Trigonelline promotes auditory function through nerve growth factor signaling on diabetic animal models

Casta&ntilde,eda, Rodrigo,Rodriguez, Isabel,Nam, Youn Hee,Hong, Bin Na,Kang, Tong Ho Elsevier 2017 Phytomedicine Vol.36 No.-

<P>Conclusions: This study suggests that the enhanced hearing function produced by TRG may be mediated by NGF, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetic hearing loss.</P>

Traditional oriental medicine for sensorineural hearing loss: Can ethnopharmacology contribute to potential drug discovery?

Casta&ntilde,eda, Rodrigo,Natarajan, Sathishkumar,Jeong, Seo Yule,Hong, Bin Na,Kang, Tong Ho Elsevier 2019 Journal of Ethnopharmacology Vol.231 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P><B>Ethnopharmacological relevance</B></P> <P>In Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM), the development of hearing pathologies is related to an inadequate nourishment of the ears by the kidney and other organs involved in regulation of bodily fluids and nutrients. Several herbal species have historically been prescribed for promoting the production of bodily fluids or as antiaging agents to treat deficiencies in hearing.</P> <P><B>Aim of review</B></P> <P>The prevalence of hearing loss has been increasing in the last decade and is projected to grow considerably in the coming years. Recently, several herbal-derived products prescribed in TOM have demonstrated a therapeutic potential for acquired sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. Therefore, the aims of this review are to provide a comprehensive overview of the current known efficacy of the herbs used in TOM for preventing different forms of acquired sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, and associate the traditional principle with the demonstrated pharmacological mechanisms to establish a solid foundation for directing future research.</P> <P><B>Methods</B></P> <P>The present review collected the literature related to herbs used in TOM or related compounds on hearing from Chinese, Korean, and Japanese herbal classics; library catalogs; and scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar; and Science Direct).</P> <P><B>Results</B></P> <P>This review shows that approximately 25 herbal species and 40 active compounds prescribed in TOM for hearing loss and tinnitus have shown <I>in vitro</I> or <I>in vivo</I> beneficial effects for acquired sensorineural hearing loss produced by noise, aging, ototoxic drugs or diabetes. The inner ear is highly vulnerable to ischemia and oxidative damage, where several TOM agents have revealed a direct effect on the auditory system by normalizing the blood supply to the cochlea and increasing the antioxidant defense in sensory hair cells. These strategies have shown a positive impact on maintaining the inner ear potential, sustaining the production of endolymph, reducing the accumulation of toxic and inflammatory substances, preventing sensory cell death and preserving sensory transmission. There are still several herbal species with demonstrated therapeutic efficacy whose mechanisms have not been deeply studied and others that have been traditionally used in hearing loss but have not been tested experimentally. In clinical studies, <I>Ginkgo biloba</I>, <I>Panax ginseng</I>, and <I>Astragalus propinquus</I> have demonstrated to improve hearing thresholds in patients with sensorineural hearing loss and alleviated the symptoms of tinnitus. However, some of these clinical studies have been limited by small sample sizes, lack of an adequate control group or contradictory results.</P> <P><B>Conclusions</B></P> <P>Current therapeutic strategies have proven that the goal of the traditional oriental medicine principle of increasing bodily fluids is a relevant approach for reducing the development of hearing loss by improving microcirculation in the blood-labyrinth barrier and increasing cochlear blood flow. The potential benefits of TOM agents expand to a multi-target approach on different auditory structures of the inner ear related to increased cochlear blood flow, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective activities. However, more research is required, given the evidence is very limited in terms of the mechanism of action at the preclinical <I>in vivo</I> level and the scarce number of clinical studies published.</P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Electrophysiological changes in auditory evoked potentials in rats with salicylate-induced tinnitus

