The Anti-Metastatic Potential of Aronia Leaf Extracts on Colon Cancer Cells.

Background/objectives: Numerous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of polyphenols found in aronia fruits; however, little is known about how aronia leaf polyphenols impact colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-metastatic and anti-invasive activity of crude aronia leaf extract (ACE) and purified phenolic-rich aronia leaf extract (APE) against two CRC cell lines (SW-480 and HT-29).

Methods: Migration and invasion potential of ACE and APE were evaluated.

[Sirtuin 1 as a potential molecular target of resveratrol in selected diseases].

Cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and neurological diseases are disorders commonly classified as diseases that have a significant impact on the length and quality of human life. Sirtuins play an important role in their pathogenesis and complications. Numerous studies indicate that modulation of the expression of these proteins can slow down the processes of aging and cell death, prevent inflammation, and regulate metabolic processes, and consequently modify the progression of the disease.

Isolation, structural characterization and biological activity evaluation of melanoidins from thermally processed cocoa beans, carob kibbles and acorns as potential cytotoxic agents.

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical structure and biological activity of melanoidin fractions derived from cocoa beans, carob kibbles, and acorns roasted at different temperature-time conditions. The results showed that plant origin and roasting conditions had significant effects on the chemical composition, structural features, and morphology of melanoidins. All tested melanoidins exhibited significant antioxidant properties in three in vitro assays.

Spent hops extract (Humulus Lupulus L.) attenuates inflammation and angiogenesis of the retina via the nuclear factor-kappaB and protein kinase B/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways.

Spent hops extract (SHE) is a plant extract containing compounds with proven anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activities. However, extract may exert synergic effects compared to its individual polyphenol components. Inflammatory diseases of the retina may lead to visual impairment, a reduction of the comfort of life, and even blindness due to the formation of new pathological blood vessels.

Encapsulation of Polyphenolic Compounds Based on Hemicelluloses to Enhance Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Colorectal Cancer.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are difficult to cure, and available treatment is associated with troubling side effects. In addition, current therapies have limited efficacy and are characterized by high costs, and a large segment of the IBD and CRC patients are refractive to the treatment. Moreover, presently used anti-IBD therapies in the clinics are primarily aimed on the symptomatic control.

Chemopreventive properties of spent hops (Humulus Lupulus L.) extract against angiogenesis, invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells.

There is a great deal of interest in identifying new chemopreventive agents for colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. One promising group of candidates is the polyphenols; being natural compounds with high structural diversity, they have a very wide spectrum of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. The present study reports for the first time that spent hops extract (SHE) inhibits the angiogenesis, invasion and migration of SW-480 and HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells; after incubation with 200 μg/mL SHE, SW-480 and HT-29 cell invasion fell by 98.

Evaluation of phenolic composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of aronia melanocarpa leaf extracts.

The objective of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of aronia leaf crude phenolic-extract (ACE) and purified phenolic-rich extract (APE) on human intestinal cells (CCD 841 CoN) and colon cancer cells (SW-480 and HT-29). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis confirmed that aronia leaves are rich in structurally diverse polyphenols (25 and 42 compounds for ACE and APE, respectively). Chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-rutinoside were most abundant in both aronia extracts.

Vitamin D, the Vitamin D Receptor, Calcitriol Analogues and Their Link with Ocular Diseases.

The global prevalence of eye diseases continues to grow, bringing with it a reduction in the activity levels and quality of life of patients, and partial or complete blindness if left untreated. As such, there is considerable interest in identifying more effective therapeutic options and preventive agents. One such agent is vitamin D, known to have a range of anti-cancer, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, and whose deficiency is linked to the pathogenesis of a range of cardiovascular, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.

Chemoprotective effects of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica L.) phenol leaf extract on colon cancer cells through the modulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases/AKT signaling pathway.

Japanese quince leaf phenol-rich extract (PRE) represents a good source of phenolic compounds, among which chlorogenic acid and naringenin hexoside are the main constituents. The aim of this research was to evaluate the chemopreventive activity of PRE in human colon cancer (SW-480 and HT-29) and human normal colon cell line (CCD 841 CoN). All cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of the extract (150-500 κg/mL for SW-480 and CCD 841 CoN; and 250-750 κg/mL for HT-29) to investigate migration and invasion, as well as the activity and secretion of metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) involved in these mechanisms.

The Role of Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors on Ocular Diseases: Focusing on Potential Mechanisms.

Eye diseases are associated with visual impairment, reduced quality of life, and may even lead to vision loss. The efficacy of available treatment of eye diseases is not satisfactory. The unique environment of the eye related to anatomical and physiological barriers and constraints limits the bioavailability of existing agents.

The influence of polyphenol-rich extracts on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in macrophages.

Recent decades have seen a rise in chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases. Importantly, such chronic inflammatory diseases also increase the risk of cancer development and there is a pressing need to identify new anti-inflammatory drugs. One promising source of new medication are natural polyphenolic compounds and polyphenol-rich preparations, extracts and foods, which have strong antioxidant properties.

Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) leaf phenol extract as modulator of the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide-triggered murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells.

In the present study we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of Japanese quince leaf polyphenol-rich extract (JQLPE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). The Q-PCR analysis revealed that JQLPE decreased Nfkb1, Ptgs2, and Il1b expression at the mRNA level by 80%, 50% and 48%, respectively.

