Silver perchlorate in the mobile phase for rapid separation and determination of a pair of positional isomers in Inula racemosa Hook.f. with RP-HPLC

Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Cancer Therapy

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a polyunsaturated dietary fatty acid. Probiotics can biohydrogenate CLA with multiple health benefits, especially in cancer treatment. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies have confirmed CLA isomers to possess anti-cancer activity. CLA has demonstrated its potential as an alternative treatment for cancer and also used as an adjuvant to reduce the side effects of existing treatment methods. The mechanism of the anticancer activity of CLA is still not clear; however, it may involve intervention with the cell cycle and modulation of gene expression. A greater potential of CLA for cancer treatment has been supported by more and more clinical trials to evaluate its potential. Some advanced technologies are in progress to overcome the flaws of current methods and enhance the microbial production of CLA. In conclusion, nutritional enrichment as a functional food and direct consumption of CLA may contribute to cancer management.

Alantolactone improves cognitive impairment in rats with Porphyromonas gingivalis infection by inhibiting neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and reducing Aβ levels

Neuroinflammation caused by the chronic periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis is growing regarded as as a key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alantolactone (AL), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the root of Inula racemosa Hook. f, has been proven to provide various neuroprotective effects. However, whether AL can improve cognitive impairment caused by P. gingivalis infection remains unclear. In this research, a rat model of P. gingivalis infection was used to examine the neuroprotective benefits of AL. The results revealed that 6 weeks of AL treatment (50 and 100 mg/kg) shortened escape latency and increased the number of crossings over the platform location and time spent in the target quadrant of P. gingivalis-infected rats in the Morris water maze experiment. By activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, AL suppressed malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and simultaneously increased the activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD). Furthermore, AL lowered the presence of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα in the hippocampal and cortical tissues of P. gingivalis-infected rats by inhibiting astrocyte and microglial activation and NF-κB phosphorylation. AL also significantly reduced Aβ levels in the cortical and hippocampus tissues of rats infected with P. gingivalis. In conclusion, AL improved cognitive impairment in P. gingivalis-infected rats by inhibiting neuroinflammation, reducing Aβ1-42 level, and exerting antioxidative stress effects.