Evaluation of the effect of Punica granatum juice and punicalagin on NFκB modulation in inflammatory bowel disease

Pomegranate seed oil alleviates colitis: Therapeutic effects achieved by modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation in a rat model

Pomegranate seed oil shows positive effects by limiting neutrophil activation and lipid peroxidation through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated the possible ameliorative effects of pomegranate seed oil, its actions on proinflammatory cytokines, and its antioxidant activity using an acute acetic acid-induced colitis model in rats. 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control, colitis, 0.4 ml/kg, and 0.8 ml/kg pomegranate seed oil treatment after colitis. At the end of the experiment, histopathological and biochemical analyses of intestinal tissues and blood were performed. The study revealed that administering different doses of pomegranate seed oil dramatically reduced total oxidant levels, nuclear factor kappa B, proinflammatory cytokines, and myeloperoxidase activity and appreciably reduced colitis injury. These findings suggest that pomegranate seed oil may alleviate colitis symptoms effectively and exert protective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and Its Rich Ellagitannins as Potential Inhibitors in Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis, an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, places a significant financial burden on patients and the healthcare system. Recently, reviews of the pomegranate and the abundant medicinal applications of its ellagitannins, as well as its pharmacological action, phytochemicals, metabolism, and pharmacokinetics, have been completed. However, summaries on their anti-ulcerative colitis effects are lacking. Numerous preclinical animal investigations and clinical human trial reports demonstrated the specific therapeutic effects of pomegranate and the effect of its ellagitannins against ulcerative colitis. According to the literature collected by Sci-finder and PubMed databases over the past 20 years, this is the first review that has compiled references regarding how the rich ellagitannins found in pomegranate have altered the ulcerative colitis. It was suggested that the various parts of pomegranates and their rich ellagitannins (especially their primary components, punicalagin, and ellagic acid) can inhibit oxidant and inflammatory processes, regulate the intestinal barrier and flora, and provide an anti-ulcerative colitis resource through dietary management.

Glycosides as Potential Medicinal Components for Ulcerative Colitis: A Review

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, non-specific disease of unknown etiology. The disease develops mainly in the rectum or colon, and the main clinical symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and purulent bloody stools, with a wide variation in severity. The specific causative factors and pathogenesis of the disease are not yet clear, but most scholars believe that the disease is caused by the interaction of genetic, environmental, infectious, immune, and intestinal flora factors. As for the treatment of UC, medications are commonly used in clinical practice, mainly including aminosalicylates, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressive drugs. However, due to the many complications associated with conventional drug therapy and the tendency for UC to recur, there is an urgent need to discover new, safer, and more effective drugs. Natural compounds with biodiversity and chemical structure diversity from medicinal plants are the most reliable source for the development of new drug precursors. Evidence suggests that glycosides may reduce the development and progression of UC by modulating anti-inflammatory responses, inhibiting oxidative stress, suppressing abnormal immune responses, and regulating signal transduction. In this manuscript, we provide a review of the epidemiology of UC and the available drugs for disease prevention and treatment. In addition, we demonstrate the protective or therapeutic role of glycosides in UC and describe the possible mechanisms of action to provide a theoretical basis for preclinical studies in drug development.

An Overview of the Health Benefits, Extraction Methods and Improving the Properties of Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a polyphenol-rich edible food and medicinal plant of ancient origin, containing flavonols, anthocyanins, and tannins, with ellagitannins as the most abundant polyphenols. In the last decades, its consumption and scientific interest increased, due to its multiple beneficial effects. Pomegranate is a balausta fruit, a large berry surrounded by a thick colored peel composed of exocarp and mesocarp with edible arils inside, from which the pomegranate juice can be produced by pressing. Seeds are used to obtain the seed oil, rich in fatty acids. The non-edible part of the fruit, the peel, although generally disposed as a waste or transformed into compost or biogas, is also used to extract bioactive products. This review summarizes some recent preclinical and clinical studies on pomegranate, which highlight promising beneficial effects in several fields. Although further insight is needed on key aspects, including the limited oral bioavailability and the role of possible active metabolites, the ongoing development of suitable encapsulation and green extraction techniques enabling the valorization of waste pomegranate products point to the great potential of pomegranate and its bioactive constituents as dietary supplements or adjuvants in therapies of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases.

