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Paramanya S, Lee JH, Lee J. Antibiofilm activity of carotenoid crocetin against Staphylococcal strains. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1404960. [PMID: 38803574 PMCID: PMC11128560 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1404960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis stand as notorious threats to human beings owing to the myriad of infections they cause. The bacteria readily form biofilms that help in withstanding the effects of antibiotics and the immune system. Intending to combat the biofilm formation and reduce the virulence of the pathogens, we investigated the effects of carotenoids, crocetin, and crocin, on four Staphylococcal strains. Crocetin was found to be the most effective as it diminished the biofilm formation of S. aureus ATCC 6538 significantly at 50 µg/mL without exhibiting bactericidal effect (MIC >800 µg/mL) and also inhibited the formation of biofilm by MSSA 25923 and S. epidermidis at a concentration as low as 2 µg/mL, and that by methicillin-resistant S. aureus MW2 at 100 µg/mL. It displayed minimal to no antibiofilm efficacy on the Gram-negative strains Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as a fungal strain of Candida albicans. It could also curb the formation of fibrils, which partly contributes to the biofilm formation in S. epidermidis. Additionally, the ADME analysis of crocetin proclaims how relatively non-toxic the chemical is. Also, crocetin displayed synergistic antibiofilm characteristics in combination with tobramycin. The presence of a polyene chain with carboxylic acid groups at its ends is hypothesized to contribute to the strong antibiofilm characteristics of crocetin. These findings suggest that using apocarotenoids, particularly crocetin might help curb the biofilm formation by S. aureus and S. epidermidis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jintae Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
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Trisnawaty S, Gunadi JW, Ratnawati H, Lesmana R. Carotenoids in red fruit ( Pandanus conoideus Lam.) have a potential role as an anti‑pigmentation agent (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:54. [PMID: 38357234 PMCID: PMC10865171 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Melasma is a persistent condition characterized by excessive melanin production in the skin. The management of melasma necessitates a protracted treatment duration, which is associated with diminished levels of patient satisfaction. One effective strategy for mitigating occurrence of melasma is consumption of nutricosmetics with depigmentation properties. The present review aimed to investigate the potential of red fruit as a depigmentation agent. Carotenoids serve a crucial role in human nutrition as a precursor to vitamin A. Carotenoids serve as scavengers of reactive oxygen species generated by ultraviolet radiation. Carotenoids promote skin health. Red fruit, a fruit originating from Papua (Indonesia) has anti-pigmentation properties associated with its ability to block melanogenesis through various protein pathways such as PKA, ERK, and AKT signaling pathways. The consumption of food rich in carotenoids, such as red fruit, has advantageous properties to reduce hyperpigmentation and skin brightening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Trisnawaty
- Master Program of Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, West Java 40164, Indonesia
| | - Julia Windi Gunadi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, West Java 40164, Indonesia
- Maranatha Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, West Java 40164, Indonesia
| | - Hana Ratnawati
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, West Java 40164, Indonesia
| | - Ronny Lesmana
- Physiology Division, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java 45363, Indonesia
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Jiang H, Huang X, Wang J, Zhou Y, Ren C, Zhou T, Pei J. Hepatoprotective Effect of Medicine Food Homology Flower Saffron against CCl 4-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice via the Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF Signaling Pathway. Molecules 2023; 28:7238. [PMID: 37959658 PMCID: PMC10648070 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis refers to a complex inflammatory response caused by multiple factors, which is a known cause of liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer. As a valuable medicine food homology herb, saffron has been widely used in the world. Saffron is commonly used in liver-related diseases and has rich therapeutic and health benefits. The therapeutic effect is satisfactory, but its mechanism is still unclear. In order to clarify these problems, we planned to determine the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of saffron extract in preventing and treating liver fibrosis through network pharmacology analysis combined with in vivo validation experiments. Through UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS analysis, a total of fifty-six nutrients and active ingredients were identified, and nine of them were screened to predict their therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis. Then, network pharmacology analysis was applied to identify 321 targets for saffron extract to alleviate liver fibrosis. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis showed that the putative targets of saffron for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis are mainly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, endocrine resistance, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, and the cAMP signaling pathway. Based on the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice model, we experimentally confirmed that saffron extract can alleviate the severity and pathological changes during the progression of liver fibrosis. RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis confirmed that saffron treatment can prevent the CCl4-induced upregulation of HIF-1α, VEGFA, AKT, and PI3K, suggesting that saffron may regulate AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF and alleviate liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajuan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China; (H.J.); (X.H.); (C.R.)
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xulong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China; (H.J.); (X.H.); (C.R.)
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China;
| | - Yongfeng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China;
| | - Chaoxiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China; (H.J.); (X.H.); (C.R.)
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China; (H.J.); (X.H.); (C.R.)
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jin Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu 611137, China; (H.J.); (X.H.); (C.R.)
- Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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Li H, Zhang Q. Research Progress of Flavonoids Regulating Endothelial Function. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1201. [PMID: 37765009 PMCID: PMC10534649 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelium, as the guardian of vascular homeostasis, is closely related to the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). As an early marker of the development of a series of vascular diseases, endothelial dysfunction is often accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Natural flavonoids in fruits, vegetables, and Chinese herbal medicines have been shown to induce and regulate endothelial cells and exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and anti-aging effects in a large number of in vitro models and in vivo experiments so as to achieve the prevention and improvement of cardiovascular disease. Focusing on endothelial mediation, this paper introduces the signaling pathways involved in the improvement of endothelial dysfunction by common dietary and flavonoids in traditional Chinese medicine and describes them based on their metabolism in the human body and their relationship with the intestinal flora. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the broad pharmacological activity and target development potential of flavonoids as food supplements and drug components in regulating endothelial function and thus in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This paper also introduces the application of some new nanoparticle carriers in order to improve their bioavailability in the human body and play a broader role in vascular protection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qi Zhang
- The Basic Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China;
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Shen Y, Sheng R, Guo R. Application of Zebrafish as a Model for Anti-Cancer Activity Evaluation and Toxicity Testing of Natural Products. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:827. [PMID: 37375774 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing natural product-based anti-cancer drugs/agents is a promising way to overcome the serious side effects and toxicity of traditional chemotherapeutics for cancer treatment. However, rapid assessment of the in vivo anti-cancer activities of natural products is a challenge. Alternatively, zebrafish are useful model organisms and perform well in addressing this challenging issue. Nowadays, a growing number of studies have utilized zebrafish models to evaluate the in vivo activities of natural compounds. Herein, we reviewed the application of zebrafish models for evaluating the anti-cancer activity and toxicity of natural products over the past years, summarized its process and benefits, and provided future outlooks for the development of natural product-based anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Shen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Ruilong Sheng
- CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, Universidade da Madeira, 9000-390 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Ruihua Guo
- College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquatic-Product Processing & Preservation, Shanghai 201306, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Aquatic Products on Storage and Preservation (Shanghai), Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China
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Li W, Li T, Tang Z, Qi X, Zhou Y, Tang X, Xu W, Xiong H. Taohong Siwu Decoction promotes the process of fracture healing by activating the VEGF-FAK signal pathway and systemically regulating the gut microbiota. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:1363-1377. [PMID: 35475538 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to explore the effect of Taohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD) on Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) at the cellular level and the possible mechanism of systemic regulation of gut microbiota on fracture recovery. METHODS AND RESULTS Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) experiments show that THSWD effectively promotes the proliferation of BMSCs. Transwell and wound healing assays show that THSWD effectively promotes the invasion and migration of BMSCs. Alizarin red staining showed that the THSWD model enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Moreover, the effect of THSWD on BMSCs is time- and concentration-dependent. RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that THSWD treatment up-regulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) at mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Hematoxylin-eosin and crocin O-quick green staining showed that rats with right femoral shaft fractures, after 14 days of THSWD treatment, the area of callus and cartilage regeneration at the fracture site increased significantly. Gut microbiota was changed in fractured rats, such as the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes was increased. THSWD showed positive regulation of both to a certain extent. CONCLUSION THSWD up-regulates VEGF and activates the FAK signaling pathway to enhance the development and differentiation of BMSCs, and systematically regulates the gut microbiota to promote fracture healing. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY This study provides new insights on the cellular and systemic level to understand the mechanism of THSWD in the treatment of fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangyang Li
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Tiao Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Zhi Tang
- Xiangtan Chinese Medicine hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan
| | - Xinyu Qi
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Youliang Zhou
- Department of Emergency First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Xiaolu Tang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Weijie Xu
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan
| | - Hui Xiong
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan
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Siddiqui SA, Ali Redha A, Snoeck ER, Singh S, Simal-Gandara J, Ibrahim SA, Jafari SM. Anti-Depressant Properties of Crocin Molecules in Saffron. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27072076. [PMID: 35408474 PMCID: PMC9000812 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Saffron is a valued herb, obtained from the stigmas of the C. sativus Linn (Iridaceae), with therapeutic effects. It has been described in pharmacopoeias to be variously acting, including as an anti-depressant, anti-carcinogen, and stimulant agent. The therapeutic effects of saffron are harbored in its bioactive molecules, notably crocins, the subject of this paper. Crocins have been demonstrated to act as a monoamine oxidase type A and B inhibitor. Furthermore, saffron petal extracts have experimentally been shown to impact contractile response in electrical field stimulation. Other research suggests that saffron also inhibits the reuptake of monoamines, exhibits N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonism, and improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling. A host of experimental studies found saffron/crocin to be similarly effective as fluoxetine and imipramine in the treatment of depression disorders. Saffron and crocins propose a natural solution to combat depressive disorders. However, some hurdles, such as stability and delivery, need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Technical University of Munich, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany;
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), 49610 D-Quakenbrück, Germany
| | - Ali Ali Redha
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK;
- Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Edgar Remmet Snoeck
- Food Technology Study Programme, HAS University of Applied Sciences, Onderwijsboulevard 221, 5223 DE ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands;
| | - Shubhra Singh
- Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, No. 1, Xuefu Rd, Neipu Township, Pingtung City 912, Taiwan;
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, Universidade de Vigo, E-32004 Ourense, Spain;
| | - Salam A. Ibrahim
- Food and Nutritional Sciences Program, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, E. Market Street, 1601, Greensboro, NC 24711, USA;
| | - Seid Mahdi Jafari
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, Universidade de Vigo, E-32004 Ourense, Spain;
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan 49189, Iran
- Correspondence:
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