Immunomodulatory action of citrus auraptene on macrophage functions and cytokine production of lymphocytes in female BALB/c mice

Essential oils extracted from nine different plants exhibit differential effects on skin antioxidation and elasticity

Essential oils derived from plants are major ingredients in the medical and cosmetic industry. Here, we evaluated nine types of plant essential oils to identify potential candidates with antioxidant and elasticity-enhancing properties. Seven essential oils showed at least 10% radical scavenging activity at the highest concentration. Essential oils extracted from Aster glehnii, Cinnamomum cassia, Citrus unshiu, Juniperus chinensis L., and Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii significantly enhanced fibroblast viability, and oils from Cit. unshiu, J. chinensis L., and J. chinensis var. sargentii significantly increased cell proliferation and migration. Expression of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen 1, collagen 3, and elastin, were upregulated by J. chinensis L. and J. chinensis var. sargentii oil, which also significantly enhanced the contractile activity of skin cells in a three-dimensional gel contraction assay. The results suggest that J. chinensis L. and J. chinensis var. sargentii essential oils may be potential anti-wrinkling and anti-oxidative agents for future consideration of use in the medical and cosmetic industry.

Auraptene, a Monoterpene Coumarin, Inhibits LTA-Induced Inflammatory Mediators via Modulating NF-κB/MAPKs Signaling Pathways

Objective

Oxidative stress-mediated inflammatory events involve in the progress of several diseases such as asthma, cancers, and multiple sclerosis. Auraptene (AU), a natural prenyloxycoumarin, possesses numerous pharmacological activities. Here, the anti-inflammatory effects of AU were investigated in lipoteichoic acid- (LTA-) induced macrophage cells (RAW 264.7).

Methods

The expression of cyclooxygenase (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), heme oxygenase (HO-1), p65, and IκBα were all identified by western blotting assay. The level of nitric oxide (NO) was measured by spectrometer analysis. The nuclear translocation of p65 nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was assessed by the confocal microscopic staining method. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed to perceive the activity of antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT).

Results

AU expressively reduced NO production and COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1 β, and iNOS expression in LTA-stimulated cells. AU at higher concentration (10 µM) inhibited ERK and JNK, but not p38 phosphorylation induced by LTA. Moreover, AU blocked IκB and p65 phosphorylation, and p65 nuclear translocation. However, AU pretreatment was not effective on antioxidant HO-1 expression, CAT activity, and reduced glutathione (GSH, a nonenzymatic antioxidant), in LTA-induced RAW 264.7 cells.

Conclusion

The findings of this study advocate that AU shows anti-inflammatory effects via reducing NF-κB/MAPKs signaling pathways.

Immuno-modulatory effects of methanolic extract of Ferula szowitsiana on isolated human Th1/Th2/Treg cytokines levels, and their genes expression and nitric oxide production

BACKGROUND

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants activities of Ferula szowitsiana L. (F. szowitsiana) were shown in ancient texts and assayed by modern studies. However, immunomodulatory properties of the plant are poorly understood.

METHODS

The effects of F. szowitsiana extract (10, 40 and 160 µg/ml), dexamethasone and vehicle were investigated on nitric oxide (NO) level, cell proliferation, and cytokines (IL-4, IL10 and IFN-γ) expression at gene and protein levels in non-stimulated and phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated human lymphocytes (n = 15 in each group).

RESULTS

Cell proliferation, cytokines secretion, NO production and levels of genes expression were significantly inhibited but IFN-γ/IL-4 and IL-10/IL-4 ratios (T helper 1/Th2 and Treg/Th2 balances respectively) were increased by dexamethasone and all three concentrations of the extract compared to control group in stimulated lymphocytes (P < 0.001 for all cases). The effect of three concentrations of the extract in all experiments was significantly lower than dexamethasone (P < 0.001 for all cases).

