Contribution of plant food bioactives in promoting health effects of plant foods: why look at interindividual variability?

MetaCGRP is a high-precision meta-model for large-scale identification of CGRP inhibitors using multi-view information

Migraine is considered one of the debilitating primary headache conditions with an estimated worldwide occurrence of approximately 14-15%, contributing highly to factors responsible for global disability. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of migraines and thus, its inhibition can help relieve migraine symptoms. However, conventional process of CGRP drug development has been laborious and time-consuming with incurred costs exceeding one billion dollars. On the other hand, machine learning (ML)-based approaches that are capable of accurately identifying CGRP inhibitors could greatly facilitate in expediting the discovery of novel CGRP drugs. Therefore, this study proposes a novel and high-accuracy meta-model, namely MetaCGRP, that can precisely identify CGRP inhibitors. To the best of our knowledge, MetaCGRP is the first SMILES-based approach that has been developed to identify CGRP inhibitors without the use of 3D structural information. In brief, we initially employed different molecular representation methods coupled with popular ML algorithms to construct a pool of baseline models. Then, all baseline models were optimized and used to generate multi-view features. Finally, we employed the feature selection method to optimize the multi-view features and determine the best feature subset to enable the construction of the meta-model. Both cross-validation and independent tests indicated that MetaCGRP clearly outperforms several conventional ML classifiers, with accuracies of 0.898 and 0.799 on the training and independent test datasets, respectively. In addition, MetaCGRP in conjunction with molecular docking was utilized to identify five potential natural product candidates from Thai herbal pharmacopoeia and analyze their binding affinity and interactions to CGRP. To facilitate community-wide efforts in expediting the discovery of novel CGRP inhibitors, a user-friendly web server for MetaCGRP is freely available at https://pmlabqsar.pythonanywhere.com/MetaCGRP .

(Poly)phenols and brain health - beyond their antioxidant capacity

(Poly)phenols are a group of naturally occurring phytochemicals present in high amounts in plant food and beverages with various structures and activities. The impact of (poly)phenols on brain function has gained significant attention due to the growing interest in the potential benefits of these dietary bioactive molecules for cognitive health and neuroprotection. This review will therefore summarise the current knowledge related to the impact of (poly)phenols on brain health presenting evidence from both epidemiological and clinical studies. Cellular and molecular mechanisms in relation to the observed effects will also be described, including their impact on the gut microbiota through the modulation of the gut-brain axis. Although (poly)phenols have the potential to modulate the gut-brain axis regulation and influence cognitive function and decline through their interactions with gut microbiota, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, further research, including randomised controlled trials and mechanistic studies, is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and establish causal relationships between (poly)phenol intake and brain health.

Dietary (Poly)phenols and the Gut-Brain Axis in Ageing

As the population ages, the incidence of age-related neurodegenerative diseases is rapidly increasing, and novel approaches to mitigate this soaring prevalence are sorely needed. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of gut microbial homeostasis and its impact on brain functions, commonly referred to as the gut-brain axis, in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Nonetheless, the mechanisms by which this system acts remains poorly defined. In this review, we will explore how (poly)phenols, a class of natural compounds found in many plant-based foods and beverages, can modulate the gut-brain axis, and thereby promote neural health. While evidence indicates a beneficial role of (poly)phenol consumption as part of a balanced diet, human studies are scarce and mechanistic insight is still lacking. In this regard, we make the case that dietary (poly)phenols should be further explored to establish their therapeutic efficacy on brain health through modulation of the gut-brain axis, with much greater emphasis on carefully designed human interventions.

Sources of Carotenoids in Amazonian Fruits

Epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in bioactive components significantly reduces cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. In this sense, there is a need for meta-analytical research that confirms this phenomenon and increases specific knowledge about certain bioactive compounds such as carotenoids. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to disseminate knowledge about the sources of carotenoids in fruit consumed in the north of Brazil which are outside the Brazilian trade balance. A systematic review and a meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines were conducted based on a random effects synthesis of multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RRs). Searches of seven sources were carried out, including PubMed, Science Direct from Elsevier, Web of Science, Scielo, Eric Research and Google Scholar databases. The systematic review was guided by a systematic review protocol based on the POT strategy (population, outcome and type of study) adapted for use in this research. Mendeley was a resource used to organize and manage references and exclude duplicates of studies selected for review. In this review, we present the potential bioactive compounds concentrated in little-known fruit species from the Amazon and their benefits. Consuming fruits that are rich in notable constituents such as carotenoids is important for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases through anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, as well as antivirals, immunomodulators and antioxidants agents that directly affect the immune response.

