Inhibitory effect of the coffee diterpene kahweol on carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats

Kahweol Inhibits Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines in Tumor Necrosis Factor-α/Interferon-γ-Stimulated Human Keratinocyte HaCaT Cells

Atopic dermatitis (AD), marked by intense itching and eczema-like lesions, is a globally increasing chronic skin inflammation. Kahweol, a diterpene that naturally occurs in coffee beans, boasts anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-cancer properties. This research explores the anti-inflammatory action of kahweol on HaCaT human keratinocytes stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), focusing on key signal transduction pathways. Our results demonstrate that kahweol markedly reduces the production of IL-1β, IL-6, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8, and macrophage-derived chemokine in TNF-α/IFN-γ-activated HaCaT cells. Furthermore, it curtails the phosphorylation of key proteins in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, including c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and p38. Additionally, kahweol impedes the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit and constrains its DNA-binding capability. It also hampers the phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and DNA-binding activities of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT3. Collectively, these findings suggest that kahweol hinders the generation of cytokines and chemokines in inflamed keratinocytes by inhibiting the MAPK, NF-κB, and STAT cascades. These insights position kahweol as a promising agent for dermatological interventions, especially in managing inflammatory skin conditions such as AD.

Bioactive compounds in coffee and their role in lowering the risk of major public health consequences: A review

This article addresses the bioactive components in coffee aroma, their metabolism, and the mechanism of action in lowering the risk of various potential health problems. The main bioactive components involved in the perceived aroma of coffee and its related health benefits are caffeine, chlorogenic acid (CGA), trigonelline, diterpenes, and melanoids. These compounds are involved in various physiological activities. Caffeine has been shown to have anticancer properties, as well as the ability to prevent the onset and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and to be anti-inflammatory. CGA exhibits antioxidant action and is implicated in gut health, neurodegenerative disease protection, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Furthermore, together with diterpenes, CGA has been linked to anticancer activity. Trigonelline, on the other side, has been found to lower oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity and scavenging reactive oxygen species. It also prevents the formation of kidney stones. Diterpenes and melanoids possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, respectively. Consuming three to four cups of filtered coffee per day, depending on an individual's physiological condition and health status, has been linked to a lower risk of several degenerative diseases. Despite their health benefits, excessive coffee intake above the recommended daily dosage, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and unfiltered coffee consumption all increase the risk of potential health concerns. In conclusion, moderate coffee consumption lowers the risk of different noncommunicable diseases.

Association between coffee consumption and high C-reactive protein levels in Korean adults

The findings of studies investigating the relationship between coffee consumption and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been inconsistent, and few researchers considered the type of coffee. We examined the association between coffee consumption and high CRP levels, using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2016-2018, with 9337 adults aged 19-64 years. A 24-h diet recall was used to assess diet, including the amount and type of coffee consumed. We classified coffee into black coffee and coffee with sugar and/or cream (non-drinkers, or ≤ 1, 2-3, > 3 cups/d) and used multivariable logistic regression models with high CRP levels (≥ 2·2 mg/l). After the adjustment for potential confounders, 2-3 cups/d of coffee consumption were inversely associated with high CRP levels, compared with no consumption (OR = 0·83, 95 % CI 0·69, 0·99). By type of coffee, the inverse association was stronger in subjects consuming black coffee (OR = 0·61, 95 % CI 0·45, 0·84), while the inverse association was much weaker in those consuming coffee with sugar and/or cream (OR = 0·92, 95 % CI 0·74, 1·14). By sex, the inverse association of 2-3 cups of black coffee was found both in men (OR = 0·65, 95 % CI 0·41, 1·03) and women (OR = 0·55, 95 % CI 0·36, 0·83). More than three cups/d of heavy coffee consumption were not significantly associated with high CRP levels. Our findings indicate that moderate black coffee consumption of 2-3 cups/d is inversely associated with high CRP levels in Korean adults. Further prospective studies are warranted to provide definitive evidence.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Daniellia oliveri (Fabaceace) stem bark extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel (Fabaceae) is used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and pains (chest pain, toothache and lumbago) and rheumatism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study investigates the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of D. oliveri and possible mechanism of antiinflammatory action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute toxicity of the extract was evaluated in mice using the limit test. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in xylene-induced paw oedema and carrageenan-induced air-pouch models at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. Volume of exudate, total protein, leukocyte counts, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and concentration of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were measured in the exudate of rats in the carrageenan-induced air-pouch model. Other parameters include lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO) and antioxidant indices (SOD, CAT and GSH). Histopathology of the air pouch tissue was also carried out. The antinociceptive effect was assessed using acetic acid-induced writhing, tail flick and formalin tests. Locomotor activity was done in the open field test. The extract was analysed with HPLC-DAD-UV technique.