CONCLUSION

The extract of F. szowitsiana concentration-dependently decreased NO level but increased Th₁/Th₂ and T_reg/Th₂ ratios toward Th₁ and T_reg. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of the plant's extract in inflammatory diseases with dominant Th2 polarization such as asthma or cancers.

Discovering the structure-activity relationships of different O-prenylated coumarin derivatives as effective anticancer agents in human cervical cancer cells

Cervical cancer remains one of the greatest life threatening diseases for women worldwide. Although chemotherapy is considered as a standard treatment for advanced cervical cancers, there are still some drawbacks in this procedure including side effects and acquired drug resistance, which necessitate further research on development of more effective agents with less side effects. Among natural compounds, coumarin derivatives have shown anticancer properties on various cancerous cells and coumarin ring has proven to have a paramount role in development of anticancer drugs. Here, we aimed to establish the structure-activity relationships of eighteen O-prenylated coumarin derivatives and determined their anticancer properties on HeLa cervical cancer and HDF normal cells by MTT assay. Moreover, the mechanism of cell death induced by these compounds and their effects on cell cycle were studied using flow cytometry. MTT results indicated that twelve O-prenylated coumarin derivatives exhibited selective toxicity on HeLa cells, while they had no significant toxic effects on normal cells. Besides, flow cytometric analyses, showed that the selected compounds induced apoptosis in HeLa cells, and could also result to G₁ cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, analyzing structural-activity relationships revealed that a prenylation substitution at position 6 of the coumarin ring greatly improved anticancer properties of these agents. As these derivatives exerted their cytotoxic effects via apoptosis and were not toxic on normal cells, they can be considered as effective anticancer agents for further preclinical experiments.

A review of the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of auraptene

There is a growing awareness in herbal medications as they are usually safe and devoid of significant adverse effects. Auraptene is a natural bioactive monoterpene coumarin ether and is consumed all over the world. There is growing evidence of the therapeutic benefits of auraptene. Auraptene, also known as auraptene and 7-geranyloxycoumarin, is a bioactive monoterpene coumarin from Rutaceae family, which is isolated from Citrus aurantium (Seville orange) and Aegle marmelos (bael fruit). Auraptene is a highly pleiotropic molecule, which can modulate intracellular signaling pathways that control inflammation, cell growth, and apoptosis. It has a potential therapeutic role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities as well as its excellent safety profile. In the present article, various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of auraptene were reviewed. Different online databases using keywords such as auraptene, therapeutic effects and pharmacological effects were searched until the end of September 2018, for this purpose. Auraptene has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of a broad range of disorders including inflammatory disorders, dysentery, wounds, scars, keloids, and pain. In addition, different studies have demonstrated that auraptene possesses numerous pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and anti-cancer as well as neuroprotective effects. The present review provides a detailed survey of scientific researches regarding pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects of auraptene.

Auraptene Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Cervical and Ovarian Cancer Cells by Repression of Matrix Metalloproteinasas 2 and 9 Activity

OBJECTIVES

Auraptene, a natural citrus coumarin, found in plants of Rutaceae and Apiaceae families. In this study, we investigated the effects of auraptene on tumor migration, invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 enzymes activity.

METHODS

The effects of auraptene on the viability of A2780 and Hela cell lines was evaluated by MTT assay. Wound healing migration assay and Boyden chamber assay were determined the effect of auraptene on migration and cell invasion, respectively. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were analyzed by gelatin zymography assay.

RESULTS

Auraptene reduced A2780 cell viability. The results showed that auraptene inhibited in vitro migration and invasion of both cells. Furthermore, cell invasion ability suppressed at 100μM auraptene in Hela cells and at 25, 50μM in A2780 cell line. Gelatin zymography showed that for Hela cell line, auraptene suppressed MMP-2 enzymatic activity in all concentrations and for MMP-9 at a concentration between 12.5 to 100μM in A2780 cell line.

CONCLUSION

Auraptene inhibited migration and invasion of human cervical and ovarian cancer cells in vitro by possibly inhibitory effects on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity.

