Cytoprotective propensity of green tea polyphenols against citrinin-induced skeletal-myotube damage in C2C12 cells

Anti-fatigue effect of an enzymatically derived deer velvet extract through muscle damage recovery and improvement of antioxidant levels

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Deer velvet (DV) has been extensively used in traditional Oriental medicine to treat various diseases. Its pharmacological spectrum encompasses tonicity, longitudinal bone growth of adolescence, blood retention, hemopoiesis facilitation, enhancement of organ function, physical function improvement, and augmentation of physical vitality. Among its myriad effects, DV notably exhibits anti-fatigue properties; however, its specific mode of action is yet to be fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was undertaken to investigate the anti-fatigue and exercise performance-enhancing effects of YC-1101(HENKIV®), an enzymatically derived DV extract, in C2C12 cell lines and forced swimming mouse models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effect of YC-1101 on increasing cell growth and lowering lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was assessed in C2C12. The antioxidative effects of YC-1101 and its mechanistic underpinnings were also evaluated in C2C12 cells. Moreover, mice were subjected to an exhaustive swimming test subsequent to 3 weeks of YC-1101 extract administration. Fatigue-associated biochemical parameters, such as LDH activity and lactate, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde levels, were measured in serum and muscle tissues.

RESULTS

YC-1101 significantly promoted myoblast growth and reduced LDH activity, indicative of a cell-proliferative effect. Notably, free radical scavenging assays and analysis of reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant-related mRNA expression corroborated the significant involvement of YC-1101 in antioxidation, an important mechanism in anti-fatigue processes. Furthermore, animal experiments demonstrated prolonged swimming endurance and inhibition of muscle LDH accumulation in forced swimming mouse models. Serum biochemical analysis further revealed significant modulation of the expression of anti-fatigue-related biomarkers. Various bioactive low-molecular-weight DV peptides were enriched in YC-1101 compared to YHC-BE-2038 (a DV extract without enzymatic digestion). The anti-fatigue effect of YC-1101 was significantly stronger than that of YHC-BE-2038.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the potential of YC-1101 as a nutraceutical adjunct in ameliorating fatigue, concurrently facilitating muscle damage recovery, and exerting antioxidant effects via the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 pathway. It can be assumed that the complex action of low-molecular-weight DV peptides produced during the enzymatic degradation process was effective, and the further research is needed.

Effect of Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera on production performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes in broilers

This study investigated the production performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes of broilers fed with different doses of Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves. A total of 400 one-day-old unsexed Greenleg partridge broilers were randomly divided into 4 dietary which were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves, 10% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves, and 10% Moringa oleifera leaves, respectively. Each group had 5 replicates of twenty birds each. The whole trial lasted for 63 d. The results indicated that a high dose of Moringa oleifera leaves supplement in broiler diet reduced the production performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality attributes (P < 0.05). While the addition of the same dose of Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves reversed this adverse effect, and the 5% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifer leaves supplement was found to be more effective (P < 0.05). In addition, Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves improved the concentration of amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat, which could be beneficial for human health. We conclude that, a 5% Monascus-fermented Moringa oleifera leaves supplement in the diet is beneficial in terms of improved growth performance and the functional attributes of meat than sole Moringa oleifera leaves supplement.

Effect of Spirulina and Fish Processing By-Products Extracts on Citrinin-Induced Cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells

Citrinin (CIT) is a mycotoxin commonly found in grains, fruits, herbs, and spices. Its toxicity primarily affects the kidney and liver. Meanwhile, food industry by-products, particularly from fishing and aquaculture, contribute significantly to environmental concerns but can also serve as valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Additionally, microalgae like spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) offer interesting high-added-value compounds with potential biological and cytoprotective properties. This study aims to reduce CIT's toxicity on SH-SY5Y cells using natural extracts from the microalgae spirulina and fish processing by-products (sea bass head). The combination of these extracts with CIT has shown increased cell viability up to 15% for fish by-products extract and about 10% for spirulina extract compared to CIT alone. Furthermore, a notable reduction of up to 63.2% in apoptosis has been observed when fish by-products extracts were combined with CIT, counteracting the effects of CIT alone. However, the extracts' effectiveness in preventing CIT toxicity in the cell cycle remains unclear. Overall, considering these nutrient and bioactive compound sources is crucial for enhancing food safety and mitigating the harmful effects of contaminants such as mycotoxins. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to investigate their mechanisms of action and better understand their protective effects more comprehensively.

