Resveratrol has anti-thyroid effects both in vitro and in vivo

Efficacy of optimal nutraceutical combination in treating PCOS characteristics: an in-silico assessment

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a serious health condition affecting women of reproductive age. High prevalence of PCOS and associated metabolic complications needs effective treatment and management. This study evaluated the efficacy of optimal nutraceutical combinations in improving PCOS characteristics using system biology-based mathematical modelling and simulation.

METHODS

A shortlisting of eight potent nutraceuticals was carried out with literature search. Menstrual cycle model was used to perform simulations on an in-silico population of 2000 individuals to test individual and combined effects of shortlisted nutraceuticals on five PCOS characteristics [oligomenorrhea, anovulation, hirsutism, infertility, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM)] for a duration of 6 months. Efficacy was tested across lean and obese phenotypes and age groups.

RESULTS

Individual assessment of nutraceuticals revealed seven most potent compounds. Myo-inositol among them was observed to be the most effective in alleviating the PCOS characteristics. The in-silico population analysis showed that the combination of melatonin and ALA along with myo-inositol was efficacious in restoring the hormonal balance across age-groups and Body Mass Index (BMI) categories.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with the combination of myo-inositol, melatonin, and ALA demonstrated potential in managing PCOS symptoms in our in-silico analysis of a heterogeneous population, including lean and obese phenotypes across various severities and age groups, over a 6-month period. Future clinical studies are recommended to validate these findings.

Therapeutic potential of stilbenes in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders: A comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical evidence

Neuropsychiatric disorders are anticipated to be a leading health concern in the near future, emphasizing an outstanding need for the development of new effective therapeutics to treat them. Stilbenes, with resveratrol attracting the most attention, are an example of multi-target compounds with promising therapeutic potential for a broad array of neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions. This review is a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on stilbenes in several neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders. We describe and discuss the results of both in vitro and in vivo studies. The majority of studies concentrate on resveratrol, with limited findings exploring other stilbenes such as pterostilbene, piceatannol, polydatin, tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside, or synthetic resveratrol derivatives. Overall, although extensive preclinical studies show the potential benefits of stilbenes in various central nervous system disorders, clinical evidence on their therapeutic efficacy is largely missing.

Comprehensive and critical view on the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory role of natural phenolic antioxidants

The immune response encompasses innate and adaptive immunity, each with distinct and specific activities. The innate immune system is constituted by phagocytic cells, macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils, the cascade system, and different classes of receptors such as toll-like receptors that are exploited by the innate immune cells. The adaptive immune system is antigen-specific, encompassing memory lymphocytes and the corresponding specific receptors. Inflammation is understood as an activation of different signaling pathways such as toll-like receptors or nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, with an increase in nitric oxide, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Increased oxidative stress has been identified as main source of chronic inflammation. Phenolic antioxidants modulate the activities of lymphocytes and macrophages by impacting cytokines and nitric oxide release, exerting anti-inflammatory effect. The nuclear-factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway are targeted, alongside an increase in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor mediated antioxidant response, triggering the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The inhibitive potential on phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase in the arachidonic acid pathway, and the subsequent reduction in prostaglandin and leukotriene generation, reveals the potential of phenolics as inflammation antagonists. The immunomodulative potential encompasses the capacity to interfere with proinflammatory cytokine synthesis and with the expression of the corresponding genes. A diet rich in antioxidants can result in prevention of inflammation-related pathologies. More investigations are necessary to establish the role of these antioxidants in therapy. The appropriate delivery system and the prooxidant effects exhibited at large doses, or in the presence of heavy metal cations should be regarded.

The Pharmacological Properties of Red Grape Polyphenol Resveratrol: Clinical Trials and Obstacles in Drug Development

Resveratrol is a stilbenoid from red grapes that possesses a strong antioxidant activity. Resveratrol has been shown to have anticancer activity, making it a promising drug for the treatment and prevention of numerous cancers. Several in vitro and in vivo investigations have validated resveratrol's anticancer capabilities, demonstrating its ability to block all steps of carcinogenesis (such as initiation, promotion, and progression). Additionally, resveratrol has been found to have auxiliary pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective activity. Despite its pharmacological properties, several obstacles, such as resveratrol's poor solubility and bioavailability, as well as its adverse effects, continue to be key obstacles to drug development. This review critically evaluates the clinical trials to date and aims to develop a framework to develop resveratrol into a clinically viable drug.

Comprehensive review of resveratrol as a feed additive in dairy cows: exploring its potential diverse effects and implications

Heat stress and growing demand for dairy products in tropical regions exert metabolic pressure on dairy cows, leading to metabolic diseases and economic losses. Resveratrol (RSV) is known for its numerous beneficial health effects and can be used as a barrier against metabolic abnormalities and prevent economic losses. Several studies have investigated the effects of RSV in humans and various animal species. In this review, we attempted to investigate the effects of RSV from different aspects so that we could have a practical proposal for its utilization in dairy cows. RSV was found to have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial effects, leading to improved reproductive performance. It is interesting that the effect of RSV on the microbial population leads to a significant decrease in methane emissions. However, high doses of RSV have been associated with possible adverse effects, underscoring the dose dependence of its efficacy. In conclusion, RSV polyphenol at optimal doses is a promising agent for the prevention and treatment of metabolic abnormalities in dairy cows, based on our literature review and study results.

