Calorie restriction and resveratrol in cardiovascular health and disease

The effects of time restricted feeding on age-related changes in the mouse retina

Dietary modifications such as caloric restriction (CR) and intermittent fasting (IF) have gained popularity due to their proven health benefits in aged populations. In time restricted feeding (TRF), a form of intermittent fasting, the amount of time for food intake is regulated without restricting the caloric intake. TRF is beneficial for the central nervous system to support brain health in the context of aging. Therefore, we here ask whether TRF also exerts beneficial effects in the aged retina. We compared aged mice (24 months) on a TRF paradigm (access to food for six hours per day) for either 6 or 12 months against young control mice (8 months) and aged control mice on an ad libitum diet. We examined changes in the retina at the functional (electroretinography), structural (histology and fluorescein angiograms) and molecular (gene expression) level. TRF treatment showed amelioration of age-related reductions in both scotopic and photopic b-wave amplitudes suggesting benefits for retinal interneuron signaling. TRF did not affect age-related signs of retinal inflammation or microglial activation at either the molecular or histological level. Our data indicate that TRF helps preserve some aspects of retinal function that are decreased with aging, adding to our understanding of the health benefits that altered feeding patterns may confer.

Insights into the Therapeutic and Pharmacological Properties of Resveratrol as a Nutraceutical Antioxidant Polyphenol in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Resveratrol (3, 5, 4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic derivative with herbal origin. It has attracted considerable attention in recent decades. Many studies have revealed the benefits of Resveratrol over several human disease models, including heart and neurological diseases, nephroprotective, immune regulation, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, age-related diseases, antiviral, and anticancer in experimental and clinical conditions. Recently, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Resveratrol have been observed, and it has been shown that Resveratrol reduces inflammatory biomarkers, such as tissue degradation factor, cyclooxygenase 2, nitric oxide synthase, and interleukins. All of these activities appear to be dependent on its structural properties, such as the number and position of the hydroxyl group, which regulates oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammation. Resveratrol is well tolerated and safe even at higher pharmacological doses and desirably affects cardiovascular, neurological, and diabetic diseases. Consequently, it is plausible that Resveratrol can be regarded as a beneficial nutritional additive and a complementary drug, particularly for therapeutic applications. The present review provides an overview of currently available investigations on preventive and therapeutic characteristics and the main molecular mechanisms of Resveratrol and its potent derivatives in various diseases. Thus, this review would enhance knowledge and information about Resveratrol and encourage researchers worldwide to consider it as a pharmaceutical drug to struggle with future health crises against different human disorders.

Diet Change Improves Obesity and Lipid Deposition in High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice

The number of obese people is increasing dramatically worldwide, and one of the major causes of obesity is excess energy due to high-fat diets. Several studies have shown that reducing food and energy intake represents a key intervention or treatment to combat overweight/obesity. Here, we conducted a 12-week energy-restricted dietary intervention for high-fat diet-induced obese mice (C57BL/6J) to investigate the effectiveness of diet change in improving obesity. The results revealed that the diet change from HFD to NFD significantly reduced weight gain and subcutaneous adipose tissue weight in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, providing scientific evidence for the effectiveness of diet change in improving body weight and fat deposition in obese individuals. Regarding the potential explanations for these observations, weight reduction may be attributed to the excessive enlargement of adipocytes in the white adipose tissue of obese mice that were inhibited. Diet change significantly promoted lipolysis in the adipose tissue (eWAT: Adrb3, Plin1, HSL, and CPTA1a; ingWAT: CPT1a) and liver (reduced content of nonesterified fatty acids), and reduced lipogenesis in ingWAT (Dgat2). Moreover, the proportion of proliferative stem cells in vWAT and sWAT changed dramatically with diet change. Overall, our study reveals the phenotypic, structural, and metabolic diversity of multiple tissues (vWAT and sWAT) in response to diet change and identifies a role for adipocyte stem cells in the tissue specificity of diet change.

Does dietary nitrate boost the effects of caloric restriction on brain health? Potential physiological mechanisms and implications for future research

Dementia is a highly prevalent and costly disease characterised by deterioration of cognitive and physical capacity due to changes in brain function and structure. Given the absence of effective treatment options for dementia, dietary and other lifestyle approaches have been advocated as potential strategies to reduce the burden of this condition. Maintaining an optimal nutritional status is vital for the preservation of brain function and structure. Several studies have recognised the significant role of nutritional factors to protect and enhance metabolic, cerebrovascular, and neurocognitive functions. Caloric restriction (CR) positively impacts on brain function via a modulation of mitochondrial efficiency, endothelial function, neuro-inflammatory, antioxidant and autophagy responses. Dietary nitrate, which serves as a substrate for the ubiquitous gasotransmitter nitric oxide (NO), has been identified as a promising nutritional intervention that could have an important role in improving vascular and metabolic brain regulation by affecting oxidative metabolism, ROS production, and endothelial and neuronal integrity. Only one study has recently tested the combined effects of both interventions and showed preliminary, positive outcomes cognitive function. This paper explores the potential synergistic effects of a nutritional strategy based on the co-administration of CR and a high-nitrate diet as a potential and more effective (than either intervention alone) strategy to protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.

The Role of Sirtuins in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease with a genetic basis. It is characterised by keratinocyte hyperproliferation, parakeratosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. Psoriasis negatively affects a patient's physical and emotional quality of life. Sirtuins (SIRTs; silent information regulators) are an evolutionarily conserved group of enzymes involved in the post-translational modification of proteins, including deacetylation, polyADP-ribosylation, demalonylation and lipoamidation. SIRTs are involved in a number of cellular pathways related to ageing, inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, tumorigenesis, the cell cycle, DNA repair and cell proliferation, positioning them as an essential component in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including psoriasis. Activation of SIRT1 counteracts oxidative-stress-induced damage by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways and may mitigate pathological events in psoriasis. There is a significant reduction in the expression of SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT3, SIRT4 and SIRT5 and an increase in the expression of SIRT6 and SIRT7 in psoriasis. The aim of the review is to draw the attention of physicians and scientists to the importance of SIRTs in dermatology and to provide a basis and impetus for future discussions, research and pharmacological discoveries to modulate SIRT activity. In light of the analysis of the mode of action of SIRTs in psoriasis, SIRT1-SIRT5 agonists and SIRT6 and SIRT7 inhibitors may represent new therapeutic options for the treatment of psoriasis.

Diet Restriction Impact on High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity by Regulating Mitochondrial Cardiolipin Biosynthesis and Remodeling

Diet restriction (DR) ameliorates obesity by regulating mitochondrial function. Cardiolipin (CL), a mitochondrial phospholipid, is closely associated with mitochondrial function. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects of graded levels of DR based on mitochondrial CL levels in the liver. Obese mice were treated with 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% reductions in the normal diet compared to normal animals (0 DR, 20 DR, 40 DR, and 60 DR groups, respectively). Biochemical and histopathological analyses were performed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of DR on obese mice. The altered profile of mitochondrial CL in the liver was explored using a targeted metabolomics strategy by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography MS/MS coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Finally, gene expression associated with CL biosynthesis and remodeling was quantified. Tissue histopathology and biochemical index evaluations revealed significant improvements in the liver after DR, except for the 60 DR group. The variation in mitochondrial CL distribution and DR levels showed an inverted U-shape, and the CL content in the 40 DR group was the most upregulated. This result is consistent with the results of the target metabolomic analysis, which showed that 40 DR presented more variation. Furthermore, DR led to increased gene expression associated with CL biosynthesis and remodeling. This study provides new insights into the mitochondrial mechanisms underlying DR intervention in obesity.