Integrated Analysis of Genomic and Genome-Wide Association Studies Identified Candidate Genes for Nutrigenetic Studies in Flavonoids and Vascular Health: Path to Precision Nutrition for (Poly)phenols

Flavonoids exert vasculoprotective effects in humans, but interindividual variability in their action has also been reported. This study aims to identify genes that are associated with vascular health effects of flavonoids and whose polymorphisms could explain interindividual variability in response to their intake. Applying the predetermined literature search criteria, we identified five human intervention studies reporting positive effects of flavonoids on vascular function together with global genomic changes analyzed using microarray methods. Genes involved in vascular dysfunction were identified from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). By extracting data from the eligible human intervention studies, we obtained 5807 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The number of identified upstream regulators (URs) varied across the studies, from 227 to 1407. The search of the GWAS Catalog revealed 493 genes associated with vascular dysfunction. An integrative analysis of transcriptomic data with GWAS genes identified 106 candidate DEGs and 42 candidate URs, while subsequent functional analyses and a search of the literature identified 20 top priority candidate genes: ALDH2, APOE, CAPZA1, CYP11B2, GNA13, IL6, IRF5, LDLR, LPL, LSP1, MKNK1, MMP3, MTHFR, MYO6, NCR3, PPARG, SARM1, TCF20, TCF7L2, and TNF. In conclusion, this integrated analysis identifies important genes to design future nutrigenetic studies for development of precision nutrition for polyphenols.

Cannabis Roots: Therapeutic, Biotechnological and Environmental Aspects

Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in Canada in 2018, the number of licenses for this crop has increased significantly, resulting in an increase in waste generated. Nevertheless, cannabis roots were once used for their therapeutic properties, indicating that they could be valued today rather than dismissed. This review will focus on both traditional therapeutic aspects and potential use of roots in modern medicine while detailing the main studies on active phytomolecules found in cannabis roots. The environmental impact of cannabis cultivation and current knowledge of the root-associated microbiome are also presented as well as their potential applications in biotechnology and phytoremediation. Thus, several high added-value applications of cannabis roots resulting from scientific advances in recent years can be considered to remove them from discarded residues.

Association between Total Dietary Phytochemical Intake and Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes-Results from a 10-Year Follow-Up on a Middle-Aged Cohort Population

Dietary phytochemical intake associations with cardiovascular health and mortality remain unknown. We studied the relations between total dietary phytochemical intake and cardiovascular health outcomes in a middle-aged Swiss population. We analyzed data spanning 2009 to 2021 from a prospective cohort study in Lausanne, Switzerland, including 3721 participants (54.8% women, 57.2 ± 10.3 years) without cardiovascular disease (CVD) history. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated self-reported food frequency questionnaire. The Dietary Phytochemical Index (DPI) and the healthy Dietary Phytochemical Index (hDPI) were calculated as the total energy intake percentage obtained from phytochemical-rich food consumption. The Healthy Plant-Based Diet Index (hPBD) was estimated by scoring healthy plant foods positively and less-healthy plant foods negatively. Indices tertiles and cardiometabolic outcome associations were determined using Cox proportional hazard models. Over 30,217 person-years of follow-up, 262 CVD events, and 178 deaths occurred. Unadjusted analyses found 36%, 33%, and 32% lower CVD risk for the highest hDPI, DPI, and hPBD tertiles, respectively. After adjustment, only the second hDPI tertile showed a 30% lower CVD risk (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.95; P for trend 0.362). No other associations emerged. In this middle-aged Swiss cohort, no associations between dietary indices reflecting a phytochemical-rich dietary pattern and incident CVD, all-cause, or CVD mortality were observed.

Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of beer using the simgi® model. Investigation of colonic phenolic metabolism and impact on human gut microbiota

Beer is a source of bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols, which can reach the large intestine and interact with colonic microbiota. However, the effects of beer consumption in the gastrointestinal function have scarcely been studied. This paper reports, for the first time, the in vitro digestion of beer and its impact on intestinal microbiota metabolism. Three commercial beers of different styles were subjected to gastrointestinal digestion using the simgi® model, and the digested fluids were further fermented in triplicate with faecal microbiota from a healthy volunteer. The effect of digested beer on human gut microbiota was evaluated in terms of microbial metabolism (short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and ammonium ion), microbial diversity and bacterial populations (plate counting and 16S rRNA gene sequencing). Monitoring beer polyphenols through the different digestion phases showed their extensive metabolism, mainly at the colonic stage. In addition, a higher abundance of taxa related to gut health, especially Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Mitsuokella and Succinilasticum at the genus level, and the Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae families were found in the presence of beers. Regarding microbial metabolism, beer feeding significantly increased microbial SCFA production (mainly butyric acid) and decreased ammonium content. Overall, these results evidence the positive actions of moderate beer consumption on the metabolic activity of colonic microbiota, suggesting that the raw materials and brewing methods used may affect the beer gut effects.

Insights and Perspectives on Plant-Based Beverages

The emerging demand for everyday food substitutes is increasing on a daily basis. More and more individuals struggle with allergies and intolerances, which makes it mandatory to provide alternatives for simple products like dairy milk. Plant-based beverages (PBBs) are currently trending due to the multiple diets that promote their consumption with or without a justification. PBBs can derive from various types of plants, not exclusively nuts. Some of the most well-known sources are almonds, soy, rice, and hazelnuts, among others. In view of the need for sustainable approaches to resource utilization and food production, novel sources for PBBs are being sought, and those include fruit kernels. The plant kingdom offers a palette of resources with proven bioactivity, i.e., containing flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins, carotenoids, and phenolics, among others. Many of these beneficial substances are water soluble, which means they could be transferred to the plant beverage compositions. The current review aims at comparing the vast number of potential formulations based on their specific nutritional profiles and potential deficiencies, as well as their expected health-promoting properties, based on the raw material(s) used for production. Special attention will be given to the antinutrients, usually abundant in plant-based sources.

Advances and Challenges in Plant Sterol Research: Fundamentals, Analysis, Applications and Production

Plant sterols (PS) are cholesterol-like terpenoids widely spread in the kingdom Plantae. Being the target of extensive research for more than a century, PS have topped with evidence of having beneficial effects in healthy subjects and applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, many gaps in several fields of PS's research still hinder their widespread practical applications. In fact, many of the mechanisms associated with PS supplementation and their health benefits are still not fully elucidated. Furthermore, compared to cholesterol data, many complex PS chemical structures still need to be fully characterized, especially in oxidized PS. On the other hand, PS molecules have also been the focus of structural modifications for applications in diverse areas, including not only the above-mentioned but also in e.g., drug delivery systems or alternative matrixes for functional foods and fats. All the identified drawbacks are also superimposed by the need of new PS sources and technologies for their isolation and purification, taking into account increased environmental and sustainability concerns. Accordingly, current and future trends in PS research warrant discussion.

Bioavailable Microbial Metabolites of Flavanols Demonstrate Highly Individualized Bioactivity on In Vitro β-Cell Functions Critical for Metabolic Health

Dietary flavanols are known for disease preventative properties but are often poorly absorbed. Gut microbiome flavanol metabolites are more bioavailable and may exert protective activities. Using metabolite mixtures extracted from the urine of rats supplemented with flavanols and treated with or without antibiotics, we investigated their effects on INS-1 832/13 β-cell glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) capacity. We measured insulin secretion under non-stimulatory (low) and stimulatory (high) glucose levels, insulin secretion fold induction, and total insulin content. We conducted treatment-level comparisons, individual-level dose responses, and a responder vs. non-responder predictive analysis of metabolite composition. While the first two analyses did not elucidate treatment effects, metabolites from 9 of the 28 animals demonstrated significant dose responses, regardless of treatment. Differentiation of responders vs. non-responder revealed that levels of native flavanols and valerolactones approached significance for predicting enhanced GSIS, regardless of treatment. Although treatment-level patterns were not discernable, we conclude that the high inter-individual variability shows that metabolite bioactivity on GSIS capacity is less related to flavanol supplementation or antibiotic treatment and may be more associated with the unique microbiome or metabolome of each animal. These findings suggest flavanol metabolite activities are individualized and point to the need for personalized nutrition practices.

