Paederia foetida Linn Leaves-Derived Extract Showed Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties Against Breast Carcinoma Cell

Paederia foetida Linn. is a rich source of active compounds, yet its antioxidant and cytotoxic properties remain poorly studied. This current research aimed to investigate the chemical profiles of a crude extract derived from P. foetida leaves, its fractionated substances, and their antioxidant and cytotoxic properties on MCF-7 cells, a breast carcinoma cell. Six fractionated substances have been separated in thin layer chromatography (TLC) plate. Five fractions showed antioxidant properties, as indicated by the formation of the yellowish band on the TLC plate after spraying with the DPPH reagent. Furthermore, crude extract of P. foetida leaves and its fractions are also characterized by antioxidant properties against 2, 2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. F1 fraction exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 10.94±2.67 and 50.04±0.48 µg/ml, respectively, toward DPPH and ABTS radicals. Crude extract and all six fractions also varied in their cytotoxic properties against MCF-7 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 410.24±0.30 to 831.57±6.91 µg/ml. F3 fractions showed the strongest cytotoxicity (IC50 value: 410.24±0.30 µg/ml). Methanolic extract and active plant leaf fractions contained flavonoid and phenolic compounds, as measured by aluminum chloride and Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, respectively. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed that phenol, flavonoid, alkaloid, limonoid, and steroid were the major compound found in the crude extract and fractions. In conclusion, the present study proved that crude extract of P. foetida leaves and its fractionated substances were potential as antioxidant and cytotoxic agents.

Reduced graphene oxide nanosheets decorated with core-shell of Fe3O4-Au nanoparticles for rapid SERS detection and hyperthermia treatment of bacteria

In this study, the core-shell of Fe₃O₄-Au nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by seeding AuNPs onto Fe₃O₄ NPs modified with poly-ethylenimine (PEI). Later, Fe₃O₄-Au NPs were attached to cationic poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA)-modified graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets through in situ self-assembly behaviors, termed as Fe₃O₄-Au@RGO nanocomposites, for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection and hyperthermia treatment of bacteria. The resulting Fe₃O₄-Au@RGO nanocomposites were evaluated systematically by transmission electron microscope, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. It revealed that the core-shell structured Fe₃O₄-Au NPs were dispersed homogeneously on the surface of the GO nanosheets. Furthermore, the rapid SERS detection for small biomolecules and bacteria was conducted by Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the greatest SERS intensity was fne tuned at the weight ratio of Fe₃O₄-Au/RGO nanosheets was 20/1, displaying the optimal interparticle gap of AuNPs to induce the huge hot-spots effect. The magnetic inductive heating capability of Fe₃O₄-Au@RGO nanocomposites was produced under high frequency magnetic field exposure and can kill high than 90% of the bacteria at 10 min. Hence, the newly developed Fe₃O₄-Au@RGO nanocomposites were demonstrated to be viable for SERS detection of biomolecules and microbes and potential applications for magnetically capturing and hyperthermia treatment of bacteria.

Genetic association-based functional analysis detects HOGA1 as a potential gene involved in fat accumulation

Although there are a number of discoveries from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for obesity, it has not been successful in linking GWAS results to biology. We sought to discover causal genes for obesity by conducting functional studies on genes detected from genetic association analysis. Gene-based association analysis of 917 individual exome sequences showed that HOGA1 attains exome-wide significance (p-value < 2.7 × 10–6) for body mass index (BMI). The mRNA expression of HOGA1 is significantly increased in human adipose tissues from obese individuals in the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) dataset, which supports the genetic association of HOGA1 with BMI. Functional analyses employing cell- and animal model-based approaches were performed to gain insights into the functional relevance of Hoga1 in obesity. Adipogenesis was retarded when Hoga1 was knocked down by siRNA treatment in a mouse 3T3-L1 cell line and a similar inhibitory effect was confirmed in mice with down-regulated Hoga1. Hoga1 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment reduced body weight, blood lipid level, blood glucose, and adipocyte size in high-fat diet-induced mice. In addition, several lipogenic genes including Srebf1, Scd1, Lp1, and Acaca were down-regulated, while lipolytic genes Cpt1l, Ppara, and Ucp1 were up-regulated. Taken together, HOGA1 is a potential causal gene for obesity as it plays a role in excess body fat development.

