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Atherosclerosis (AS) is recognized as a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by the accumulation of lipids and inflammatory cells within the damaged walls of arterial vessels. It is a significant independent risk factor for ischemic cardiovascular disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Despite the availability of current treatments such as statins, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, and lifestyle modifications for prevention, AS remains a leading cause of morbidity and economic burden worldwide. Thus, there is a pressing need for the development of new supplementary and alternative therapies or medications. Huangqin (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. [SBG]), a traditional Chinese medicine, exerts a significant immunomodulatory effect in AS prevention and treatment, with baicalin being identified as one of the primary active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine. Baicalin offers a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including the regulation of immune balance, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and improvement of lipid metabolism dysregulation. Consequently, it exerts beneficial effects in both AS onset and progression. This review provides an overview of the immunomodulatory properties and mechanisms by which baicalin aids in AS prevention and treatment, highlighting its potential as a clinical translational therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the characteristics and functions of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) after 10 passages (P10-hUC-MSC). Methods: Human umbilical cord was obtained from Xiamen Hongai Hospital (ethical lot number: HAXMMEC- 20201012-037-01), hUC-MSCs were isolated, collected, cultured and passaged, and P1-, P10- hUC-MSCs were collected. FCM was used to detect cell phenotypes. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining method and Annexin-V flow cytometry were adopted to detect end-stage cell senescence and apoptosis, respectively. Colchicine treatment was used to detect chromosomal stability. In vitro lipogenesis and osteogenesis induction assay was used to examine the ability of multidirectional differentiation of the cells. After co-culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at different ratios, the T-lymphocyte subsets and phenotypes were detected by FCM. Results: The phenotypes of P10-hUC-MSCs were similar to that of P1-hUC-MSCs, showing negative expression of CD45, CD34 and HLA-DR, but high positive expression rate (over 95%) of CD105 and CD90. Both groups of P1-hUC-MSCs and P10-hUC-MSCs showed positive β-galactosidase expression and early apoptotic characteristics, with no significant difference (P>0.05), and the cell chromosomes remained stable without transformation. Both P1- and P10-hUC-MSCs could be successfully induced and differentiated into adipocytes and osteoblasts in vitro without significant differences (P>0.05). When P10-hUC-MSCs and PBMCs were co-cultured in the ratio of 1:1, the proportion of CD4+/CD8+ T cells and CD4+ Treg cells, and PD-1 expression were all significantly upregulated ( all P<0.01). Conclusion: The long-term passaged P10-hUC-MSCs still maintain their biological characteristics and safety, and possess multi-differentiation and immunomodulatory ability, which provide preliminary experimental basis and guidance for maximizing its damage repair and prevention effects in radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma is refractory to therapy and presents a significant oncological challenge. Promising immunotherapies have not shown the promise observed in other aggressive cancers. The reasons for this include the highly immuno-suppressive tumour microenvironment controlled by the glioblastoma cells and heterogeneous phenotype of the glioblastoma cells. Here, we wanted to better understand which glioblastoma phenotypes produced the regulatory cytokines, particularly those that are implicated in shaping the immune microenvironment. In this study, we employed nanoString analysis of the glioblastoma transcriptome, and proteomic analysis (proteome profiler arrays and cytokine profiling) of secreted cytokines by different glioblastoma phenotypes. These phenotypes were cultured to reflect a spectrum of glioblastoma cells present in tumours, by culturing an enhanced stem-like phenotype of glioblastoma cells or a more differentiated phenotype following culture with serum. Extensive secretome profiling reveals that there is considerable heterogeneity in secretion patterns between serum-derived and glioblastoma stem-like cells, as well as between individuals. Generally, however, the serum-derived phenotypes appear to be the primary producers of cytokines associated with immune cell recruitment into the tumour microenvironment. Therefore, these glioblastoma cells have considerable importance in shaping the immune landscape in glioblastoma and represent a valuable therapeutic target that should not be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD), characterized by severe pruritus, immune imbalance, and skin barrier dysfunction, has a high incidence worldwide. Recent evidence has shown that the modulation of gut microbiota is crucial for alleviating clinical symptoms of AD. Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPS) have been demonstrated to have a variety of biological activities such as immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. However, their effects on AD treatment have never been investigated. In this study, we compared the therapeutic effects of topical or oral administration of TFPS on AD in dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD mice. Both topical application and oral administration of TFPS led to improvement on transdermal water loss, epidermal thickening, and ear edema in AD mice, but the oral administration showed significantly better efficacy than the topical application. The TFPS treatment increased the proportion of CD4 (+) CD25 (+) Foxp3 (+) regulatory T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. Additionally, the non-targeted metabolomics and sequencing of 16S rDNA amplicons were performed, revealing metabolite modulation in feces and changed composition of gut microbiota in mice, which were induced for AD-like disorder and treated by oral administration of TFPS. Collectively, these data suggest that the oral administration of TFPS may constitute a novel effective therapy for AD, with underlying mechanisms associated with the regulation of immune response, and improvement of both metabolism and the composition of intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has spread quickly all over the world. Apparently, the uncontrolled increases in the inflammatory and the immune processes are its major pathologies. Therefore, the use of natural plants containing antioxidant factors for the regulation of the immune system can be useful for the inflicted patients. Many epidemic diseases have occurred throughout human history. Persian physicians such as Avicenna offered solutions to these epidemics that were helpful in controlling these diseases. Objective: In this study, we introduce the herbs according to traditional Persian medicine’s point of view that confirm their having antitussive, antipyretic, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Methods: In this regard, a thorough search was done on the detoxifier and immuno-modulatory plants in the Persian medicine books such as Makhzan-ol Advieh” and “Tohfat ol momenin” and “Qanun fi al tib”. Then, the herbs that were effective in fever and pulmonary diseases were browsed and arranged, and their pharmacological properties were also searched in the scientific databases. Results: This study examined the antipyretic, antitussive and immune-enhancing properties of the plants cited in Persian medicine books and showed that plants such as orange, sweat lemon, citron, myrtle and lavender have antipyretic, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Conclusion: It seems that the introduced plants could be potential candidates for animal studies and clinical trials. However, more studies are needed to prove their specific effectiveness.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection represents a huge burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Vachellia nilotica (V. nilotica) is a widely used plant specie in folk medicine for viral diseases and in some communities for HCV infection. However, little is known regarding its role and possible mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of this viral infection. This review presents ethno-pharmacological, in vitro and in vivo shreds of evidence of the role and underlying mode of action of V. nilotica and its implication in treatment and complication management of HCV infection. PubMed, Library of Congress, SCOPUS, Science Direct and Google scholar databases were searched. Twenty-eight articles of which 15 were in vitro while remaining were in vivo studies were reviewed. V. nilotica's modes of antiviral activity are direct inactivation of HCV and inhibition of HCV NS3 protease. Its immuno-modulatory activity showed by immune cell proliferation and inhibition of immunosuppressive cytokine. V. nilotica's anticancer activity through inhibition of oxidative stress, inhibition of chromosomal aberrations and enhancement of antioxidant enzymes could be beneficial in treating HCV infection and delaying its progression to cancer. It can be inferred that V. nilotica could be a promising source of anti-hepatitis C virus drug leads with the ability to prevent its long-term sequelae while promoting immune competence. Further studies are needed to explore the applicability of the herb to clinical settings.

Background: Asthma is chronic airway inflammatory disorder hallmarked with altered tracheo-bronchial response. WHO estimated three hundred million people suffer from Asthma all over the world and several medicines are available. In Ayurveda, the ancient system of Medicinal Science, this condition is well narrated and treatment offered is Dushivishari Agada (DVA) in powdered form. Methodology: In this study we evaluated the effect of DVA in allergic asthma by experimentally inducing it in wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups. Normal group (G I) was given orally normal saline for sensitization. In three experimental groups (G II, G III, G IV), asthma was induced by sensitizing with intra-peritoneal Ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminium hydroxide and after 15 days they were challenged with OVA-PBS (Phosphate buffer solution) aerosols for 8 consecutive days. Animals in G II served as asthma control while G III and IV received DVA (250 mg) and Dexamethasone DXM (10 mg/kg) respectively. In blood total and differential count, absolute eosinophil count (AEC), Serum IgE was done. Cellular count was done in Broncho-alveloar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs underwent histological analysis. Results: DVA significantly reduced serum IgE (3.33 ± 1.08), AEC (145 ± 81.27) and inflammatory cells in BALF when compared to G II [Serum IgE (14.17± 1.16) and AEC (379.2 ± 206.4)] and was in comparison with G IV [Serum IgE(4.017±0.68), AEC(50±38.73)] Conclusion: DVA has shown immune-modulatory effect by bringing down inflammation in allergic bronchial asthma.

