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1.
Allicin pharmacology: Common molecular mechanisms against neuroinflammation and cardiovascular diseases.
Mocayar Marón, FJ, Camargo, AB, Manucha, W
Life sciences. 2020;:117513
Abstract
According to investigations in phytomedicine and ethnopharmacology, the therapeutic properties of garlic (Allium sativum) have been described by ancestral cultures. Notwithstanding, it is of particular concern to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this millenary empirical knowledge. Allicin (S-allyl prop-2-ene-1-sulfinothioate), a thioester of sulfenic acid, is one of the main bioactive compounds present in garlic, and it is responsible for the particular aroma of the spice. The pharmacological attributes of allicin integrate a broad spectrum of properties (e.g., anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-tumoral activities, among others). The primary goal of the present article is to review and clarify the common molecular mechanisms by which allicin and its derivates molecules may perform its therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases and neuroinflammatory processes. The intricate interface connecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems suggests that the impairment of one organ could contribute to the dysfunction of the other. Allicin might target the cornerstone of the pathological processes underlying cardiovascular and neuroinflammatory disorders, like inflammation, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) hyperactivation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Indeed, the current evidence suggests that allicin improves mitochondrial function by enhancing the expression of HSP70 and NRF2, decreasing RAAS activation, and promoting mitochondrial fusion processes. Finally, allicin represents an attractive therapeutic alternative targeting the complex interaction between cardiovascular and neuroinflammatory disorders.
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2.
Polyphenols: Potential Beneficial Effects of These Phytochemicals in Athletes.
D'Angelo, S
Current sports medicine reports. 2020;(7):260-265
Abstract
An athlete's dietary requirements depend on several aspects, including the environment, the sport, and the athlete's goals. Although it is recognized that regular exercise improves muscle performance and energy metabolism, unaccustomed or excessive exercise may cause cell damage and impair muscle function by triggering tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. Supplement use among athletes is widespread and recently new attention has been applied to polyphenols. Polyphenols are a class of organic chemical compounds, mainly found in plants, characterized by the presence of multiples of phenol structural units, and over recent decades, special attention has been paid to the healthy role of fruit-derived polyphenols in the human diet. This article will summarize latest knowledge on polyphenolic compounds that have been demonstrated both to exert an effect in exercise-induced muscle damage and to play a biological/physiological role in improving physical performance.
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3.
Inflammation, insulin resistance and neuroprogression in depression.
Leonard, BE, Wegener, G
Acta neuropsychiatrica. 2020;(1):1-9
Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation has been observed in major depression and other major psychiatric disorders and has been implicated in metabolic changes that are commonly associated with these disorders. This raises the possibility that the effects of dysfunctional metabolism may facilitate changes in neuronal structure and function which contribute to neuroprogression. Such changes may have implications for the progress from major depression to dementia in the elderly patient. The purpose of this review is to examine the contribution of inflammation and hypercortisolaemia, which are frequently associated with major depression, to neurodegeneration and how they detrimentally impact on brain energy metabolism. A key factor in these adverse events is insulin insensitivity caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines in association with desensitised glucocorticoid receptors. Identifying the possible metabolic changes initiated by inflammation opens new targets to ameliorate the adverse metabolic changes. This has resulted in the identification of dietary and drug targets which are of interest in the development of a new generation of psychotropic drugs.
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4.
Reprogramming extracellular vesicles with engineered proteins.
Shi, X, Cheng, Q, Zhang, Y
Methods (San Diego, Calif.). 2020;:95-102
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been emerging as a new class of cell-free therapy for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer, tissue injuries, and inflammatory diseases. Reprograming native EVs by genetic engineering and other approaches offers an attractive prospect of extending therapeutic capabilities of EVs beyond their natural functions and properties. In this review article, we survey the state-of-the-art methods of EVs engineering and summarize major therapeutic applications of the reprogrammed EVs.
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5.
Vitamin D in pediatric health and disease.
Peroni, DG, Trambusti, I, Di Cicco, ME, Nuzzi, G
Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. 2020;:54-57
Abstract
Several scientific societies established that vitamin D (VD), in its metabolized form 25(OH)D, levels higher than 20 ng/mL are sufficient to ensure optimal bone health, while 25(OH)D levels higher than 30 ng/mL are needed to favor VD extraskeletal actions. However, it has been estimated that approximately 30% of children and 60% of adults worldwide are VD deficient and insufficient, respectively. This is the reason why it is important to provide a practical approach to VD supplementation for infants, children, and adolescents. It is the pediatrician's role to evaluate the modifiable lifestyle risk factors for deficiency, particularly a reduced sun exposure, following an evidence-based approach, and to suggest VD supplementation only when there is a rational reason to support its use.
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6.
Interleukin-17 producing mucosal associated invariant T cells - emerging players in chronic inflammatory diseases?
Pisarska, MM, Dunne, MR, O'Shea, D, Hogan, AE
European journal of immunology. 2020;(8):1098-1108
Abstract
Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a population of evolutionarily conserved T cells, which express an invariant T cell receptor (TCR) and represent a significant subset of innate-like T cells in humans, yet their role in immunity is still emerging. Unlike conventional αβ T cells, MAIT cells are not restricted by MHC molecules, but instead uniquely recognize microbially derived vitamin metabolites presented by the MHC-I like molecule MR1. MAIT cells are enriched in mucosal sites and tissues including liver and adipose tissue where they are thought to play an important role in immunosurveillance and immunity against microbial infection. In addition to their putative role in antimicrobial immunity, recent research on MAIT cells, in particular IL-17 producing MAIT cells, has demonstrated their involvement in numerous chronic inflammatory conditions. In this review, we give an overview of the work to date on the function and subsets of MAIT cells. We also examine the role of IL-17 producing MAIT cells in chronic inflammatory diseases ranging from autoimmune conditions, metabolic diseases to cancer. Furthermore, we discuss the most recent findings from the clinic that might help deepen our understanding about the biology of MAIT cells.
