Action of topical thyroid hormone analogue, triiodothyroacetic acid in reversing glucocorticoid-induced skin atrophy in humans.

The present study concerns the effect of topical treatment with a cream formulation of triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) in comparison with a placebo preparation in producing a reversal of skin atrophy induced by long-term employment of topical glucocorticoid therapy in humans. A total of 39 patients with clinically verified skin atrophy due to long-term use of topical potent glucocorticoids were randomized. The changes in skin thickness, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid were evaluated by means of sonography and histology. After 8 weeks' treatment, the skin thickness measured by sonography increased by 16% in the epidermis, 8% in the dermis, and epidermis + dermis in the placebo group. In the TRIAC 0.1% group, the corresponding values were 24% ( p=0.063) in the epidermis, 28% ( p=0.042) in the dermis, and 25% ( p=0.039) in the epidermis + dermis. After 8 weeks, in the placebo group, the skin thickness measured by biopsy increased by 5% in the epidermis, epidermis + dermis, and 6% in the dermis. In the TRIAC 0.1% group, the corresponding values were 31% ( p=0.041) in the epidermis, 46% ( p=0.041) in the dermis and 44% ( p=0.043) in the epidermis + dermis. After 8 weeks, the elastic fibers of moderately irregular and thickened fibers increased by 56% in the placebo group and 100% ( p=0.043) in the TRIAC 0.1 group. This study indicates that topical treatment with TRIAC appears to reverse glucocorticoid-induced skin atrophy under the narrow conditions tested.     

Inhibitory effects of ethyl acetate extract of Teucrium polium on in vitro protein glycoxidation

Regarding the involvement of free radicals and oxidative reactions in protein glycoxidation processes, compounds with antioxidant activities have been tested in order to reduce or to stop glycoxidation. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant potential of several organic fractions of Teucrium polium extract using different model systems including total antioxidant capacity by the phosphomolybdenum method, ferric reducing antioxidant power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays, antioxidant activity in linoleic acid emulsion system and scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical. The results indicated that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of T. polium possesses the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Given the link between glycation and oxidation, we proposed that the EtOAc fraction might possess significant in vitro antiglycation activities as well. Our data confirmed the inhibitory effect of EtOAc fraction on bovine serum albumin (BSA) glycoxidation measured in terms of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and pentosidine formation as well as protein oxidation markers including protein carbonyl formation (PCO) and loss of protein thiols. Reducing sugars such as ribose and glucose increase fluorescence intensity of glycated BSA in terms of total AGEs and pentosidine during 21 day of exposure. Moreover, sugars cause more PCO formation and also oxidize thiol groups more in glycated than in native BSA. EtOAc extract at different concentrations (10–100 μg/ml) has significantly quenched the fluorescence intensity of glycated BSA. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of EtOAc extract in preventing oxidative protein damages including effect on PCO formation and thiol oxidation which are believe to form under the glycoxidation process. These results clearly demonstrate that, the EtOAc fraction, owning to its antioxidant content, is capable of suppressing the formation of AGEs and protein oxidation in vitro.     

Modulation of H2O2-induced mitogen-activated protein kinases activation and cell death in SK-N-MC cells by EUK134, a salen derivative

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the accumulation of senile plaques containing amyloid β (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in the brain. Oxidative stress has been proposed to mediate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. In that regard, we evaluated the ability of EUK134, a superoxide dismutase and catalase mimics, to protect human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-MC against H(2)O(2) -induced oxidative stress. Our data clearly indicated that cell death induced by H(2)O(2) was reversed by EUK134. Likewise, lipid peroxidation, caspase-3 activation and intracellular reactive oxygen species formation all returned to control levels following pre-treatments with EUK134. Elevated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) induced by H(2)O(2) in SK-N-MC cells was lowered by EUK134 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, EUK134 decreased expression of pro-apoptotic genes p53 and Bax and enhanced expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene. Taken together, these results suggest that EUK134 protects neuronal cells against H(2)O(2) toxicity by attenuating oxidative stress through inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation cascade.     