Ascorbic acid attenuates cadmium-induced myocardial hypertrophy and cardiomyocyte injury through Nrf2 signaling pathways comparable to resveratrol

Chronic cadmium (Cd) exposure severely affects the structural integrity of the heart, leading to cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the protective role of ascorbic acid (AA) and resveratrol (Res) in cellular defense against Cd-induced cardiomyocyte damage and myocardial hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Experimental results showed that AA and Res treatment significantly increased cell viability, reduced ROS production, attenuated lipid peroxidation, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity in Cd-induced H9c2 cells. AA and Res decreased the mitochondrial membrane permeability and protected the cells from Cd induced cardiomyocyte damage. This also suppressed the pathological hypertrophic response triggered by Cd, which increased the cell size of cardiomyocytes. Gene expression studies revealed that cells treated with AA and Res decreased the expression of hypertrophic genes ANP (two-fold), BNP (one-fold) and β- MHC (two-fold) compared to Cd exposed cells. AA and Res promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and increased the expression of antioxidant genes (HO-1, NQO1, SOD and CAT) during Cd mediated myocardial hypertrophy. This study proves that AA and Res play a significant role in improving Nrf2 signaling, thereby reversing stress-induced injury, and facilitating the regression of myocardial hypertrophy.

Caloric Restriction (CR) Plus High-Nitrate Beetroot Juice Does Not Amplify CR-Induced Metabolic Adaptation and Improves Vascular and Cognitive Functions in Overweight Adults: A 14-Day Pilot Randomised Trial

Caloric restriction (CR) and dietary nitrate supplementation are nutritional interventions with pleiotropic physiological functions. This pilot study investigates the combined effects of CR and nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BRJ) on metabolic, vascular, and cognitive functions in overweight and obese middle-aged and older adults. This was a two-arm, parallel randomized clinical trial including 29 participants allocated to CR + BRJ (n = 15) or CR alone (n = 14) for 14 days. Body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), and hand-grip strength were measured. Resting blood pressure (BP) and microvascular endothelial function were measured, and Trail-Making Test A and B were used to assess cognitive function. Salivary nitrate and nitrite, and urinary nitrate and 8-isoprostane concentrations were measured. Changes in body composition, REE, and systolic and diastolic BP were similar between the two interventions (p > 0.05). The CR + BRJ intervention produced greater changes in average microvascular flux (p = 0.03), NO-dependent endothelial activity (p = 0.02), and TMT-B cognitive scores (p = 0.012) compared to CR alone. Changes in urinary 8-isoprostane were greater in the CR + BRJ group (p = 0.02), and they were inversely associated with changes in average microvascular flux (r = -0.53, p = 0.003). These preliminary findings suggest that greater effects on vascular and cognitive functions could be achieved by combining CR with dietary nitrate supplementation.

Insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease: The genetics and metabolomics links

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with significant socioeconomic burden worldwide. Although genetics and environmental factors play a role, AD is highly associated with insulin resistance (IR) disorders such as metabolic syndrome (MS), obesity, and type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These findings highlight a shared pathogenesis. The use of metabolomics as a downstream systems' biology (omics) approach can help to identify these shared metabolic traits and assist in the early identification of at-risk groups and potentially guide therapy. Targeting the shared AD-IR metabolic trait with lifestyle interventions and pharmacological treatments may offer promising AD therapeutic approach. In this narrative review, we reviewed the literature on the AD-IR pathogenic link, the shared genetics and metabolomics biomarkers between AD and IR disorders, as well as the lifestyle interventions and pharmacological treatments which target this pathogenic link.

Antioxidants: Structure-activity of plant polyphenolics

The excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/free radicals can lead to abnormal oxidation of biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, fats, carbohydrates and nucleic acids in human organisms. Accordingly, endogenous oxidative stress induces the progressive development of various chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, cardiovascular risks, diabetes, digestive ulcers, hypertension, obesity, neurological disorders, and age-related complications. Therefore, anti-oxidant defense mechanisms are needed to control/prevent the unbalanced molecular oxidative damage. Indeed, the oxidative stress arises from both endogenous and exogenous factors such as smoking, alcohol, medications, air pollution, sunlight, lifestyle disorders, and metabolic processes. Therefore, consumption of fruits, vegetables, grains, beverages, and leafy vegetables rich in antioxidants may inhibit or treat oxidative damage accompanying diseases. From this aspect, dietary foods are rich in various antioxidant metabolites such as flavonoids, vitamin A, C, E, phenolic acids, curcumin, stilbenes, anthocyanins, etc., which promote healthy life and nutritional benefits. Additionally, various studies have also proven that foods rich in antioxidants interact with reactive species to prevent cell damage(s) or therapeutic pathways for diseases. Although, there are various myths about the antioxidant mechanism(s), the optimal dosage of antioxidants can show beneficial pharmacological activities against various molecular oxidation paths.

Diet and SIRT1 Genotype Interact to Modulate Aging-Related Processes in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: From the CORDIOPREV Study

We investigated whether long-term consumption of two healthy diets (low-fat (LF) or Mediterranean (Med)) interacts with SIRT1 genotypes to modulate aging-related processes such as leucocyte telomere length (LTL), oxidative stress (OxS) and inflammation in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). LTL, inflammation, OxS markers (at baseline and after 4 years of follow-up) and SIRT1-Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7069102 and rs1885472) were determined in patients from the CORDIOPREV study. We analyzed the genotype-marker interactions and the effect of diet on these interactions. Regardless of the diet, we observed LTL maintenance in GG-carriers for the rs7069102, in contrast to carriers of the minor C allele, where it decreased after follow-up (p = 0.001). The GG-carriers showed an increase in reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio (p = 0.003), lower lipid peroxidation products (LPO) levels (p < 0.001) and a greater decrease in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels (p < 0.001) after follow-up. After the LF diet intervention, the GG-carriers showed stabilization in LTL which was significant compared to the C allele subjects (p = 0.037), although the protective effects found for inflammation and OxS markers remained significant after follow-up with the two diets. Patients who are homozygous for the SIRT1-SNP rs7069102 (the most common genotype) may benefit from healthy diets, as suggested by improvements in OxS and inflammation in patients with CHD, which may indicate the slowing-down of the aging process and its related diseases.

Effects of Resveratrol, Curcumin and Quercetin Supplementation on Bone Metabolism—A Systematic Review

Phenolic compounds are natural phytochemicals that have recently reported numerous health benefits. Resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin have recently received the most attention among these molecules due to their documented antioxidant effects. The review aims to investigate the effects of these molecules on bone metabolism and their role in several diseases such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, bone tumours, and periodontitis. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase electronic databases were searched for papers in line with the study topic. According to an English language restriction, the screening period was from January 2012 to 3 July 2022, with the following Boolean keywords: (“resveratrol” AND “bone”); (“curcumin” AND “bone”); (“quercetin” AND “bone”). A total of 36 papers were identified as relevant to the purpose of our investigation. The studies reported the positive effects of the investigated phenolic compounds on bone metabolism and their potential application as adjuvant treatments for osteoporosis, bone tumours, and periodontitis. Furthermore, their use on the titanium surfaces of orthopaedic prostheses could represent a possible application to improve the osteogenic processes and osseointegration. According to the study findings, resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin are reported to have a wide variety of beneficial effects as supplement therapies. The investigated phenolic compounds seem to positively mediate bone metabolism and osteoclast-related pathologies.