Auraptene regulates Th1/Th2/TReg balances, NF-κB nuclear localization and nitric oxide production in normal and Th2 provoked situations in human isolated lymphocytes

BACKGROUND

Auraptene as member of dietary coumarins, is found in citrus fruits. Former studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity.

PURPOSE

The mechanism of action and immune-modulatory property of this compound on human lymphocytes are greatly unknown.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

The effect of three concentrations (10, 30 and 90 µM) of auraptene or dexamethasone (0.1 mM) were evaluated on percentage of cell proliferation and nitric oxide (NO) production as well as secretion and gene expression of cytokines, and NF-κB level in PHA-stimulated and non-stimulated lymphocytes.

RESULTS

In non-stimulated cells, all three concentrations of auraptene significantly increased the gene expression index of IL-10 (P < 0.05-0.001). The IFN-γ gene expression index, IFN-γ/IL-4 and IL-10/IL-4 gene expression ratio were significantly increased due to the high concentration (90 µM) of auraptene treatment compared to control group (P < 0.05-0.001). In PHA stimulation, all three concentrations of the extract significantly decreased proliferation, cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ) and NF-κB level as well as NO production, but IFN-γ/IL-4 and IL-10/IL-4 ratio were significantly increased compared control group (P < 0.05-0.001). Gene expression of IL-10 and IL-4 was decreased but that of IFN-γ as well as FN-γ/IL-4 and IL-10/IL-4 ratio were significantly increased due to all three concentrations of auraptene.

CONCLUSION

The results showed promoting effects of auraptene on T cell subsets toward Th₁ (IFN-γ) and T_reg (IL-10), which suggest its therapeutic value for treatment of Th₂ cells predominant diseases including allergic disease such as asthma and atopic dermatitis as well as cancers.

Umbelliprenin induced both anti-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines in C57/BL6 mice

Objective(s):

Umbelliprenin is a prenyloxy-coumarin with pharmacologically polyvalent activity. Several studies have shown Several studies have been shown its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and antigenotoxic activities. However, the exact mechanism of action of this compound on the immune response has not yet been shown. Here, we investigated umbelliprenin effects on the predominance of Th1 and Th2 responses in normal C57/BL6 mice.

Materials and Methods:

Umbelliprenin (2.5 mg/200 µl IP) were administered to six C57/BL6 mice every other day for 8 days. Paraffin and PBS-injected mice were enrolled as solvent and control groups, respectively (n=6 mice/group). IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-4 levels were determined in sera and also in splenocytes culture supernatants in the presence of Con A (3 µg/ml) after 72 hr. H&E staining of paraffin embedded blocks was performed for lung and liver tissues of mice.

Results:

Umbelliprenin could significantly increase the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 in sera and IL-10 in splenocytes cultures. Comparison of IFN-γ/IL-4 in the sera and splenocytes culture supernatants showed lower ratios in umbelliprenin treated mice than in solvent and untreated groups.

Conclusion:

The in vivo study showed that umbelliprenin could induce anti-inflammatory responses via the predominance of Th2 cells and some regulatory responses in C57/BL6 mice.

Effects of hirami lemon, Citrus depressa Hayata, leaf meal in diets on the immune response and disease resistance of juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer (bloch), against Aeromonas hydrophila

The present study was conducted to evaluate the dietary supplementation of leaf meal from Citrus depressa Hayata on the growth, innate immune response, and disease resistance of juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer. Four diets were formulated to contain 0% (control), 1% (C1), 3% (C3), and 5% (C5) leaf meal, respectively. During a 56 d feeding trial, fish survival, growth performance, and feed efficiency were not significantly different among all groups. For immune response, respiratory burst, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme activities were not significantly different among all groups. However, fish fed the C5 diet for 56 d had significantly higher phagocytic activity. Also, fish fed C3 and C5 diets had significantly higher Mx gene expressions in spleens and head kidneys with nerve necrosis virus injections after 24 h. Disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila was increased by the C5 diet. In this study, barramundi fed on a diet containing 5% C. depressa Hayata leaf meal had significantly better innate immune response and disease resistance against A. hydrophila.