Chemosensitization of human leukemia K562 cells to taxol by a Vanadium-salen complex

Vanadium complexes are a heterogeneous class of compounds exhibiting interesting biological properties. Herein, we report the effect of a vanadium-salen complex (VO-salen) on proliferative behavior of K562 cell line. The results revealed that VO-salen at 6–32 μM inhibited K562 proliferation with no distinct alteration in cell morphology, extent of apoptosis and/or differentiation. Our results indicated that VO-salen complex has just a cytostatic effect and capable of arresting the affected cells in G2/M phase of cell cycle. In addition, we evaluated the combined effects of VO-salen complex and taxol. The cell cycle analyses showed that VO-salen complex enhanced taxol-induced G2/M arrest and also increased taxol-induced apoptosis through a decrease in the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax which might account for the decrease in the apoptosis threshold among the affected cells. These findings support that combination of VO-salen, as a chemosensitizer, and taxol might constitute an affective new strategy for leukemia therapy.     

Teucrium polium in prevention of steatohepatitis in rats

Background: In this study, we tried to evaluate whether the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of Teucrium polium, with a high antioxidant activity, is able to prevent the incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Methods: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was induced in male N‐Mary rats using a methionine/choline‐deficient (MCD) diet. Rats were given normal diet (A), normal diet+EtOAc extract (B), MCD diet (C) and MCD diet+EtOAc (D). Results: The MCD diet led to grade 1 liver steatosis, inflammation and ballooning degeneration. In group D, these factors abated to grade 0 in 80% of the rats. In groups receiving the EtOAc extract, lipoprotein profiles had significantly improved relative to those not receiving the extract. Also, a dramatic reduction was observed in the sera alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminoteransferase activities. The activities of the liver superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes were also enhanced. Conclusion: The EtOAc extract could reverse the adverse effects of the MCD diet.     

The Factors Affecting Bone Density in Cirrhosis

Background:

Bone loss is common in cirrhosis. However, the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis has been heterogeneous in different reports. Reduction in bone formation with or without increase in bone resorption appears to be responsible for bone loss in these patients.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate bone loss in patients with cirrhosis at different anatomical sites and key factors that might affect it.

Patients and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 97 patients with cirrhosis who were referred to Razi Hospital, Rasht, Iran, from 2008 to 2010, were studied. Cirrhosis was diagnosed using biopsy and/or clinical and paraclinical findings. Bone mineral densitometry was done in L2 through L4 lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN), using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) (QDR 1000, Hologic DEXA Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts, the United States). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 97 patients with cirrhosis (55.7% male) and the mean age of 51 ± 13 years and median body mass index (BMI) of 22.7 kg/m² were recruited over a two-year period. Etiologies of cirrhosis were hepatitis C (40.2%), hepatitis B (26.8%), cryptogenic (21.6%), and other causes (11.4%). Child A, B, and C, were seen in 16.5%, 47.4%, and 36.1% of patients, respectively. The DEXA results were abnormal in 78.4% of our participants (osteopenia, 45.4%; osteoporosis, 33%). BMI and calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFRc) had moderate positive and Child score had moderate negative significant correlation with T score in both anatomical sites. There was no significant association between abnormal DEXA and the causes of cirrhosis. The univariate analysis showed that the risk of abnormal results in DEXA was significantly higher in those with low BMI, current smoking, higher Child score, and low GFRc; however, in multivariate analysis, the abnormal results were more frequent in those with lower vitamin D, higher Child score, and less GFRc.

Conclusions:

Abnormal DEXA was highly prevalent among patients with cirrhosis. The risk of this finding was increased by lower vitamin D levels, advanced disease, and impaired renal function.     