Implications of Resveratrol in Obesity and Insulin Resistance: A State-of-the-Art Review

Background: Resveratrol is a polyphenol chemical that naturally occurs in many plant-based dietary products, most notably, red wine. Discovered in 1939, widespread interest in the potential health benefits of resveratrol emerged in the 1970s in response to epidemiological data on the cardioprotective effects of wine. Objective: To explore the background of resveratrol (including its origins, stability, and metabolism), the metabolic effects of resveratrol and its mechanisms of action, and a potential future role of dietary resveratrol in the lifestyle management of obesity. Data sources: We performed a narrative review, based on relevant articles written in English from a Pubmed search, using the following search terms: “resveratrol”, “obesity”, “Diabetes Mellitus”, and “insulin sensitivity”. Results: Following its ingestion, resveratrol undergoes extensive metabolism. This includes conjugation (with sulfate and glucuronate) within enterocytes, hydrolyzation and reduction within the gut through the action of the microbiota (with the formation of metabolites such as dihydroresveratrol), and enterohepatic circulation via the bile. Ex vivo studies on adipose tissue reveal that resveratrol inhibits adipogenesis and prevents the accumulation of triglycerides through effects on the expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor γ (PPARγ) and sirtuin 1, respectively. Furthermore, resveratrol induces anti-inflammatory effects, supported by data from animal-based studies. Limited data from human-based studies reveal that resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity and fasting glucose levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and may improve inflammatory status in human obesity. Although numerous mechanisms may underlie the metabolic benefits of resveratrol, evidence supports a role in its interaction with the gut microbiota and modulation of protein targets, including sirtuins and proteins related to nitric oxide, insulin, and nuclear hormone receptors (such as PPARγ). Conclusions: Despite much interest, there remain important unanswered questions regarding its optimal dosage (and how this may differ between and within individuals), and possible benefits within the general population, including the potential for weight-loss and improved metabolic function. Future studies should properly address these important questions before we can advocate the widespread adoption of dietary resveratrol supplementation.

Benefits and Implications of Resveratrol Supplementation on Microbiota Modulations: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that has been shown to possess many applications in different fields of medicine. This systematic review has drawn attention to the axis between resveratrol and human microbiota, which plays a key role in maintaining an adequate immune response that can lead to different diseases when compromised. Resveratrol can also be an asset in new technologies, such as gene therapy. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to find papers that matched our topic dating from 1 January 2017 up to 18 January 2022, with English-language restriction using the following Boolean keywords: (“resveratrol” AND “microbio*”). Eighteen studies were included as relevant papers matching the purpose of our investigation. Immune response, prevention of thrombotic complications, microbiota, gene therapy, and bone regeneration were retrieved as the main topics. The analyzed studies mostly involved resveratrol supplementation and its effects on human microbiota by trials in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo. The beneficial activity of resveratrol is evident by analyzing the changes in the host’s genetic expression and the gastrointestinal microbial community with its administration. The possibility of identifying individual microbial families may allow to tailor therapeutic plans with targeted polyphenolic diets when associated with microbial dysbiosis, such as inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, degenerative diseases, tumors, obesity, diabetes, bone tissue regeneration, and metabolic syndrome.

The Role of Calorie Restriction in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Calorie restriction (CR) has emerged as a non-pharmacological treatment to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). This article reviews recent progress regarding the role of CR in CVD prevention via reduction of cardiometabolic risk factors and promoting atherosclerotic stability.

RECENT FINDINGS

Calorie restriction may be an approach to reduce the development of atherosclerosis. CR promotes eNOS activity and SIRT1 expression which in turn improves vasodilation resulting in greater regulation of blood pressure and blood flow. Modest CR in nonobese young and middle-aged adults results in improved cardiometabolic risk profile. The evidence for CR in CVD prevention has accumulated in the recent years. Most evidence, however, is from rodent or small human trials. Our understanding of the magnitude of calorie reduction that leads to the long-term therapeutic effects on cardiovascular health is limited. More well-designed controlled trials conducted in diverse populations with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are warranted.

Protective Effects of Curcumin in Cardiovascular Diseases—Impact on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondria

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) contribute to a large part of worldwide mortality. Similarly, two of the major risk factors for these diseases, aging and obesity, are also global problems. Aging, the gradual decline of body functions, is non-modifiable. Obesity, a modifiable risk factor for CVDs, also predisposes to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, it affects not only the vasculature and the heart but also specific fat depots, which themselves have a major impact on the development and progression of CVDs. Common denominators of aging, obesity, and T2DM include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic abnormalities such as altered lipid profiles and glucose metabolism, and inflammation. Several plant substances such as curcumin, the major active compound in turmeric root, have been used for a long time in traditional medicine and for the treatment of CVDs. Newer mechanistic, animal, and human studies provide evidence that curcumin has pleiotropic effects and attenuates numerous parameters which contribute to an increased risk for CVDs in aging as well as in obesity. Thus, curcumin as a nutraceutical could hold promise in the prevention of CVDs, but more standardized clinical trials are required to fully unravel its potential.

AMPK activator O304 improves metabolic and cardiac function, and exercise capacity in aged mice

Age is associated with progressively impaired, metabolic, cardiac and vascular function, as well as reduced work/exercise capacity, mobility, and hence quality of life. Exercise exhibit positive effects on age-related dysfunctions and diseases. However, for a variety of reasons many aged individuals are unable to engage in regular physical activity, making the development of pharmacological treatments that mimics the beneficial effects of exercise highly desirable. Here we show that the pan-AMPK activator O304, which is well tolerated in humans, prevented and reverted age-associated hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, and improved cardiac function and exercise capacity in aged mice. These results provide preclinical evidence that O304 mimics the beneficial effects of exercise. Thus, as an exercise mimetic in clinical development, AMPK activator O304 holds great potential to mitigate metabolic dysfunction, and to improve cardiac function and exercise capacity, and hence quality of life in aged individuals.

Resveratrol (RV): A pharmacological review and call for further research

Resveratrol (RV) is a well-known polyphenolic compound in various plants, including grape, peanut, and berry fruits, which is quite famous for its association with several health benefits such as anti-obesity, cardioprotective neuroprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidants, anti-age effects, and glucose metabolism. Significantly, promising therapeutic properties have been reported in various cancer, neurodegeneration, and atherosclerosis and are regulated by several synergistic pathways that control oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammation. Similarly, RV possesses a strong anti-adipogenic effect by inhibiting fat accumulation processes and activating oxidative and lipolytic pathways, exhibiting their cardioprotective effects by inhibiting platelet aggregation. The RV also shows significant antibacterial effects against various food-borne pathogens (Listeria, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli) by inhibiting an electron transport chain (ETC) and F0F1-ATPase, which decreases the production of cellular energy that leads to the spread of pathogens. After collecting and analyzing scientific literature, it may be concluded that RV is well tolerated and favorably affects cardiovascular, neurological, and diabetic disorders. As such, it is possible that RV can be considered the best nutritional additive and a complementary drug, especially a therapeutic candidate. Therefore, this review would increase knowledge about the blend of RV as well as inspire researchers around the world to consider RV as a pharmaceutical drug to combat future health crises against various inhumane diseases. In the future, this article will be aware of discoveries about the potential of this promising natural compound as the best nutraceuticals and therapeutic drugs in medicine.

Resveratrol supplementation at old age reverts changes associated with aging in inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic markers in rat heart

PURPOSE

Aging is known to play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of several diseases. Among them, cardiovascular disorders are especially relevant since they are becoming the first cause of death in western countries. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound that has been shown to exert beneficial effects at different levels, including neuronal and cardiovascular protection. Those effects of resveratrol are related, at least in part, to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the current investigation we were interested in exploring whether the positive effects of resveratrol at cardiac level were taking place even when the supplementation started in already old animals.

METHODS

Old male rats were supplemented with resveratrol during 10 weeks. Using RT-PCR, we analyzed the effects of resveratrol supplementation on the expression of different genes related to inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in rat heart.

RESULTS

Resveratrol reverted age-related changes in inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic markers in the rat heart. Among others, the expression of two major inflammatory markers, INF-γ and TNF-α and two oxidative markers, heme oxygenase-1 and nitric oxide synthase, were increased with aging, and resveratrol supplementation reduced the level of some of these to those observed in the heart of young animals. Moreover, age-related changes in apoptotic markers in rat heart tend to be also reverted by resveratrol treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that resveratrol might exert beneficial effects as an anti-aging compound to revert age-related changes in cardiac function.