Magnetic Graphene-Based Nanosheets with Pluronic F127-Chitosan Biopolymers Encapsulated α-Mangosteen Drugs for Breast Cancer Cells Therapy

In this study, multifunctional chitosan-pluronic F127 with magnetic reduced graphene oxide (MRGO) nanocomposites were developed through the immobilization of chitosan and an amphiphilic polymer (pluronic F127) onto the MRGO. Physicochemical characterizations and in-vitro cytotoxicity of nanocomposites were investigated through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, particle size analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer, Raman spectroscopy and resazurin-based in-vitro cytotoxicity assay. FESEM observation shows that the magnetic nanoparticles could tethered on the surface of MRGO, promoting the magnetic properties of the nanocomposites. FTIR identification analysis revealed that the chitosan/pluronic F127 were successfully immobilized on the surface of MRGO. Furthermore, α-mangosteen, as a model of natural drug compound, was successfully encapsulated onto the chitosan/pluronic F127@MRGO nanocomposites. According to in-vitro cytotoxicity assay, α-mangosteen-loaded chitosan/pluronic F127@MRGO nanocomposites could significantly reduce the proliferation of human breast cancer (MFC-7) cells. Eventually, it would be anticipated that the novel α-mangosteen-loaded chitosan/pluronic F127@MRGO nanocomposites could be promoted as a new potential material for magnetically targeting and killing cancer cells.

Optimized antibody immobilization on natural silica-based nanostructures for the selective detection of E. coli

This study reports for the first time the surface modification of fluorescent nanoparticles derived from geothermal silica precipitate with Escherichia coli (E. coli) antibody. The immobilization of biomolecules on the inorganic surface has been carried out using two different pathways, namely the silanization and hydrosilylation reactions. The former applied (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as the crosslinker, while the latter used N-hydroxysuccinimide coupled with N-ethyl-N′-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC/NHS). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX), and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to confirm the chemical, physical, and optical properties of the surface-modified fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNPs). Based on the results of the FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy and stability tests, the modified FSNPs with EDC/NHS with a ratio of 4 : 1 were proven to provide the optimum results for further conjugation with antibodies, affording the FSNP-Ab2 sample. The FSNP-Ab2 sample was further tested as a nanoplatform for the fluorescence-quenching detection of E. coli, which provided a linear range of 10² to 10⁷ CFU mL⁻¹ for E. coli with a limit of detection (LoD) of 1.6 × 10² CFU mL⁻¹. The selectivity of the biosensor was observed to be excellent for E. coli compared to that for P. aeruginosa and S. typhimurium, with reductions in the maximum fluorescence intensity at 588 nm of 89.22%, 26.23%, and 54.06%, respectively. The inorganic nanostructure–biomolecule conjugation with optimized coupling agents showed promising analytical performance as a selective nanoplatform for detecting E. coli bacteria.

This work describes for the first time the surface modification of natural-based fluorescent nanoparticles with antibodies as optical biosensing platforms.

Physically crosslinked PVA/graphene-based materials/aloe vera hydrogel with antibacterial activity

Burn is a major skin injury that occurs worldwide. For second-degree burns, special treatment should be given for creating a suitable wound healing environment. Hydrogel wound dressing as the primary care should possess extra properties that include antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility to enhance the treatment effectiveness. Additional therapy such as electrical stimulation can be applied as well promote wound healing. Herein, we used the tissue engineering concept to create a novel antibacterial and cytocompatible hydrogel made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), graphene-based material (GBM), and aloe vera extract (Av) through the freeze-thaw process. We prepared the PVA/GBM/Av hydrogel and examined its potential as a wound dressing. We found that it exhibited excellent hydrophilicity with a contact angle between 15 and 31 degrees and electrical conductivity within the range of 0.0102-0.0154 S m-1, which is comparable to that of the human skin tissue and possesses tensile strength up to 1.5 MPa with elongation of 405%. It also demonstrated good stability in phosphate buffer saline with a weight ratio of 73-80% after 14 days of immersion. We presented that the addition of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) inhibited the growth of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 with the lowest bacterial population observed in PVA/GO, which is 1.74 × 107 cfu mL-1 after 1 day incubation and 99.94% bacterial reduction. Furthermore, our PVA/GBM/Av showed no toxicity to 3T3 fibroblast cells after 48 h with viability up to 295% for PVA/GO/Av. In summary, our fabricated hydrogels have shown their potential as wound dressing with antibacterial and non-cytotoxic properties.