Red paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) and its main carotenoids, capsanthin and β-carotene, prevent hydrogen peroxide-induced inhibition of gap-junction intercellular communication

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of red paprika extract (RPE) and its main carotenoids, namely, capsanthin (CST) and β-carotene (BCT), on the H2O2-induced inhibition of gap-junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells (WB cells). We found that pre-treatment with RPE, CST and BCT protected WB cells from H2O2-induced inhibition of GJIC. RPE, CST and BCT not only recovered connexin 43 (Cx43) mRNA expression but also prevented phosphorylation of Cx43 protein by H2O2 treatment. RPE attenuated the phosphorylation of ERK, p38 and JNK, whereas pre-treatment with CST and BCT only attenuated the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 and did not affect JNK in H2O2-treated WB cells. RPE, CST and BCT significantly suppressed the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H2O2-treated cells compared to untreated WB cells. These results suggest that dietary intake of red paprika might be helpful for lowering the risk of diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Evaluation of Selected Immunomodulatory Glycoproteins as an Adjunct to Cancer Immunotherapy

Polysaccharopeptide (PSP), from Coriolus versicolor, has been used widely as an adjuvant to chemotherapy with demonstrated anti-tumor and broad immunomodulating effects. While PSP’s mechanism of action still remains unknown, its enhanced immunomodulatory potential with acacia gum is of great interest. Acacia gum, which also contains polysaccharides and glycoproteins, has been demonstrated to be immunopotentiating. To elucidate whether PSP directly activates T-cell-dependent B-cell responses in vivo, we used a well-established hapten carrier system (Nitrophenyl-chicken gamma globulin (NP-CGG)). 6-week C57BL/6 male mice were immunised with 50 μg of NP₂₅-CGG alum precipitate intraperitoneally. Mice were gavaged daily with 50mg/kg PSP in a vehicle containing acacia gum and sacrificed at days 0, 4, 7, 10, 14 and 21. ELISA was used to measure the total and relative hapten-specific anti-NP IgA, IgM and IgG titre levels compared to the controls. It was found that PSP, combined with acacia gum, significantly increased total IgG titre levels at day 4 (P< 0.05), decreased IgM titre levels at days 4 and 21 (P< 0.05) with no alterations observed in the IgA or IgE titre levels at any of the time points measured. Our results suggest that while PSP combined with acacia gum appears to exert weak immunological effects through specific T-cell dependent B-cell responses, they are likely to be broad and non-specific which supports the current literature on PSP. We report for the first time the application of a well-established hapten-carrier system that can be used to characterise and delineate specific T-cell dependent B-cell responses of potential immunomodulatory glycoprotein-based herbal medicines combinations in vivo.

Plasma carotenoids and retinol and overall and breast cancer risk: a nested case-control study

Experimental studies suggest that carotenoids and retinol may play a role in carcinogenesis, but epidemiological evidence is lacking. We investigated the prospective associations between plasma concentrations of major carotenoids and retinol, and overall and breast cancer risk. A nested case-control study included all first incident cancer cases diagnosed in the SU.VI.MAX cohort between 1994 and 2002 (n = 159 cases, 1 matched control/case). Baseline plasma concentrations of carotenoids and retinol were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess odds ratios for an increase of 0.1 μmol/L [odds ratio (OR)] and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Plasma β-carotene (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.90-0.99, Ptrend = 0.04) and β-cryptoxanthin concentrations (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.81-0.99, Ptrend = 0.03) were inversely associated with overall cancer risk. Plasma β-cryptoxanthin concentration was inversely associated with breast cancer risk (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.71-0.96, Ptrend = 0.02). The OR between plasma lycopene concentration and overall cancer risk was 1.07 (0.99-1.15), Ptrend = 0.06. This association turned significant (Ptrend = 0.01) when excluding cancer cases diagnosed during the first year of follow-up. This prospective study suggests an inverse association between plasma concentrations of β-cryptoxanthin and both overall and breast cancer risk, and an inverse association between β-carotene and overall cancer risk. The direct association between lycopene concentration and cancer risk deserves further investigation.

