Inhibition Of Plaque Formation Research Articles

Implications for Clinical Practice, Mechanisms, and Efficacy of Ageratum conyzoides Leaf Extracts in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Rats: An Investigation into Their Antidiabetic, Hypolipidemic, and Antiatherogenic Activities

Ageratum conyzoides, a perennial herb native to tropical and subtropical regions, has been utilized in traditional medicine for centuries due to its diverse therapeutic properties. This review consolidates current research on the antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antiatherogenic effects of Ageratum conyzoides leaf extracts, specifically in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models. The review explores the plant’s potential mechanisms of action, including enhancement of insulin sensitivity, improvement of lipid profiles, and reduction of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Ageratum conyzoides extracts have demonstrated significant antidiabetic effects by lowering blood glucose levels, enhancing insulin secretion, and improving insulin sensitivity. They also exhibit hypolipidemic effects by reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol. Additionally, these extracts show antiatherogenic properties by inhibiting plaque formation and reducing oxidative stress, thereby supporting cardiovascular health. The review examines the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of Ageratum conyzoides bioactive compounds, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their therapeutic potential. Comparative studies highlight its efficacy relative to other natural remedies and pharmaceuticals, noting its favorable safety profile. The review underscores the importance of integrating Ageratum conyzoides into both traditional and modern medicine practices and explores its role in dietary supplements and functional foods. Ongoing translational research and clinical trials are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of these extracts for broader clinical application. Keywords: Ageratum conyzoides, Leaf Extracts, Streptozotocin, Diabetes, Rats

The Effect of Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash in Comparing OHI-S Scores in Students of the Karya Adi Husada Mataram Dental Health Academy

The overall health of the body includes oral and dental health. The aftereffects of the 2018 Riskesdas show that most of the Indonesian populace (94.7%) has great tooth brushing propensities, specifically they have carried out the way of behaving of cleaning their teeth consistently. Sadly, however, only 2.8% of this number brush their teeth correctly, at least twice per day—in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed. The use of chlorhexidine as a mouthwash is a periodontal treatment because it has antiseptic properties, inhibiting plaque formation. The aim of this study was to determine the difference between gargling using Chlorhexidine Gluconate after brushing your teeth and not rinsing your mouth. The research process was carried out at the Karya Adi Husada Mataram Dental Health Academy and was carried out by observing samples between those who gargled using Chlorhexidine gluconate and those who did not gargle. The research results show significant results in the univariate analysis statistical test, namely from the results of statistical tests using the univariate analysis test, the count is 85,154 tables with α0.05, which is 14,6114, meaning the count is greater than the table so Ho is rejected. So it can be concluded that there is a difference in OHIS values ​​between those who gargle Chlorhexidine gluconate and those who do not gargle Chlorhexidine gluconate, where the OHIS value of Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash users is better than the OHIS value of students who do not gargle Chlorhexidine gluconate.

β-sitosterol alleviates atherosclerosis by regulating catalase

The aim of this study is to investigate the main active components of Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) on atherosclerosis and its mechanism of action. Bioinformatics analysis showed that β-sitosterol was the most likely active ingredient to mediate the anti-atherosclerotic effects. In vivo experiments showed that β-sitosterol inhibited plaque formation and platelet activation, and decreased serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels. In vitro experiments showed that β-sitosterol can inhibit lipid deposition and phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, knocking down catalase (CAT), the direct target of β-sitosterol, not only promoted lipid deposition and phenotypic transformation of VSMCs, but also activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and the mTOR inhibitor (ink-128) can eliminate the effect of CAT knockdown, suggesting that β-sitosterol may inhibit lipid deposition and phenotypic transformation of VSMCs by activating CAT and silencing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby alleviating atherosclerosis.

Role of Trimetazidine in Ameliorating Endothelial Dysfunction: A Review.

Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of cardiovascular diseases, contributing to impaired vasodilation, altered hemodynamics, and atherosclerosis progression. Trimetazidine, traditionally used for angina pectoris, exhibits diverse therapeutic effects on endothelial dysfunction. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying trimetazidine's actions and its potential as a therapeutic agent for endothelial dysfunction and associated cardiovascular disorders. Trimetazidine enhances vasodilation and hemodynamic function by modulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, nitric oxide production, and endothelin-1. It also ameliorates metabolic parameters, including reducing blood glucose, mitigating oxidative stress, and dampening inflammation. Additionally, trimetazidine exerts antiatherosclerotic effects by inhibiting plaque formation and promoting its stability. Moreover, it regulates apoptosis and angiogenesis, fostering endothelial cell survival and neovascularization. Understanding trimetazidine's multifaceted mechanisms underscores its potential as a therapeutic agent for endothelial dysfunction and associated cardiovascular disorders, warranting further investigation for clinical translation.

