Pistachio Green Hull Extract Induces Apoptosis through Multiple Signaling Pathways by Causing Oxidative Stress on Colon Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND: Pistachio is considered to be one of the fifty foods with the highest antioxidant effect. However, the anticancer effect mechanisms of this plant extracts are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer effect of different extracts from the green hull of pistachio. METHODS: The cytotoxic effects of different solvent extracts on cancer and normal cells were examined by cell viability assay and flow cytometric analysis. The levels of the apoptotic gene and protein were investigated by Western Blot and ELISA, and qPCR. The intracellular free radical exchange was determined by oxidative and nitric oxide analyses. DNA damage level was measured by the 8-OHdG test. Phenolic and free fatty acid components were examined by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively. RESULTS: It was determined that the n-hexane fraction showed a higher cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Oxidative and cell cycle analyses indicated that the n-hexane fraction arrested cell cycle of HT-29 at the sub-G1 phase by increasing DNA damage through oxidative stress. In addition, gene expression analysis of the HT-29 treated with the n-hexane fraction indicated that apoptotic and autophagic gene expressions were significantly upregulated. LC-MS/MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction revealed the presence of 15 phenolic compounds, containing mainly gallic acid and catechin hydrate, and GC-MS analysis determined the presence of the following fatty acids: 9-octadecenoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid and hexadecenoic acid. CONCLUSION: Based on these grounds, we suggest that the n-hexane fraction of pistachio green hull damages DNA, arrests the cell cycle at the G1 subphase, and induces apoptosis through oxidative pathways in colon cancer.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) for the treatment and prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most important gastrointestinal emergency affecting especially preterm infants and causes severe morbidities and mortality. However, there is no cure. Oxidant stress, inflammation, apoptosis, as well as prematurity are believed to responsible in the pathogenesis of the disease. Ginger and its compounds have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant properties and immunomodulatory, cytoprotective/regenerative actions. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of ginger on the intestinal damage in an experimental rat model of NEC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty newborn Wistar rats were divided into three groups: NEC, NEC + ginger and control in this experimental study. NEC was induced by injection of intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide, feeding with enteral formula, hypoxia-hyperoxia and cold stress exposure. The pups in the NEC + ginger group were orally administered ginger at a dose of 1000 mg/kg/day. Proximal colon and ileum were excised. Histopathological, immunohistochemical (TUNEL for apoptosis, caspase 3 and 8) and biochemical assays including xanthine oxidase (XO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malonaldehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin1ß (IL-1ß), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) activity were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with the NEC group, the rat pups in the NEC + ginger group had better clinical disease scores and weight gain (p < 0.05). Macroscopic evaluation, Histopathologic and apoptosis assessment (TUNEL, caspase 3 and 8) releaved that severity of intestinal damage were significantly lower in the NEC + ginger group (p < 0.05). The levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 in the ginger treated group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The GSH-Px and SOD levels of the ginger treated group were significantly preserved in the NEC + ginger group (p < 0.05). The tissue XO, MDA and MPO levels of the NEC + ginger group were significantly lower than those in the NEC group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ginger therapy efficiently ameliorated the severity of intestinal damage in NEC and may be a promising treatment option.

Enrichment of the Glycyrrhizic Acid from Licorice Roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) by Isoelectric Focused Adsorptive Bubble Chromatography.

The main aim of this study was to enrich glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt known as one of the main compounds of licorice roots (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) by isoelectric focused adsorptive bubble separation technique with different foaming agents. In the experiments, four bubble separation parameters were used with ß-lactoglobulin, albumin bovine, and starch (soluble) preferred as foaming agents and without additives. The enrichment of glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt into the foam was influenced by different additive substances. The results showed that highest enrichment values were obtained from ß-lactoglobulin as much as 368.3 times. The lowest enrichment values (5.9 times) were determined for the application without additive. After enrichment, each experiment of glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt confirmed that these substances could be quantitatively enriched into the collection vessel with isoelectric focused adsorptive bubble separation technique. The transfer of glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt into the foam from standard solution in the presence of additive was more efficient than aqueous licorice extract.