Quercetin

Researching the immune system in space could have payoffs for human aging on earth. Scientists have revealed how the lack of gravity affects the cells of the immune system at single cell resolution. As long as humans have been traveling into space, astronauts have experienced significant health effects from the extreme conditions of space flight, notably the reduction of gravity. Two Buck scientists led a team that has revealed for the first time how the lack of gravity affects the cells of the immune system at single cell resolution. As co-senior authors, along with Christopher E. Mason, PhD of Weill Cornell Medical College, Associate Professor David Furman, PhD and Associate Professor Daniel Winer, MD, published in the June 11, 2020 issue of Nature Communications an extensive survey of how gravity affects immune cells, and the identification of "space nutraceuticals" to counter aberrant effects of microgravity on these cells. "We show how simulated microgravity shapes immune cells and how the changes in force alter the cells' function at the single cell level," said Winer. "This level of resolution is new and exciting in understanding the effects of microgravity on cells." Using cells in simulated microgravity, combined with data from space flight from astronauts and mice on the International Space Station, the researchers created a complete picture of how the different cells of the immune system in the peripheral blood are shaped by reduced gravity. These cells include lymphocytes and monocytes, which are the main players in immunity. The study has potential implications for immune aging on Earth since the changes observed during aging resemble those captured during space travel. The team additionally outlines a pathway for identifying compounds that can reverse the effects of near zero gravity, and demonstrates that one of the compounds, quercetin, shows promise for mitigating the damage caused by spaceflight and during normal aging on the ground. "Our work provides a resource to better understand how and why the immune system changes in simulated microgravity and spaceflight," said Furman. "We also provide a way to develop countermeasures to maintain normal immunity under these harsh conditions." Astronauts in low earth orbit, such as on the International Space Station, suffer from immune system problems, especially infections, latent viruses reactivating, and skin sensitivity. These reactions occur even on short-term spaceflights. Previous studies using actual or simulated microgravity conditions have found impaired function of various immune cells. However, the fundamental mechanisms, genes, and pathways that explain immune dysfunction in microgravity were mostly unclear, the researchers said. They wanted to understand what was happening on a cellular level to explain the changes. The team, led by the study's co-first authors Buck postdoctoral researcher Fei Wu, PhD and graduate student Huixun Du, examined in depth how 25 hours of simulated microgravity affects the human peripheral blood mononuclear immune system, using samples from 27 healthy human donors between the ages of 20 and 46. To simulate an environment with almost no gravity, the team grew the cells inside of a Rotating Wall Vessel, a device developed by NASA to simulate microgravity conditions. To explore the changes caused by reduced gravity, the team used a number of techniques, including sequencing and super-resolution microscopy. They then validated their findings by comparing their data with other space studies done in humans and mice, including the JAXA (Cell-Free Epigenome study) mission, SpaceX's Inspiration 4 mission, NASA's Twins Study, and spleens from mice housed on the International Space Station. "Interestingly, changes in mechanical forces appear to orchestrate immune cell function," said Winer, whose interest in studying space medicine grew from him delving into the emerging field of mechanoimmunology, or how environmental forces affect immune cell function. Parts of astroimmunology are related to mechanoimmunolgy, but it is proving its own as a new field, he said, paving the way to better understand how to help the immune system survive in space. After unearthing several genes and biochemical pathways that are affected by microgravity, the team wanted to see if they could find any specific drugs or supplements that could protect the immune cells. To help them search, they used machine learning technology developed by Furman at the Buck, which can detect more than 2 million interactions between genes and different drugs and foods. They identified dozens of potential compounds and chose one, the plant pigment quercetin (often found in red onions, grapes, berries, apples and citrus fruits among others) to explore further since it is widely available as an antioxidant and anti-aging supplement. Quercetin turned out to reverse approximately 70 percent of the changes caused by lack of gravity and protected the cells from reactive oxygen species excess. "These findings define hallmarks of immune cell alteration in simulated microgravity, with correlation to spaceflight exposures in mice and humans," said Winer. "This work helps define avenues for future research in mechanoimmunology and astroimmunology and provides opportunities to develop countermeasures to maintain normal cellular function in space." Furman adds that this publication sets the standard for how to analyze the physiological changes that accompany space travel. "This is the first comprehensive study that provides the scientific community worldwide with an atlas to understand human biology in this extreme condition," he says. "The implications are huge, beyond humans in space," he adds. The researchers are excited to explore the parallel changes they are finding that occur in aging humans on the ground, and to use the knowledge to design interventions that can potentially reverse the immune dysfunction that accompanies aging.