The effects of cyclodextrin on plaque accumulation in healthy Japanese adults: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison study

Background: Cyclo-isomalto-oligosaccharides (CI) have been reported to inhibit glucosyltransferases (GTF) in vitro. GTF is an enzyme related to oral plaque synthesis. However, there are few clinical studies to investigate the effect of CI on oral plaque via inhibiting GTF activity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of consuming CI-Dextran mix on plaque accumulation in healthy Japanese adults. Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison study was conducted from May 26, 2022, to September 16, 2022. Individuals who agreed to participate in the study were randomly assigned to the CI-Dextran mix group with 60 mg/day (n = 22), the CI-Dextran mix group with 600 mg/day (n = 11), or the placebo group (n = 22). The intervention period was three days, and the outcome of this study was the plaque index (PlI), an indicator of plaque accumulation. Results: Our results showed that the CI-Dextran mix group (600mg/day) had significantly lower post-intervention PlI values than the placebo group in a full analysis set (FAS). In individuals identified as prone to plaque accumulation among the FAS, both CI-Dextran mix groups showed significantly lower PlI values than the placebo group. No adverse events were observed during the study period, and consumption of the test food under the study conditions was considered safe. Conclusions: Our results clearly indicated that a high dose of CI-Dextran mix (600 mg/day) could significantly reduce plaque formation in healthy Japanese adults, while a marginal reduction was noted for the group taking a low dose (60 mg/day). In particular, intake of both doses (CI-Dextran mix 60 mg/day and 600 mg/day) in individuals who were prone to plaque accumulation, could significantly inhibit plaque formation. Keywords: CI-Dextran mix, cyclodextran, plaque inhibition, functional carbohydrates, isomaltooligosaccharide, Randomized Controlled Trial Trial registration: UMIN000047901. Foundation: Nissin Sugar Co., Ltd.

The effects of cyclodextrin on plaque accumulation in healthy Japanese adults: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison study

Background: Cyclo-isomalto-oligosaccharides (CI) have been reported to inhibit glucosyltransferases (GTF) in vitro. GTF is an enzyme related to oral plaque synthesis. However, there are few clinical studies to investigate the effect of CI on oral plaque via inhibiting GTF activity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of consuming CI-Dextran mix on plaque accumulation in healthy Japanese adults. Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group comparison study was conducted from May 26, 2022, to September 16, 2022. Individuals who agreed to participate in the study were randomly assigned to the CI-Dextran mix group with 60 mg/day (n = 22), the CI-Dextran mix group with 600 mg/day (n = 11), or the placebo group (n = 22). The intervention period was three days, and the outcome of this study was the plaque index (PlI), an indicator of plaque accumulation. Results: Our results showed that the CI-Dextran mix group (600mg/day) had significantly lower post-intervention PlI values than the placebo group in a full analysis set (FAS). In individuals identified as prone to plaque accumulation among the FAS, both CI-Dextran mix groups showed significantly lower PlI values than the placebo group. No adverse events were observed during the study period, and consumption of the test food under the study conditions was considered safe. Conclusions: Our results clearly indicated that a high dose of CI-Dextran mix (600 mg/day) could significantly reduce plaque formation in healthy Japanese adults, while a marginal reduction was noted for the group taking a low dose (60 mg/day). In particular, intake of both doses (CI-Dextran mix 60 mg/day and 600 mg/day) in individuals who were prone to plaque accumulation, could significantly inhibit plaque formation. Keywords: CI-Dextran mix, cyclodextran, plaque inhibition, functional carbohydrates, isomaltooligosaccharide, Randomized Controlled Trial Trial registration: UMIN000047901. Foundation: Nissin Sugar Co., Ltd.