Casta&ntilde,eda, Rodrigo,Natarajan, Sathishkumar,Jeong, Seo Yule,Hong, Bin Na,Kang, Tong Ho Elsevier/North Holland 2019 Brain research Vol.1715 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Early-response auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) in humans are significantly altered in tinnitus. These changes are closely related to that seen in animals, leading to new approaches to study tinnitus based on objective parameters. The purpose of this study was to characterize the AEPs in animals with tinnitus, by assessing early to late latency responses. For behavioral evaluation, rats were trained using positive reinforcement to press a lever in the presence of an auditory stimulus and to not press during silence. The auditory brainstem response (ABR), middle latency response (MLR) and auditory late latency response (LLR) were correlated to the false-positive responses (pressing the lever during silence), after oral administrations of Sodium Salicylate (SS, 350 mg/kg). In the present study, SS significantly increased the hearing thresholds and reduced ABR peak I amplitudes across the frequency range (4–32 kHz). In contrast, increased amplitudes were observed for several peaks in ABR, MLR, and LLR. Moreover, reduced ABR latencies in response to 8, 16 and 24 kHz tone bursts were observed after SS administration. Similarly, the central evaluation also revealed significantly reduced latencies in MLR and LLR during SS administration. In contrast, increased latencies were observed for ABR latencies in response to 32 kHz tone bursts, and at the P1-N1 component of LLR. Correlational analysis revealed that latencies and amplitudes of peaks II and IV (8 and 16 kHz) of ABR, and N2 latency and P2-N2 amplitude of LLR were associated with behavioral tinnitus. We suggest that AEPs can be used in the rat to evaluate the reduced sensory input and the increased central gain in SS-induced tinnitus, as well as reduced latencies (8–16 kHz) to distinguish between hearing loss and tinnitus.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Objective parameters of the AEPs were identified in rats treated with SS. </LI> <LI> Reduced sensory input was shown by hearing thresholds and ABR peak I amplitudes. </LI> <LI> Reduced latencies were found in the ABR (8-24kHz), MLR and LLR in SS-induced tinnitus. </LI> <LI> Central gain was reflected by increased amplitudes in ABR, MLR, and LLR. </LI> <LI> Behavioral tinnitus was correlated to peak IV of ABR, and P2 and N2 of LLR. </LI> </UL> </P>

Chronic Toxicity, Genotoxic Assay, and Phytochemical Analysis of Four Traditional Medicinal Plants

América Castañeda Sortibrán,María Guadalupe Ordaz Téllez,Verónica Muñoz Ocotero,Marco Antonio Carballo-Ontiveros,Angélica Méndez García,Rocio Jimena Jiménez Valdés,Elizabeth Romero Gutiérrez,Rosario R 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.9

Four medicinal plants—Tecoma stans, Ligusticum porteri, Monarda austromontana, and Poliomintha longiflora, which are distributed in tropical and subtropical countries of the American continent—are widely used in folk medicine to treat diseases such as diarrhea and dysentery. In addition, T. stans and P. longiflora are extensively used as hypoglycemic agents, and M. austromontana and P. longiflora are used as condiments. The plants were collected, identified, dried, and pulverized. Solvent extraction was prepared by maceration of the plant samples, and the phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined by using standard analysis procedures. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of triterpenoids/steroids, flavonoids, and phenols/tannins and, in L. porteri, traces of alkaloids. After the elimination of solvents in vacuo, the extracts were administrated to Drosophila larvae to test their toxicity and genotoxicity. Third instar larvae were chronically fed with the phytoextracts. The extract from L. porteri was toxic, whereas those from T. stans, P. longiflora, and M. austromontana were not. Genotoxic activities of the 4 plants were investigated by using the wing-spot assay of D. melanogaster. Mitomycin C was used as a positive control. No statistically significant increase was observed between treated sample series and a concurrent negative (water) or solvent control sample series.

Combination Pharmacological Interventions for Smoking Cessation and Post-Cessation Weight Gain : A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Gail Castañeda,Jaewon Kang,Mi Jung Lee,Nancy Schaefer,Sergio Romero 대한작업치료학회 2020 대한작업치료학회지 Vol.28 No.4

Objective: Limited evidence exists concerning whether combined pharmacotherapy is more effective than monotherapy for increased smoking abstinence and post-cessation weight gain prevention. This research investigated the effect of combined pharmacotherapy on smoking abstinence and post-cessation weight change. Methods: A meta-analytic review of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) published between January 1990 and July 2016 was conducted across PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Aggregate fixed effects were estimated for continuous abstinence and mean post-cessation weight change. Keyword search terms included: “smoking cessation,” “naltrexone”, “varenicline”, and “bupropion”. Results: Eight RCTs with 2,513 participants were included. Aggregate fixed effect estimates revealed an increase in continuous smoking abstinence (OR = 1.81, p < .001) and mean decrease in post-cessation weight change (-.15 kg, p = .001). Decreased weight change was observed at 6-8 weeks follow-up (-.14 kg, p = .02). Increased mean weight change was observed among varenicline plus nicotine patch abstainers (.21 kg, p = .01), whereas bupropion plus NRT pharmacotherapies showed decreased mean weight change (-.15 kg, p = .01). Conclusion: Combination pharmacotherapy generates increased smoking abstinence and small short-term post-cessation weight change among abstainers, particularly among bupropion plus NRT when compared against varenicline plus nicotine patch.

