Anti-obesity effects of Beta vulgaris and Eruca sativa-based extracts

Obesity is a major source of morbidity worldwide with more than 2 billion adults being overweight or obese. The incidence of obesity has tripled in the last 50 years, leading to an increased risk for a variety of noncommunicable diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated the positive effects of green leafy vegetables on weight gain and obesity and have attributed these beneficial properties, at least in part, to nitrates and isothiocyanates. Nitrates are converted to nitric oxide (NO) and isothiocyanates are known to release hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Herein, we investigated the effect of extracts and fractions produced from Beta vulgaris and Eruca sativa for their ability to limit lipid accumulation, regulate glucose homeostasis, and reduce body weight. Extracts from the different vegetables were screened for their ability to limit lipid accumulation in adipocytes and hepatocytes and for their ability to promote glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cultures; the most effective extracts were next tested in vivo. Wild type mice were placed on high-fat diet for 8 weeks to promote weight gain; animals receiving the selected B. vulgaris and E. sativa extracts exhibited attenuated body weight. Treatment with extracts also led to reduced white adipose tissue depot mass, attenuated adipocyte size, reduced expression of Dgat2 and PPARγ expression, and improved liver steatosis. In contrast, the extracts failed to improve glucose tolerance in obese animals and did not affect blood pressure. Taken together, our data indicate that extracts produced from B. vulgaris and E. sativa exhibit anti-obesity effects, suggesting that dietary supplements containing nitrates and sulfide-releasing compounds might be useful in limiting weight gain.

Beta vulgaris-derived exosome-like nanovesicles alleviate chronic doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting ferroptosis

Dose-dependent heart failure is a major complication of the clinical use of doxorubicin (Dox), one of the most potent chemotherapeutic agents. Effective adjuvant therapy is required to prevent Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Currently, plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicle (PELNV) has revealed their salubrious antioxidant and immunological regulating actions in various disease models. In this study, we isolated, purified and characterized Beta vulgaris-derived exosome-like nanovesicle (BELNV). Dox or normal saline was given to HL-1 cells (3 μM) and 8-week C57BL/6N mice (5 mg/kg bodyweight per week for 4 weeks) to establish the in vitro and in vivo model of Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Administration of BELNV significantly alleviated chronic Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in terms of echocardiographic and histological results. A reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), increased ratio of glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and levels of system xc- and glutathione peroxidase 4 were observed, indicating that DOX-stimulated ferroptosis was reversed by BELNV. Besides, the safety of BELNV was also validated since no liver, spleen, and kidney toxicity induced by BELNV was observed. These findings provide evidence that BELNV may act as a novel therapeutic biomaterial for patients undergoing adverse effects of Dox, at least partly mediated by inhibiting Dox-induced ferroptosis.

Effect of Betanin, the Major Pigment of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), on the Activity of Recombinant Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

Most of the currently available drugs are derived from natural sources, but they are used only after extensive chemical modifications to improve their safety and efficacy. Natural products are used in health supplements and cosmetic preparations and have been used as auxiliary drugs or alternative medicines. When used in combination with conventional drugs, these herbal products are known to alter their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, reducing their therapeutic effects. Moreover, herb-drug interactions (HDIs) may have serious side effects, which is one of the major concerns in health practice. It is postulated that HDIs affect the pathways regulating cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs). Betanin, the chief pigment of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), has various types of pharmacological activity, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. However, the potential risk of HDIs for betanin has not yet been studied. Thus, we aimed to predict more specific HDIs by evaluating the effects of betanin on CYPs (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4), the major phase I metabolic enzymes, using fluorescence-/luminescence-based assays. Our results showed that betanin inhibited CYP3A4 activity in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 20.97 µΜ). Moreover, betanin acted as a competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4, as confirmed by evaluating Lineweaver-Burk plots (Ki value = 19.48 µΜ). However, no significant inhibitory effects were observed on other CYPs. Furthermore, betanin had no significant effect on CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP2C9 induction in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, betanin acted as a competitive inhibitor of CYP3A4, and thus it should be used cautiously with other drugs that require metabolic enzymes as substrates. Additional in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to further elucidate the HDIs of betanin.