Potential of pomegranate mouthwash in inhibiting periodontopathogens bacteria development as alternative to halitosis therapy: A review

Background: Halitosis is unpleasant odors originating from the oral cavity caused by metabolic waste of periodontopathogens bacteria in the form of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs). According to Riskesdas 2018, the oral health prevalence in Indonesia reached 57.6%. Doctors recommend using a mouthwash made from chlorhexidine. However, it is less effective because it can cause various side effects. The alternative treatments using herbal ingredients using pomegranate. This literature review aim is to analyze the potential and mechanism of pomegranate mouthwash as an alternative to halitosis therapy against periodontopathogens bacteria. Material and Methods: The literature review was carried out in PUBMED, ResearchGate, and ScienceDirect using with the keywords: pomegranate, mouthwash, anti-bacteria, and halitosis. Conclusions: Pomegranate mouthwash has the potential to be an alternative halitosis therapy by inhibiting plaque formation and the growth of periodontopathogens bacteria.

Joint Exposure‐Response Analysis of PET Amyloid Plaque Data from the BACE1 Inhibitor Verubecestat and Amyloid mAbs Trials in Prodromal to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

AbstractBackgroundPositron‐emission tomography (PET) with amyloid radiotracers allows the quantification of pathological amyloid deposition in brain tissues. An exposure‐response (E‐R) analysis of individual study data of the β‐secretase‐1 inhibitor verubecestat and summary level data of four amyloid mAbs in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was conducted, to quantify the drug effects and plaque turnover rates and facilitate prediction of unstudied regimens.MethodIndividual (n = 188) verubecestat amyloid‐PET plaque data and exposures from APECS [Egan et.al, 2019] were pooled with summary. amyloid‐PET data and serum exposures from literature for aducanumab [Sevigny J, et al. 2016], donanemab [Lowe SL, et al. 2021, Lily ADPD, 2021], gantenerumab [Klein G, et al. 2019, Portron A, et al. 2020] and lecanemab [Swanson CJ, et al. 2021]. Amyloid plaque levels in SUVR units were converted to Centiloid [Klunk WE, et al. 2015]. All data were fit simultaneously in a joint model by nonlinear mixed‐effects modelingResultAn indirect response (turnover) model with verubecestat inhibiting plaque formation, and amyloid mAbs stimulating plaque removal well represented the available data (Figure 1). All plaque time course data from natural progression (control arms), β‐secretase‐1 inhibition and amyloid mAb treatment arms were well described by a joint model. The plaque turnover was estimated to be 0.00028 per day, corresponding to a half‐life of plaque of ∼ 6.8 years. Verubecestat AUC50 was estimated as 0.313 uM*h, commensurate to a 93.5% reduction in plaque formation at the typical 40 mg exposure and consistent with the >60% reductions in CSF Aβ40 and 42 observed in APECS. Aducanumab 10 mpk Q4W, donanemab 1400 mg Q4W, lencanemab 10 mpk Q2W, and gantenerumab 1200 mg SC Q4W were estimated to results in 13.5‐, 16.4‐, 16.6‐, and 12.6‐fold increases in plaque removal rate, respectively.ConclusionThe joint turnover model, linking drug exposure with amyloid plaque load, was adequate to describe natural progression and treatment response, and allows for estimation of the underlying turnover rate. This approach improves cross‐study comparisons and prediction of alternative regimens and therapeutic approaches by accounting for differences in baseline plaque load, dosing and titration regimens, and mechanism of action.

Targeted treatment of atherosclerosis with protein–polysaccharide nanoemulsion co-loaded with photosensitiser and upconversion nanoparticles

Macrophages are the most abundant cell group in atherosclerosis (AS) lesions and play a vital role in all stages of AS progression. Recent research has shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation from photodynamic therapy (PDT) induces macrophage autophagy to improve abnormal lipid metabolism and inflammatory environment. Especially in macrophage-derived foam cells, which has become a potential strategy for the treatment of AS. In this study, we prepared the conjugate (DB) of dextran (DEX) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The DB was used as the emulsifier to prepare nanoemulsion loaded with upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) (UCNPs-Ce6@DB). The DEX modified on the surface of the nanoemulsion can recognise and bind to the scavenger receptor class A (SR-A) highly expressed on macrophages and promote the uptake of macrophage-derived foam cells in AS plates through SR-A-mediated endocytosis. In addition, UCNPs-Ce6@DB-mediated PDT enhanced ROS generation and induced autophagy in macrophage-derived foam cells, enhanced the expression of ABCA1, a protein closely related to cholesterol efflux, and inhibited the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Ultimately, UCNPs-Ce6@DB was shown to inhibit plaque formation in mouse models of AS. In conclusion, UCNPs-Ce6@DB offers a promising treatment for AS.

