Oleic acid mitigates TNF-α-induced oxidative stress in rat cardiomyocytes

Oleic acid prevents erythrocyte death by preserving haemoglobin and erythrocyte membrane proteins

Haemolysis of erythrocytes upon exposure to haemato-toxic phenylhydrazine (PHZ), makes it an experimental model of anaemia and a partial model of β-thalassaemia, where oxidative stress (OS) was identified as principal causative factor. Oleic acid (OA) was evidenced to ameliorate such stress with antioxidative potential. Erythrocytes were incubated in vitro using 1 mM PHZ, 0.06 nM OA. Erythrocyte membrane protein densities and haemoglobin (Hb) status were examined. Any interaction of Hb with PHZ/OA was checked by calorimetric and spectroscopic analysis using pure molecules. Occurrence of erythrocyte apoptosis and involvement of free iron in all groups were evaluated. PHZ exposure to erythrocytes results in OS with subsequent apoptosis as evidenced from increased lipid peroxidation and translocation of phosphatidylserine in outer membrane. Preservations of erythrocyte cytoskeletal architecture and membrane bound enzyme activity were found in presence of OA. Moreover, both heme and globin of Hb was examined to be conserved by OA. Presence of OA, impeded apoptosis also, possibly by thwarting Hb breakdown followed by free iron release and consequent free radical generation. Additionally, direct sequential binding of OA with PHZ endorsed another protective mechanism of OA toward erythrocytes. OA affords protection to erythrocytes by conserving its major components and prevents haemolysis which projects OA as a haemato-protective agent. Apart from combating PHZ toxicity, anti-apoptotic action of OA strongly suggests its usage in anaemia and β-thalassaemia patients to curb irreversible erythrocyte breakdown. This research strongly recommends OA in pure form or from dietary sources as a therapeutic against haemolytic disorders.

L-carnitine attenuated hyperuricemia-associated left ventricular remodeling through ameliorating cardiomyocytic lipid deposition

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is associated with left ventricular remodeling (LVR) and thereby causes the initiation and development of a large number of cardiovascular diseases. LVR is typically accompanied by cardiomyocyte energy metabolic disorder. The energy supply of cardiomyocytes is provided by glucose and fatty acid (FA) metabolism. Currently, the effect of HUA on cardiomyocytic FA metabolism is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that UA-induced cardiomyocyte injury is associated with cytoplasmic lipid deposition, which can be ameliorated by the FA metabolism-promoting drug L-carnitine (LC). UA suppresses carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1B (CPT1B), thereby inhibiting FA transport into the mitochondrial inner matrix for elimination. LC intervention can ameliorate HUA-associated left ventricular anterior wall thickening in mice. This study showed that FA transport dysfunction plays is a critical mechanism in both cardiomyocytic injury and HUA-associated LVR and promoting cytoplasmic FA transportation through pharmacological treatment by LC is a valid strategy to attenuate HUA-associated LVR.

Aggravated Gut Microbiota and Metabolomic Imbalances Are Associated with Hypertension Patients Comorbid with Atrial Fibrillation

Disordered gut microbiota (GM) as the co-contributor of atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertension (HTN) might be associated with AF risk in HTN. This study aimed to explore the altered GM community and metabolic patterns between 27 HTN patients with AF (HTN-AF) and 27 non-AF HTN patients through fecal metagenomic and serum metabolomic analysis. Compared to non-AF HTN patients, significant microbial alterations (p = 0.004), including increased microbial diversity (p < 0.05), shifted enterotype dominated by Prevotella to Bacteroides, and abundant disease-linked genera Ruminococcus, Streptococcus, Veillonella, Dorea, and Enterococcus, were observed in HTN-AF patients. A species-based random forest prediction model was associated with the risk of AF occurrence in HTN patients. Furthermore, GM metabolic profiles dramatically differed between HTN and HTN-AF patients, especially the imbalance of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In HTN-AF patients, circulating palmitic acid and arachidonic acid levels were significantly elevated, while the levels of tetracosahexaenoic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid were decreased (p < 0.001, VIP > 1), mediating 85.99% of gut microbial indirect effects on AF (p < 0.001). Thus, our findings preliminarily indicated that exacerbated dysbiosis of GM and relevant metabolites was associated with high AF susceptibility and might be a potential target for AF prediction and prevention in HTN.