Prospective Pharmacological Potential of Resveratrol in Delaying Kidney Aging

Aging is an unavoidable part of life. The more aged we become, the more susceptible we become to various complications and damages to the vital organs, including the kidneys. The existing drugs for kidney diseases are mostly of synthetic origins; thus, natural compounds with minimal side-effects have attracted growing interest from the scientific community and pharmaceutical companies. A literature search was carried out to collect published research information on the effects of resveratrol on kidney aging. Recently, resveratrol has emerged as a potential anti-aging agent. This versatile polyphenol exerts its anti-aging effects by intervening in various pathologies and multi-signaling systems, including sirtuin type 1, AMP-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor-κB. Researchers are trying to figure out the detailed mechanisms and possible resveratrol-mediated interventions in divergent pathways at the molecular level. This review highlights (i) the causative factors implicated in kidney aging and the therapeutic aspects of resveratrol, and (ii) the effectiveness of resveratrol in delaying the aging process of the kidney while minimizing all possible side effects.

The Potential of Calorie Restriction and Calorie Restriction Mimetics in Delaying Aging: Focus on Experimental Models

Aging is a biological process determined by multiple cellular mechanisms, such as genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication, that ultimately concur in the functional decline of the individual. The evidence that the old population is steadily increasing and will triplicate in the next 50 years, together with the fact the elderlies are more prone to develop pathologies such as cancer, diabetes, and degenerative disorders, stimulates an important effort in finding specific countermeasures. Calorie restriction (CR) has been demonstrated to modulate nutrient sensing mechanisms, inducing a better metabolic profile, enhanced stress resistance, reduced oxidative stress, and improved inflammatory response. Therefore, CR and CR-mimetics have been suggested as powerful means to slow aging and extend healthy life-span in experimental models and humans. Taking into consideration the difficulties and ethical issues in performing aging research and testing anti-aging interventions in humans, researchers initially need to work with experimental models. The present review reports the major experimental models utilized in the study of CR and CR-mimetics, highlighting their application in the laboratory routine, and their translation to human research.

Resveratrol improves cardiac function and left ventricular fibrosis after myocardial infarction in rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activity and the TGF-β1/SMAD2 signaling pathway

Background

Several studies have shown that resveratrol (RES), a naturally occurring polyphenol found in many plants, is beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism underlying the RES-mediated protection against myocardial infarction has not yet been revealed entirely. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of RES on cardiac function in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the related underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham (sham operation), Sham-RES, AMI (AMI induction), and AMI-RES. The rat AMI model was established by the permanent ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery method. The rats in the RES-treated groups were gavaged with RES (50 mg/kg/day) daily for 45 days after the Sham operation or AMI induction; rats in the Sham and AMI groups were gavaged with deionized water. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. Atrial interstitial fibrosis was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin or Masson’s trichrome staining. Real-time PCR and western blotting analyses were performed to examine the levels of signaling pathway components.

Results

RES supplementation decreased the inflammatory cytokine levels, improved the cardiac function, and ameliorated atrial interstitial fibrosis in the rats with AMI. Furthermore, RES supplementation inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activity, decreased the TGF-β1 production, and downregulated the p-SMAD2/SMAD2 expression in the heart.

Conclusion

RES shows notable cardioprotective effects in a rat model of AMI; the possible mechanisms underlying these effects may involve the improvement of cardiac function and atrial interstitial fibrosis via the RES-mediated suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activity and inhibition of the TGF-β1/SMAD2 signaling pathway in the heart.

Resveratrol Ameliorates Cardiac Remodeling in a Murine Model of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Objective: Accumulating evidence suggested that resveratrol (RES) could protect against adverse cardiac remodeling induced by several cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of RES in the setting of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and the underlying mechanisms of its action remain understood. This study was to determine whether RES could ameliorate HFpEF-induced cardiac remodeling and its mechanisms.

Methods:In vivo, C57BL/6 mice served as either the sham or the HFpEF model. The HFpEF mice model was induced by uninephrectomy surgery and d-aldosterone infusion. RES (10 mg/kg/day, ig) or saline was administered to the mice for four weeks. In vitro, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was used to stimulate neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and Ex-527 was used to inhibit sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) in CFs. Echocardiography, hemodynamics, western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, histological analysis, immunofluorescence, and ELISA kits were used to evaluate cardiac remodeling induced by HFpEF. Sirt1 and Smad3 expressions were measured to explore the underlying mechanisms of RES.

Results: HFpEF mice developed left ventricular hypertrophy, preserved ejection fraction, diastolic dysfunction, and pulmonary congestion. Moreover, HFpEF mice showed increased infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages into the heart, including increased interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. We also observed elevated M1 macrophages and decreased M2 macrophages, which were exhibited by increased mRNA expression of M1 markers (iNOS, CD86, and CD80) and decreased mRNA expression of M2 markers (Arg1, CD163, and CD206) in HFpEF hearts. Moreover, HFpEF hearts showed increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Importantly, HFpEF mice depicted increased collagen-I and -III and TGF-β mRNA expressions and decreased protein expression of phosphorylated endothelial nitric-oxide synthase (p-eNOS). Results of western blot revealed that the activated TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway mediated HFpEF-induced cardiac remodeling. As expected, this HFpEF-induced cardiac remodeling was reversed when treated with RES. RES significantly decreased Smad3 acetylation and inhibited Smad3 transcriptional activity induced by HFpEF via activating Sirt1. Inhibited Sirt1 with Ex-527 increased Smad3 acetylation, enhanced Smad3 transcriptional activity, and offset the protective effect of RES on TGF-β–induced cardiac fibroblast–myofibroblast transformation in CFs.

Conclusion: Our results suggested that RES exerts a protective action against HFpEF-induced adverse cardiac remodeling by decreasing Smad3 acetylation and transcriptional activity via activating Sirt1. RES is expected to be a novel therapy option for HFpEF patients.

Cardioprotective effects of severe calorie restriction from birth in adult ovariectomized rats

AIMS

Menopause is a female condition induced by a reduction of ovarian hormone and is related to an increase in cardiovascular diseases in women. We have shown that severe calorie restriction (SCR) from birth reduces the cardiometabolic risk in adult male Wistar rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of SCR from birth to adulthood on cardiovascular function of ovariectomized rats.

MAIN METHODS

From birth to adulthood, rats were daily fed ad libitum (control group - C) or with 50% of the amount consumed by the control group (calorie-restricted group - R). At 90 days, half of the rats in each group underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), totaling 4 groups: C-Sham, C-OVX, R-Sham, R-OVX. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR) and, double product (DP) index were recorded by tail-cuff plethysmography. Cardiac function was analyzed by the Langendorff technique and cardiomyocyte diameter was accessed by histologic analysis. Additionally, cardiac SERCA2 content and redox status were evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

C-OVX rats exhibited reduced cardiac function and cardiac non-enzymatic total antioxidant capacity (TAC). R-Sham animals showed reduced SBP, DP, HR, improved cardiac function, reduced cardiac protein carbonyl derivatives and increased TAC, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities. R-OVX rats maintained reduced SBP, DP, HR, and increased contractility and relaxation indexes. R-Sham and R-OVX rats exhibited preserved heart mass and reduced cardiomyocyte diameter. Cardiac SERCA2 content did not differ between the groups.

SIGNIFICANCE

Taken together, our findings show cardioprotective effects of SCR from birth in adult ovariectomized rats.

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) for prevention of age-related vascular cognitive impairment and dementia

Aging is the most significant risk factor for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), and the number of individuals affected by VCI is expected to exponentially increase in the upcoming decades. Yet, there are no current preventative or therapeutic treatments available against the development and progression of VCI. Therefore, there is a pressing need to better understand the pathophysiology underlying these conditions, for the development of novel tools and interventions to improve cerebrovascular health and delay the onset of VCI. There is strong epidemiological and experimental evidence that lifestyle factors, including nutrition and dietary habits, significantly affect cerebrovascular health and thereby influence the pathogenesis of VCI. Here, recent evidence is presented discussing the effects of lifestyle interventions against age-related diseases which in turn, inspired novel research aimed at investigating the possible beneficial effects of dietary interventions for the prevention of cognitive decline in older adults.

