Search Results (6,254)

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physical function and an increased risk of age-related chronic diseases. Additionally, oxidative stress is known to cause severe tissue damage and inflammation. Pollens from acorn and darae are extensively produced in Korea. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these components under the conditions of inflammation and oxidative stress remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bee pollen components on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. This study demonstrates that acorn and darae significantly inhibit the LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), in RAW 264.7 cells. Specifically, bee pollen from acorn reduces NO production by 69.23 ± 0.04% and PGE2 production by 44.16 ± 0.08%, while bee pollen from darae decreases NO production by 78.21 ± 0.06% and PGE2 production by 66.23 ± 0.1%. Furthermore, bee pollen from acorn and darae reduced active oxygen species (ROS) production by 47.01 ± 0.5% and 60 ± 0.9%, respectively. It increased the nuclear potential of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, treatment with acorn and darae abolished the nuclear potential of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and reduced the expression of extracellular signal-associated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Specifically, acorn decreased NF-κB nuclear potential by 90.01 ± 0.3%, ERK phosphorylation by 76.19 ± 1.1%, and JNK phosphorylation by 57.14 ± 1.2%. Similarly, darae reduced NF-κB nuclear potential by 92.21 ± 0.5%, ERK phosphorylation by 61.11 ± 0.8%, and JNK phosphorylation by 59.72 ± 1.12%. These results suggest that acorn and darae could be potential antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Full article

Knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the systemic inflammation observed in psoriasis remains incomplete. In this study, we applied mass spectrometry-based proteomics to compare the plasma protein levels between patients with psoriasis and healthy individuals, aiming to unveil potential systemically dysregulated proteins and pathways associated with the disease. Plasma samples from adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis vulgaris (N = 59) and healthy age- and sex-matched individuals (N = 21) were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Patients did not receive systemic anti-psoriatic treatment for four weeks before inclusion. A total of 776 protein groups were quantified. Of these, 691 were present in at least 60% of the samples, providing the basis for the downstream analysis. We identified 20 upregulated and 22 downregulated proteins in patients with psoriasis compared to controls (p < 0.05). Multiple proteins from the complement system were upregulated, including C2, C4b, C5, and C9, and pathway analysis revealed enrichment of proteins involved in complement activation and formation of the terminal complement complex. On the other end of the spectrum, periostin was the most downregulated protein in sera from patients with psoriasis. This comprehensive proteomic investigation revealed significantly elevated levels of complement cascade proteins in psoriatic plasma, which might contribute to increased systemic inflammation in patients with psoriasis. Full article

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the frequency of topical immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapies in patients with ocular chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in consideration of inflammatory activity and systemic immunosuppressive therapies in a tertiary care university hospital setting. Methods: We included 95 adult patients (48 male, 47 female) with ocular chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after alloHSCT (median age 49.5 years). Clinical ophthalmological findings and the grade of ocular cGVHD according to the NIH eye score and the German–Austrian–Swiss Consensus (GAS) Grading were analyzed. Systemic GVHD manifestations as well as the prevalence of topical and systemic (immunomodulatory) therapies were assessed. Results: A total of 74 of 95 patients (77.8%) had manifestations of systemic chronic graft-versus-host disease other than ocular GVHD. 68.42% (65/95) of patients were under systemic immunosuppressive therapy with at least one immunosuppressive medication. All patients (95/95) received lid-margin hygiene and phosphate- and preservative-free lubricating eye drops. Twenty-five percent of the cohort (24/95) were treated with autologous serum eye drops (ASEDs). In total, 80% (76/95) of patients required topical steroid therapy to treat acute exacerbation of inflammation at least once; continuous topical steroid therapy was only necessary for a minor part (12%) with refractory chronic inflammation. A total of 92.63% (88/95) were primarily treated with ciclosporin A 0.1% as Ikervis^®, of whom at least one third did not continue the therapy because of intolerable side effects during follow-up and received alternative topical formulations. Conclusions: Our data show that patients with ocular cGVHD mostly need topical therapy including anti-inflammatory agents despite systemic immunosuppressive therapy. In our cohort, 80% of patients received topical steroids, and more than 90% received topical ciclosporin A eye drops, which were tolerated by only two thirds of patients due to side effects. Full article

