OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of amygdalin on liver fibrosis in a liver fibrosis mouse model, and the underlying mechanisms were partly dissected in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Thirty-two male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, including control, model, low- and high-dose amygdalin-treated groups, 8 mice in each group. Except the control group, mice in the other groups were injected intraperitoneally with 10% carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-olive oil solution 3 times a week for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. At the first 3 weeks, amygdalin (1.35 and 2.7 mg/kg body weight) were administered by gavage once a day. Mice in the control group received equal quantities of subcutaneous olive oil and intragastric water from the fourth week. At the end of 6 weeks, liver tissue samples were harvested to detect the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp). Hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining were used to observe the inflammation and fibrosis of liver tissue. The expressions of collagen I (Col-I), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD31 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway were observed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The activation models of hepatic stellate cells, JS-1 and LX-2 cells induced by TGF-β1 were used in vitro with or without different concentrations of amygdalin (0.1, 1, 10 µmol/L). LSECs. The effect of different concentrations of amygdalin on the expressions of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) dedifferentiation markers CD31 and CD44 were observed. RESULTS: High-dose of amygdalin significantly reduced the Hyp content and percentage of collagen positive area, and decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of Col-I, α-SMA, CD31 and p-Smad2/3 in liver tissues of mice compared to the model group (P<0.01). Amygdalin down-regulated the expressions of Col-I and α-SMA in JS-1 and LX-2 cells, and TGFβ R1, TGFβ R2 and p-Smad2/3 in LX-2 cells compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, 1 and 10 µmol/L amygdalin inhibited the mRNA and protein expressions of CD31 in LSECs and increased CD44 expression compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Amygdalin can dramatically alleviate liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄ in mice and inhibit TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, consequently suppressing HSCs activation and LSECs dedifferentiation to improve angiogenesis.
Rats ; Male ; Mice ; Animals ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism* ; Amygdalin/therapeutic use* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Olive Oil/therapeutic use* ; Rats, Wistar ; Smad Proteins/metabolism* ; Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism* ; Liver ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Collagen Type I/metabolism* ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Hepatic Stellate Cells

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antidiarrheal effect of ethanol extract of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch root (GFR) in vivo and jejunal contraction in vitro. METHODS: In vivo, 50 mice were divided into negative control, positive control (verapamil), low-, medium- and high-dose GFR (250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg) groups by a random number table, 10 mice in each group. The antidiarrheal activity was evaluated in castor oil-induced diarrhea mice model by evacuation index (EI). In vitro, the effects of GFR (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 g/L) on the spontaneous contraction of isolated smooth muscle of rabbit jejunum and contraction of pretreated by Acetylcholine (ACh, 10 µmol/L) and KCl (60 mmol/L) were observed for 200 s. In addition, CaCl₂ was accumulated to further study its mechanism after pretreating jejunal smooth muscle with GFR (1 and 3 g/L) or verapamil (0.03 and 0.1 µmol/L) in a Ca²⁺-free-high-K⁺ solution containing ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). RESULTS: GFR (500 and 1,000 mg/kg) significantly reduced EI in castor oil-induced diarrhea model mice (P<0.01). Meanwhile, GFR (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 g/L) inhibited the spontaneous contraction of rabbit jejunum (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Contraction of jejunums samples pretreated by ACh and KCl with 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀) values was 1.05 (0.71-1.24), 0.34 (0.29-0.41) and 0.15 (0.11-0.20) g/L, respectively. In addition, GFR moved the concentration-effect curve of CaCl₂ down to the right, showing a similar effect to verapamil. CONCLUSIONS GFR can effectively against diarrhea and inhibit intestinal contraction, and these antidiarrheal effects may be based on blocking L-type Ca²⁺ channels and muscarinic receptors.
Mice ; Rabbits ; Animals ; Antidiarrheals/adverse effects* ; Jejunum ; Glycyrrhiza uralensis ; Castor Oil/adverse effects* ; Calcium Chloride/adverse effects* ; Diarrhea/drug therapy* ; Plant Extracts/adverse effects* ; Verapamil/adverse effects* ; Muscle Contraction