Liposomes Containing Amaranth Unsaponifiable Matter and Soybean Lunasin Suppress ROS Production in Fibroblasts and Reduced Interleukin Production in Macrophages

Inflammation is a normal response in defense to agents that may cause damage to the human body. When inflammation becomes chronic, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced; which could lead to diseases such as cancer. The aim was to assess liposomes' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity loaded with amaranth unsaponifiable matter and soybean lunasin (UM + LunLip) in an in vitro model using fibroblasts and macrophages. To evaluate ROS production, fibroblasts CHON-002 ABAP were added to promote ROS production; and the cells were treated with UM + LunLip. For inflammation markers production, lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 and peritoneal macrophages were treated with empty liposomes (EmLip), liposomes loaded with unsaponifiable matter (UMLip), liposomes loaded with lunasin (LunLip), and UM + LunLip. ROS production was significantly decreased by 77% (p < 0.05) when fibroblasts were treated with UM + LunLip at 2 mg lunasin/mL compared with the control treated with ABAP. Treatment with UMLip was the most effective in reducing tumor necrosis factor-α (71-90%) and interleukin-6 (43-55%, p < 0.001). Both liposomes containing unsaponifiable matter (UMLip and UM + LunLip) were more effective than EmLip or LunLip. In conclusion, amaranth unsaponifiable matter-loaded liposomes are effective in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

The effects of some natural products compared to synthetic products on the metabolic activity, proliferation, viability, migration, and wound healing in sheep tenocytes

Background

Tendinopathy or tendon injuries can affect many people, causing a huge impact on their movements and maintaining standing posture. Treatment options include physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and alternative medicine. The use of physiotherapy or anti-inflammatory drugs may cause some side effects like pain and liver failure, respectively, therefore, alternative medicine will be a better choice.

Method

Tenocytes were isolated from sheep Achilles tendon and used in Alamar blue assay to assess the metabolic activity, proliferation, and viability of tenocytes over 24 hrs. and 48 hrs., using natural and synthetic products [i.e., olive oil, oleic acid, corn oil, Inula viscosa oil, Inula viscosa extract, Nigella sativa oil, naproxen sodium, and paracetamol and LED photobiomodulation]. Furthermore, tenocytes viability was assessed by FDA/PI stain. For migration and healing of a wound, the scratch assay was used.

Results

Alamar blue assay over 24 hrs. showed that Nigella sativa oil increased the metabolic activity, proliferation, and viability of tenocytes significantly, while Alamar blue over 48 hrs. showed that oleic acid, LED, and their combination increased these parameters for tenocytes significantly. Olive oil increased the viability of tenocytes significantly using FDA/PI stains. Scratch assay revealed that Inula viscosa oil, Inula viscosa extract, and paracetamol increased tenocyte migration and healing significantly.

Conclusion

Nigella sativa oil, olive oil, oleic acid, Inula viscosa oil, and Inula viscosa extract may be used as an alternative therapy for tendinopathy with less side effects.

Comprehensive metabolomic characterization of atrial fibrillation

Background

Using human humoral metabolomic profiling, we can discover the diagnostic biomarkers and pathogenesis of disease. The specific characterization of atrial fibrillation (AF) subtypes with metabolomics may facilitate effective and targeted treatment, especially in early stages.

Objectives

By investigating disturbed metabolic pathways, we could evaluate the diagnostic value of biomarkers based on metabolomics for different types of AF.

Methods

A cohort of 363 patients was enrolled and divided into a discovery and validation set. Patients underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) for suspected AF. Groups were divided as follows: healthy individuals (Control), suspected AF (Sus-AF), first diagnosed AF (Fir-AF), paroxysmal AF (Par-AF), persistent AF (Per-AF), and AF causing a cardiogenic ischemic stroke (Car-AF). Serum metabolomic profiles were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Metabolomic variables were analyzed with clinical information to identify relevant diagnostic biomarkers.

Results

The metabolic disorders were characterized by 16 cross-comparisons. We focused on comparing all of the types of AF (All-AFs) plus Car-AF vs. Control, All-AFs vs. Car-AF, Par-AF vs. Control, and Par-AF vs. Per-AF. Then, 117 and 94 metabolites were identified by GC/MS and LC-QTOF-MS, respectively. The essential altered metabolic pathways during AF progression included D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, etc. For differential diagnosis, the area under the curve (AUC) of specific metabolomic biomarkers ranged from 0.8237 to 0.9890 during the discovery phase, and the predictive values in the validation cohort were 78.8–90.2%.

Conclusions

Serum metabolomics is a powerful way to identify metabolic disturbances. Differences in small–molecule metabolites may serve as biomarkers for AF onset, progression, and differential diagnosis.

Olive oil protects against progression of heart failure by inhibiting remodeling of heart subsequent to myocardial infarction in rats