RESULTS

The extract showed significant anti-inflammatory effect (73.68 and 75.79%, inhibition) in xylene-induced ear oedema test at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. In carrageenan air pouch model, the extract significantly reduced exudate volume, protein concentration, the migration of leukocytes and MPO production in the exudate. The concentrations of cytokines TNF-α (12.25 ± 1.80 pg/mL) and IL-6 (21.12 pg/mL) in the exudate at the dose of 200 mg/kg were reduced compared to carrageenan alone group (48.15 ± 4.50 pg/mL; 82.62 pg/mL) respectively. The extract showed significant increase in the activities of CAT and SOD and GSH concentration. The histopathological assessment of the pouch lining revealed reduction of immuno-inflammatory cell influx. Nociception was significantly inhibited by the extract in acetic acid-induced writhing model and the second phase of formalin test indicating a peripheral mechanism of action. The open field test showed that D. oliveri did not alter locomotor activity. The acute toxicity study did not cause mortality or signs of toxicity at 2000 mg/kg, p.o. We identified and quantified caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rutin, apigenin-7-glucoside, quercetin and kaempferol in the extract.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study showed that the stem bark extract of D. oliveri possesses anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities thereby supporting its traditional use in the treatment of some inflammatory and painful disorders.

Coffee consumption, health benefits and side effects: a narrative review and update for dietitians and nutritionists

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide; however, its impact on health outcomes and adverse effects is not fully understood. The current review aims to establish an update about the benefits of coffee consumption on health outcomes highlighting its side effects, and finally coming up with an attempt to provide some recommendations on its doses. A literature review using the PubMed/Medline database was carried out and the data were summarized by applying a narrative approach using the available evidence based on the literature. The main findings were the following: first, coffee may contribute to the prevention of inflammatory and oxidative stress-related diseases, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes; second, coffee consumption seems to be associated with a lower incidence of several types of cancer and with a reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality; finally, the consumption of up to 400 mg/day (1-4 cups per day) of caffeine is safe. However, the time gap between coffee consumption and some drugs should be taken into account in order to avoid interaction. However, most of the data were based on cross-sectional or/and observational studies highlighting an association of coffee intake and health outcomes; thus, randomized controlled studies are needed in order to identify a causality link.

Repositioning of tubocurarine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent: Exploring beyond myorelaxant activity

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Tubocurarine (d-TC), a non-depolarizing competitive blocker of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is extensively utilized for the relaxation of skeletal muscles. Drug repositioning is a forthright approach to reduce the cost and speed up drug development process. Herein, we have attempted to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of d-TC for its possible repurposing in pain and inflammation-related issues.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We examined the soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory (sEHI) activity of d-TC employing in silico high throughput screening protocols, in vitro cell-free sEH inhibitory assay, and in in vivo rodent models for its repositioning in pain and inflammation-related disorders.

KEY RESULTS

In molecular docking study, d-TC displayed impressive hydrogen bonding interactions within the cavity of sEH enzyme with good docking score. d-TC also exhibited notable sEH inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 3.72 nm) at the in vitro assay. Oral absorption capability of d-TC (0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL) was determined using an in vitro everted intestinal sac model employing rat ileum tissue that revealed significant oral absorption of d-TC. Besides, in vivo studies revealed that oral administration of d-TC (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg) in rodents significantly attenuated hyperalgesia (cold plate test, tail immersion test and formalin test) and inflammation (estimation of rectal temperature, acetic acid induced pleurisy test and cotton pellet-induced granuloma test) induced in robust preclinical models. Conclusion and implications These findings are novel and warrant immediate efforts to reposition d-TC as a new therapeutic candidate in the management of hyperalgesia, inflammation, and associated conditions.

