Hepatoprotective Effects of Lotus Leaf Flavonoids in CCl₄-Induced Liver Injury in Mice | Chapter 9 | Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways of the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Functional Foods

 

Modern medical studies have revealed that the main active components of lotus leaves are flavonoids and alkaloids. The flavonoids in lotus leaves have been reported to reduce the blood lipid level, to have anti-allergy, anti-cancer, anti-ageing, bacteriostatic, and anti-oxidation functions, and to be helpful in treating cardiovascular diseases. This study examined the protective effects of lotus leaf flavonoids (LLF) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury in mice. A Kunming mouse model of hepatic injury was established via intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄. The mice were orally administered LLF, after which serum biochemical markers and hepatic mRNA expression levels were analysed. Compared with the model group, LLF treatment significantly lowered the liver index and reduced serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC). Histopathological evaluation further demonstrated that LLF effectively attenuated morphological disruption and hepatocellular necrosis in liver tissues exposed to CCl₄. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis revealed that LLF significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes, including copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), and catalase (CAT), while down-regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, LLF exhibits notable hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced liver injury and holds promise for further development as a natural therapeutic agent. Lotus and its leaves have certain biological activities, in particular, some studies showed that they had good antioxidant activity, and their antioxidant activity also played a protective role in cells, especially in liver cells and the liver. This study also showed that the polyphenols contained in lotus leaves had a good intervention in alcoholic liver injury.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Tongji Liu
Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China, Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China and College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China.

 

Fang Tan
Department of Public Health, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela 838, Philippines.

 

Xingyao Long
Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China and Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China.

 

Yanni Pan
Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China and Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China.

 

Jianfei Mu
Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China and Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China.

 

Xianrong Zhou
Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China and Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China.

 

Runkun Yi
Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China and Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China.

 

Xin Zhao
Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China, Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China and Chongqing Engineering Laboratory for Research and Development of Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-81-998509-0-3/CH9

The vnd/NK-2 Gene in Drosophila melanogaster: Impacts of Small Molecular Changes on Development and Genetic Stability| Chapter 8 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 5

 

Any change (i.e., a mutation) in the DNA sequence of any gene might result in significant cellular alterations, thereby damaging the corresponding organism and giving rise to a genetic defect. The knowledge on the NK-2 class of homeobox-containing genes and their encoded proteins was summarised. These genes are characterised by the presence of a 180-base-pair segment of DNA called the homeobox. The corresponding 60 amino acid residue fragment of the encoded protein is called the homeodomain. The NK-2 class of homeobox genes is defined by the encoding of tyrosine in position 54 of the homeodomain, which is responsible for the recognition of the unusual 5’ – CAAGTG – 3’ core consensus DNA sequence. The structural results on the NK-2 homeodomains both in the free and DNA-bound states, thermodynamic properties and CAT assays of the wild type and selected single amino acid residue replacements were reviewed. The review began by describing the structural, thermodynamic and binding experiments that were performed both on wild-type and mutant encoded proteins from these genes. These biophysical measurements with functional studies are designed to tell how any structural or thermodynamic changes that are observed might influence the ability of these genes or gene products to function properly. The study demonstrated that a tyrosine to methionine mutation in the vnd/NK-2 homeodomain and a mutation from tyrosine to cysteine in the highly homologous human cardiac CSX/NKX-2.5 homeodomain do not alter the structures of their respective homeodomain-DNA complexes. The transgenic data on a mutant gene that encodes for methionine in vnd/NK-2, a CNS gene, is lethal. Both the tyrosine to cysteine mutant in position 54 of the CSX/NKX-2.5 homeodomain that arises from a missense UAC to UGC mRNA codon change and a synonymous tyrosine to tyrosine change in position 14 from the rare UAU to the common UAC mRNA codon, also in the CSX/NKX-2.5 homeodomain, result in serious congenital heart defects. The potential roles of the mRNA in vnd/NK-2 were investigated by carrying out preliminary transient transfection assays using RNA Affymetrix chip assay data to show that the altered mRNAs do not properly repress known downstream target genes. The study suggested that alterations in the mRNA, as well as changes in individual amino acid residues in a protein, apparently can act as etiological agents to generate phenotypic alterations or genetic diseases in humans. A detailed molecular explanation for these observations remains elusive, although the information available on synonymous mutations does indicate an important role associated with changes in the mRNA that requires further investigation.

 

Author(s) Details

Kae-Jung Hwang
U.S. Pharmacopeia, 12601 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.