We examined the beneficial effects of olive oil against heart failure post-myocardial infarction (PMI), induced by coronary artery ligation in rats. Animals were divided into sham and ligated groups and fed either regular chow, olive oil (10% wt/wt), or corn oil (10% wt/wt) and were followed up to 16 weeks. On the echocardiography at 3 days (PMI), in the ligated regular chow (LRC), ligated olive oil (LOO), and ligated corn oil (LCO) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease was 12.14%, 16.42%, and 17.53% from the baseline, respectively. However, only LOO group improved LVEF significantly at 16 weeks PMI and became comparable with all sham groups. Both scar formation and collagen deposition at 16 weeks PMI were less pronounced in the LOO group. Myocardial TNF-α level at 4 weeks of PMI increased by 176%, 11%, and 181% in the LRC, LOO, and LCO groups, respectively. Plasma TNF-α levels in LOO were significantly lower than LRC group after 4 weeks of PMI. Myocardial redox ratio (reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione) decreased at 4 weeks PMI by 44.4%, 16.4%, and 36.9% in the LRC, LOO, and LCO groups, respectively, compared to the baseline. These changes in the redox ratio at 16 weeks PMI were further exacerbated in the LRC and LCO groups. Lipid hydroperoxides formation increased at 4 weeks PMI by 137.4%, 14.6%, and 97.1% in the LRC, LOO, and LCO groups, respectively. Since coronary artery ligation decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, increased myocardial TNF-α and oxidative stress, and since olive oil was able to inhibit these effects, it is proposed that dietary olive oil modulates cardiac remodeling and heart failure subsequent to myocardial infarction.

Oleic acid-related anti-inflammatory effects in force-stressed PdL fibroblasts are mediated by H3 lysine acetylation associated with altered IL10 expression

The initiation of a spatially and temporally limited inflammation is essential for tissue and bone remodelling by the periodontal ligament (PdL) located between teeth and alveolar bone. Nutritional components may cause alterations in the inflammatory response of PdL fibroblasts to mechanical stress such as those occurring during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Recently, we reported an attenuated pro-inflammatory response of human PdL fibroblasts (HPdLFs) to compressive forces when stimulated with oleic acid (OA), a monounsaturated fatty acid particularly prominent in the Mediterranean diet. Fatty acids could serve as alternative source of acetyl-CoA, thereby affecting epigenetic histone marks, such as histone 3 lysine acetylation (H3Kac) in a lipid metabolism-dependent manner. In this study, we aimed to investigate the extent to which OA exerts its anti-inflammatory effect in compressed HPdLFs via changes in H3Kac. Six-hour compressed HPdLFs showed increased H3Kac when cultured with OA. Inhibition of histone deacetylases resulted in a comparable IL10-increase as observed in compressed OA-cultures. In contrast, inhibition of histone acetyltransferases, particularly p300/CBP, in compressed HPdLFs exposed to OA normalized the inflammatory response to control levels. OA-dependent increased association of H3Kac to IL10 promoter regions in compressed HPdLFs further strengthened the assumption that OA exhibits its anti-inflammatory properties via modulation of this epigenetic mark. In conclusion, our study strongly suggests that nutritional components can directly affect PdL cells via changes in their epigenetic code. Since epigenetic inhibitors are already widely used clinically, they may hold promise for novel approaches for personalized orthodontic treatment that incorporates nutritional and metabolism-related changes.

Plant-Based Foods and Vascular Function: A Systematic Review of Dietary Intervention Trials in Older Subjects and Hypothesized Mechanisms of Action

Cardiovascular diseases, still the leading cause of mortality in the world, are closely related to vascular function. Older subjects are more susceptible to endothelial dysfunction and therefore it is important to define possible preventive or support strategies, such as consumption of foods with health-promoting effects. This systematic review aims to summarize the currently available evidence on acute or chronic trials testing the effect of selected plant-based foods on vascular function parameters in older subjects, and consider plausible mechanisms that may support the main findings. A total of 15 trials were included and analyzed, testing the effects of beetroot, plum, blueberry, and vegetable oils. We found some interesting results regarding markers of vascular reactivity, in particular for beetroot, while no effects were found for markers of arterial stiffness. The amelioration of vascular function seems to be more related to the restoration of a condition of nitric oxide impairment, exacerbated by diseases or hypoxic condition, rather than the enhancement of a physiological situation, as indicated by the limited effects on healthy older subjects or in control groups with young subjects. However, the overall set of selected studies is, in any case, rather limited and heterogeneous in terms of characteristics of the studies, indicating the need for additional high-quality intervention trials to better clarify the role of vegetable foods in restoring and/or improving vascular function in order to better elucidate the mechanisms through which these foods may exert their vascular health benefits in older subjects.

Hyperlipidemic Conditions Impact Force-Induced Inflammatory Response of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts Concomitantly Challenged with P. gingivalis-LPS

In obese patients, enhanced serum levels of free fatty acids (FFA), such as palmitate (PA) or oleate (OA), are associated with an increase in systemic inflammatory markers. Bacterial infection during periodontal disease also promotes local and systemic low-grade inflammation. How both conditions concomitantly impact tooth movement is largely unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to address the changes in cytokine expression and the secretion of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPdLF) due to hyperlipidemic conditions, when additionally stressed by bacterial and mechanical stimuli. To investigate the impact of obesity-related hyperlipidemic FFA levels on HPdLF, cells were treated with 200 µM PA or OA prior to the application of 2 g/cm² compressive force. To further determine the additive impact of bacterial infection, HPdLF were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) obtained from Porphyromonas gingivalis. In mechanically compressed HPdLF, PA enhanced COX2 expression and PGE2 secretion. When mechanically stressed HPdLF were additionally stimulated with LPS, the PGE2 and IL6 secretion, as well as monocyte adhesion, were further increased in PA-treated cultures. Our data emphasize that a hyperlipidemic condition enhances the susceptibility of HPdLF to an excessive inflammatory response to compressive forces, when cells are concomitantly exposed to bacterial components.