Tannins-Based Extracts: Effects on Gut Chicken Spontaneous Contractility

The impossibility of using drugs for the health of farm animals leads to the search for alternative strategies with two purposes: to maintain animal health and safeguard human health. In this perspective, tannins have shown great promises. These phytocomplexes obtained from natural matrices with multiple health properties may be used as a feed supplement in chicken farms. In this work, we studied two tannin-based extracts (from Castanea sativa Mill. wood and from Schinopsis balansae Engl. Quebracho Colorado hardwood) with different chemical compositions on the spontaneous contractility on the isolated intestinal tissues of healthy chicken. The results showed that the chemical composition of the two phytocomplexes influenced the spontaneous intestinal contractility in different ways by regulating the tone and consequent progression of the food bolus. The chemical analysis of the two extracts revealed that Castanea sativa Mill. wood mainly contains hydrolysable tannins, while Schinopsis balansae Engl. hardwood mainly contains condensed tannins. The two phytocomplexes showed different effects towards gastrointestinal smooth muscle contractility, with Castanea sativa Mill. wood providing a better activity profile than Schinopsis balansae Engl. hardwood.

Dietary polyphenols in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, caused by chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, are inflammatory bowel diseases and have similar symptoms. Abnormal immune responses play a pretty important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Proinflammatory mediators trigger inflammation, stimulate cell signaling molecules, and induce disease onset. Corticosteroids, anti-tumor necrosis factor-α antibodies, and immunosuppressants are some drugs used to treat the disease. However, these drugs have some side effects. In addition, surgical methods might be used in the treatment, but these methods may have some complications. Due to the negative impact on treatment options, alternative methods for reliable, inexpensive, and effective treatment are being sought. Secondary plant compounds with an aromatic or phenolic ring structure, so-called polyphenols or phenolic compounds, may modulate cellular signaling pathways and reduce intestinal inflammation due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Polyphenols may be evaluated as alternative methods for inflammatory bowel disease based on these properties. This review aims to investigate the effect of some polyphenols on inflammatory bowel disease.

Punicalagin Alleviates Psoriasis by Inhibiting NF-κB-Mediated IL-1β Transcription and Caspase-1-Regulated IL-1β Secretion

Psoriasis is a chronic and inflammatory skin disorder characterized by inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia. Punicalagin (PUN) is a main active ingredient of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel with multiple biological activities, such as antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-tumor effects. However, the potential effect of PUN on psoriasis remains unknown. In this study, we want to investigate the pharmacological effect of PUN on psoriasis by using imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic mice model in vivo and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-α) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A)-stimulated HaCaT cells in vitro. Our results showed that PUN can effectively alleviate the severity of psoriasis-like symptoms. Mechanistically, PUN potently suppresses the aberrant upregulation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and subsequent IL-1β-mediated inflammatory cascade in keratinocytes by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation and cleaved caspase-1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicate that PUN can relieve psoriasis by repressing NF-κB-mediated IL-1β transcription and caspase-1-regulated IL-1β secretion, which provide evidence that PUN might represent a novel and promising candidate for the treatment of psoriasis.