Expected and Unexpected Effects of Pharmacological Antioxidants

In this review, we have collected the existing data on the bioactivity of antioxidants (N-acetylcysteine, polyphenols, vitamin C) which are traditionally used in experimental biology and, in some cases, in the clinic. Presented data show that, despite the capacity of these substances to scavenge peroxides and free radicals in cell-free systems, their ability to exhibit these properties in vivo, upon pharmacological supplementation, has not been confirmed so far. Their cytoprotective activity is explained mainly by the ability not to suppress, but to activate multiple redox pathways, which causes biphasic hormetic responses and highly pleiotropic effects in cells. N-acetylcysteine, polyphenols, and vitamin C affect redox homeostasis by generating low-molecular-weight redox-active compounds (H₂O₂ or H₂S), known for their ability to stimulate cellular endogenous antioxidant defense and promote cytoprotection at low concentrations but exert deleterious effects at high concentrations. Moreover, the activity of antioxidants strongly depends on the biological context and mode of their application. We show here that considering the biphasic and context-dependent response of cells on the pleiotropic action of antioxidants can help explain many of the conflicting results obtained in basic and applied research and build a more logical strategy for their use.

Phytochemicals targeting lncRNAs: A novel direction for neuroprotection in neurological disorders

Neurological disorders with various etiologies impacting the nervous system are prevalent in clinical practice. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecules are functional RNA molecules exceeding 200 nucleotides in length that do not encode proteins, but participate in essential activities. Research indicates that lncRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, and may be potential targets for their treatment. Phytochemicals in traditional Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) have been found to exert neuroprotective effects by targeting lncRNAs and regulating gene expression and various signaling pathways. We aim to establish the development status and neuroprotective mechanism of phytochemicals that target lncRNAs through a thorough literature review. A total of 369 articles were retrieved through manual and electronic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CNKI databases from inception to September 2022. The search utilized combinations of natural products, lncRNAs, neurological disorders, and neuroprotective effects as keywords. The included studies, a total of 31 preclinical trials, were critically reviewed to present the current situation and the progress in phytochemical-targeted lncRNAs in neuroprotection. Phytochemicals have demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies of various neurological disorders by regulating lncRNAs. These disorders include arteriosclerotic ischemia-reperfusion injury, ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, glioma, peripheral nerve injury, post-stroke depression, and depression. Several phytochemicals exert neuroprotective roles through mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptosis, autophagy regulation, and antagonism of Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Some phytochemicals targeted lncRNAs and served a neuroprotective role by regulating microRNA and mRNA expression. The emergence of lncRNAs as pathological regulators provides a novel direction for the study of phytochemicals in CHM. Elucidating the mechanism of phytochemicals regulating lncRNAs will help to identify new therapeutic targets and promote their application in precision medicine.

An Updated Overview on the Role of Small Molecules and Natural Compounds in the "Young Science" of Rejuvenation

Aging is a gradual process that occurs over time which leads to a progressive decline of cells and tissues. Telomere shortening, genetic instability, epigenetic alteration, and the accumulation of misfolded proteins represent the main hallmarks that cause perturbed cellular functions; this occurs in conjunction with the progression of the so-called "aging clocks". Rejuvenation aims to influence the natural evolution of such aging clocks and to enhance regenerative capacity, thus overcoming the limitations of common anti-aging interventions. Current rejuvenation processes are based on heterochronic parabiosis, cell damage dilution through asymmetrical cell division, the excretion of extracellular vesicles, the modulation of genetic instability involving G-quadruplexes and DNA methylation, and cell reprogramming using Yamanaka factors and the actions of antioxidant species. In this context, we reviewed the most recent contributions that report on small molecules acting as senotherapeutics; these molecules act by promoting one or more of the abovementioned processes. Candidate drugs and natural compounds that are being studied as potential rejuvenation therapies act by interfering with CDGSH iron-sulfur domain 2 (CISD2) expression, G-quadruplex structures, DNA methylation, and mitochondrial decay. Moreover, direct and indirect antioxidants have been reported to counteract or revert aging through a combination of mixed mechanisms.

The protective role of nutritional antioxidants against oxidative stress in thyroid disorders

An imbalance between pro-oxidative and antioxidative cellular mechanisms is oxidative stress (OxS) which may be systemic or organ-specific. Although OxS is a consequence of normal body and organ physiology, severely impaired oxidative homeostasis results in DNA hydroxylation, protein denaturation, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis, ultimately compromising cells' function and viability. The thyroid gland is an organ that exhibits both oxidative and antioxidative processes. In terms of OxS severity, the thyroid gland's response could be physiological (i.e. hormone production and secretion) or pathological (i.e. development of diseases, such as goitre, thyroid cancer, or thyroiditis). Protective nutritional antioxidants may benefit defensive antioxidative systems in resolving pro-oxidative dominance and redox imbalance, preventing or delaying chronic thyroid diseases. This review provides information on nutritional antioxidants and their protective roles against impaired redox homeostasis in various thyroid pathologies. We also review novel findings related to the connection between the thyroid gland and gut microbiome and analyze the effects of probiotics with antioxidant properties on thyroid diseases.

