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"Majewski, S"
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Screening and Structure–Activity Relationship for Selective and Potent Anti-Melanogenesis Agents Derived from Species of Mulberry (Genus Morus)
Tyrosinase is a multifunctional, copper-containing and rate-limiting oxidase that catalyses crucial steps in the melanogenesis pathway and is responsible for skin-pigmentation abnormalities in mammals. Numerous tyrosinase inhibitors derived from natural and synthetic sources have been identified as an objective for the development of anti-melanogenesis agents. However, due to side effects and lack of expected efficiency, only a small percentage of them are used for medical and cosmetic purposes. This critical review focuses on searching for novel active substances and recently discovered plant-derived anti-tyrosinase inhibitors from the Morus genus (Moraceae family). A detailed analysis of their structure–activity relationships is discussed. The information contained in this article is crucial for the cosmetics and medical industries, in order to show new directions for the effective search for natural anti-melanogenesis products (with satisfactory efficiency and safety) to treat and cure hyperpigmentation.
Journal Article
The Involvement of Epilobium parviflorum in Different Human Diseases, with Particular Attention to Its Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Benefits to Vascular Health
Background/Objectives: Water and alcohol extracts of Epilobium have gained attention due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds and their associated health benefits. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. (Onagraceae) preparations on vascular health in light of its medical applications in different human diseases over the last five years. Materials and Methods: A literature search was undertaken of databases such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar for original articles published between March 2000 and March 2025. The keywords used were “aortic rings”, “ellagitannins”, “Epilobium”, “hydrolyzable tannins”, “hypotension”, “oenothein B”, “Onagraceae”, “systolic blood pressure”, “vasorelaxation”, and “willow herb”. Results: The E. parviflorum Schreb. herb has been used as a remedy in folk medicine and has a variety of therapeutic properties. These include its preventive effects and ability to relieve symptoms in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia, prostatitis, and a variety of cancers. Other properties include effects on kidney and urinary tract diseases, lipid regulation, and skin infections. The herb also has antibacterial properties. E. parviflorum contains bioactive compounds such as oenothein B, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, and myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside. At low doses, these compounds contribute to a reduction in oxidative stress due to their antioxidant and immunostimulatory effects, positively reducing inflammation, which can cause certain conditions. At higher concentrations, Epilobium generates reactive oxygen species that stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms against a variety of cancers. The presence of oenothein B in E. parviflorum may influence the production and storage of nitric oxide, which, in turn, promotes vasodilation and regulates blood pressure. Conclusions: Although the potential application of E. parviflorum in metabolic disorders has not been extensively studied before, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are well documented and suggest potential pathways for future research and the therapeutic development of preparations to benefit vascular health.
Journal Article
Antioxidant and anticoagulant properties of myo-inositol determined in an ex vivo studies and gas chromatography analysis
Myo
-inositol plays a key role in the vasculature and may be beneficial for preventing harmful environmental effects. In this study aortic rings were isolated from middle-aged (12-month-old) male Wistar rats and preincubated with
myo
-inositol (0.01–100 mg/L) for 2 h. A stable thromboxane A
2
analog was added (0.1 nM, 2 h) to analyze vascular dysfunction. The concentration of
myo
-inositol in the organ baths was determined via gas chromatography. In another experiment, human blood plasma was subjected to pro-oxidant - hydrogen peroxide administration, and
myo
-inositol was added to analyze lipid and protein oxidation processes. The thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and thrombin time were also studied.