Ellagic Acid Alleviates Oxidative Stress by Mediating Nrf2 Signaling Pathways and Protects against Paraquat-Induced Intestinal Injury in Piglets

The gastrointestinal tract is a key source of superoxide so as to be one of the most vulnerable to oxidative stress damage. Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenol displays widely biological activities owing to its strong antioxidant properties. Here, we investigated the protective benefits of EA on oxidative stress and intestinal barrier injury in paraquet (PQ)-challenged piglets. A total of 40 weaned piglets were randomly divided into five groups: Control, PQ, 0.005% EA-PQ, 0.01% EA-PQ, and 0.02% EA-PQ. Piglets were intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg/kg (BW) PQ or saline on d-18, and sacrificed on d-21 of experiment. EA treatments eliminated growth-check induced by PQ and increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity but decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level as compared to PQ group. EA supplementation promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and enhanced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) protein abundances of small intestinal mucosa. Additionally, EA improved PQ-induced crypt deepening, goblet cells loss, and villi morphological damage. Consistently, EA increased tight junction protein expression as was evident from the decreased serum diamine oxidase (DAO) levels. EA could ameliorate the PQ-induced oxidative stress and intestinal damage through mediating Nrf2 signaling pathway. Intake of EA-rich food might prevent oxidative stress-mediated gut diseases.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Through Modulation of NF-κB and Cell Adhesion Molecules

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a serious health condition and defined as inflammation in the colon. Untreated, UC can develop into colitis-associated cancer (CAC), for which effective medicines are not available. Natural products are a better choice to treat UC by alleviating the inflammation. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a phenolic compound and known for its beneficial effects, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer. We aimed to study the effect of CAPE on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mouse model. Administration of CAPE to DSS-induced mice protected against colon damage by improving body weight of mice, reducing the weight of spleen, and increased colon length. In addition, administration of CAPE resulted reduced the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and CD⁶⁸⁺ positive cells. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the production of key cytokines and the expression of nuclear factor (p65-NF)-κB. Moreover, p65-NF-κB activation was reduced in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells from mouse origin. CAPE treatment leads to the reduced expressions of intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM), both are key cell adhesion molecules. The results of this study clearly indicate that CAPE can potentially control inflammation in the colon and can be used as a therapy for UC.

Ongoing and potential novel trends of pomegranate fruit peel; a comprehensive review of its health benefits and future perspectives as nutraceutical

Pomegranate is an ancient shrub, globally distributed nowadays. It has been used in the middle east as a medicinal food and traditional medicine for thousands of years. Pomegranate peel (PP) constitutes about 50% of the total fruit, however, it has been previously regarded as a waste. Recent research points to PP as a rich source of phenolics (e.g., ellagitannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins), polysaccharides, in addition to its biotransformed metabolites viz. urolithins making it a valuable waste with promising pharmacological actions. Compared to the pulp and the juice, PP exhibited stronger antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Besides, it inhibited inflammation in several conditions, including colitis, arthritis, hepatitis, contact dermatitis, and lung inflammation. Moreover, it displayed anti-osteoporosis, anti-hyperglycemic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, vasculoprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, it was effective as a prebiotic and in obesity control, besides it promoted wound healing. Furthermore, PP demonstrated anticancer effects against different cancer types, for example, colon, liver, thyroid, uterine, breast, bladder, prostate, leukemia, and osteosarcoma. Despite PP safety, it may interfere with the metabolism of other drugs because it inhibits cytochromes (CYP) changing their bioavailability, effectiveness, and toxicity. PP biowaste valorization not only avoids against its environmental and economic burden but can also provide a promising platform to produce novel or improved nutraceuticals. This study provides a comprehensive overview of PP biological activities with the reported action mechanisms related to its phytochemicals and further biotransformed metabolites inside the body. Future research prospects to unravel the merits of such waste and optimize its use are discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Pomegranate is widely distributed throughout the world. Although its peel was previously considered a waste, recent research regards it as a rich source of bioactive compounds with promising biological activities. Its recycling not only overcomes the bio-waste problems, but also provides a source of valuable compounds with several health benefits. In recent years, PP has been demonstrated to exhibit excellent pharmacological bioactivities, for example, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiosteoporosis, antihyperlipidemic, and anticancer activities. Its health-promoting power is mostly attributed to the phenolic and polysaccharide content, in addition to its amazing biotransformed metabolites. The underlying action mechanisms of such pharmacological activities are discussed and related to its chemical content. This review presents the latest research progress on the role of PP in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases, and its protective health effects for future research to be used in nutraceuticals.

