What is the influence of grape products on liver enzymes? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Natural products and dietary interventions on liver enzymes: an umbrella review and evidence map

Background

The association between natural products and dietary interventions on liver enzymes is unclear; therefore, this study aimed to examine their effects on liver enzymes in adults.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews databases were searched from inception until March 2023. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) systems were used to assess the methodological and evidence quality, and the therapeutic effects were summarized in a narrative form.

Results

A total of 40 meta-analyses on natural products (n = 25), dietary supplements (n = 10), and dietary patterns (n = 5) were evaluated, and results were presented in a narrative form. The overall methodological quality of the included studies was relatively poor. The results indicated that positive effects were observed for nigella sativa, garlic, artichoke, curcumin, silymarin, vitamin E, vitamin D, L-carnitine, propolis, and polyunsaturated fatty acids on certain liver enzymes. The dietary patterns, including high-protein, Mediterranean, and calorie-restriction diets and evening snacks, may reduce liver enzymes; however, other supplements and herbs did not reduce liver enzyme levels or have minimal effects. The evidence quality was generally weak given the risk of bias, heterogeneity, and imprecision.

Conclusion

This umbrella review suggests that natural products and dietary interventions have beneficial therapeutic effects on liver enzymes levels. Further clinical trials are necessary to establish the effectiveness of supplements that reduce liver enzymes.

Low Dose Monacolin K Combined with Coenzyme Q10, Grape Seed, and Olive Leaf Extracts Lowers LDL Cholesterol in Patients with Mild Dyslipidemia: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

Certain nutraceuticals, mainly containing red yeast rice, might be considered as an alternative therapy to statins in patients with dyslipidemia, although there is still insufficient evidence available with respect to long-term safety and effectiveness on cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the lipid-lowering activity and safety of a dietary supplement containing a low dose of monacolin K combined with coenzyme Q10, grape seed and olive tree leaf extracts in patients with mild hypercholesterolemia. In total, 105 subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C levels 140-180 mg/dL) and low CV risk were randomly assigned into three treatment groups: lifestyle modification (LM), LM plus a low dosage of monacolin K (3 mg), and LM plus a high dosage of monacolin K (10 mg) and treated for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the reduction of LDL-C and total cholesterol (TC). LDL-C decreased by 26.46% on average (p < 0.001) during treatment with 10 mg of monacolin and by 16.77% on average during treatment with 3 mg of monacolin (p < 0.001). We observed a slight but significant reduction of the triglyceride levels only in the high-dose-treated group (mean -4.25%; 95% CI of mean -11.11 to 2.61). No severe adverse events occurred during the study. Our results confirm the LDL-C-lowering properties of monacolin are clinically meaningful even in lower doses of 3 mg/day.

Apoptotic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from nettle leaf

Here, we reported the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Urtica dioica (nettle) leaf extract as green reducing and capping agents and investigate their anticancer and antibacterial, activity. The Nettle-mediated biosynthesized AgNPs was characterized by UV-Vis a spectrophotometer. Their size, shape and elemental analysis were determined with the using of SEM and TEM. The crystal structure was determined by XRD and the biomolecules responsible for the reduction of Ag⁺ were determined using FTIR analysis. Nettle-mediated biosynthesis AgNPs indicated strong antibacterial activity against pathogenic microorganisms. Again, the antioxidant activity of AgNPs is quite high when compared to ascorbic acid. Anticancer effect of AgNPs, IC₅₀ dose was determined by XTT analysis using MCF-7 cell line and the IC₅₀ value was found to be 0.243 ± 0.014 μg/mL (% w/v).

In vitro anticancer and antibacterial performance of biosynthesized Ag and Ce co-doped ZnO NPs

The great potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for biomedical applications is attributed to their physicochemical properties. In this work, pure and Ag and Ce dual-doped ZnO NPs were synthesized through a facile and green route to examine their cytotoxicity in breast cancer and normal cells. The initial preparation of dual-doped nanoparticles was completed by the usage of taranjabin. The synthesis of Ag and Ce dual-doped ZnO NPs was started with preparing the Ce:Ag ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4. The cytotoxicity effects of synthesized nanoparticles against breast normal cells (MCF-10A) and breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) were examined. The hexagonal structure of synthesized nanoparticles was observed through the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images exhibited the spherical shape and smooth surfaces of prepared particles along with the homogeneous distribution of Ag and Ce in ZnO with high-quality lattice fringes without any distortions. According to the cytotoxic results, the effects of Ag/Ce dual-doped ZnO NPs on breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells were significantly more than of pure ZnO NPs, while dual-doped and pure nanoparticles remained indifferent towards breast normal (MCF-10A) cells. In addition, we investigated the antimicrobial activity against harmful bacteria.

