A systemic review on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol, curcumin, and dietary nitric oxide supplementation on human cardiovascular health

Molecules and Mechanisms to Overcome Oxidative Stress Inducing Cardiovascular Disease in Cancer Patients

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are molecules involved in signal transduction pathways with both beneficial and detrimental effects on human cells. ROS are generated by many cellular processes including mitochondrial respiration, metabolism and enzymatic activities. In physiological conditions, ROS levels are well-balanced by antioxidative detoxification systems. In contrast, in pathological conditions such as cardiovascular, neurological and cancer diseases, ROS production exceeds the antioxidative detoxification capacity of cells, leading to cellular damages and death. In this review, we will first describe the biology and mechanisms of ROS mediated oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease. Second, we will review the role of oxidative stress mediated by oncological treatments in inducing cardiovascular disease. Lastly, we will discuss the strategies that potentially counteract the oxidative stress in order to fight the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease, including that induced by oncological treatments.

Protective Effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (var. Ginpent) against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Motor Alteration in Mice

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (var. Ginpent) (GP) is a variety of Cucurbit with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in patients. In this manuscript, the main components present in the dry extract of GP have been identified using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS). In addition, the anti-inflammatory action of GP was evaluated in animal models with acute peripheral inflammation and motor alteration induced by lipopolysaccharide. The results showed that GP dry extract is rich in secondary metabolites with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We found that the treatment with GP induced a recovery of motor function measured with the rotarod test and pole test, and a reduction in inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 measured with the ELISA test. The data collected in this study on the effects of GP in in vivo models may help integrate the therapeutic strategies of inflammatory-based disorders.

Impact of Environmental Factors on Stilbene Biosynthesis

Stilbenes are a small family of polyphenolic secondary metabolites that can be found in several distantly related plant species. These compounds act as phytoalexins, playing a crucial role in plant defense against phytopathogens, as well as being involved in the adaptation of plants to abiotic environmental factors. Among stilbenes, trans-resveratrol is certainly the most popular and extensively studied for its health properties. In recent years, an increasing number of stilbene compounds were subjected to investigations concerning their bioactivity. This review presents the most updated knowledge of the stilbene biosynthetic pathway, also focusing on the role of several environmental factors in eliciting stilbenes biosynthesis. The effects of ultraviolet radiation, visible light, ultrasonication, mechanical stress, salt stress, drought, temperature, ozone, and biotic stress are reviewed in the context of enhancing stilbene biosynthesis, both in planta and in plant cell and organ cultures. This knowledge may shed some light on stilbene biological roles and represents a useful tool to increase the accumulation of these valuable compounds.

Crystal structure of death-associated protein kinase 1 in complex with the dietary compound resveratrol

Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a large multidomain protein with an N-terminal serine/threonine protein kinase domain. DAPK1 is considered to be a promising molecular target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, the inhibitory potency of resveratrol (RSV), a dietary polyphenol found in red wine, against the catalytic activity of DAPK1 was investigated. Kinetic and fluorescent probe competitive binding analyses revealed that RSV directly inhibited the catalytic activity of DAPK1 by binding to the ATP-binding site. Crystallographic analysis of DAPK1 in complex with RSV revealed that the A-ring of RSV occupied the nucleobase-binding position. Determination of the binding mode provided a structural basis for the design of more potent DAPK1 inhibitors. In conclusion, the data here clearly show that RSV is an ATP-competitive inhibitor of DAPK1, encouraging speculation that RSV may be useful for the development of AD inhibitors.

Nutrients, Genetic Factors, and Their Interaction in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in Western countries and expose patients to increased risk of hepatic and cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Both environmental factors and genetic predisposition contribute to the risk. An inappropriate diet, rich in refined carbohydrates, especially fructose, and saturated fats, and poor in fibers, polyunsaturated fats, and vitamins is one of the main key factors, as well as the polymorphism of patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3 gene) for NAFLD and the apolipoproteins and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family for the cardiovascular damage. Beyond genetic influence, also epigenetics modifications are responsible for various clinical manifestations of both hepatic and CV disease. Interestingly, data are accumulating on the interplay between diet and genetic and epigenetic modifications, modulating pathogenetic pathways in NAFLD and CV disease. We report the main evidence from literature on the influence of both macro and micronutrients in NAFLD and CV damage and the role of genetics either alone or combined with diet in increasing the risk of developing both diseases. Understanding the interaction between metabolic alterations, genetics and diet are essential to treat the diseases and tailoring nutritional therapy to control NAFLD and CV risk.