Selected Plant-Derived Polyphenols as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Peripheral Artery Disease: Molecular Mechanisms, Efficacy and Safety

Vascular diseases, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), are associated with diabetes mellitus and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and even death. Surgical revascularization and pharmacological treatments (mainly antiplatelet, lipid-lowering drugs, and antidiabetic agents) have some effectiveness, but the response and efficacy of therapy are overly dependent on the patient’s conditions. Thus, the demand for new cures exists. In this regard, new studies on natural polyphenols that act on key points involved in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases and, thus, on PAD are of great urgency. The purpose of this review is to take into account the mechanisms that lead to endothelium dysfunction, such as the glycoxidation process and the production of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that result in protein misfolding, and to suggest plant-derived polyphenols that could be useful in PAD. Thus, five polyphenols are considered, baicalein, curcumin, mangiferin, quercetin and resveratrol, reviewing the literature in PubMed. The key molecular mechanisms and preclinical and clinical studies of each selected compound are examined. Furthermore, the safety profiles of the polyphenols are outlined, together with the unwanted effects reported in humans, also by searching the WHO database (VigiBase).

Resveratrol inhibits HeLa cell proliferation by regulating mitochondrial function

The beneficial roles of resveratrol (RES) in affecting proliferation of multiple cancer cells have attracted intensive attention. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by investigating RES-induced growth inhibition of HeLa cells. Our work focuses on the metergasis of mitochondria in the RES-exposed cells. Therefore, HeLa cells were treated with different concentrations of RES for 30 min and 24 h, respectively. As a result, concentration-dependent increases in cell growth inhibition, ROS (reactive oxygen species) triggering, and LC3-II (light chain 3-II) expression were detected in the HeLa cells exposed to RES for 24 h. Interestingly, a specific concentration-dependent effect was observed in the HeLa cells exposed to RES for 30 min, that is, low concentration RES (≤ 25 μmol/L) reduced ROS levels, inhibited transcription and expression levels of LC3-II, and stimulated mitochondrial respiratory capacities. In contrast, high concentration RES (50 and 100 μmol/L) induced ROS over-production and autophagy in the cells, resulting in decreased levels of mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial DNA copy numbers, and mitochondrial respiratory capacities. Together, our data concluded that RES inhibited HeLa cell proliferation through perturbation of mitochondrial structure and function, and ROS-induced autophagy also played a critical role in the process.

Synthetic Biology-Driven Microbial Production of Resveratrol: Advances and Perspectives

Resveratrol, a bioactive natural product found in many plants, is a secondary metabolite and has attracted much attention in the medicine and health care products fields due to its remarkable biological activities including anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-inflammation, neuroprotection and anti-glycation. However, traditional chemical synthesis and plant extraction methods are impractical for industrial resveratrol production because of low yield, toxic chemical solvents and environmental pollution during the production process. Recently, the biosynthesis of resveratrol by constructing microbial cell factories has attracted much attention, because it provides a safe and efficient route for the resveratrol production. This review discusses the physiological functions and market applications of resveratrol. In addition, recent significant biotechnology advances in resveratrol biosynthesis are systematically summarized. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges and future prospects for strain development for large-scale resveratrol production at an industrial level.

Dietary factors and thyroid dysfunction

Besides iodine deficiency, autoimmune Hashimoto thyroiditis is the leading cause of hypothyroidism globally, characterized by the increased titer of thyroid autoantibodies and destruction of thyroid cells. Graves' disease is the most common etiology of hyperthyroidism worldwide. Patients with thyroid dysfunction often require dietary modifications. Popular interventions include supplementation with certain vitamins and minerals, as well as trace elements such as iodine and selenium. The intake of food containing goitrogens should be limited. Goitrogens are substances of plant origin that interfere with the production of thyroid hormones, increasing the risk for goiter and hypothyroidism. The primary dietary sources of goitrogens are cruciferous vegetables, soy products, starchy plants, and some fruits. Beyond essential nutrients, there has been an increasing interest in using specific nutraceuticals, including myoinositol, Lcarnitine, melatonin, and resveratrol, as potential preventive and therapeutic agents in thyroid diseases. Even though current evidence promotes some beneficial outcomes of these nutraceuticals, further investigations are needed to clarify dose-dependent effects, duration of supplementation, combination in different clinical settings, and the exact mechanism of their action in thyroid disorders.

Polyphenols as anticancer agents: Toxicological concern to healthy cells

Polyphenols are a group of diverse chemical compounds present in a wide range of plants. Various biological properties such as antiallergic, antiviral, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, antithrombotic, vasodilatory, and hepatoprotective effect of different polyphenols have been reported in the scientific literature. The major classes of polyphenols are flavonoids, stilbenoids, lignans, and polyphenolic acids. Flavonoids are a large class of food constituents comprising flavones, isoflavanones, flavanones, flavonols, catechins, and anthocyanins sub-classes. Even with seemingly broad biological activities, their use is minimal clinically. Among the other concurrent problems such as limited bioavailability, rapid metabolism, untargeted delivery, the toxicity associated with these polyphenols has been a topic of concern lately. These polyphenols have been reported to result in different forms of toxicity that include organ toxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, etc. In the present article, we have tried to unravel the toxicological aspect of these polyphenols to healthy cells. Further high-quality studies are needed to establish the clinical efficacy and toxicology concern leading to further exploration of these polyphenols.

Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism and the Need to Prevent Oxidative Stress: What Can We Learn from Human Research?

Feline hyperthyroidism is a clinical syndrome related to an excessive production of thyroid hormones, and it is considered as a spontaneous animal model for human thyrotoxicosis. Many shared features between the feline and the human disease have been identified so far, including pathogenesis, clinical signs, and treatment options. Although methimazole is considered the first-choice drug in both species, several side effects have been described. Furthermore, methimazole could interfere with the oxidative status, already perturbated by the disease. It has been reported in humans that dietary management, mainly through antioxidant supplementation, could mitigate this oxidative burden. The purpose of the review is to describe current therapeutic options in the course of feline hyperthyroidism and to summarize the state of the art relationship between dietary antioxidants administration and the reduction of methimazole side-effects in humans to support the use of this approach also in cats.