Impact of Lifestyles (Diet and Exercise) on Vascular Health: Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Function

Healthy lifestyle and diet are associated with significant reduction in risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress and the imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants are linked to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Changes in antioxidant capacity of the body may lead to oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. Diet is an important source of antioxidants, while exercise offers many health benefits as well. Recent findings have evidenced that diet and physical factors are correlated to oxidative stress. Diet and physical factors have debatable roles in modulating oxidative stress and effects on the endothelium. Since endothelium and oxidative stress play critical roles in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, dietary and physical factors could have significant implications on prevention of the diseases. This review is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge on the impact of diet manipulation and physical factors on endothelium and oxidative stress, focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We discuss the friend-and-foe role of dietary modification (including different diet styles, calorie restriction, and nutrient supplementation) on endothelium and oxidative stress, as well as the potential benefits and concerns of physical activity and exercise on endothelium and oxidative stress. A fine balance between oxidative stress and antioxidants is important for normal functions in the cells and interfering with this balance may lead to unfavorable effects. Further studies are needed to identify the best diet composition and exercise intensity.

Sirt1-PPARS Cross-Talk in Complex Metabolic Diseases and Inherited Disorders of the One Carbon Metabolism

Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) has a NAD (+) binding domain and modulates the acetylation status of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) and Fork Head Box O1 transcription factor (Foxo1) according to the nutritional status. Sirt1 is decreased in obese patients and increased in weight loss. Its decreased expression explains part of the pathomechanisms of the metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DT2), cardiovascular diseases and nonalcoholic liver disease. Sirt1 plays an important role in the differentiation of adipocytes and in insulin signaling regulated by Foxo1 and phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Its overexpression attenuates inflammation and macrophage infiltration induced by a high fat diet. Its decreased expression plays a prominent role in the heart, liver and brain of rat as manifestations of fetal programming produced by deficit in vitamin B12 and folate during pregnancy and lactation through imbalanced methylation/acetylation of PGC1α and altered expression and methylation of nuclear receptors. The decreased expression of Sirt1 produced by impaired cellular availability of vitamin B12 results from endoplasmic reticulum stress through subcellular mislocalization of ELAVL1/HuR protein that shuttles Sirt1 mRNA between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Preclinical and clinical studies of Sirt1 agonists have produced contrasted results in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. A preclinical study has produced promising results in the treatment of inherited disorders of vitamin B12 metabolism.

Caloric restriction in heart failure: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nutrition exerts a determinant role in maintaining cardiac function, regulating insulin and mitochondrial efficiency, that are essential to support energy production for contractility. In patients with heart failure (HF), myocardial tissue efficiency is reduced because of decreased mitochondrial oxidative capacity. In HF conditions, cardiomyocytes shift toward glucose and a reduction in fatty acid utilization. Calorie restriction induces weight loss in obese patients and can be beneficial in some HF patients, although this has generated some controversy. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the CR diet on myocardial efficiency in HF patients.

METHODS

On Pubmed and Embase, articles related to the keywords: "chronic heart failure" with "diet," "nutrition," "insulin resistance," and "caloric restriction" have been searched, Studies, including exercise or food supplementation, were excluded.

RESULTS

The retrieved articles showed that weight loss, through the activation of insulin and various kinase pathways, regulates the efficiency of myocardial tissue. In contrast, insulin resistance represents a strong cardiovascular risk factor that reduces myocardial function.

CONCLUSION

CR diet represents the first therapy in overweight HF patients, both with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and with reduced ejection fraction (HFrHF) because reducing body fat, the myocardial function increased. Insulin activity is the critical hormone that regulates mitochondrial function and cardiac efficiency. However, a severely restricted diet may represent a severe risk factor correlated with all-cause mortality, particularly in underweight HF patients. Long-term studies conducted on large populations are necessary to evaluate the effects of CR on myocardial function in HF patients.

The effect of caloric restriction on blood pressure and cardiovascular function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Preclinical evidence suggests that caloric restriction is an effective therapy for a number of cardiovascular insults. Whether caloric restriction has cardio-protective effects in humans is not well understood. The aim was to systematically review and meta-analyze human randomized control trials (RCTs) testing the effect of caloric restriction on blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular function.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL (up to June 2017) to search for RCTs of adults receiving a calorie-restricted intervention versus a control/standard diet. Random-effect meta-analyses were performed to calculate weighted mean difference and 95% CI.

RESULTS

Thirty-two RCTs with 1722 participants assessing BP (n = 29 studies), heart rate (n = 10), VO₂peak (n = 8), muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA, n = 4), and endothelial function (n = 4) were included. Calorie-restricted interventions lasting 1-4 weeks had the largest effect on systolic (-5.5 mmHg, p < 0.001, 95% CI: -3.8, -7.1) and diastolic (-2.9 mmHg, p = 0.005, 95% CI: -5.0, -0.9) BP, but no effect on HR. Interventions lasting 1.5-6 months had similar effects on BP, and reduced HR (-4.4 beats/minute, p < 0.001, 95% CI: -6.1,-2.8). Relative VO₂peak improved (1.8 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.3, 2.2). There were also potential positive effects on MSNA and endothelial function.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of 1-4 weeks of calorie restriction on BP was similar to that expected with medications, and larger than that reported for other lifestyle interventions or supplements. Cardiovascular risk could be further reduced by caloric restriction lasting up to six months to lower heart rate and improve VO₂peak.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy: molecular mechanisms, detrimental effects of conventional treatment, and beneficial effects of natural therapy

ABSTARCT

Diabetic complications are among the largely exigent health problems currently. Cardiovascular complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), account for more than 80% of diabetic deaths. Investigators are exploring new therapeutic targets to slow or abate diabetes because of the growing occurrence and augmented risk of deaths due to its complications. Research on rodent models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the use of genetic engineering techniques in mice and rats have significantly sophisticated for our understanding of the molecular mechanisms in human DCM. DCM is featured by pathophysiological mechanisms that are hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, left ventricular hypertrophy, damaged left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions, myocardial fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, myocyte cell death, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. A number of molecular and cellular pathways, such as cardiac ubiquitin proteasome system, FoxO transcription factors, hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, polyol pathway, protein kinase C signaling, NF-κB signaling, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling, Nrf2 pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, and micro RNAs, play a major role in DCM. Currently, there are a few drugs for the management of DCM and some of them have considerable adverse effects. So, researchers are focusing on the natural products to ameliorate it. Hence, in this review, we discuss the pathogical, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of DCM; the current diagnostic methods and treatments; adverse effects of conventional treatment; and beneficial effects of natural product-based therapeutics, which may pave the way to new treatment strategies. Graphical Abstract.

Large-scale gene analysis of rabbit atherosclerosis to discover new biomarkers for coronary artery disease

Atherosclerosis is the pathological basis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and causes high mortality. Thus, early detection is thought to be crucial in reducing the risk of CAD. Uncovering the mechanisms of the progression and regression of atherosclerosis will provide insights into discovering novel biomarkers to identify subjects at risk for CAD and improve prevention. We established atherosclerosis progression and regression in a rabbit model. Then, we extracted mRNA of the abdominal aorta from control, model and recovery groups to perform gene chip analysis. Candidate biomarkers were screened by large-scale gene analysis and validated in patients with CAD or with CAD recovery by ELISA. The differentially expressed genes in the progression and regression of atherosclerosis were mainly enriched in four clusters. Genes associated with inflammation and extracellular matrix were returned to normal or close-to-normal levels much earlier than genes associated with metabolism and sarcoplasmic proliferation, and they were maintained downregulated or upregulated after feeding a normal diet. We then selected four candidate biomarkers and found that lipoprotein lipase (LPL), bone morphogenetic protein 7 and somatostatin concentrations could indicate CAD diagnosis. In addition, LPL and macrophage cationic peptide 2 can be indicators of the prognosis of CAD. Molecular changes during the progression and regression of atherosclerosis in rabbits were revealed, and candidate regulators were identified. The identified factors could be used as novel biomarkers and targets for improving the diagnosis and prognosis of human CAD in the future.