Effects of moderate exercise on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in rat's cardiac tissue

The effects of moderate exercise on cardiac tissue inflammation, oxidative stress markers and apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-administered rats were evaluated. Wistar rats were divided into three groups (N = 8): (1) control; (2) LPS (1 mg/kg); and (3) LPS + moderate training (LPS + EX: 15 m/min, 30 min/day, for 9 weeks (week 1-9)). LPS was injected intraperitoneally for 5 days during week 9. Finally, the rats' heart were removed for biochemical and expression assessments. LPS increased the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)- 1β, C-reactive protein (CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in cardiac tissue, but decreased thiol contents and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in cardiac tissue compared to the control group (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). In LPS + EX group, the level of NO metabolites was increased (p < 0.05) and thiol contents were decreased (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Moderate training decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP and NO metabolites while increased CAT activity in the LPS + EX group compared to the LPS group (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). The mRNA level of BAX in the LPS group and the BCL2/BAX ratio in both LPS and LPS + EX groups increased compared to the control group (p < 0.05-p < 0.01). These results indicated that moderate training improved LPS-induced deleterious effects on cardiac tissue by attenuating proinflammatory cytokine levels, apoptosis and oxidative damage.

Oleic Acid Prevents Isoprenaline-Induced Cardiac Injury: Effects on Cellular Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Histopathological Alterations

The present study was designed to assess the cardio-protective role of oleic acid in myocardial injury (MI) induced by intra-peritoneal injection of isoprenaline (ISO) in rats for 2 consecutive days. Oleic acid (OA) was administered orally (@ 5 mg/kg b.wt and 10 mg/kg b.wt) for 21 days before inducing MI. Pre-exposure to OA at higher dose significantly improved the HW/BW ratio, myocardial infarct size, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, HDL-C) and cardiac injury biomarkers (LDH, CK-MB, cardiac troponin-I, MMP-9), thus suggesting its cardio-protective role. The ameliorative potential of the higher dose of OA was further substantiated by its ability to reduce the cardiac oxidative stress as evidenced by significant decrease in lipid peroxidation coupled with increase in superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione level. Significant decrease in heart rate as well as increase in RR and QT intervals in oleic acid pre-exposed rats were also observed. OA pre-treatment also reduced the histopathological alterations seen in myocardial injury group rats. The mRNA expression of cardiac UCP-2 gene, a regulator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, was significantly increased in oleic acid pre-exposure group compared to the ISO-induced myocardial injury group. Thus increase in expression of UCP-2 gene in cardiac tissue seems to be one of the protective measures against myocardial injury. Based on the above findings, it may be inferred that oleic acid possesses promising cardio-protective potential against myocardial injury due to its anti-oxidative property and ability to modulate cardiac metabolic processes.

A Mixture of Algae and Extra Virgin Olive Oils Attenuates the Cardiometabolic Alterations Associated with Aging in Male Wistar Rats

Aging is one of the major risk factors for suffering cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Due to the increase in life expectancy, there is a strong interest in the search for anti-aging strategies to treat and prevent these aging-induced disorders. Both omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) exert numerous metabolic and cardiovascular benefits in the elderly. In addition, EVOO constitutes an interesting ingredient to stabilize ω-3 PUFA and decrease their oxidation process due to its high content in antioxidant compounds. ω-3 PUFA are commonly obtained from fish. However, more ecological and sustainable sources, such as algae oil (AO) can also be used. In this study, we aimed to study the possible beneficial effect of an oil mixture composed by EVOO (75%) and AO (25%) rich in ω-3 PUFA (35% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 20% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)) on the cardiometabolic alterations associated with aging. For this purpose; young (three months old) and old (24 months old) male Wistar rats were treated with vehicle or with the oil mixture (2.5 mL/kg) for 21 days. Treatment with the oil mixture prevented the aging-induced increase in the serum levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and the aging-induced decrease in the serum concentrations of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Old treated rats showed increased serum concentrations of EPA and DHA and decreased HOMA-IR index and circulating levels of total cholesterol, insulin and IL-6. Treatment with the oil mixture increased the mRNA levels of antioxidant and insulin sensitivity-related enzymes, as well as reduced the gene expression of pro-inflammatory markers in the liver and in cardiac and aortic tissues. In addition, the treatment also prevented the aging-induced endothelial dysfunction and vascular insulin resistance through activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Moreover, aortic rings from old rats treated with the oil mixture showed a decreased response to the vasoconstrictor AngII. In conclusion, treatment with a mixture of EVOO and AO improves the lipid profile, insulin sensitivity and vascular function in aged rats and decreases aging-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver, and in the cardiovascular system. Thus, it could be an interesting strategy to deal with cardiometabolic alterations associated with aging.