In recent decades, there has been a rising demand for anti-aging interventions aimed at postponing or potentially reversing indicators of skin aging. The use of collagen-based nutraceutical supplements has gained popularity as they have shown promise in enhancing skin health and reducing signs of aging. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study was to investigate the effects of 2.5 g COLLinstant^® LMW, a novel cosmeceutical containing low-molecular-weight (≤1000 Da) collagen peptides, on skin aging and health. The trial was conducted with 80 healthy women aged 30 years and older. They received a daily oral dose of either the food supplement (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40) for six weeks. Skin assessment was performed based on validated objective methods, such as Visioface 1000D (skin wrinkling), cutometry (elasticity and fatigue), and corneometry (skin hydration) at baseline (T0) and at week 6 (T6). After 6 weeks, participants that received collagen had significant improvements in biometric skin wrinkle parameters from baseline, with a reduction in volume by 46%, in area by 44%, and in depth by 9%, along with a greater increase in skin moisturization (by 34%) than those in the placebo group (p < 0.001). The food supplement did not significantly modify skin firmness or fatigue and had only slight beneficial effects on skin elasticity. The investigational product was well tolerated. The observed effects aligned closely with the subjective assessments reported by study participants. The study provides substantiated evidence supporting the efficacy of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides in restoring altered skin biometric parameters, as objectively assessed. Thus, regular supplementation with this nutraceutical may contribute to achieving smoother and more radiant skin. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stimulated capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic sensory nerves release somatostatin (SST), which has systemic anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, correlating with the severity of tissue injury. Previous studies suggest that SST release into the systemic circulation is likely to serve as a protective mechanism during thoracic and orthopedic surgeries, scoliosis operations, and septic conditions, all involving significant tissue damage, pain, and inflammation. In a severe systemic inflammation rat model, SST released from sensory nerves into the bloodstream enhanced innate defense, reducing mortality. Inflammation is the key pathophysiological process responsible for the formation, progression, instability, and healing of atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: We measured SST-like immunoreactivity (SST-LI) in the plasma of healthy volunteers in different age groups and also that of stable angina patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) using ELISA and tracked changes during invasive coronary interventions (coronarography) with and without stent implantation. Samples were collected at (1) pre-intervention, (2) after coronarography, (3) 2 h after coronarography initiation and coronary stent placement, and (4) the next morning. Results: There was a strong negative correlation between SST-LI concentrations and age; the plasma SST-LI of older healthy volunteers (47–73 years) was significantly lower than in young ones (24–27 years). Baseline SST-LI in CHD patients who needed stents was significantly reduced compared to those not requiring stents. Plasma SST-LI significantly increased two hours post stent insertion and the next morning compared to pre-intervention levels. Conclusions: Age-related SST decrease might be a consequence of lower gene expression within specific hypo-thalamic nuclei as has been previously demonstrated in rodent animals. Reperfusion of ischemic myocardium post-stent implantation may trigger SST release, potentially offering protective benefits in coronary heart disease. Investigating this SST-mediated mechanism could offer valuable insights for future therapies. Full article

Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) are an important source of ellagitannins. They have been linked to positive effects on many pathologies, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative syndromes, and cancer. The limited bioavailability of ellagitannins prevents them from reaching significant circulatory levels, despite their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive properties. Urolithins are ellagitannin gut microbiota-derived metabolites. They have better intestinal absorption and may be responsible for the biological activities of ellagitannins. Recent evidence showed that walnut ellagitannins and their metabolites, urolithins, could have positive outcomes for human health. This study aims to synthesize the current literature on the antioxidant activity and mechanistic pathways involved in the therapeutic potential of walnut ellagitannins and their metabolites. In the eligible selected studies (n = 31), glansreginin A, pedunculagin, and casuarictin were the most prevalent ellagitannins in walnuts. A total of 15 urolithins, their glucuronides, and sulfate metabolites have been identified in urine, blood, feces, breast milk, and prostate tissue in analyzed samples. Urolithins A and B were associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, and anti-aging activities, both in preclinical and clinical studies. Despite the promising results, further well-designed studies are necessary to fully elucidate the mechanisms and confirm the therapeutic potential of these compounds in human health. Full article