Effect of Cucumis melo L. peel extract supplemented postbiotics on reprograming gut microbiota and sarcopenia in hindlimb-immobilized mice

Postbiotics made from lactic acid bacteria may ameliorate sarcopenia via the metabolic reprogramming of gut dysbiosis. This study investigated the anti-sarcopenic effect of postbiotics (WDK) produced from polyphenol-rich melon peel extract (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa, KEE) and whey with Lentilactobacillus kefiri DH5 (DH5) in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells and hindlimb-immobilized mice. WDK significantly ameliorated palmitate-induced atrophy of C2C12 cells, restoring myotube length and diameter. It also upregulated the expression of myogenic genes including Atrogin-1, Igf-1, and MyoD. Hindlimb-immobilized C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided and orally administered 10 mL/kg body weight of saline (CON), Whey, Whey + DH5 (WD), DH5 + KEE, Whey + DH5 + KEE postbiotic (WDK) for three weeks (n = 10/group). Interestingly, WDK significantly improved muscle function in hindlimb-immobilized mice by restoring both the grip strength and the mass of the soleus muscle, which was closely related to the upregulation of the myoD gene. WDK increased microbial diversity and modulated the distribution of intestinal bacteria, particularly those involved in protein synthesis and the production of butyrate. There was a significant correlation between myogenic biomarkers and butyrate producing gut microbiota. Restoration of muscle mass and function following postbiotic WDK is strongly related to the regulation of myogenic genes by in part remodulating gut microbiota. In conclusion, these findings suggest that polyphenol- and whey-based postbiotics WDK may have potential as an effective manner to combat the progression of sarcopenia.

Evaluation of the Bioaccessible Fraction of T-2 Toxin from Cereals and Its Effect on the Viability of Caco-2 Cells Exposed to Tyrosol

The bioaccessibility of mycotoxins is an important factor that has to be considered when assessing the risk they pose to human health. Bioactive compounds like phenolics could play a protective role against the toxic effects of contaminants. In this work, the bioaccessible fraction of the T-2 toxin (T-2) contained in breakfast cereals and its effect on the viability of Caco-2 cells were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of tyrosol (a polyphenol abundant in EVOO) on T-2-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated in the same cell line. After standardized in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, the T-2 toxin was released from T-2-spiked breakfast cereals and further quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS. The bioaccessible fraction of T-2 was 51 ± 4%. The cell viability study was performed by pre-treating the cells for 24 h with tyrosol (25, 50 and 100 µM) and subsequently adding T-2 at 15 nM or by treating the cells with a combination of tyrosol and T-2. In the simultaneous treatment, 25 µM tyrosol prevented the toxic effects produced by the exposure to T-2 at 15 nM; however, cytotoxic effects were observed for the other combinations tested. The pre-treatment of Caco-2 cells with tyrosol did not attenuate the cytotoxic effects caused by exposure to T-2. These results suggest that tyrosol at low concentrations (25 µM) could exert a cytoprotective effect on Caco-2 cells against 15 nM T-2 when administered simultaneously with T-2. However, more studies are required to corroborate this hypothesis.

Citrinin as a potential anti-cancer therapy: A comprehensive review

Citrinin (CIT) is a polyketide-derived mycotoxin, which is produced by many fungal strains belonging to the gerena Monascus, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. It has been postulated that mycotoxins have several toxic mechanisms and are potentially used as antineoplastic agents. Therefore, the present study carried out a systematic review, including articles from 1978 to 2022, by collecting evidence in experimental studies of CIT antiplorifactive activity in cancer. The Data indicate that CIT intervenes in important mediators and cell signaling pathways, including MAPKs, ERK1/2, JNK, Bcl-2, BAX, caspases 3,6,7 and 9, p53, p21, PARP cleavage, MDA, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses (SOD, CAT, GST and GPX). These factors demonstrate the potential antitumor drug CIT in inducing cell death, reducing DNA repair capacity and inducing cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in cancer cells.