Food with calorie restriction reduces the development of atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient mice

Calorie restriction (CR) ameliorates various diseases including cardiovascular disease. However, its protection and underlying mechanisms against atherosclerosis remain un-fully elucidated. In this study, we fed apoE deficient (apoE^-/-) mice in Control group a high-fat diet (HFD, 21% fat plus 0.5% cholesterol) or in CR group a CR diet (CRD, 2% fat plus 0.5% cholesterol, ∼40% calorie restriction and same levels of cholesterol, vitamins, minerals and amino acids as in HFD). After 16 weeks feeding, compared with HFD, CRD substantially reduced atherosclerosis in mice. CRD increased SMC and collagen content but reduced macrophage content, necrotic core and vascular calcification in lesion areas. Mechanistically, CRD attenuated bodyweight gain, improved lipid profiles but had little effect on macrophage lipid metabolism. CRD also inhibited expression of inflammatory molecules in lesions. Taken together, our study demonstrates CRD effectively reduces atherosclerosis in apoE^-/- mice, suggesting it as a potent and reproducible therapy for atherosclerosis management.

The effect of processed Tempeh gembus to high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in women with obesity

Obesity causes chronic inflammatory reaction is characterized by elevated levels of high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hscrp). Hscrp and hdl could be used as an early marker of cardiovascular disease risk. Tempeh gembus contain fiber, unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which can reduce the inflammatory reaction. This study determines the effect of processed Tempeh gembus on hsCRP and HDL in obese women. This study included in experimental studies with randomized post-test only control group design involving 40 obese women aged 20 – 50 years. Subjects were randomized into two groups: a control group was given a standard diet low in calories 30 calories/kg body weight, and the treatment group was given a standard diet low in calories 30 calories/kg body weight and Tempeh gembus for 28 days. hsCRP and HDL levels were measured before and after the intervention, food intake was measured by using a 3 x 24-hour recall and physical activity (IPAQ form). HsCRP levels were measured using the ELISA method, whereas HDL levels were measured using the CHOD-PAP method. Wilcoxon test (hsCRP levels) and paired t-test (HDL levels) used to test differeces before and after intervention each group. Mann Whitney test (hsCRP levels) and independent sample test (HDL levels) used to test differeces before and after intervention between groups. There are differences in hsCRP levels before and after the intervention in the control group (p = 0.00) and the treatment group (p = 0.00). There are differences in HDL levels before and after the intervention in the control group (p = 0.00) and the treatment group (p = 0.00). There are differences in the decrease hsCRP levels between the two groups (p = 0.00). There are differences in the increase in HDL levels between the two groups (p = 0.03). Tempeh gembus 150 grams/day can decrease hsCRP levels and increase HDL levels in women with obesity.

Comparison of the crystal structures and physicochemical properties of novel resveratrol cocrystals

Resveratrol (RSV) is one of the most extensively investigated natural polyphenol with potential cardioprotective effects and various biological activities. However, the polymorphism and solvates of RSV cocrystals have not been studied comprehensively. In addition, the relationship between the crystal packing modes and their physicochemical properties of RSV cocrystals remains poorly understood. In this paper, seven novel RSV cocrystals were prepared and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic vapor sorption, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Five RSV–4,4′-vinylenedipyridine (DPE) cocrystals were synthesized with polymorphs and solvates, such as RSV–DPE (1:2) in form (I) [RSV–2DPE form (I)], RSV–DPE (1:2) in form (II) [RSV–2DPE form (II)], RSV–DPE (1:1) (RSV–DPE), RSV–DPE (2:3)·acetone (RSV–1.5DPE·0.5ACE), RSV–DPE (1:1.5)·MeOH (RSV–1.5DPE·MeOH). However, RSV–4,4′-ethylenedipyridine (BPE) and RSV–4,4′-azobispyridine (AZPY) cocrystals were prepared as their single crystal forms, that is, RSV–BPE (1:1.5) (RSV–1.5BPE) and RSV–AZPY (1:2) (RSV–2AZPY). RSV–2DPE form (II) can be transformed from RSV–2DPE form (I) during the heating process from single crystal to single crystal. The physicochemical properties of RSV cocrystals are closely related to their crystal packing modes. Also, the conformation and molecular packing of RSV among different cocrystals is flexible. The solubility of RSV–1.5BPE and RSV–2DPE form (II) exhibit higher than RSV in the buffer solution of pH 4.6 and 2.0, respectively. This study may provide a valuable insight into the crystal packing modes of cocrystals which may affect their physicochemical properties.

Sirtuin 6 deficiency transcriptionally up-regulates TGF-β signaling and induces fibrosis in mice

Caloric restriction has been associated with increased life span and reduced aging-related disorders and reduces fibrosis in several diseases. Fibrosis is characterized by deposition of excess fibrous material in tissues and organs and is caused by aging, chronic stress, injury, or disease. Myofibroblasts are fibroblast-like cells that secrete high levels of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting in fibrosis. Histological studies have identified many-fold increases of myofibroblasts in aged organs where myofibroblasts are constantly generated from resident tissue fibroblasts and other cell types. However, it remains unclear how aging increases the generation of myofibroblasts. Here, using mouse models and biochemical assays, we show that sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) deficiency plays a major role in aging-associated transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, resulting in tissue fibrosis. Our findings suggest that SIRT6-deficient fibroblasts transform spontaneously to myofibroblasts through hyperactivation of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling in a cell-autonomous manner. Importantly, we noted that SIRT6 haploinsufficiency is sufficient for enhancing myofibroblast generation, leading to multiorgan fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction in mice during aging. Mechanistically, SIRT6 bound to and repressed the expression of key TGF-β signaling genes by deacetylating SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3) and Lys-9 and Lys-56 in histone 3. SIRT6 binding to the promoters of genes in the TGF-β signaling pathway decreased significantly with age and was accompanied by increased binding of SMAD3 to these promoters. Our findings reveal that SIRT6 may be a potential candidate for modulating TGF-β signaling to reduce multiorgan fibrosis during aging and fibrosis-associated diseases.

Quantification of Trans-Resveratrol-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles by a Validated Reverse-Phase HPLC Photodiode Array

A new method based on reverse-phase HPLC combined with photodiode array (PDA) was developed to quantify the release of trans-resveratrol (tRES) from solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). The mobile phase was composed of 75:0:25 (V/V) water/methanol/acetonitrile at 0–3.5 min, 32.5:30.0:37.5 (V/V) water/methanol/acetonitrile at 3.6–5.8 min, and 75:0:25 (V/V) water/methanol/acetonitrile at 5.9–10 min. The flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min, and tRES was detected at the wavelength of 306.6 nm. A concentration range of 1–100 µg/mL was used to obtain the linear calibration curve. SLN were produced by ultrasound technique to load 0.1% (wt/wt) of tRES, and the in vitro release of the drug was run in modified Franz diffusion cells. The mean recovery of tRES was found to be 96.84 ± 0.32%. The intra-assay and inter-assay coefficients of variation were less than 5%. The proposed method was applied to in vitro permeability studies, and the Weibull model was found to be the one that best fits the tRES release, which is characterized by a simultaneous lipid chain relaxation and erosion during drug release.

The role of nutraceuticals in prevention and treatment of hypertension: An updated review of the literature

Hypertension (HTN) is a worldwide epidemic in both developed and developing countries. It is one of the leading causes of major health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack. In recent years, several studies have reported associations between specific dietary ingredients and improving HTN. Nutraceuticals are natural food components with pharmacological properties. Reports suggest that functional foods and nutraceutical ingredients might support patients to obtain the desired therapeutic blood pressure (BP) goals and reduce cardiovascular risks by modulating various risk factors such as oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin system hyperactivity, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and vascular resistance. We review the recent clinical experiments that have evaluated the biological and pharmacological activities of several types of nutraceuticals, including sour tea, cocoa, common spices, vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, flavonoids, coenzyme Q10, milk's tripeptides, calcium, magnesium, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and prebiotics in preventing and treating HTN. This review summarizes recent knowledge about the impact of common nutraceuticals for the regulation of BP.

