Aging modifies receptor expression but not muscular contractile response to angiotensin II in rat jejunum

: The involvement of renin-angiotensin system in the modulation of gut motility and age-related changes in mRNA expression of angiotensin (Ang II) receptors (ATR) are well accepted. We aimed to characterize, in vitro, the contractile responses induced by Ang II, in jejunum from young (3-6 weeks old) and old rats (≥ 1 year old), to evaluate possible functional differences associated to changes in receptor expression. Mechanical responses to Ang II were examined in vitro as changes in isometric tension. ATR expression was assessed by qRT-PCR. Ang II induced a contractile effect, antagonized by losartan, AT1R antagonist, and increased by PD123319, AT2R antagonist, as well by neural blocker ω-conotoxin and by nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor. No difference in the response was observed between young and old groups. AT1 receptor-mediated contractile response was decreased by U-73122, phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor; or 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate (2-APB), inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptor inhibitor; or nifedipine, L-type calcium channel blocker. Age-related changes in the expression of both AT1 receptor subtypes, AT1a and AT1b, and of AT2 receptors were detected. In conclusion, Ang II modulates the spontaneous contractility of rat jejunum via postjunctional AT1 receptors, involving Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores, via PLC/IP3 pathway, and Ca2+ influx from extracellular space, via L-type channels. Prejunctional AT2 receptors would counteract AT1 receptor effects, via NO synthesis. The observed age-related differences in the expression of all AT receptor subtypes are not reflected in the muscular contractile response to Ang II

Chemical Characterization and Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of the Ethanol Extract from the Bulbs of Pancratium maritimun Collected in Sicily

P. maritimum L., belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, is a species that grows on beaches and coastal sand dunes mainly on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea, the Middle East, and up to the Caucasus region. It has been largely investigated due to its several interesting biological properties. With the aim of providing new insights into the phytochemistry and pharmacology of this species, the ethanolic extract of the bulbs from a local accession, not previously studied, growing in Sicily (Italy), was investigated. This chemical analysis, performed by mono- and bi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, as well as LC-DAD-MSn, allowed to identify several alkaloids, three of which were never detected in the genus Pancratium. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the preparation was assessed in differentiated human Caco-2 intestinal cells by trypan blue exclusion assay, and its antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DCFH-DA radical scavenging method. The results obtained demonstrate that P. maritimum bulbs’ extract exerts no cytotoxic effect and is able to remove free radicals at all the concentrations tested

The chemical composition of the aerial parts of Stachys spreitzenhoferi (Lamiaceae) growing in Kythira Island (Greece), and their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties

The Stachys L. genus has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin inflammations, stomach disorders, and stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical profile and biological activity of the methanolic extract of Stachys spreitzenhoferi Heldr. (Lamiaceae) aerial parts, collected on the island of Kythira, South Greece. The analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and high-resolution mass spectrometry [LC-(-)ESI/HRMSn] of the methanol extract revealed the occurrence of thirty-six compounds - flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, quinic acid derivatives, aliphatic alcohol glycosides, and oligosaccharides - highlighting the substantial presence, as main peaks, of the iridoid melittoside (2) along with flavonoid compounds such as 4'-O-methylisoscutellarein mono-acetyl-diglycoside/chrysoeriol mono-acetyl-diglycoside (24), trimethoxy- (35) and tetramethoxyflavones (36). This extract was tested for its antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and negative pathogenic strains. The extract was not active against Gram-negative bacteria tested, but it possessed a good dose-dependent antimicrobial activity towards S. aureus (MIC: 1.0 mg/mL) and L. monocytogenes (MIC: 1.0 mg/mL) Gram-(+) strains. Furthermore, this extract has been tested for its possible antioxidant activity in vitro. In particular, it has been shown that these molecules cause a decrease in DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 radicals. The extract of S. spreitzenhoferi exhibited anti-DPPH activity (IC50: 0.17 mg/mL), anti-H2O2 activity (IC50: 0.125 mg/mL), and promising antiradical effect with an IC50 value of 0.18 mg/mL for anti-ABTS activity. S. spreitzenhoferi extract caused a decrease in ROS (at the concentration of 200 μg/mL) and an increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GPX in OZ-stimulated PMNs. Furthermore, it exhibited antiproliferative activity against acute myeloid leukemia (U937 cell), causing 50% of cell death at the 0.75 mg/mL

Industrial-produced lemon nanovesicles ameliorate experimental colitis-associated damages in rats via the activation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses and microbiota modification

Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) have recently emerged as natural delivery systems of biofunctional compounds toward mammalian cells. Considering their already described composition, anti-inflammatory properties, stability, and low toxicity, PDNVs offer a promising path for developing new preventive strategies for several inflammatory diseases, among which the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we explore the protective effects of industrially produced lemon vesicles (iLNVs) in a rat model of IBD. Characterization of iLNVs reveals the presence of small particles less than 200 nm in size and a profile of bioactive compounds enriched in flavonoids and organic acids with known beneficial properties. In vitro studies on human macrophages confirm the safety and anti-inflammatory effects of iLNVs, as evidenced by the reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased levels of anti-inflammatory markers. As evidenced by in vivo experiments, pre-treatment with iLNVs significantly alleviates symptoms and histological features in 2,4 dinitrobenzensulfuric acid (DNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Molecular pathway analysis reveals modulation of NF-κB and Nrf2, indicating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Finally, iLNVs affects gut microbiota composition, improving the consistent colitis-related alterations. Overall, we demonstrated the protective role of industrially produced lemon nanovesicles against colitis and emphasized their potential in managing IBD through multifaceted mechanisms

The ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and biological properties of genus Phagnalon (Asteraceae): a review

The genus Phagnalon Cass., included within the Asteraceae family, has a wide distribution, expanding from Macaronesia in the West to the Himalayas in the East, from S. France and N. Italy to Ethiopia and Arabian Peninsula. Various species of Phagnalon have been used in the popular medicine of several countries as medicinal herbs and food. This literature review, the first one of the Phagnalon genus, includes publications with the word 'Phagnalon', and considers the extracts and the single metabolites identified, characterized, and tested to evaluate their biological potential. The extracts and the secondary metabolites, have a varied application spectrum at a biological level, with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, etc. properties having been reported. Unfortunately, in vitro tests have not always been accompanied by in vivo tests, and this is the major critical aspect that emerges from the study of the scientific aspects related to this genus

Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Brassicaceae-Derived Phytochemicals: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence for a Putative Role in the Prevention and Treatment of IBD

AbstractAbstract Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of intestinal disorders, of unknown etiology, characterized by chronic inflammation within the gut. They are gradually becoming critical because of the increasing incidence worldwide and improved diagnosis. Due to the important side effects observed during conventional therapy, natural bioactive components are now under intense investigation for the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses. The Brassicaceae family comprises vegetables widely consumed all over the world. In recent decades, a growing body of literature has reported that extracts from the Brassicaceae family and their purified constituents have anti-inflammatory properties, which has generated interest from both the scientific community and clinicians. In this review, data from the literature are scrutinized and concisely presented demonstrating that Brassicaceae may have anti-IBD potential. The excellent biological activities of Brassicacea are widely attributable to their ability to regulate the levels of inflammatory and oxidant mediators, as well as their capacity for immunomodulatory regulation, maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity and intestinal flora balance. Possible future applications of bioactive-derived compounds from Brassicaceae for promoting intestinal health should be investigated

Inhibition of uterine contractility by guanine-based purines in non-pregnant rats

Growing evidence pointed out that guanine-based purines are able to modulate smooth muscle contractile activity of blood vessels and gastrointestinal tract. Since, so far, possible guanine-based purine modulation of uterine musculature is unknown, the aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro, using organ bath technique, guanosine and guanine efects on spontaneous uterine contraction, and uterine contraction induced by K+-depolarization and oxytocin in a non-pregnant rat. Guanosine, but not guanine, reduced the amplitude of spontaneous contraction of the uterine muscle in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory response was antagonized by S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBTI), a membrane nucleoside transporter inhibitor, but persisted in the presence of theophylline, a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist, or propanolol, β1/β2 adrenoreceptor antagonist or blockers of a nitrergic pathway. In addition, potassium channel blockers did not infuence guanosine-induced efects. Guanosine was able to inhibit the external calcium (Ca2+) infux-induced contraction, but it did not afect the contraction induced by high-KCl solution, indicating that guanosine does not interact with L-type voltage-gated calcium channel. Guanosine prevented/reduced uterine contractions induced by oxytocin, even in the absence of external calcium. In conclusion, guanosine is able to reduce both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions of rat myometrium, likely subsequently to its intracellular intake. The blockade of extracellular Ca2+ infux and reduction of Ca2+ release from the intracellular store are the mechanisms involved in the guanosine-induced tocolytic efect

Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Brassicaceae-Derived Phytochemicals: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence for a Putative Role in the Prevention and Treatment of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of intestinal disorders, of unknown etiology, characterized by chronic inflammation within the gut. They are gradually becoming critical because of the increasing incidence worldwide and improved diagnosis. Due to the important side effects observed during conventional therapy, natural bioactive components are now under intense investigation for the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses. The Brassicaceae family comprises vegetables widely consumed all over the world. In recent decades, a growing body of literature has reported that extracts from the Brassicaceae family and their purified constituents have anti-inflammatory properties, which has generated interest from both the scientific community and clinicians. In this review, data from the literature are scrutinized and concisely presented demonstrating that Brassicaceae may have anti-IBD potential. The excellent biological activities of Brassicacea are widely attributable to their ability to regulate the levels of inflammatory and oxidant mediators, as well as their capacity for immunomodulatory regulation, maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity and intestinal flora balance. Possible future applications of bioactive-derived compounds from Brassicaceae for promoting intestinal health should be investigated

Essential oil of Sicilian Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl. and its major component, β-ocimen, affect contractility in rat small and large intestine

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl is an Apiaceae plant, widely used in traditional medicine. Recently, chemical composition and biological activities of its essential oil (Prangroil) have been reported, but there are no studies on possible effects on intestinal contractility. Aims of the study: We investigated the effects of essential oil Sicilian Prangoil on the contractility of rat small (duodenum) and large (colon) intestine and the related action mechanism. Materials and methods: Responses to Prangoil and to its major component β-ocimen in intestinal segments were assessed in vitro as changes in isometric tension. Results: Prangoil, induced in duodenum, depending upon doses, contraction and/or muscular relaxation. Instead, in colon Prangoil only reduced the phasic contractions and induced muscular relaxation. β-ocimen, in both segments, produced only reduction of the spontaneous contractions without affecting basal tone. Prangoil contractile effects were abolished by ω-conotoxin, neural N-type Ca2+ channels blocker, atropine, muscarinic receptor antagonist, neostigmine, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, suggesting that Prangoil-induced contraction would be the result of an increase in neuronal cholinergic activity. Prangoil and β-ocimen inhibitory effects were unaffected by ω-conotoxin, L-NAME, blocker of the NO synthase, ODQ, soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, excluding involvement of neurotransmitter release or NO synthesis in the inhibitory effects. Potassium channel blocker did not affect Prangoil or β-οcimen inhibitory responses. Prangoil or β-οcimen inhibited the Ca2+ and high-KCl solution -induced contractions and the Carbachol-induced contractions in calcium free solution. Conclusion: Prangoil affects the contractility of small and large intestine in rat, with regional differences, via potentiation of neural cholinergic activity, blockade of L-type voltage-gated calcium channel and reduction of Ca2+ release from the intracellular store. The Prangroil main components, β-ocimen, contributes to the inhibitory effects

Inhibitory effect and underlying mechanism of essential oil of Prangos ferulacea Lindl (L.) on spontaneous and induced uterine contractions in non-pregnant rats

Evidence suggests the use of natural compounds as support in the management of uterine contractility disorders. We recently demonstrated that the essential oil of Apiacea Prangos ferulacea (L.) (Prangoil) modulates intestinal smooth muscle contractility. Thus, we aimed to evaluate if Prangoil could also affect the contractility of uterine muscle in non-pregnant rat and to investigate the related action mechanism/s. The effects of the aromatic monoterpenes, β-ocimene and carvacrol, constituents of Prangoil, were also evaluated. Spontaneous contractions and contraction-induced by K+-depolarization and oxytocin in rat uterus were recorded in vitro, using organ bath technique. Prangoil reduced the amplitude of spontaneous contractions as well as responses to KCl and oxytocin. β-ocimene and carvacrol matched oil inhibitory effects. Prangoil effects were not affected by nitrergic and adenylyl cyclase inhibitors or non-specific potassium channel blocker, but they were reduced by nifedipine, L-type calcium channel inhibitor, or 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate (2-APB), membrane-permeant inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor inhibitor. The response to β-ocimene was reduced by nifedipine and by 2-APB (20 μM), whilst carvacrol inhibitory effect was attenuated only by nifedipine. In conclusion, Prangoil, and its components, β-ocimene and carvacrol, reduced spontaneous and KCl or oxytocin-induced contractions of rat myometrium, mainly modulating extracellular Ca2+ influx through L-Type channels and Ca2+ release from the intracellular store. Further studies could contribute to evaluate the potential use of Prangoil against disorders characterized by abnormal uterine contractions