Addressing the Neuroprotective Actions of Coffee in Parkinson’s Disease: An Emerging Nutrigenomic Analysis

Caffeine is one of the predominant dietary components and psychostimulants present in coffee, a widely appreciated beverage. Corroborating epidemiological and laboratory evidence have suggested an inverse association between the dietary intakes of coffee and the risk of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Growing attention has been paid to the impact of coffee consumption and genetic susceptibility to PD pathogenesis. Coffee is believed to play prominent roles in mediating the gene makeup and influencing the onset and progression of PD. The current review documents a current discovery of the coffee × gene interaction for the protective management of PD. The evidence underlying its potent impacts on the adenosine receptors (A2AR), estrogen receptors (ESR), heme oxygenase (HO), toxicant responsive genes, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cytochrome oxidase (Cox), familial parkinsonism genetic susceptibility loci, bone marrow stromal cell antigen 1 (BST1), glutamate receptor gene and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype expressions is outlined. Furthermore, the neuroprotective mechanisms of coffee for the amelioration of PD are elucidated.

A novel gedunin-2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex improves anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of gedunin in rodents

Gedunin is a bioactive compound, obtained from Entandrophragma angolense (EA), which has limited therapeutic usefulness due to poor aqueous solubility and first-pass effects. Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides that form complexes with poorly soluble compounds, thus enhancing their pharmacological activity. In this article, we evaluated the pharmacological activities of gedunin-2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex (GCD) in rodents. The antinociceptive activity of GCD (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) and Gedunin (50mg/kg) was tested in acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in carrageenan-induced paw oedema and air pouch inflammation models in rats. Leucocytes counts, Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) level, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, and myeloperoxidase enzyme activities were assessed in the air pouch exudate. The GCD (200mg/kg) significantly decreased writhing response, reduced licking duration and decreased oedema compared with gedunin and control. Exudate volume and leucocyte count were significantly reduced by GCD (200 mg/kg), it decreased myeloperoxidase activity and inhibited TNF-α release. The carrageenan-induced GSH depletion, increased malondialdehyde and nitrite levels were significantly reversed by GCD (200 mg/kg) relative to gedunin and control.  The GCD complex demonstrated significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities relative to gedunin alone via mechanisms associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation in rodents.

A randomized double blinded placebo controlled clinical trial for the evaluation of green coffee extract on immune health in healthy adults

Background

The immune system functions to protect the host from a broad array of infectious diseases. Here, we evaluated the in vitro immunomodulatory effects of green coffee extract (GCE), and conducted a double-blinded, randomized and placebo-controlled trial among apparently healthy individuals.

Methods

We determined the levels and functions of inflammatory and immune markers viz., phospho-NF-κB p65 ser536, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, TH1/TH2 cytokines and IgG production. We also evaluated several immunological markers such as total leukocyte counts, differential leukocyte counts, NK cell activity, CD4/CD8 ratio, serum immunoglobulin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α).

Results and conclusion

GCE significantly inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB p65 ser536 phosphorylation, MCP-1-induced chemotaxis and significantly enhanced phagocytosis and IgG production. In addition, GCE modulated PMA/PHA-induced TH1/TH2 cytokine production. Clinical investigations suggested that the expression of CD56 and CD16 was markedly augmented on NK cells following GCE treatment. GCE significantly enhanced IgA production before and after influenza vaccination. Similarly, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP levels were significantly inhibited by GCE. Together, GCE confers several salubrious immunomodulatory effects at different levels attributing to optimal functioning of immune responses in the host.

Taxonomy

Cell biology, Clinical study, Clinical Trial.

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GCE showed an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the NF-κB phosphorylation.

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GCE enhances innate immune response by activating NK cells and phagocytosis.

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GCE is an immunomodulator.