Dapagliflozin decreases atherosclerotic plaque instability via regulating macrophage pyroptosis

Abstract Background Vulnerable plaques are characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells, playing a key role in the progression of acute coronary events. It’s important to clarify the inflammatory mechanism of unstable plaque formation. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that dapagliflozin could reduce major adverse cardiac events in whether diabetic or non-diabetic patients. However, the underlying cardioprotective mechanism of dapagliflozin remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the role of dapagliflozin in regulating macrophage pyroptosis and vulnerable plaque formation. Methods 20 ApoE-/- mice (control) were fed with high fat diet while another 20 ApoE-/- mice were challenged with high fat diet plus dapagliflozin for 12 weeks. The extent and instability of atherosclerotic plaque was determined by oil-red staining, HE staining, immunofluorescence staining and electron microscopy. Changes in subsets of immune cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Plasma cytokines were assessed by ELISA. Microarray analysis was applied to detect gene expressions while Western blot and real-time PCR was used to assess gene expression levels. Results Morphology studies revealed that dapagliflozin could inhibit plaque formation and reduce instability in ApoE-/- mice. FACS data showed that dapagliflozin could decrease CD11b+Ly6Chigh M1 macrophages differentiation and inhibit foam cells formation in ApoE-/- mice. Microarray analysis and in vitro studies exhibited that dapagliflozin could induce the down regulation of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and MMP-7/10/12/14 to retard macrophage pyroptosis and foam cell formation. Conclusions We have characterized a novel role for dapagliflozin in modulating atherosclerotic lesion development and progression. We envision that this study may provide several potential therapeutic targets for treatment of acute coronary syndromes.

Lnc_000048 Promotes Histone H3K4 Methylation of MAP2K2 to Reduce Plaque Stability by Recruiting KDM1A in Carotid Atherosclerosis

Stabilizing and inhibiting plaque formation is a key challenge for preventing and treating ischemic stroke. KDM1A-mediated histone modifications, which involved in the development of training immunity, ultimately exacerbate the outcomes of inflammation. Although lncRNAs can recruit KDM1A to participate in histone methylation modification and regulate inflammation, cell proliferation, and other biological processes, little is known about the role of KDM1A-lncRNA interaction during atherosclerosis. The present study sought to delineate the effect of the interaction between lnc_000048 and KDM1A on plaque rupture in carotid atherosclerosis, as well as the potential mechanism. Our results revealed that lnc_000048 reduced the activity of histone demethylase and activated MAP2K2 expression by interacting with KDM1A. Furthermore, upregulated lnc_000048 indirectly regulated ERK phosphorylation by MAP2K2 and eventually activated the inflammatory response through the MAPK pathway, which was involved in atherosclerosis. Importantly, our study using ApoE-/- mice confirmed the regulatory role of lnc_000048 in promoting inflammation and collagen degradation in atherosclerotic plaques. These results suggest that targeting the lnc_000048 /KDM1A/MAP2K2/ERK axis may be a promising strategy for preventing atherosclerosis.

Targeting Theranostics of Atherosclerosis by Dual-Responsive Nanoplatform via Photoacoustic Imaging and Three-In-One Integrated Lipid Management.

Atherosclerosis, as a life-threatening cardiovascular disease with chronic inflammation and abnormal lipid enrichment, is often difficult to treat timely due to the lack of obvious symptoms. In this work, a theranostic nanoplatform is constructed for the noninvasive in vivo diagnosis, plaque-formation inhibition, and the lesion reversal of atherosclerosis. A three-in-one therapeutic complex is constructed and packaged along with a polymeric photoacoustic probe into nanoparticles named as PLCDP@PMH, which indicates an atherosclerosis-targeting accumulation and a reactive oxygen species (ROS)/matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) dual-responsive degradation. The photoacoustic probe suggests a lesion-specific imaging on atherosclerotic mice with an accurate and distinct recognition of plaques. At the same time, the three-in-one complex performs an integrated lipid management through the inhibition of macrophages M1-polarization, liver X receptor (LXR)-mediated up-regulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1/G1 (ABCA1/G1) and the cyclodextrin-assisted lipid dissolution, which lead to the reduced lipid uptake, enhanced lipid efflux, and actuated lipid removal. The in vivo evaluations reveal that PLCDP@PMH can suppress the lesion progression and further reverse the formed plaques under a diet without high fat. Hence, PLCDP@PMH provides a candidate for the theranostics of early-stage atherosclerosis and delivers an impressive potential on the reversal of formed atherosclerotic lesions.