Transcription Factors Tec1 and Tec2 Play Key Roles in the Hyphal Growth and Virulence of Mucor lusitanicus Through Increased Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism

Alejandre-Castañeda Viridiana,Patiño-Medina J. Alberto,Valle-Maldonado Marco I.,García Alexis,Ortiz-Alvarado Rafael,Ruíz-Herrera León F.,Castro-Cerritos Karla Viridiana,Ramírez-Emiliano Joel,Ramírez-D 한국미생물학회 2023 The journal of microbiology Vol.61 No.12

Mucormycosis is a lethal and difficult-to-treat fungal infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales. Mucor lusitanicus, a member of Mucorales, is commonly used as a model to understand disease pathogenesis. However, transcriptional control of hyphal growth and virulence in Mucorales is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of Tec proteins, which belong to the TEA/ATTS transcription factor family, in the hyphal development and virulence of M. lusitanicus. Unlike in the genome of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes, which have a single Tec homologue, in the genome of Mucorales, two Tec homologues, Tec1 and Tec2, were found, except in that of Phycomyces blakesleeanus, with only one Tec homologue. tec1 and tec2 overexpression in M. lusitanicus increased mycelial growth, mitochondrial content and activity, expression of the rhizoferrin synthetase-encoding gene rfs, and virulence in nematodes and wax moth larvae but decreased cAMP levels and protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Furthermore, tec1- and tec2-overexpressing strains required adequate mitochondrial metabolism to promote the virulent phenotype. The heterotrimeric G beta subunit 1-encoding gene deletant strain (Δgpb1) increased cAMP-PKA activity, downregulation of both tec genes, decreased both virulence and hyphal development, but tec1 and tec2 overexpression restored these defects. Overexpression of allele-mutated variants of Tec1(S332A) and Tec2(S168A) in the putative phosphorylation sites for PKA increased both virulence and hyphal growth of Δgpb1. These findings suggest that Tec homologues promote mycelial development and virulence by enhancing mitochondrial metabolism and rhizoferrin accumulation, providing new information for the rational control of the virulent phenotype of M. lusitanicus.

Effects of Oxygen and Nutrients on Xylitol and Ethanol Production in Sugarcane Bagasse Hydrolyzates

Juan Francisco Castañón-Rodríguez,José Antonio Portilla-Arias,María Guadalupe Aguilar-Uscanga,Blanca R. Aguilar-Uscanga 한국식품과학회 2015 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.24 No.4

The influence of oxygen and nutrient supplementation on xylitol and ethanol production in a synthetic medium and sugarcane bagasse hydrolyzates using Candida tropicalis IEC5-ITV and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ITV01- RD was investigated for evaluation of bioconversion of pentoses and hexoses present in the lignocellulosic biomass. The best oxygen transfer rate (56.05 mg of O2/L/h) and xylitol and ethanol yields (0.67 and 0.47 g/g, respectively) were obtained in a synthetic medium. A yeast extract had a positive effect on xylitol and ethanol production (0.64 and 0.44 g/g, respectively) at a concentration of 1 g/L. C. tropicalis and S. cerevisiae exhibited not previously observed morphological changes depending on the nutrient composition. Use of sugarcane bagasse hydrolyzates requires a good supply of oxygen and addition of a yeast extract to improve xylitol and ethanol production.

Physical properties of zein-alginate-glycerol edible films and their application in the preservation of chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.)

