Protective roles of flavonoids and flavonoid-rich plant extracts against urolithiasis: A review

Naringenin Ameliorates Drosophila ReepA Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia-Linked Phenotypes

Defects in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane shaping and interaction with other organelles seem to be a crucial mechanism underlying Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) neurodegeneration. REEP1, a transmembrane protein belonging to TB2/HVA22 family, is implicated in SPG31, an autosomal dominant form of HSP, and its interaction with Atlastin/SPG3A and Spastin/SPG4, the other two major HSP linked proteins, has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in modifying ER architecture. In addition, the Drosophila ortholog of REEP1, named ReepA, has been found to regulate the response to ER neuronal stress. Herein we investigated the role of ReepA in ER morphology and stress response. ReepA is upregulated under stress conditions and aging. Our data show that ReepA triggers a selective activation of Ire1 and Atf6 branches of Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and modifies ER morphology. Drosophila lacking ReepA showed Atf6 and Ire1 activation, expansion of ER sheet-like structures, locomotor dysfunction and shortened lifespan. Furthermore, we found that naringenin, a flavonoid that possesses strong antioxidant and neuroprotective activity, can rescue the cellular phenotypes, the lifespan and locomotor disability associated with ReepA loss of function. Our data highlight the importance of ER homeostasis in nervous system functionality and HSP neurodegenerative mechanisms, opening new opportunities for HSP treatment.

Environmental factors affecting flavonoid accumulation in plants Poligonum weyrichii growing in Murmansk region

Cardiovascular diseases caused by free radical oxidation processes are taking the lion’s share in the structure of the overall morbidity, mortality and disability amongst the adult population in Murmansk region. The need for developing new health-saving technologies, as well as import substitution in the pharmacological sphere necessitate the search for new natural and effective sources. Weyrich’s knotweed (Poligonum weyrichii Fr. Schmidt.) growing in Murmansk region is a promising source of flavonoid compounds for the production of adaptogenic drugs. Our pilot study was conducted to evaluate the flavonoid content and the ecological dependencies of their accumulation in the tissues of the inflorescences, the leaves of the upper and middle layers and in the rhizomes during the growing season in two nearly adjacent areas which differ in climatic conditions. We used wild-growing (in both areas) and cultivated (only one location) plants. The study revealed that the content of flavonoids in the leaves and inflorescences of the Weyrich’s knotweed growing on the territories of the industrially developed central part of the Murmansk region can exceed 5.0% by weight of the dried tissue. The obtained data indicate that the leaves (up to 3.4%) and inflorescences (up to 5.6%) differ by the highest content of these compounds at the beginning or in the second half of the growing season, respectively, and the deterioration of external conditions stimulates their synthesis. Taking into account the high biomass of Weyrich’s knotweed plants, their high growth rate and resistance under extreme conditions, they can be considered as a promising pharmacologically valuable plant for the Murmansk region. The possibilities and prospects of using the P. weyrichii plants as the main plant for the regional production of adaptogenic drugs are discussed.

Preparation and characterization of general-purpose gelatin-based co-loading flavonoids nano-core structure

Flavonoids (FLAs) possess anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant properties. In this study, gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) with controllable surface potential and diameter was prepared through a modified two-step desolvation. Two well-known flavonoids, namely, low-molecular weight Genistein (GEN) and high-molecular weight Icariin (ICA), were adsorbed onto the surface of GNPs (FLA@GNPs). The characteristics of GNPs and the main parameters affecting flavonoid adsorption were studied to evaluate the adsorption capacity and structural stability of FLA@GNPs. Furthermore, co-adsorption of GEN and ICA was detected. The adsorption mechanism of GNPs with FLA was further discussed. Results showed that the low-molecular weight GEN could be effectively adsorbed by GNPs, and their entrapment efficiencies were over 90% under optimized conditions. The total drug loading of the co-adsorbed FLA@GNPs was significantly higher than that of the single drug loaded (GEN or ICA). GEN@GNPs could maintain its structural stability under acidic conditions (pH = 2) at room temperature (25 °C). This protective function enables both ICA and GEN to be bioactive at room temperature for at least 180 days. The characteristics of GNPs adsorption indicate that the hydrogen bonding theory of the combination of gelatin molecules with polyphenols cannot sufficiently explain the binding of GNPs with polyphenols. FLA@GNPs is a promising general-purpose gelatin-based co-loading preload structure with simplified operation and storage condition.