Effects of two types of energy restriction on methylation levels of adiponectin receptor 1 and leptin receptor overlapping transcript in a mouse mammary tumour virus-transforming growth factor-α breast cancer mouse model

The role of adiponectin and leptin signalling pathways has been suggested to play important roles in the protective effects of energy restriction (ER) on mammary tumour (MT) development. To study the effects of ER on the methylation levels in adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and leptin receptor overlapping transcript (Leprot) genes using the pyrosequencing method in mammary fat pad tissue, mouse mammary tumour virus-transforming growth factor-α (MMTV-TGF-α) female mice were randomly assigned to ad libitum (AL), chronic ER (CER, 15 % ER) or intermittent ER (3 weeks AL and 1 week 60 % ER in cyclic periods) groups at 10 weeks of age until 82 weeks of age. The methylation levels of AdipoR1 in the CER group were higher than those in the AL group at week 49/50 (P < 0·05), while the levels of methylation for AdipoR1 and Leprot genes were similar among the other groups. Also, the methylation levels at CpG2 and CpG3 regions of the promoter region of the AdipoR1 gene in the CER group were three times higher (P < 0·05), while CpG1 island of Leprot methylation was significantly lower compared with the other groups (P < 0·05). Adiponectin and leptin gene expression levels were consistent with the methylation levels. We also observed a change with ageing in methylation levels of these genes. These results indicate that different types of ER modify methylation levels of AdipoR1 and Leprot in different ways and CER had a more significant effect on methylation levels of both genes. Epigenetic regulation of these genes may play important roles in the preventive effects of ER against MT development and ageing processes.

The nuclear and mitochondrial sirtuins, Sirt6 and Sirt3, regulate each other's activity and protect the heart from developing obesity-mediated diabetic cardiomyopathy

Sirtuins (Sirts) are implicated in regulating a myriad of biologic functions ranging from cell growth and metabolism to longevity. Here, we show that nuclear Sirt, Sirt6, and mitochondrial Sirt, Sirt3, regulate each other's activity and protect the heart from developing diabetic cardiomyopathy. We found that expression of both Sirt6 and Sirt3 was reduced in cardiomyocytes treated with palmitate and in hearts of mice fed with a high-fat, high-sucrose (HF-HS) diet to develop obesity and diabetes. Conversely, whole-body overexpressing Sirt6 transgenic (Tg.Sirt6) mice were protected from developing obesity and insulin resistance when fed with the same HF-HS diet. The hearts of Tg.Sirt6 mice were also protected from mitochondrial fragmentation and decline of Sirt3, resulting otherwise from HF-HS diet feeding. Mechanistic studies showed that Sirt3 preserves Sirt6 levels by reducing oxidative stress, whereas Sirt6 maintains Sirt3 levels by up-regulating nuclear respiratory factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent Sirt3 gene transcription. We found that Sirt6 regulates Nrf2-mediated cardiac gene expression in 2 ways; first, Sirt6 suppresses expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), a negative regulator of Nrf2, and second, Sirt6 binds to Nrf2 and antagonizes its interaction with Keap1, thereby stabilizing Nrf2 levels in cardiomyocytes. Together, these studies demonstrate that Sirt6 and Sirt3 maintain each other's activity and protect the heart from developing diabetic cardiomyopathy.-Kanwal, A., Pillai, V. B., Samant, S., Gupta, M., Gupta, M. P. The nuclear and mitochondrial sirtuins, Sirt6 and Sirt3, regulate each other's activity and protect the heart from developing obesity-mediated diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Long-Term Caloric Restriction Improves Cardiac Function, Remodeling, Adrenergic Responsiveness, and Sympathetic Innervation in a Model of Postischemic Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Caloric restriction (CR) has been described to have cardioprotective effects and improve functional outcomes in animal models and humans. Chronic ischemic heart failure (HF) is associated with reduced cardiac sympathetic innervation, dysfunctional β-adrenergic receptor signaling, and decreased cardiac inotropic reserve. We tested the effects of a long-term CR diet, started late after myocardial infarction on cardiac function, sympathetic innervation, and β-adrenergic receptor responsiveness in a rat model of postischemic HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Adult male rats were randomly assigned to myocardial infarction or sham operation and 4 weeks later were further randomized to a 1-year CR or normal diet. One year of CR resulted in a significant reduction in body weight, heart weight, and heart weight/tibia length ratio when compared with normal diet in HF groups. At the end of the study period, echocardiography and histology revealed that HF animals under the CR diet had ameliorated left ventricular remodeling compared with HF rats fed with normal diet. Invasive hemodynamic showed a significant improvement of cardiac inotropic reserve in CR HF rats compared with HF-normal diet animals. Importantly, CR dietary regimen was associated with a significant increase of cardiac sympathetic innervation and with normalized cardiac β-adrenergic receptor levels in HF rats when compared with HF rats on the standard diet.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate, for the first time, that chronic CR, when started after HF established, can ameliorate cardiac dysfunction and improve inotropic reserve. At the molecular level, we find that chronic CR diet significantly improves sympathetic cardiac innervation and β-adrenergic receptor levels in failing myocardium.

The effects of resveratrol feeding and exercise training on the skeletal muscle function and transcriptome of aged rats

This study investigated the effects of resveratrol feeding and exercise training on the skeletal muscle function and transcriptome of aged rats. Male SD rats (25 months old) were divided into the control group (Old), the daily exercise training group (Trained), and the resveratrol feeding group (Resveratrol). After 6 weeks of intervention, the body mass, grip strength, and gastrocnemius muscle mass were determined, and the muscle samples were analyzed by transcriptome sequencing. The differentially expressed genes were analyzed followed by GO enrichment analysis and KEGG analysis. The Old group showed positive increases in body mass, while both the Trained and Resveratrol groups showed negative growth. No significant differences in the gastrocnemius muscle index and absolute grip strength were found among the three groups. However, the relative grip strength was higher in the Trained group than in the Old group. Only 21 differentially expressed genes were identified in the Trained group vs. the Old group, and 12 differentially expressed genes were identified in the Resveratrol group vs. the Old group. The most enriched GO terms in the Trained group vs. the Old group were mainly associated with RNA metabolic processes and transmembrane transporters, and the significantly upregulated KEGG pathways included mucin-type O-glycan biosynthesis, drug metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. The most enriched GO terms in the Resveratrol group vs. the Old group were primarily associated with neurotransmitter transport and synaptic vesicle, and the upregulated KEGG pathways included synaptic vesicle cycle, nicotine addiction, retinol metabolism, insulin secretion, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, and glutamatergic synapse. Neither exercise training nor resveratrol feeding has a notable effect on skeletal muscle function and related gene expression in aged rats. However, both exercise training and resveratrol feeding have strong effects on weight loss, which is beneficial for reducing the exercise loads of the elderly.

Systematic review: Impact of resveratrol exposure during pregnancy on maternal and fetal outcomes in animal models of human pregnancy complications-Are we ready for the clinic?

Resveratrol (RSV) has been reported to have potential beneficial effects in the complicated pregnancy. Various pregnancy complications lead to a suboptimal in utero environment that impacts fetal growth during critical windows of development. Detrimental structural changes to key organ systems in utero persist into adult life and predispose offspring to an increased risk of chronic non-communicable metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effect of gestational RSV exposure on both maternal and fetal outcomes. Publicly available databases (n = 8) were searched for original studies reporting maternal and/or fetal outcomes after RSV exposure during pregnancy irrespective of species. Of the 115 studies screened, 31 studies were included in this review. RSV exposure occurred for different durations across a range of species (Rats n = 18, Mice n = 7, Japanese Macaques n = 3 and Sheep n = 3), models of complicated pregnancy (eg. maternal dietary manipulations, gestational diabetes, maternal hypoxia, teratogen exposure, etc.), dosages and administration routes. Maternal and fetal outcomes differed not only based on the model of complicated pregnancy assessed but also as a result of species. Given the heterogenic nature of these studies, further investigation assessing RSV exposure during the complicated pregnancy is warranted. In order to make an informed decision regarding the use of RSV to intervene in pregnancy complications, we suggest a minimum data set for consideration in future studies.