Alejandra Linares-Castañeda,Marina Olivia Franco-Hernández,Yolanda de las Mercedes Gómez y Gómez,Luis Jorge Corzo-Rios 한국식품과학회 2024 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.33 No.4

Edible films elaborated from macromolecules, like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, must protect and maintain the integrity of foods during their handling, storage, and transportation. In this work, the effect of the concentration of zein (1–2% w/v), sodium alginate (1.5–2% w/v), and glycerol (2–4% w/v) on edible films physicochemical properties was evaluated. The Zein-Alginate-Glycerol interaction was evidenced by the FTIR analysis, the high permeability to water vapor and contact angles less than 90° of the polymer matrices formed. The film made with 2% zein, 1.5% sodium alginate and 4% glycerol preserved the quality of the chili pepper during 15 days of storage at 20 °C, the edible films allowed 3 more days of shelf life for weight loss and 10 more days for firmness. Edible films could be used in chili peppers that are destined for industrial processing, and before use, remove the film with a simple wash.

Controlling Painters' Exposure to Volatile Organic Solvents in the Automotive Sector of Southern Colombia

Belky P. Castaño,Vladimir Ramírez,Julio A. Cancelado 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2019 Safety and health at work Vol.10 No.3

Background: Painters in the automotive sector are routinely exposed to volatile organic solvents, and the levels vary depending on the occupational health and safety controls enforced at the companies. This study investigates the levels of exposure to organic vapors and the existence of controls in the formal economy sector in southern Colombia. Methods: This is an exploratory study of an observational and descriptive character. An analysis of solvents is conducted via the personal sampling of painters and the analysis of samples using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 1501 method. The amount of solvents analyzed varied according to the budget allocated by the companies. The person in charge of the occupational safety and health management system was interviewed to learn about the exposure controls implemented at the companies. Results: A medium exposure risk for toluene was found in one company. Another presented medium risk for carbon tetrachloride, xylene, ethylbenzene, and n-butanol. The others showed low risk of exposure and that the controls implemented were not sufficient or efficient. Conclusion: These results shed light on the working conditions of these tradespeople. The permissible limits established by Colombian regulations for the evaluated chemical contaminants were not exceeded. However, there were contaminants that exceeded the limits of action. The analysis of findings made it possible to propose improvements in occupational safety and health management systems to allow the optimization of working conditions for painters, prevent the occurrence of occupational diseases, and reduce costs to the country’s health system.

“Ceremonias de Rechazo” de Luisa Valenzuela: Rituales de Belleza al Servicio de la Libertad

Nelson Felipe Castañeda Rojas 서울대학교 라틴아메리카연구소 2016 이베로아메리카硏究 Vol.27 No.2

In 1982, with the publication of her Cambio de armas and the included “Ceremonia de rechazo”, Argentinean author Luisa Valenzuela highlighted the dehumanizing effects of totalitarian and arbitrary power structures, especially in robbing individuals of their own subjective “being”. This paper seeks to contribute to the discussion of Valenzuela’s work with, as a base, the existing hypothesis that the politically subversive “Ceremonias de rechazo” challenges power systems that legitimate and institutionalize exclusionary disciplinary practices, in the process converting people into mere tools in service of said system and its way of thinking. Drawing from this hypothesis and Foucault’s politicization of the body, this paper argues there is a subversion of these institutionalized disciplinary practices, so that one is able to stand apart from hegemonic discourses that attempt to define their own sense of being. El presente artículo analiza el relato “Ceremonias de rechazo” de Luisa Valenzuela, publicado en Cambio de armas, en 1982. Estudios anteriores han visto en este relato un dispositivo político subversivo en contra de la exclusión de la mujer y de todos los seres marginados que han sido anulados por un sistema represor el cual, a través de prácticas disciplinarias institucionalizadas, han devenidomaterial dúctil al servicio de las necesidades del saber o del poder de turno. Dentro de este marco, el relato se lee como una denuncia al orden social tejido bajo ciertas dinámicas de poder arbitrarias, las cuales despojan al ser de toda subjetividad y coartan sus posibilidades de estar en la realidad social. En este orden de ideas, este trabajo se sitúa como continuación de estas reflexiones, proponiendo un diálogo del texto y los planteamientos que Michael Foucault desarrolla con respecto a la política del cuerpo. El análisis abordado desde esta perspectiva permitirá argumentar cómo en el relato dichas dinámicas no solo se les describe, sino además se les cambian de signo para hacer de los medios más sólidos del ejercicio del poder tirano elementos al servicio del ser que alguna vez mantuvo subordinado.