Peonidin-3-O-glucoside and Resveratrol Increase the Viability of Cultured Human hFOB Osteoblasts and Alter the Expression of Genes Associated with Apoptosis, Osteoblast Differentiation and Osteoclastogenesis.

High-throughput RNA-sequencing can determine the impact of nutrients and their combinations on gene transcription levels in osteocytes, and clarify the biological pathways associated with their impact on bone tissues. Previously, we reported that resveratrol (RES) and peonidin-3-O-glucoside (POG) increased osteoblastogenesis, as well as reduced osteoclastogenesis in transgenic teleost fish models. Here, we perform whole-genome transcriptomic profiling of osteoblasts treated with POG or RES to provide a comprehensive understanding of alterations in gene expression and the molecular mechanisms involved. Cultured human fetal osteoblastic hFOB 1.19 cells were treated with the test compounds, and then RNA was used to prepare RNA-seq libraries, that were sequenced using a NovaSeq 6000. Treatment with POG or RES increased osteoblast proliferation and reduced apoptosis. Transcriptomic profiling showed that of the 29,762 genes investigated, 3177 were differentially expressed (1481 upregulated, 1696 downregulated, FDR ≤ 0.05) in POG-treated osteoblasts. In the RES-treated osteoblasts, 2288 genes were differentially expressed (DGEs, 1068 upregulated, 1220 downregulated, FDR ≤ 0.05). Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA) of DGEs from RES or POG-treated osteoblasts revealed significant downregulation of the apoptosis, osteoarthritis and HIF1α canonical pathways, and a significant reduction in Rankl mRNA expression. The data suggest that RES and POG have both anabolic and anticlastogenic effects.

Mexican traditional medicines for women's reproductive health.

Like China, Mexico has a traditional system of medicine dating back almost 5000 years that incorporates the healing practices of pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Maya and Aztec. Mexican Traditional Medicine (MTM) women depend on MTM practices and herbal medicines for their primary healthcare needs as limited access and high costs of Western medicine is a significant problem. The aims of this work were to determine the medicinal plants more commonly used in MTM for women's reproductive health issues and assess the clinical data supporting their use. Data from multiple sources was compiled and information on plants commonly used by women in Mexico MTM for the treatment of fertility and menstruation issues, pregnancy, and menopause was analyzed. Analysis of the data show that 185 species of plants representing > 60 families were used for a wide range of reproductive health issues. Some of these plants have been used in MTM for fertility regulation in women of which 35 species were used as emmenagogues and abortifacients. Approximate 40 species were used for the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, heavy menstrual bleeding, and dysmenorrhea. In terms of pregnancy, 35 species were used for postpartum care and to facilitate breastfeeding, 16 species were used as oxytocic agents to induce labor and speed birth, and six plant species were used to prevent miscarriage. Fourteen plant species were reported to treat infertility or promote fertility, and seven species were used to treat uterine prolapse. Three plants species were reported to treat menopause and two plants were used for osteoporosis. Analysis of the clinical data for commonly used medicinal plants showed some clinical support for the use of these plants in MTM. In Mexico, women use medicinal plants for almost every aspect of reproductive health. While some plants have clinical data, most medicinal plants used in MTM have no safety or efficacy data available and could serve as the basis of future investigations.