A comprehensive review of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) bioactive components in the food and pharmaceutical industries

Beetroot is rich in various bioactive phytochemicals, which are beneficial for human health and exert protective effects against several disease conditions like cancer, atherosclerosis, etc. Beetroot has various therapeutic applications, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and analgesic functions. Besides the pharmacological effects, food industries are trying to preserve beetroots or their phytochemicals using various food preservation methods, including drying and freezing, to preserve their antioxidant capacity. Beetroot is a functional food due to valuable active components such as minerals, amino acids, phenolic acid, flavonoid, betaxanthin, and betacyanin. Due to its stability, nontoxic and non-carcinogenic and nonpoisonous capabilities, beetroot has been used as an additive or preservative in food processing. Beetroot and its bioactive compounds are well reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antimicrobial, antiviral, etc. In this review, we provided updated details on (i) food processing, preservation and colorant methods using beetroot and its phytochemicals, (ii) synthesis and development of several nanoparticles using beetroot and its bioactive compounds against various diseases, (iii) the role of beetroot and its phytochemicals under disease conditions with molecular mechanisms. We have also discussed the role of other phytochemicals in beetroot and their health benefits. Recent technologies in food processing are also updated. We also addressed on molecular docking-assisted biological activity and screening for bioactive chemicals. Additionally, the role of betalain from different sources and its therapeutic effects have been listed. To the best of our knowledge, little or no work has been carried out on the impact of beetroot and its nanoformulation strategies for phytocompounds on antimicrobial, antiviral effects, etc. Moreover, epigenetic alterations caused by phytocompounds of beetroot under several diseases were not reported much. Thus, extensive research must be carried out to understand the molecular effects of beetroot in the near future.

Nitrate Metabolism and Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease: A Narrative Review

Inorganic and organic nitrates are present in vivo and in vitro. Inorganic nitrate is considered a pool of nitric oxide (NO), but it can be converted into nitrite and NO through various mechanisms. It plays an important role in the regulation of complex physiological and biochemical reactions, such as anti-inflammatory processes and the inhibition of platelet aggregation, which are closely related to the pathology and treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Ischemic cerebrovascular disease is characterized by high incidence, recurrence, and disability rates. Nitrate, nitrite, and NO were recently found to be involved in cerebrovascular disease. In this review, we describe the relationship between cerebrovascular disease and nitrate metabolism to provide a basis for further advances in laboratory and clinical medicine.

Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity

Previously, beetroot is mainly consumed as a food additive. In recent years, the beetroot, especially the betalains (betanin) and nitrates it contains, now has received increasing attention for their effective biological activity. Betalains have been proven to eliminate oxidative and nitrative stress by scavenging DPPH, preventing DNA damage, and reducing LDL. It also has been found to exert antitumor activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, inducing cell apoptosis, and autophagy. In some chronic diseases, nitrate is the main component for lowing blood lipids, glucose, and pressure, while its role in treating hypertension and hyperglycemia has not been clearly stated. Moreover, the intake of nitrate-rich beetroot could enhance athletic performance and attenuate muscle soreness in certain types of exercise. The objective of this review is to provide sufficient evidence for the clarification of health benefits of beetroot, especially in the aspect of biooxidation, neoplastic diseases, some chronic diseases, and energy supplementation.

Pink pressure: beetroot (Beta vulgaris rubra) as a possible novel medical therapy for chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) manifests with systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis, resulting in metabolic disorders and elevated rates of cardiovascular disease-associated death. These all correlate with a high economic cost to healthcare systems. Growing evidence indicates that diet is an indispensable ally in the prevention and management of CKD and its complications. In this context, the root vegetable beetroot (Beta vulgaris rubra) deserves special attention because it is a source of several bioactive compounds, such as nitrate, betaine, and betalain, and has shown beneficial effects in CKD, including reduction of blood pressure, anti-inflammatory effects, and antioxidant actions by scavenging radical oxidative species, as observed in preclinical studies. Beetroot consumption as a possible therapeutic strategy to improve the clinical treatment of patients with CKD and future directions for clinical studies are addressed in this narrative review.

