Dietary polyphenols: Structures, bioavailability and protective effects against atherosclerosis

Elaboration of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with star anise extract as a therapeutic system for lung cancer: Physicochemical and biological evaluation

The research study aimed to maximize the important medical role of star anise extract (SAE) through its loading on a widely available natural polymer (chitosan, Cs). Thus, SAE loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) was prepared. The finding illustrated the formation of spherical particles of SAE loaded CsNPs as proved by transmission electron microscope (TEM). In addition, the average particle size of CsNPs and SAE loaded CsNPs are 131.8 ± 24.63 and 318.5 ± 73.94 nm, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed the presence of many spherical particles deposited on the surface of CsNPs owing to the deposition of SAE on the surface and encapsulated into pores of CsNPs. It also showed the presence of elements such as sodium, potassium, copper, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and iron, as well as the elements that accompanied with CsNPs: carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The extract was rich in bioactive components, such as anethole, shikimic acid, and different flavonoids, contributing to its medicinal qualities. The bioactive molecules in SAE were assessed by chromatographic analysis. Using the agar well diffusion test, the antibacterial qualities of CsNPs and SAE loaded CsNPs were evaluated against pathogenic bacteria linked to lung illnesses. The most significant inhibition zones showed that the SAE loaded CsNPs had the most antibacterial activity. The anticancer activity using MTT assay was used in the biological assessments to determine the cytotoxicity against the NCl-H460 lung cancer cell line. The results showed that CsNPs loaded with SAE considerably decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with the most significant anticancer impact by SAE loaded CsNPs. Furthermore, in vivo tests on lung cancer therapy revealed that when compared to other treatment groups, the SAE loaded CsNPs group showed the greatest reduction in tumor biomarkers and inflammation, as seen by decreased levels of Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor protein 53 (p53), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- alpha), and fibronectin. Results concluded that these thorough characterizations, biological assessments, and antibacterial tests have confirmed the effective integration of SAE into CsNPs. Further, SAE loaded CsNPs could be a suitable option for various biomedical applications in tackling lung cancer and the inactivation of bacterial infection.

The bioavailability of polyphenols following acute consumption of pigmented barley and wheat

Polyphenols from pigmented cereal grains exert health-promoting effects but data on their bioavailability are limited. This study investigated the acute bioavailability of polyphenols from the consumption of pigmented whole grain cereal porridges, including purple barley (PB), purple wheat (PW), and blue wheat (BW), compared to a non-pigmented regular wheat (RW). A secondary objective was to assess their effects on plasma antioxidant and inflammatory status postprandially. Phenolic characterisation and antioxidant profiling were performed on extracts from the cooked cereals. Three healthy individuals consumed 200 g of a cereal in a 4-way crossover trial with a one-week washout in between meals. Blood samples were collected at fasting baseline, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours postprandially. Urine samples were collected at fasting baseline and the 4-hour time point. Pigmented grains exhibited significantly higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001) compared to RW. This suggests that pigmented grains may be a better source of polyphenols and potentially offer greater health benefits. However, polyphenol bioavailability following pigmented grain consumption was reduced (less than 6%), suggesting that a substantial fraction remained unabsorbed. The bioavailable phenolic compounds detected included phenolic acids (protocatechuic and caffeic acid), hippuric acid and other phenolic metabolites. Interpersonal variability and the type of grain consumed had an impact on the absorption and excretion of phenolic acids. Only PW consumption resulted in significant (p < 0.01) increases in plasma antioxidant status but no short-term impact on the inflammatory status. This study provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of polyphenol bioavailability from pigmented cereal consumption and warrants further investigation.

The Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on Telomere Biology: Implications for Disease Management-A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Telomeres are nucleoprotein complexes at the ends of chromosomes that are under the control of genetic and environmental triggers. Accelerated telomere shortening is causally implicated in the increasing incidence of diseases. The Mediterranean diet has recently been identified as one that confers protection against diseases. This review aimed to identify the effect of each component of the Mediterranean diet on telomere length dynamics, highlighting the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

PubMed was searched to identify relevant studies to extract data for conducting a narrative review.