Edible plant extracellular vesicles: An emerging tool for bioactives delivery

The extracellular vesicles (EVs) in edible food have a typical saucer-like structure and are nanoparticles released by numerous cells. They have different components and interact with other biological samples in diverse ways. Therefore, these nanoparticles could be used to develop bioactives delivery nanoplatforms and anti-inflammatory treatments to meet the stringent demands of current clinical challenges. This review aims to summarize current researches into EVs from edible plants, particularly those that can protect siRNAs or facilitate drug transportation. We will discuss their isolation, characterization and functions, their regulatory effects under various physiological and pathological conditions, and their immune regulation, anti-tumor, regeneration, and anti-inflammatory effects. We also review advances in their potential application as bioactives carriers, and medicinal and edible plants that change their EVs compositions during disease to achieve a therapy propose. It is expected that future research on plant-derived EVs will considerably expand their application.

Hepatotoxicity with High-Dose Green Tea Extract: Effect of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase and Uridine 5'-Diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A4 Genotypes

The predominant catechin in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may be hepatotoxic in high doses. Our objective was to investigate the influence of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A4 (UGT1A4) genotypes on changes in liver injury biomarkers in response to long-term, high-dose green tea extract (GTE) supplementation among postmenopausal women. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Minnesota Green Tea Trial (N = 1,075), in which participants were randomized to consume high-dose GTE (843 mg/day EGCG) or placebo capsules for 12 months. Analysis of covariance adjusting for potential confounders was performed to examine changes in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), AST: ALT ratio, and alkaline phosphatase from baseline to months 3, 6, 9, and 12 across COMT and UGT1A4 genotypes. Mean age and BMI within the GTE group (n = 400) were 59.8 yrs and 25.1 kg/m2, respectively, and 98% of subjects were white. From baseline to month 3, mean AST: ALT ratio change was +1.0% in the COMT (rs4680) A/G genotype versus -4.8% in the A/A genotype (p = 0.03). From baseline to months 6 and 9, respectively, mean ALT change was +78.1% and +82.1% in the UGT1A4 (rs6755571) A/C genotype versus +28.0% and +30.1% in the C/C genotype (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The UGT1A4 (rs6755571) A/C genotype may be an important risk factor for clinically-relevant serum transaminase elevations with 6-9 months of high-dose GTE supplementation among postmenopausal women. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of GTE-related hepatotoxicity may allow for a genetically-informed paradigm for therapeutic use of GTE.

Links between Insulin Resistance and Periodontal Bacteria: Insights on Molecular Players and Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease mainly associated with insulin resistance during obesity and constitutes a major public health problem worldwide. A strong link has been established between type 2 diabetes and periodontitis, an infectious dental disease characterized by chronic inflammation and destruction of the tooth-supporting tissue or periodontium. However, the molecular mechanisms linking periodontal bacteria and insulin resistance remain poorly elucidated. This study aims to summarize the mechanisms possibly involved based on in vivo and in vitro studies and targets them for innovative therapies. Indeed, during periodontitis, inflammatory lesions of the periodontal tissue may allow periodontal bacteria to disseminate into the bloodstream and reach tissues, including adipose tissue and skeletal muscles that store glucose in response to insulin. Locally, periodontal bacteria and their components, such as lipopolysaccharides and gingipains, may deregulate inflammatory pathways, altering the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Moreover, periodontal bacteria may promote ROS overproduction via downregulation of the enzymatic antioxidant defense system, leading to oxidative stress. Crosstalk between players of inflammation and oxidative stress contributes to disruption of the insulin signaling pathway and promotes insulin resistance. In parallel, periodontal bacteria alter glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver and deregulate insulin production by pancreatic β-cells, contributing to hyperglycemia. Interestingly, therapeutic management of periodontitis reduces systemic inflammation markers and ameliorates insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients. Of note, plant polyphenols exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities as well as insulin-sensitizing and anti-bacterial actions. Thus, polyphenol-based therapies are of high interest for helping to counteract the deleterious effects of periodontal bacteria and improve insulin resistance.