Myo
-inositol administration protected thiol groups against oxidative stress, meanwhile decreased vascular contraction and potentiated vasodilation (concentrations 1–100 mg/L, but not ≤ 0.1 mg/L), and changed the level of 8-isoprostane (concentrations: 0.1–100 mg/L, but not 0.01 mg/L) in plasma treated with H
2
O
2
/Fe
2+
. A dose above 100 mg/L additionally protected lipids (measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and increased thrombin time. Moreover, significant differences in vascular relaxation were observed between the studied
myo
-inositol concentrations (1 vs. 10 vs. 100 mg/L), which was not detected under the 0.1 mg/L. The concentration of
myo
-inositol in the organ baths determined via gas chromatography revealed that this nutraceutical agent was not used by the aortic rings during the incubation period in physiological processes. A protective effect of
myo
-inositol against prooxidant damage to human plasma and rat thoracic arteries has been demonstrated.
Journal Article
Fatigue in Inflammatory Joint Diseases
Fatigue is a prevalent symptom in various rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is characterised as a subjective, enduring feeling of generalised tiredness or exhaustion, impacting the patient’s life quality and exacerbating disability. The fatigue nature is multifaceted, encompassing physiological, psychological, and social factors, and although the exact cause of inflammatory joint diseases is not fully understood, several factors are believed to contribute to its development. Despite high prevalence and importance, the symptom is often underestimated in clinical practice. Chronic inflammation, commonly associated with rheumatic diseases, has been proposed as a potential contributor to fatigue development. While current treatments effectively target inflammation and reduce disease activity, fatigue remains a persistent problem. Clinical evaluation of rheumatic diseases primarily relies on objective criteria, whereas fatigue, being a subjective symptom, is solely experienced and reported by the patient. Managing fatigue in inflammatory joint diseases involves a multifaceted approach. Identifying and comprehensively assessing the subjective components of fatigue in individual patients is crucial for effectively managing this symptom in everyday clinical practice.
Journal Article
Characterizations of White Mulberry, Sea-Buckthorn, Garlic, Lily of the Valley, Motherwort, and Hawthorn as Potential Candidates for Managing Cardiovascular Disease—In Vitro and Ex Vivo Animal Studies
Cardiovascular diseases are a broadly understood concept focusing on vascular and heart dysfunction. Lack of physical exercise, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, thromboembolism, and kidney and lung diseases all contribute to the development of heart and blood vessel dysfunction. Although effective and important, traditional treatment with diuretics, statins, beta blockers, calcium inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and anti-platelet drugs remains a second-line treatment after dietary interventions and lifestyle changes. Scientists worldwide are still looking for an herbal product that would be effective and free from side effects, either taken together with or before the standard pharmacological intervention. Such herbal-originated medication therapy may include Morus alba L. (white mulberry), Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson (sea-buckthorn), Allium sativum L. (garlic), Convallaria majalis L. (lily of the valley), Leonurus cardiaca L. (motherwort), and Crataegus spp. (hawthorn). Valuable herbal raw materials include leaves, fruits, seeds, and even thorns. This short review focuses on six herbs that can constitute an interesting and potential therapeutic option in the management of cardiovascular disorders.
Journal Article
The Dual Role of Myokines in Fatigue Associated with Inflammatory Joint Diseases
Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Despite advances in reducing inflammation through treatments, fatigue often persists, underscoring its multifactorial etiology. A possible link between the persistent inflammation observed in rheumatic diseases and the onset of fatigue has been suggested. The discovery that skeletal muscles also secrete cytokines and myokines, has opened new avenues for research. This narrative review explores current mechanistic insights and evidence on the dural role of myokines in exacerbating or alleviating fatigue, particularly in the context of physical activity and chronic inflammation. Key myokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), myostatin, interleukin-15 (IL-15), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and irisin are examined for their influence on muscle-brain communication, neuroinflammation, and systemic metabolic processes. The findings highlight the potential of targeted myokine modulation as a therapeutic strategy for fatigue management.