Independent of mitochondrial respiratory function, dietary nitrate attenuates HFD-induced lipid accumulation and mitochondrial ROS emission within the liver

The liver is particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of a high-fat diet (HFD), rapidly developing lipid accumulation and impaired cellular homeostasis. Recently, dietary nitrate has been shown to attenuate HFD-induced whole body glucose intolerance and liver steatosis, however, the underlying mechanism(s) remain poorly defined. In the current study, we investigated the ability of dietary nitrate to minimize possible impairments in liver mitochondrial bioenergetics following 8 wk of HFD (60% fat) in male C57BL/6J mice. Consumption of a HFD caused whole body glucose intolerance (P < 0.0001), and within the liver, increased lipid accumulation (P < 0.0001), mitochondrial-specific reactive oxygen species emission (P = 0.007), and markers of oxidative stress. Remarkably, dietary nitrate attenuated almost all of these pathological responses. Despite the reduction in lipid accumulation and redox stress (reduced TBARS and nitrotyrosine), nitrate did not improve insulin signaling within the liver or whole body pyruvate tolerance (P = 0.313 HFD vs. HFD + nitrate). Moreover, the beneficial effects of nitrate were independent of changes in weight gain, 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling, mitochondrial content, mitochondrial respiratory capacity and ADP sensitivity or antioxidant protein content. Combined, these data suggest nitrate supplementation represents a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate hepatic lipid accumulation and decrease mitochondrial ROS emission following HFD, processes linked to improvements in whole body glucose tolerance. However, the beneficial effects of nitrate within the liver do not appear to be a result of increased oxidative capacity or mitochondrial substrate sensitivity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanism(s) for how dietary nitrate prevents high-fat diet (HFD)-induced glucose intolerance remain poorly defined. We show that dietary nitrate attenuates HFD-induced increases in lipid accumulation, mitochondrial-specific reactive oxygen species (ROS) emission, and markers of oxidative stress within the liver. The beneficial effects of nitrate were independent of changes 5' AMP-activated protein kinase signaling, mitochondrial content/respiratory capacity, or lipid-supported respiratory sensitivity. Combined, these data provide potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of dietary nitrate.

Preventive effects of nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation on monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) has a high level of nitrate; therefore, its dietary intake could increase nitric oxide (NO) level in the body, possibly preventing the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this study, we examined the effects of beetroot juice (BJ) supplementation on PH and the contribution of nitrate to such effects using a rat model of monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg s.c.)-induced PH. Rats were injected subcutaneously with saline or 60 mg/kg MCT and were sacrificed 28 days after the injection. In some rats injected with MCT, BJ was supplemented from the day of MCT injection to the day of sacrifice. First, MCT-induced right ventricular systolic pressure elevation, pulmonary arterial medial thickening and muscularization, and right ventricular hypertrophy were suppressed by supplementation with low-dose BJ (nitrate: 1.3 mmol/L) but not high-dose BJ (nitrate: 4.3 mmol/L). Of the plasma nitrite, nitrate, and their sum (NOx) levels, only the nitrate levels were found to be increased by the high-dose BJ supplementation. Second, in order to clarify the possible involvement of nitrate in the preventive effects of BJ on PH symptoms, the effects of nitrate-rich BJ (nitrate: 0.9 mmol/L) supplementation were compared with those of the nitrate-depleted BJ. While the former exerted preventive effects on PH symptoms, such effects were not observed in rats supplemented with nitrate-depleted BJ. Neither supplementation with nitrate-rich nor nitrate-depleted BJ affected plasma nitrite, nitrate, and NOx levels. These findings suggest that a suitable amount of BJ ingestion, which does not affect systemic NO levels, can prevent the development of PH in a nitrate-dependent manner. Therefore, BJ could be highly useful as a therapy in patients with PH.