Evaluation of (S)-10-Hydroxycamptothecin Inhibitor of Herpes Simplex Type 1 Identified from Screening of a Library of Natural Products

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes serious illness in humans, especially in newborns and immunocompromised hosts. Public health requires the development of new, less toxic anti-HSV-1 drugs. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-herpesvirus activity of natural products in an extensive library of 133 compounds by examining viral titers and the number of viral plaques. Methods: (S)-10-hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT) as an inhibitor against viral DNA replication in the lowest concentration ranges from a set of natural products consisting of screening 133 compounds. Each step of the viral replication cycle of HSV-1 on A549 cells was evaluated with different assays, including adsorption, penetration, time-of-addition assay, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The respective antiviral effects on HSV-1AN95 infection were assessed in vitro. Results: 10-HCPT was found to be a potent inhibitor of HSV-1 infection in the lowest concentration range from screening of a natural product library. The results showed that 10-HCPT significantly affects HSV-1 viral plaque formation inhibition, with a half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of 0.07 μM. The time of addition assay suggested that 10-HCPT had a viral inhibitory effect when added 8 hours after infection. It was further confirmed by reducing the expression of late viral genes including glycoprotein (g) and viral protein (VP) (gB, gD, gH, VP1/2, and VP16) 4 hours after infection in the 10-HCPT treatment group compared to positive controls by quantitative real-time PCR. The Western blotting results are inconsistent with other reported results. It showed that 10-HCPT did not affect gD and ICP4 during HSV-1 infection, and 10-HCPT appeared to affect other genes in the immediate-early (IE) and late (L) steps. Conclusions: 10-HCPT demonstrated anti-HSV activity on HSV-1. Their dose-dependent antiviral activity showed that specific cellular components might mediate their function rather than cytotoxicity. This survey suggests a new outlook in exploring effective treatment options for HSV-1 infections.

Host Cell Neddylation Facilitates Alphaherpesvirus Entry in a Virus-Specific and Cell-Dependent Manner.

ABSTRACTHerpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) commandeers the host cell proteasome at several steps of its replication cycle, including entry. Here we demonstrate that HSV-2, pseudorabies virus (PRV), and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) entry are blocked by bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor that is an FDA-approved cancer drug. Proteasome-dependent entry of HSV-1 is thought to be ubiquitin-independent. To interrogate further the proteasomal mechanism of entry, we determined the involvement of the ubiquitin-like molecule NEDD8 and the neddylation cascade in alphaherpesvirus entry and infection. MLN4924 is a small-molecule inhibitor of neddylation that binds directly to the NEDD8-activating enzyme. Cell treatment with MLN4924 inhibited plaque formation and infectivity by HSV-1, PRV, and BoHV-1 at noncytotoxic concentrations. Thus, the neddylation pathway is broadly important for alphaherpesvirus infection. However, the neddylation inhibitor had little effect on entry of the veterinary viruses but had a significant inhibitory effect on entry of HSV-1 and HSV-2 into seven different cell types. Washout experiments indicated that MLN4924’s effect on viral entry was reversible. A time-of-addition assay suggested that the drug was acting on an early step in the entry process. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of NEDD8 significantly inhibited HSV entry. In probing the neddylation-dependent step in entry, we found that MLN4924 dramatically blocked endocytic uptake of HSV from the plasma membrane by >90%. In contrast, the rate of HSV entry into cells that support direct fusion of HSV with the cell surface was unaffected by MLN4924. Interestingly, proteasome activity was less important for the endocytic internalization of HSV from the cell surface. The results suggest that the NEDD8 cascade is critical for the internalization step of HSV entry.IMPORTANCE Alphaherpesviruses are ubiquitous pathogens of humans and veterinary species that cause lifelong latent infections and significant morbidity and mortality. Host cell neddylation is important for cell homeostasis and for the infection of many viruses, including HSV-1, HSV-2, PRV, and BoHV-1. Inhibition of neddylation by a pharmacologic inhibitor or siRNA blocked HSV infection at the entry step. Specifically, the NEDD8 pathway was critically important for HSV-1 internalization from the cell surface by an endocytosis mechanism. The results expand our limited understanding of cellular processes that mediate HSV internalization. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a function for the neddylation cascade in virus entry.