Comparison of phenolic compounds, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of extracts prepared from Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica L.) leaves.

Phenolic compounds are very important in the prevention and treatment of many civilization diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study we investigated and compared the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica L.) leaves crude phenolic extract (CPE) and purified phenolic-rich extracts (PRE).

Spent hops (Humulus Lupulus L.) extract as modulator of the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Macrophages play important roles in acute and chronic inflammation. Upon their activation, they secrete a variety of mediators, including eicosanoids, nitric oxide and cytokines, which play different roles in the stimulation and resolution of inflammatory processes. There is a continuous search for selective modulators of these processes.

Oligoprolines guide the self-assembly of quaterthiophenes.

Control over the molecular organization of π-conjugated oligothiophenes into different types of supramolecular assemblies is key to their use in organic electronics but difficult to achieve as these chromophores have a pronounced tendency to aggregate. Herein we show that oligoprolines, which do not self-assemble on their own, control the self-assembly of quaterthiophenes. Spectroscopic, microscopic, and diffraction studies with quaterthiophene-oligoproline conjugates revealed the formation of mono- or double-layered sheets or, alternatively, helically twisted ribbons - depending on the length of the oligoproline.

Positional Isomers of Chromophore-Peptide Conjugates Self-Assemble into Different Morphologies.

Ordering π-systems into defined supramolecular structures is important for the development of organic functional materials. In recent years, peptides with defined secondary structures and/or self-assembly properties were introduced as powerful tools to order peptide-chromophore conjugates into different morphologies. This work explores whether or not the directionality of peptides can be used to control the self-assembly.

The Impact of Dietary Polyphenols on COX-2 Expression in Colorectal Cancer.

Polyphenols are natural compounds with high structural diversity whose common occurrence in plants renders them intrinsic dietary components. They are known to be secondary metabolites characterized by a wide spectrum of biological activities, and a growing body of evidence indicates they have anti-inflammatory potential. It is well known that inflammation plays a key role in many chronic diseases such as circulatory diseases, pulmonary diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

A triaxial supramolecular weave.

Despite recent advances in the synthesis of increasingly complex topologies at the molecular level, nano- and microscopic weaves have remained difficult to achieve. Only a few diaxial molecular weaves exist-these were achieved by templation with metals. Here, we present an extended triaxial supramolecular weave that consists of self-assembled organic threads.

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor PF-3845 reduces viability, migration and invasiveness of human colon adenocarcinoma Colo-205 cell line: an in vitro study.

Earlier reports suggest that the endocannabinoids may play a role of endogenous tumor growth modulators. In this study, we investigated whether inhibition of the enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids may reduce colorectal cancer cell invasion and migration. The human colon adenocarcinoma Colo-205 cells were incubated with PF-3845, JZL-184 and RHC-80267 (fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), mono- (MAGL) and diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) inhibitors, respectively) for 48 h.

Flavanols from Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) fruit suppress expression of cyclooxygenase-2, metalloproteinase-9, and nuclear factor-kappaB in human colon cancer cells.

Natural polyphenols and polyphenol-rich extracts have been found to possess preventive and therapeutic potential against several types of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), which is an example of an inflammation-associated cancer. This study examines the chemopreventive effect of a Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) fruit flavanol preparation (JQFFP) on colon cancer SW-480 cells. JQFFP, rich in procyanidin monomers and oligomers, was found to inhibit the SW-480 cell viability by 40% at 150 µM catechin equivalents (CE) after 72 h incubation when compared to control, but it was non-toxic to normal colon fibroblast CCD-18Co cells.

Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 and mu-Opioid Receptor Polymorphisms Are Associated With Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.

Objectives: Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder defined by recurrent, unexplained episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. Our aim was to investigate whether CVS and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this condition are associated with selected variations in genes encoding the components of the endogenous cannabinoid and opioid systems.

Methods: This case-control study included 65 patients with CVS-16 male and 49 female, and 1,092 healthy controls-525 male and 567 female from the 1000 Genomes Project.

Size-Controlled Formation of Noble-Metal Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solution with a Thiol-Free Tripeptide.

A combinatorial screening revealed the peptide H-His-d-Leu-d-Asp-NH2 (1) as an additive for the generation of monodisperse, water-soluble palladium nanoparticles with average diameters of 3 nm and stabilities of over 9 months. The tripeptide proved to be also applicable for the size-controlled formation of other noble-metal nanoparticles (Pt and Au). Studies with close analogues of peptide 1 revealed a specific role of each of the three amino acids for the formation and stabilization of the nanoparticles.

Effect of Structural Modifications on the Self-Assembly of Oligoprolines Conjugated with Sterically Demanding Chromophores.

Conjugates between oligoprolines and sterically demanding perylene monoimides (PMIs) form hierarchical supramolecular self-assemblies. The influence of the length and stereochemistry at the attachment site between the peptide backbone and the chromophore on the self-assembly properties of the conjugates was explored. Comparison between oligoprolines bearing 4R- or 4S-configured azidoprolines (Azp) for the conjugation with the PMIs revealed that diastereoisomers with 4R configuration guide the self-assembly consistently better than conjugates with 4S configuration.