Effects of "Bacuri" Seed Butter (Platonia insignis Mart.) on Metabolic Parameters in Hamsters with Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the treatment with bacuri seed butter (BB) on body weight, growth, body mass index, lipid profile, atherosclerotic indices, and liver function in dyslipidemic hamsters. Freshly weaned, male hamsters were divided into four groups: (1) normal group (NG)—maintained with standard chow (AIN-93G); (2) dyslipidemia group (DG)—maintained with hyperlipidemic chow (AIN-93G modified) throughout the follow-up period; (3) bacuri seed butter 25 mg/kg/day (BB-25); and (4) bacuri seed butter 50 mg/kg/day (BB-50). BB groups (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) were also maintained with hyperlipidemic chow throughout the follow-up period, and the treatment started after 21 days receiving a hyperlipidemic diet to induce hypercholesterolemia and maintained for 28 days. No significant differences in triglycerides and total cholesterol were observed for BB-25 and BB-50 groups when compared with NG and DG groups. On the contrary, BB-25 and BB-50 induced both increase of HDL-c (51.40 ± 1.69 and 51.00 ± 2.34, respectively) and decrease of LDL-c (103.80 ± 6.87 and 100.50 ± 3.95, respectively) when compared with DG (41.00 ± 2.94 and 132.70 ± 9.41, respectively). In addition, BB promoted a reduction in the risk of atherosclerotic disease by decreasing (p < 0.05) the atherogenic index, coronary artery risk index, and LDL/CT ratio (p < 0.05) and increasing HDL/CT ratio. On the contrary, no changes were observed in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels or in body weight, growth, body mass index, or liver function parameters. Thus, bacuri seed butter at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/day has positive repercussions on the lipid profile, more precisely on plasma HDL-c and LDL-c, and additionally promotes reduction in the risk of atherosclerosis in hamsters.

Phytosterols: Potential Metabolic Modulators in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Phytosterols constitute a class of natural products that are an important component of diet and have vast applications in foods, cosmetics, and herbal medicines. With many and diverse isolated structures in nature, they exhibit a broad range of biological and pharmacological activities. Among over 200 types of phytosterols, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol were ubiquitous in many plant species, exhibiting important aspects of activities related to neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, this mini-review presented an overview of the reported studies on selected phytosterols related to neurodegenerative diseases. It covered the major phytosterols based on biosynthetic considerations, including other phytosterols with significant in vitro and in vivo biological activities.

Causes and Consequences of Interindividual Response Variability: A Call to Apply a More Rigorous Research Design in Acute Exercise-Cognition Studies

The different responses of humans to an apparently equivalent stimulus are called interindividual response variability. This phenomenon has gained more and more attention in research in recent years. The research field of exercise-cognition has also taken up this topic, as shown by a growing number of studies published in the past decade. In this perspective article, we aim to prompt the progress of this research field by (i) discussing the causes and consequences of interindividual variability, (ii) critically examining published studies that have investigated interindividual variability of neurocognitive outcome parameters in response to acute physical exercises, and (iii) providing recommendations for future studies, based on our critical examination. The provided recommendations, which advocate for a more rigorous study design, are intended to help researchers in the field to design studies allowing them to draw robust conclusions. This, in turn, is very likely to foster the development of this research field and the practical application of the findings.

Flavonoids and cellular stress: a complex interplay affecting human health

Flavonoid consumption has beneficial effects on human health, however, clinical evidence remains often inconclusive due to high interindividual variability. Although this high interindividual variability has been consistently observed in flavonoid research, the potential underlying reasons are still poorly studied. Especially the knowledge on the impact of health status on flavonoid responsiveness is limited and merits more investigation. Here, we aim to highlight the bidirectional interplay between flavonoids and cellular stress. First, the state-of-the-art concerning inflammatory stress and mitochondrial dysfunction is reviewed and a comprehensive overview of recent in vitro studies investigating the impact of flavonoids on cellular stress, induced by tumor necrosis factor α, lipopolysaccharide and mitochondrial stressors, is given. Second, we critically discuss the influence of cellular stress on flavonoid uptake, accumulation, metabolism and cell responses, which has, to our knowledge, never been extensively reviewed before. Next, we advocate the innovative insight that stratification of the general population based on health status can reveal subpopulations that benefit more from flavonoid consumption. Finally, suggestions are given for the development of future cell models that simulate the physiological micro-environment, including interindividual variability, since more mechanistic research is needed to establish scientific-based personalized food recommendations for specific subpopulations.