With the continuous exploration of microemulsions as solvents for traditional Chinese medicine extraction, polyoxyethy-lene(35) castor oil(CrEL), a commonly used surfactant, is being utilized by researchers. However, the problem of detecting residues of this surfactant in microemulsion extracts has greatly hampered the further development of microemulsion solvents. Based on the chemical structures of the components in CrEL and the content determination method of castor oil in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(Vol. Ⅳ), this study employed gas chromatography(GC) and single-factor experiments to optimize the preparation method of methyl ricinoleate from CrEL. The conversion coefficient between the two was validated, and the optimal sample preparation method was used to process microemulsion extracts of Zexie Decoction from three batches. The content of methyl ricinoleate generated was determined, and the content of CrEL in the microemulsion extracts of Zexie Decoction was calculated using the above conversion coefficient. The results showed that the optimal preparation method for CrEL was determined. Specifically, 10 mL of 1 mol·L~(-1) KOH-methanol solution was heated at 60 ℃ for 15 min in a water bath. Subsequently, 10 mL of boron trifluoride etherate-methanol(1∶3) solution was heated at 60 ℃ for 15 min in a water bath, followed by extraction with n-hexane twice. CrEL could stably produce 20.84% methyl ricinoleate. According to this conversion coefficient, the average mass concentration of CrEL in the three batches of Zexie Decoction microemulsion extracts was 11.94 mg·mL~(-1), which was not significantly different from the CrEL mass concentration of 11.57 mg·mL~(-1) during microemulsion formulation, indicating that the established content determination method of this study was highly accurate, sensitive, and repeatable. It can be used for subsequent research on microemulsion extracts of Zexie Decoction and provide a reference for quality control of other drug formulations containing CrEL.
Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry* ; Castor Oil ; Methanol ; Surface-Active Agents/chemistry* ; Solvents ; Water/chemistry* ; Emulsions/chemistry*

ABSTRACT Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites of plants metabolism and can be found in olive oil. They exhibit antimicrobial activity towards both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. However, little is known about the antibacterial activity of the compounds towards periodontopathogens. The study aimed to investigate the potential of these compounds as antibacterial agents towards pathogens, specifically Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Phenolic compounds were extracted from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) through liquid-liquid separation using methanol:water (70:30), and hexane. It was then prepared in various concentrations to determine its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against the periodontopathogens. The anti-adhesion activity was quantified using crystal violet staining while the effects on the morphology were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MICs of the phenolic compounds on A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were 31.25 mg/mL, 62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL, respectively. The MBCs of the phenolic compounds on A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum were 62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL, respectively suggesting this compound can eradicate these bacteria. There was no bactericidal effect on P. gingivalis. The adhesion of all the bacteria was interrupted by the compounds at the lowest concentration (1.95 mg/mL). SEM findings showed disruption of bacterial cell surfaces such as blebs and disintegration of cells after exposure to this extract. Phenolic compounds of olive oil exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested pathogens, with bactericidal effects on A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum and bacteriostatic effects on P. gingivalis.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Phenols ; Periodontal Diseases ; Olive Oil

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of diallyl sulfide (DAS) , against benzene-induced genetic damage in rat. Methods: In September 2018, Sixty adult male adaptive feeding 5 days, were randomly divided into six groups according to their weight. Control groups, DAS control groups, benzene model groups, benzene+low DAS groups, benzene+middle DAS groups, benzene+High DAS group, 10 in each group. Rats in the DAS and DAS control group were orally given DAS at 40, 80, 160, 160 mg/kg, blank control and benzene model groups were given corn oil in the same volume. 2 h later, the rats in the benzene model and DAS treatment groups were given gavage administration of benzene (1.3 g/kg) mixed with corn oil (50%, V/V) , blank and DAS control groups were given corn oil in the same volume. Once a day, for 4 weeks. Samples were collected for subsequent testing. Results: Compared with the blank control group, In benzene treated rat, peripheral WBC count was reduced 65.06% (P=0.003) , lymphocyte ratiowas reduced (P=0.000) , micronucleus rate was increased (P=0.000) , Mean fluorescent intensity and relative fluorescence intensity of γH2AX in BMCs were increased 32.69%、32.64% (P=0.001、0.008) , Mean fluorescent intensity and relative fluorescence intensity of γH2AX in PBLs were increased 397.70%、396.26% (P=0.000、P=0.003) respectively. Compared with the benzene model group, the WBC count increased respectively (P=0.000、0.003、0.006) and the micronucleus rate decreased (P=0.000、0.000、0.000) in the DAS groups, Mean fluorescent intensity and relative fluorescence intensity ofγH2AX in BMCs were significantly reduced in the high DAS groups (P=0.000、0.000) , Mean fluorescent intensity and relative fluorescence intensity ofγH2AX in PBLs were significantly reduced in the low, middle, high DAS groups (P=0.000、0.000) . Conclusion: DAS can effectively suppress benzene induced genotoxic damage in rats.
4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic Acid/analogs & derivatives* ; Allyl Compounds/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Benzene/toxicity* ; Corn Oil ; DNA Damage ; Male ; Rats ; Sulfides/pharmacology*