Punicalagin attenuates osteoarthritis progression via regulating Foxo1/Prg4/HIF3α axis

BACKGROUND

Punicalagin (PUN) is a common anti-inflammatory polyphenol. However, the function and mechanism of PUN in osteoarthritis remains unknown.

METHODS

Chondrocytes were isolated from rats, and confirmed by toluidine blue staining and immunofluorescence. Chondrocytes were challenged by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and rat osteoarthritis model was established by Hulth method. The secretion of inflammatory factors, cell viability and apoptosis were tested via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), MTT and flow cytometry. The levels of forkhead box O1 (Foxo1), proteoglycan 4 (Prg4), hypoxia-inducible factor-3α (HIF3α), autophagy-related genes or extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins were examined via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot or immunohistochemistry. The cartilage tissue damage was assessed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, toluidine blue staining and terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick and labeling (TUNEL) staining.

RESULTS

LPS triggered inflammatory injury in chondrocytes. PUN promoted autophagy to mitigate LPS-induced inflammatory injury. Foxo1 silence attenuated the effect of PUN on LPS-mediated autophagy inhibition and inflammatory injury. Promotion of Prg4/HIF3α axis abolished the influence of Foxo1 knockdown on LPS-mediated chondrocytes injury. PUN mitigated the inflammatory injury in rat osteoarthritis model by promoting autophagy and inhibiting inflammation and ECM degradation via Foxo1/Prg4/HIF3α axis.

CONCLUSION

PUN attenuates LPS-induced chondrocyte injury and osteoarthritis progression by regulating Foxo1/Prg4/HIF3α axis.

Sargassum fusiforme together with turmeric extract and pomegranate peel extract alleviates obesity in high fat-fed C57BL/6J mice

Sargassum fusiforme, a nutritious edible brown alga, has been widely suggested to play an important role in the development of functional food because of its multiple biological activities. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-obesity effect of the combination of Sargassum fusiforme with extracts of fruit and vegetable by comparing the effects of Sargassum fusiforme (S), Sargassum fusiforme together with pomegranate peel extract (SP), Sargassum fusiforme together with turmeric extract (ST) and Sargassum fusiforme together with turmeric extract and pomegranate peel extract (C) on diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. Long-term consumption of a high-fat diet can lead to high levels of blood lipid, increase adipocyte size, and cause lipid metabolism dysfunction and gut microbiota dysbiosis. According to the results of the experiments, SP and ST were more effective in reducing lipid levels and fat accumulation than S; and, C exhibited the strongest efficacy compared with the other three supplements. ST and C also regulated adipocytokines and had significant effects on the gene expression of lipid metabolism. We also found that C alleviated the imbalance of intestinal flora caused by a high-fat diet to a certain extent. In conclusion, SP, ST and C have anti-obesity potentials, which can be used as alternative ingredients in the formula of functional food for obese people.

Neuroprotective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice and seed extract in paraquat-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Paraquat, (PQ), an herbicide that can induce Parkinsonian-like symptoms in rodents and humans. The consumption of phytochemical-rich plants can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of pomegranate seed extract (PSE) and juice (PJ) against PQ-induced neurotoxicity in mice.