Diversity of Plant Sterols Metabolism: The Impact on Human Health, Sport, and Accumulation of Contaminating Sterols

The way of plant sterols transformation and their benefits for humans is still a question under the massive continuing revision. In fact, there are no receptors for binding with sterols in mammalians. However, possible biotransformation to steroids that can be catalyzed by gastro-intestinal microflora, microbial cells in prebiotics or cytochromes system were repeatedly reported. Some products of sterols metabolization are capable to imitate resident human steroids and compete with them for the binding with corresponding receptors, thus affecting endocrine balance and entire physiology condition. There are also tremendous reports about the natural origination of mammalian steroid hormones in plants and corresponding receptors for their binding. Some investigations and reports warn about anabolic effect of sterols, however, there are many researchers who are reluctant to believe in and have strong opposing arguments. We encounter plant sterols everywhere: in food, in pharmacy, in cosmetics, but still know little about their diverse properties and, hence, their exact impact on our life. Most of our knowledge is limited to their cholesterol-lowering influence and protective effect against cardiovascular disease. However, the world of plant sterols is significantly wider if we consider the thousands of publications released over the past 10 years.

Antioxidant and Antiglycation Effects of Polyphenol Compounds Extracted from Hazelnut Skin on Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) Formation

The advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) arise from non-enzymatic reactions of sugar with protein side chains, some of which are oxido-reductive in nature. Enhanced production of AGEs plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications as well as in natural aging, renal failure, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. The aim of this work is to study antiglycation effects of polyphenol compounds extracted by hazelnut skin that represents an example of polyphenols-rich food industry by-product, on AGEs formation. AGEs derived from incubation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and methylglyoxal (MGO) were characterized by fluorescence. The phenolics identification and total polyphenol content in hazelnut skin extracts were analyzed by HPLC-MS and the Folin–Ciocalteu method, respectively. Antioxidant efficacy was evaluated by monitoring total antioxidant activity to assess the ABTS radical scavenging activity of samples by TEAC assay and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, expressed as millimoles of Trolox equivalents per gram of sample. Data here presented suggest that phenolic compounds in hazelnut skin have an inhibitory effect on the BSA-AGEs model in vitro, and this effect is concentration-dependent. The putative role of the hazelnut skin antioxidative properties for hindering AGEs formation is also discussed. Because of AGEs contribution to the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases, foods enriched, or supplements containing natural bioactive molecules able to inhibit their production could be an interesting new strategy for supporting therapeutic approaches with a positive effect on human health.

Composition and Antioxidant Activity, Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction Extracts, and Residue after Extraction of Biologically Active Compounds from Freeze-Dried Tomato Matrix

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SCE-CO2) is an attractive, green technology that is used for the recovery of biologically active compounds from plant material. The antioxidant potential of lipophilic fractions (extract obtained with SCE-CO2) and hydrophilic fractions (extracts obtained from the residue after extraction) obtained from a matrix of freeze-dried tomatoes (cvs. “Admiro” F1, “Jurgiai”, “Vilina”, “Pirmutis”, and “Skariai”) was assessed via different antioxidant activity methods. The total amount of polyphenols, carotenoids, and carotenoid isomers before and after SCE-CO2 extraction was also determined. To investigate the effect of the SCE-CO2 extract on the viability of cancer cells, rat glioblastoma C6 cells were chosen. The SCE-CO2 yielded an average of 800 mg of lipophilic fraction per 100 g of freeze-dried tomatoes. The ABTS•+ scavenging activity of the extract was 251 ± 3.4 µmol TE/g. After SCE-CO2 extraction, the DPPH•-RSA of the freeze-dried tomato matrix was 7 to 12% higher. There was a strong positive correlation (R = 0.84) between the total polyphenolics content and the DPPH•-RSA of the tomato samples. The SCE-CO2 increased the radical scavenging activity of the extraction residue, indicating that a considerable fraction of the hydrophilic compounds with particular antioxidant capacity remain unextracted from the tomato matrix. Our results reveal the cytotoxic effect of lycopene extract rich in cis-isomers (62% cis-isomers of the total lycopene content) on rat glioblastoma C6 cells. The viability of the glioblastoma C6 cells significantly decreased (−42%) at a total lycopene concentration of 2.4 µM after 24 h of incubation.