Natural products: Potential therapeutic agents to prevent skeletal muscle atrophy

The skeletal muscle (SkM) is the largest organ, which plays a vital role in controlling musculature, locomotion, body heat regulation, physical strength, and metabolism of the body. A sedentary lifestyle, aging, cachexia, denervation, immobilization, etc. Can lead to an imbalance between protein synthesis and degradation, which is further responsible for SkM atrophy (SmA). To date, the understanding of the mechanism of SkM mass loss is limited which also restricted the number of drugs to treat SmA. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel approaches to regulate muscle homeostasis. Presently, some natural products attained immense attraction to regulate SkM homeostasis. The natural products, i.e., polyphenols (resveratrol, curcumin), terpenoids (ursolic acid, tanshinone IIA, celastrol), flavonoids, alkaloids (tomatidine, magnoflorine), vitamin D, etc. exhibit strong potential against SmA. Some of these natural products have been reported to have equivalent potential to standard treatments to prevent body lean mass loss. Indeed, owing to the large complexity, diversity, and slow absorption rate of bioactive compounds made their usage quite challenging. Moreover, the use of natural products is controversial due to their partially known or elusive mechanism of action. Therefore, the present review summarizes various experimental and clinical evidence of some important bioactive compounds that shall help in the development of novel strategies to counteract SmA elicited by various causes.

Mycotoxin deoxynivalenol affects myoblast differentiation via downregulating cytoskeleton and ECM-integrin-FAK-RAC-PAK signaling pathway

As a common mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON) contaminates cereal grains and feed in field or during processing and storage. DON elicits a spectrum of adverse effects in animals including anorexia and growth retardation. Especially, the presence of DON has also been detected in muscle, suggesting that DON may has the potential to affect the development of muscle. However, the relevant research is very rare and the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Myoblasts differentiation into multinucleated myotubes is one of the crucial steps of skeletal muscle development. In the present study, we investigated the effects of DON on differentiation of myoblasts using murine C2C12 cells model. The results indicated that DON dose-dependent inhibited the formation of myotubes in C2C12 cells. After performing omics techniques, a total of 149 differentially expressed genes were identified. The expression of cytoskeleton proteins and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins were downregulated by DON. Furthermore, DON significantly downregulated the expression of integrin αv and integrin β5, leading to inhibition of the ECM-integrin receptor interaction. The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphorylated forms, ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (RAC) and p21-activated kinases 1 (PAK1) were also downregulated by DON. Taken together, our findings suggest that DON has the potent to affect the differentiation of myoblasts via downregulating of cytoskeleton and ECM-integrin-FAK-RAC-PAK signaling pathway.

Differential Effects of Green Tea Powders on the Protection of Brown Tsaiya and Kaiya Ducklings against Trichothecene T-2 Toxin Toxicity

Simple Summary

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of T-2 toxin (T-2) and green tea powders (GTP) on growth performance, hematology, and pathology parameters in Brown Tsaiya ducklings (BTDs) and Kaiya ducklings (KDs). T-2 toxin shows a strong and differential toxicity in growth suppression, as well as abnormalities in the hematological and pathological parameters of BTDs and KDs. We found that GTP could potentially prevent T-2-induced poor growth performance and improve some hematological parameters. Moreover, BTDs were more sensitive than KDs in terms of responses to T-2 toxicity and GTP detoxification.

