Potential of the chlorogenic acid as multitarget agent: Insulin-secretagogue and PPAR α/γ dual agonist

Targeting lipid droplets and lipid droplet-associated proteins: a new perspective on natural compounds against metabolic diseases

BACKGROUND

Lipid droplet (LD) is a metabolically active organelle, which changes dynamically with the metabolic state and energy requirements of cells. Proteins that either insert into the LD phospholipid monolayer or are present in the cytoplasm, playing a crucial role in lipid homeostasis and signaling regulation, are known as LD-associated proteins.

METHODS

The keywords "lipid droplets" and "metabolic diseases" were used to obtain literature on LD metabolism and pathological mechanism. After searching databases including Scopus, OVID, Web of Science, and PubMed from 2013 to 2024 using terms like "lipid droplets", "lipid droplet-associated proteins", "fatty liver disease", "diabetes", "diabetic kidney disease", "obesity", "atherosclerosis", "hyperlipidemia", "natural drug monomers" and "natural compounds", the most common natural compounds were identified in about 954 articles. Eventually, a total of 91 studies of 10 natural compounds reporting in vitro or in vivo studies were refined and summarized.

RESULTS

The most frequently used natural compounds include Berberine, Mangostin, Capsaicin, Caffeine, Genistein, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, Chlorogenic acid, Betaine, Ginsenoside, Resveratrol. These natural compounds interact with LD-associated proteins and help ameliorate abnormal LDs in various metabolic diseases.

CONCLUSION

Natural compounds involved in the regulation of LDs and LD-associated proteins hold promise for treating metabolic diseases. Further research into these interactions may lead to new therapeutic applications.

Decoding coffee cardiometabolic potential: Chemical composition, nutritional, and health relationships

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, recognized for its unique taste and aroma and for its social and health impacts. Coffee contains a plethora of nutritional and bioactive components, whose content can vary depending on their origin, processing, and extraction methods. Gathered evidence in literature shows that the regular coffee consumption containing functional compounds (e.g., polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and melanoidins) can have potential beneficial effects on cardiometabolic risk factors such as abdominal adiposity, hyperglycemia, and lipogenesis. On the other hand, coffee compounds, such as caffeine, diterpenes, and advanced glycation end products, may be considered a risk for cardiometabolic health. The present comprehensive review provides up-to-date knowledge on the structure-function relationships between different chemical compounds present in coffee, one of the most prevalent beverages present in human diet, and cardiometabolic health.

Metabolomics analyses reveal the liver-protective mechanism of Wang's metabolic formula on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

Wang's metabolic formula (WMF) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula developed under the guidance of Professor Kungen Wang. WMF has been clinically utilized for several years. However, the therapeutic mechanism of WMF in treating metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains unclear. In this study, we performed phytochemical analysis on WMF using LC-MS. To study the role of WMF in MAFLD, we orally administered WMF (20.6 g/kg) to male MAFLD mice induced by a high-cholesterol high-fat diet (HCHFD). Then pathological, biochemical, and metabolomic analyses were performed. The main components of WMF are chlorogenic acid, geniposide, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, and calycosin-7-O-glucoside. MAFLD mice treated with WMF exhibited significant improvements in obesity, abnormal lipid metabolism, inflammation, and liver pathology. WMF decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triglyceride (TG) levels in the serum of MAFLD mice while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. WMF lowered liver TG levels and inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB). Metabolomic analysis of the liver annotated 78 differentially regulated metabolites enriched in four pathways: glycerophospholipid metabolism, retinol metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, and choline metabolism. Western blot experiments showed that WMF increased the expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-β, and RXR in the liver while decreasing the expression of RAR. The study demonstrates that WMF has a solid preventive and therapeutic effect on MAFLD. The anti-inflammatory and regulation of abnormal liver metabolism activities of WMF involve retinol metabolism and the PPAR signaling pathway.

Bioactive compounds from Actinidia arguta fruit as a new strategy to fight glioblastoma

In recent years, there has been a significant demand for natural products as a mean of disease prevention or as an alternative to conventional medications. The driving force for this change is the growing recognition of the abundant presence of valuable bioactive compounds in natural products. On recent years Actinia arguta fruit, also known as kiwiberry, has attracted a lot of attention from scientific community due to its richness in bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, organic acids, vitamins, carotenoids and fiber. These bioactive compounds contribute to the fruit's diverse outstanding biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer properties. Due to these properties, the fruit may have the potential to be used in the treatment/prevention of various types of cancer, including glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, displaying 90 % of recurrence rate within a span of 2 years. Despite the employment of an aggressive approach, the prognosis remains unfavorable, emphasizing the urgent requirement for the development of new effective treatments. The preclinical evidence suggests that kiwiberry has potential impact on glioblastoma by reducing the cancer self-renewal, modulating the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of the cell phenotype and metabolism, and influencing the consolidation of the tumor microenvironment. Even though, challenges such as the imprecise composition and concentration of bioactive compounds, and its low bioavailability after oral administration may be drawbacks to the development of kiwiberry-based treatments, being urgent to ensure the safety and efficacy of kiwiberry for the prevention and treatment of glioblastoma. This review aims to highlight the potential impact of A. arguta bioactive compounds on glioblastoma, providing novel insights into their applicability as complementary or alternative therapies.

Effects Of Exercise Training And Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation On Hepatic Lipid Metabolism In Prediabetes Mice

BACKGRUOUND

Since prediabetes is a risk factor for metabolic syndromes, it is important to promote a healthy lifestyle to prevent prediabetes. This study aimed to determine the effects of green coffee (GC), chlorogenic acid (CGA) intake, and exercise training (EX) on hepatic lipid metabolism in prediabetes male C57BL/6 mice.

METHODS

Forty-nine mice were randomly divided into two groups feeding with a normal diet (n=7) or a high-fat diet (HFD, n=42) for 12 weeks. Then, HFD mice were further divided into six groups (n=7/group): control (pre-D), GC, CGA, EX, GC+EX, and CGA+EX. After additional 10 weeks under the same diet, plasma, and liver samples were obtained.

RESULTS

HFD-induced prediabetes conditions with increases in body weight, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles were alleviated in all treatment groups. Acsl3, a candidate gene identified through an in silico approach, was lowered in the pre-D group, while treatments partly restored it. HFD induced adverse alterations of de novo lipogenesis- and β oxidation-associated molecules in the liver. However, GC and CGA supplementation and EX reversed or ameliorated these changes. In most cases, GC or CGA supplementation combined with EX has no synergistic effect and the GC group had similar results to the CGA group.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that regular exercise is an effective non-therapeutic approach for prediabetes, and CGA supplementation could be an alternative to partially mimic the beneficial effects of exercise on prediabetes.