Ananas comosus (L) Merrill (pineapple) fruit peel extract demonstrates antimalarial, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) peel is a major waste in pineapple canning industry and it is reported to be used in ethnomedicine as a component of herbal remedies for malarial management. This study aimed to evaluate the antimalarial, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Ananas comosus peel extract (PEAC).

METHODS

Ananas comosus peel was extracted with 80% methanol. PEAC (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was investigated for antimalarial effect using Peter's 4-day suppressive test (4-DST) model in mice. Antinociceptive activity of PEAC was investigated in hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the lipopolysaccharides-induced sickness behavior in mice and carrageenan-induced air pouch in rats' models.

RESULTS

PEAC could not significantly (p > 0.05) suppressed parasitemia level at 7-day post-infection in 4-DST. PEAC (400 mg/kg) mildly prolongs survival of infected mice up till day 21. PEAC demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) antinociceptive activity by increasing latency to jump on the hot plate, reduced number of writhings in acetic acid test and reduced paw licking time in 2^nd phase of formalin test. PEAC significantly reduced anxiogenic and depressive-like symptoms of sickness behavior in LPS-injected mice. PEAC demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced air pouch experiment by reducing exudates formation, inflammatory cell counts, and nitrite, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 levels.

CONCLUSION

Ananas comosus peel extract demonstrated mild antimalarial activity but significant anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties probably mediated via inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Kahweol, a natural diterpene from coffee, induces peripheral antinociception by endocannabinoid system activation

Kahweol is a compound derived from coffee with reported antinociceptive effects. Based on the few reports that exist in the literature regarding the mechanisms involved in kahweol-induced peripheral antinociceptive action, this study proposed to investigate the contribution of the endocannabinoid system to the peripheral antinociception induced in rats by kahweol. Hyperalgesia was induced by intraplantar injection of prostaglandin E₂(PGE₂) and was measured with the paw pressure test. Kahweol and the drugs to test the cannabinoid system were administered locally into the right hind paw. The endocannabinoids were purified by open-bed chromatography on silica and measured by LC-MS. Kahweol (80 µg/paw) induced peripheral antinociception against PGE₂-induced hyperalgesia. This effect was reversed by the intraplantar injection of the CB₁ cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251 (20, 40, and 80 μg/paw), but not by the CB₂ cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM630 (100 μg/paw). Treatment with the endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor VDM11 (2.5 μg/paw) intensified the peripheral antinociceptive effect induced by low-dose kahweol (40 μg/paw). The monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, JZL184 (4 μg/paw), and the dual MAGL/fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, MAFP (0.5 μg/paw), potentiated the peripheral antinociceptive effect of low-dose kahweol. Furthermore, kahweol increased the levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, but not of the other endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol nor of anandamide-related N-acylethanolamines, in the plantar surface of the rat paw. Our results suggested that kahweol induced peripheral antinociception via anandamide release and activation of CB₁ cannabinoid receptors and this compound could be used to develop new drugs for pain relief.

Coffee Pulp, a By-Product of Coffee Production, Modulates Gut Microbiota and Improves Metabolic Syndrome in High-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

Waste from food production can be re-purposed as raw material for usable products to decrease industrial waste. Coffee pulp is 29% of the dry weight of coffee cherries and contains caffeine, chlorogenic acid, trigonelline, diterpenes and fibre. We investigated the attenuation of signs of metabolic syndrome induced by high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet in rats by dietary supplementation with 5% freeze-dried coffee pulp for the final 8 weeks of a 16-week protocol. Coffee pulp decreased body weight, feed efficiency and abdominal fat; normalised systolic blood pressure, left ventricular diastolic stiffness, and plasma concentrations of triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids; and improved glucose tolerance in rats fed high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. Further, the gut microbiota was modulated with high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet and coffee pulp supplementation and 14 physiological parameters were correlated with the changes in bacterial community structures. This study suggested that coffee pulp, as a waste from the coffee industry, is useful as a functional food for improving obesity-associated metabolic, cardiovascular and liver structure and function, and gut microbiota.