The effect of grape products on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The favorable influence of grape consumption on metabolic diseases has previously been shown in studies. We sought to assess the effects of grape intake on liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in adults. We performed literature search in online databases, to find eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). we considered RCTs that met the following criteria: RCTs consisted of use of grape products on ALT, AST, and ALP in adults (≥18 years) with at least 2 weeks intervention duration. Pooling data from 11 trials showed that grape products intake significantly reduced ALP (p = .010), without any significant changes in ALT (p = .234) and AST (p = .300). In subgroup analysis, we found a significant reduction in ALP, ALT, and AST when the duration of intervention was ≥12 weeks, and when grape seed extract (GSE) was administered. The variable duration and dosage of intervention was one of the sources of bias in our meta-analysis. Additionally, participants involved in included studies had different physiological status and various age groups. Grape products administration may significantly improve ALT, AST, and ALP in adults in long-term interventions and/or when GSE is administered. It should be noted that the favorable effects of grape consumption were small and may not reach clinical importance.

Current management of liver diseases and the role of multidisciplinary approach

Liver is an organ having extremely diversified functions, ranging from metabolic and synthetic to detoxification of harmful chemicals. The multifunctionality of the liver in principle requires the multidisciplinary and pluralistic interventions for its management. Several studies have investigated liver function, dysfunction and clinic. This editorial work discusses new ideas, challenges and perspectives of current research regarding multidisciplinary and pluralistic management of liver diseases. In one hand the discussions have carried out on the involvement of extracellular vesicles, Na⁺/H⁺ exchangers, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and Epstein–Barr virus infections, Drug-induced liver injury, sepsis, pregnancy, and food supplements in hepatic disorders. In the other hand this study has discussed hepatocellular carcinoma algorithms and new biochemical and imaging experiments pertaining to liver diseases. Relevant articles with an impact index value "> 0" from reference citation analysis, which is an open multidisciplinary citation analysis database based on artificial intelligence technology, have served for the study’s argumentation. This work may be a useful tool for the clinical practice and research in managing and investigating liver disorders.

Amin H, F. Alanazi S, Turki Jalil A, Khatami M, Mahmood Saleh M. Trace elements-based Auroshell gold@hematite nanostructure: Green synthesis and their hyperthermia therapy

Hyperthermia is an additional treatment method to radiation therapy/chemotherapy, which increases the survival rate of patients without side effects. Nowadays, Auroshell nanoparticles have attracted much attention due to their precise control over heat use for medical purposes. In this research, iron/gold Auroshell nanoparticles were synthesised using green nanotechnology approach. Auroshell gold@hematite nanoparticles were synthesised and characterised with rosemary extract in one step and the green synthesised nanoparticles were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction, SEM, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Cytotoxicity of Auroshell iron@gold nanoparticles against normal HUVEC cells and glioblastoma cancer cells was evaluated by 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide method, water bath hyperthermia, and combined method of water bath hyperthermia and nano-therapy. Auroshell gold@hematite nanoparticles with minimal toxicity are safe against normal cells. The gold shell around the magnetic core of magnetite caused the environmental and cellular biocompatibility of these Auroshell nanoparticles. These magnetic nanoparticles with targeted control and transfer to the tumour tissue led to uniform heating of malignant tumours as the most efficient therapeutic agent.

Multifaceted role of polyphenols in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are conditions that cause neuron structure and/or function to deteriorate over time. Genetic alterations may be responsible for several NDDs. However, a multitude of physiological systems can trigger neurodegeneration. Several NDDs, such as Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's, are assigned to oxidative stress (OS). Low concentrations of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are crucial for maintaining normal brain activities, as their increasing concentrations can promote neural apoptosis. OS-mediated neurodegeneration has been linked to several factors, including notable dysfunction of mitochondria, excitotoxicity, and Ca²⁺ stress. However, synthetic drugs are commonly utilized to treat most NDDs, and these treatments have been known to have side effects during treatment. According to providing empirical evidence, studies have discovered many occurring natural components in plants used to treat NDDs. Polyphenols are often safer and have lesser side effects. As, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, celastrol, berberine, genistein, and luteolin have p-values less than 0.05, so they are typically considered to be statistically significant. These polyphenols could be a choice of interest as therapeutics for NDDs. This review highlighted to discusses the putative effectiveness of polyphenols against the most prevalent NDDs.

Reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies

The immunotherapeutic approaches based on checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccination, immune cell-based therapy, and cytokines were developed to engage the patient's immune system against cancer and better survival of them. While potent, however, preclinical and clinical data have identified that abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can affect the efficacy of immunotherapies in some cancers. It is therefore imperative to develop new therapeutic interventions that will enable to overcome tumor-supportive TME and restrain anti-tumor immunity in patients that acquire resistance to current immunotherapies. Therefore, recognition of the essential nature of the tolerogenic TME may lead to a shift from the immune-suppressive TME to an immune-stimulating phenotype. Here, we review the composition of the TME and its effect on tumor immunoediting and then present how targeted monotherapy or combination therapies can be employed for reprogramming educated TME to improve current immunotherapies outcomes or elucidate potential therapeutic targets.