In Silico Studies of Four Compounds of Cecropia obtusifolia against Malaria Parasite

Malaria is a disease that affects many people in the world. In Mexico, malaria remains an active disease in certain regions, particularly in the states of Chiapas and Chihuahua. While antimalarial effects have been attributed to some species of Cecropia in various countries, no such studies have been conducted in Mexico. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the in silico antimalarial activity of some active compounds identified according to the literature in the species of Cecropia obtusifolia, belonging to the Cecropiaceae family, such as ursolic acid, α-amyrin, chrysin, and isoorientin. These compounds were evaluated with specific molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) studies using three different malarial targets with the PDB codes 1CET, 2BL9, and 4ZL4 as well as the prediction of their pharmacokinetic (Pk) properties. Docking analysis revealed the following best binding energies (kcal/mol): isoorientin-1CET (-9.1), isoorientin-2BL9 (-8.8), and chrysin-4ZL4 (-9.6). MD simulation validated the stability of the complexes. Pharmacokinetics analysis suggested that the compounds would generally perform well if administered. Therefore, these results suggest that these compounds may be used as potential drugs for the treatment of malaria.

Effects of Dietary Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Muscle Flavor Substances in Finishing Pigs

With the prohibition of antibiotics in feed, certain phytocompounds have been widely studied as feed additives. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural polyphenol found in plants, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory features. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary chlorogenic acid supplementation on growth performance and carcass traits, as well as meat quality, nutrient value and flavor substances of Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) pigs. Forty healthy DLY pigs (initial body weight (BW): 26.69 ± 0.37) were allotted to four treatment groups and were fed with the control diet, which was supplemented with 25 mg kg-1, 50 mg kg-1, and 100 mg kg-1 CGA, respectively. The trial lasted 100 days. The results suggested that dietary CGA supplementation had no effect (p < 0.05) on the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FC). Herein, it was found that 50 mg kg-1 CGA-containing diet not only increased the dressing percentage and perirenal fat, but also reduced the rate of muscular pH decline (p < 0.05). In the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle, the myofiber-type-related genes such as the MyHC IIa and MyHC IIX mRNA levels were increased by 100 mg kg-1 CGA. The results also indicated that the 100 mg kg-1 CGA-containing diet increased the content of crude fat, glycogen, total amino acids, and flavor amino acids, but decreased the inosine and hypoxanthine concentration in LT (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the lipogenic gene ACC1 mRNA level was elevated by 50 mg kg-1 CGA. Instead, 100 mg kg-1 CGA downregulated the expression level of NT5C2, an enzyme responsible for inosine-5'-monophosphate (IMP) degradation. Additionally, 100 mg kg-1 CGA decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, but increased the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) content as well as antioxidant gene (HO-1, NQO-1, NRF2) mRNA levels in LT muscle. These findings showed that dietary CGA could partly improve carcass traits and muscle flavor without negatively affecting growth performance, and the underlying mechanism may be due to the antioxidant properties induced by CGA.

Dietary regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a class of ligand-activated nuclear transcription factors, members of the type nuclear receptor superfamily, with three subtypes, namely PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ, which play a key role in the metabolic syndrome. In the past decades, a large number of studies have shown that natural products can act by regulating metabolic pathways mediated by PPARs.

PURPOSE

This work summarizes the physiological importance and clinical significance of PPARs and reviews the experimental evidence that natural products mediate metabolic syndrome via PPARs.

METHODS

This study reviews relevant literature on clinical trials, epidemiology, animals, and cell cultures published in NCBI PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other databases from 2001 to October 2022. Search keywords were "natural product" OR "botanical" OR "phytochemical" AND "PPAR" as well as free text words.

RESULTS

The modulatory involvement of PPARs in the metabolic syndrome has been supported by prior research. It has been observed that many natural products can treat metabolic syndrome by altering PPARs. The majority of currently described natural compounds are mild PPAR-selective agonists with therapeutic effects that are equivalent to synthetic medicines but less harmful adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

PPAR agonists can be combined with natural products to treat and prevent metabolic syndrome. Further human investigations are required because it is unknown how natural products cause harm and how they might have negative impacts.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Activity of Structural Isomers of ((Benzyloxy)phenyl)propanoic Acid Bearing an Aminobornyl Moiety

Free fatty acid receptor-1 (FFAR1) agonists are promising candidates for therapy of type 2 diabetes because of their ability to normalize blood sugar levels during hyperglycemia without the risk of hypoglycemia. Previously, we synthesized compound QS-528, a FFA1 receptor agonist with a hypoglycemic effect in C57BL/6NCrl mice. In the present work, structural analogs of QS-528 based on (hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid bearing a bornyl fragment in its structure were synthesized. The seven novel compounds synthesized were structural isomers of compound QS-528, varying the positions of the substituents in the aromatic fragments as well as the configuration of the asymmetric center in the bornyl moiety. The studied compounds were shown to have the ability to activate FFAR1 at a concentration of 10 μM. The cytotoxicity of the compounds as well as their effect on glucose uptake in HepG2 cells were studied. The synthesized compounds were found to increase glucose uptake by cells and have no cytotoxic effect. Two compounds, based on the meta-substituted phenylpropanoic acid, 3-(3-(4-(((1R,2R,4R)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo-[2.2.1]heptan-2-ylamino)methyl)benzyloxy)phenyl)propanoic acid and 3-(3-(3-(((1R,2R,4R)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo [2.2.1]heptan-2-ylamino)methyl)benzyloxy)phenyl)propanoic acid, were shown to have a pronounced hypoglycemic effect in the oral glucose tolerance test with CD-1 mice.

Natural products in pursuing novel therapies of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) are hepatic manifestations of systemic metabolic dysfunction, which affect one-quarter of the adult population worldwide as estimated, and exhibit high risk in progressing to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current drug discovery focuses on modifying homeostasis of lipids, carbohydrates, and cholesterol, as well as inhibiting inflammation and fibrogenesis. Many natural products show promising activities on various molecular targets involving these mechanisms; however, they have not been fully exploited. Since some compounds are components of healthy food, they may be employed in chemoprevention as adjuvants to lifestyle modification, while natural products such as alkaloids and sesquiterpenoids could serve as promising starting points for structural modifications and deserve further development.

An Original Asteraceae Based Infused Drink Prevents Metabolic Syndrome in Fructose-Rat Model

Metabolic syndrome (METS) is a complex disorder that predisposes an affected person to an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Bitter Asteraceae plants contain several compounds active against METS that can be used as an alternative preventive therapy. Our previous work showed that a natural chicory extract (NCRAE) containing chicoric acid (CRA) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) in a molar ratio of 70/30 exhibited an antioxidant, insulin sensitization and anti-hyperglycemic effect. The present study was designed to evaluate the preventive effects of an NCRAE-like extract against METS in a complementary natural pharmacotherapeutic approach. An original Asteraceae infused drink containing the NCRAE CRA/CGA molecular ratio equivalent was prepared from dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) and burdock (Arctium lappa L.). The anti-METS effect of this drink was evaluated on the fructose-rat model for 8 weeks. Body weight, blood biochemistry, hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase, arterial blood pressure glucose and insulin tolerance were evaluated after 8 weeks. Our results show that daily oral intake of the Asteraceae infused drink led to a reduction of body weight gain, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance and hypertension. Moreover, rat-by-rat analysis of the insulinemia measures revealed two types of responders. One sub-group of subjects demonstrated normal insulinemia and the other subgroup demonstrated hyperinsulinemia. This hyperinsulinemia, associated with the inhibition of the glucose-6-phosphatase activity in the liver tissue, may suggest an insulin release caused by CGA. The present study suggests that this original infusion of dandelion leaves and burdock roots may be used as an adjuvant therapy to prevent metabolic syndrome.