Abstract

A 3-week feeding trial in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design was conducted with three concentrations (0, 0.5, and 5 mg/kg) of T-2 toxin (T-2) and two levels (0% and 0.5%) of green tea powder (GTP) supplements used in the diets of female brown Tsaiya ducklings (BTDs) and Kaiya ducklings (KDs), respectively. Breed had a significant effect on the growth performances and the relative weights of organs and carcass. In general, the growth performances of KDs were better than BTDs. The relative weights of organs and carcass of BTDs were typically heavier than those of KDs; however, the breast of KDs was heavier than those of BTDs. Both ducklings received 5 mg/kg of T-2 blended in the diet showed lower feed intake and body weight gain (BWG) in the second and the third week. The diet containing 5 mg/kg of T-2 and 0.5% GTP improved the BWG compared to those fed the diet supplemented with 5 mg/kg of T-2 without GTP in BTDs. Ducklings fed the diet containing 5 mg/kg of T-2 induced hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, as well as decreased concentrations of creatine phosphokinase and alkaline phosphatase. The concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) were increased in KDs and BTDs fed the diet containing 5 mg/kg of T-2 without GTP, respectively. However, duckling diets containing 5 mg/kg of T-2 with 0.5% GTP lowered concentrations of BUN and GOT in the blood plasma of KDs and BTDs, respectively. The diet containing 5 mg/kg of T-2 increased the relative kidney weight but decreased the relative breast weight of ducklings. Enlarged gizzards and reduced relative leg weights were observed in BTDs fed the diets containing 5 mg/kg of T-2. In summary, BTDs are more sensitive than KDs in responding to T-2 toxicity and GTP detoxification. Green tea powder has detoxification ability and could potentially mitigate T-2 toxicity on BWG, BUN, and GOT in ducklings.

Impacts of Green Tea on Joint and Skeletal Muscle Health: Prospects of Translational Nutrition

Osteoarthritis and sarcopenia are two major joint and skeletal muscle diseases prevalent during aging. Osteoarthritis is a multifactorial progressive degenerative and inflammatory disorder of articular cartilage. Cartilage protection and pain management are the two most important strategies in the management of osteoarthritis. Sarcopenia, a condition of loss of muscle mass and strength, is associated with impaired neuromuscular innervation, the transition of skeletal muscle fiber type, and reduced muscle regenerative capacity. Management of sarcopenia requires addressing both skeletal muscle quantity and quality. Emerging evidence suggests that green tea catechins play an important role in maintaining healthy joints and skeletal muscle. This review covers (i) the prevalence and etiology of osteoarthritis and sarcopenia, such as excessive inflammation and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduced autophagy; (ii) the effects of green tea catechins on joint health by downregulating inflammatory signaling mediators, upregulating anabolic mediators, and modulating miRNAs expression, resulting in reduced chondrocyte death, collagen degradation, and cartilage protection; (iii) the effects of green tea catechins on skeletal muscle health via maintaining a dynamic balance between protein synthesis and degradation and boosting the synthesis of mitochondrial energy metabolism, resulting in favorable muscle homeostasis and mitigation of muscle atrophy with aging; and (iv) the current study limitations and future research directions.

The regulatory role of dietary factors in skeletal muscle development, regeneration and function

Skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in motor function, respiration, and whole-body energy homeostasis. How to regulate the development and function of skeletal muscle has become a hot research topic for improving lifestyle and extending life span. Numerous transcription factors and nutritional factors have been clarified are closely associated with the regulation of skeletal muscle development, regeneration and function. In this article, the roles of different dietary factors including green tea, quercetin, curcumin (CUR), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and resveratrol (RES) in regulating skeletal muscle development, muscle mass, muscle function, and muscle recovery have been summarized and discussed. We also reviewed the potential regulatory molecular mechanism of these factors. Based on the current findings, dietary factors may be used as a potential therapeutic agent to treat skeletal muscle dysfunction as well as its related diseases.

Effects of tannase-converted green tea extract on skeletal muscle development

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tannase-converted green tea extract with a high (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and gallic acid (GA) content on myotube density and fusion in normal and oxidative stress-induced C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Although the use of green tea extract is considered beneficial, cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of tannase-converted green tea extracts that are used as potential muscle growth materials have not been thoroughly studied.

METHODS

This study used histological analysis and molecular biology techniques, and compared the results with those for AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribonucleoside (AICAR) and green tea extracts.

