Vegetables

Allicin attenuates the oxidative damage induced by Aflatoxin B1 in dairy cow hepatocytes via the Nrf2 signalling pathway

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known to inhibit growth, and inflict hepatic damage by interfering with protein synthesis. Allicin, has been acknowledged as an efficacious antioxidant capable of shielding the liver from oxidative harm. This study aimed to examine the damage caused by AFB1 on bovine hepatic cells and the protective role of allicin against AFB1-induced cytotoxicity. In this study, cells were pretreated with allicin before the addition of AFB1 for co-cultivation. Our findings indicate that AFB1 compromises cellular integrity, suppresses the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In addition, allicin attenuates oxidative damage to bovine hepatic cells caused by AFB1 by promoting the expression of the Nrf2 pathway and reducing cell apoptosis. In conclusion, the results of this study will help advance clinical research and applications, providing new options and directions for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide and its potential role in human health: a scoping review

Higher intakes of cruciferous and allium vegetables are associated with a lower risk of cardiometabolic-related outcomes in observational studies. Whilst acknowledging the many healthy compounds within these vegetables, animal studies indicate that some of these beneficial effects may be partially mediated by S-methyl cysteine sulfoxide (SMCSO), a sulfur-rich, non-protein, amino acid found almost exclusively within cruciferous and alliums. This scoping review explores evidence for SMCSO, its potential roles in human health and possible mechanistic action. After systematically searching several databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL Plus Full Text, Agricultural Science), we identified 21 original research articles meeting our inclusion criteria. These were limited primarily to animal and in vitro models, with 14/21 (67%) indicating favorable anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and antioxidant properties. Potential mechanisms included increased bile acid and sterol excretion, altered glucose- and cholesterol-related enzymes, and improved hepatic and pancreatic β-cell function. Raising antioxidant defenses may help mitigate the oxidative damage observed in these pathologies. Anticancer and antibacterial effects were also explored, along with one steroidogenic study. SMCSO is frequently overlooked as a potential mediator to the benefits of sulfur-rich vegetables. More research into the health benefits of SMCSO, especially for cardiometabolic and inflammatory-based pathology, is warranted. Human studies are especially needed.

Dietary Vitamin C and Vitamin C Derived from Vegetables Are Inversely Associated with the Risk of Depressive Symptoms among the General Population

Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant. Reducing the level of oxidative stress can alleviate depression. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between dietary vitamin C intake and the risk of depressive symptoms in the general population. Data from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used in our study. The dietary intake of vitamin C was assessed by two 24-h dietary recalls. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were applied to assess the relationship between dietary vitamin C intake and the risk of depressive symptoms. The multivariate adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of depressive symptoms for the highest vs. lowest category of dietary vitamin C intake and vitamin C intake derived from vegetables were 0.73 (0.58–0.91) and 0.73 (0.56–0.95). In subgroup analyses, dietary vitamin C intake was negatively correlated with the risk of depressive symptoms in females 18–39 years old and 40–59 year-old groups. A dose-response analysis showed that there was a nonlinear relationship between dietary vitamin C intake and the risk of depressive symptoms. Dietary vitamin C intake and vitamin C intake derived from vegetables were inversely associated with the risk of depressive symptoms among the general population. We recommend increasing the intake of vegetables in daily diet.

DNA methylation: from model plants to vegetable crops

As a subgroup of horticultural crops, vegetable food is a kind of indispensable energy source for human beings, providing necessary nutritional components including vitamins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and active substances such as carotenoids and flavonoids. The developmental process of vegetable crops is not only regulated by environmental stimulations, but also manipulated by both genetic and epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic modifications are composed by several regulatory mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs. Among these modifications, DNA methylation functions in multiple biological pathways ranging from fundamental development to environmental stimulations by mediating transcriptomic alterations, resulting in the activation or silencing of target genes. In recent years, intensive studies have revealed that DNA methylation is essential to fruit development and ripening, indicating that the epigenome of fruit crops could be dynamically modified according to the specific requirements in the commercial production. Firstly, this review will present the mechanisms of DNA methylation, and update the understanding on active DNA demethylation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Secondly, this review will summarize the recent progress on the function of DNA methylation in regulating fruit ripening. Moreover, the possible functions of DNA methylation on controlling the expansion of edible organs, senescence of leafy vegetables, and anthocyanin pigmentation in several important vegetable crops will be discussed. Finally, this review will highlight the intractable issues that need to be resolved in the application of epigenome in vegetable crops, and provide perspectives for the potential challenges in the further studies.