Oral Pharmacokinetics of Hydroxycinnamic Acids: An Updated Review

Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) such as caffeic acid (CA), chlorogenic acid (CGA), coumaric acid (COA) isomers, ferulic acid (FA) and rosmarinic acid (RA) are natural phenolic acids with widespread distribution in vegetal foods and well-documented pharmacological activities. However, the low bioavailability of HCAs impairs their administration by the oral route. The present review addresses new findings and important factors/obstacles for their oral administration, which were unexplored in the reviews published a decade ago concerning the bioavailability of phenolic acids. Based on this, the article aims to perform an updated review of the water solubility and gastrointestinal stability of HCAs, as well as describe their oral absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) processes by in vitro, ex vivo, in situ and in vivo methods.

Development of Heterocyclic PPAR Ligands for Potential Therapeutic Applications

The family of nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ) is a set of ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate different functions in the body. Whereas activation of PPARα is known to reduce the levels of circulating triglycerides and regulate energy homeostasis, the activation of PPARγ brings about insulin sensitization and increases the metabolism of glucose. On the other hand, PPARβ when activated increases the metabolism of fatty acids. Further, these PPARs have been claimed to be utilized in various metabolic, neurological, and inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, fertility or reproduction, pain, and obesity. A series of different heterocyclic scaffolds have been synthesized and evaluated for their ability to act as PPAR agonists. This review is a compilation of efforts on the part of medicinal chemists around the world to find novel compounds that may act as PPAR ligands along with patents in regards to PPAR ligands. The structure-activity relationship, as well as docking studies, have been documented to better understand the mechanistic investigations of various compounds, which will eventually aid in the design and development of new PPAR ligands. From the results of the structural activity relationship through the pharmacological and in silico evaluation the potency of heterocycles as PPAR ligands can be described in terms of their hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and other interactions with PPAR.

Integrating experimental model, LC-MS/MS chemical analysis, and systems biology approach to investigate the possible antidiabetic effect and mechanisms of Matricaria aurea (Golden Chamomile) in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a heterogeneous disease with numerous abnormal targets and pathways involved in insulin resistance, low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, beta cell dysfunction, and epigenetic factors. Botanical drugs provide a large chemical space that can modify various targets simultaneously. Matricaria aurea (MA, golden chamomile) is a widely used herb in Middle Eastern communities for many ailments, including diabetes mellitus, without any scientific basis to support this tradition. For the first time, this study aimed to investigate the possible antidiabetic activity of MA in a type 2 diabetic rat model, identify chemical constituents by LC-MS/MS, and then elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) using enzyme activity assays, q-RTPCR gene expression analysis, network pharmacology analysis, and molecular docking simulation. Our results demonstrated that only the polar hydroethanolic extract of MA had remarkable antidiabetic activity. Furthermore, it improved dyslipidemia, insulin resistance status, ALT, and AST levels. LC-MS/MS analysis of MA hydroethanolic extract identified 62 compounds, including the popular chamomile flavonoids apigenin and luteolin, other flavonoids and their glycosides, coumarin derivatives, and phenolic acids. Based on pharmacokinetic screening and literature, 46 compounds were chosen for subsequent network analysis, which linked to 364 candidate T2DM targets from various databases and literature. The network analysis identified 123 hub proteins, including insulin signaling and metabolic proteins: IRS1, IRS2, PIK3R1, AKT1, AKT2, MAPK1, MAPK3, and PCK1, inflammatory proteins: TNF and IL1B, antioxidant enzymes: CAT and SOD, and others. Subsequent filtering identified 40 crucial core targets (major hubs) of MA in T2DM treatment. Functional enrichment analyses of the candidate targets revealed that MA targets were mainly involved in the inflammatory module, energy-sensing/endocrine/metabolic module, and oxidative stress module. q-RTPCR gene expression analysis showed that MA hydroethanolic extract was able to significantly upregulate PIK3R1 and downregulate IL1B, PCK1, and MIR29A. Moreover, the activity of the antioxidant hub enzymes was substantially increased. Molecular docking scores were also consistent with the networks’ predictions. Based on experimental and computational analysis, this study revealed for the first time that MA exerted antidiabetic action via simultaneous modulation of multiple targets and pathways, including inflammatory pathways, energy-sensing/endocrine/metabolic pathways, and oxidative stress pathways.

Fermentation of the Cucurbita ficifolia Fruit Juice: Its Antioxidant Activity and Effects on the Glycemia

Cucurbita ficifolia is an edible plant whose fruits have hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Fermentation might improve these properties. This research aims to perform and characterize its fermentation in native and induced conditions with Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) and evaluate its antioxidant activity and effect on glycemia. Fresh juice from mature fruits was characterized. One portion of this juice was spontaneously left to ferment (native fermentation), and the other was inoculated with Lp (controlled fermentation). Fermentation was monitored each 8 h by 56 h to measure microbial growth, pH, acidity, sugars, soluble protein, polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and effects on glycemia. In native fermentation, the growth of total microorganisms increased up to 32 h, decreasing at the end of the process. In Lp fermentation, total microorganisms increased until 16 h to stay constant at the end, with a predominance of Lp. The pH and the sugars decreased in the two fermentations, while polyphenol and flavonoid increased. In spontaneous fermentation, these changes were lesser. Both fermentations, like fresh juice, preserve functional properties (antioxidant, alpha-glucosidase inhibition, and hypoglycemia). The fermentation of this juice with Lp may develop functional beverages, which is significant due to its consumption as an edible fruit with medicinal properties.

