Genistein protects against ultraviolet B-induced wrinkling and photoinflammation in in vitro and in vivo models

Role of epigenetics in the regulation of skin aging and geroprotective intervention: A new sight

Multiple epigenetic factors play a regulatory role in maintaining the homeostasis of cutaneous components and are implicated in the aging process of the skin. They have been associated with the activation of the senescence program, which is the primary contributor to age-related decline in the skin. Senescent species drive a series of interconnected processes that impact the immediate surroundings, leading to structural changes, diminished functionality, and heightened vulnerability to infections. Geroprotective medicines that may restore the epigenetic balance represent valid therapeutic alliances against skin aging. Most of them are well-known Western medications such as metformin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), rapamycin, and histone deacetylase inhibitors, while others belong to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remedies for which the scientific literature provides limited information. With the help of the Geroprotectors.org database and a comprehensive analysis of the referenced literature, we have compiled data on compounds and formulae that have shown potential in preventing skin aging and have been identified as epigenetic modulators.

Inflammation Factors and Genistein Supplementation in Cancer-Preliminary Research

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of genistein in nano, micro, and macro forms on the intensity of the DMBA-induced tumor process in rats and to understand the mechanisms of this action. The effect of genistein supplementation on the content of selected eicosanoids (HETEs, HODE, and HEPE) in the serum of rats was evaluated. The levels and expression of genes encoding various pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6) and MMP-9 in the blood of rats were also investigated. The biological material for the study was blood obtained from female rats of the Sprague Dawley strain (n = 32). The animals were randomly divided into four groups: animals without supplementation, and animals supplemented at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg b.w. (0.1 mg/mL) with macro, micro (587 ± 83 nm), or nano (92 ± 41 nm) genistein. To induce mammary neoplasia (adenocarcinoma), rats were given 7,12-dimethyl-1,2-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA). The content of selected eicosanoids was determined by liquid chromatography with UV detection. An immunoenzymatic method was used to determine the content of cytokines and MMP-9. The expression of the IL-6, IL-1beta, and MMP-9 genes was determined with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) using TaqMan probes. Based on the study, it was shown that supplementation of animals with genistein in macro, micro, and nano forms increased the intensity of the tumor process in rats. It was shown that the content of 12-HEPE, HODE, and 12-HETE in the serum of genistein-supplemented rats was statistically significantly lower with respect to the content of the aforementioned markers in the serum of rats receiving only a standard diet, devoid of supplementation. It was found that animals supplemented with nano-, micro-, and macrogenistein had higher levels of metalloproteinase-9, MMP-9, compared to animals without supplementation. There was a significant increase in MMP-9 gene expression in the blood of macrogenistein-supplemented animals, relative to the other groups of rats. On the basis of the study, it was shown that supplementation of animals with nano-, micro-, and macrogenistein had an effect on the development of the tumor process. Dietary supplementation with genistein significantly decreased the level of selected eicosanoids, which may have significant impacts on cancer development and progression.

Natural Compounds in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Prevention and Treatment

The elevated occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and the adverse effects associated with available treatments adversely impact the quality of life in multiple dimensions. In connection with this, there is a necessity for alternative approaches characterized by increased tolerance and lower side effects. Natural compounds could be employed due to their safety profile and effectiveness for inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases. These anti-cancer drugs are often derived from natural sources such as marine, zoonotic, and botanical origins. Natural compounds should exhibit anti-carcinogenic actions through various pathways, influencing apoptosis potentiation, cell proliferation inhibition, and metastasis suppression. This review provides an overview of natural compounds used in cancer chemotherapies, chemoprevention, and promotion of skin regeneration, including polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, terpenoids, isothiocyanates, cannabinoids, carotenoids, and ceramides.

An extensive review on phenolic compounds and their potential estrogenic properties on skin physiology

Polyphenolic compounds constitute a diverse group of natural components commonly occurring in various plant species, known for their potential to exert both beneficial and detrimental effects. Additionally, these polyphenols have also been implicated as endocrine-disrupting (ED) chemicals, raising concerns about their widespread use in the cosmetics industry. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the body of literature pertaining to the estrogenic properties of ED chemicals, with a particular emphasis on the interaction of isoflavones with estrogen receptors. Within this review, we aim to elucidate the multifaceted roles and effects of polyphenols on the skin, exploring their potential benefits as well as their capacity to act as ED agents. By delving into this intricate subject matter, we intend to provoke thoughtful consideration, effectively opening a Pandora's box of questions for the reader to ponder. Ultimately, we invite the reader to contemplate whether polyphenols should be regarded as friends or foes in the realm of skincare and endocrine disruption.

Phytochemical interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder: A cluster co-occurrence network analysis using CiteSpace

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated trends in the study of phytochemical treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHODS

The Web of Science database (2007-2022) was searched using the search terms "phytochemicals" and "PTSD," and relevant literature was compiled. Network clustering co-occurrence analysis and qualitative narrative review were conducted.

RESULTS

Three hundred and one articles were included in the analysis of published research, which has surged since 2015 with nearly half of all relevant articles coming from North America. The category is dominated by neuroscience and neurology, with two journals, Addictive Behaviors and Drug and Alcohol Dependence, publishing the greatest number of papers on these topics. Most studies focused on psychedelic intervention for PTSD. Three timelines show an "ebb and flow" phenomenon between "substance use/marijuana abuse" and "psychedelic medicine/medicinal cannabis." Other phytochemicals account for a small proportion of the research and focus on topics like neurosteroid turnover, serotonin levels, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression.

CONCLUSION

Research on phytochemicals and PTSD is unevenly distributed across countries/regions, disciplines, and journals. Since 2015, the research paradigm shifted to constitute the mainstream of psychedelic research thus far, leading to the exploration of botanical active ingredients and molecular mechanisms. Other studies focus on anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation. Please cite this article as: Gao B, Qu YC, Cai MY, Zhang YY, Lu HT, Li HX, Tang YX, Shen H. Phytochemical interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder: A cluster co-occurrence network analysis using CiteSpace. J Integr Med. 2023; Epub ahead of print.

Soy consumption and serum uric acid levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Soy consumption has health benefits, but the relationship between soy and uric acid remains uncertain. This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effects of soy intake on plasma uric acid.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating the effects of soy, soy products, soy protein, and soy isoflavones on uric acid levels. The primary outcome was serum or plasma uric acid concentration. Study quality was evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration and SYRCLE risk-of-bias tools.

Results

A total of 17 studies were included. Qualitative analysis of three human clinical studies of acute effects revealed that soy consumption increased serum uric acid concentration; however, soy-derived products, including tofu, bean curd cake, and dried bean curd sticks, had no significant effect on serum uric acid. A meta-analysis of five long-term human studies (10 data sets) revealed that soy protein and soy isoflavones had no significant effects on uric acid levels [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): -8.78, 4.55; p = 0.53]. However, most epidemiological data revealed that soy intake is inversely associated with uric acid levels. Meta-analysis of nine animal trials (29 data sets) revealed that soy protein and soy isoflavones significantly reduced serum uric acid concentrations (vs. controls; MD = -38.02; 95% CI: -50.60, -25.44; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Soy and its products have different effects on serum uric acid. Soy products like tofu, bean curd cake, and dried bean curd sticks could be high-quality protein sources for individuals with hyperuricemia or gout. It can be beneficial to nutritionists and healthcare decision-makers reconsider their conceptions about the relationship between soy and uric acid levels according to the latest and further scientific study results.

Systematic review registration

[www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42022331855].