Investigating the Potential for Ultraviolet Light to Modulate Morbidity and Mortality From COVID-19: A Narrative Review and Update

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) pandemic, researchers have been seeking low-cost and accessible means of providing protection from its harms, particularly for at-risk individuals such as those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. One possible way is via safe sun exposure, and/or dietary supplementation with induced beneficial mediators (e.g., vitamin D). In this narrative review, we provide rationale and updated evidence on the potential benefits and harms of sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) light that may impact COVID-19. We review recent studies that provide new evidence for any benefits (or otherwise) of UV light, sun exposure, and the induced mediators, vitamin D and nitric oxide, and their potential to modulate morbidity and mortality induced by infection with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus-2). We identified substantial interest in this research area, with many commentaries and reviews already published; however, most of these have focused on vitamin D, with less consideration of UV light (or sun exposure) or other mediators such as nitric oxide. Data collected to-date suggest that ambient levels of both UVA and UVB may be beneficial for reducing severity or mortality due to COVID-19, with some inconsistent findings. Currently unresolved are the nature of the associations between blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D and COVID-19 measures, with more prospective data needed that better consider lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and personal sun exposure levels. Another short-coming has been a lack of measurement of sun exposure, and its potential to influence COVID-19 outcomes. We also discuss possible mechanisms by which sun exposure, UV light and induced mediators could affect COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, by focusing on likely effects on viral pathogenesis, immunity and inflammation, and potential cardiometabolic protective mechanisms. Finally, we explore potential issues including the impacts of exposure to high dose UV radiation on COVID-19 and vaccination, and effective and safe doses for vitamin D supplementation.

Anti-Obesity Natural Products Tested in Juvenile Zebrafish Obesogenic Tests and Mouse 3T3-L1 Adipogenesis Assays

(1) Background: The obesity epidemic has been drastically progressing in both children and adults worldwide. Pharmacotherapy is considered necessary for its treatment. However, many anti-obesity drugs have been withdrawn from the market due to their adverse effects. Instead, natural products (NPs) have been studied as a source for drug discovery for obesity, with the goal of limiting the adverse effects. Zebrafish are ideal model animals for in vivo testing of anti-obesity NPs, and disease models of several types of obesity have been developed. However, the evidence for zebrafish as an anti-obesity drug screening model are still limited. (2) Methods: We performed anti-adipogenic testing using the juvenile zebrafish obesogenic test (ZOT) and mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes using the focused NP library containing 38 NPs and compared their results. (3) Results: Seven and eleven NPs reduced lipid accumulation in zebrafish visceral fat tissues and mouse adipocytes, respectively. Of these, five NPs suppressed lipid accumulation in both zebrafish and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We confirmed that these five NPs (globin-digested peptides, green tea extract, red pepper extract, nobiletin, and Moringa leaf powder) exerted anti-obesity effects in diet-induced obese adult zebrafish. (4) Conclusions: ZOT using juvenile fish can be a high-throughput alternative to ZOT using adult zebrafish and can be applied for in vivo screening to discover novel therapeutics for visceral obesity and potentially also other disorders.

Targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: A new strategy for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis

Cardiac fibrosis is a pathogenic factor of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which seriously affects people's life, and health and causes huge economic losses. Increasing evidence has shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) can regulate the progression of cardiac fibrosis. For the first time, this review systematically summarizes the literature on cardiac fibrosis from the perspective of PPARs from 2010 to 2020. Moreover, the role of each PPARs in cardiac fibrosis was clarified in this scientific revision from the perspectives of pharmacologically active substances, known agonists, natural extract compounds, and nucleic-acid-based drugs in different CVD models. Furthermore, the combination of multiple PPARs on the treatment of cardiac fibrosis is discussed. This scientific review provides new ideas for targeting PPARs in the treatment of cardiac fibrosis and provides strategies for the development of new, safe, and effective pharmacological antagonists against cardiac fibrosis based on PPAR activity.