Effects of Dietary Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation Derived from Lonicera macranthoides Hand-Mazz on Growth Performance, Free Amino Acid Profile, and Muscle Protein Synthesis in a Finishing Pig Model

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), as one of the richest polyphenol compounds in nature, has broad applications in many fields due to its various biological properties. However, initial data on the effects of dietary CGA on protein synthesis and related basal metabolic activity has rarely been reported. The current study is aimed at (1) determining whether dietary CGA supplementation improves the growth performance and carcass traits, (2) assessing whether dietary CGA alters the free amino acid profile, and (3) verifying whether dietary CGA promotes muscle protein synthesis in finishing pigs. Thirty-two (Large × White × Landrace) finishing barrows with an average initial body weight of $71.89\pm 0.92$  kg were randomly allotted to 4 groups and fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.08% CGA, respectively. The results indicated that, compared with the control group, dietary supplementation with 0.04% CGA slightly stimulated the growth performance of pigs, whereas no significant correlation was noted between the dietary CGA levels and animal growth ( $P>0.05$ ). Furthermore, the carcass traits of pigs were improved by 0.04% dietary CGA ( $P<0.01$ ). In addition, dietary CGA significantly improved the serum free amino acid profiles of pigs ( $P<0.01$ ), while 0.04% dietary CGA promoted more amino acids to translocate to skeletal muscles ( $P<0.05$ ). The relative mRNA expression levels of SNAT2 in both longissimus dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were augmented in the 0.02% and 0.04% groups ( $P<0.05$ ), and the LAT1 mRNA expression in the BF muscle was elevated in the 0.02% group ( $P<0.05$ ). We also found that dietary CGA supplementation at the levels of 0.04% or 0.08% promoted the expression of p-Akt and activated the mTOR-S6K1-4EBP1 axis in the LD muscle ( $P<0.05$ ). Besides, the MAFbx mRNA abundance in the 0.02% and 0.04% groups was significantly lower ( $P<0.05$ ). Our results revealed that dietary supplementation with CGA of 0.04% improved the free amino acid profile and enhanced muscle protein biosynthesis in the LD muscle in finishing pigs.

Antidiabetic Activity of Xoconostle Fruit from Opuntia matudae Scheivar in Mice

In Mexico, Cactaceae plants are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The genus Opuntia spp. Opuntia matudae Sheinvar prickly pears are known as xoconostle and are used in Mexican cuisine for their acidic flavor. Currently there are few reports of pharmacological properties of this plant, which include antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This study focuses on the chemical characterization of the methanolic (OmMe) and aqueous (OmAq) extracts and the evaluation of the antidiabetic activity of O. matudae fruits in two biological models. For the in vivo model, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were used, and for the in vitro model, liver sections isolated from healthy mice were used. The OmAq (100 mg/kg, oral pathway [p.o.]) extract decreased postprandial glucose peak at 0.5 h after glucose uptake by 43.1%, similarly, OmMe (100 mg/kg, p.o.) extract reduced postprandial glucose peak at 0.5 h by 34.1% in healthy mice. The effect of the two extracts and the fraction of the mixture of unidentified betalains (OmB) of O. matudae evaluated in the isolated mouse liver slice model showed a concentration-dependent decrease in hepatic glucose output (HGO) with and without insulin administration with the OmMe extract. The OmAq extract, however, showed concentration-dependent increases of HGO with and without insulin, and the OmB fraction generally exhibited an insulin mimetic effect. Moreover, both OmAq and OmMe extracts were tested in mice with STZ-induced diabetes (160 mg/kg, intraperitoneal route), using a semichronic daily administration (2-28 days after diabetes onset) of OmAq extract was able to reduce blood glucose by 34.3%, meanwhile OmMe extract reduced blood glucose by 22.9%, 28 days after diabetes onset. We identified five compounds (1-5) in the two extracts, consisting of two phenolic acids (1, 2), three flavanols (3-5), as well as two unidentified betalains. Therefore, we conclude that the aqueous extract of the xoconostle fruit where betalains are present may be useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Mechanism by which Eucommia ulmoides leaves Regulate Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on system pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eucommia ulmoides (E. ulmoides) leaves are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and are traditionally used to treat hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and other diseases. Numerous pharmacological studies have shown that E. ulmoides has a good effect on lowering blood lipids and can improve obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver.

AIM

To study the mechanism of E. ulmoides leaves in regulating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by combining prediction and validation.

METHODS

Using network pharmacology, and molecular docking to predict E. ulmoides in regulating the action mechanism and potential active ingredients of nonalcoholic fatty liver, large hole adsorption resin enrichment active sites, in vitro experiments were performed to verify its fat-lowering effect and mechanism.

RESULTS

The major components of E. ulmoides leaves exhibited good combination with lipid metabolism-regulating core proteins, particularly flavonoids. EUL 50 significantly reduced lipid accumulation, and increased PPARγ. Compared with the control group, the autophagy level increased after the administration of EUL 50. PPARγ decreased significantly after the addition of chloroquine (CQ, autophagy inhibitor).

CONCLUSION

The active ingredients in E. ulmoides leaves regulating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are mainly flavonoids and phenolics. EUL 50 may play a role in lowering lipids by regulating PPARγ expression through inducing autophagy.

A High-Content Screen for the Identification of Plant Extracts with Insulin Secretion-Modulating Activity

Bioactive plant compounds and extracts are of special interest for the development of pharmaceuticals. Here, we describe the screening of more than 1100 aqueous plant extracts and synthetic reference compounds for their ability to stimulate or inhibit insulin secretion. To quantify insulin secretion in living MIN6 β cells, an insulin–Gaussia luciferase (Ins-GLuc) biosensor was used. Positive hits included extracts from Quillaja saponaria, Anagallis arvensis, Sapindus mukorossi, Gleditsia sinensis and Albizia julibrissin, which were identified as insulin secretion stimulators, whereas extracts of Acacia catechu, Myrtus communis, Actaea spicata L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea and Calendula officinalis were found to exhibit insulin secretion inhibitory properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to characterize several bioactive compounds in the selected plant extracts, and these bioactives were retested for their insulin-modulating properties. Overall, we identified several plant extracts and some of their bioactive compounds that may be used to manipulate pancreatic insulin secretion.

Chlorogenic acid reduces inflammation in murine model of acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP) initiation and progression is still unknown, and effective treatment is limited to supportive care. Many phytochemicals have the potential to alleviate AP symptoms and may be a useful and effective supplement to standard AP treatment. The objective of the study was to examine the potential role of chlorogenic acid (CGA), a polyphenol known for anti-inflammatory effect, in the treatment of experimental AP in mice.

METHODS

Two intraperitoneal (ip) injections of L-arginine (dosage 400 mg/100 g BW) were given 1 h apart to generate the AP murine model. Mice were separated into two experimental groups after 12 h from the first L-arginine injection: AP mice treated with CGA (oral gavage (po) every 12 h; 20 mg/kg BW) and non-treated AP mice (po vehicle, 5% dimethyl sulfoxide every 12 h). Every 12 h, control mice were given an equivalent volume of vehicle. At 72 h, mice were slaughtered. Histology, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and amylase activity assays, were performed on pancreatic tissues.

RESULTS

In murine mouse model of AP po administration of CGA decreased MPO vs. AP (40.40 ± 2.10 U vs. 7.39 ± 0.34; p < 0.001) as well as amylase activity vs. AP (1444 ± 56 mU/mL vs. 3340 ± 144 mU/mL, Fig. 2B; p < 0.001). When comparing CGA mice to AP mice, histological research demonstrated that the severity of AP was reduced following CGA treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study found that CGA might have anti-inflammatory effect on L-arginine-induced pancreatitis. Dietary intervention with CGA may be advised as a supportive treatment for AP, according to our findings.