Bioassay-Guided Fractionation of Erythrostemon yucatanensis (Greenm.) Gagnon & GP Lewis Components with Anti-hemagglutinin Binding Activity against Influenza A/H1N1 Virus.

Erythrostemon yucatanensis (Greenm.) Gagnon & GP Lewis is a legume tree native to and widely distributed in southeast Mexico, where its branches are used in traditional medicine. An in vitro evaluation of the antiviral activity of extracts and fractions from the leaves, stem bark and roots against two strains of the AH1N1 influenza virus was performed, leading to the identification of bioactive compounds in this medicinal plant. In a cytopathic effect reduction assay, the fractions from the leaves and stem bark were the active elements at the co-treatment level. These were further fractionated based on their hemagglutination inhibition activity. The analysis of spectroscopy data identified a combination of phytosterols (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol) in the stem bark active fraction as the main anti-hemagglutinin binding components, while 5-hydroxy-2(2-hydroxy-3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-7-metoxi-4H(chromen-4-ona), which was isolated from the leaf extracts, showed a weak inhibition of viral hemagglutinin. Time of addition experiments demonstrated that the mixture of sterols had a direct effect on viral particle infectivity at the co-treatment level (IC50 = 3.125 µg/mL). This effect was also observed in the virus plaque formation inhibition assay, where the mixture showed 90% inhibition in the first 20 min of co-treatment at the same concentration. Additionally, it was found using qRT-PCR that the NP copy number was reduced by 92.85% after 60 min of co-treatment. These results are the first report of components with anti-hemagglutinin binding activity in the genus Erythrostemon sp.

Inhibitory activity and mechanism of silver nanoparticles against herpes simplex virus type 1.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common pathogen that infects 50-90% of the world's population and causes a variety of diseases, some of which can be life-threatening. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been shown to have broad-spectrum antiviral activity. In this study, we investigated the activity of AgNPs against HSV-1 and found that AgNPs effectively inhibited plaque formation and HSV-1 progeny production, reduced the genomic load, and interfered with HSV-1 mRNA expression and protein synthesis. Transmission electron microscopy showed that AgNPs interacted with HSV-1 and altered the shape of the viral particles. Furthermore, AgNPs affected the entry of HSV-1 into cells as well as their release and cell-to-cell spread. AgNPs were also found to downregulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines upon HSV-1 infection. Combined treatment with AgNPs and acyclovir (ACV) confirmed that AgNPs significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of ACV against HSV-1. Our findings may contribute to an understanding of the mechanism of the antiviral effect of AgNPs against HSV-1 and help to provide a theoretical basis for their clinical application.

Pasta Gigi Lidah Buaya (Aloe vera) sebagai Alternatif Herbal Untuk Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut

Background: Dental and oral health have an important role on overall body health, because it can affect someone's physical and psychological condition. The common tooth and mouth disease is periodontal disease. The main cause of periodontal disease is due to the presence of colonizing microorganisms in dental plaque. Gingivitis is a periodontal disease that is commonly found in the community. Review: Aloe vera as an herbal plant has many benefits because of its properties, such as; antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and wound healing. Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to identify the potential use of Aloe vera toothpaste as an herbal alternative for oral health. Conclusion: Toothpaste containing Aloe vera has been shown to inhibit plaque formation, due to its saponin compound. Aloe vera toothpaste can also significantly reduce the gingival index.