Citrus Polyphenols in Brain Health and Disease: Current Perspectives

In addition to essential micronutrients such as vitamin C, citrus fruits represent a considerably rich source of non-essential bioactive compounds, in particular flavanones which form a sub-set of the flavonoid group. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective potential of citrus flavonoids and have highlighted both the well-established (anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties), and newly emerging (influence upon blood-brain barrier function/integrity) mechanistic actions by which these neurological effects are mediated. Encouragingly, results from human studies, although limited in number, appear to support this preclinical basis, with improvements in cognitive performance and disease risk observed across healthy and disease states. Therefore, citrus fruits - both as whole fruit and 100% juices - should be encouraged within the diet for their potential neurological benefit. In addition, there should be further exploration of citrus polyphenols to establish therapeutic efficacy, particularly in the context of well-designed human interventions.

Stratification of Volunteers According to Flavanone Metabolite Excretion and Phase II Metabolism Profile after Single Doses of 'Pera' Orange and 'Moro' Blood Orange Juices

Large interindividual variations in the biological response to citrus flavanones have been observed, and this could be associated with high variations in their bioavailability. The aim of this study was to identify the main determinants underlying interindividual differences in citrus flavanone metabolism and excretion. In a randomized cross-over study, non-obese and obese volunteers, aged 19-40 years, ingested single doses of Pera and Moro orange juices, and urine was collected for 24 h. A large difference in the recovery of the urinary flavanone phase II metabolites was observed, with hesperetin-sulfate and hesperetin-sulfo-O-glucuronide being the major metabolites. Subjects were stratified according to their total excretion of flavanone metabolites as high, medium, and low excretors, but the expected correlation with the microbiome was not observed at the genus level. A second stratification was proposed according to phase II flavanone metabolism, whereby participants were divided into two excretion groups: Profiles A and B. Profile B individuals showed greater biotransformation of hesperetin-sulfate to hesperetin-sulfo-O-glucuronide, as well as transformation of flavanone-monoglucuronide to the respective diglucuronides, suggestive of an influence of polymorphisms on UDP-glucuronosyltransferase. In conclusion, this study proposes a new stratification of volunteers based on their metabolic profiles. Gut microbiota composition and polymorphisms of phase II enzymes may be related to the interindividual variability of metabolism.

Human Gut Microbiota Metabolism of Dietary Sesquiterpene Lactones: Untargeted Metabolomics Study of Lactucopicrin and Lactucin Conversion In Vitro and In Vivo

SCOPE

Gut microbiota converts dietary phytochemicals into metabolites and modulates their health effects. The microbial metabolism of dietary terpenoids, as the sesquiterpene lactones of leafy vegetables, is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In vitro fermentation of lactucopicrin, lactucin, and romaine lettuce with gut microbiota from independent donors, show their extensive metabolism through untargeted metabolomics of the fecal incubations. Dehydroxylations and double bond hydrogenations are the main catabolic reactions. Isomers of dihydrolactucopicrin, tetrahydrolactucopicrin, and deoxylactucin, are observed after lactucopicrin metabolism. Tetrahydrolactucin and hexahydrolactucin are also found after lactucin metabolism. Lettuce fermentation shows similar metabolic conversions. Phase II conjugates of most of these metabolites are detected in the urine of healthy volunteers after escarole salad intake. Glucuronides, and sulfates, of dihydrolactucopicrin, tetrahydrolactucopicrin, dihydrolactucin, and deoxylactucin, are detected in the urine although with large inter-subject variability.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on the gut microbiota metabolism of sesquiterpene lactones in humans, and one of the first reports to describe that dietary terpenoids of widely consumed leafy vegetables are extensively catabolized by human gut microbiota. A large inter-subject variation in the metabolism of sesquiterpene lactones also reflects differences in gut microbiota composition. It suggests that inter-individual differences in their health effects should be expected.