Coffee and type 2 diabetes risk: Is the association mediated by adiponectin, leptin, c-reactive protein or Interleukin-6? A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Coffee and diabetes risk association has been demonstrated in numerous studies; however, the exact mechanism has not been clarified yet. The present meta-analysis was conducted to cover the current knowledge regarding the effect of coffee on Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), in addition to the evaluation of adiponectin, leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels among coffee consumers as relatively possible mediators of this effect.

METHOD

A comprehensive search of the literature was carried out using search engines up to March 2020. The effect sizes were investigated using the standardised mean difference (SMD) and odds ratios (OR) or relative risk (RR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 69 cross-sectional and cohort studies were included and divided as follows: 31 articles for T2D risk, 15 studies for adiponectin, 6 studies for leptin, 12 studies for CRP and 5 studies for IL-6.

RESULTS

Overall, coffee consumption was inversely associated with T2D risk with an estimated pooled RR of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [0.68, 0.80] for the highest vs lowest coffee consumption categories. The combined SMD between the different coffee intake categories, showed that coffee consumption was associated with higher adiponectin levels (P = .002), and lower level of leptin (P = .04) and CRP (P = .2), with apparently no change in IL-6 levels (P = .91).

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis showed strong epidemiological evidence that coffee consumption is inversely associated with the risk of T2D. Also, adiponectin, leptin concentrations appeared to be potential mediators of the coffee effect on diabetes, while IL-6 levels did not.

Anti-Platelet Aggregation and Anti-Cyclooxygenase Activities for a Range of Coffee Extracts (Coffea arabica)

Coffee is rich in caffeine (CF), chlorogenic acid (CGA) and phenolics. Differing types of coffee beverages and brewing procedures may result in differences in total phenolic contents (TPC) and biological activities. Inflammation and increases of platelet activation and aggregation can lead to thrombosis. We focused on determining the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects on agonist-induced platelet aggregation and cyclooxygenase (COX) of coffee beverages in relation to their preparation method. We prepared instant coffee and brewed coffee beverages using drip, espresso, and boiling techniques. Coffee extracts were assayed for their CF and CGA contents using HPLC, TPC using colorimetry, platelet aggregation with an aggregometer, and COX activity using ELISA. The findings have shown all coffee extracts, except the decaffeinated types, contained nearly equal amounts of CF, CGA, and TPC. Inhibitory effects of coffee extracts on platelet aggregation differed depending on the activation pathways induced by different agonists. All espresso, drip and boiled coffee extracts caused dose dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, epinephrine, and arachidonic acid (ARA). The most marked inhibition was seen at low doses of collagen or ARA. Espresso and drip extracts inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation more than purified caffeine or CGA. Espresso, boiled and drip coffee extracts were also a more potent inhibitors of COX-1 and COX-2 than purified caffeine or CGA. We conclude that inhibition of platelet aggregation and COX-1 and COX-2 may contribute to anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory effects of espresso and drip coffee extracts.

Kahweol Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury through Pleiotropic Effects in Mice

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent, but its clinical use is frequently limited by its nephrotoxicity. The pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) remains incompletely understood, but oxidative stress, tubular cell death, and inflammation are considered important contributors to cisplatin-induced renal injury. Kahweol is a natural diterpene extracted from coffee beans and has been shown to possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its role in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity remains undetermined. Therefore, we investigated whether kahweol exerts a protective effect against cisplatin-induced renal injury. Additionally, its mechanisms were also examined. Administration of kahweol attenuated renal dysfunction and histopathological damage together with inhibition of oxidative stress in cisplatin-injected mice. Increased expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 and decreased expression of manganese superoxide dismutase and catalase after cisplatin treatment were significantly reversed by kahweol. Moreover, kahweol inhibited cisplatin-induced apoptosis and necroptosis in the kidneys. Finally, kahweol reduced inflammatory cytokine production and immune cell accumulation together with suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B pathway and downregulation of vascular adhesion molecules. Together, these results suggest that kahweol ameliorates cisplatin-induced renal injury via its pleiotropic effects and might be a potential preventive option against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Cafestol and Kahweol: A Review on Their Bioactivities and Pharmacological Properties