Probiotics are living microbes that provide benefits to the host. The growing data on health promotion, following probiotics administration, increased interest among researchers and pharmaceutical companies. Infections of the lower genital tract in females, caused by a wide range of pathogens, represent one of the main areas for the use of probiotics and postbiotics. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) affects 75% of women of reproductive age at least once during their lifetime, with 5–8% developing the recurrent form (RVVC). The disease is triggered by the overgrowth of Candida on the vaginal mucosa. Here, in order to establish its probiotic potential in the context of VVC, we evaluated the anti-fungal effects of the spore-producing Bacillus coagulans LMG S-24828 against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis as well as its beneficial effects in counteracting Candida vaginal infection in vitro. Our results show that both live B. coagulans and its Cell-Free Supernatant (CFS) exerted antifungal activity against both fungi. Moreover, live B. coagulans reduced hyphal formation, inhibited C. albicans adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells, showed co-aggregation capacity, and exerted a protective effect on vaginal epithelial cells infected with C. albicans. These data suggest that B. coagulans LMG S-24828 may provide benefits in the context of Candida vaginal infections. Full article

Since 2012, universal single-dose HAV vaccination in children aged 3 years and older has been implemented in the Tyva Republic, a region of the Russian Federation. The aim of this prospective non-interventional observational single-center study was to determine the immunological and epidemiological effectiveness of single-dose vaccination against hepatitis A 9 to 11 years after its implementation. The anti-HAV IgG antibodies were determined in two independent cohorts of children who were vaccinated with a single dose of monovalent pediatric inactivated vaccine (HAVRIX^® 720 EU) in Tyva in 2012 and recruited 9 years (Year 9 Cohort) and 11 years (Year 11 Cohort) after immunization. The seroprotection rates defined as anti-HAV antibody concentrations ≥10 mIU/mL reached 99.4% (95% CI: 98.2–99.9% [501/504]) in the Year 9 Cohort, but decreased significantly to 75.4% (95% CI: 73.0–77.6% [1006/1335]) in the Year 11 Cohort (p < 0.0001). The anti-HAV geometric mean concentrations decreased from 1446.3 mIU/mL (95% CI: 1347.1–1545.4 mIU/mL) in the Year 9 Cohort to 282.6 mIU/mL (95% CI: 203.8–360.8, p < 0.0001) in the Year 11 Cohort. The HAV vaccination program resulted in zero rates of hepatitis A incidence in the Tyva Republic since 2016. However, the limited monitoring of HAV RNA in sewage and environmental samples demonstrated the ongoing circulation of both the regional epidemic strain of HAV genotype IA and another genotype IA strain imported recently from other parts of the Russian Federation, probably due to subclinical infections in non-vaccinated children under 3 years of age. Taken together, these data indicate the effectiveness of the single-dose HAV vaccination strategy but suggest the need to expand the vaccination program to include children aged 12 months and older to achieve maximum effectiveness. Full article

The tamarillo, or Solanum betaceum, recognized for its comprehensive nutritional profile, has long been valued for its diverse ethnobotanical uses. This study delves into the potential therapeutic applications of S. betaceum by analyzing its polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-skin aging activities against key enzymes like elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase, and its cytotoxic effects on oral carcinoma cells. Extracts from the seeds, pulp, and peel of red and yellow fruits were prepared using methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The highest TPC was found in the methanol extract from red fruit seeds (9.89 mg GAE/g), and the highest TFC was found in the methanol extract of yellow fruit peel (3.02 mg QUE/g). Some of these extracts significantly inhibited skin aging-associated enzymes with the red fruit seed extract (100 μg/mL) showing up to 50.4% inhibition of tyrosinase. Additionally, the red fruit seed extract obtained using methanol demonstrated potential anticancer effects against Ca9-22 oral carcinoma cells by inhibiting cell survival, migration, and proliferation as well as inducing apoptosis. These results underscore the potential of S. betaceum fruit extracts, especially from red fruit seeds, as promising agents for anti-skin aging and anticancer applications, meriting further exploration for therapeutic uses. Full article