Sodium nitrate co-supplementation does not exacerbate low dose metronomic doxorubicin-induced cachexia in healthy mice

The purpose of this study was to determine whether (1) sodium nitrate (SN) treatment progressed or alleviated doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cachexia and muscle wasting; and (2) if a more-clinically relevant low-dose metronomic (LDM) DOX treatment regimen compared to the high dosage bolus commonly used in animal research, was sufficient to induce cachexia in mice. Six-week old male Balb/C mice (n = 16) were treated with three intraperitoneal injections of either vehicle (0.9% NaCl; VEH) or DOX (4 mg/kg) over one week. To test the hypothesis that sodium nitrate treatment could protect against DOX-induced symptomology, a group of mice (n = 8) were treated with 1 mM NaNO₃ in drinking water during DOX (4 mg/kg) treatment (DOX + SN). Body composition indices were assessed using echoMRI scanning, whilst physical and metabolic activity were assessed via indirect calorimetry, before and after the treatment regimen. Skeletal and cardiac muscles were excised to investigate histological and molecular parameters. LDM DOX treatment induced cachexia with significant impacts on both body and lean mass, and fatigue/malaise (i.e. it reduced voluntary wheel running and energy expenditure) that was associated with oxidative/nitrostative stress sufficient to induce the molecular cytotoxic stress regulator, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF-2). SN co-treatment afforded no therapeutic potential, nor did it promote the wasting of lean tissue. Our data re-affirm a cardioprotective effect for SN against DOX-induced collagen deposition. In our mouse model, SN protected against LDM DOX-induced cardiac fibrosis but had no effect on cachexia at the conclusion of the regimen.

Nitrate and nitrite-based therapy to attenuate cardiovascular remodelling in arterial hypertension

Hypertension is a highly prevalent disease marked by vascular and cardiac maladaptive remodelling induced mainly by renin-angiotensin system activation followed by oxidative stress. Here, we briefly describe these damages and review the current evidence supporting a potential role for nitrate and nitrite as antihypertensive molecules that act via nitric oxide (NO) formation-dependent and NO formation-independent mechanisms and how nitrate/nitrite inhibits cardiovascular remodelling in hypertension. The renin-angiotensin system activation and oxidative stress converge to activate proteases involved in cardiovascular remodelling in hypertension. Besides these proteases, several investigations have demonstrated that reduced endogenous NO bioavailability is a central pathological event in hypertension. In this regard, nitrate/nitrite, long considered inert products of NO, is now known as physiological molecules able to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients and in different experimental models of hypertension. These effects are associated with the formation of NO and other NO-related molecules, which could induce S-nitrosylation of target proteins. However, it remains unclear whether S-nitrosylation is an essential mechanism for the anti-remodelling effects of nitrate/nitrite in hypertension. Moreover, nitrate/nitrite produces antioxidant effects associated with the inhibition of signalling pathways involved in cardiovascular remodelling. Together, these findings may help to establish nitrate and nitrite as effective therapies in hypertension-induced cardiovascular remodelling.

Nutraceuticals in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe disease characterized by the loss and obstructive remodeling of the pulmonary arterial wall, causing a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, which is responsible for right heart failure, functional decline, and death. Although many drugs are available for the treatment of this condition, it continues to be life-threatening, and its long-term treatment is expensive. On the other hand, many natural compounds present in food have beneficial effects on several cardiovascular conditions. Several studies have explored many of the potential beneficial effects of natural plant products on PAH. However, the mechanisms by which natural products, such as nutraceuticals, exert protective and therapeutic effects on PAH are not fully understood. In this review, we analyze the current knowledge on nutraceuticals and their potential use in the protection and treatment of PAH, as well as whether nutraceuticals could enhance the effects of drugs used in PAH through similar mechanisms.