Cafestol and kahweol are natural diterpenes extracted from coffee beans. In addition to the effect of raising serum lipid, in vitro and in vivo experimental results have revealed that the two diterpenes demonstrate multiple potential pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammation, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-osteoclastogenesis activities. The most relevant mechanisms involved are down-regulating inflammation mediators, increasing glutathione (GSH), inducing apoptosis of tumor cells and anti-angiogenesis. Cafestol and kahweol show similar biological activities but not exactly the same, which might due to the presence of one conjugated double bond on the furan ring of the latter. This review aims to summarize the pharmacological properties and the underlying mechanisms of cafestol-type diterpenoids, which show their potential as functional food and multi-target alternative medicine.

Knowledge, Beliefs, Dietary, and Lifestyle Practices Related to Bone Health among Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Osteoporosis is a growing health problem in Asian countries with a rapidly expanding aging population. Adequate knowledge and positive health beliefs regarding osteoporosis will encourage individuals to adopt measures to protect bone health. This study aimed to investigate the association between knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding osteoporosis and bone health among Malaysians Chinese aged 40 years and above. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 367 Malaysians Chinese (182 men, 185 women) aged ≥ 40 years in Klang Valley, Malaysia. They completed a questionnaire on knowledge, beliefs, and practices of osteoporosis and underwent bone mineral density scan using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry device. The subjects showed moderate knowledge and high level of health beliefs regarding osteoporosis, but poor osteoprotective practices. Osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs were significantly different based on subjects’ demographic characteristics (p < 0.05). Additionally, osteoporosis knowledge was correlated positively with beliefs, coffee or tea intake (p < 0.05) but not with other lifestyle practices. Osteoporosis health beliefs was associated positively with physical activity, dairy and calcium intake (p < 0.05). However, bone health was not associated with knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding osteoporosis (p > 0.05). The present findings highlight the need of formulating osteoporosis prevention program targeting Malaysians Chinese, especially men, to improve their knowledge, health beliefs, and practice.

Factors Associated with Bone Health in Malaysian Middle-Aged and Elderly Women Assessed via Quantitative Ultrasound

Risk factors for osteoporosis may vary according to different populations. We aimed to investigate the relationship between risk factors of osteoporosis and bone health indices determined via calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in a group of Malaysian women aged 50 years or above. A cross-sectional study was performed on 344 Malaysian women recruited from a tertiary medical centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They answered a self-administered questionnaire on their social-demographic details, medical history, lifestyle, and physical activity status. Their height was measured using a stadiometer, and their body composition estimated using a bioelectrical impedance device. Their bone health status was determined using a water-based calcaneal QUS device that generated three indices, namely speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and stiffness index (SI). A T-score was computed from SI values using a reference database from a mainland Chinese population. Women with three or more lifetime pregnancies, who were underweight and not drinking coffee had a significantly lower BUA. Stepwise multiple linear regression showed that SOS was predicted by age alone, BUA and SI by years since menopause, body mass index (BMI), and number of lifetime pregnancies, and T-score by years since menopause and percentage of body fat. As a conclusion, suboptimal bone health in middle-aged and elderly Malaysian women as indicated by QUS is associated with old age, being underweight, having a high body fat percentage, and a high number of lifetime pregnancies. Women having several risk factors should be monitored more closely to protect their bones against accelerated bone loss.

The Benefit of Bone Health by Drinking Coffee among Korean Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Fourth & Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

Purpose

Although the concern about coffee-associated health problems is increasing, the effect of coffee on osteoporosis is still conflicting. This study aimed to determine the relationship between coffee consumption and bone health in Korean postmenopausal women.

Methods

A population-based, cross-sectional study was performed using a nationally representative sample of the Korean general population. All 4,066 postmenopausal women (mean age 62.6 years) from the fourth and fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2011), who completed the questionnaire about coffee consumption and had data of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) examination. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using DXA at the femoral neck and lumbar spine and osteoporosis was defined by World Health Organization T-score criteria in addition to self-report of current anti-osteoporotic medication use.