Non-coding RNAs, another side of immune regulation during triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered about 12-24 % of all breast cancer cases. Patients experience poor overall survival, high recurrence rate, and distant metastasis compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Numerous studies have highlighted the crucial roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in carcinogenesis and proliferation, migration, and metastasis of tumor cells in TNBC. Recent research has demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in the regulation of the immune system by affecting the tumor microenvironment, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the regulation of dendritic cells and myeloid-derived stem cells, and T and B cell activation and differentiation. Immune-related miRNAs and lncRNAs, which have been established as predictive markers for various cancers, are strongly linked to immune cell infiltration and could be a viable therapeutic target for TNBC. In the current review, we discuss the recent updates of ncRNAs, including miRNAs and lncRNAs in TNBC, including their biogenesis, target genes, and biological function of their targets, which are mostly involved in the immune response.

Synthesis of efficient cobalt-metal organic framework as reusable nanocatalyst in the synthesis of new 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives with antioxidant activity

Efficient cobalt-metal organic framework (Co-MOF) was prepared via a controllable microwave-assisted reverse micelle synthesis route. The products were characterized by SEM image, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm, FTIR spectrum, and TG analysis. Results showed that the products have small particle size distribution, homogenous morphology, significant surface area, and high thermal stability. The physicochemical properties of the final products were remarkable compared with other MOF samples. The newly synthesized nanostructures were used as recyclable catalysts in the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives. After the confirmation of related structures, the antioxidant activity of derivatives based on the DPPH method was evaluated and the relationship between structures and antioxidant activity was observed. In addition to recyclability, the catalytic activity of Co-MOF studied in this research has remarkable effects on the synthesis of 1,4 dihydropyridine derivatives.

Synergistic effect of Si-doping and Fe2O3-encapsulation on drug delivery and sensor applications of γ-graphyne nanotube toward favipiravir as an antiviral for COVID-19: A DFT study

In this work, the behavior of favipiravir (FAV) adsorption on the pristine (2,2) graphyne-based γ-nanotube (GYNT) was theoretically studied. Also, the Si-doped form (Si-GYNT) and its composite with encapsulated Fe₂O₃ (Fe₂O₃@Si-GYNT) were investigated within density functional theory (DFT) calculations, using M05 functionals and B3LYP. It was found that FAV is weakly to moderately adsorb on the bare GYNT and Si-GYNT tube, releasing the energy of 2.2 to 19.8 kcal/mol. After FAV adsorption, the bare tube's electronic properties are changed. Localized impurity is induced at the valence and conduction levels by encapsulating a tiny Fe₂O₃ cluster. As such, the target composite becomes a magnetic material. The binding energy between the Fe₂O₃@Si-GYNT and the FAV molecule becomes substantially stronger (E_ad = -25.2 kcal/mol). We developed a drug release system in target parts of body, during protonation in the low pH of injured cells, detaching the FAV from the tube surface. The drug's reaction mechanism with Fe₂O₃@Si-GYNT shifts from covalence in the normal environment to hydrogen bonding in an acidic matrix. The optimized structure's natural bond orbital, quantum molecular descriptors, LUMO, HOMO and energy gap were also investigated. The recovery time can be reduced to less than 10 s by increasing the working temperature properly during the experimental test.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Lawsonia inermis and their biomedical application

Developing biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) using plant extract is an environmentally friendly method to reduce the use of harmful chemical substances. The green synthesis of Ag‐NPs by Lawsonia inermis extract and its cellular toxicity and the antimicrobial effect was studied. The physical and chemical properties of synthesised Ag‐NPs were investigated using UV‐visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The average size of Ag‐NPs was 40 nm. The XRD result shows peaks at 2θ = 38.07°, 44.26°, 64.43°, and 77.35° are related to the FCC structure of Ag‐NPs. Cytotoxicity of synthesised nanoparticles was evaluated by MTT toxicity test on breast cancer MCF7 cell line. Observations showed that the effect of cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on the studied cell line depended on concentration and time. The obtained IC₅₀ was considered for cells at a dose of 250 μg/ml. Growth and survival rates decreased exponentially with the dose. Antimicrobial properties of Ag‐NPs synthesised with extract were investigated against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus to calculate the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration of (MBC). The results showed that the synthesised Ag‐NPs and the plant extract have antimicrobial properties. The lowest concentration of Ag‐NPs that can inhibit the growth of bacterial strains was 25 μg/ml.

Plant-mediated synthesis of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity against bacteria cause tooth decay

In this research, silver-doped zinc oxide (SdZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in an environmental-friendly manner. The synthesized NPs were identified by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, the antimicrobial activity of synthesized ZnO and SdZnO NPs was performed. It was observed that by doping silver, the size of ZnO NPs was changed. By adding silver to ZnO NPs, the antimicrobial effect of ZnO NPs was improved. Antibacterial test against gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus mutants showed that SdZnO NPs with a low density of silver had higher antibacterial activity than ZnO NPs; Therefore, SdZnO NPs can be used as a new antibacterial agent in medical applications.