Syringaldehyde promoting intestinal motility with suppressing α-amylase hinders starch digestion in diabetic mice

The antihyperglycemic potential of syringaldehyde has been previously investigated; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we performed a postprandial glucose test (in vivo) including oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and oral starch tolerance test (OSTT) in fructose-induced diabetic mice on a high-fat diet for mimicking type 2 diabetes to explore the hypoglycemic efficacy of syringaldehyde and the underlined molecular involvement of syringaldehyde in a glucose-lowering effect. The results revealed that syringaldehyde dose-dependently suppressed blood glucose in both the OSTT and OGTT when referenced to acarbose and metformin, respectively. Surprisingly, syringaldehyde triggered jejunum motility (ex vivo) via activation of the muscarinic-type acetylcholine receptor. By performing virtual screening with molecular docking, the data showed that syringaldehyde nicely interacted with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4), acetylcholine M2 receptor, and acetylcholinesterase. These results showed that syringaldehyde can potentiate intestinal contractility to abolish the α-amylase reaction when concurrently reducing retention time and glucose absorption to achieve a glucose-lowering effect in diabetic mice, suggesting its potential therapeutic benefits with improvement for use as a prophylactic and treatment.

Dendrobium officinale Regulates Fatty Acid Metabolism to Ameliorate Liver Lipid Accumulation in NAFLD Mice

Dendrobium officinale (DOF) is a traditional Chinese edible and officinal plant. Ultrafine DOF powder (DOFP) can regulate lipids and histopathology in the liver, but the underlying mechanisms of hepatic fatty acid (FA) metabolism, which is generally correlated with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), remain unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether DOFP treatment alters hepatic FA metabolism in NAFLD mice by using multidimensional mass spectrometry-based shotgun lipidomics (MDMS-SL) and analyse the underlying mechanisms. A 3-week DOFP treatment prevented lipid deposition and improved hepatic histopathology in NAFLD mice after withdrawal from the high-sucrose, high-fat (HSHF) diet, and it decreased triglyceride and FA content in the liver. Furthermore, the C16 : 0/C14 : 0 and C18 : 1/18 : 0 ratios in FAs were significantly decreased in the DOFP treatment group, and the C20 : 4/C20 : 3 and C22 : 4/C22 : 3 ratios were increased, and saturated FA was inhibited. Additionally, DOFP treatment significantly increased the content of two FA β-oxidation-related proteins (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1-α and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1). It also decreased the content of a FA synthesis-related protein (fatty acid synthase), a FA desaturation-related protein (stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase-1), and a FA uptake-related protein (fatty acid transport protein 2). Moreover, DOFP treatment improved dysregulated levels of major phospholipids in the livers of model mice. The results of this study confirm that DOFP treatment in NAFLD mice has liver recovery effects by regulating FA metabolism.

Procyanidin B2 Reduces Vascular Calcification through Inactivation of ERK1/2-RUNX2 Pathway

Vascular calcification is strongly associated with atherosclerotic plaque burden and plaque instability. The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) increases runt related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expression to promote vascular calcification. Procyanidin B2 (PB2), a potent antioxidant, can inhibit ERK1/2 activation in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). However, the effects and involved mechanisms of PB2 on atherosclerotic calcification remain unknown. In current study, we fed apoE-deficient (apoE^−/−) mice a high-fat diet (HFD) while treating the animals with PB2 for 18 weeks. At the end of the study, we collected blood and aorta samples to determine atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. We found PB2 treatment decreased lesions in en face aorta, thoracic, and abdominal aortas by 21.4, 24.6, and 33.5%, respectively, and reduced sinus lesions in the aortic root by 17.1%. PB2 also increased α-smooth muscle actin expression and collagen content in lesion areas. In the aortic root, PB2 reduced atherosclerotic calcification areas by 75.8%. In vitro, PB2 inhibited inorganic phosphate-induced osteogenesis in HASMCs and aortic rings. Mechanistically, the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and RUNX2 were markedly downregulated by PB2 treatment. Additionally, PB2 inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the aortic root plaques of apoE^−/− mice and calcified HASMCs. Reciprocally, the activation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by C2-MEK1-mut or epidermal growth factor can partially restore the PB2-inhibited RUNX2 expression or HASMC calcification. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that PB2 inhibits vascular calcification through the inactivation of the ERK1/2-RUNX2 pathway. Our study also suggests that PB2 can be a potential option for vascular calcification treatment.

Cardiovascular protection effect of chlorogenic acid: focus on the molecular mechanism

Vascular endothelial cells have a variety of functions such as the control of blood coagulation, vascular permeability, and tone regulation, as well as quiesce of immune cells. Endothelial dysfunction is a cardiovascular events predictor, which is considered the initial stage in atherosclerosis development. It is characterized by alterations in endothelium functions due to imbalanced vasodilators and vasoconstrictors, procoagulant and anticoagulant mediators, as well as growth inhibitor and promotor substances. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is the primary polyphenol in coffee and some fruits. It has many health-promoting properties, especially in the cardiovascular system. Many studies investigated the efficacy and mechanism of this compound in vascular health. CGA has several vascular benefits such as anti-atherosclerosis, anti-thrombosis, and anti-hypertensive. This review focuses on the molecular mechanism of CGA in vascular health.

Chlorogenic Acid Alleviates Colon Mucosal Damage Induced by a High-Fat Diet via Gut Microflora Adjustment to Increase Short-Chain Fatty Acid Accumulation in Rats

A high-fat diet (HFD) has been previously associated with the development of diseases such as chronic colitis. While chlorogenic acid (CGA) is known to exhibit potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, little is known about its effects on intestinal inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of CGA on intestinal inflammation in an HFD-induced obesity rat model and assessed whether these effects were related to changes in gut microbiota composition. This was achieved by examining physiological and biochemical indicators, the liver transcriptome, and the structure of the fecal microflora. CGA treatment significantly reduced HFD-induced internal organ weight gain, promoted colon tissue repair, downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and promoted the accumulation of the tight junction protein. KEGG enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes, applied to data from the RNA-seq of rat liver tissue, revealed that CGA treatment significantly affected amino acid and lipid metabolism in the liver. Furthermore, CGA decreased the abundance of bacteria belonging to the genera Blautia, Sutterella, and Akkermansia and increased butyric acid levels, which were positively correlated with the abundance of Ruminococcus (butyric acid producer). Moreover, the beneficial changes observed in the HFD group were not as pronounced as those in the CGA treatment group. In summary, CGA can alleviate colitis in HFD-induced obesity through its anti-inflammatory effects associated with changes in gut microbiota composition and an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids and thus can be used as a potential drug for the treatment of this pathology.