Plant constituents and thyroid: A revision of the main phytochemicals that interfere with thyroid function

In the past few decades, there has been a lot of interest in plant constituents for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-proliferative properties. However, concerns have been raised on their potential toxic effects particularly when consumed at high dose. The anti-thyroid effects of some plant constituents have been known for some time. Indeed, epidemiological observations have shown the causal association between staple food based on brassicaceae or soybeans and the development of goiter and/or hypothyroidism. Herein, we review the main plant constituents that interfere with normal thyroid function such as cyanogenic glucosides, polyphenols, phenolic acids, and alkaloids. In detail, we summarize the in vitro and in vivo studies present in the literature, focusing on the compounds that are more abundant in foods or that are available as dietary supplements. We highlight the mechanism of action of these compounds on thyroid cells by giving a particular emphasis to the experimental studies that can be significant for human health. Furthermore, we reveal that the anti-thyroid effects of these plant constituents are clinically evident only when they are consumed in very large amounts or when their ingestion is associated with other conditions that impair thyroid function.

Chemistry and Pharmacology of Cyperaceae Stilbenoids: A Review

Cyperaceae is a cosmopolitan plant family with approx. 5000 species distributed worldwide. Several members of this family are used in traditional medicines for the treatment of different diseases. In the last few decades, constituents with great chemical diversity were isolated from sedges, and a wide range of biological activities were detected either for crude extracts or for pure compounds. Among the isolated compounds, phenolic derivatives are the most important, especially stilbenoids, and flavonoids. To date, more than 60 stilbenoids were isolated from 28 Cyperaceae species. Pharmacological investigation of Cyperaceae stilbenoids revealed that several compounds possess promising activities; mainly antiproliferative, antibacterial, antioxidant and anthelmintic effects. Isolation, synthesis and pharmacological investigation of stilbenes are increasing constantly. As Cyperaceae species are very good sources of a wide variety of stilbenes, and several of them occur in large amount worldwide, they are worthy for phytochemical and pharmacological investigations. Moreover, stilbenes are important from chemotaxonomical point of view, and they play a key role in plant defense mechanisms as well. This review summarizes the stilbenoids isolated from sedges, and their biological activities.

Resveratrol Alleviates the Inhibitory Effect of Tunicamycin-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress on Expression of Genes Involved in Thyroid Hormone Synthesis in FRTL-5 Thyrocytes

Recently, ER stress induced by tunicamycin (TM) was reported to inhibit the expression of key genes involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, such as sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and thyroglobulin (TG), and their regulators such as thyrotropin receptor (TSHR), thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), thyroid transcription factor-2 (TTF-2) and paired box gene 8 (PAX-8), in FRTL-5 thyrocytes. The present study tested the hypothesis that resveratrol (RSV) alleviates this effect of TM in FRTL-5 cells. While treatment of FRTL-5 cells with TM alone (0.1 µg/mL) for 48 h strongly induced the ER stress-sensitive genes heat shock protein family A member 5 (HSPA5) and DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3) and repressed NIS, TPO, TG, TSHR, TTF-1, TTF-2 and PAX-8, combined treatment with TM (0.1 µg/mL) and RSV (10 µM) for 48 h attenuated this effect of TM. In conclusion, RSV alleviates TM-induced ER stress and attenuates the strong impairment of expression of genes involved in thyroid hormone synthesis and their regulators in FRTL-5 thyrocytes exposed to TM-induced ER stress. Thus, RSV may be useful for the treatment of specific thyroid disorders, provided that strategies with improved oral bioavailability of RSV are applied.

Thyroid Gland Alterations in Old-Aged Wistar Rats: A Comprehensive Stereological, Ultrastructural, Hormonal, and Gene Expression Study

The aim of the present study was to determine and elaborate on all changes in old-aged (OA) versus young-aged (YA) rat thyroids by using stereological, ultrastructural, hormonal, and gene expression analyses. We used 4- and 24-month-old male Wistar rats in our evaluation, presenting all changes in comparison with YA rats. Results showed that the thyroid parenchyma was characterized by higher absolute volumes of the gland, colloid, epithelium, and interstitium by 135, 135, 140, and 142% (p < 0.05) respectively, while the relative volumes of colloid and glands were unchanged. Ultrastructural analysis revealed less active glands, with smaller amounts of lysosomes, thyroglobulin (Tg) granules, and microvilli in the luminal colloid. Optical density values for thyroid peroxidase (TPO), Tg, and vascular-endothelial growth factor immunostaining remained unchanged; however, TPO and Tg exhibited visually stronger expression in small active follicles. Thyroxine (T4)-Tg, the relative intensity of fluorescence (RIF), serum T4, and the sodium-iodide symporter immunohistochemical and gene expressions decreased by 20, 40, 29, and 31% (p < 0.05), respectively, in OA thyroids. Pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) RIF increased by 44% (p < 0.05), but the TSH serum concentration remained unchanged. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate depression of the thyroid gland synthetic and secretory capacity with advanced age.