New research reveals botanical blend's enhancement of complexion by inhibiting pollution-induced damage and inflammation. MADRID, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new, preclinical study highlights the abilities of a beauty-from-within botanical-blend Zeropollution® to shield skin from the adverse effects of city pollution, especially from free radical damage on a cellular level. Continue Reading Study Illustrates Zeropollution’s Enhancing Skin’s Resilience to Environmental Damage (PRNewsfoto/Monteloeder, S.L.) Formulated by nutraceutical company Monteloeder, S.L., a subsidiary of SuanNutra, Zeropollution harnesses a medley of botanical extracts that includes lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), olive, (Olea europaea), and Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica). This patented multi-herbal cosmeceutical has been crafted to synergistically strengthen the skin's protective barrier against environmental insults through an "inside out" approach. Living in a toxic world, people are becoming more mindful of the health consequences posed by air pollution, ultraviolet light, and chemicals not only upon skin function but also on overall wellbeing. Pollutants affect the skin on several levels. They can alter the skin barrier and skin microflora and increases oxidative stress, damaging and disrupting DNA. The study led by Laurent Peno-Mazzarino was published in the Journal of Current Issues in Molecular Biology in January 2024. Positive outcomes were observed in both ex vivo human skin explants and in in vitro models using human epidermal cells exposed to pollutants, including heavy metals and diesel particles condensed into an urban dust. These are the main components of "city pollution" particulates found in nearly every urban environment. The outcomes revealed several mechanisms of action underlying the protective effect of Zeropollution, including marked reductions in lipid peroxidation induced by pollutants. This encompasses reactive molecules generated by factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental stressors that can damage cells and tissues. By only the third day of the study total inhibition of these molecules was observed. The formula effectively suppressed the inflammatory response triggered by environmental pollution. Specifically, IL1-α inflammatory markers were reduced by almost 90%. Zeropollution also significantly reduced pollutant-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human endothelial cells and lung tissue cells. In this study, Zeropollution successfully counteracted the adverse effects of urban dust on the heart rate of zebra fish embryos. Moreover, it demonstrated abilities to inhibit the overactivation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), another biological pathway of the pollutant stress response that causes inflammation and skin damage. "This study underscores its beneficial effects on guarding the skin from pollution as supported by in vitro models," enthuses Nuria Caturla, PhD, Chief R&D Officer for Monteloeder. "While results of previous clinical studies endorsed Zeropollution's antioxidant and anti-aging effects, this preclinical research delves deeper into the botanical compound's molecular mechanisms." "Zeropollution possesses profound antioxidant and protective properties, as proven by its ability to reduce free-radical damage, inflammation and lipid peroxidation, while also offering protection against heavy metals," adds Caturla. In a previous clinical trial on 100 women volunteers living in polluted urban zones, supplementation with Zeropollution was linked to increased skin elasticity and firmness, strengthened skin barrier function, and skin radiance. Antioxidant status measured was also improved. "The botanical blend was uniquely crafted to fortify the skin's natural defences against external insults and nourish it from within," continues Caturla. "This study unveils Zeropollution's antioxidant potential beyond skin health, suggesting cardiopulmonary and endothelial benefits. This broadens its application spectrum beyond nutricosmetics and aligns with the consumer belief that help for a beautiful complexion can emanate from the inside." The proprietary formula comprises a polyphenol-enriched herbal blend containing a diverse array of phytochemical compounds sourced from various botanicals. This design is inspired by extensive scientific literature advocating that the use of multiple antioxidants as opposed to a high dose of a single antioxidant could be more effective owed to their complementary or synergistic effects. Zeropollution is built around the company's prized lemon verbena ingredient which stars in many of Monteloeder's portfolio of branded botanical formulations. The formula is standardized to several active compounds and quantified by HPLC-DAD analysis. These include hydroxytyrosol, verbascoside, oleuropein, rosemary diterpenes, and quercetin. All of which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Zeropollution's composition houses verbascosides derived from lemon verbena with a specific role in safeguarding pulmonary cells by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes while inhibiting activity of inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways. Zeropollution can be delivered in various formats, including "shots," soft gels, capsules, effervescent tablets, as well as in functional foods and beverages. Designed to be taken internally, Zeropollution is tailored for all beauty-from-within applications, responding to consumer demand for holistic solutions that embrace the fusion of beauty, health, and wellness. Visit us at SupplySide East, April 16-17, booth #4327 About Monteloeder: Monteloeder contributes cutting-edge innovation and scientific rigor to the development of botanical health ingredients, featuring proprietary patented products supported by clinical studies. The company's portfolio has garnered international accolades in Health & Wellness, Women's Health, and Beauty from Within. Monteloeder is a subsidiary of SUANNUTRA, which boasts a rich heritage of more than 125 years of combined experience in the European nutraceutical sector. For more information, contact: Company contact: Monteloeder, S.L., a subsidiary of SuanNutra Mariana Ortega Product Manager E-mail: [email protected] Website: Photo - SOURCE Monteloeder, S.L.