The increased antibiotic resistance necessitates the need to explore alternative antimicrobials and also to safeguard human health. Since centuries, medicinal plants have been known for their pharmacological effect and are being used traditionally for the treatment of numerous ailments. Rhododendron arboreum is economically and medicinally a very important plant variety exhibiting therapeutic properties and found wide application in treatment of various disorders. In the present study, R. arboreum leaves collected from Himachal Pradesh, India were subjected to extraction in 80% methanol. The percent yield of the methanolic extract of the leaves was 18.4%. The extract was subjected to solvent–solvent extraction using hexane (RAH) and ethyl acetate (RAEa) solvents. The HPLC analysis indicated the presence of quercetin in RAH and RAEa and the concentration of quercetin in both the solvent extracts were estimated in the range of 0.3 ±1mg and 0.143 ±1.15mg quercetin g-1 respectively. The presence of quercetin makes the leaves of R.arboreum an an efficient antimicrobial herbal candidate with various nutraceutical and antimicrobial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma is chronic airway inflammatory disorder hallmarked with altered tracheo-bronchial response. WHO estimated three hundred million people suffer from Asthma all over the world and several medicines are available. In Ayurveda, the ancient system of Medicinal Science, this condition is well narrated and treatment offered is Dushivishari Agada (DVA) in powdered form. Methodology: In this study we evaluated the effect of DVA in allergic asthma by experimentally inducing it in wistar rats. Animals were divided into four groups. Normal group (G I) was given orally normal saline for sensitization. In three experimental groups (G II,G III,G IV), asthma was induced by sensitizing with intra-peritoneal Ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminium hydroxide and after 15 days they were challenged with OVA-PBS (Phosphate buffer solution) aerosols for 8 consecutive days. Animals in G II served as asthma control while G III and IV received DVA (250 mg) and Dexamethasone DXM (10mg/kg) respectively. In blood total and differential count, absolute eosinophil count (AEC), Serum IgE was done. Cellular count was done in Broncho-alveloar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs underwent histological analysis. Results: DVA significantly reduced serum IgE (3.33 ± 1.08), AEC (145 ± 81.27) and inflammatory cells in BALF when compared to G II [Serum IgE (14.17± 1.16) and AEC (379.2 ± 206.4)] and was in comparison with G IV [Serum IgE (4.017± 0.68), AEC (50 ± 38.73)] Conclusion: DVA has shown immune-modulatory effect by bringing down inflammation in allergic bronchial asthma.