RESULTS

The myotube density of normal and oxidative stress-induced C2C12 cells was significantly higher in the tannase-converted green tea extract-treated group than that observed in the other groups (normal cells: P < 0.01; oxidative stress-induced cells: P < 0.05). In addition, tannase-converted green tea extract and green tea extract treatments significantly upregulated the genetic expression of myogenin, Myf5, and MyoD (P < 0.05). The levels of AMP-activated protein kinase-α (AMPKα) and muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF-1) in the tannase-converted green tea extract group were higher than those in the AICAR and green tea extract groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our findings describe that the high levels of EC, EGC, and GA in the tannase-converted green tea extract are attributable to the morphological changes in C2C12 cells and intercellular signaling pathways. Therefore, tannase-converted green tea extract can be used in the treatment of sarcopenia.

Evaluation of citrinin-induced toxic effects on mouse Sertoli cells

Penicillium citrinum-derived mycotoxin citrinin (CTN) is known to be a toxic agent for humans and animals. Previous studies have shown that CTN leads to toxicity in many biological systems; however, a limited number of studies have been performed to demonstrate the harmful effects of CTN on the male reproductive system. In the present study, the effects of CTN on cytotoxicity and apoptosis were examined in Sertoli cells as a model. Sertoli cells were treated with eight different CTN concentrations (from 0 up to 200 µM, for 6-72 h). Toxic potential of CTN was estimated by measuring metabolic activity (MTT test), DNA synthesis (BrdU test), and cell membrane damage (LDH test) as well as apoptosis and necrosis (via staining with propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342). The results showed that CTN significantly decreased the cell viability and cell proliferation, increased cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and necrosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, CTN showed cytotoxicity in Sertoli cells with an IC50 value of 116.5 µM for 24 h. In conclusion, these findings clearly showed that, CTN affects Sertoli cells even at low concentrations. Thus, as a result of the damage of CTN shown in Sertoli cells, it can be deduced that CTN may also have detrimental effects on the testes.

Investigating proteome and transcriptome response of Cryptococcus podzolicus Y3 to citrinin and the mechanisms involved in its degradation

Citrinin (CIT) contamination has been reported in agricultural foods and is known to be nephrotoxic to human and animals. In the present study, the proteomes and transcriptomes of C. podzolicus Y3 treated with or without 10 μg/mL CIT were compared by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and RNA sequencing, respectively. The proteomics results showed that there were 23 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), 8 DEPs were up-regulated and 15 DEPs were significantly down-regulated. Transcriptomic analysis showed that 1208 genes were differentially expressed, 551 (43.05%) DEGs were up regulated and 657 (56.95%) were down-regulated. These results showed that the CIT treatment caused DNA damage, oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in C. podzolicus Y3. CIT treatment also activated the defense response (DNA repair and drug resistance biological process, antioxidative activity and TCA cycle) as well as drug metabolism (synthesize the CIT-degrading enzymes) in yeast cells to respond to CIT stress and degrade CIT.

Pelargonidin Modulates Keap1/Nrf2 Pathway Gene Expression and Ameliorates Citrinin-Induced Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells

Pelargonidin chloride (PC) is one of the major anthocyanin found in berries, radish and other natural foods. Many natural chemopreventive compounds have been shown to be potent inducers of phase II detoxification genes and its up-regulation is important for oxidative stress related disorders. In the present study, we investigated the effect of PC in ameliorating citrinin (CTN) induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. The cytotoxicity of CTN was evaluated by treating HepG2 (Human hepatocellular carcinoma) cells with CTN (0–150 μM) in a dose dependent manner for 24 h, and the IC₅₀ was determined to be 96.16 μM. CTN increased lactate dehydrogenase leakage (59%), elevated reactive oxygen species (2.5-fold), depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential as confirmed by JC-1 monomers and arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase. Further, apoptotic and necrotic analysis revealed significant changes followed by DNA damage. To overcome these toxicological effects, PC was pretreated for 2 h followed by CTN exposure for 24 h. Pretreatment with PC resulted in significant increase in cell viability (84.5%), restored membrane integrity, reactive oxygen species level were maintained and cell cycle phases were normal. PC significantly up-regulated the activity of detoxification enzymes: heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and quinone reductase. Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus was also observed by immunocytochemistry analysis. These data demonstrate the protective effect of PC against CTN-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and up-regulated the activity of detoxification enzyme levels through Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.