Results

After adjusting for various demographic and lifestyle confounders (including hormonal factors), subjects in the highest quartile of coffee intake had 36% lower odds for osteoporosis compared to those in the lowest quartile (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43–0.95; P for trend = 0.015). This trend was consistent in osteoporosis of lumbar spine and femoral neck (aOR = 0.65 and 0.55; P for trend = 0.026 and 0.003, respectively). In addition, age- and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar spine increased with higher coffee intake (P for trend = 0.019 and 0.051, respectively).

Conclusions

Coffee consumption may have protective benefits on bone health in Korean postmenopausal women in moderate amount. Further, prospective studies are required to confirm this association.

Cafestol overcomes ABT-737 resistance in Mcl-1-overexpressed renal carcinoma Caki cells through downregulation of Mcl-1 expression and upregulation of Bim expression

Although ABT-737, a small-molecule Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitor, has recently emerged as a novel cancer therapeutic agent, ABT-737-induced apoptosis is often blocked in several types of cancer cells with elevated expression of Mcl-1. Cafestol, one of the major compounds in coffee beans, has been reported to have anti-carcinogenic activity and tumor cell growth-inhibitory activity, and we examined whether cafestol could overcome resistance against ABT-737 in Mcl-1-overexpressed human renal carcinoma Caki cells. ABT-737 alone had no effect on apoptosis, but cafestol markedly enhanced ABT-737-mediated apoptosis in Mcl-1-overexpressed Caki cells, human glioma U251MG cells, and human breast carcinoma MDA-MB231 cells. By contrast, co-treatment with ABT-737 and cafestol did not induce apoptosis in normal human skin fibroblast. Furthermore, combined treatment with cafestol and ABT-737 markedly reduced tumor growth compared with either drug alone in xenograft models. We found that cafestol inhibited Mcl-1 protein expression, which is important for ABT-737 resistance, through promotion of protein degradation. Moreover, cafestol increased Bim expression, and siRNA-mediated suppression of Bim expression reduced the apoptosis induced by cafestol plus ABT-737. Taken together, cafestol may be effectively used to enhance ABT-737 sensitivity in cancer therapy via downregulation of Mcl-1 expression and upregulation of Bim expression.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of the coffee diterpenes kahweol and cafestol on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in mice

The hepatoprotective effects of kahweol and cafestol, coffee-specific diterpenes, on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver damage as well as the possible mechanisms involved in these protections were investigated. Pretreatment with kahweol and cafestol prior to the administration of CCl(4) significantly prevented the increase in the serum levels of hepatic enzyme markers (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and reduced oxidative stress, such as reduced glutathione content and lipid peroxidation, in the liver in a dose-dependent manner. The histopathological evaluation of the livers also revealed that kahweol and cafestol reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by CCl(4). Treatment of the mice with kahweol and cafestol also resulted in a significant decrease in the cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), the major isozyme involved in CCl(4) bioactivation, specific enzyme activities, such as p-nitrophenol and aniline hydroxylation. Kahweol and cafestol exhibited antioxidant effects on FeCl(2)-ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in a mouse liver homogenate, and on superoxide radical scavenging activity. These results suggest that the protective effects of kahweol and cafestol against the CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity possibly involve mechanisms related to their ability to block the CYP2E1-mediated CCl(4) bioactivation and free radical scavenging effects.

The coffee diterpene kahweol inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-induced expression of cell adhesion molecules in human endothelial cells

Endothelial cells produce adhesion molecules after being stimulated with various inflammatory cytokines. These adhesion molecules play an important role in the development of atherogenesis. Recent studies have highlighted the chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of kahweol, a coffee-specific diterpene. This study examined the effects of kahweol on the cytokine-induced monocyte/human endothelial cell interaction, which is a crucial early event in atherogenesis. Kahweol inhibited the adhesion of TNFalpha-induced monocytes to endothelial cells and suppressed the TNFalpha-induced protein and mRNA expression of the cell adhesion molecules, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. Furthermore, kahweol inhibited the TNFalpha-induced JAK2-PI3K/Akt-NF-kappaB activation pathway in these cells. Overall, kahweol has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activities, which occurs partly by down-regulating the pathway that affects the expression and interaction of the cell adhesion molecules on endothelial cells.