Cadmium induces CCL2 production in glioblastoma cells via activation of MAPK, PI3K, and PKC pathways.

Cadmium (Cd) is accumulated in human astrocytes and induces the production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. Astrocytes are one of the major sources of chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2; known as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1]), in the brain. Elevated CCL2 levels are associated with cognitive impairment as well as the migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells.

Cadmium induces apoptotic program imbalance and cell cycle inhibitor expression in cultured human astrocytes.

Cadmium is a highly neurotoxic heavy metal impairing neurogenesis and induces neurodegenerative disorders. Toxic concentrations of cadmium induce astrocytic apoptosis by depleting intracellular glutathione levels, elevating intracellular calcium levels, altering mitochondria membrane potentials, and activating JNK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Cadmium suppresses cell proliferation in kidney epithelial cells, lung fibroblasts, and primary myelocytes; however, cadmium's effects on proteins regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell proliferation in astrocytes are less known.

Cadmium-induced IL-6 and IL-8 expression and release from astrocytes are mediated by MAPK and NF-κB pathways.

Chronic exposure to cadmium has been linked to brain cancers, learning disabilities and memory deficits. Previous studies of cadmium toxicity in the central nervous system report cadmium induces oxidative stress in neurons and astrocytes. In the peripheral system, cadmium promotes interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 production and release.

Platelet inhibitory effects of juices from Pachyrhizus erosus L. root and Psidium guajava L. fruit: a randomized controlled trial in healthy volunteers.

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate cardiovascular benefits of juices obtained from two commonly consumed fruits in Thailand, Pachyrhizus erosus, L. (yam bean) and Psidium guajava, L. (guava), by examining their acute cardiovascular effects in healthy volunteers.

Improved WOMAC score following 16-week treatment with bromelain for knee osteoarthritis.

Treatment with bromelain-containing enzyme preparation for 3-4 weeks is effective for treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we aimed to assess 16-week treatment with bromelain in mild-to-moderate knee OA patients. We performed a randomized, single-blind, active-controlled pilot study.