RESULTS

The Mediterranean diet alleviates clinical manifestations in many diseases. Focusing on autoimmune diseases, the Mediterranean diet can be protective by preventing inflammation, mitochondrial malfunction, and abnormal telomerase activity. Also, each Mediterranean diet constituent seems to attenuate aging through the sustenance or elongation of telomere length, providing insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms. Polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids seem to be essential in telomere homeostasis, since they inhibit inflammatory responses, DNA damage, oxidative stress, mitochondrial malfunction, and cell death and induce telomerase activation.

CONCLUSIONS

The Mediterranean diet is beneficial for maintaining telomere dynamics and alleviating age-related illnesses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cross-sectional, observational, and randomized controlled trials regarding the beneficial impact of every constituent in the Mediterranean diet on telomere length and chronic disease management.

Intestinal absorption mechanism and nutritional synergy promotion strategy of dietary flavonoids: transintestinal epithelial pathway mediated by intestinal transport proteins

Dietary flavonoids exhibit a variety of physiological functions in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, improving cardiovascular function, and enhancing stress resistance. However, poor intestinal absorption limits their health benefits. Previous studies on improving the absorption efficiency of flavonoids have focused on targeted release, enhanced gastrointestinal stability and prolonged retention time in digestive tract. But less attention has been paid to promoting the uptake and transport of flavonoids by intestinal epithelial cells through modulation of transporter protein-mediated pathways. Interestingly, some dietary nutrients have been found to modulate the expression or function of transporter proteins, thereby synergistically or antagonistically affecting flavonoid absorption. Therefore, this paper proposed an innovative regulatory strategy known as the "intestinal transport protein-mediated pathway" to promote intestinal absorption of dietary flavonoids. The flavonoid absorption mechanism in the intestinal epithelium, mediated by intestinal transport proteins, was summarized. The functional differences between the uptake transporter and efflux transporters during flavonoid trans-intestinal cellular transport were discussed. Finally, from the perspective of nutritional synergy promotion of absorption, the feasibility of promoting flavonoid intestinal absorption by regulating the expression/function of transport proteins through dietary nutrients was emphasized. This review provides a new perspective and developing precise dietary nutrient combinations for efficient dietary flavonoid absorption.

Targeted nanoparticles triggered by plaque microenvironment for atherosclerosis treatment through cascade effects of reactive oxygen species scavenging and anti-inflammation

Inflammatory factors and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are risk factors for atherosclerosis. Many existing therapies use ROS-sensitive delivery systems to alleviate atherosclerosis, which achieved certain efficacy, but cannot eliminate excessive ROS. Moreover, the potential biological safety concerns of carrier materials through chemical synthesis cannot be ignored. Herein, an amphiphilic low molecular weight heparin- lipoic acid conjugate (LMWH-LA) was used as a ROS-sensitive carrier material, which consisted of injectable drug molecules used clinically, avoiding unknown side effects. LMWH-LA and curcumin (Cur) self-assembled to form LLC nanoparticles (LLC NPs) with LMWH as shell and LA/Cur as core, in which LMWH could target P-selectin on plaque endothelial cells and competitively block the migration of monocytes to endothelial cells to inhibit the origin of ROS and inflammatory factors, and LA could be oxidized to trigger hydrophilic-hydrophobic transformation and accelerate the release of Cur. Cur released within plaques further exerted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, thereby suppressing ROS and inflammatory factors. We used ultrasound imaging, pathology and serum analysis to evaluate the therapeutic effect of nanoparticles on atherosclerotic plaques in apoe-/- mice, and the results showed that LLC showed significant anti-atherosclerotic effects. Our finding provided a promising therapeutic nanomedicine for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds Acting through Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Diseases: Current Findings and Future Directions