Oleic Acid Protects from Arsenic-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy via AMPK/FoxO/NFATc3 Pathway

Arsenic toxicity is one of the major environmental problems causing various diseases, cardiovascular disorders is one of them. Several epidemiological studies have shown that arsenic causes cardiac hypertrophy but the detailed molecular mechanism is to be studied yet. This study is designed to determine the molecules involved in the augmentation of arsenic-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, the effects of oleic acid on arsenic-induced hypertrophy and cardiac injury have also been investigated. Our results show that arsenic induces cardiac hypertrophy both in vivo in mice and in vitro in rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Moreover, arsenic results in decreased activity of AMPK and FoxO1 along with increased NFATc3 expression, a known cardiac hypertrophy inducer. In addition, activation of AMPK and FoxO1 results in reduced NFATc3 expression causing attenuation of arsenic-induced cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cells. Interestingly, we have observed that oleic acid helps in ameliorating cardiac hypertrophy in arsenic-exposed mice. Our studies on protection from arsenic-induced cardiac hypertrophy by oleic acid in H9c2 cells shows that oleic acid activates AMPK along with increased nuclear FoxO1 localization, thereby reducing NFATc3 expression and attenuating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. This study will help in finding out new avenues in treating arsenic-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Disordered gut microbiota and alterations in metabolic patterns are associated with atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

With the establishment of the heart-gut axis concept, accumulating studies suggest that the gut microbiome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Yet, little evidence has been reported in characterizing the gut microbiota shift in atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

We include the result of the global alterations that occur in the intestinal microbiota in a cohort of 50 patients with atrial fibrillation and 50 matched controls based on a strategy of metagenomic and metabolomic analyses.

RESULTS

The alterations include a dramatic elevation in microbial diversity and a specific perturbation of gut microbiota composition. Overgrowth of Ruminococcus, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus, as well as reduction of Faecalibacterium, Alistipes, Oscillibacter, and Bilophila were detected in patients with atrial fibrillation. A gut microbial function imbalance and correlated metabolic pattern changes were observed with atrial fibrillation in both fecal and serum samples. The differential gut microbiome signatures could be used to identify patients with atrial fibrillation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings characterize the disordered gut microbiota and microbial metabolite profiles in atrial fibrillation. Further research could determine whether intervention strategies targeting intestinal microbiome composition might be useful to counteract the progression of atrial fibrillation.

Horse Oil Mitigates Oxidative Damage to Human HaCaT Keratinocytes Caused by Ultraviolet B Irradiation

Horse oil products have been used in skin care for a long time in traditional medicine, but the biological effects of horse oil on the skin remain unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of horse oil on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced oxidative stress in human HaCaT keratinocytes. Horse oil significantly reduced UVB-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species and intracellular oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Horse oil absorbed light in the UVB range of the electromagnetic spectrum and suppressed the generation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, a photoproduct of UVB irradiation. Western blotting showed that horse oil increased the UVB-induced Bcl-2/Bax ratio, inhibited mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinase expression, and altered mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling-related proteins. These effects were conferred by increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and decreased phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2. Additionally, horse oil reduced UVB-induced binding of activator protein 1 to the matrix metalloproteinase-1 promoter site. These results indicate that horse oil protects human HaCaT keratinocytes from UVB-induced oxidative stress by absorbing UVB radiation and removing reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting cells from structural damage and preventing cell death and aging. In conclusion, horse oil is a potential skin protectant against skin damage involving oxidative stress.

Role of cytokines and inflammation in heart function during health and disease

By virtue of their actions on NF-κB, an inflammatory nuclear transcription factor, various cytokines have been documented to play important regulatory roles in determining cardiac function under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Several cytokines including TNF-α, TGF-β, and different interleukins such as IL-1 IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-18 are involved in the development of various inflammatory cardiac pathologies, namely ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiomyopathies. In ischemia-related pathologies, most of the cytokines are released into the circulation and serve as biological markers of inflammation. Furthermore, there is an evidence of their direct role in the pathogenesis of ischemic injury, suggesting cytokines as potential targets for the development of some anti-ischemic therapies. On the other hand, certain cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 are involved in the post-ischemic tissue repair and thus are considered to exert beneficial effects on cardiac function. Conflicting reports regarding the role of some cytokines in inducing cardiac dysfunction in heart failure and different types of cardiomyopathies seem to be due to differences in the nature, duration, and degree of heart disease as well as the concentrations of some cytokines in the circulation. In spite of extensive research work in this field of investigation, no satisfactory anti-cytokine therapy for improving cardiac function in any type of heart disease is available in the literature.

