Transcriptome analysis of two structurally related flavonoids; Apigenin and Chrysin revealed hypocholesterolemic and ketogenic effects in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Compare and Contrast of the Cellular Actions of Related Flavonoids, Apigenin and Chrysin

In this review, we provide an evidence-based approach to determine the cellular and systemic actions of two structurally similar flavonoids, apigenin and chrysin. We have clearly evaluated and charted the overlapping and diverging properties of these two sister flavonoids. Based on two separate Omics-based approaches by our group and independent reports from others, the cholesterol-lowering properties have been revealed. In addition, the prevention of uric acid biosynthesis and enhancement of ketogenesis have also been quite evident in these two flavonoids. Along with these overlapping functions, apigenin and chrysin have also demonstrated unique properties that allow them to stand out from each other. Chrysin has demonstrated abilities like downregulating alanine metabolism and pyrimidine synthesis, which could be helpful in metabolic diseases like cancer. In contrast, apigenin has demonstrated anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by enhancing endogenous anti-inflammatory lipids and upregulating vasoprotective metabolites, which could be beneficial for cardiovascular, renal, and cerebrovascular complications. Further validation studies using in vivo and translational approaches could provide us with better clarity regarding the use of these agents therapeutically and to treat a combination or pool of metabolic diseases.

Untargeted Metabolomics Based Prediction of Therapeutic Potential for Apigenin and Chrysin

The prominent flavonoids apigenin and chrysin have been demonstrated to have systemic benefits. Our previous work was first to establish the impact of apigenin and chrysin on cellular transcriptome. In the current study, we have revealed the ability of apigenin and chrysin to alter the cellular metabolome based on our untargeted metabolomics. Based on our metabolomics data, both these structurally related flavonoids demonstrate diverging and converging properties. Apigenin demonstrated the potential to possess anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant properties through the upregulation of intermediate metabolites of alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid pathways. Chrysin, on the other hand, exhibited abilities to inhibit protein and pyrimidine synthesis along with downregulation of gluconeogenesis pathways based on the altered metabolites detected. Chrysin-mediated metabolite changes are mostly due to its ability to modulate L-alanine metabolism and the urea cycle. On the other hand, both the flavonoids also demonstrated converging properties. Apigenin and chrysin were able to downregulate metabolites involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and uric acid synthesis, namely 7-dehydrocholesterol and xanthosine, respectively. This work will provide understanding regarding the diverse therapeutic potential of these naturally occurring flavonoids and help us in curbing an array of metabolic complications.

A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacological Importance of Dietary Flavonoids as Hepatoprotective Agents

The liver is a crucial organ that is involved in various kinds of metabolic activity and a very stable accessory gland for the digestive system. Long-term or persistent inflammation and oxidative stress due to any reasons have a substantial impact on the beginning and continuation of chronic diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cirrhosis, liver fibrosis, and other hepatic conditions. There are many sources which can help the liver to be healthy and enhance its metabolic potential of the liver. Since the diet is rich origin of bioactive along with antioxidant chemicals including flavonoids and polyphenols, it can control different stages of inflammation and hepatic diseases. Numerous food sources, notably vegetables, nuts, fruits, cereals, beverages, and herbal medicinal plants, are rich in bioactive chemicals called flavonoids and their derivatives like Flavones, Anthocyanins, Iso-flavonoid, Flavanones, Flavanols, and Flavan-3-ols. Most recently occurred research on flavonoids has demonstrated that they can regulate hepatoprotective properties. This is because they are essential parts of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products due to their hepatoprotective, antioxidative, and immune-modulating characteristics. However, the characteristics of their hepatoprotective impact remain unclear. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to survey the flavonoid structure and enriched sources for their hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects concerning liver toxicity or injury.

Propolis induces cardiac metabolism changes in 6-hydroxydopamine animal model: A dietary intervention as a potential cardioprotective approach in Parkinson’s disease

While there is sustained growth of the older population worldwide, ageing is a consistent risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s-disease (PD). Considered an emblematic movement disorder, PD comprises a miscellany of non-motor symptoms, for which effective management remains an unfulfilled need in clinical practice. Highlighted are the cardiovascular abnormalities, that cause significant burden in PD patients. Evidence suggests that key biological processes underlying PD pathophysiology can be modulated by diet-derived bioactive compounds, such as green propolis, a natural functional food with biological and pharmacological properties. The effects of propolis on cardiac affection associated to PD have received little coverage. In this study, a metabolomics approach and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging were used to assess the metabolic response to diet supplementation with green propolis on heart outcomes of rats with Parkinsonism induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA rats). Untargeted metabolomics approach revealed four cardiac metabolites (2-hydroxybutyric acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, monoacylglycerol and alanine) that were significantly modified between animal groups (6-OHDA, 6-OHDA + Propolis and sham). Propolis-induced changes in the level of these cardiac metabolites suggest beneficial effects of diet intervention. From the metabolites affected, functional analysis identified changes in propanoate metabolism (a key carbohydrate metabolism related metabolic pathway), glucose-alanine cycle, protein and fatty acid biosynthesis, energy metabolism, glutathione metabolism and urea cycle. PET imaging detected higher glucose metabolism in the 17 areas of the left ventricle of all rats treated with propolis, substantially contrasting from those rats that did not consume propolis. Our results bring new insights into cardiac metabolic substrates and pathways involved in the mechanisms of the effects of propolis in experimental PD and provide potential novel targets for research in the quest for future therapeutic strategies.

Chrysin: Perspectives on Contemporary Status and Future Possibilities as Pro-Health Agent

Chrysin belongs to the group of natural polyphenols. It can be found, among others, in honey, propolis and fruits and has a wide range of biological activities, including the prevention of oxidative stress, inflammation, neurodegeneration and carcinogenesis. Being a part of the human diet, chrysin is considered to be a promising compound to be used in the prevention of many diseases, including cancers, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Nevertheless, due to the low solubility of chrysin in water and under physiological conditions, its bioavailability is low. For this reason, attempts at its functionalization have been undertaken, aiming to increase its absorption and thus augment its in vivo therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent research on chrysin, including its sources, metabolism, pro-health effects and the effects of its functionalization on biological activity and pharmacological efficacy, evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.