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of morbidity and mortality. These diseases have a multifaceted nature being influenced by a multitude of biochemical, genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Epigenetic modifications have a crucial role in the onset and progression of CVD. Epigenetics, which regulates gene activity without altering the DNA's primary structure, can modulate cardiovascular homeostasis through DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA regulation. The effects of environmental stimuli on CVD are mediated by epigenetic changes, which can be reversible and, hence, are susceptible to pharmacological interventions. This represents an opportunity to prevent diseases by targeting harmful epigenetic modifications. Factors such as high-fat diets or nutrient deficiencies can influence epigenetic enzymes, affecting fetal growth, metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Recent studies have shown that plant-derived bioactive compounds can modulate epigenetic regulators and inflammatory responses, contributing to the cardioprotective effects of diets. Understanding these nutriepigenetic effects and their reversibility is crucial for developing effective interventions to combat CVD. This review delves into the general mechanisms of epigenetics, its regulatory roles in CVD, and the potential of epigenetics as a CVD therapeutic strategy. It also examines the role of epigenetic natural compounds (ENCs) in CVD and their potential as intervention tools for prevention and therapy.

New Findings Regarding the Effects of Selected Blue Food Colorants (Genipin, Patent Blue V, and Brilliant Blue FCF) on the Hemostatic Properties of Blood Components In Vitro

Natural and synthetic colorants present in food can modulate hemostasis, which includes the coagulation process and blood platelet activation. Some colorants have cardioprotective activity as well. However, the effect of genipin (a natural blue colorant) and synthetic blue colorants (including patent blue V and brilliant blue FCF) on hemostasis is not clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of three blue colorants-genipin, patent blue V, and brilliant blue FCF-on selected parameters of hemostasis in vitro. The anti- or pro-coagulant potential was assessed in human plasma by measuring the following coagulation times: thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Moreover, we used the Total Thrombus formation Analysis System (T-TAS, PL-chip) to evaluate the anti-platelet potential of the colorants in whole blood. We also measured their effect on the adhesion of washed blood platelets to fibrinogen and collagen. Lastly, the cytotoxicity of the colorants against blood platelets was assessed based on the activity of extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). We observed that genipin (at all concentrations (1-200 µM)) did not have a significant effect on the coagulation times (PT, APTT, and TT). However, genipin at the highest concentration (200 µM) and patent blue V at the concentrations of 1 and 10 µM significantly prolonged the time of occlusion measured using the T-TAS, which demonstrated their anti-platelet activity. We also observed that genipin decreased the adhesion of platelets to fibrinogen and collagen. Only patent blue V and brilliant blue FCF significantly shortened the APTT (at the concentration of 10 µM) and TT (at concentrations of 1 and 10 µM), demonstrating pro-coagulant activity. These synthetic blue colorants also modulated the process of human blood platelet adhesion, stimulating the adhesion to fibrinogen and inhibiting the adhesion to collagen. The results demonstrate that genipin is not toxic. In addition, because of its ability to reduce blood platelet activation, genipin holds promise as a novel and valuable agent that improves the health of the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism of its anti-platelet activity remains unclear and requires further studies. Its in vivo activity and interaction with various anti-coagulant and anti-thrombotic drugs, including aspirin and its derivatives, should be examined as well.

Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Capacity of Grape Seed and Grape Skin Phenolic Compounds After Simulated In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion

Grapes present recognized beneficial effects on human health due to their polyphenolic composition. The grape overproduction together with the wine sales down and the world socioeconomic situation makes the wine grape valorization a promising strategy to give an added-value to this natural product. The objective of the present work was to study the influence of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic profile of skin and seed extracts of different grape varieties (Tempranillo, Graciano, Maturana tinta and Hondarrabi zuri). After in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, total phenolic content (TPC) of seed polyphenolic extracts decreased significantly for all the varieties. The highest decrease was for Tempranillo going from 108 ± 9 to 50 ± 3 mg / g dry matter (dm). This variety also showed the highest decrease of 90% in antioxidant capacity. However, for all the skin polyphenolic extracts there was an increase in TPC. The highest variation was also for Tempranillo. It varied from 10.1 ± 0.8 to 55.1 ± 0.9 mg / g dm. Among red varieties Tempranillo skin polyphenolic extract showed the lowest undigested anthocyanin content but the highest bioaccessibility index (BI) of 77%. For flavanols, flavonols and procyanidins the seed polyphenolic extracts showed a BI at the intestinal phase between 11% for (+)-epicatechin gallate to 130% procyanidin A2. The results of this study suggest that grape skin extracts and grape seed extracts are a reliable source of bioaccessible antioxidant polyphenols, to be used for the development of antioxidant supplements with specific functionalities depending on the grape variety.