Chronic inhibition of phosphodiesterase 5 with tadalafil affords cardioprotection in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome: role of nitric oxide

Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) often exhibit generalized endothelial and cardiac dysfunction with decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and/or bioavailability. Since phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors restore NO signaling, we hypothesized that chronic treatment with long-acting PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil may enhance plasma NO levels and reduce cardiac dysfunction following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in C57BL/6NCrl-Leprdb-lb/Crl mice with MetS phenotypes. Adult male MetS mice were randomized to receive vehicle solvent or tadalafil (1 mg/kg,i.p.) daily for 28 days and C57BL/6NCrl mice served as healthy wild-type controls. After 28 days, cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and hearts from a subset of mice were isolated and subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion (I/R) in ex vivo Langendorff mode. Body weight, blood lipids, and glucose levels were elevated in MetS mice as compared with wild-type controls. The dyslipidemia in MetS was ameliorated following tadalafil treatment. Although left ventricular (LV) systolic function was minimally altered in the MetS mice, there was a significant diastolic dysfunction as indicated by reduction in the ratio of peak velocity of early to late filling of the mitral inflow, which was significantly improved by tadalafil treatment. Post-ischemic cardiac function, heart rate, and coronary flow decreased significantly in MetS mice compared to wild-type controls, but preserved by tadalafil treatment. Myocardial infarct size was significantly smaller following I/R, which was associated with higher plasma levels of nitrate and nitrite in the tadalafil-treated MetS mice. In conclusion, tadalafil induces significant cardioprotective effects as shown by improvement of LV diastolic function, lipid profile, and reduced infarct size following I/R. Tadalafil treatment enhanced NO production, which may have contributed to the cardioprotective effects.

Effect of Betanin, a Beetroot Component, on Vascular Tone in Isolated Porcine Arteries

BACKGROUND

Beetroot has attracted much attention because of its blood pressure-lowering properties. Although beetroot contains various nutritional compounds, including inorganic nitrate, some of their physiological properties are not fully understood. In this study, we examined whether betanin, a beetroot component, has a regulatory effect on vascular tone.

METHODS

Mechanical responses of isolated porcine coronary, mesenteric, and pulmonary arteries were assessed by organ chamber technique. In some cases, the vascular reactivity was observed in the presence of a physiological concentration of betanin (10 µM).

RESULTS

Betanin did not induce vasorelaxation at physiological concentrations both in endothelium-intact and -denuded coronary, mesenteric, and pulmonary arteries. The endothelium-dependent agonists, bradykinin and A23187 induced vasorelaxation of endothelium-intact coronary arteries, both of which were not affected by exposure to betanin. Likewise, endothelium-independent vasorelaxation induced by sodium nitrite and sodium nitroprusside was also not affected by the presence of betanin. In addition, exposure of endothelium-intact coronary arteries to betanin did not attenuate prostaglandin F2α- and endothelin-1-induced vasocontraction.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that betanin does not have a vasorelaxant activity. It is unlikely that betanin is a component directly responsible for the beetroot-induced acute blood pressure-lowering effect in a nitrate-independent manner.

Impact of betanin against paracetamol and diclofenac induced hepato-renal damage in rats

Context: Paracetamol (PAR) and diclofenac (DF) are the most popular consumed analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications.Objective: This study aimed to explore the protective effect of betanin (Bet) against PAR or DF induced hepato-renal damage in rats.Methods: Rats were randomly divided into five groups: Normal control (NC) group rats were given saline only. PAR group rats received PAR (400 mg/kg). PAR/Bet treated group rats administered PAR (400 mg/kg) plus Bet (25 mg/kg). DF group rats received DF (10 mg/kg). DF/Bet treated group rats administered DF (10 mg/kg) plus Bet (25 mg/kg). All drugs were given by gavage for 28 consecutive days.Results: PAR and DF administration in high dose and long-time induced liver and kidney injury, disrupted serum lipid profile, enhanced serum levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, triggered DNA fragmentation and caused drastic changes in the histopathological pictures of the two organs. Bet supplementation succeeded to ameliorate most of the biochemical changes and protected DNA from damage as obtained from comet assay. Histological features in H&E taken to different groups also mirrors this findings.Conclusion: Bet exerted a potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect against hepato-renal damage induced by PAR or DF overconsumption.