Background/Objectives: This paper reviews three cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with giant retinal tear (GRT), focusing on surgical management and outcomes, and synthesizes the current literature on the subject. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed three cases of male patients diagnosed with RRD with GRT at our hospital from April 2022 to November 2023. The patients, aged 57, 66, and 60, underwent surgical interventions, with postoperative follow-up extending up to six months. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), endolaser photocoagulation, fluid–air exchange, and intravitreal gas injection (perfluoropropane (C3F8) 14%) in each case. Surgeries were performed within four days of the patients’ initial visits. Outcome measures included visual acuity improvement, intraocular pressure stabilization, and retinal reattachment rates. Complications in the patients were also evaluated. Results: The patient who had not previously undergone cataract surgery (Case 1) had it concurrently with the retinal surgery. Four months after the initial surgery, Case 3 developed a secondary epiretinal membrane (ERM) and subsequently underwent ERM removal surgery. Postoperative care involved the tailored use of anti-inflammatory medications and frequent monitoring to mitigate complications such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy, epiretinal membrane formation, and redetachment. Conclusions: While limited by the small sample size, this report underscores the potential benefits of prompt surgical intervention, meticulous postoperative care, and proactive management of complications in RRD with GRT. Insights from these cases, supported by multiple literature reviews, may inform treatment strategies and highlight areas for further research in larger, more diverse patient populations. Full article

Determining the number of cases of an epidemic is the first function of epidemiological surveillance. An important underreporting of cases was observed in many locations during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. To estimate this underreporting in the COVID-19 outbreak of Borriana (Valencia Community, Spain) in March 2020, a cross-sectional study was performed in June 2020 querying the public health register. Logistic regression models were used. Of a total of 468 symptomatic COVID-19 cases diagnosed in the outbreak through anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology, 36 cases were reported (7.7%), resulting in an underreporting proportion of 92.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.5–94.6%), with 13 unreported cases for every reported case. Only positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction cases were predominantly reported due to a limited testing capacity and following a national protocol. Significant factors associated with underreporting included no medical assistance for COVID-19 disease, with an adjusted odds ratio [aOR] of 10.83 (95% CI 2.49–47.11); no chronic illness, aOR = 2.81 (95% CI 1.28–6.17); middle and lower social classes, aOR = 3.12 (95% CI 1.42–6.85); younger age, aOR = 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–0.99); and a shorter duration of illness, aOR = 0.98 (95% CI 0.97–0.99). To improve the surveillance of future epidemics, new approaches are recommended. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects 50–70% of patients with dementia, making it the leading cause of dementia. The condition is classified as a neurodegenerative, progressive and incurable disease. The disease is affecting more and more people around the world. AD has a multifactorial nature, spreading from beta-amyloid deposition to inflammation in patients’ brains. Patients experience cognitive impairment and functional decline. Although it is a disease that occurs mainly in the elderly, it is increasingly being diagnosed in young people between the ages of 30 and 40. It not only affects the patient themself but also reduces the quality of life of their closest caregivers. According to the WHO, the treatment of AD consumes USD 1.3 trillion globally, but it is only symptomatic, as there are no drugs to prevent the onset of AD or treat the cause of its onset. Due to the numerous side effects of therapy and the lack of proactive drugs that act on the pathomechanism of AD, alternative therapies are being sought. One possible option that has many studies confirming its effect is phytotherapy. Many herbs have pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or neuroprotective effects, making them the future of cognitive disorders and AD treatment. This review focuses on some of the most promising herbs that have potentially potent properties and effects in AD therapy. These include Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Berberis and Crocus sativus. These herbs may perhaps be key in the future to make functioning and life easier for patients struggling with AD. Full article