Plant Secondary Metabolites: An Opportunity for Circular Economy

Moving toward a more sustainable development, a pivotal role is played by circular economy and a smarter waste management. Industrial wastes from plants offer a wide spectrum of possibilities for their valorization, still being enriched in high added-value molecules, such as secondary metabolites (SMs). The current review provides an overview of the most common SM classes (chemical structures, classification, biological activities) present in different plant waste/by-products and their potential use in various fields. A bibliographic survey was carried out, taking into account 99 research articles (from 2006 to 2020), summarizing all the information about waste type, its plant source, industrial sector of provenience, contained SMs, reported bioactivities, and proposals for its valorization. This survey highlighted that a great deal of the current publications are focused on the exploitation of plant wastes in human healthcare and food (including cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food additives). However, as summarized in this review, plant SMs also possess an enormous potential for further uses. Accordingly, an increasing number of investigations on neglected plant matrices and their use in areas such as veterinary science or agriculture are expected, considering also the need to implement "greener" practices in the latter sector.

Chlorogenic Acids Inhibit Adipogenesis: Implications of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

In our previous in vitro study, we found that chlorogenic acid (CGA) inhibited adipocyte differentiation and triglyceride (TG) accumulation, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Accumulative genetic evidence supports that canonical Wnt signaling is a key modulator on adipogenesis. Methods. In this study, 3T3-L1 cells were induced adipogenic differentiation and then treated with CGA. We investigate the effect of CGA in inhibiting adipogenesis and evaluate its role in modulating Wnt10b (wingless integration1 10b), β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) involved in the Wnt (wingless integration1)/β-catenin signaling pathway. Results. The result showed that after CGA treatment, lipid accumulation and TG level decreased significantly in 3T3-L1 cells, indicating that CGA could inhibit adipogenesis. In addition, CGA repressed the induction of adipocyte differentiation biomarkers as PPAR-γ, adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and the secretion of GSK-3β in a dose-dependent manner upregulated the expression of β-catenin and Wnt10b both in gene and protein levels. Moreover, CGA induced phosphorylation of GSK-3β and promoted the accumulation of free cytosolic β-catenin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Conclusion. Overall, these findings gave us the implications that CGA inhibits adipogenesis via the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.

Caffeic and Chlorogenic Acids Synergistically Activate Browning Program in Human Adipocytes: Implications of AMPK- and PPAR-Mediated Pathways

Caffeic acid (CA) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) are phenolic compounds claimed to be responsible for the metabolic effects of coffee and tea consumption. Along with their structural similarities, they share common mechanisms such as activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-obesity potential of CA and CGA as co-treatment in human adipocytes. The molecular interactions of CA and CGA with key adipogenic transcription factors were simulated through an in silico molecular docking approach. The expression levels of white and brown adipocyte markers, as well as genes related to lipid metabolism, were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses. Mechanistically, the CA/CGA combination induced lipolysis, upregulated AMPK and browning gene expression and downregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) at both transcriptional and protein levels. The gene expression profiles of the CA/CGA-co-treated adipocytes strongly resembled brown-like signatures. Major pathways identified included the AMPK- and PPAR-related signaling pathways. Collectively, these findings indicated that CA/CGA co-stimulation exerted a browning-inducing potential superior to that of either compound used alone which merits implementation in obesity management. Further, the obtained data provide additional insights on how CA and CGA modify adipocyte function, differentiation and lipid metabolism.

Hypoglycemic effect and bioactive compounds associated with the ripening stages of the Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché fruit

BACKGROUND

The fruit of Cucurbita ficifolia Bouché is known in Mexico as 'chilacayote'. The scientific interest that C. ficifolia Bouché has acquired is due to its important hypoglycemic effect. The present research aimed (i) to discover whether this hypoglycemic property is present at different stages of development of this fruit, and (ii) to characterize some bioactive compounds with antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties. Ethylene production, respiration rate, and maturity indices were determined during fruit development. The chemical characterization of the aqueous extracts of each stage of maturity studied was determined and their hypoglycemic effects were bioassayed using groups of normal mice with diabetes induced by streptozotocin at a dose of 500 mg^-1 kg^-1 body weight.

RESULTS

Respiration rate and ethylene production showed a typical pattern for non-climacteric fruit and the quality parameters did not show significant changes. Phenolic compounds such as gallic acid and chlorogenic acid were found to have the highest concentration at 15 days of development. Extracts at 15 days showed a hypoglycemic effect that was 11% greater than that of glibenclamide in diabetized mice.

CONCLUSION

All stages of development of C. ficifolia fruit had a hypoglycemic effect; however, the aqueous extract from the fruit at 15 days of development showed a better effect than glibenclamide. This finding highlights the potential of this maturity stage, and shows that it is appropriate for inclusion in treatments of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results also indicate that phenolic compounds are mainly responsible for this effect and not d-chiro-inositol as previously thought. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Polyphenols and their applications: An approach in food chemistry and innovation potential

Polyphenols are compounds naturally present in fruits and vegetables that are gaining more and more attention due to their therapeutic effects and their potential technological applications. In this review, we intend to demonstrate the importance of some phenolic compounds, addressing their biological effects and potential for applications in various industrial fields. The intake of these compounds in appropriate concentrations can present promising effects in the prevention of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and others. They can also be used to improve the physicochemical properties of starch, in the preservation of foods, as natural dyes, prebiotic ingredients, hydrogels and nanocomplexes. In addition, these compounds have potential for innovation in the most diverse technological fields, including organic fine chemistry, basic materials chemistry, pharmaceuticals, food chemistry, chemical engineering, etc.

Identification of components and metabolites in plasma of type 2 diabetic rat after oral administration of Jiao-Tai-Wan using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Jiao-Tai-Wan, which is composed of Coptis Rhizoma and Cinnamon Cortex, has been recently used to treat type 2 diabetes. Owing to lack of data on its prototypes and metabolites, elucidation of the pharmacological and clinically safe levels of this formula has been significantly hindered. To screen more potential bioactive components of Jiao-Tai-Wan, we identified its multiple prototypes and metabolites in the plasma of type 2 diabetic rats by ultra high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A total of 47 compounds were identified in the plasma of type 2 diabetic rats, including 22 prototypes and 25 metabolites, with alkaloids constituting the majority of the absorbed prototype components. In addition, this is the first study to detect vanillic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, 3-hydroxycinnamic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and 2-methoxy cinnamic acid after oral administration of Jiao-Tai-Wan. The prototypes from Jiao-Tai-Wan were extensively metabolized by demethylation, hydroxylation, and reduction in phase Ⅰ metabolic reactions and by methylation or conjugation of glucuronide or sulfate in phase Ⅱ reactions. This is the first systematic study on the components and metabolic profiles of Jiao-Tai-Wan in vivo. This study provides a useful chemical basis for further pharmacological research and clinical application of Jiao-Tai-Wan.