The Effects of Resveratrol in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Failure: A Narrative Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death globally and responsible for the second highest number of deaths in Canada. Medical advancements in the treatment of CVD have led to patients living longer with CVD but often progressing to another condition called heart failure (HF). As a result, HF has emerged in the last decade as a major medical concern. Fortunately, various “traditional” pharmacotherapies for HF exist and have shown success in reducing HF-associated mortality. However, to augment the treatment of patients with CVD and/or HF, alternative pharmacotherapies using nutraceuticals have also shown promise in the prevention and treatment of these two conditions. One of these natural compounds considered to potentially help treat HF and CVD and prevent their development is resveratrol. Herein, we review the clinical findings of resveratrol’s ability to be used as an effective treatment to potentially help treat HF and CVD. This will allow us to gain a more fulsome appreciation for the effects of resveratrol in the health outcomes of specific patient populations who have various disorders that constitute CVD.

Resveratrol alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation injury‑induced mitochondrial oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes

Resveratrol (RES) is a naturally occurring antioxidant compound found in red wine. Although it has been demonstrated to have a cardioprotective effect, the mechanism underlying this effect remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to determine whether RES exerts a protective effect against mitochondrial oxidative stress and apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. Primary cultured NRCMs were used as a model system and were divided into four experimental groups: Control, H/R, H/R + DMSO (H/R with 0.2% DMSO) and H/R + RES (H/R with 100 µM RES) groups. Mitochondrial oxidative stress was determined by measuring the alteration in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) of NRCMs, the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the ratio of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) from NRCMs. Cell apoptosis was assessed by measuring cell apoptotic rates and the activity of caspase 3. In the H/R+RES group, RES significantly alleviated structural impairment, including disordered α-actin and F-actin, in the NRCMs induced by H/R injury. RES attenuated H/R injury-induced mitochondria oxidative stress. RES also attenuated H/R injury-induced cell apoptosis; it decreased the NRCM apoptotic rate from 84.25±7.41% (H/R) to 46.39±5.43% (H/R+RES) (P<0.05, n=4), rescued the decrease in the Bcl2/Bax ratio induced by H/R from 0.53±0.08-fold (H/R) to 0.86±0.06-fold (H/R+RES) (P<0.05, n=5) and alleviated the increased activity of caspase 3 induced by H/R from 1.32±0.06-fold to 1.02±0.04-fold (P<0.05, n=5). Furthermore, RES significantly attenuated the increment of LDH release induced by H/R injury in NRCMs from 1.41±0.03-fold (H/R) to 1.02±0.06-fold (H/R+RES) (P<0.01, n=4) and alleviated the depolarization of ΔΨm induced by H/R, shifting the ratio of JC-1 monomer from 62.39±1.82% (H/R) to 35.31±8.63% (H/R+RES) (P<0.05, n=4). RES alleviated the decrease in sirtuin 1 induced by H/R injury from 0.61±0.06-fold (H/R) to 1.01±0.05-fold (H/R+RES) (P<0.05, n=5). In conclusion, the present study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to demonstrate that RES provides cardioprotection against H/R injury through decreasing mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress injury and structural impairment in NRCMs. These results provide scientific evidence for the clinical application of RES in the treatment of cardiac conditions.

Resveratrol and Its Human Metabolites-Effects on Metabolic Health and Obesity

Resveratrol is one of the most widely studied polyphenols and it has been assigned a plethora of metabolic effects with potential health benefits. Given its low bioavailability and extensive metabolism, clinical studies using resveratrol have not always replicated in vitro observations. In this review, we discuss human metabolism and biotransformation of resveratrol, and reported molecular mechanisms of action, within the context of metabolic health and obesity. Resveratrol has been described as mimicking caloric restriction, leading to improved exercise performance and insulin sensitivity (increasing energy expenditure), as well as having a body fat-lowering effect by inhibiting adipogenesis, and increasing lipid mobilization in adipose tissue. These multi-organ effects place resveratrol as an anti-obesity bioactive of potential therapeutic use.

Dietary restriction slightly affects glucose homeostasis and delays plasma cholesterol removal in rabbits with dietary lipid lowering

Dietary restriction (DR) has been reported to have beneficial effects on atherosclerotic progression as well as lipid and glucose metabolism, but little is known about whether these effects can be enhanced or weakened by dietary lipid lowering. Here, after 12 weeks of high-cholesterol diet feeding, hypercholesterolemic rabbits were fed with either a standard chow diet ad libitum (AL) or a standard chow diet with DR for 16 weeks of dietary lipid lowering. We found that the DR group exhibited a loss of body weight, smaller internal organs, and reduced fat mass, while the AL group accumulated more subcutaneous fat than the baseline group. DR treatment slightly worsened glucose tolerance but enhanced insulin sensitivity, and a slight effect of DR on insulin secretion was also observed. After dietary cholesterol withdrawal, rabbits showed persistent lowering of total cholesterol and triglycerides in plasma. However, the DR group had significantly higher plasma total cholesterol than the AL group at most time points during weeks 7 to 16 of lipid lowering. Although both the AL and DR groups developed more severe atherosclerosis than the baseline group, DR did not improve atherosclerotic progression or the accumulation of macrophages and smooth muscle cells. We conclude that DR affected glucose and lipid metabolism but did not ameliorate atherosclerosis in rabbits when associated with lipid lowering by dietary cholesterol withdrawal.

Sirtuins as Mediator of the Anti-Ageing Effects of Calorie Restriction in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle

Fighting diseases and controlling the signs of ageing are the major goals of biomedicine. Sirtuins, enzymes with mainly deacetylating activity, could be pivotal targets of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies to reach such aims. Scientific proofs are accumulating in experimental models, but, to a minor extent, also in humans, that the ancient practice of calorie restriction could prove an effective way to prevent several degenerative diseases and to postpone the detrimental signs of ageing. In the present review, we summarize the evidence about the central role of sirtuins in mediating the beneficial effects of calorie restriction in skeletal and cardiac muscle since these tissues are greatly damaged by diseases and advancing years. Moreover, we entertain the possibility that the identification of sirtuin activators that mimic calorie restriction could provide the benefits without the inconvenience of this dietary style.

Resveratrol Prevents Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Increasing Nrf2 Expression and Transcriptional Activity

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated if resveratrol ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy by targeting associated oxidative stress mechanisms.

METHOD

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in FVB mice was induced by several intraperitoneal injections of a low dose of streptozotocin. Hyperglycemic and age-matched control mice were given resveratrol (10 mg/kg per day) for 1 month and subsequently monitored for an additional 6 months. Mice were assigned to four groups: control, resveratrol, DM, and DM/resveratrol. Cardiac function and blood pressure were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months after DM induction. Oxidative damage and cardiac fibrosis were analyzed by histopathology, real-time PCR, and Western blot.

RESULT

Mice in the DM group exhibited increased blood glucose levels, cardiac dysfunction, and high blood pressure at 1, 3, and 6 months after DM induction. Resveratrol did not significantly affect blood glucose levels and blood pressure; however, resveratrol attenuated cardiac dysfunction and hypertrophy in DM mice. Resveratrol also reduced DM-induced fibrosis. In addition, DM mice hearts exhibited increased oxidative damage, as evidenced by elevated accumulation of 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxynonenal, which were both attenuated by resveratrol. Mechanistically, resveratrol increased NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and transcriptional activity, as well as Nrf2's downstream antioxidative targets.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that resveratrol prevents DM-induced cardiomyopathy, in part, by increasing Nrf2 expression and transcriptional activity.