An updated pharmacological insight of resveratrol in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

As one of the most common complications of diabetes, nephropathy develops in approximately 40% of diabetic individuals. Although end stage kidney disease is known as one of the most consequences of diabetic nephropathy, the majority of diabetic individuals might die from cardiovascular diseases and infections before renal replacement treatment. Moreover, the routine medical treatments for diabetes hold undesirable side effects. The explosive prevalence of diabetes urges clinicians and scientists to investigate the complementary or alternative therapies. Phytochemicals are emerging as alternatives with a wide range of therapeutic effects on various pathologies, including diabetic kidney disease. Of those phytochemicals, resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic stilbene, has been found to exert a broad spectrum of health benefits via various signaling molecules. In particular, resveratrol has gained a great deal of attention because of its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardiovascular-protective, and anti-tumor properties. In the renal system, emerging evidence shows that resveratrol has already been used to ameliorate chronic or acute kidney injury. This review critically summarizes the current findings and molecular mechanisms of resveratrol in diabetic renal damage. In addition, we will discuss the adverse and inconsistent effects of resveratrol in diabetic nephropathy. Although there is increasing evidence that resveratrol affords great potential in diabetic nephropathy therapy, these results should be treated with caution before its clinical translation. In addition, the unfavorable pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics profiles, such as poor bioavailability, may limit its extensive clinical applications. It is clear that further research is needed to unravel these limitations and improve its efficacy against diabetic nephropathy. Increasing investigation of resveratrol in diabetic kidney disease will not only help us better understand its pharmacological actions, but also provide novel potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Hormonal Regulation of the MHC Class I Gene in Thyroid Cells: Role of the Promoter "Tissue-Specific" Region

In previous studies we have demonstrated that the expression of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I gene in thyrocytes is controlled by several hormones, growth factors, and drugs. These substances mainly act on two regions of the MHC class I promoter a "tissue-specific" region (-800 to -676 bp) and a "hormone/cytokines-sensitive" region (-500 to -68 bp). In a previous study, we have shown that the role of the "tissue-specific" region in the MHC class I gene expression is dominant compared to that of the "hormone/cytokines-sensitive" region. In the present report we further investigate the dominant role of the "tissue-specific" region evaluating the effect of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), methimazole (MMI), phenylmethimazole (C10), glucose and thymosin-α1. By performing experiments of electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) we show that TSH, MMI and C10, which inhibit MHC class I expression, act on the "tissue-specific" region increasing the formation of a silencer complex. Glucose and thymosin-α1, which stimulate MHC class I expression, act decreasing the formation of this complex. We further show that the silencer complex is formed by two distinct members of the transcription factors families activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), c-jun and p65, respectively. These observations are important in order to understand the regulation of MHC class I gene expression in thyroid cells and its involvement in the development of thyroid autoimmunity.

Thyroid hormones in diabetes, cancer, and aging

Thyroid function is central in the control of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Studies in animal models and human research have determined that thyroid hormones modulate cellular processes relevant for aging and for the majority of age‐related diseases. While several studies have associated mild reductions on thyroid hormone function with exceptional longevity in animals and humans, alterations in thyroid hormones are serious medical conditions associated with unhealthy aging and premature death. Moreover, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been associated with the development of certain types of diabetes and cancers, indicating a great complexity of the molecular mechanisms controlled by thyroid hormones. In this review, we describe the latest findings in thyroid hormone research in the field of aging, diabetes, and cancer, with a special focus on hepatocellular carcinomas. While aging studies indicate that the direct modulation of thyroid hormones is not a viable strategy to promote healthy aging or longevity and the development of thyromimetics is challenging due to inefficacy and potential toxicity, we argue that interventions based on the use of modulators of thyroid hormone function might provide therapeutic benefit in certain types of diabetes and cancers.

Is There Such a Thing as "Anti-Nutrients"? A Narrative Review of Perceived Problematic Plant Compounds

Plant-based diets are associated with reduced risk of lifestyle-induced chronic diseases. The thousands of phytochemicals they contain are implicated in cellular-based mechanisms to promote antioxidant defense and reduce inflammation. While recommendations encourage the intake of fruits and vegetables, most people fall short of their target daily intake. Despite the need to increase plant-food consumption, there have been some concerns raised about whether they are beneficial because of the various ‘anti-nutrient’ compounds they contain. Some of these anti-nutrients that have been called into question included lectins, oxalates, goitrogens, phytoestrogens, phytates, and tannins. As a result, there may be select individuals with specific health conditions who elect to decrease their plant food intake despite potential benefits. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine the science of these ‘anti-nutrients’ and weigh the evidence of whether these compounds pose an actual health threat.

Biotransformation of dietary phytoestrogens by gut microbes: A review on bidirectional interaction between phytoestrogen metabolism and gut microbiota

Phytoestrogens are a class of plant produced polyphenolic compounds with diphenolic structure, which is similar to 17β-estradiol. These phytoestrogens preferentially bind to estrogen receptors, however, with weak affinity. Recently, many studies have found that these phytoestrogens can be transformed by gut microbiota through novel enzymatic reactions into metabolites with altered bioactivity. Recent studies have also implied that these metabolites could possibly modulate the host gut ecosystem, gene expression, metabolism and the immune system. Thus, isolating gut microbes capable of biotransforming phytoestrogens and characterizing the novel enzymatic reactions involved are principal to understand the mechanisms of beneficial effects brought by gut microbiota and their metabolism on phytoestrogens, and to provide the theoretical knowledge for the development of functional probiotics. In the present review, we summarized works on gut microbial biotransformation of phytoestrogens, including daidzin (isoflavone), phenylnaringenin (prenylflavonoid), lignans, resveratrol (stilbene) and ellagitannins. We mainly focus on gut bacterial isolation, metabolic pathway characterization, and the bidirectional interaction of phytoestrogens with gut microbes to illustrate the novel metabolic capability of gut microbiota and the methods used in these studies.