Hypertensive Rats Treated Chronically With Nω-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) Induced Disorder of Hepatic Fatty Acid Metabolism and Intestinal Pathophysiology

N^ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis, results in hypertension and liver injury. This study aimed at investigating the changes of liver lipometabonomics and exploring the underlying mechanisms of liver injury in the L-NAME-treated rats. The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were treated with L-NAME (40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 8 weeks. After that, the liver, aorta, fecal, and serum were collected for analysis. The results showed that L-NAME induced hypertension and disordered the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-NO pathway in the treated rats. L-NAME could also increase the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST). The multidimensional mass spectrometry-based shotgun lipidomics (MDMS-SL) analysis showed that L-NAME could induce significant changes of the total hepatic lipids and most hepatic triglycerides, as well as fatty acid (FA). A positive correlation was found between the blood pressure and TAG. Immunofluorescence and Western-Blot experiments indicated that the L-NAME treatment significantly influenced some FA β-oxidation, desaturation, and synthesis-related proteins. The increase of intestinal inflammation, decrease of microcirculation and tight junction proteins, as well as alterations of microbial communities were observed in the L-NAME induced hypertensive rats, as well as alterations of microbial communities were notable correlation to TAG and FA species. This study demonstrated that the L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats exhibiting liver injury were the joint action of hepatic abnormal fatty acid metabolism and microcirculation disorder. Furthermore, the gut microflora, as well as the changes of FA β-oxidation (ACOX, CPT1α), desaturation (SCD-1), and synthesis (FAS) may be the potential mechanisms for abnormal fatty acid metabolism.

Viburnum opulus Fruit Phenolic Compounds as Cytoprotective Agents Able to Decrease Free Fatty Acids and Glucose Uptake by Caco-2 Cells

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in studying food-originated phytocompounds with beneficial influences for humans. Amongst the most active natural substances are polyphenols, for which high content has been identified in the Viburnum opulus berry, and which are unused in Western Europe. Due to its strong antioxidant activity we explored the potential of V. opulus as a preventive agent against diet-related chronic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Among the causes of these ailments is oxidative stress, as well as impaired glucose and free fatty acids (FFA) uptake. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine biological activity of V. opulus phenolic extracts as cytoprotective agents able to decrease induced oxidative stress, lower lipid accumulation and attenuate glucose and FFA uptake by Caco-2 cells via GLUT2 and CD36/FAT transporters. To determine the source of the most biologically active phenolic compounds, we obtained four phenolic compounds extracts as crude juice, phenolics isolated from juice and two preparations of phenolics obtained with different extraction agents from fruit pomace. Among the studied extracts, the phenolic rich fraction obtained from fruit juice revealed the strongest activity to decrease uptake of glucose, FFA and accumulation of lipid droplets in Caco-2 cells without affecting their viability (IC₀ 50 μg/mL). Observed uptake attenuation was followed by decrease of the CD36/FAT gene expression, without influence on the GLUT2 and PPARα levels. We suspect that V. opulus phenolics were able to modulate the cellular membrane dynamic, although that hypothesis requires further, more detailed studies. Extracts revealed strong chemo-preventive activity against oxidative stress induced chemically by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH), as well as against DNA damage through the induction of DNA repair after cell exposition to methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and H₂O₂. Our findings suggest Viburnum opulus fruit as a dietary source of phytocompounds, which could be considered as a tailored design food supplement components for the prevention and treatment of postprandial elevation of glucose and fatty acids through delaying the rate of glucose and fatty acid absorption by intestinal cells.

Effectiveness and therapeutic value of phytochemicals in acute pancreatitis: A review

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas that can lead to local and systemic complications. Repeated attacks of AP can lead to chronic pancreatitis, which markedly increases the probability of developing pancreatic cancer. Although many researchers have attempted to identify the pathogenesis involved in the initiation and aggravation of AP, the disease is still not fully understood, and effective treatment is limited to supportive therapy.

METHODS

We aim to summarize available literature focused on phytochemicals (berberine, chlorogenic acid, curcumin, emblica officinalis, ellagic acid, cinnamtannin B-1, resveratrol, piperine and lycopene) and discuss their effectiveness and therapeutic value for improving AP.

RESULTS

This study is based on pertinent papers that were retrieved by a selective search using relevant keywords in PubMed and ScienceDirect databases.

CONCLUSIONS

Many phytochemicals hold potential in improving AP symptoms and may be a valuable and effective addition to standard treatment of AP. It has already been proven that the crucial factor for reducing the severity of AP is stimulation of apoptosis along with/or inhibition of necrosis. Supplementation of phytochemicals, which target the balance between apoptosis and necrosis can be recommended in ongoing clinical studies.

The effects of decabromodiphenyl ether on glycolipid metabolism and related signaling pathways in mice

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), an addictive type flame retardant, is widely found in environments, and could affect the glycolipid metabolism. The present study was designed to investigate the potential mechanism of BDE-209 affecting glycolipid metabolism. Forty mice were randomly divided into four groups, and they were exposed to BDE-209 at dosages of 0, 7.5, 25 and 75 mg kg^-1·d^-1 for 28 d, respectively. The results showed that BDE-209 increased the serum levels of glucose, insulin, and triglyceride, also decreased the level of high-density lipoprotein, and damaged the structures of liver and adipose tissue in mice. BDE-209 significantly increased the protein expression of p-IRS, markedly decreased the expressions of PI3K, p-AKT, and GLUT4, significantly improved the lipid metabolism related factor expressions of p-mTOR, mTOR, PPARγ and RXRɑ, also inhibited the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of mice. These results suggested that BDE-209 could affect glucose metabolism and inhibiting PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 signaling pathway resulting from improving the p-IRS expression, and interfered with lipid metabolism through activate mTOR/PPARγ/RXRα resulting from oxidative stress in mice.

Glucagon-Induced Acetylation of Energy-Sensing Factors in Control of Hepatic Metabolism

The liver is the central organ of glycolipid metabolism, which regulates the metabolism of lipids and glucose to maintain energy homeostasis upon alterations of physiological conditions. Researchers formerly focused on the phosphorylation of glucagon in controlling liver metabolism. Noteworthily, emerging evidence has shown glucagon could additionally induce acetylation to control hepatic metabolism in response to different physiological states. Through inducing acetylation of complex metabolic networks, glucagon interacts extensively with various energy-sensing factors in shifting from glucose metabolism to lipid metabolism during prolonged fasting. In addition, glucagon-induced acetylation of different energy-sensing factors is involved in the advancement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to liver cancer. Here, we summarize the latest findings on glucagon to control hepatic metabolism by inducing acetylation of energy-sensing factors. Finally, we summarize and discuss the potential impact of glucagon on the treatment of liver diseases.