Absorption, Pharmacokinetics, and Urinary Excretion of Pyridines After Consumption of Coffee and Cocoa-Based Products Containing Coffee in a Repeated Dose, Crossover Human Intervention Study

SCOPE

The present study assesses the absorption, pharmacokinetics, and urinary excretion of coffee pyridines and their metabolites after daily regular exposure to specific dosages of coffee or cocoa-based products containing coffee (CBPCC), considering different patterns of consumption.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a three-arm, crossover, randomized trial, 21 volunteers are requested to randomly consume for 1 month: one cup of espresso coffee per day, three cups of espresso coffee per day, or one cup of espresso coffee plus two CBPCC twice per day. The last day of the one-month treatment, blood and urine samples are collected for 24 h. Trigonelline, N-methylpyridinium, N-methylnicotinamide, and N-methyl-4-pyridone-5-carboxamide are quantified. Trigonelline and N-methylpyridinium absorption curves and 24-h urinary excretion reflect the daily consumption of different servings of coffee or CBPCC, showing also significant differences in main pharmacokinetic parameters. Moreover, inter-subject variability due to sex and smoking is assessed, showing sex-related differences in the metabolism of trigonelline and smoking-related ones for N-methylpyridinium.

CONCLUSION

The daily exposure to coffee pyridines after consumption of different coffee dosages in a real-life setting is established. This data will be useful for future studies aiming at evaluating the bioactivity of coffee-derived circulating metabolites in cell experiments, mimicking more realistic experimental conditions.

Interplay between Dietary Polyphenols and Oral and Gut Microbiota in the Development of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed type of cancer worldwide. Dietary features play an important role in its development, and the involvement of human microbial communities in this pathology has also recently been recognized. Individuals with CRC display alterations in gut bacterial composition and a notably higher abundance of putative oral bacteria in colonic tumors. Many experimental studies and preclinical evidence propose that dietary polyphenols have a relevant role in CRC development and progression, mainly attributed to their immunomodulatory activities. Furthermore, polyphenols can modulate oral and gut microbiota, and in turn, intestinal microbes catabolize polyphenols to release metabolites that are often more active and better absorbed than the original phenolic compounds. The current study aimed to review and summarize current knowledge on the role of microbiota and the interactions between dietary polyphenols and microbiota in relation to CRC development. We have highlighted the mechanisms by which dietary polyphenols and/or their microbial metabolites exert their action on the pathogenesis and prevention of CRC as modulators of the composition and/or activity of oral and intestinal microbiota, including novel screening biomarkers and possible nutritional therapeutic implications.

Why interindividual variation in response to consumption of plant food bioactives matters for future personalised nutrition

Food phytochemicals are increasingly considered to play a key role in the cardiometabolic health effects of plant foods. However, the heterogeneity in responsiveness to their intake frequently observed in clinical trials can hinder the beneficial effects of these compounds in specific subpopulations. A range of factors, including genetic background, gut microbiota, age, sex and health status, could be involved in these interindividual variations; however, the current knowledge is limited and fragmented. The European network, European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)-POSITIVe, has analysed, in a systematic way, existing knowledge with the aim to better understand the factors responsible for the interindividual variation in response to the consumption of the major families of plant food bioactives, regarding their bioavailability and bioefficacy. If differences in bioavailability, likely reflecting differences in human subjects' genetics or in gut microbiota composition and functionality, are believed to underpin much of the interindividual variability, the key molecular determinants or microbial species remain to be identified. The systematic analysis of published studies conducted to assess the interindividual variation in biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk suggested some factors (such as adiposity and health status) as involved in between-subject variation. However, the contribution of these factors is not demonstrated consistently across the different compounds and biological outcomes and would deserve further investigations. The findings of the network clearly highlight that the human subjects' intervention studies published so far are not adequate to investigate the relevant determinants of the absorption/metabolism and biological responsiveness. They also emphasise the need for a new generation of intervention studies designed to capture this interindividual variation.