METHODS

Mice were assigned into 4 groups; three groups received PQ (10 mg/kg, i.p.) twice a week for 3 weeks. Two of the PQ-induced groups pretreated with either PSE or PJ. Detection of phytochemicals, total phenolics, and total flavonoids in PSE and PJ was performed. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) level was measured in the substantia nigra (SN) by Western blotting technique. Striatal dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes were estimated in the striatum by colorimetric analysis. Striatal pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as DNA fragmentation degree by qualitative DNA fragmentation assay, were evaluated. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was performed for the detection of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB) gene expression. Moreover, Western blotting analysis was used for the estimation of the cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels in the striatum.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with PSE or PJ increased the levels of TH in the SN as well as DA and its metabolite in the striatum that were reduced by PQ injection. PSE and PJ preadministration improved the PQ-induced oxidative stress via a significant reduction of the MDA level and the augmentation of antioxidant enzyme activities. PSE and PJ also significantly downregulated the striatal NF-кB gene expression, reduced the PQ-enhanced apoptosis, decreased the levels of; pro-inflammatory cytokines, CD11b, and TGF-β coupled with a significant increase of; interleukin-10 (IL-10), GDNF, and ATP levels as compared with PQ-treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study indicated that PSE and PJ consumption may exhibit protective effects against PQ-induced neurotoxicity in mice.

Pomegranate juice as a functional food: a comprehensive review of its polyphenols, therapeutic merits, and recent patents

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an ancient perennial plant species of the Punicaceae family and is regarded as the 'miracle fruit' for its seeds being consumed as food, juice and as a functional food. Significant modern pharmacological and clinical evidence has highlighted the wide medicinal applications of pomegranate fruit parts and its juice. Pomegranate juice (PJ) that is superior to other fruit juices is a fortified source of dietary polyphenols with potential antioxidant capacity. Polyphenols of PJ include tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The presence of these beneficial phytochemicals is directly linked to its favourable health benefits viz., obesity and diabetes management and anti-inflammatory effects. This comprehensive review capitalizes on PJ with emphasis on the interrelationship between its holistic chemical composition, metabolism and biological effects. Moreover, the review recapitulates on the diverse health benefits of PJ and related patents in the field of PJ production to ensure the best produced juice quality.

Composition and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate: A Review

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits are widely consumed and used as preventive and therapeutic agents since ancient times. Pomegranate is a rich source of a variety of phytochemicals, which are responsible for its strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge of chemical structure and potential health benefits of pomegranate.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of available literature.

RESULTS

The review of the literature confirms that juice and extracts obtained from different parts of this plant, including fruit peel, seeds, and leaves exert health benefits in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial and anti-tumour effects of pomegranate fruit are of particular scientific and clinical interest.

CONCLUSION

Further investigations are required to clarify the mechanism of action of the bioactive ingredients and to reveal full potential of pomegranate as both preventive and therapeutic agent.

The effect of Punica granatum L. flower extract on post-surgical peritoneal adhesions in a rat model

OBJECTIVE

Peritoneal adhesions may develop after every abdominopelvic surgery. Many agents and technical modifications have been investigated to minimize adhesions. Punica granatum (pomegranate) flower has some anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects that would reduce the formation of peritoneal adhesions. In the present study, the effects of different doses of oral Punica granatum flower extract on postoperative peritoneal adhesions were evaluated in a rat model.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty-two female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: one control group (CG) and three experimental groups, treated with 100 (EG100), 200 (EG200), and 400 (EG400) mg/kg/day Punica granatum extract orally for eight days. Induction of peritoneal adhesions was done in all groups using the same method. Two weeks after the first surgery, all rats re-operated and adhesions were evaluated via both macroscopic and microscopic changes.

RESULTS

We observed that rats in the control group had statistically higher adhesion area and more severe adhesions when compared to all experimental groups. Besides, those in the EG-400 group had a significantly lower rate of foreign body reaction in serosal layer when compared to the other three study groups. Other microscopic findings were comparable between the four groups.

CONCLUSION

Administration of the oral Punica granatum flower extract was associated with a decreased quantity and quality of the adhesions in the animal model of rat in this study. This therapy might be an effective and safe strategy to reduce intraperitoneal adhesion after abdominal surgeries in animal models.

Pomegranate peel polyphenols inhibits inflammation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages via the suppression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation

BACKGROUNDS

Inflammatory response mediated by activated immune cells is a vital process in host defense system while responding to various stresses. Our previous studies have indicated that pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPPs) and their main components punicalagin (PC) and ellagic acid (EA) decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway, but whether these tested polyphenols play an important role in NF-κB signaling pathway, another crucial pathway of inflammation, remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we analyzed the anti-inflammatory effect of these polyphenols via TLR4-NF-κB pathway in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages.