MO732: Circulating Omentin-1 and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Chronic Haemodialysis Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients are notoriously at high risk for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Omentin-1 (OME-1) is an adipocytokine produced by adipose tissue, whose levels are altered in various dysmetabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Beyond this, nowadays there is evidence indicating that this cytokine plays a crucial role in the genesis and progression of systemic atherosclerosis since it may inhibit plaque formation. With this background in mind, we run a pilot investigation to evaluate the possible correlation between circulating OME-1 levels and mean intimal thickness (IMT) in a small, homogeneous cohort of patients treated by HD (‘HD patients’). METHOD From a source cohort of 45 HD patients, we selected 27 individuals suitable to be enrolled. These patients had a dialysis vintage > 6 mo., were on a regular 4 h/3 times week HD regimen and had stable clinical conditions. OME-1 levels were measured in their blood by the ELISA together with common laboratory and clinical parameters before starting a mid-week HD session. All the patients then underwent carotid Doppler ultrasound for IMT measurement. A total of 18 healthy subjects were the controls. RESULTS In the whole cohort, mean IMT values were 0.75 ± 0.12 mm. However, 8/27 patients (29.6%) presented a pathological IMT (>1 mm). Circulating OME-1 levels in the whole HD cohort were increased as compared with controls [763 (367–1423) versus 371 (228–868) ng/mL; P = 0.03]. However, HD patients with pathological IMT presented, on average, lower OME-1 levels as compared with others [483.25 (168.7–1743) versus 1155 (286–2324); P = 0.05]. In ROC analyses, OME-1 values ≤ 840 ng/mL held an 83.3 sensitivity and 66.7 specificity (AUC 0.716, 95% confidence interval 0.506–0.946) in identifying HD patients with pathological carotid thickening. CONCLUSION OME-1 may play a direct role in the atherosclerosis process also in HD patients. Further studies on larger and more heterogeneous HD cohorts are needed to confirm the usefulness of OME-1 plasma levels as potential biomarkers for diagnosing subclinical atherosclerosis and for stratifying the risk of atherosclerosis progression in high-CV risk in HD patients.

The Effectiveness of Vegetable Starfruit Juice (Averrhoa bilimbi) and Rosella Tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) Against the Inhibition of Dental Plaque Formation

BACKGROUND: Dental disease is a significant public health problem. Various efforts have been made to maintain oral health by utilizing natural ingredients from plants. One of the natural ingredients often used among the community is Vegetable Starfruit Juice (Averrhoa bilimbi) and Rosella Tea. AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of Starfruit and rosella tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) on the Inhibition of Dental Plaque Formation. METHODS: Design this research is an experimental study with a post-test design only. The research was conducted in Gampong Batoh, Lueng Bata District, Banda Aceh City, from June 26 to October 04, 2021. The study population was the community of Gampong Batoh, Banda Aceh City. The sample in this study used a purposive sampling technique. The sample in this study met the criteria and was willing to assist in implementing the research by signing the informed consent. The number of research samples was 40 people. RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference in the effectiveness of Starfruit juice and rosella tea on the inhibition of plaque formation based on time duration (p < 0.05). The group that rinsed with rosella tea solution had more effective inhibition than the group that rinsed with vegetable Starfruit juice solution (p < 0.05). Vegetable Starfruit (A. bilimbi) and Rosella Tea contain bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins that can act as antibacterial agents in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION: Vegetable Starfruit Juice (A. bilimbi) and Rosella Tea (H. sabdariffa L) effectively inhibit the formation of dental plaque.

MiR-146a contributes to atherosclerotic plaque stability by regulating the expression of TRAF6 and IRAK-1.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. The vulnerable plaque of atherosclerotic can lead to the development of many diseases including acute coronary syndrome and coronary heart disease. It is well known that miR-146a is the key brake miRNA of the inflammatory signal transduction pathway. However, the effect of miR-146a on the stability of atherosclerotic plaque remains to be elucidated. We constructed animal models of atherosclerosis and foam cell models, and overexpressed and knocked-down miR-146a in models. After staining with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), Oil Red O, immunocytochemistry (IHC) and Sirius Red, we used the proportion of (Lipids area + Macrophage area) and (SMCs area + collagen area) to evaluate atherosclerotic plaque stability. TUNEL and flow cytometry were performed to detect the apoptosis level of macrophages. Levels of inflammatory factors were detected via ELISA assay. The results showed that miR-146a, IRAK1 and TRAF6 were abnormally expressed in plaques of atherosclerotic animals. Overexpression of miR-146a contributed to the stability of plaques that inhibited plaque formation, macrophage apoptosis and levels of pro-inflammatory factors. The Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, IF and FISH were used to verify the regulatory mechanism of miR-146a on IRAK1 and TRAF6. We found that IRAK1 and TRAF6 promoted lipid uptake, apoptosis, and release of pro-inflammatory factors of RAW264.7 macrophages, whereas miR-146a restored RAW264.7 macrophages phenotype by inhibiting IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression. We display for the first time that miR-146a inhibits the formation of foam cells, RAW264.7 macrophage apoptosis and pro-inflammatory reaction through negative regulation of IRAK1 and TRAF6 expression, thereby enhancing the stability of atherosclerotic plaques.