Role of pomegranate and citrus fruit juices in colon cancer prevention

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Recent studies prove that though chemotherapeutic agents are being used for the treatment of colon cancer, they become non-effective when the cancer progresses to an invasive stage. Since consumption of certain dietary agents has been linked with various cancers, fruit juices have been investigated for their consistently protective effect against colon cancer. The unique biochemical composition of fruit juices is responsible for their anticancer properties. In this review, the chemo-preventive effect of fruit juices such as pomegranate and citrus juices against colon cancer are discussed. For this purpose, the bioavailability, in vitro and in vivo effects of these fruit juices on colorectal cancer are highlighted. Moreover, there is a scarcity of studies involving human trials to estimate the preventive nature of these juices against colon cancer. This review will support the need for more preclinical tests with these crude juices and their constituents in different colorectal cancer cell lines and also some epidemiological studies in order to have a better understanding and promote pomegranate and citrus juices as crusaders against colon cancer.

Preclinical cancer chemoprevention studies using animal model of inflammation-associated colorectal carcinogenesis

Inflammation is involved in all stages of carcinogenesis. Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease is a longstanding inflammatory disease of intestine with increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). Several molecular events involved in chronic inflammatory process are reported to contribute to multi-step carcinogenesis of CRC in the inflamed colon. They include over-production of free radicals, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, up-regulation of inflammatory enzymes in arachidonic acid biosynthesis pathway, up-regulation of certain cytokines, and intestinal immune system dysfunction. In this article, firstly I briefly introduce our experimental animal models where colorectal neoplasms rapidly develop in the inflamed colorectum. Secondary, data on preclinical cancer chemoprevention studies of inflammation-associated colon carcinogenesis by morin, bezafibrate, and valproic acid, using this novel inflammation-related colorectal carcinogenesis model is described.

Cancer chemoprevention by carotenoids

Carotenoids are natural fat-soluble pigments that provide bright coloration to plants and animals. Dietary intake of carotenoids is inversely associated with the risk of a variety of cancers in different tissues. Preclinical studies have shown that some carotenoids have potent antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting potential preventive and/or therapeutic roles for the compounds. Since chemoprevention is one of the most important strategies in the control of cancer development, molecular mechanism-based cancer chemoprevention using carotenoids seems to be an attractive approach. Various carotenoids, such as β-carotene, a-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, fucoxanthin, canthaxanthin and astaxanthin, have been proven to have anti-carcinogenic activity in several tissues, although high doses of β-carotene failed to exhibit chemopreventive activity in clinical trials. In this review, cancer prevention using carotenoids are reviewed and the possible mechanisms of action are described.

Cancer chemoprevention by citrus pulp and juices containing high amounts of β-cryptoxanthin and hesperidin

β-Cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid, and hesperidin, a flavonoid, possess inhibitory effects on carcinogenesis in several tissues. We recently have prepared a pulp (CHRP) and citrus juices (MJ2 and MJ5) from a satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Mar.) juice (MJ). They contain high amounts of β-cryptoxanthin and hesperidin. We have demonstrated that CHRP and/or MJs inhibit chemically induced rat colon, rat tongue, and mouse lung tumorigenesis. Gavage with CHRP resulted in an increase of activities of detoxifying enzymes in the liver, colon, and tongue rats'. CHRP and MJs were also able to suppress the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory enzymes in the target tissues. This paper describes the findings of our in vivo preclinical experiments to develop a strategy for cancer chemoprevention of colon, tongue, and lung neoplasms by use of CHRP and MJs.