Changes in the Content and Bioavailability of Onion Quercetin and Grape Resveratrol During In Vitro Human Digestion

We investigated the effects of in vitro human digestion on the content and bioavailability of onion quercetin and grape resveratrol caused by the composition of saliva or gastric, duodenal, or bile juice. We observed the digestibility of extracted onion quercetin and grape resveratrol, respectively, in the small intestine of the in vitro human digestion system. By liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy, we found that the degradation of quercetin and resveratrol was influenced by small intestine digestion. Before and after in vitro human digestion, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities of homogenized water- and ethanol-extracted grapes were higher than those of onion extracts. DPPH radical scavenging activity in both quercetin and resveratrol was decreased by in vitro digestion. These results will improve our understanding of how human digestion influences the contents and free radical scavenging activities of quercetin and resveratrol.

Nutraceuticals in Thyroidology: A Review of in Vitro, and in Vivo Animal Studies

Nutraceuticals are defined as a food, or parts of a food, that provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention of different pathological conditions, and thyroid diseases, or the treatment of them. Nutraceuticals have a place in complementary medicines, being positioned in an area among food, food supplements, and pharmaceuticals. The market of certain nutraceuticals such as thyroid supplements has been growing in the last years. In addition, iodine is a fundamental micronutrient for thyroid function, but also other dietary components can have a key role in clinical thyroidology. Here, we have summarized the in vitro, and in vivo animal studies present in literature, focusing on the commonest nutraceuticals generally encountered in the clinical practice (such as carnitine, flavonoids, melatonin, omega-3, resveratrol, selenium, vitamins, zinc, and inositol), highlighting conflicting results. These experimental studies are expected to improve clinicians’ knowledge about the main supplements being used, in order to clarify the potential risks or side effects and support patients in their use.

Potential Adverse Effects of Resveratrol: A Literature Review

Due to its health benefits, resveratrol (RE) is one of the most researched natural polyphenols. Resveratrol's health benefits were first highlighted in the early 1990s in the French paradox study, which opened extensive research activity into this compound. Ever since, several pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties, were attributed to RE. However, results from the available human clinical trials were controversial concerning the protective effects of RE against diseases and their sequelae. The reason for these conflicting findings is varied but differences in the characteristics of the enrolled patients, RE doses used, and duration of RE supplementation were proposed, at least in part, as possible causes. In particular, the optimal RE dosage capable of maximizing its health benefits without raising toxicity issues remains an area of extensive research. In this context, while there is a consistent body of literature on the protective effects of RE against diseases, there are relatively few reports investigating its possible toxicity. Indeed, toxicity and adverse effects were reported following consumption of RE; therefore, extensive future studies on the long-term effects, as well as the in vivo adverse effects, of RE supplementation in humans are needed. Furthermore, data on the interactions of RE when combined with other therapies are still lacking, as well as results related to its absorption and bioavailability in the human body. In this review, we collect and summarize the available literature about RE toxicity and side effects. In this process, we analyze in vitro and in vivo studies that have addressed this stilbenoid. These studies suggest that RE still has an unexplored side. Finally, we discuss the new delivery methods that are being employed to overcome the low bioavailability of RE.

Preventive Role of Resveratrol Against Inflammatory Cytokines and Related Diseases

BACKGROUND

Immunity is the ultimate barrier between foreign stimuli and a host cell. Unwanted immune responses can threaten the host cells and may eventually damage a vital organ. Overproduction of inflammatory cytokines may also lead to autoimmune diseases. Inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines can eventually progress to renal, cardiac, brain, hepatic, pancreatic and ocular inflammation that can result in severe damage in the long run. Evidence also suggests that inflammation may lead to atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's, hypertension, stroke, cysts and cancers.

METHODS

This study was designed to correlate the possible molecular mechanisms for inflammatory diseases and prevent biochemical changes owing to inflammatory cytokines by using Resveratrol. Therefore, we searched and accumulated very recent literature on inflammatory disorders and Resveratrol. We scoured PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, PLoS One and Google Scholar to gather papers and related information.

RESULTS

Reports show that inflammatory diseases are very complex, as multiple cascade systems are involved; therefore, they are quite difficult to cure. However, our literature search also correlates some possible molecular interactions by which inflammation can be prevented. We noticed that Resveratrol is a potent lead component and has multiple activities against harmful inflammatory cytokines and related microRNA. Our study also suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of Resveratrol have been highly studied on animal models, cell lines and human subjects and proven to be very effective in reducing inflammatory cell production and pro-inflammatory cytokine accumulation. Our tables and figures also demonstrate recent findings and possible preventive activities to minimize inflammatory diseases.

CONCLUSION

This study would outline the role of harmful inflammatory cytokines as well as how they accelerate pathophysiology and progress to an inflammatory disorder. Therefore, this study might show a potential therapeutic value of using Resveratrol by health professionals in preventing inflammatory disorders.

