Edited by Maurice MontalTransient receptor potential A1 channels are well-known as chemosensors in neuronal cells. However, recent studies also point to non-neuronal functions in epithelia. Here, we show that TRPA1 channels are expressed in epithelial MDCK II cells and contribute to Ca 2+ influx and whole-cell currents after stimulation with AITC. Stimulation of TRPA1 channels induced an immediate reduction of the transepithelial resistance of MDCK II cell layers that was blocked by the TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031. The present data provide strong evidence for a new role of TRPA1 channels in regulating the tightness of epithelial cell barriers.
Fruit juices are considered as an important source of phenolic compounds. Black mulberry, pomegranate and orange juices were selected to assess their anti-inflammatory activity. Total phenolic content was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using RBC membrane stabilization method. Ibuprofen was used as a standard drug. Total phenolic content of black mulberry juice, pomegranate juice and orange juice was 3.02 gGAE/l, 1.83 gGAE/l and 0.76 gGAE/l and the percentage inhibition of RBC haemolysis varied between (27.41-43.19%), (24.06-39.06%) and (10.12-22.54%), respectively. Black mulberry juice revealed the highest anti-inflammatory activity among the studied juices. This finding might be attributed to the high phenolic content of this juice compared to others.
Rosa damascena, which belongs to the Rosaceae family, is considered as one of the most important plants used in traditional medicine due to its different pharmacological properties, such as treatment of abdominal and chest pain, menstrual bleeding, and reduction of inflammation. The objective of our study was to investigate the hypoglycemic efficacy of R. damascene.Aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared from the petals of R. damascena mill (RDM). The phenolic content of the extracts was assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method. The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated by the determination of in vitro alpha-amylase inhibitory activity. The in vivo post-prandial hypoglycemic effect was performed in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Acarbose (alpha-glucosidase inhibitor) was used as a standard drug.The total phenolic content of aqueous and methanolic extracts was 29.23 gGAE/l and 58.8 gGAE/l. The alpha-amylase inhibition assay was performed using concentrations of (20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 µg/ml) of aqueous extract, methanolic extract, and acarbose. The percentage inhibition of alpha-amylase was dependent on dose and varied between (33.66-89.96%), (41.57-92.16%) and (23.4-81.82%), respectively. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts revealed higher inhibitory activity of alpha-amylase compared to acarbose.Oral administration of methanolic extract in normal and diabetic mice significantly decreased glucose blood levels after maltose loading in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that R. damascena petal extracts might have a hypoglycemic effect. They also imply that R. damascena may have anti-diabetic properties by inhibiting of alphaglucosidase-mediated carbohydrate absorption in the intestine and lowering postprandial glucose levels.
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