Abstract The study was carried out to evaluate the influence of probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum (NCDC 012), Lactobacillus casei (NCDC 297), and Lactobacillus brevis (NCDC 021)) on anti-proliferative, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory activities of kalari cheese. Effect of these probiotics on cheese microstructure, structure, and thermal properties was also studied. The anti-proliferative activity of probiotic cheese water-soluble extract (WSE) was significantly higher against human breast cancer cells, colon cancer cells, neuroblastoma and transformed human embryonic kidney cells compared to cheese without added probiotics. Anti-microbial, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition activity and immuno-modulatory activity also increased by incorporating probiotics to Kalari. Attenuated transform reflectance- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectrum of water-soluble extract (WSE) of probiotic cheese showed new regions between 3000 and 2800 cm−1 and 1400-1200 cm−1. Decrease in onset, peak and endset temperature was observed in WSE of probiotic cheese. Overall results demonstrated that addition of probiotics enhanced nutraceutical potential of Kalari and that might be attributed to the generation of bioactive peptides by the proteolytic activity of the probiotics. Highlights • Kalari cheese added with different probiotics strains was manufactured. • Addition of probiotics enhanced the antiproliferative activity of kalari cheese. • Antidiabetic, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity of the kalari cheese increased with addition of probiotics. • DSC and FTIR analysis confirms protein hydrolysis possibly by the proteases released by the added probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral Malaria (CM) is associated with the complex neurological syndrome, whose pathology is mediated by severe inflammatory processes following infection with Plasmodium falciparum. Coenzyme-Q 10 (Co-Q 10) is a potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic agent with numerous clinical applications. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of oral administration of Co-Q 10 on the initiation or regulation of inflammatory immune response during experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). For this purpose, the pre-clinical effect of Co-Q 10 was evaluated in C57BL/6 J mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA). Treatment with Co-Q 10 resulted in the reduction of infiltrating parasite load, greatly improved the survival rate of PbA-infected mice that occurred independent of parasitaemia and prevented PbA-induced disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Exposure to Co-Q 10 resulted in the reduction of infiltration of effector CD8 + T cells in the brain and secretion of cytolytic Granzyme B molecules. Notably, Co-Q 10 -treated mice had reduced levels of CD8 +T cell chemokines CXCR3, CCR2, and CCR5 in the brain following PbA-infection. Brain tissue analysis showed a reduction in the levels of inflammatory mediators TNF- α, CCL3, and RANTES in Co-Q 10 administered mice. In addition, Co-Q 10 modulated the differentiation and maturation of both splenic and brain dendritic cells and cross-presentation (CD8α+DCs) during ECM. Remarkably, Co-Q 10 was very effective in decreasing levels of CD86, MHC-II, and CD40 in macrophages associated with ECM pathology. Exposure to Co-Q 10 resulted in increased expression levels of Arginase-1 and Ym1/chitinase 3–like 3, which is linked to ECM protection. Furthermore, Co-Q 10 supplementation prevented PbA-induced depletion of Arginase and CD206 mannose receptor levels. Co-Q 10 abrogated PbA-driven elevation in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-6 levels. In conclusion, the oral supplementation with Co-Q 10 decelerates the occurrence of ECM by preventing lethal inflammatory immune responses and dampening genes associated with inflammation and immune-pathology during ECM, and offers an inimitable opening for developing an anti-inflammatory agent against cerebral malaria. [Display omitted] • Treatment with Co-Q10 greatly improved the survival rate during experimental cerebral malaria. • Co-Q10 supplementation abrogated levels of CD86, MHC-II, and CD40 in macrophages associated with ECM pathology. • Co-Q10 decreases levels of inflammatory mediators TNF- α, CCL3, and RANTES during ECM. • Co-Q10 resulted in the reduction of infiltration of CD8 + T cells in the brain and impairment of Granzyme B secretion. • Co-Q10 supplementation prevented PbA-induced depletion of Arginase and CD206 mannose receptor levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, the effect of dietary supplementation of thiamine and pyridoxine loaded vanillic acid-grafted chitosan microspheres (TPVGC) on growth, metabolic and immune responses in Wistar strain albino rats was studied. Eight experimental groups, namely four groups each for male and female rats were fed with 0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6% of TPVGC in the diet. At the end of 45 days feeding trials, both male and female rats supplemented with TPVGC had higher weight gain% and specific growth rate than the control groups. Significantly (p < 0.05) lower blood glucose level and higher respiratory burst activity were recorded in the treatment groups than the control groups of both male and female rats. Activity of metabolic enzymes (aspartate amino transferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase) and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the control groups and a decreasing trend in the same was observed with a gradual increase in the inclusion level of TPVGC in the diet of the treatment groups. However, a reverse trend was observed for acetylcholine esterase. It was inferred that dietary supplementation of thiamine and pyridoxine