Microplastic contamination in the Skipjack Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) collected from Southern Coast of Java, Indonesia

Indonesia is the second-largest contributor of microplastics (MPs) pollution in the marine ecosystem. Most MPs pollution-related studies in Indonesia focus on seawater, sediment, with less information found on the commercially important fish species used for human consumption. Skipjack Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) is one of the major exporting fishery commodities from Indonesia. This exploratory study aimed to determine MPs presence in the digestive tract of Skipjack Tuna from the Southern Coast of Java, Indonesia. The fish samples were collected from five different fish traditional auction market along the Southern Coast of Java, Indonesia, namely Pangandaran, Pamayang Sari, Ciletuh, Santolo, and Palabuhan Ratu. The gastrointestinal tract of Skipjack tuna was pretreated using alkaline destruction and filtered. The presence of MPs in the treated samples was visually identified using an optical microscope, while Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) contaminants were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 19 suspected MPs particles were found in the form of filament (84%), angular (11%), and round (5%). This result would provide a better indication of the MPs contamination in marine life species in the Southern Coast of Java, Indonesia, as useful information for marine environmental monitoring program in the future.

Lemon Balm and Its Constituent, Rosmarinic Acid, Alleviate Liver Damage in an Animal Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges in severity from hepatic steatosis to cirrhosis. Lemon balm and its major constituent, rosmarinic acid (RA), effectively improve the liver injury and obesity; however, their therapeutic effects on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of RA and a lemon balm extract (LBE) on NAFLD and liver fibrosis and elucidated their mechanisms. Palmitic acid (PA)-exposed HepG2 cells and db/db mice fed a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet were utilized to exhibit symptoms of human NASH. LBE and RA treatments alleviated the oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzymes and modulated lipid metabolism-related gene expression by the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in vitro and in vivo. LBE and RA treatments inhibited the expression of genes involved in hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Together, LBE and RA could improve liver damage by non-alcoholic lipid accumulation and may be promising medications to treat NASH.

Lemon Balm Extract and Its Major Chemical Compound, Rosmarinic Acid, Alleviate Damages of Liver in an Animal Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) (P06-093-19)

Objectives

The non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprises the broad histopathological states of liver, that ranging from asymptomatic hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver cirrhosis. In some studies, they suppose that almost 25–30% of world population is underlying NAFLD. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is the herb that has some traditional medicinal usages. Also rosmarinic acid (RA; O-caffeoyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl lactic acid), the major chemical compound of lemon balm, already reported that it has the potency on anti-obesity and -inflammatory. Hence, we evaluate the whether lemon balm extract (LBE) and RA could suppress the pathogenesis of NASH using an in vitro and in vivo model.

Methods

In vitro model: The palmitic acid (PA) exposed HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells can imitate the lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. PA exposed HepG2 cells were exposed with or without LBE or RA.

In vivo model: The methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet fed db/db C57BL/6 J mice model was used. This model is known as it can mimic well symptoms of human NAFLD. The LBE or RA were treated by oral gavage.

Results

With the MCD diet only, the severe liver damage was caused by progression of NASH in animal model. LBE and RA treatments alleviated the oxidative stress in the MCD diet-fed db/db mice and PA-exposed HepG2 cells by increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes (NRF2, SOD) and augmented lipolysis-related gene (PPARα, PGC-1α, CPT-1 L) expression. In addition, LBE and RA treatments inhibited the expression of genes involved in hepatic fibrosis (α-SMA, COL1A1) and fatty acid synthesis (SREBP-1c, CPT-1 L) and activated AMP-activated protein kinase in vitro and in vivo. Also, the histopathological results were ameliorated by treatment of LBE or RA.

Conclusions

LBE and RA modulate lipid metabolism via AMPK activation and suppress inflammation via changes in NRF2 and NF-κB signalling. Importantly, the extract of lemon balm obtained with 20% EtOH showed effectiveness similar to that of RA at high concentrations. Therefore, LBE may be a good candidate for the treatment and prevention of NASH.

Funding Sources

This work was supported by the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST) funded by the Korea Government (MSIP) (grant No. CRC-15-01-KIST).

Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

Stellera chamaejasme and its constituents induce cutaneous wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities

Stellera chamaejasme L. (Thymelaeaceae) is a perennial herb that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat tumours, tuberculosis and psoriasis. S. chamaejasme extract (SCE) possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic and wound healing activities; however, the effect of S. chamaejasme and its active compounds on cutaneous wound healing has not been investigated. We assessed full-thickness wounds of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and topically applied SCE for 2 weeks. In vitro studies were performed using HaCaT keratinocytes, Hs68 dermal fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophages to determine cell viability (MTT assay), cell migration, collagen expression, nitric oxide (NO) production, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) production, inflammatory cytokine expression and β-catenin activation. In vivo, wound size was reduced and epithelisation was improved in SCE-treated SD rats. In vitro, SCE and its active compounds induced keratinocyte migration by regulating the β-catenin, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and Akt signalling pathways. Furthermore, SCE and its active compounds increased mRNA expression of type I and III collagen in Hs68 fibroblasts. SCE and chamechromone inhibited NO and PGE₂ release and mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 macrophages. SCE enhances the motility of HaCaT keratinocytes and improves cutaneous wound healing in SD rats.