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by disruptions of the small intestine. Factors such as viral and bacterial infections can trigger CD. Recently, the reactivation of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) has also been implicated, but little is known about their specific role in patients with celiac disease. Methods: The purpose of this study is to explore the humoral immune response mounted against epitopes derived from the envelope portion of three families of HERVs (HERV-K, HERV-H, and HERV-W) in CD patients. Reactivity against the HERV-K, HERV-H, and HERV-W env-su peptides was tested by indirect ELISAs in plasma of 40 patients with celiac disease and 41 age-matched healthy subjects (HCs). Results: HERV-K, HERV-H, and HERV-W env-su peptides triggered different antibody responses in CD patients compared to HCs, with a stronger reactivity (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Present results show, for the first time, that epitopes of HERV-K, HERV-H, and HERV-W are more recognized in patients with CD. Taking into consideration their proinflammatory and autoimmune features, this might suggest that HERVs may contribute to the development of CD or its exacerbation in genetically predisposed subjects. Finally, to elucidate the interplay between gut inflammation and HERVs during the inflammatory process, further studies are required. Those investigations should focus on the expression levels of HERVs and their relationship with the immune response, specifically examining anti-transglutaminase 2 (TG2) antibody levels under both gluten-free and gluten-containing dietary conditions. Full article

Camellia drupifera is an important woody oil plant in South China, renowned for its seed oil that is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and possesses significant antioxidant, anti-cancer, and immune-enhancing properties. The low fruit-setting rate of C. drupifera is influenced by multiple factors, including flowering stage climate, flowering habits, pollination biology, soil conditions, and self-incompatibility. Among these, large-scale pure forest plantations are the primary cause of the low fruit-setting rate. Although previous studies have explored the impact of self-incompatibility on fruit-setting in C. drupifera, research on the dynamic changes of endogenous substances during the flowering stage in pure forest environments remains limited. Research findings indicate that tannase activity is relatively high in the pistils of C. drupifera, creating a favorable environment for pollen tube growth. Plant hormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), cytokinin (CTK), gibberellin (GA), and ethylene (ETH) regulate the development and aging of floral organs through complex interactions. Specifically, high levels of IAA in the pistil promote pollen tube growth, while changes in ETH and ABA are closely related to the aging of floral organs. Under oxidative stress conditions, high levels of H₂O₂ in the pistil may contribute to self-incompatibility. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the floral organs during the flowering stage is significantly higher compared to peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), highlighting the critical role of SOD in regulating oxidative stress during this stage. This study provides new insights into the changes in endogenous substances in the floral organs of C. drupifera during the flowering stage. It offers theoretical references for understanding its sexual reproduction process and for the application of plant growth regulators to improve fruit setting. Full article

Purpose: While patients with cardiovascular comorbidities are at a higher risk for the occurrence of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), it is unclear whether adherence to medication results in risk reduction. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether nonadherence to medical therapy for cardiovascular morbidity correlates with a higher risk for NAION when compared to patients with strict adherence. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted among members of Clalit Health Services in Israel from 2001 to 2022. For each of the 757 NAION cases, three controls (totaling 2271 patients) were matched based on birth year and sex, with a propensity score analysis employed to adjust for a range of comorbidities. A patient was deemed nonadherent with medical treatment if their purchased quantity of medication was less than 60% of the prescribed annual dosage. Mixed models were used to evaluate exposure differences, and conditional logistic regression was applied, incorporating adjustments for socioeconomic status and ethnicity, to examine the impact of medication nonadherence on NAION risk. Results: A total of 3028 patients were included in the study; 757 patients with the diagnosis of NAION and 2271 in the matched control group. The average age of NAION patients was 69 ± 9 years and 55% were male. After adjustments for socioeconomic status and ethnicity, nonadherence to calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.71) and anti-arrhythmic (OR: 5.67, 95% CI: 1.89–21.2) medications emerged as significant risk factors. Similarly, nonadherence to cardioprotective medications (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.23–1.74) was also identified as a significant risk factor. Conclusions: Nonadherence to treatments for cardiovascular disease, specifically to medications known to improve prognosis, is associated with a higher risk for NAION. Full article