loaded vanillic acid-grafted chitosan enhanced the growth performance, metabolic and immune responses in the animal-model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high rate of tumor recurrence and metastasis, resulting in shortened survival time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the synergistic anti-tumor effects and underlying mechanism of κ-selenocarrageenan (KSC) in combination with the chemotherapy drug epirubicin (EPI) in H22 tumor-bearing mice. Methods Hepatocellular carcinoma H22 cells were implanted into mice. After the transplants were successfully established, the animals were divided into four groups: namely the control group, the KSC group, the EPI group and the KSC + EPI group. The effects of KSC and EPI on tumor growth, survival time, thymus index, spleen index, white blood cells (WBC), splenocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell activity, serum TNF-α and IL-2 levels, and antioxidant enzymes in the liver cells were determined. Results KSC and/or EPI significantly reduced tumor weight and prolonged the survival time. Furthermore, KSC could attenuate EPI-induced atrophy in the thymus and spleen, as well as other toxicities, which may indicate an additive effect of this combination against organ dysfunction and cellular injury. KSC significantly promoted Con A- and LPS-stimulated splenocyte proliferation, enhanced NK cell activity, and reversed the inhibition of NK activity induced by EPI ( P < 0.01). In addition, KSC could elevate serum TNF-α and IL-2 levels, increase the GSH-Px, SOD, CAT and GSH activity levels in liver tissue, and reduce MDA content. Conclusions These results suggest that KSC can regulate immune function in mice and suppress the growth of tumor in H22 tumor-bearing mice, and its synergistic antitumor activity with epirubicin may be related to its antioxidant and immuno-modulatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ContextFibrates were reported to have anti-inflammatory effects while the naturally occurring polyphenol resveratrol was traditionally known as a potent antioxidant agent. ObjectiveThe effects of fenofibrate and resveratrol were investigated on complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult female albino rats. Materials and methodsRats were divided into a normal control group, an arthritis control group receiving CFA, two reference treatment groups receiving dexamesathone (1.5 mg/kg/day) and methotrexate (1 mg/kg/day), and two treatment groups receiving fenofibrate (100 mg/kg/day) and resveratrol (10 mg/kg/day) for seven consecutive days. Assessment of RA was performed by measuring serum rheumatoid factor (RF), matrix metalloprotinease-3 (MMP-3) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) as specific rheumatoid biomarkers, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and antinuclear antibody (ANA) as immunological biomarkers, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) as immunomodulatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as inflammatory biomarkers and malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) as oxidative stress biomarkers, supported by a histopathological study on joints and spleens. ResultsSerum RF, MMP-3, COMP, IgG, ANA, TNF-α, MPO, CRP and MDA were decreased to about 36, 56, 66, 65, 9, 35, 24, 44 and 31% by fenofibrate, and to about 37, 59, 44, 70, 5, 30, 23, 33 and 28% by resveratrol treatments, respectively. Alternatively, serum IL-10 and GSH were significantly increased to about 215 and 251% by fenofibrate and to about 225 and 273% by resveratrol treatments, respectively. Discussion and conclusionFenofibrate and resveratrol protect against RA, possibly through their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Chuan-xiong ( Ligusticum wallichii ) is a traditional herbal medicine in Eastern Asia, but the effect of its active component ligustrazine remains unclear. We explored its effect and possible mechanism in a well-characterized rat model of allergic asthma. Ligustrazine suppressed bronchial hyper-responsiveness to methacholine, and suppressed lung inflammation in asthmatic rats. Ligustrazine exhibited potent immuno-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects: it suppressed lymphocyte and eosinophil mobilization, and reduced cytokine IL-5 and IL-13 production significantly in lung tissues from asthmatic rats (P < 0.05). Further histological examinations clearly demonstrated that ligustrazine improved blood circulation and ameliorated platelet activation, aggregation and adhesion, which induced sustained infiltration and activation of various inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes and eosinophils, followed by synthesis and release of a variety of pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines. The present study suggests that ligustrazine is a potent agent for the treatment of allergic asthma due to its strong anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 160 one-day-old broiler chicks were used to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of an inactivated Eimeria tenella vaccine and a live polyvalent imported antiococcidial vaccine (Coccivac). This study indicated that both of these vaccines did not adversely affect the development of serum antibody against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and the chicks vaccinated with either of the anticoccidial vaccines resisted the virulent NDV challenge. A study of the lymphoid organs such as bursa of fabricuis: thymus and spleen from the experimental chicks indicated that those organs were comparable with those from the chicks not vaccinated with these coccidial vaccines. The overall findings of this study indicate that anticoccidial vaccines do not have any effects on the immune functions of the vaccinates. In fact these vaccines prevented the occurrence of clinical coccidiosis in the vaccinates.