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7.
Phytochemicals targeting matrix metalloproteinases regulating tissue degradation in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.
Alamgeer, , Hasan, UH, Uttra, AM, Qasim, S, Ikram, J, Saleem, M, Niazi, ZR
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2020;:153134
Abstract
PURPOSE Matrix metalloproteinases, zinc dependent proteolytic enzymes, have significant implications in extracellular matrix degradation associated with tissue damage in inflammation and Rheumatoid arthritis. Numerous orchestrated pathways affects instigation and blockade of metalloproteinases as well as various factors that increase the expression of MMPs including inflammatory cytokines, hormones and growth factors. Direct inhibition of these proteolytic enzymes or modulation of these pathways can provide protection against tissue destruction in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Inclination towards use of plant derived phytochemicals to prevent tissue damage has been increasing day by day. Diversity of phytochemicals have been known to directly inhibit metalloproteinases. Hence, thorough knowledge of phytochemicals is very important in novel drug discovery. METHODS Present communication evaluates various classes of phytochemicals, in effort to unveil the lead molecules as potential therapeutic agents, for prevention of MMPs mediated tissue damage in inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Data have been analyzed through different search engines. RESULTS Numerous phytochemicals have been studied for their role as MMPs inhibitors which can be processed further to develop into useful drugs for the treatment of inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION In search of new drugs, phytochemicals like flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, lignans & terpenes offer a wide canvas to develop into valuable forthcoming medicaments.
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8.
Anti-inflammatory properties of antidiabetic drugs: A "promised land" in the COVID-19 era?
Katsiki, N, Ferrannini, E
Journal of diabetes and its complications. 2020;(12):107723
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Abstract
Inflammation is implicated in the development and severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Diabetes, especially when uncontrolled, is also recognized as an important risk factor for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, certain inflammatory markers [i.e. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and ferritin] were reported as strong predictors of worse outcomes in COVID-19 positive patients. The same biomarkers have been associated with poor glycemic control. Therefore, achieving euglycemia in patients with diabetes is even more important in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the above, it is clinically interesting to elucidate whether antidiabetic drugs may reduce inflammation, thus possibly minimizing the risk for COVID-19 development and severity. The present narrative review discusses the potential anti-inflammatory properties of certain antidiabetic drugs (i.e. metformin, pioglitazone, sitagliptin, linagliptin, vildagliptin, alogliptin, saxagliptin, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, lixisenatide, semaglutide, empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin), with a focus on CRP, IL-6 and ferritin.
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9.
Implications of protein malnutrition and inflammatory disorders in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.
Ingenbleek, Y
Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition. 2020;(3):450-461
Abstract
Lean body mass (LBM) agglomerates the bulk of nitrogen (N)-containing molecules following well-identified age and sex evolutionary patterns best appraised in clinical practice using the serial measurement of plasma transthyretin (TTR). Methionine (Met), the sole essential amino acid bearing a sulfur (S) atom, presides at the initiation of protein synthesis while maintaining stable body tissue S:N molar ratios of approximately 1:14.5. In protein- depleted states, N- and Met-deficiencies operate as limiting factors for LBM protein synthesis and accretion, causing growth retardation and subnormal TTR plasma values. In inflammatory disorders, LBM is subjected to cytokine-induced tissue breakdown reflecting the S:N ratio found in healthy tissues whereas the liver secretion of TTR declines in proportion. Both malnutrition and inflammation are characterized by stepwise LBM downsizing and reduced bioavailability of Met body stores setting in motion molecular mechanisms safeguarding Met homeostasis at the expense of augmented homocysteine (Hcy) values in biological fluids. Divergent TTR and Hcy alterations indicate that rising Hcy values measured in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid should be regarded as the dark side of efficient compensatory processes. As a result, the neuroprotective activities normally exerted by TTR are weakened, whereas the oxidative burden generated by supranormal Hcy concentrations are strengthened. The combination of protein malnutrition and inflammatory disorders of any cause maximizes the risk of incurable neurodegenerative effects.
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10.
The Crosstalk between Prostate Cancer and Microbiota Inflammation: Nutraceutical Products Are Useful to Balance This Interplay?
Crocetto, F, Boccellino, M, Barone, B, Di Zazzo, E, Sciarra, A, Galasso, G, Settembre, G, Quagliuolo, L, Imbimbo, C, Boffo, S, et al
Nutrients. 2020;(9)
Abstract
The human microbiota shows pivotal roles in urologic health and disease. Emerging studies indicate that gut and urinary microbiomes can impact several urological diseases, both benignant and malignant, acting particularly on prostate inflammation and prostate cancer. Indeed, the microbiota exerts its influence on prostate cancer initiation and/or progression mechanisms through the regulation of chronic inflammation, apoptotic processes, cytokines, and hormonal production in response to different pathogenic noxae. Additionally, therapies' and drugs' responses are influenced in their efficacy and tolerability by microbiota composition. Due to this complex potential interconnection between prostate cancer and microbiota, exploration and understanding of the involved relationships is pivotal to evaluate a potential therapeutic application in clinical practice. Several natural compounds, moreover, seem to have relevant effects, directly or mediated by microbiota, on urologic health, posing the human microbiota at the crossroad between prostatic inflammation and prostate cancer development. Here, we aim to analyze the most recent evidence regarding the possible crosstalk between prostate, microbiome, and inflammation.