To investigate the therapeutic effect of Jingfang Granules on carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice and its mechanism. Forty-nine 8-week-old male C57 BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a CCl_4 group, a silybin group(positive control, 100 mg·kg~(-1))+CCl_4, a Jingfang high-dose(16 g·kg~(-1)) group, a Jingfang high-dose(16 g·kg~(-1))+CCl_4 group, a Jingfang medium-dose(8 g·kg~(-1))+CCl_4 group, and a Jingfang low-dose(4 g·kg~(-1))+CCl_4 group, with 7 mice in each group. The mice in the blank group and Jingfang high-dose group were intraperitoneally injected olive oil solution, and mice in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with 10% CCl_4 olive oil solution(5 mL·kg~(-1)) to induce liver fibrosis, twice a week with an interval of 3 d, for 8 weeks. At the same time, except for the blank group and CCl_4 group, which were given deionized water, the mice in other groups were given the corresponding dose of drugs by gavage once daily for 8 weeks with the gavage volume of 10 mL·kg~(-1). All mice were fasted and freely drank for 12 h after the last administration, and then the eyeballs were removed for blood collection. The liver and spleen were collected, and the organ index was calculated. The levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total bile acid(TBA), and triglyceride(TG) in the serum of mice were detected by an automated analyzer. Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Kits were used to detect the contents of superoxide dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde(MDA), and glutathione(GSH) in the liver tissue. Pathological changes in the liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining. Western blot was used to detect protein expressions of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and Smad4 in the liver tissue. The results indicated that Jingfang Granules significantly reduced the organ index, levels of ALT, AST, TBA,TG, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the serum, and the content of MDA in the liver tissue of mice with CCl_4-induced liver fibrosis. Jingfang Granules also significantly increased the content of SOD and GSH in the liver tissue. Meanwhile, Jingfang Granules down-regulated the protein levels of TGF-β, α-SMA, and Smad4. Furthermore, Jingfang Granules had no significant effect on the liver tissue morphology and the above indexes in the normal mice. In conclusion, Jingfang Granules has obvious therapeutic effect on CCl_4-induced liver fibrosis, and its mechanism may be related to reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, anti-oxidation, and regulating TGF-β/Smad4 signaling pathway.
Mice ; Male ; Animals ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Olive Oil/therapeutic use* ; Carbon Tetrachloride/metabolism* ; Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism* ; Liver ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical effect of multi-oil fat emulsion for parenteral nutrition support in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 49 ELBW infants who were admitted from January 1, 2018 to July 30, 2020, with an age of ≤14 days on admission and a duration of parenteral nutrition of > 14 days. According to the type of lipid emulsion received, the ELBW infants were divided into two groups: soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil (SMOF) ( RESULTS: The 49 ELBW infants had a mean birth weight of (892±83) g and a mean gestational age of (28.2±2.3) weeks. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence rates of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), grade Ⅲ BPD, sepsis, and pneumonia ( CONCLUSIONS The application of multi-oil fat emulsion in ELBW infants does not reduce the incidence rate of complications, but compared with MCT/LCT emulsion, SMOF can reduce the severity of PNAC in ELBW infants.
Birth Weight ; Emulsions ; Fat Emulsions, Intravenous ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Parenteral Nutrition ; Retrospective Studies ; Soybean Oil