The various plant parts (stem, leaf, bark, fruit and sap) extract of Ficus benghalensis had been known for their anathematic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, antidiabetic, immuno-modulatory and antimicrobial activity for ancient time. These plant part extracts are used in various ayurvedic medicines to treat diarrhea, dysentery and piles, teeth disorders, rheumatism, skin disorders like sores and to boost immune system. The present study was focused on the prop root extracts (hydro & ethanolic) of F. benghalensis against the pure bacterial strains of human oral cavity which inhibits gingival and supragingival diseases and was also analyzed for the bioactive phytochemicals compounds. The qualitative analysis of the F. benghalensis prop roots crude hydroextract revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, steroids and reducing sugars while ethanolic extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, and glycosides additionally. The Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (LCMS) showed presence of α- ethyl-α-phenyl glutarimide, 1, 2- Dihexanoyl-sn- Glycero-3-Phosphocholine, Antimony trisulfide, 2, 2, 2-trichloroethanol, Antimony trioxide at retention time of 1.586 min., 12.377 min.,13.646 min., 14.376 min., and 22.185 min respectively in crude hydroextract of prop roots of F. benghalensis. The Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) product as bioactive compound was identified as 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid. The antibacterial activity of crude hydroextract were also determined and found the encouraging results against bacterial strain Streptococcus sp. (8 mm zone of inhibition), Lactobacillus sp. (9 mm), Actinobacillus sp. (7 mm), Fusobacterium sp. (9 mm) but TLC separated product (2- chloroethyl phosphonic acid) showed antibacterial activity only against Lactobacillus sp. as 17 mm zone of inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Essential oils are gaining increasing interest for their antimicrobial and antiviral properties, as well as for their preventive and therapeutic actions against many human pathologies. Herein, we present an overview on new discoveries in essential oil research, discussing antimicrobial activity, as well as immunomodulatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic and anti-tumoural properties. In addition, we emphasize recent advances in the identification of bioactive components and understanding of their mechanism of action. We discuss their molecular diversity and wide spectrum of activity as well as their structure-activity relationships and capability of targeting paradoxical responses triggered by different genes and pathways. Finally, we emphasize the effort required to isolate and identify the bioactive components of essential oils and to determine their cytotoxicity as their specificity. Thus, new approaches to specifically address bioactive components to selected targets could enhance the latter property in order to accommodate any cytotoxicity towards dysfunctioning loci. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence suggests that the inflammatory events in the acute phase of spinal cord injury (SCI) exacerbate the initial trauma to the cord leading to poor functional recovery. As a result, minimizing the detrimental aspects of the inflammatory response after SCI is a promising treatment strategy. In this regard, immunoglobulin G (IgG) from pooled human serum is a promising treatment candidate. Due to its putative, though poorly characterized immuno-modulatory effects, IgG has been used clinically to treat neuroinflammatory disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, but its effects in neurotrauma remain largely unexplored. Methods: This study examines the potential neuroprotective effects of IgG in a well-characterized cervical model of SCI. Female Wistar rats were subject to moderate-severe clip compression injury at the C7-T1 level. IgG (0.4 g/kg) or saline was injected intravenously to randomly selected animals at 15 min post SCI. At several time points post SCI, biochemical assays, histology and immunohistochemistry analyses, and neurobehavioral assessments were used to examine the neuroprotective effects of IgG at the molecular, cellular, and neurobehavioral levels. Results: We found that intravenous treatment of IgG following acute clip-compression SCI at C7-T1 significantly reduced two important inflammatory cytokines: interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. This early reduction in pro-inflammatory signaling was associated with significant reductions in neutrophils in the spinal cord and reductions in the expression of myeloperoxidase and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the injured spinal cord at 24 h after SCI. These beneficial effects of IgG were associated with enhanced tissue preservation, improved neurobehavioral recovery as measured by the BBB and inclined plane tests, and enhanced electrophysiological evidence of central axonal conduction as determined by motor-evoked potentials. Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate that IgG is a novel immuno-modulatory therapy which shows promise as a potential treatment for SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The medicinal qualities of pineapple are recognized in many traditions in South America, China and Southeast Asia. These qualities are attributed to bromelain, a 95%-mixture of proteases. Medicinal qualities of bromelain include anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, fibrinolytic and anti-cancer functions. Existing evidence derived from clinical observations as well as from mouse- and cell-based models suggests that bromelain acts systemically, affecting multiple cellular and molecular targets. In recent years, studies have shown that bromelain has the capacity to modulate key pathways that support malignancy. It is now possible to suggest that the anti-cancer activity of bromelain consists in the direct impact on cancer cells and their micro-environment, as well as in the modulation of immune, inflammatory and haemostatic systems. This review will summarize existing data relevant to bromelain’s anti-cancer activity and will suggest mechanisms which account for bromelain’s effect, in the light of research involving non-cancer models. The review will also identify specific new research questions that will need to be addressed in order for a full assessment of bromelain-based anti-cancer therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Garlic ( Allium sativum L.) is an important and widely cultivated plant with both culinary and medicinal uses stemming from its biological activities, which include antibiotic, anticancer, anti-thrombotic, and lipid-lowering cardiovascular effects. Though such medicinal use of garlic existed for centuries, there was little scientific support for its therapeutic and pharmacological properties. However, there has been a recent upsurge of research on garlic aiming to understand its exact mechanism of action in each case so that garlic and its products may have more judicious future applications. Since garlic is vegetatively propagated, its improvement for desired traits through conventional means is difficult. The intervention of biotechnological methods such as tissue culture and gene transfer protocols developed recently hold great promise for improving this crop. Due to new innovations in instrumentation and processing technologies coupled with more judicious experimental models, better products are foreseen in the market. The objective of this article was to review the recent developments made towards understanding the mechanism by which garlic imparts different therapeutic effects as well as to review what biotechnology can offer to improve this crop and its products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Lactobacillus is a direct fed microbial which helps to protect organisms against pathogens by discouraging their colonization in intestine. This project had been designed to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus in broiler chicken experimentally infected with S. gallinarum. A total of 100 day old chicks divided into 4 equal groups (A, B, C and D), each containing 25 birds were used. Birds of groups B and D were infected with S. gallinarum orally at day 19th of age. Group A was kept as control negative and group C and D were supplemented with Lactobacillus. Disease combat efficiency in each group was determined by monitoring weight gains, morbidity and mortality rates, immune parameters and histopathological findings. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was used to compare results by using MSTAT C statistical software. The results revealed that morbidity and mortality rates were more in Group B and significantly low in group C (Lactobacillus supplemented) and D (Treatment group). The antibody response was found to be highest in group C followed by group D. Body weight gains and relative organ weight gains were also higher in treated groups with maximum in the group C followed by group D. Histopathology studies revealed that treated groups showed less lesions and untreated infected group showed all classical lesions of the disease. The study concluded that Lactobacillus can be very efficient as probiotic for prophylactic immune-stimulation to replace antibiotics being used irrationally as prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food-derived bioactive peptides are reported as beneficial and safe for human health. Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is a milk-protein-derived peptide that, in addition to its nutritional value, retains many biological properties and has therapeutic effects in several inflammatory disorders. GMP was shown under in vitro and in vivo conditions to exert a number of activities that regulate the physiology of important body systems, namely the gastrointestinal, endocrine, and immune systems. This review represents a comprehensive compilation summarizing the current knowledge and updated information on the major biological properties associated with GMP. GMP bioactivity is addressed with special attention on mechanisms of action, signaling pathways involved, and structural characteristics implicated. In addition, the results of various studies dealing with the effects of GMP on models of inflammatory diseases are reviewed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]