ABSTRACT
The research examined the effects of Boswellia serrata extracts (BSE) on a rat model of osteoarthritis induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). The severity and progression of MIA-induced osteoarthritis were assessed using microcomputed tomography imaging. Additionally, the study investigated the impact of BSE various the biomarkers associated with osteoarthritis, including anabolic and catabolic factors, pro-inflammatory factors, and apoptosis factors. The evaluation methods employed included western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis in osteoarthritic rats. Supplementing osteoarthritic rats with BSE reduced tissue injury, cartilage destruction, and decreased in MIA-induced roughness on the articular cartilage surface. MIA-treated rats exhibited increased expressions of phosphorylation of Smad3, MMPs, p-IκB, p-NF-κB, and pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2), which were mitigated by BSE supplementation. Furthermore, protein expressions related to apoptosis pathways were significantly reduced in MIA-induced rats supplemented with BSE. These findings suggested that BSE ingestion may enhance the inflammatory response, decrease JNK-dependent MMPs activation, and alleviate caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in MIA-induced osteoarthritic rat models. Consequently, BSE exhibits potential as a therapeutic agent for treating osteoarthritis.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the proprietary lutein, zeaxanthin, and rosemary formulation for its dermal protection against ultraviolet (UV) irradiated skin dehydration. A total of 48 male Swiss albino mice of 8â¼12 weeks of age were divided into eight groups of 6 mice: mice in group 1 (G1) were considered the normal control, without treatment and without skin shaving; mice in G2 had their skins were shaved, but did not receive treatment; mice in G3 were the pathological control; mice in G4 were treated as standard (hyaluronic acid); mice in G5â¼G8 were treated with low and high doses of 2 different test substances, respectively. Mice were anaesthetized and then depilatory was applied on the dorsal skin area (2 cm×2 cm) on alternate days, then UV/blue light irradiation was carried out for 15 min for 6 weeks. Collagen type 1 gene expression was determined via densitometric analysis, skin elasticity was assessed, and stratum corneum water contents were measured using a cutometer and corneometer. Skin hydration was assessed through transepidermal water loss, and several serum biochemical parameters (collagenase, hydroxyproline, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide levels) were determined to assess the skin moisturizing activity of the product. Images for assessing photoaging were considered between different groups on day 42. All these subjective parameters reached statistical significance (P<0.05) in groups treated with the proprietary lutein and rosemary formulation compared with the placebo-treated group. In conclusion, the proprietary lutein, zeaxanthin, and rosemary formulation showed better protection of skin subjected to UV irradiated skin dehydration.