Experimental diabetes treated with Achillea santolina: effect on pancreatic oxidative parameters

Oxidative stress is produced under diabetic condition and is likely involved in progression of pancreatic damage found in diabetes. In the present study, we examined possible protective effect of Achillea santolina L. (Compositae) against pancreatic damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic rats. Achillea santolina extract (ASE) is used by the traditional healers in many part of Iraq, as a hypoglycaemic agent. We evaluated the effect of ASE on blood glucose level, serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration and the oxidative stress status in rat pancreatic tissue. STZ was injected intraperitonealy at a single dose of 40mgkg(-1) to induce diabetes. ASE (0.1g/kgday) was orally administered to a group of diabetic rats for 30 consecutive days. Results showed significant reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and pancreatic glutathione (GSH) levels in the diabetic rats compared to the control subjects. On the other hand, blood glucose level, serum NO, malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation indices including protein carbonyl (PCO) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were significantly elevated in pancreas of the diabetic group. Treatment with ASE reduced blood glucose level, serum NO, pancreatic MDA, PCO and AOPP. In addition, the content of GSH was restored to the normal level of the control group. Furthermore, ASE significantly increased CAT and SOD activities in ASE-treated rats. Based on our data, it can be concluded that Achillea santolina have a high hypoglycaemic activity and this may be attributed to its antioxidative potential.     

Inhibition of blood platelet adhesion, aggregation and secretion by Artemisia dracunculus leaves extracts

BACKGROUND: Platelet hyperactivity plays an important role in atherosclerosis and arterial thrombosis. Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon) is a common table vegetable all over Iran and known for its anticoagulant activity in Iranian folk medicine. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Artemisia dracunculus leaves methanol crude extract and its chloroform fraction on platelet aggregation, secretion and adhesion to laminin coated plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human platelets were incubated with different concentrations of the test sample (equivalent to 25-200 mug of plant leaves powder/ml). The treated and untreated platelets were then activated with thrombin and adhesion to the laminin coated plates were evaluated. RESULTS: Based on our observations, the methanol extract and its chloroform fraction, at a concentration of 200 mug/ml, inhibited platelet adhesion to laminin coated wells by 50% and 60%, respectively. In addition to alternation of cell adhesive properties, protein secretion and self aggregation of the treated platelets were decreased upon treatment with the crude extract and its chloroform fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the methanol crude extract and chloroform fraction of tarragon could inhibit platelets adhesion, aggregation and secretion. These findings provide scientific basis for the traditional use of tarragon as a blood-diluting factor, as locally called, or as an anticoagulant.     

Tolerability and efficacy assessment of an oral collagen supplement for the improvement of biophysical and ultrasonographic parameters of skin in middle eastern consumers

Background

Topical skin care products often do not reach the deeper layers of the skin, and oral hydrolyzed collagen is one of the newest and most popular systemic supplementations for skin rejuvenation. However, there are limited information in case of Middle Eastern consumers

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of an oral collagen supplement for improvement of skin elasticity, hydration, and roughness in Middle Eastern consumers.

Methods and Materials

It was a 12-week, before-after clinical study, conducted on 20 participants (18 women and 2 men) aged 44.15 ± 5.36 years with skin type III–IV. Skin elasticity parameters (R0, R2, R5, and R7), skin hydration and friction, as well as the thickness and echo density of the dermis, were measured after six and 12 weeks daily intake of the study product, as well as 4 weeks after stopping its use (week 16). Participants' satisfaction was assessed on the basis of their answers to the standard questionnaire, and tolerability of the product was assessed by monitoring the adverse effects.

Results

A significant improvement was detected in R2, R5, and skin friction at week 12 (p-values 0.041, 0.012 and <0.01, respectively). At week 16, the values remained at an increased level, which indicates the persistence of the results. The increase of dermis density in week 16 was also significant (p-value = 0.03). Moderate overall satisfaction was reported with the treatment, and a few gastrointestinal complications were reported.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that oral collagen peptides could significantly improve the skin elasticity, roughness, and dermis echo density, and they also proved to be safe and well-tolerated.