Trans-resveratrol extraction from peanut sprouts cultivated using fermented sawdust medium and its antioxidant activity

Peanut sprouts are a functional food material rich in phytochemicals, including trans-resveratrol. This study aimed to optimize the recovery of trans-resveratrol from peanut sprouts using a combination of peanut varieties and sawdust medium through accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and the response surface method (RSM). We also aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of this trans-resveratrol extract. Optimal fermentation periods of sawdust and peanut variety for cultivating peanut sprouts were determined on the basis of trans-resveratrol content via high-performance liquid chromatography. The extraction variables temperature, static time, and ethanol concentration were used to create a 20-sample set fit to a second-order polynomial equation through multiple regression analysis (R² = 0.8787, P < 0.01). Trans-resveratrol content (19.62 ± 2.33 µg/g) peaked in the Palgwang variety cultured in sawdust medium fermented for 45 days. Optimal conditions for ASE were determined regarding the extraction temperature (90.29 °C), static time (3.95 min), and solvent (81.54% EtOH/water), and the predicted trans-resveratrol content under optimal conditions was 30.23 µg/g. Sawdust medium was more effective in increasing the trans-resveratrol content than conventional hydroponics, and the optimized process of combining fermented sawdust cultivation for harvesting peanut sprouts with ASE has potential as an efficient method of obtaining mass quantities of trans-resveratrol from peanut sprouts with improved nutritional and functional properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study showed that sawdust medium is more effective than hydroponics in increasing the trans-resveratrol content in peanut sprouts. The recovery of trans-resveratrol from peanut sprouts and its antioxidant activity were optimized via accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized process of combining fermented sawdust cultivation for harvesting peanut sprouts with ASE potentially provides an efficient method to obtain mass quantities of trans-resveratrol from peanut sprouts with improved nutritional and functional properties.

Neuroprotective Polyphenols: A Modulatory Action on Neurotransmitter Pathways

BACKGROUND

Balance in neurotransmission is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and even a small, but prolonged disturbance, can induce the negative feedback mechanisms leading to various neuropathologies. Neurodegenerative and mood disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or affective disorders are increasing medical and social problems. Among the wide spectrum of potentially destructive events, oxidative stress and disrupted metabolism of some neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, GABA, glutamate, serotonin or dopamine appear to play a decisive role. Biologically active plant polyphenols have been shown to exert a positive impact on the function of the central nervous system by modulation of metabolism and the action of some neurotransmitters.

METHODS

Based on published research, the pharmacological activities of some naturally occurring polyphenols have been reviewed, with a focus on their potential therapeutic importance in the regulation of neurotransmitter systems.

RESULTS

Phytochemicals can be classified into several groups and most of them possess anticancer, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. They can also modulate the metabolism or action of some neurotransmitters and/or their receptors. Based on these properties, phytochemicals have been used in traditional medicine for ages, although it was focused mainly on treating symptoms. However, growing evidence indicates that polyphenols may also prevent or slow neurological diseases.

CONCLUSION

Phytochemicals seem to be less toxic than synthetic drugs and they can be a safer alternative for currently used preparations, which exert adverse side effects. The neuroprotective actions of some plant polyphenols in the regulation of neurotransmitters metabolism, functioning of neurotransmitters receptors and antioxidative defense have potential therapeutic applications in various neurodegenerative disorders.

Inadequate control of thyroid hormones sensitizes to hepatocarcinogenesis and unhealthy aging

An inverse correlation between thyroid hormone levels and longevity has been reported in several species and reduced thyroid hormone levels have been proposed as a biomarker for healthy aging and metabolic fitness. However, hypothyroidism is a medical condition associated with compromised health and reduced life expectancy. Herein, we show, using wild-type and the Pax8 ablated model of hypothyroidism in mice, that hyperthyroidism and severe hypothyroidism are associated with an overall unhealthy status and shorter lifespan. Mild hypothyroid Pax8 +/- mice were heavier and displayed insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and increased prevalence of liver cancer yet had normal lifespan. These pathophysiological conditions were precipitated by hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage accumulation. These findings indicate that individuals carrying mutations on PAX8 may be susceptible to develop liver cancer and/or diabetes and raise concerns regarding the development of interventions aiming to modulate thyroid hormones to promote healthy aging or lifespan in mammals.

Nutraceutical Supplements in the Thyroid Setting: Health Benefits beyond Basic Nutrition

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in nutraceuticals, which may be considered as an efficient, preventive, and therapeutic tool in facing different pathological conditions, including thyroid diseases. Although iodine remains the major nutrient required for the functioning of the thyroid gland, other dietary components play important roles in clinical thyroidology—these include selenium, l-carnitine, myo-inositol, melatonin, and resveratrol—some of which have antioxidant properties. The main concern regarding the appropriate and effective use of nutraceuticals in prevention and treatment is due to the lack of clinical data supporting their efficacy. Another limitation is the discrepancy between the concentration claimed by the label and the real concentration. This paper provides a detailed critical review on the health benefits, beyond basic nutrition, of some popular nutraceutical supplements, with a special focus on their effects on thyroid pathophysiology and aims to distinguish between the truths and myths surrounding the clinical use of such nutraceuticals.

Effects of resveratrol on VEGF & HIF1 genes expression in granulosa cells in the angiogenesis pathway and laboratory parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Management options for PCOS, as the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, using natural supplements have a high priority for physicians, especially based on the etiological pathways. Therefore, this study was conducted to describe the effect of resveratrol on the angiogenesis pathway, for management of PCOS through assessing VEGF, HIF1 gene expression, and laboratory parameters.

