver and skin and as a potential anticancer agent, due to the specific mechanisms affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage, and angiogenesis and its aforementioned anti-inflammatory properties. Taken together, these effects make ellagic acid a highly interesting compound that may contribute to different aspects of health; however, more studies are needed, especially on the compound's pharmacokinetic profile. In this review, we selected papers published from 2005 to the present.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; Atherosclerosis; Cell Proliferation; Ellagic Acid; Humans; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-6; Metabolic Syndrome; NF-kappa B; Neuroprotection; Protective Agents; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 29847844
DOI: 10.1055/a-0633-9492 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Feb 2022Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium that mostly affects young adults. The disease is commonly caused by viral infection, medications, autoimmune... (Review)
Review
Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium that mostly affects young adults. The disease is commonly caused by viral infection, medications, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Nearly 50% of the cases of myocarditis are due to post-viral immune response in a setting of an identifiable or non-identifiable infection. The clinical manifestation is nonspecific ranging from asymptomatic courses to sudden death in infants and young patients. This review describes the properties of phytochemicals as plant-derived active ingredients which can be used in the prevention and treatment of myocarditis and its associated risk factors. Meanwhile, it has illustrated epidemiological analyses, mechanism of action, and the metabolism of phytochemicals in animal and human clinical trials. We also mentioned the precise mechanism of action by which phytochemicals elicit their anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects and how they regulate signal transduction pathways. Nevertheless, comprehensive clinical trials are required to study the properties of phytochemicals in vivo, in vitro, and in silico for a proper management of myocarditis. Our findings indicate that phytochemicals function as potent adjunctive therapeutic drugs in myocarditis and its related complications.
Topics: Animals; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Myocarditis; Phytochemicals; Protective Agents
PubMed: 34953630
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112242 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2021Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-communicable disease characterized by a chronic inflammatory process of the gut and categorized into Crohn's disease and... (Review)
Review
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-communicable disease characterized by a chronic inflammatory process of the gut and categorized into Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both currently without definitive pharmacological treatment and cure. The unclear etiology of IBD is a limiting factor for the development of new drugs and explains the high frequency of refractory patients to current drugs, which are also related to various adverse effects, mainly after long-term use. Dissatisfaction with current therapies has promoted an increased interest in new pharmacological approaches using natural products. Coumarins comprise a large class of natural phenolic compounds found in fungi, bacteria, and plants. Coumarin and its derivatives have been reported as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, potentially useful as complementary therapy of the IBD. These compounds produce protective effects in intestinal inflammation through different mechanisms and signaling pathways, mainly modulating immune and inflammatory responses, and protecting against oxidative stress, a central factor for IBD development. In this review, we described the main coumarin derivatives reported as intestinal anti-inflammatory products and its available pharmacodynamic data that support the protective effects of these products in the acute and subchronic phase of intestinal inflammation.
Topics: Animals; Biological Products; Coumarins; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Protective Agents
PubMed: 33467396
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26020422 -
Nephron 2018It has become clear that metformin exerts pleiotropic actions beyond its glucose-lowering agent effect. In this review, we summarise the state of the art concerning the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/AIMS
It has become clear that metformin exerts pleiotropic actions beyond its glucose-lowering agent effect. In this review, we summarise the state of the art concerning the potential renoprotective effects of metformin in vitro, animal models and clinical nephrology.
METHODS
A literature search was performed in PUBMED, ScienceDirect, between January 1957 and March 2017 using the following keywords: "metformin," "nephroprotection," "renoprotection," "survival," "renal failure," "chronic kidney diseases," "fibrosis," "polycystic kidney disease" and "microalbuminuria."
RESULTS
A recent review of 17 observational studies concluded that metformin use appeared associated with reduced all-cause mortality in patients with CKD. Metformin has been shown to exert positive effects on the kidney in vitro and animal models representing different types of renal diseases, from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease. A retrospective cohort study from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients indicated that metformin was associated with lower adjusted hazards for living donor and deceased donor allograft survival at 3 years posttransplant, and with lower mortality.