Canola oil rich in oleic acid improves diastolic heart function in diet-induced obese rats

Obesity is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. It directly affects heart structure and function and contributes to heart failure. Diet is a major factor involved in the development of obesity along with genetic factors. We examined the effects of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oils on cardiac structure and function in the diet-induced rodent model of obesity (DIO). Obese prone (OP) rats were fed a high-fat diet (HF; 55% of kcal) for 12 weeks; Sprague-Dawley rats fed commercial chow served as control. Echocardiography was performed to assess the cardiac structure and function in all rats at 12 weeks. OP rats fed the HF diet showed significant impairment in diastolic function compared to control rats. The HF diet containing high oleic canola oil significantly improved diastolic function of OP rats compared to the HF diet with lard. In conclusion, canola oil rich in oleic acid, when incorporated into an HF diet, prevents the development of diastolic dysfunction in DIO rats.

TNFα-induced downregulation of microRNA-186 contributes to apoptosis in rat primary cardiomyocytes

Progressive loss of cardiac cardiomyocytes is involved in pathogenesis of heart failure. Inflammation is considered as a major risk factor that triggers cardiomyocytes apoptosis or induces cellular damage. Proinflammatory cytokines such as TNFα can directly activate cell apoptosis or promote oxidant production that damages cellular structure eventually. We investigated TNFα mediated apoptosis in cultured rat primary cardiomyocytes. Annexin V/PI staining and apoptosis biomarker expression were used to examine cardiomyocytes cell apoptosis response. We also identified key microRNA that plays a regulatory role in this pathway with genetic and biochemical approaches. Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF) expression was found to be upregulated with 10μg/ml or 50μg/ml TNFα stimulation for 24h, which was associated with apoptotic index. Subsequently, miR-186 was identified as direct regulator of AIF in TNFα mediated cardiomyocytes apoptosis from microRNA expression profiling. miR-186 level was downregulated with TNFα treatment that was correlated with AIF induction. Last, in the rescue experiment, miR-186 mimic protected cardiomyocytes against TNFα mediated apoptosis. Collectively, the results suggest TNFα-induced AIF upregulation contributes to apoptosis in rat primary cardiomyocytes through regulating miR-186 expression, which implies miR-186 could be a potential therapeutic target for preventing inflammation associated cardiac damage.

Exenatide Reduces Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-induced Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes by Alleviating Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Background:

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays an important role in progressive contractile dysfunction in several cardiac diseases. The cytotoxic effects of TNF-α are suggested to be partly mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS)- and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or its analogue exhibits protective effects on the cardiovascular system. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of exenatide, a GLP-1 analogue, on oxidative stress, and apoptosis in TNF-α-treated cardiomyocytes in vitro.

Methods:

Isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were divided into three groups: Control group, with cells cultured in normal conditions without intervention; TNF-α group, with cells incubated with TNF-α (40 ng/ml) for 6, 12, or 24 h without pretreatment with exenatide; and exenatide group, with cells pretreated with exenatide (100 nmol/L) 30 mins before TNF-α (40 ng/ml) stimulation. We evaluated apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and flow cytometry, measured ROS production and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by specific the fluorescent probes, and assessed the levels of proteins by Western blotting for all the groups.

Results:

Exenatide pretreatment significantly reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis as measured by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay at 12 h and 24 h. Also, exenatide inhibited excessive ROS production and maintained MMP. Furthermore, declined cytochrome-c release and cleaved caspase-3 expression and increased bcl-2 expression with concomitantly decreased Bax activation were observed in exenatide-pretreated cultures.

Conclusion:

These results suggested that exenatide exerts a protective effect on cardiomyocytes, preventing TNF-α-induced apoptosis; the anti-apoptotic effects may be associated with protection of mitochondrial function.

Bauhinia championii flavone inhibits apoptosis and autophagy via the PI3K/Akt pathway in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

This study aimed to determine the effects of Bauhinia championii flavone (BCF) on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) in rats and to explore potential mechanisms. The MI/RI model in rats was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 minutes, then reperfusing for 3 hours. BCF at 20 mg/kg was given 20 minutes prior to ischemia via sublingual intravenous injection, with 24 μg/kg phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor (PI3K; wortmannin) as a control. The creatine kinase-MB and nitric oxide content were assessed by colorimetry. The levels of mitochondrial permeability transition pores and tumor necrosis factor alpha were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Additionally, the expression of PI3K, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, caspase-3, and Beclin1 was analyzed by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Akt and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II protein levels were also evaluated. Pretreatment with BCF significantly decreased the levels of creatine kinase-MB, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and mitochondrial permeability transition pores, but increased the nitric oxide content. Furthermore, BCF inhibited apoptosis, downregulated caspase-3, Beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II, upregulated PI3K, and increased the protein levels of phosphorylated Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. However, all of the previously mentioned effects of BCF were blocked when BCF was coadministered with wortmannin. In conclusion, these observations indicated that BCF has cardioprotective effects against MI/RI by reducing cell apoptosis and excessive autophagy, which might be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Amelioration of oxidative and inflammatory status in hearts of cholesterol-fed rats supplemented with oils or oil-products with extra virgin olive oil components

PURPOSE

The contribution of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) macro- and micro-constituents in heart oxidative and inflammatory status in a hypercholesterolemic rat model was evaluated. Fatty acid profile as well as α-tocopherol, sterol, and squalene content was identified directly in rat hearts to distinguish the effect of individual components or to enlighten the potential synergisms.

