Bioactive compounds from Artemisia dracunculus L. activate AMPK signaling in skeletal muscle

The Evolution of Science and Regulation of Dietary Supplements: Past, Present, and Future

Dietary supplement use in the United States is widespread and increasing, especially among certain population groups, such as older Americans. The science surrounding dietary supplements has evolved substantially over the last few decades since their formal regulation in 1994. Much has been learned about the mechanisms of action of many dietary supplement ingredients, but the evidence on their health effects is still building. As is true of much nutrition research, there are many studies that point to health effects, but not all are at the level of scientific evidence (e.g., randomized controlled interventions), rigor, or quality needed for definitive statements of efficacy regarding clinical end points. New technologies and approaches are being applied to the science of dietary supplements, including nutrigenomics and microbiome analysis, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning-all of which can elevate the science behind dietary supplements. Products can contain an array of bioactive compounds derived from foods as well as from medicinal plants, which creates enormous challenges in data collection and management. Clinical applications, particularly those aimed at providing personalized nutrition options for patients, have become more sophisticated as dietary supplements are incorporated increasingly into clinical practice and self-care. The goals of this article are to provide historical context for the regulation and science of dietary supplements, identify research resources, and suggest some future directions for science in this field.

Glucose uptake in trophoblasts of GDM mice is regulated by the AMPK-CLUT3 signaling pathway

GDM, as a metabolic disease during pregnancy, regulates GLUT3 translocation by AMPK, thereby affecting glucose uptake in trophoblasts. It provides a new research idea and therapeutic target for alleviating intrauterine hyperglycemia in GDM. STZ was used to construct GDM mice, inject AICAR into pregnant mice, and observe fetal and placental weight; flow cytometry was employed for the detection of glucose uptake by primary trophoblast cells; immunofluorescence was applied to detect the localization of GLUT3 and AMPK in placental tissue; Cocofal microscope was used to detect the localization of GLUT3 in trophoblast cells;qRT-PCR and Western blot experiments were carried out to detect the expression levels of GLUT3 and AMPK in placental tissue; CO-IP was utilized to detect the interaction of GLUT3 and AMPK. Compared with the normal pregnancy group, the weight of the fetus and placenta of GDM mice increased (P < 0.001), and the ability of trophoblasts to take up glucose decreased (P < 0.001). In addition, AMPK activity in trophoblasts and membrane localization of GLUT3 in GDM mice were down-regulated compared with normal pregnant mice (P < 0.05). There is an interaction between GLUT3 and AMPK. Activating AMPK in trophoblasts can up-regulate the expression of GLUT3 membrane protein in trophoblasts of mice (P < 0.05) and increase the glucose uptake of trophoblasts (P < 0.05). We speculate that inhibition of AMPK activity in GDM mice results in aberrant localization of GLUT3, which in turn attenuates glucose uptake by placental trophoblast cells. AICAR activates AMPK to increase the membrane localization of GLUT3 and improve the glucose uptake capacity of trophoblasts.

Traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of the Genus Artemisia L. (Asteraceae): A High-value Medicinal Plant

Biologically active secondary metabolites, essential oils, and volatile compounds derived from medicinal and aromatic plants play a crucial role in promoting human health. Within the large family Asteraceae, the genus Artemisia consists of approximately 500 species. Artemisia species have a rich history in traditional medicine worldwide, offering remedies for a wide range of ailments, such as malaria, jaundice, toothache, gastrointestinal problems, wounds, inflammatory diseases, diarrhoea, menstrual pains, skin disorders, headache, and intestinal parasites. The therapeutic potential of Artemisia species is derived from a multitude of phytoconstituents, including terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, sesquiterpene lactones, lignans, and alkaloids that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). The remarkable antimalarial, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antispasmodic, antioxidative and insecticidal properties possessed by the species are attributed to these APIs. Interestingly, several commercially utilized pharmaceutical drugs, including arglabin, artemisinin, artemether, artesunate, santonin, and tarralin have also been derived from different Artemisia species. However, despite the vast medicinal potential, only a limited number of Artemisia species have been exploited commercially. Further, the available literature on traditional and pharmacological uses of Artemisia lacks comprehensive reviews. Therefore, there is an urgent need to bridge the existing knowledge gaps and provide a scientific foundation for future Artemisia research endeavours. It is in this context, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, documented biological properties and toxicity of all the species of Artemisia and offers useful insights for practitioners and researchers into underutilized species and their potential applications. This review aims to stimulate further exploration, experimentation and collaboration to fully realize the therapeutic potential of Artemisia in augmenting human health and well-being.

Extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. Modulates Osteoblast Proliferation and Mineralization

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) significantly improve insulin sensitivity via action on adipocytes. Unfortunately, TZDs also degrade bone by inhibiting osteoblasts. An extract of Artemisia dracunculus L., termed PMI5011, improves blood glucose and insulin sensitivity via skeletal muscle, rather than fat, and may therefore spare bone. Here, we examine the effects of PMI5011 and an identified active compound within PMI5011 (2',4'-dihydroxy-4-methoxydihydrochalcone, DMC-2) on pre-osteoblasts. We hypothesized that PMI5011 and DMC-2 will not inhibit osteogenesis. To test our hypothesis, MC3T3-E1 cells were induced in osteogenic media with and without PMI5011 or DMC-2. Cell lysates were probed for osteogenic gene expression and protein content and were stained for osteogenic endpoints. Neither compound had an effect on early stain outcomes for alkaline phosphatase or collagen. Contrary to our hypothesis, PMI5011 at 30 µg/mL significantly increases osteogenic gene expression as early as day 1. Further, osteogenic proteins and cell culture mineralization trend higher for PMI5011-treated wells. Treatment with DMC-2 at 1 µg/mL similarly increased osteogenic gene expression and significantly increased mineralization, although protein content did not trend higher. Our data suggest that PMI5011 and DMC-2 have the potential to promote bone health via improved osteoblast maturation and activity.

Roles of protein post-translational modifications in glucose and lipid metabolism: mechanisms and perspectives

The metabolism of glucose and lipids is essential for energy production in the body, and dysregulation of the metabolic pathways of these molecules is implicated in various acute and chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis (AS), obesity, tumor, and sepsis. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, which involve the addition or removal of covalent functional groups, play a crucial role in regulating protein structure, localization function, and activity. Common PTMs include phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, methylation, and glycosylation. Emerging evidence indicates that PTMs are significant in modulating glucose and lipid metabolism by modifying key enzymes or proteins. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role and regulatory mechanisms of PTMs in glucose and lipid metabolism, with a focus on their involvement in disease progression associated with aberrant metabolism. Furthermore, we discuss the future prospects of PTMs, highlighting their potential for gaining deeper insights into glucose and lipid metabolism and related diseases.

Rumen fermentation, methane concentration, and blood metabolites of cattle receiving dietetical phytobiotic and cobalt (II) chloride

Background and Aim

Ensuring the genetic potential of ruminants through nutrition studies using medicinal plants and trace element metals is an urgent task. This study aimed to study the effect of Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae) herb plant separately and in combination with cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl₂) chelate compounds on the course of metabolic processes in the rumen, methane concentration, and biochemical blood parameters in bulls.

Materials and Methods

Control group (BD: Basal diet); experimental Group I - BD + A. absinthium herb at a dose of 2.0 g/kg dry matter (DM), experimental Group II - BD + A. absinthium herb at a dose of 2.0 g/kg DM + CoCl₂ (1.5 mg/kg), and experimental Group III - BD + CoCl₂ were set (1.5 mg/kg). The study was conducted on 16 beef bulls (Kazakh white-headed breed) aged 13-14 months, with an average live weight of 330-335 kg. Enzymatic processes in the rumen were studied, including the level of volatile fatty acids (using the gas chromatography method), nitrogen and its fractions (using the Kjeldahl method), methane concentration, and morphological and biochemical blood composition.

Results

There was a decrease in the concentration of acetic acid in experimental group I (15.9%) (p < 0.05) and in the III group (60.3%) and propionic acid in all experimental groups by 5.6%-47.3% (p < 0.05). Feeding A. absinthium herb as part of the diet of experimental Group I contributed to a decrease in methane concentration by 17.8% (p = 0.05) and the lowest methane concentration was noted for experimental Group III. It was less than in control by 59.1% (p < 0.05). An increase in the concentration of glucose, total protein, and creatinine was found in the experimental groups (p < 0.05). The digestibility of organic matter (3.5%), crude fiber (3.6%), and hemicellulose (11.0%) increased with the feeding of A. absinthium herb.

Conclusion

Thus, using biocomplexes based on A. absinthium herb and CoCl₂ do not harm the rumen fermentation of cattle. Still, further microbiome studies are required to evaluate the effects of A. absinthium on cattle properly.