Chlorogenic Acid Functions as a Novel Agonist of PPARγ2 during the Differentiation of Mouse 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes

Rosiglitazone (RG) is a well-known activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) and used to treat hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes; however, its clinical application has been confounded by adverse side effects. Here, we assessed the roles of chlorogenic acid (CGA), a phenolic secondary metabolite found in many fruits and vegetables, on the differentiation and lipolysis of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The results showed that CGA promoted differentiation in vitro according to oil red O staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. As a potential molecular mechanism, CGA downregulated mRNA levels of the adipocyte differentiation-inhibitor gene Pref1 and upregulated those of major adipogenic transcriptional factors (Cebpb and Srebp1). Additionally, CGA upregulated the expression of the differentiation-related transcriptional factor PPARγ2 at both the mRNA and protein levels. However, following CGA intervention, the accumulation of intracellular triacylglycerides following preadipocyte differentiation was significantly lower than that in the RG group. Consistent with this, our data indicated that CGA treatment significantly upregulated the expression of lipogenic pathway-related genes Plin and Srebp1 during the differentiation stage, although the influence of CGA was weaker than that of RG. Notably, CGA upregulated the expression of the lipolysis-related gene Hsl, whereas it did not increase the expression of the lipid synthesis-related gene Dgat1. These results demonstrated that CGA might function as a potential PPARγ agonist similar to RG; however, the impact of CGA on lipolysis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes differed from that of RG.

A Phenolic Fraction from Catharanthus roseus L. Stems Decreases Glycemia and Stimulates Insulin Secretion

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. (C. roseus) is a medicinal plant used traditionally for diabetes mellitus control. Several compounds of an alkaloidal nature have been proposed as hypoglycemic principles. However, little attention has been paid to other compounds in this plant that could also participate in this hypoglycemic activity. This study aimed to analyze the hypoglycemic effect of a polyphenolic fraction from C. roseus, as well as its action on insulin secretion and expression in RINm5F cells. Methods. An alkaloid-free aqueous extract was obtained from C. roseus stems. The hypoglycemic effect of different doses of this extract was evaluated in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. This extract was fractionated by bipartition, and the resultant fractions were assessed by their hypoglycemic effects. Subsequently, the fraction with the greater hypoglycemic activity was added to the RINm5F cells, and the expression and secretion of insulin were analyzed. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH method and through chromatographic analysis of the most active fraction by HPLC, using an Econosphere C18 column. Results. The aqueous alkaloid-free extract of C. roseus stems significantly reduced blood glucose in normal and diabetic mice. The fractionation of this extract provided three fractions, one of which (a precipitate) showed significant reductions in glycemia at 6 h (48.1 and 64.5% in normal and diabetic mice, respectively). This precipitate contained phenolic compounds and saponins. Its chromatographic analysis showed that it is formed by several phenolic compounds; gallic acid (0.053%) and chlorogenic acid (0.216%) were identified and quantified. Conclusion. The phenolic fraction of C. roseus containing gallic acid and chlorogenic acid had a hypoglycemic effect that may be explained by an increase in insulin secretion.

Chlorogenic Acid Targeting of the AKT PH Domain Activates AKT/GSK3β/FOXO1 Signaling and Improves Glucose Metabolism

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a bioactive component in the human diet, is reported to exert beneficial effects on the regulation of glucose metabolism. This study was designed to investigate the specific target of CGA, and explore its underlying mechanisms. Beneficial effects of CGA in glucose metabolism were confirmed in insulin-treated human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. Protein fishing, via CGA-modified functionalized magnetic microspheres, demonstrated the binding of CGA with protein kinase B (AKT). Immunofluorescence using a CGA molecular probe further demonstrated the co-localization of CGA with AKT. A competitive combination test and hampering of AKT membrane translocation showed that CGA might bind to the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of AKT. The specific binding did not lead to the membrane translocation to phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP₃), but directly activated the phosphorylation of AKT on Ser-473, induced the phosphorylation of the downstream molecules, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and improved glucose metabolism. Collectively, our data demonstrate that CGA exerts regulatory effects on glucose metabolism via direct targeting the PH domain of AKT. This study clarifies the mechanism of the potential benefits of nutrients containing CGA in the complementary therapy of glucose metabolism disorders.

Smilax aristolochiifolia Root Extract and Its Compounds Chlorogenic Acid and Astilbin Inhibit the Activity of α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Enzymes

Regulating activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase through the use of specific inhibitors is a main strategy for controlling type 2 diabetes. Smilax aristolochiifolia root decoctions are traditionally used in Mexico as hypoglycemic and for weight loss, but the active principles and mechanisms underlying such putative metabolic effects are yet unknown. Here, we isolated the major bioactive compounds from a hydroethanolic extract of S. aristolochiifolia root by fast centrifugal partition chromatography and evaluated their effects against pancreatic α-amylase and yeast α-glucosidase. A chlorogenic acid-rich fraction (CAF) inhibited α-amylase activity with an IC₅₀ value of 59.28 μg/mL in an uncompetitive manner and α-glucosidase activity with an IC₅₀ value of 9.27 μg/mL in a noncompetitive mode. Also, an astilbin-rich fraction (ABF) inhibited α-glucosidase activity with an IC₅₀ value of 12.30 μg/mL, in a noncompetitive manner. CAF inhibition α-amylase was as active as acarbose while both CAF and ABF were 50-fold more potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase than acarbose. The molecular docking results of chlorogenic acid and astilbin with α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes correlated with the inhibition mechanisms suggested by enzymatic assays. Our results prove that S. aristolochiifolia roots contain chlorogenic acid and astilbin, which inhibit carbohydrates-hydrolyzing enzymes, suggesting a new mechanism for the hypoglycemic effect reported for this plant.

Identification of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives as natural protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors from Artemisia princeps

Considerable attention has been paid to protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors as a potential therapy for diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Ten caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (1-10) from leaves of Artemisia princeps Pamp. (Asteraceae) were identified as natural PTP1B inhibitors. Among them, chlorogenic acid (3) showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 11.1 μM). Compound 3 was demonstrated to be a noncompetitive inhibitor by a kinetic analysis. Molecular docking simulation suggested that compound 3 bound to the allosteric site of PTP1B. Furthermore, compound 3 showed remarkable selectivity against four homologous PTPs. According to these findings, compound 3 might be potentially valuable for further drug development.

Changes in phytochemical composition, bioactivity and in vitro digestibility of guayusa leaves (Ilex guayusa Loes.) in different ripening stages

BACKGROUND

Guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loes.) leaves, native of the Ecuadorian Amazon, are popularly used for preparing teas. This study aimed to assess the influence of leaf age on the phenolic compounds and carotenoids and the bioactivity and digestibility (in vitro) of aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaf extracts.

RESULTS

In total, 14 phenolic compounds were identified and quantified. Chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-O-hexose were the main representatives of the hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols respectively. Seven carotenoids were quantified, lutein being the main compound. Ripening affected phenolic content significantly, but there was no significant difference in carotenoid content. Antioxidant capacity, measured by the DPPH^• method, was also significantly affected by leaf age. The measurement of in vitro digestibility showed a decrease in phenolic content (59%) as well as antioxidant capacity, measured by the ABTS^•+ method, in comparison with initial conditions of the guayusa infusion. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities were assayed with young leaves owing to their higher phenolic contents. Guayusa did not show any antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 or Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Finally, the hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts exhibited high in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (>65%).

CONCLUSION

Young guayusa leaves have potential applications as a functional ingredient in food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.