Modulation of long noncoding RNAs by polyphenols as a novel potential therapeutic approach in lung cancer: A comprehensive review

Lung cancer stands as a formidable global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Polyphenols, bioactive compounds synthesized by plants, have garnered attention for their diverse health benefits, particularly in combating various cancers, including lung cancer. The advent of whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing technologies has illuminated the pivotal roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), operating at epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels, in cancer progression. This review comprehensively explores the impact of polyphenols on both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive lncRNAs in lung cancer, elucidating on their intricate regulatory mechanisms. The comprehensive examination extends to the potential synergies when combining polyphenols with conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Recognizing the heterogeneity of lung cancer subtypes, the review emphasizes the need for the integration of nanotechnology for optimized polyphenol delivery and personalized therapeutic approaches. In conclusion, we collect the latest research, offering a holistic overview of the evolving landscape of polyphenol-mediated modulation of lncRNAs in lung cancer therapy. The integration of polyphenols and lncRNAs into multidimensional treatment strategies holds promise for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and navigating the challenges associated with lung cancer treatment.

Harnessing the Power of Polyphenols: A New Frontier in Disease Prevention and Therapy

There are a wide variety of phytochemicals collectively known as polyphenols. Their structural diversity results in a broad range of characteristics and biological effects. Polyphenols can be found in a variety of foods and drinks, including fruits, cereals, tea, and coffee. Studies both in vitro and in vivo, as well as clinical trials, have shown that they possess potent antioxidant activities, numerous therapeutic effects, and health advantages. Dietary polyphenols have demonstrated the potential to prevent many health problems, including obesity, atherosclerosis, high blood sugar, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and neurological diseases. In this paper, the protective effects of polyphenols and the mechanisms behind them are investigated in detail, citing the most recent available literature. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the role of polyphenols in preventing and managing chronic diseases. The cited publications are derived from in vitro, in vivo, and human-based studies and clinical trials. A more complete understanding of these naturally occurring metabolites will pave the way for the development of novel polyphenol-rich diet and drug development programs. This, in turn, provides further evidence of their health benefits.

Sources of Carotenoids in Amazonian Fruits

Epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in bioactive components significantly reduces cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. In this sense, there is a need for meta-analytical research that confirms this phenomenon and increases specific knowledge about certain bioactive compounds such as carotenoids. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to disseminate knowledge about the sources of carotenoids in fruit consumed in the north of Brazil which are outside the Brazilian trade balance. A systematic review and a meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines were conducted based on a random effects synthesis of multivariable-adjusted relative risks (RRs). Searches of seven sources were carried out, including PubMed, Science Direct from Elsevier, Web of Science, Scielo, Eric Research and Google Scholar databases. The systematic review was guided by a systematic review protocol based on the POT strategy (population, outcome and type of study) adapted for use in this research. Mendeley was a resource used to organize and manage references and exclude duplicates of studies selected for review. In this review, we present the potential bioactive compounds concentrated in little-known fruit species from the Amazon and their benefits. Consuming fruits that are rich in notable constituents such as carotenoids is important for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases through anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, as well as antivirals, immunomodulators and antioxidants agents that directly affect the immune response.

Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray attenuates high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in ApoE-/- mice are related to the modulation of gut microbiota and the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated bile acids in fecal bile acid profile

Previous findings showed that anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray (ACN) reduced HFD-induced hypercholesterolemia by regulating gut microbiota, but the mechanism has not been fully understood. The objective of this research was to know whether the cholesterol-lowering impact of ACN in HFD-induced ApoE-/- mice is related to the gut microbiota-bile acid (BA) metabolism. Twenty-four male ApoE-/- mice were divided into three groups: the Control group, the HFD group, and the HFD + ACN group. Here, we showed that ACN intervention reduced HFD-induced body weight serum concentrations of TC and LDL-C and ameliorated lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissues. Besides, ACN altered gut microbiota composition in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice. Moreover, UHPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed that ACN intervention significantly increased the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated BAs in feces induced by HFD, attributed to the increase in conjugated BAs and decrease in unconjugated BAs. Finally, the correlation analysis indicated that the above changes in fecal BA profile were linked with an increase in Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum and a decrease in Ileibacterium, Helicobacter, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Blautia, Odoribacter, and Colidextribacter. In summary, ACN could alleviate HFD-induced hypercholesterolemia in ApoE-/- mice, which was associated with the improvement of gut microbiota and modulation of fecal BA profile.

Natural Immunomodulatory Agents as a Complementary Therapy for Poxviruses

Poxviruses target innate immunity mediators such as tumor necrosis factors, interleukins, interferons, complement, and chemokines. It also targets adaptive immunity such as CD4+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and B cells. Emerging of the recent epidemic of monkeypox virus (MPXV), a zoonotic disease native to Central and Western Africa, besides the lack of permitted treatments for poxviruses infections, encouraged researchers to identify effective inhibitors to help in preventing and treating poxviruses infections. Natural bioactive components, particularly polyphenolics, are promising for creating powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, and antiviral agents. As a result, they are potentially effective therapies for preventing and treating viral diseases, such as infections caused by poxviruses including the recent pandemic MPXV. Polyphenolics: rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, resveratrol, quercitrin, myricitrin, gingerol, gallotannin, and propolis-benzofuran A, as well as isoquinoline alkaloids: galanthamine and thalimonine represent prospective antiviral agents against MPXV, they can inhibit MPXV and other poxviruses via targeting different viral elements including DNA Topoisomerase I (TOP1), Thymidine Kinase (TK), serine/threonine protein kinase (Ser/Thr kinase), and protein A48R. The bioactive extracts of different traditional plants including Guiera senegalensis, Larrea tridentata, Sarracenia purpurea, Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Quercus infectoria, Rhus chinensis, Prunella vulgaris L., Salvia rosmarinus, and Origanum vulgare also can inhibit the growth of different poxviruses including MPXV, vaccinia virus (VACV), variola virus, buffalopox virus, fowlpox virus, and cowpox virus. There is an urgent need for additional molecular studies to identify and confirm the anti-poxviruses properties of various natural bioactive components, especially those that showed potent antiviral activity against other viruses.

Bioactive Dairy-Fermented Products and Phenolic Compounds: Together or Apart

Fermented dairy products (e.g., yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk) are significant in the dairy industry. They are less immunoreactive than the raw materials from which they are derived. The attractiveness of these products is based on their bioactivity and properties that induce immune or anti-inflammatory processes. In the search for new solutions, plant raw materials with beneficial effects have been combined to multiply their effects or obtain new properties. Polyphenols (e.g., flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes) are present in fruit and vegetables, but also in coffee, tea, or wine. They reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, or inflammation. Hence, it is becoming valuable to combine dairy proteins with polyphenols, of which epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) show a particular predisposition to bind to milk proteins (e.g., α-lactalbumin β-lactoglobulin, αs1-casein, and κ-casein). Reducing the allergenicity of milk proteins by combining them with polyphenols is an essential issue. As potential 'metabolic prebiotics', they also contribute to stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract. In silico methods, mainly docking, assess the new structures of conjugates and the consequences of the interactions that are formed between proteins and polyphenols, as well as to predict their action in the body.

Diet and Aging: The Role of Polyphenol-Rich Diets in Slow Down the Shortening of Telomeres: A Review

The ends of human chromosomes are defended by DNA-protein complexes named telomeres, which inhibit the chromosomes from fusing with each other and from being known as a double-strand break by DNA reparation proteins. Telomere length is a marker of biological aging, and disfunction of telomeres is related to age-related syndromes. Telomere attrition has been shown to be accelerated by oxidative stress and inflammation. Telomere length has been proven to be positively linked with nutritional status in human and animal scientific research as several nutrients influence it through mechanisms that imitate their function in cellular roles including oxidative stress and inflammation. Data reported in this article support the idea that following a low-in-fat and rich-plant polyphenols food diet seems to be able to slow down the shortening of telomeres.