Development of a quantitative bioassay to assess preventive compounds against inflammation-based carcinogenesis

Reducing cancer incidence and mortality by use of cancer-chemopreventive agents is an important goal. We have established an in vitro bioassay that is able to screen large numbers of candidate chemicals that are positive for prevention of inflammation-related carcinogenesis. To accomplish this we have added candidate chemicals or vehicles and freshly isolated, fluorescent dye-labeled inflammatory cells that were overlaid on TNF-alpha-stimulated mouse endothelial cells in a 96-well plate. Inhibition of inflammatory cell attachment to the endothelial cells by the chemicals was quantified by the intensity of fluorescence from the adherent inflammatory cells after removing unattached cells. Using this assay, we selected two chemicals, auraptene and turmerones, for further study. As an in vivo test, diets containing these test chemicals were administered to mice with a piece of foreign body, gelatin sponge, that had been implanted to cause inflammation, and we found that the number of inflammatory cells that infiltrated into the subcutaneously implanted gelatin sponge was reduced compared to that found in the mice fed with a control diet. Moreover, diets containing either of the two chemicals prevented inflammation-based carcinogenesis in a mouse model. We found that the compounds reduced not only the number of infiltrating cells but also the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanine (8-OHdG) in the infiltrated cells. Moreover, both compounds but not controls sustained the reducing activity in the inflammatory lesion, and this finding was confirmed by using non-invasive in vivo electron spin resonance. The newly established in vitro screening assay will be useful for finding biologically effective chemopreventive agents against inflammation-related carcinogenesis.

Immunostimulant activity of noni (Morinda citrifolia) on T and B lymphocytes

Morinda citrifolia Linn (Rubiaceae) is a traditional medicinal herb that has been purported to be beneficial in the treatment of infections due to its immune enhancing properties. However, detailed studies highlighting the effect of different compounds isolated from the plant on the immune system are lacking. In this study, the stimulatory effects of the extracts and fractions of M. citrifolia fruits on important components of the adaptive immune system such as T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes were studied. The effects of the plant extracts on lymphocytes were assessed by in vitro (MTT assay) and in vivo (cell mediated immune response) techniques. Results of the MTT study indicated that the hydroalcoholic (0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL) and aqueous extracts (0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL) significantly (p < 0.05) increased in vitro splenocyte proliferation to the extent of 43.6, 54.5, 32.7, and 36.4%, respectively. Moreover, the hydroalcoholic (200 mg/kg) and the aqueous (200 mg/kg) extracts significantly (p < 0.05) increased the cell-mediated immune response to the extent of 33.52 and 18.56%, respectively. The fractions F I, F II, and F III failed to elicit a significant stimulatory effect on lymphocytes in the in vitro and in vivo studies. The effect of the extractives of M. citrifolia fruits on B-cells was measured by the delayed type hypersensitivity method. The study revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract (200 mg/kg) and fraction F I (40 mg/kg) significantly increased the humoral response to the extent of 33.33 and 35.12%, respectively. The results of this study confirm the cellular and humoral immunostimulant properties of M. citrifolia fruits and justify its usage in traditional medicine.

Citrus auraptene suppresses azoxymethane-induced colonic preneoplastic lesions in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice

The current study was designed to investigate whether dietary citrus auraptene (AUR) suppresses the development of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colorectal preneoplastic lesions in C57BL/KsJ-db/db (db/db) mice with obese and diabetic phenotypes. Female db/db and wild (+/+) mice were divided into the AOM + AUR, AOM alone, AUR alone, and the untreated groups in each phenotype. AOM was given 3 weekly intraperitoneal injections (10 mg/kg bw). AUR (250 ppm) was given in diet during the study (for 10 wk). Dietary AUR significantly reduced the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and Beta -catenin-accumulated crypt (BCAC) in both phenotypes. The treatment also lowered cell proliferation activity and increased apoptotic cells in both lesions. Our findings indicate that dietary AUR is able to suppress the early phase of colon carcinogenesis in both phenotypes, suggesting possible application of AUR as a chemopreventive agent in both the high-risk and general populations for colorectal cancer.