Treatment with Nitrate, but Not Nitrite, Lowers the Oxygen Cost of Exercise and Decreases Glycolytic Intermediates While Increasing Fatty Acid Metabolites in Exercised Zebrafish

BACKGROUND

Dietary nitrate improves exercise performance by reducing the oxygen cost of exercise, although the mechanisms responsible are not fully understood.

OBJECTIVES

We tested the hypothesis that nitrate and nitrite treatment would lower the oxygen cost of exercise by improving mitochondrial function and stimulating changes in the availability of metabolic fuels for energy production.

METHODS

We treated 9-mo-old zebrafish with nitrate (sodium nitrate, 606.9 mg/L), nitrite (sodium nitrite, 19.5 mg/L), or control (no treatment) water for 21 d. We measured oxygen consumption during a 2-h, strenuous exercise test; assessed the respiration of skeletal muscle mitochondria; and performed untargeted metabolomics on treated fish, with and without exercise.

RESULTS

Nitrate and nitrite treatment increased blood nitrate and nitrite levels. Nitrate treatment significantly lowered the oxygen cost of exercise, as compared with pretreatment values. In contrast, nitrite treatment significantly increased oxygen consumption with exercise. Nitrate and nitrite treatments did not change mitochondrial function measured ex vivo, but significantly increased the abundances of ATP, ADP, lactate, glycolytic intermediates (e.g., fructose 1,6-bisphosphate), tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates (e.g., succinate), and ketone bodies (e.g., β-hydroxybutyrate) by 1.8- to 3.8-fold, relative to controls. Exercise significantly depleted glycolytic and TCA intermediates in nitrate- and nitrite-treated fish, as compared with their rested counterparts, while exercise did not change, or increased, these metabolites in control fish. There was a significant net depletion of fatty acids, acyl carnitines, and ketone bodies in exercised, nitrite-treated fish (2- to 4-fold), while exercise increased net fatty acids and acyl carnitines in nitrate-treated fish (1.5- to 12-fold), relative to their treated and rested counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitrate and nitrite treatment increased the availability of metabolic fuels (ATP, glycolytic and TCA intermediates, lactate, and ketone bodies) in rested zebrafish. Nitrate treatment may improve exercise performance, in part, by stimulating the preferential use of fuels that require less oxygen for energy production.

Effects of Beet Juice Supplementation on Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats

BACKGROUND

Recently, attention has been focused on the cardiovascular protective effects of beet juice (BJ) with high amounts of nitrate. In this study, we examined the effect of BJ supplementation in a rat model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH).

METHODS

MCT (60 mg/kg) was subcutaneously administered to rats, and BJ (prepared by dissolving BJ powder at a concentration of 1 g/l or 10 g/l in drinking water) supplementation was started from the day of, 1 week before, and 2 weeks after MCT injection. Saline-injected rats given drinking water were used as controls.

RESULTS

Low-dose BJ supplementation starting from the day of MCT injection exerted protective effects on the MCT-induced elevation of right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary arterial remodeling, without causing a significant increase in plasma nitrite plus nitrate (NOx) levels. On the other hand, such beneficial effects were not observed with high-dose BJ supplementation, although the NOx levels were slightly higher than those in the low-dose group. In addition, low-dose BJ supplementation starting from 1 week before MCT injection did not improve PH symptoms, as described above. Furthermore, low-dose BJ supplementation starting from 2 weeks after MCT injection was ineffective against functional and morphological alterations in pulmonary circulation associated with MCT-induced PH.

CONCLUSIONS

Habitual ingestion of a suitable amount of BJ could be a potential option for preventing PH. However, beneficial effects cannot be expected when PH has developed to some degree.