METHODS

Oils and oil-products with discernible lipid and polar phenolic content were used. Wistar rats were fed a high-cholesterol diet solely, or supplemented with one of the following oils, i.e., EVOO, sunflower oil (SO), and high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) or oil-products, i.e., phenolics-deprived EVOO [EVOO(-)], SO enriched with the EVOO phenolics [SO(+)], and HOSO enriched with the EVOO phenolics [HOSO(+)]. Dietary treatment lasted 9 weeks; at the end of the intervention blood and heart samples were collected.

RESULTS

High-cholesterol-diet-induced dyslipidemia was shown by increase in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerols. Dyslipidemia resulted in increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, while glutathione and interleukin 6 levels remained unaffected in all intervention groups. Augmentation observed in MDA and TNF-α was attenuated in EVOO, SO(+), and HOSO(+) groups. Heart squalene and cholesterol content remained unaffected among all groups studied. Heart α-tocopherol was determined by oil α-tocopherol content. Variations were observed for heart β-sitosterol, while heterogeneity was reported with respect to heart fatty acid profile in all intervention groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we suggest that the EVOO-polar phenolic compounds decreased MDA and TNF-α in hearts of cholesterol-fed rats.

Protective role of oleic acid against cardiovascular insulin resistance and in the early and late cellular atherosclerotic process

BACKGROUND

Several translational studies have identified the differential role between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids at cardiovascular level. However, the molecular mechanisms that support the protective role of oleate in cardiovascular cells are poorly known. For these reasons, we studied the protective role of oleate in the insulin resistance and in the atherosclerotic process at cellular level such as in cardiomyocytes (CMs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs).

METHODS

The effect of oleate in the cardiovascular insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction, inflammation, proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs were analyzed by Western blot, qRT-PCR, BrdU incorporation and cell cycle analysis.

RESULTS

Palmitate induced insulin resistance. However, oleate not only did not induce cardiovascular insulin resistance but also had a protective effect against insulin resistance induced by palmitate or TNFα. One mechanism involved might be the prevention by oleate of JNK-1/2 or NF-κB activation in response to TNF-α or palmitate. Oleate reduced MCP-1 and ICAM-1 and increased eNOS expression induced by proinflammatory cytokines in ECs. Furthermore, oleate impaired the proliferation induced by TNF-α, angiotensin II or palmitate and the apoptosis induced by TNF-α or thapsigargin in VSMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest a differential role between oleate and palmitate and support the concept of the cardioprotector role of oleate as the main lipid component of virgin olive oil. Thus, oleate protects against cardiovascular insulin resistance, improves endothelial dysfunction in response to proinflammatory signals and finally, reduces proliferation and apoptosis in VSMCs that may contribute to an ameliorated atherosclerotic process and plaque stability.

Long-term low carbohydrate diet leads to deleterious metabolic manifestations in diabetic mice

We investigated long-term effects of low carbohydrate diets on wild type mice, streptozotocin-injected and KKAy obese diabetic mice. These mice were pair-fed three different types of diets, standard chow (SC, C∶P∶F = 63∶15∶22), a low carbohydrate (LC, C∶P∶F = 38∶25∶37) diet and a severely carbohydrate restricted (SR, C∶P∶F = 18∶45∶37) diet for 16 weeks. Despite comparable body weights and serum lipid profiles, wild type and diabetic mice fed the low carbohydrate diets exhibited lower insulin sensitivity and this reduction was dependent on the amount of carbohydrate in the diet. When serum fatty acid compositions were investigated, monounsaturation capacity, i.e. C16:1/C16:0 and C18:1/C18:0, was impaired in all murine models fed the low carbohydrate diets, consistent with the decreased expression of hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1). Interestingly, both the hepatic expressions and serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), which might be related to longevity, were markedly decreased in both wild type and KKAy mice fed the SR diet. Taking into consideration that fat compositions did not differ between the LC and SR diets, we conclude that low carbohydrate diets have deleterious metabolic effects in both wild type and diabetic mice, which may explain the association between diets relatively low in carbohydrate and the elevated risk of cardiovascular events observed in clinical studies.

TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 activation specifically alters the oxidative status of intestinal epithelial cells

Intestinal inflammatory diseases are the result of multiple processes, including mucosal oxidative stress and perturbed homeostasis between commensal bacteria and mucosal immunity. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize molecular-associated microorganisms' patterns and trigger innate immunity responses contributing to intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory responses. However, TLRs effects on redox balance in intestinal mucosa remain unknown. Therefore, the present study analyzes the effect of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 on both oxidative damage of lipids and proteins, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells. The results show that the activation of these TLRs increased lipid and protein oxidation levels; however, the effect on the antioxidant enzymes activity is different depending on the TLR activated. These results suggest that the activation of TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 might affect intestinal inflammation by not only their inherent innate immunity responses, but also their pro-oxidative effects on intestinal epithelial cells.

IL-10 counteracts proinflammatory mediator evoked oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells

Oxidative stress is thought to play a key role in the development of intestinal damage in intestinal inflammatory diseases. Several molecules are involved in the intestinal inflammation, either as pro- or anti-inflammatory factors; however, their effects on intestinal oxidative stress seem to be controversial. This work analyzes the contribution of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules to the balance of oxidative damage in intestinal epithelial cells, as well as their effects on cellular antioxidant enzyme activity. With this purpose, the lipid and protein oxidation, together with the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, were determined in the Caco-2 cells treated with serotonin, adenosine, melatonin, and TNFα, as proinflammatory factors, and IL-10, as an anti-inflammatory cytokine. The results have shown that all the proinflammatory factors assayed increased oxidative damage. In addition, these factors also inhibited the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the cells, except melatonin. In contrast, IL-10 did not alter these parameters but was able to reduce the prooxidant effects yielded by serotonin, adenosine, melatonin, or TNFα, in part by restoring the antioxidant enzymes activities. In summary, proinflammatory factors may induce oxidative damage in intestinal epithelial cells, whereas IL-10 seems to be able to restore the altered redox equilibrium in Caco-2 cells.

Dietary oleic acid increases m2 macrophages in the mesenteric adipose tissue

Several studies have implicated fatty-acids as inflammatory regulators, suggesting that there may be a direct role for common dietary fatty-acids in regulating innate immune cells. In humans, a single high-fat meal increases systemic cytokines and leukocytes. In mice, short term high-fat feeding increases adipose tissue (AT) leukocytes and alters the inflammatory profile of AT macrophages. We have seen that short term high fat feeding to C57BL/6J male mice increases palmitic and oleic acid within AT depots, but oleic acid increase is highest in the mesenteric AT (MAT). In vitro, oleic acid increases M2 macrophage markers (CD206, MGL1, and ARG1) in a murine macrophage cell line, while addition of palmitic acid is able to inhibit that increase. Three day supplementation of a chow diet, with oleic acid, induced an increase in M2 macrophage markers in the MAT, but not in the epididymal AT. We tested whether increases in M2 macrophages occur during short term ad lib feeding of a high fat diet, containing oleic acid. Experiments revealed two distinct populations of macrophages were altered by a three day high milk-fat diet. One population, phenotypically intermediate for F4/80, showed diet-induced increases in CD206, an anti-inflammatory marker characteristic of M2 macrophages intrinsic to the AT. Evidence for a second population, phenotypically F4/80(HI)CD11b(HI) macrophages, showed increased association with the MAT following short term feeding that is dependent on the adhesion molecule, ICAM-1. Collectively, we have shown that short term feeding of a high-fat diet changes two population of macrophages, and that dietary oleic acid is responsible for increases in M2 macrophage polarization.

Elevated oleic acid serum concentrations in patients suffering from alcohol dependence

Background

Alcohol-induced damages such as brain atrophy and fatty liver are closely related to a disturbed lipid metabolism. In animal models, a linkage between chronic alcohol consumption and changes in fatty acid (FA) composition in various organs and cells is well known and there is some indication that this phenomenon could be linked to behavioural alterations associated with alcohol addiction such as craving. However, the influence of ethanol on secretory FA has not been investigated so far. In this study, we therefore aimed at investigating whether there is a significant change of serum FA composition in patients suffering from alcohol dependence. We compared patients before and after treatment (detoxication) with control individuals who did not suffer from addiction. The roles of age, the duration and intensity of alcohol use and lifestyles were considered.

Methods

Serum FA was measured in 73 male ethanol dependent patients before and after alcohol withdrawal in an in-patient setting. Additionally, of this group, 45 patients were matched with 45 healthy male volunteers as controls.

Results

We found significant differences in the FA composition before and after detoxication as well as between patients and controls. After detoxication, the values changed towards the ones in healthy controls. The main finding during acute alcohol use was an increased oleic acid concentration above the level of the linoleic acid concentration.

Conclusions

An elevated oleic/linoleic acid ratio seems to be a state marker for acute alcohol use and may be a relevant trait marker during detoxification and possibly the subsequent therapeutic measures. The results of this pilot study need to be replicated in a larger study also including female patients. Further, the specificity of this potential biomarker needs to be determined.