Citrus Auraptene Reduces Helicobacter pylori Colonization of Glandular Stomach Lesions in Mongolian Gerbils

We examined the efficacy of auraptene (AUR), an antioxidant agent of a citrus coumarin derivative, for suppressing gastric inflammation introduced by Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in Mongolian gerbils (MGs). Hp-infected MGs were placed on diets containing 100 or 500 ppm AUR for 7 weeks. Real-time PCR was used to estimate the Hp population in glandular stomach lesions, and a histological assessment of inflammation was performed. At a dose of 500 ppm, AUR reduced the Hp population to 21.9+/-12.0% of the control group (p<0.05). However, no apparent differences were seen in hematoxylin and eosin sections between AUR-administered and control groups. We conclude that dietary supplementation with 500 ppm of AUR suppresses Hp colonization, but does not reduce gastric inflammation.

Dermatotoxicity of epicutaneously applied anticoagulant warfarin

Dermatotoxic effects of epicutaneous application of a first-generation anticoagulant, warfarin (WF) were examined in rats. Selected parameters of skin activity were determined 24h following warfarin application, including metabolic viability of skin explants, some aspects of oxidative activity in skin tissue homogenates and inflammatory/immune relevant activity of epidermal cells from warfarin-treated skin. No changes in skin metabolic viability (MTT reduction) were noted ex vivo following WF application, suggesting the absence of immediate toxicity for skin. In contrast, increased formation of malondialdehyde (MDA), with a decrease in protein and non-protein thiols in homogenates of warfarin-treated skin was demonstrated, pointing to prooxidant activity in warfarin-treated skin. Increased costimulatory activity of epidermal cells isolated from warfarin-exposed skin in Con-A-stimulated T-cell activation/proliferation assay was noted, reflecting proinflammatory and immune-modulating capacity of warfarin for epidermis. No evident differences in skin histology between control and warfarin-treated skin were found at that time point, while striking changes in tissue integrity, cellularity and appearance 72 h following WF application were noted. The observed histological picture probably reflects a regenerative/inflammatory program related to oxidant/inflammation-type warfarin-evoked injury to the skin. Presented data demonstrate the potential of epicutaneously applied warfarin to modulate local skin activity in rats.

Effects of Maharishi Amrit Kalash 5 as an Ayurvedic herbal food supplement on immune functions in aged mice

Background

Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) 5, one of the Ayurvedic food supplements, belongs to a group of substances known as Rasayana. MAK5 and other Rasayanas are believed to enhance the body's resistance to infections and disease, and enhance longevity. In this study, we determined the effects of administration of MAK5, one of the Ayurvedic food supplements on immune functions in young and old mice.

Methods

Male C3H/He N mice were divided into five groups: two no treatment groups (old control: 22-month-old and young control: 2-month-old) and three MAK5 treated groups with differing dose of MAK5. MAK5 was given p.o. at 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg per day (3 days/week) for 2 months.

Results

We found that glucose consumption of peritoneal macrophages from old mice treated with MAK5 at all doses and incubated for 48 and 72 h were significantly greater than that in the control group. Nitric oxide production of peritoneal macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in old mice treated with MAK5 at all doses was significantly greater than that in the old control group, but not compared to the young control group. Stimulation index (S.I.) in old mice gavaged with MAK5 at all doses was significantly higher than that in the old control group. IL-2 production stimulated by Con A in old mice given MAK5 at all doses was significantly higher than that in the old control group. Production of IFN-γ stimulated by Con A in old mice given MAK5 at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg were significantly higher than that in the old control group. IL-4 production of splenic lymphocyte stimulated by Con A in old mice given MAK5 at dose levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg were significantly higher than that in the old control group.

Conclusion

The results suggest that MAK5 suppressed the age associated glucose consumption of peritoneal macrophages and cellular immune function reduction, and that it contributes to the prevention of the immunosenescence.