Natural Sirtuin1 Activators and Atherosclerosis: an Overview

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent findings investigating the impact of several natural sirtuin (SIRT) activators, particularly SIRT1, on atherosclerosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sirtuins that belong to a family of class III histone deacetylases are believed to be novel therapeutic targets to treat age-related and chronic diseases. SIRT expression is regulated by small molecules called SIRT-activating compounds that can be found in natural food products. SIRT1 may exert protective effects in atherosclerosis, which is said to be a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. Most of the evidence supporting the beneficial effects of these natural compounds comes from in vitro or animal-based studies, while there have been particularly few or inconsistent human-based studies evaluating their long-term impact in recent years. SIRT1 activation has been demonstrated to mitigate or prevent atherosclerosis through various mechanisms. However, further research is required to determine the optimal SIRT activator dosage and to establish a stronger correlation between health effects and the administration of bioactive compounds. Additionally, conducting more human clinical trials is necessary to ensure the safety of these compounds for preventing atherosclerosis development.

Enzymatic molecular modification of water-soluble polyphenols: Synthesis, structure, bioactivity and application

The poor lipophilicity and instability of water-soluble polyphenols limit their bioavailability and application in food. However, increasing attention has been given to water-soluble polyphenols due to their multiple biological activities, which prompts the modification of the structure of water-soluble polyphenols to improve their lipophilicity and stability and enable more efficient application. This review presents the enzymatic biosynthesis of lipophilic derivatives of water-soluble polyphenols, which will change the molecular structure of water-soluble polyphenols based on the loss of hydroxyl or carboxyl groups. Therefore, the effects of reaction factors on the structure of polyphenol derivatives and the change in their bioactivities will be further analyzed. Previous studies have shown that lipases, solvent systems, and hydrophobic groups are major factors influencing the synthesis and lipophilicity of polyphenol derivatives. Moreover, the biological activities of polyphenol derivatives were changed to a certain extent, such as through the enhancement or weakening of antioxidant activity in different systems and the increase in anti-influenza virus activity and antibacterial activity. The improvement of lipophilicity also expands polyphenol application in food. This review may contribute to the efficient synthesis of lipophilic derivatives of water-soluble polyphenols to extend the utilization and application range of polyphenols.

Higher Habitual Dietary Intakes of Flavanols and Anthocyanins Differentially Associate with Lower Incidence of Ischemic Stroke Subtypes-A Follow-Up Analysis

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that habitual consumption of dietary flavanol oligomers + polymers and anthocyanins is associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke. However, no studies have investigated their relationship with ischemic stroke subtypes.

OBJECTIVES

In this follow-up analysis, we aimed to examine the association of flavanol oligomers + polymers and anthocyanin intake with ischemic stroke subtypes, including the following: 1) large-artery atherosclerosis, 2) cardioembolism, 3) small-vessel occlusion, 4) other determined etiology, and 5) undetermined etiology.

METHODS

Participants (n = 55,094) from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study were followed up for <16 y for first-time ischemic stroke events, which were classified according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. Intakes of flavanol oligomers + polymers and anthocyanins were calculated from food frequency questionnaires using the Phenol-Explorer database, and their relationships with ischemic stroke subtypes were investigated using restricted cubic splines within Cox proportional hazards models. After multivariable adjustment, higher habitual intakes (quintile 5 compared with quintile 1) of flavanol oligomers + polymers and anthocyanins were associated with a lower risk of specific ischemic stroke subtypes, including large-artery atherosclerosis [flavanol oligomers + polymers, hazard ratio {HR} (95% confidence interval {CI}): 0.64 (0.47, 0.87)], cardioembolism [anthocyanins, HR (95% CI): 0.45 (0.25, 0.82)], and small-vessel occlusion [flavanol oligomers + polymers, HR (95% CI): 0.65 (0.54, 0.80); anthocyanins, HR (95% CI): 0.79 (0.64, 0.97)], but not stroke of other determined or undetermined etiology.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher habitual intakes of flavanols and anthocyanins are differentially associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke from atherosclerosis and/or cardioembolism but not with other subtypes.