A Novel Promising Frontier for Human Health: The Beneficial Effects of Nutraceuticals in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and diabetes are a significant public health problem worldwide. Although several novel pharmacological treatments to reduce the progression of CVDs have been discovered during the last 20 years, the better way to contain the onset of CVDs remains prevention. In this regard, nutraceuticals seem to own a great potential in maintaining human health, exerting important protective cardiovascular effects. In the last years, there has been increased focus on identifying natural compounds with cardiovascular health-promoting effects and also to characterize the molecular mechanisms involved. Although many review articles have focused on the individual natural compound impact on cardiovascular diseases, the aim of this manuscript was to examine the role of the most studied nutraceuticals, such as resveratrol, cocoa, quercetin, curcumin, brassica, berberine and Spirulina platensis, on different CVDs.

Signaling mechanisms underlying inhibition of neuroinflammation by resveratrol in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), are characterized by the progressive loss of the structure and function of neurons and most commonly occur in the elderly population. Microglia are resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS). The neuroinflammation caused by excessive microglial activation is closely related to the onset and progression of many NDs. Therefore, inhibiting excessive microglial activation is a potential drug target for controlling neuroinflammation. In recent years, natural products as modulators of microglial polarization have attracted considerable attention in the field of NDs therapy. Furthermore, resveratrol (RES) has been found to have a protective effect in NDs through the inhibition of microglial activation and the regulation of neuroinflammation. In this review, we mainly summarize the therapeutic potential of RES and its various molecular mechanisms in the treatment of NDs through the modulation of microglial activation.

Antibiofilm activity of flavonoids on staphylococcal biofilms through targeting BAP amyloids

The opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for causing infections related to indwelling medical devices, where this pathogen is able to attach and form biofilms. The intrinsic properties given by the self-produced extracellular biofilm matrix confer high resistance to antibiotics, triggering infections difficult to treat. Therefore, novel antibiofilm strategies targeting matrix components are urgently needed. The Biofilm Associated Protein, Bap, expressed by staphylococcal species adopts functional amyloid-like structures as scaffolds of the biofilm matrix. In this work we have focused on identifying agents targeting Bap-related amyloid-like aggregates as a strategy to combat S. aureus biofilm-related infections. We identified that the flavonoids, quercetin, myricetin and scutellarein specifically inhibited Bap-mediated biofilm formation of S. aureus and other staphylococcal species. By using in vitro aggregation assays and the cell-based methodology for generation of amyloid aggregates based on the Curli-Dependent Amyloid Generator system (C-DAG), we demonstrated that these polyphenols prevented the assembly of Bap-related amyloid-like structures. Finally, using an in vivo catheter infection model, we showed that quercetin and myricetin significantly reduced catheter colonization by S. aureus. These results support the use of polyphenols as anti-amyloids molecules that can be used to treat biofilm-related infections.

Curcumin: Could This Compound Be Useful in Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Complications?

Curcumin, the main polyphenol contained in turmeric root (Curcuma longa), has played a significant role in medicine for centuries. The growing interest in plant-derived substances has led to increased consumption of them also in pregnancy. The pleiotropic and multi-targeting actions of curcumin have made it very attractive as a health-promoting compound. In spite of the beneficial effects observed in various chronic diseases in humans, limited and fragmentary information is currently available about curcumin’s effects on pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications. It is known that immune-metabolic alterations occurring during pregnancy have consequences on both maternal and fetal tissues, leading to short- and long-term complications. The reported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitoxicant, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, antiapoptotic, antiangiogenic, anti-hypertensive, and antidiabetic properties of curcumin appear to be encouraging, not only for the management of pregnancy-related disorders, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia (PE), depression, preterm birth, and fetal growth disorders but also to contrast damage induced by natural and chemical toxic agents. The current review summarizes the latest data, mostly obtained from animal models and in vitro studies, on the impact of curcumin on the molecular mechanisms involved in pregnancy pathophysiology, with the aim to shed light on the possible beneficial and/or adverse effects of curcumin on pregnancy outcomes.