METHODS

In this triple-blind RCT, PCOS was confirmed in ICSI candidates based on the Rotterdam criteria. Sixty-two patients that met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups. All patients took resveratrol 800 mg/day or placebo for 40 days orally from the beginning of their previous menstruation cycle until the oocyte retrieval day. The serum levels of different hormones were measured, and the expression of HIF1 & VEGF genes was quantified by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

As for the laboratory hormone assay in 61 PCOS patients, a significant mean difference was seen in the FSH, LH, TSH, and testosterone between the two groups (P < 0.05). The results showed a reduction in the expression of VEGF & HIF1 genes under the effect of resveratrol in the granulosa cells (P = 0.0001). The number of mature oocytes, cleavage rate, fertilization rate, and fertility rate were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the high-quality oocyte rate and high-quality embryo rate were higher in the resveratrol group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, resveratrol may improve some outcomes of PCOS patients, probably through changing the serum levels of some sex hormones and expression of VEGF & HIF1 genes in the angiogenesis pathway of granulosa cells.

Contribution of Resveratrol in the Development of Novel Urease Inhibitors: Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies

Aims and Objective:

A new library of resveratrol derivatives was designed and synthesized in excellent yield via two-step reaction utilizing Vilsmeier reaction as the first step and subsequent addition of substituted aromatic amine in the second step.

Methods:

Synthesized compounds were investigated for their antioxidant as well as for in vitro inhibition activity against jack bean urease enzyme. Compounds R3b and R4 with IC50 value 18.85±0.15 and 21.60±0.19µM against urease enzyme and 6.01±0.07 and 7.52±0.14µM in vitro- DPPH free radical scavenging activity have emerged as most active molecules from the selected library. Molecular simulation studies were also carried out for determining the interaction detail of newly synthesized compounds within a protein pocket.

Results and Conclusion:

Newly synthesized compounds were found to possess better docking score (-5.941 to -6.894) and binding energy (-46.854 to -56.455) as compared to the parent resveratrol (-5.45 and -20.155) which revealed that the newly synthesized compounds bind in a better way as compared to the parent molecule

Thyroid hormone-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines interfere with resveratrol-induced anti-proliferation of oral cancer cells

Thyroid hormone, L-thyroxine (T₄), induces inflammatory genes expressions and promotes cancer growth. It also induces expression of the checkpoint programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), which plays a vital role in cancer progression. On the other hand, resveratrol inhibits inflammatory genes expressions. Moreover, resveratrol increases nuclear inducible cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 accumulation, complexes with p53, and induces p53-dependent anti-proliferation. In this study, we investigated the effect of T₄ on resveratrol-induced anti-proliferation in oral cancer. T₄ increased the expression and cytoplasmic accumulation of PD-L1. Increased expressions of pro-inflammatory genes, interleukin (IL)-1β and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, were shown to stimulate PD-L1 expression. T₄ stimulated pro-inflammatory and proliferative genes expressions, and oral cancer cells proliferation. In contrast, resveratrol inhibited those genes and activated anti-proliferative genes. T₄ retained resveratrol-induced COX-2 in cytoplasm and prevented COX-2 nuclear accumulation when resveratrol treated cancer cells. A specific signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor, S31-201, blocked T₄-induced inhibition and restored resveratrol-induced nuclear COX-2 accumulation. By inhibiting the T₄-activated STAT3 signal transduction axis with S31-201, resveratrol was able to sequentially reestablish COX-2/p53-dependent gene expressions and anti-proliferation. These findings provide a novel understanding of the inhibitory effects of T₄ on resveratrol-induced anticancer properties via the sequential expression of PD-L1 and inflammatory genes.

Bioactivity of dietary polyphenols: The role of metabolites

A polyphenol-rich diet protects against chronic pathologies by modulating numerous physiological processes, such as cellular redox potential, enzymatic activity, cell proliferation and signaling transduction pathways. However, polyphenols have a low oral bioavailability mainly due to an extensive biotransformation mediated by phase I and phase II reactions in enterocytes and liver but also by gut microbiota. Despite low oral bioavailability, most polyphenols proved significant biological effects which brought into attention the low bioavailability/high bioactivity paradox. In recent years, polyphenol metabolites have attracted great interest as many of them showed similar or higher intrinsic biological effects in comparison to the parent compounds. There is a huge body of literature reporting on the biological functions of polyphenol metabolites generated by phase I and phase II metabolic reactions and gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation. In this respect, the review highlights the pharmacokinetic fate of the major dietary polyphenols (resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, rutin, genistein, daidzein, ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins) in order to further address the efficacy of biometabolites as compared to parent molecules. The present work strongly supports the contribution of metabolites to the health benefits of polyphenols, thus offering a better perspective in understanding the role played by dietary polyphenols in human health.

Thyroid Function Disruptors: from nature to chemicals

The modern concept of thyroid disruptors includes man-made chemicals and bioactive compounds from food that interfere with any aspect of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, thyroid hormone biosynthesis and secretion, blood and transmembrane transport, metabolism and local action of thyroid hormones. This review highlights relevant disruptors that effect populations through their diet: directly from food itself (fish oil and polyunsaturated fatty acids, pepper, coffee, cinnamon and resveratrol/grapes), through vegetable cultivation (pesticides) and from containers for food storage and cooking (bisphenol A, phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers). Due to the vital role of thyroid hormones during every stage of life, we review effects from the gestational period through to adulthood, including evidence from in vitro studies, rodent models, human trials and epidemiological studies.