oil and sunflower oil consumption on the coagulation score and selected oxidative and inflammatory parameters in patients with MetS. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 patients with MetS were allocated into 2 groups. One group received 25 mL/day flaxseed oil and the other group received 25 mL/day sunflower oil for 7 weeks. Maintenance diet including 15% protein, 55% carbohydrate, and 30% fat from daily total energy intake was designed for each participant. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), as well as coagulation score were measured before and after the intervention. Three 24-hour food records were taken during the study. Fifty-two of participants (27 in sunflower oil and 25 in flaxseed oil groups) completed the study. The baseline characteristics and dietary intakes were similar between patients. After 7 weeks, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups regarding the serum TAC level and coagulation score (p > 0.05). However, serum IL-6 levels significantly decreased in the flaxseed oil group compared to the sunflower oil group (p = 0.017). No side effect was observed during the study due to the use of sunflower and flaxseed oils. We observed that consumption of flaxseed oil improved serum IL-6 levels but had no effect on oxidative stress and coagulation score in patients with MetS. Further studies are needed to confirm the veracity of our results.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT2015012020737N1]]>
Chronic Disease ; Diet ; Energy Intake ; Flax ; Helianthus ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; Linseed Oil ; Oxidative Stress

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To compare five indices of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) among adults living in the Mediterranean region. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 100 healthy Lebanese adults aged between 18 and 65 years. Face-to-face interviews to collect sociodemographic and medical information, to take anthropometric measurements, and to fill a validated, culturally adapted, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The score for each item was calculated following the recommendations for each corresponding index. The five MD indices were Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDScale), Mediterranean Food Pattern (MFP), MD Score (MDS), Short Mediterranean Diet Questionnaire (SMDQ), and the MedDiet score. RESULTS: Significant correlations were detected between items with P-values < 0.001. Minimal agreement was seen between MDScale and MedDiet score and maximal agreement between MDS and MedDiet score. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that MDS and MedDiet scores had significant correlations with fiber and olive oil intake, main components of the MD. MDScale showed a significant correlation with waist-to-hip ratio and with total energy intake but none of the five indices was correlated to body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSIONS: The indices that showed the highest correlation with variables related to the MD are the MDScale and the MedDiet score; therefore, they can be used to assess our future study populations. Based on the current results, more than half of the study population was non-adherent to the MD and adherence to this diet did not appear to protect against being overweight (BMI ≥ 30).
Adult ; Body Mass Index ; Diet ; Diet, Mediterranean ; Energy Intake ; Humans ; Mediterranean Region ; Multivariate Analysis ; Olive Oil ; Overweight ; Waist-Hip Ratio

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze specific foods influencing absolute nutrient intake and between-person variations of nutrient intake among Korean preschoolers. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study included 2,766 participants aged 1–5 years in the 2009–2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Dietary data were obtained from a 24-h dietary recall method. Major food sources of absolute nutrient intake were evaluated based on percent contribution of each food. To assess the contribution of specific foods to between-person variations in nutrient intake, stepwise multiple regressions were performed and cumulative R2 was used. RESULTS: White rice and milk were main food sources of energy, protein, carbohydrate, phosphorus, iron, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. The percentage of fat contributed by milk was 21.3% which was the highest, followed by pork, soybean oil, and egg. White rice accounted for 25% and 40% of total variability in total energy and carbohydrate intakes, respectively. About 39% of variation in calcium intake was explained by milk while 40% of variation in phosphorous intake was explained by cheese. The top 10 foods contributing to between-person variations in nutrient intakes were similar with food items that mainly contributed to absolute nutrient intakes. The number of foods explaining 90% of absolute amounts of nutrient intakes varied from 28 for vitamin A to 80 for iron. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified specific foods that contributed to absolute nutrient intakes and between-person variations in nutrient intakes among Korean preschoolers. Our findings can be used to develop dietary assessment tools and establish food-based dietary guidelines for young children.
Calcium ; Cheese ; Child ; Diet ; Humans ; Iron ; Korea ; Methods ; Milk ; Niacin ; Nutrition Assessment ; Nutrition Policy ; Nutritional Status ; Ovum ; Phosphorus ; Potassium ; Red Meat ; Riboflavin ; Soybean Oil ; Vitamin A