Interactions between gut microbiota and polyphenols: A mechanistic and metabolomic review

BACKGROUND

Polyphenols are a class of naturally sourced compounds with widespread distribution and an extensive array of bioactivities. However, due to their complex constituents and weak absorption, a convincing explanation for their remarkable bioactivity remains elusive for a long time. In recent years, interaction with gut microbiota is hypothesized to be a reasonable explanation of the potential mechanisms for natural compounds especially polyphenols.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to present a persuasive explanation for the contradiction between the limited bioavailability and the remarkable bioactivities of polyphenols by examining their interactions with gut microbiota.

METHODS

We assessed literatures published before April 10, 2023, from several databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The keywords used include "polyphenols", "gut microbiota", "short-chain fatty acids", "bile acids", "trimethylamine N-oxide", "lipopolysaccharides" "tryptophan", "dopamine", "intestinal barrier", "central nervous system", "lung", "anthocyanin", "proanthocyanidin", "baicalein", "caffeic acid", "curcumin", "epigallocatechin-3-gallate", "ferulic acid", "genistein", "kaempferol", "luteolin", "myricetin", "naringenin", "procyanidins", "protocatechuic acid", "pterostilbene", "quercetin", "resveratrol", etc. RESULTS: The review first demonstrates that polyphenols significantly alter gut microbiota diversity (α- and β-diversity) and the abundance of specific microorganisms. Polyphenols either promote or inhibit microorganisms, with various factors influencing their effects, such as dosage, treatment duration, and chemical structure of polyphenols. Furthermore, the review reveals that polyphenols regulate several gut microbiota metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, dopamine, trimethylamine N-oxide, bile acids, and lipopolysaccharides. Polyphenols affect these metabolites by altering gut microbiota composition, modifying microbial enzyme activity, and other potential mechanisms. The changed microbial metabolites induced by polyphenols subsequently trigger host responses in various ways, such as acting as intestinal acid-base homeostasis regulators and activating on specific target receptors. Additionally, polyphenols are transformed into microbial derivatives by gut microbiota and these polyphenols' microbial derivatives have many potential advantages (e.g., increased bioactivity, improved absorption). Lastly, the review shows polyphenols maintain intestinal barrier, central nervous system, and lung function homeostasis by regulating gut microbiota.

CONCLUSION

The interaction between polyphenols and gut microbiota provides a credible explanation for the exceptional bioactivities of polyphenols. This review aids our understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind the bioactivity of polyphenols.

Cardiometabolic Risk: Characteristics of the Intestinal Microbiome and the Role of Polyphenols

Cardiometabolic diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and obesity have been associated with changes in the gut microbiota structure, or dysbiosis. The beneficial effect of polyphenols on reducing the incidence of this chronic disease has been confirmed by numerous studies. Polyphenols are primarily known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but they can also modify the gut microbiota. According to recent research, polyphenols positively influence the gut microbiota, which regulates metabolic responses and reduces systemic inflammation. This review emphasizes the prebiotic role of polyphenols and their impact on specific gut microbiota components in patients at cardiometabolic risk. It also analyzes the most recent research on the positive effects of polyphenols on cardiometabolic health. While numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the interaction involving polyphenols and gut microbiota, additional clinical investigations are required to assess this effect in people.

Plant Polyphenols and Their Potential Benefits on Cardiovascular Health: A Review

Fruits, vegetables, and other food items contain phytochemicals or secondary metabolites which may be considered non-essential nutrients but have medicinal importance. These dietary phytochemicals exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against numerous diseases. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites found in vegetables, fruits, and grains. These compounds exhibit several health benefits such as immune modulators, vasodilators, and antioxidants. This review focuses on recent studies on using dietary polyphenols to treat cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis, and vascular endothelium deficits. We focus on exploring the safety of highly effective polyphenols to ensure their maximum impact on cardiac abnormalities and discuss recent epidemiological evidence and intervention trials related to these properties. Kaempferol, quercetin, and resveratrol prevent oxidative stress by regulating proteins that induce oxidation in heart tissues. In addition, polyphenols modulate the tone of the endothelium of vessels by releasing nitric oxide (NO) and reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation to prevent atherosclerosis. In cardiomyocytes, polyphenols suppress the expression of inflammatory markers and inhibit the production of inflammation markers to exert an anti-inflammatory response. Consequently, heart diseases such as strokes, hypertension, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease could be prevented by dietary polyphenols.