CONCLUSION
Based on experimental evidence and some relevant clinical observations, metformin seems to be a promising drug in the treatment of progressive renal damage. RCT studies are the next essential step.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Kidney Diseases; Metformin; Protective Agents
PubMed: 29241197
DOI: 10.1159/000481951 -
British Journal of Pharmacology Jun 2013IL-22, a member of the IL-10 cytokine family, has recently gained significant attention as a protective agent in murine models of diseases driven by epithelial injury.... (Review)
Review
IL-22, a member of the IL-10 cytokine family, has recently gained significant attention as a protective agent in murine models of diseases driven by epithelial injury. Like its biochemical and functional sibling IL-10, IL-22 elicits cellular activation primarily by engaging the STAT3 signalling pathway. Exclusively produced by leukocytes, but targeting mostly cells of epithelial origin, IL-22 has been proposed as a specialized cytokine messenger acting between leukocytic and non-leukocytic cell compartments. A lack of response in leukocytes to IL-22 mirrors tightly controlled IL-22 receptor expression and probably explains the apparent lack of instant adverse effects after systemic IL-22 administration to mice. Anti-apoptotic, pro-proliferative and pro-regenerative characteristics the major biological properties of this cytokine. Specifically, application of IL-22 is associated with tissue protection and/or regeneration in murine models of infection/microbe-driven inflammation at host/environment interfaces, ventilator-induced lung injury, pancreatitis and liver damage. Overall, preclinical studies would support therapeutic administration of seemingly well-tolerated recombinant IL-22 for treatment of an array of acute diseases manifested in epithelial tissues. However, the feasibility of prolonged administration of this cytokine is expected to be restricted by the tumourigenic potential of the IL-22/STAT3 axis. IL-22, moreover, apparently displays an inherent context-specific capacity to amplify distinct aspects of autoimmune inflammation. Here, the prospects, expectations and restrictions of IL-22 administration in tissue-protective therapy are discussed.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Disease Models, Animal; Drugs, Investigational; Hepatic Stellate Cells; Humans; Interleukins; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Mucous Membrane; Protective Agents; Receptors, Interleukin; Recombinant Proteins; Regeneration; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Interleukin-22
PubMed: 23530726
DOI: 10.1111/bph.12196 -
American Family Physician Oct 2005Milk thistle has been used as a cytoprotectant for the treatment of liver disease, for the treatment and prevention of cancer, and as a supportive treatment of Amanita... (Review)
Review
Milk thistle has been used as a cytoprotectant for the treatment of liver disease, for the treatment and prevention of cancer, and as a supportive treatment of Amanita phalloides poisoning. Clinical studies are largely heterogeneous and contradictory. Aside from mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions, side effects are rare, and serious toxicity rarely has been reported. In an oral form standardized to contain 70 to 80 percent silymarin, milk thistle appears to be safe for up to 41 months of use. Significant drug reactions have not been reported. Clinical studies in oncology and infectious disease that are under way will help determine the efficacy and effectiveness of milk thistle.
Topics: Amanita; Humans; Liver Diseases; Silybum marianum; Mushroom Poisoning; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Protective Agents; Seeds; Silymarin
PubMed: 16225032
DOI: No ID Found -
Physiological Reports Jul 2023The World Health Organization stated that 1.6 million deaths worldwide were caused by contact with chemicals and toxins in 2019. In the same year, the Centers for... (Review)
Review
The World Health Organization stated that 1.6 million deaths worldwide were caused by contact with chemicals and toxins in 2019. In the same year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that natural toxins caused 3960 deaths. Myrtus communis, also known as common Myrtle, is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. Myrtle has been traditionally used to treat diarrhea, inflammation, bleeding, headache, pulmonary and skin diseases. This review was performed to assess Myrtle's protective and therapeutic efficacy against various chemical, natural, and radiational noxious. Multiple databases such as PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Scopus were investigated without publication time limitation. Recent studies have demonstrated its potential as a protective agent against both natural and chemical toxins. One of Myrtle's most significant protective properties is its high antioxidant content. Studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of Myrtle can protect against harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and other environmental toxins. Additionally, Myrtle has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the damage caused by long-term exposure to toxins. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of Myrtle have also proven effective in alleviating gastrointestinal conditions such as gastric ulcers.
Topics: Antioxidants; Myrtus; Plant Extracts; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 37464095
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15770 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2021Data obtained from several intensive care units around the world have provided substantial evidence of the strong association between impairment of the renal function... (Review)
Review
Data obtained from several intensive care units around the world have provided substantial evidence of the strong association between impairment of the renal function and in-hospital deaths of critically ill COVID-19 patients, especially those with comorbidities and requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common renal disorder of various etiologies characterized by a sudden and sustained decrease of renal function. Studies have shown that 5-46% of COVID-19 patients develop AKI during hospital stay, and the mortality of those patients may reach up to 100% depending on various factors, such as organ failures and RRT requirement. Catechins are natural products that have multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-coronavirus and reno-protective activities against kidney injury induced by nephrotoxic agents, obstructive nephropathies and AKI accompanying metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the anti-SARS-CoV-2 and reno-protective effects of catechins from a mechanistic perspective. We believe that catechins may serve as promising therapeutics in COVID-19-associated AKI due to their well-recognized anti-SARS-CoV-2, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that mediate their reno-protective activities.
Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Animals; Antiviral Agents; COVID-19; Catechin; Humans; Protective Agents; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 34641495
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195951 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2020Silymarin extracted from milk thistle consisting of flavonolignan silybin has shown chemopreventive and chemosensitizing activity against various cancers. The present... (Review)
Review
Silymarin extracted from milk thistle consisting of flavonolignan silybin has shown chemopreventive and chemosensitizing activity against various cancers. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the potential targets of silymarin against various cancers. Silymarin may play on the system of xenobiotics, metabolizing enzymes (phase I and phase II) to protect normal cells against various toxic molecules or to protect against deleterious effects of chemotherapeutic agents on normal cells. Furthermore, silymarin and its main bioactive compounds inhibit organic anion transporters (OAT) and ATP-binding cassettes (ABC) transporters, thus contributing to counteracting potential chemoresistance. Silymarin and its derivatives play a double role, namely, limiting the progression of cancer cells through different phases of the cycle-thus forcing them to evolve towards a process of cell death-and accumulating cancer cells in a phase of the cell cycle-thus making it possible to target a greater number of tumor cells with a specific anticancer agent. Silymarin exerts a chemopreventive effect by inducing intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and reactivating cell death pathways by modulation of the ratio of proapoptotic/antiapoptotic proteins and synergizing with agonists of death domains receptors. In summary, we highlight how silymarin may act as a chemopreventive agent and a chemosensitizer through multiple pathways.
Topics: ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Apoptosis; Cell Cycle; Cell Cycle Checkpoints; Chemoprevention; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Humans; Protective Agents; Signal Transduction; Silymarin
PubMed: 32344919
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25092009