Effects of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. extract and methyl vanillate on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions and TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced chemokines production in HaCaT cells

OBJECTIVES

Here, we hypothesized that Hovenia dulcis branch extract (HDB) and its active constituents ameliorates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions by modulating the T helper Th1/Th2 balance in NC/Nga mice and TNF-α- and IFN-γ-induced production of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in HaCaT cells.

METHODS

HaCaT cells were stimulated by TNF-α/IFN-γ in the presence of HDB and its constituents. TARC and MDC were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR. For the in-vivo study, oral feeding of HDB was performed for 5 weeks with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) treatment every other day. The efficacy of HDB on parameters of DNCB-induced AD was evaluated morphologically, physiologically and immunologically.

KEY FINDINGS

In-vitro studies showed that HDB and its constituents suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced production of TARC and MDC in HaCaT cells by inhibiting MAPK signalling. In-vivo studies showed that HDB regulated immunoglobulin (Ig) E and immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) levels in serum and the expression of mRNA for Th1- and Th2-related mediators in skin lesions. Histopathological analyses revealed reduced epidermal thickness and reduced infiltration of skin lesions by inflammatory cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that HDB inhibits AD-like skin diseases by regulating Th1 and Th2 responses in NC/Nga mice and in HaCaT cells.

Inhibitory effect of the branches of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. and its constituent pinosylvin on the activities of IgE-mediated mast cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice

Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Rhamnaceae) is a hardy tree native to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, and it is also grown in parts of Asia and has been used in traditional medicine to treat liver toxicity, stomach disorders, and inflammation. This study investigated the anti-allergy potential of an extract of the branches of H. dulcis (HDB) using the antigen-stimulated mast cell-like cell line rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model. Degranulation assay, reverse transcription PCR, enzyme-lined immunosorbent assays, western blot analyses, and PCA were performed to measure allergic responses and proinflammatory mediators in antigen-stimulated rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 mast cells and the PCA mouse model. In antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, HDB inhibited the secretion of β-hexosaminidase (indicating the inhibition of degranulation) and histamine release; decreased expression and production of the inflammatory mediators, cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2, and cytokines interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor-α; and suppressed activation of nuclear factor κB, a transcription factor involved in the response to cytokines. HDB attenuated phosphorylation of the mast cell downstream effectors Lyn, Syk, phospholipase Cγ, protein kinase Cμ, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38. In IgE-sensitized mice, HDB inhibited mast cell-dependent PCA. Furthermore, HDB contained pinosylvin and possessed significant anti-allergic activities. These results suggest that HDB would be of value in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.

Determination of The Active Asiaticoside Content in Centella asiatica as Anti-Cellulite Agent

Centella asiatica accumulates large quantities of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins, collectively known as centelloids. These terpenoids include asiaticoside, centelloside, madecassoside, brahmoside, brahminoside, thankuniside, sceffoleoside, centellose, asiatic-, brahmic-, centellic- and madecassic acids. Preparations of C. asiatica are used in traditional and alternative medicine due to the wide spectrum of pharmacological activities associated with these secondary metabolites, such as anticellulite agent. Asiaticoside was found in Centella asiatica. In this present study, the asiaticoside was extracted using methanolic and ethanolic solvent. Determination of the asiaticoside content in the extract was conducted with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR). Samples of C. asiatica used in this study came from three different plantation areas, Bogor, Lembang and Solo. Asiaticoside content in the methanolic extract from Bogor, Lembang, and Solo samples were 2.82%; 2.68%; and 2.8% respectively. Asiaticoside in ethanolic extract from Bogor, Lembang, and Solo samples were 2.79%; 2.75%; and 2.91% respectively. Two way ANOVA study showed that there was significant difference between types of solvent used in extraction and the asiaticoside content in the obtained extract, significant difference between varied plantation area and obtained asiaticoside content, and significant difference between interactions of different solvent with different plantation area.  Keywords: Centella asiatica, asiaticoside, anticellulite, medicine, metabolites