The Role of Resveratrol in Mammalian Reproduction

Resveratrol is one of the most investigated natural polyphenolic compounds and is contained in more than 70 types of plants and in red wine. The widespread interest in this polyphenol derives from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Several studies have established that resveratrol regulates animal reproduction. However, the mechanisms of action and the potential therapeutic effects are still unclear. This review aims to clarify the role of resveratrol in male and female reproductive functions, with a focus on animals of veterinary interest. In females, resveratrol has been considered as a phytoestrogen due to its capacity to modulate ovarian function and steroidogenesis via sirtuins, SIRT1 in particular. Resveratrol has also been used to enhance aged oocyte quality and as a gametes cryo-protectant with mainly antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. In males, resveratrol enhances testes function and spermatogenesis through activation of the AMPK pathway. Furthermore, resveratrol has been supplemented to semen extenders, improving the preservation of sperm quality. In conclusion, resveratrol has potentially beneficial effects for ameliorating ovarian and testes function.

Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are subcellular messengers in signal transductions pathways with both beneficial and deleterious roles. ROS are generated as a by-product of mitochondrial respiration or metabolism or by specific enzymes such as superoxide dismutases, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, peroxiredoxins, and myeloperoxidases. Under physiological conditions, the low levels of ROS production are equivalent to their detoxification, playing a major role in cellular signaling and function. In pathological situations, particularly atherosclerosis or hypertension, the release of ROS exceeds endogenous antioxidant capacity, leading to cell death. At cardiovascular levels, oxidative stress is highly implicated in myocardial infarction, ischemia/reperfusion, or heart failure. Here, we will first detail the physiological role of low ROS production in the heart and the vessels. Indeed, ROS are able to regulate multiple cardiovascular functions, such as cell proliferation, migration, and death. Second, we will investigate the implication of oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases. Then, we will focus on ROS produced by NAPDH oxidase or during endothelial or mitochondrial dysfunction. Given the importance of oxidative stress at the cardiovascular level, antioxidant therapies could be a real benefit. In the last part of this review, we will detail the new therapeutic strategies potentially involved in cardiovascular protection and currently under study.

Biosensors and Sensing Systems for Rapid Analysis of Phenolic Compounds from Plants: A Comprehensive Review

Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites frequently found in plants that exhibit many different effects on human health. Because of the relevant bioactivity, their identification and quantification in agro-food matrices as well as in biological samples are a fundamental issue in the field of quality control of food and food supplements, and clinical analysis. In this review, a critical selection of sensors and biosensors for rapid and selective detection of phenolic compounds is discussed. Sensors based on electrochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, fluorescence, and colorimetry are discussed including devices with or without specific recognition elements, such as biomolecules, enzymes and molecularly imprinted materials. Systems that have been tested on real matrices are prevalently considered but also techniques that show potential development in the field.

Preparation of Spray-Dried Functional Food: Effect of Adding Bacillus clausii Bacteria as a Co-Microencapsulating Agent on the Conservation of Resveratrol

The effect of bacteria (Bacillus clausii) addition on the culturability and antioxidant activity of resveratrol prepared by spray drying was studied in this work. Inulin and lactose were employed as carrying agents and their performance compared. Resveratrol microencapsulated in inulin showed the highest antioxidant activity (26%) against free radicals. The co-encapsulated materials (bacteria and resveratrol) in inulin and lactose showed similar activities (21%, and 23%, respectively) suggesting that part of resveratrol was absorbed by the bacteria. Particles showed a regular spherical morphology with smooth surfaces, and size in the micrometer range (2–25 μm). The absence of bacteria in the SEM micrographs and the culturability activity suggested the preservation of the organisms within the micro and co-microencapsulated particles. The present work proposes the preparation of a functional food with probiotic and antioxidant properties.

Nutraceuticals and diet in human health and disease. The special issue at a glance

This first Special Issue collects fifteen original research and up-to-date review articles addressing the beneficial properties of herbal products, nutrient supplements, dietary regimens, and functional food for the complementary therapy of human pathologies. In these articles, renowned scholars present and discuss the curative effects and the molecular mechanisms of action of nutraceuticals, medicinal herbs, and dietary regimens that have been proven effective in the treatment of cancers, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, hearth arrythmia and neurodegenerative disorders.