Journal Article
Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers: Selected Advances and Challenges in the Design of Safe Oxygen Therapeutics (A Focused Review)
Blood transfusion is a routine yet resource-intensive medical procedure. Increasing global demand, limited donor availability, and logistical and ethical constraints have driven the search for adequate blood substitutes. Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) represent a promising class of therapeutics designed to mimic the oxygen transport function of red blood cells while overcoming the challenges of storage, compatibility, and infection risk. Despite decades of research, no HBOC has yet met all criteria for widespread clinical use. This review summarizes recent advances in the design and development of hemoglobin derivatives, with a focus on their biochemical properties, safety profiles, and oxygen delivery capabilities. We also discuss current limitations and translational barriers. The successful implementation of HBOCs could significantly improve transfusion strategies, especially in emergency medicine, military applications, and resource-limited settings. Continued innovation is essential to bring safe and effective oxygen therapeutics into routine clinical practice.
Journal Article
Evaluation of selected IL6/STAT3 pathway molecules and miRNA expression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COPD has been regarded as a global epidemic due to an increase in pollution and tobacco exposure. Therefore, the study of molecular mechanism as the basis for modern therapy is important. The aim of the study was the assessment of gene expression levels,
IL-6
,
IL-6ST
,
PIAS3
,
STAT3
, and miRNAs, miRNA-1, miRNA-106b, miRNA-155, in patients with COPD. Induced sputum as well as PBMC were collected from 40 patients clinically verified according to the GOLD 2021 (A–D) classification and from the control group (n = 20). The levels of gene and miRNA expression were analysed by qPCR. In induced sputum
IL6
was significantly down-regulated in COPD group compared with control (
p
= 0.0008), while
IL6ST
were up-regulated (
p
= 0.05). The results were also statistically significant for
STAT3
(
p
= 0.04) and miRNA-155 (
p
= 0.03) with higher expression in the current smokers compared to ex-smokers. Higher expression levels for
IL6ST
(
p
= 0.03) in COPD patients with the exacerbation history compared to COPD patients without the exacerbation history were noted. Compared induced sputum and PB lymphocytes we observed higher expression of
IL6
(
p
= 0.0003)
, STAT3
(
p
= 0.000001) miRNA-106b (
p
= 0.000069 and miRNA-155 (
p
= 0.000016) in induced sputum with lower expression of
PIAS3
(
p
= 0.006),
IL6ST
(
p
= 0.002) and miRNA-1 (
p
= 0.001). Differences in gene expression levels of the IL-6/IL6ST/STAT3 pathway and miRNA depending on the smoking status and classification of patients according to GOLD suggest the importance of these genes in the pathogenesis of COPD and may indicate their potential utility in monitoring the course of the disease.
Journal Article
Enzymatic Spirulina Extract Enhances the Vasodilation in Aorta and Mesenteric Arteries of Aged Rats
Aging, one of the main factors associated with cardiovascular diseases, induces vascular modifications through nitric oxide (NO) release and oxidative stress. Based on the antioxidant properties of the non-enzymatic spirulina extract (non-Enz-Spir-E) and that degrading enzymes enhances the extract bioactivity, the aim of this study was to analyze the in vitro effect of an Alcalase-assisted Enz-Spir-E on the vasodilator function of conduit and resistance arteries (which differently contribute to blood pressure regulation) in aging. Therefore, thoracic aorta (TA) and mesenteric arteries (MA) from male Sprague–Dawley rats (20–22 months-old) were divided into two groups: non-incubated vessels and vessels exposed to Enz-Spir-E (0.1% w/v) for 3 h. The vasodilation to acetylcholine (ACh), sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor), carbon-monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM), and cromakalim (a potassium channel opener), as well as NO and superoxide anion production, were studied. Enz-Spir-E increased the ACh-, SNP-, and CORM-induced responses in both types of arteries, while the cromalakim-induced relaxation was increased only in MA. Enz-Spir-E increased NO release (TA: 5.69-fold; MA: 1.79-fold), while it reduced superoxide anion formation (TA: 0.52-fold; MA: 0.66-fold). These results indicate that Enz-Spir-E improves aging-associated vasodilation through increasing NO release/bioavailability in both types of arteries and hyperpolarizing mechanisms only in MA.
Journal Article