 

James A. Ferretti
Laboratory of Structural Biophysics, National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive MSC-8013, Bethesda, MD 20892-8013, USA.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v5/5742

 

A Comprehensive Review of the Most Devastating and Catastrophic Return of Fear and Uncertainty: The Covid-19 Crisis | Chapter 11 | Disease and Health: Research Developments Vol. 7

 In 2019, the world witnessed the beginnings of a global pandemic in the form of a new respiratory illness. Covid-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus “SARS-CoV-2”. Covid-19 is the news once again making headlines and announcing its comeback. It has had a profound impact since its December 2019 emergence from Wuhan, China. The 2019 outbreak was a turning point affecting nearly every country with varying degrees of devastating and catastrophic severity. It has led to significant worldwide mortality and morbidity causing millions of deaths and long-lasting health complications for many, directly or indirectly. The rapid spread worldwide, led to the World Health Organization calling it a “global pandemic” on March 11, 2020. It has reshaped the world’s healthcare systems, caused economic disruptions and forced significant changes in lifestyle. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic up until the end of 2024, there have been over 800 million globally confirmed cases. During the same period, the world-wide death rate was just over 7 million with 13 billion Covid-19 vaccinations administered globally. The scar left by Covid-19 is witnessed on the face of every individual and every sector of the economy. Anytime a viral outbreak has the potential to take hold, a containment strategy must be followed in order to keep it from becoming a pandemic. This study is a detailed presentation of the covid crisis. Covid-19 is a viral zoonotic disease which spreads from animals-to-humans and humans-to-humans. It is caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Covid-19 is an enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that attaches to the host cell through its spike protein which facilitates entry into the host cell via the ACE2 receptors. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets of an infected person when coughing, sneezing or talking and can also spread via contact with contaminated surfaces. Asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals can also spread the disease. Covid-19 has caused major social, economic, business and lifestyle disruptions. Covid-19 symptoms range from mild to severe and appear between 2-14 days after exposure. The most common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, headache, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, ARDS, organ failure and even death. A Covid-19 diagnosis is mainly done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - the gold standard of testing. Histologically, Covid-19 is responsible for many changes to the lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and GI tract. Symptoms lasting beyond the primary infection (“long-covid”) have shown to have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life. There are several factors that increase the risk of infection. Individuals who are over 60 versus younger individuals, individuals with comorbidities, those who are immunocompromised, those who smoke, use alcohol, lack exercise or are unvaccinated, all have a higher risk of infection. Infected individuals with underlying health conditions can experience a host of complications such as mild to severe organ impairment (heart, liver, kidney, brain), diabetes, dementia, neurological issues, GI issues, and hematological or muscular pain. The risk also increases for individuals who are lower on the socio-economic spectrum. One of the most prominent features of the Covid virus is its ability to mutate over time. This leads to the emergence of variants with different properties. Currently, there is no definite treatment for Covid-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of vaccines, antiviral drugs, immunomodulators, monoclonal antibodies and non-pharmaceutical interventions (wearing masks, social distancing, hand hygiene, quarantine, isolation) to reduce the transmission risk, prevent hospitalization and to avoid severe illness or death. The advent of highly efficacious vaccines using novel mRNA technology has seen the effects of the disease wane. The Covid-19 outbreak brought to light some very stark realities. It is abundantly clear there is no influence over animal biology, their disease reservoirs, the host type (bats, mosquitoes), virus mutation, etc. From a societal standpoint, there is no influence over social behavior (collective, individual), socio-economic disparities, age, gender, comorbidities or national resources. Looking at these factors alone, one can see the insurmountable task of controlling another outbreak. Covid-19 infection rates are slowing and the pandemic is giving way to an endemic. However, one question remains - how well prepared are we for the next major outbreak?

 

Author (s) Details

 

M Waheed Roomi
Rath Research Institute, San Jose, California. USA.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrd/v7/4582

CAR T Cells Produced in vivo to Treat Cardiac Injury | Chapter 19 | Diagnostic and Treatment Advances in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2

Fibrosis affects millions of people with cardiac disease. We developed a therapeutic approach to generate transient antifibrotic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in vivo by delivering modified messenger RNA (mRNA) in T cell–targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The efficacy of these in vivo–reprogrammed CAR T cells was evaluated by injecting CD5-targeted LNPs into a mouse model of heart failure. Efficient delivery of modified mRNA encoding the CAR to T lymphocytes was observed, which produced transient, effective CAR T cells in vivo. Antifibrotic CAR T cells exhibited trogocytosis and retained the target antigen as they accumulated in the spleen. Treatment with modified mRNA-targeted LNPs reduced fibrosis and restored cardiac function after injury. In vivo generation of CAR T cells may hold promise as a therapeutic platform to treat various diseases.

Author(s) Details:

Joel G. Rurik,
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

István Tombácz,
Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Amir Yadegari,
Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Pedro O. Méndez Fernández,
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Swapnil V. Shewale,
Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Li Li,
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA and Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Toru Kimura,
Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Ousamah Younoss Soliman,
Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Tyler E. Papp,
Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Ying K. Tam,
Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.

Barbara L. Mui,
Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.

Steven M. Albelda,
Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Ellen Puré,
Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Carl H. June,
Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Haig Aghajanian,
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Drew Weissman,
Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Hamideh Parhiz,
Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Jonathan A. Epstein,
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA and Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/DTACSC/article/view/9571