METHODS

Different concentrations of PPPs, PC, and EA were pre-incubated with RAW264.7 macrophages and then stimulated with LPS (1 μg/mL), and the effects of reactive oxygen species and TLR4 were investigated. Moreover, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and phosphorylation, and degradation of IκB were measured by Western blot. Furthermore, the influence of pro-inflammatory cytokines was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Our data showed that PPPs, PC, and EA inhibited LPS-induced intracellular ROS production and suppressed the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory mechanism was involved in blocking LPS-induced phosphorylation, degradation of IκB, and nuclear translocation of p65. Additionally, PPPs and PC exhibited a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than that of EA.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that PPPs possess potent anti-inflammatory effect, and PC was the main effective component in PPPs, which provided new insights into the utilization of PPPs to prevent inflammation-associated disorders.

Current Therapies Focused on High-Density Lipoproteins Associated with Cardiovascular Disease

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) comprise a heterogeneous family of lipoprotein particles divided into subclasses that are determined by density, size and surface charge as well as protein composition. Epidemiological studies have suggested an inverse correlation between High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the risk of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. HDLs promote reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and have several atheroprotective functions such as anti-inflammation, anti-thrombosis, and anti-oxidation. HDLs are considered to be atheroprotective because they are associated in serum with paraoxonases (PONs) which protect HDL from oxidation. Polyphenol consumption reduces the risk of chronic diseases in humans. Polyphenols increase the binding of HDL to PON1, increasing the catalytic activity of PON1. This review summarizes the evidence currently available regarding pharmacological and alternative treatments aimed at improving the functionality of HDL-C. Information on the effectiveness of the treatments has contributed to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate plasma levels of HDL-C, thereby promoting the development of more effective treatment of cardiovascular diseases. For that purpose, Scopus and Medline databases were searched to identify the publications investigating the impact of current therapies focused on high-density lipoproteins.

An update on dietary consideration in inflammatory bowel disease: anthocyanins and more

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorder. A wealth of data pointed out that various aspects of chronic inflammation may be affected by several specific dietary factors. This paper calls attention to anthocyanins enriched plant food and anthocyanin dietary supplements, whose role in the management of IBD and its associated oncogenesis deems crucial. Area covered: We updated the most relevant dietary anthocyanins with potential anti-colitis and preventive effect on inflammatory associated colorectal cancer based on the recent animal and human researches along with revealing the major cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. Mounting evidence reported that anthocyanins enriched plant foods perform their protective role on IBD and inflammatory-induced colorectal cancer via different cellular transduction signaling pathways, including inflammatory transcription factors, SAPK/JNK and p38 MAPK cascade, JAK/STAT signaling, NF-kB/pERK/MAPK, Wnt signaling pathway, Nrf2 cytoprotective pathway as well as AMPK pathway and autophagy. Expert commentary: Combination of anthocyanins enriched dietary supplements with existing medications can provide new therapeutic options for IBD patients. Further, well-designed randomized control trials (RCTs) are essential to evaluate the role of anthocyanins enriched medicinal foods as well as isolated anthocyanin components as promising preventive and therapeutic dietary agents for IBD and its associated oncogenesis.

Maternal pomegranate juice attenuates maternal inflammation-induced fetal brain injury by inhibition of apoptosis, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and NF-κB in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Maternal inflammation is a risk factor for neonatal brain injury and future neurological deficits. Pomegranates have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant activities.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that pomegranate juice (POM) may attenuate fetal brain injury in a rat model of maternal inflammation.

