Garlic: Review of literature.

Allicin Decreases Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells through Suppression of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Activation of Nrf2.

Abstract: Background: Allicin, a major component of garlic, is regarded as a cardioprotective agent and is associated with increased endothelial function. Methods: The effects of allicin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular oxidative stress and inflammation in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the mechanisms underlying these effects were studied. The protective effects were measured using cell viability, a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and cell apoptosis as indicators, and the anti-oxidative activity was determined by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, oxidative products and endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities. HUVEC mitochondrial function was assessed by determining mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, cytochrome c production and mitochondrial ATP release. To investigate the potential underlying mechanisms, we also measured the expression of dynamic mitochondrial proteins using western blotting. Furthermore, we evaluated the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Our results demonstrated that allicin enhanced HUVEC proliferation, which was suppressed by LPS exposure, and LDH release. Allicin ameliorated LPS-induced apoptosis, suppressed ROS overproduction, reduced lipid peroxidation and decreased the endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities in HUVECs. These protective effects were associated with the inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction as indicated by decreases in the MMP collapse, cytochrome c synthesis and mitochondrial ATP release. In addition, allicin attenuated the LPS-induced inflammatory responses, including endothelial cell adhesion and TNF-α and IL-8 production. Furthermore, allicin increased the expression of LXRα in a dose-dependent manner. Allicin-induced attenuation of inflammation was inhibited by LXRα siRNA treatment. Finally, allicin activated NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which controls the defense against oxidative stress and inflammation. Conclusions: Taken together, the present data suggest that allicin attenuated the LPS-induced vascular injury process, which may be closely related to the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in HUVECs. Allicin modulated Nrf2 activation and protected the cells against LPS-induced vascular injury. Our findings suggest that allicin attenuated the LPS-induced inflammatory response in blood vessels.

Diallyl trisulfide ameliorates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by reducing oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis in type 1 diabetic rats: role of SIRT1 activation

Abstract: Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) protects against apoptosis during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury in diabetic state, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. Previously, we and others demonstrated that silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) activation inhibited oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress during MI/R injury. We hypothesize that DATS reduces diabetic MI/R injury by activating SIRT1 signaling. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic rats were subjected to MI/R surgery with or without perioperative administration of DATS (40 mg/kg). We found that DATS treatment markedly improved left ventricular systolic pressure and the first derivative of left ventricular pressure, reduced myocardial infarct size as well as serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Furthermore, the myocardial apoptosis was also suppressed by DATS as evidenced by reduced apoptotic index and cleaved caspase-3 expression. However, these effects were abolished by EX527 (the inhibitor of SIRT1 signaling, 5 mg/kg). We further found that DATS effectively upregulated SIRT1 expression and its nuclear distribution. Additionally, PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP-mediated ER stress-induced apoptosis was suppressed by DATS treatment. Moreover, DATS significantly activated Nrf-2/HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway, thus reducing Nox-2/4 expressions. However, the ameliorative effects of DATS on oxidative stress and ER stress-mediated myocardial apoptosis were inhibited by EX527 administration. Taken together, these data suggest that perioperative DATS treatment effectively ameliorates MI/R injury in type 1 diabetic setting by enhancing cardiac SIRT1 signaling. SIRT1 activation not only upregulated Nrf-2/HO-1-mediated antioxidant signaling pathway but also suppressed PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP-mediated ER stress level, thus reducing myocardial apoptosis and eventually preserving cardiac function.

Dietary impact on esophageal cancer in humans: a review.

Abstract: Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells that tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way. About 32.6 million people in the world are affected by different types of cancer; 456 000 have esophageal cancer, which is the eighth most common cancer and the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths with a toll of 400 000 in 2012. About 80% of cases were reported from the less developed regions of the world. An incidence ratio of 2.4 : 1 for men and women reveals the gender disparity. Esophageal cancer is mainly of two types, namely, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Most of the studies show a positive correlation of esophageal cancer with alcohol and tobacco consumption, but a negative correlation with fruit and vegetable intake. The type and amount of cereal, fat, meat and beverages consumed are also under study. Significant statistical synergistic interaction has been registered in studies considering the joint effect of the amount of beverage swallowed and its temperature, especially among heavy consumers. The role of non-nutritional components is gaining increasing attention because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Socioeconomic status is another factor that cannot be ignored. Nevertheless, the predominant cause appears to be different in different regions, and in spite of the great advancements in the medical field, this still remains an enigma for researchers.

Green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles via Allium sativum extract and its characterizations on antimicrobial, antioxidant, antilarvicidal activities

Abstract: The green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles was synthesized by Allium sativum extract. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern explained the high crystalline nature and the calculated crystallite size in 25−35 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum described the CuO bonding nature. The UV visible analysis reported the surface Plasmon resonance band at 398 nm. The Photoluminescence spectrum denoted the red band emission in the visible region. The particle size analyzer displayed the CuO nanoparticles in a 20−40 nm range of size. The SEM images manifested the spherical, oval-shaped morphology of CuO nanoparticles. The EDAX spectrum and mapping proved the purity of CuO with Cu and O occurrence. The HRTEM images confirmed the crystalline nature formation of CuO nanoparticles. The phytochemical analysis listed the phytochemicals contributed for CuO nanoparticle synthesis via Allium sativum extract. The antimicrobial activity reported the efficient infection on bacteria as well as fungi. The antioxidant activity demonstrated the potential ability of free radical scavenging activity. The potential anti-inflammatory activity against egg albumin has obtained. The anti larvicidal activity showed the notable potential nature of affection on Anopheles subpictus mosquito larvae. At 21st century, CuO nanoparticles from environment friendly synthesis have special efficient applications in drugs, optics, batteries, gas sensors, catalysts, cosmetics, and semiconductor applications. Moreover, CuO nanoparticles have future applications in formulating the drug for human life-threatening diseases and various dangerous cancer treatments.

Potential phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of esophagus cancer: A green therapeutic approach

Abstract: Globally, esophagus cancer (EC) is one of the most frequently reported malignancies and leading cause of deaths. Currently, different treatment methods are available like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or their combination. These treatment strategies are not enough and are often associated with adverse side effects. The alternate treatment option like phytochemicals have come up with ease of bioavailability and cost-effectiveness. Due to general acceptance, lower side effects, safety and pleiotropic effect, phytochemicals can be used as an adjuvant treatment for alleviating side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Phytochemicals perform multiple functions; release cytochrome-c, loss mitochondrial membrane potential, down-regulate expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, up-regulate pro-apoptotic proteins, activate caspases, p53, inhibit Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, phosphorylate NF-κB, STAT3 and PI3K. The knowledge compiled here encompasses anti-EC phytochemicals, their occurrence, bioavailability therapeutic effects and mechanism of action by targeting several genes and signaling pathways. Overall, the clinical data compiled on phytochemicals against EC is not sufficient and need future research to provide additional insights for developing potential anticancer drugs in pharma industries.