STUDY DESIGN

Pregnant rats (24 total) were randomized for intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (100 μg/kg) or saline at time 0 at 18 days of gestation. From day 11 of gestation, 12 dams were provided ad libitum access to drinking water, and 12 dams were provided ad libitum access to drinking water with pomegranate juice (5 mL per day), resulting in 4 groups of 6 dams (saline/saline, pomegranate juice/saline, saline/lipopolysaccharide, pomegranate juice/lipopolysaccharide). All dams were sacrificed 4 hours following the injection and maternal blood and fetal brains were collected from the 4 treatment groups. Maternal interleukin-6 serum levels and fetal brain caspase 3 active form, nuclear factor-κB p65, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (phosphoneuronal nitric oxide synthase), and proinflammatory cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot.

RESULTS

Maternal lipopolysaccharide significantly increased maternal serum interleukin-6 levels (6039 ± 1039 vs 66 ± 46 pg/mL; P < .05) and fetal brain caspase 3 active form, nuclear factor-κB p65, phosphoneuronal nitric oxide synthase, and the proinflammatory cytokines compared to the control group (caspase 3 active form 0.26 ± 0.01 vs 0.20 ± 0.01 U; nuclear factor-κB p65 0.24 ± 0.01 vs 0.1 ± 0.01 U; phosphoneuronal nitric oxide synthase 0.23 ± 0.01 vs 0.11 ± 0.01 U; interleukin-6 0.25 ± 0.01 vs 0.09 ± 0.01 U; tumor necrosis factor-α 0.26 ± 0.01 vs 0.12 ± 0.01 U; chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 0.23 ± 0.01 vs 0.1 ± 0.01 U). Maternal supplementation of pomegranate juice to lipopolysaccharide-exposed dams (pomegranate juice/lipopolysaccharide) significantly reduced maternal serum interleukin-6 levels (3059 ± 1121 pg/mL, fetal brain: caspase 3 active form (0.2 ± 0.01 U), nuclear factor-κB p65 (0.22 ± 0.01 U), phosphoneuronal nitric oxide synthase (0.19 ± 0.01 U) as well as the brain proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and chemokine [C-C motif] ligand 2) compared to lipopolysaccharide group.

CONCLUSION

Maternal pomegranate juice supplementation may attenuate maternal inflammation-induced fetal brain injury. Pomegranate juice neuroprotective effects might be secondary to the suppression of both the maternal inflammatory response and inhibition of fetal brain apoptosis, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor-κB activation.

Nutraceuticals in rodent models as potential treatments for human Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of all or part of the digestive tract. Nutraceuticals include bioactive compounds such as polyphenols with anti-inflammatory activities, thus these products have the potential to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. We have emphasized the role of nutraceuticals in ameliorating the symptoms of IBD in rodent models of human IBD through modulation of key pathogenic mechanisms including dysbiosis, oxidative stress, increased inflammatory cytokines, immune system dysregulation, and inflammatory cell signaling pathways. Nutraceuticals have an important role in IBD patients as a preventive approach to extend remission phases and as a therapeutic intervention to suppress active IBD. Further clinical trials on nutraceuticals with positive results in rodent models are warranted.

Could Pomegranate Juice Help in the Control of Inflammatory Diseases?

Fruits rich in polyphenols, such as pomegranates, have been shown to have health benefits relating to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Using data obtained from PubMed and Scopus, this article provides a brief overview of the therapeutic effects of pomegranate on chronic inflammatory diseases (CID) such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, and other inflammatory-associated conditions, with an emphasis on fruit-derived juices. Most studies regarding the effects of pomegranate juice have focused on its ability to treat prostate cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. However, pomegranate juice has shown therapeutic potential for many other illnesses. For instance, a small number of human clinical trials have highlighted the positive effects of pomegranate juice and extract consumption on cardiovascular health. The beneficial effects of pomegranate components have also been observed in animal models for respiratory diseases, RA, neurodegenerative disease, and hyperlipidaemia. Furthermore, there exists strong evidence from rodent models suggesting that pomegranate juice can be used to effectively treat IBD, and as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat CID. The effects of pomegranate intake should be further investigated by conducting larger and more well-defined human trials.