Interactions of legume phenols-rice protein concentrate towards improving vegan food quality: Development of a protein-phenols enriched fruit smoothie

Phenol-protein interaction is considered an effective tool to improve the functional properties of vegan proteins. The present work aimed to evaluate the covalent interaction between kidney bean polyphenols with rice protein concentrate and studied their characteristics for quality improvement in vegan-based foods. The impact of interaction on the techno-functional properties of protein was evaluated and the nutritional composition revealed that kidney bean was rich in carbohydrates. Furthermore, a noticeable antioxidant activity (58.11 ± 1.075 %) due to the presence of phenols (5.5 mg GAE/g) was observed for the kidney bean extract. Moreover, caffeic acid and p-Coumaric acid were confirmed using ultra-pressure liquid chromatography and the amount was 194.43 and 0.9272 mg/kg, respectively. A range of rice protein- phenols complexes (PPC0.025, PPC0.050, PPC0.075, PPC0.1, PPC0.2, PPC 0.5, PPC1) were examined and PPC0.2 and PPC0.5 showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher binding efficiency with proteins via covalent interaction. The conjugation reveals changes in physicochemical properties of rice protein, including, reduced size (178.4 nm) and imparted negative charges (-19.5 mV) of the native protein. The presence of amide Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, was confirmed in native protein and protein-phenol complex with vibration bands, particularly at 3784.92, 1631.07, and 1234 cm^-1, respectively. The X-ray diffraction pattern depicted a slight decrease in crystallinity after the complexation and scanning electron microscopy revealed the alteration in morphology from less to improved smoothness and continuous surface characteristics for the complex. Thermo gravimetric analysis revealed high thermal stability of the complex with a maximum weight loss at a temperature range of 400-500 °C. Protein-phenol complex added fruit-based smoothie was developed and it was found to be acceptable in terms of various sensory attributes including color & appearance, textural consistency, and mouthfeel as compared to the control smoothie. Overall, this study provided novel insights to understand the phenol-protein interactions and the possible use of the phenol-rice protein complex in the development of vegan-based food products.

Recent advances in the combination of organic solvent-free extraction, chemical standardization, antioxidant assay, and cell culture metabolomics for functional food and its by-product

Functional foods and their by-products contain a wide range of bioactive components with an array of health benefits and were proposed to improve public health, well-being, and others. To achieve a circular economy, the processing and extraction of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and others from functional food and agri-food wastes will require the use of environmentally friendly, sustainable, and a low-cost solution. Extraction methods that can eliminate the use of organic solvents, suitable for use in the laboratory and production of extracts will be covered. This will include subcritical water extraction (SBE), pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and others. Based on the selected analytical methods, the determination of the marker or bioactive compounds and chemical fingerprints will provide the control measures to identify the batch-to-batch variation of the composition of the functional food products obtained. The combination of chemical standardization with antioxidant assay, such as DPPH and ABTS+ will provide further information on the quality of the extracts. Lastly, to ascertain the biological and physiological relevance of the antioxidant properties of the target sample, treatment of the antioxidant compounds or extracts was carried out using cellular models, and validated using other experimental endpoints, such as metabolomics.

Amplified Risk of Intracranial Artery Stenosis/Occlusion Associated With RNF213 p.R4810K in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Background

The RNF213 p.R4810K variant is associated with moyamoya disease in East Asian individuals and increases the risk of developing intracranial major artery stenosis/occlusion (ICASO) that affects anterior circulation. Meanwhile, 0.5% to 2.5% of asymptomatic East Asian individuals also carry this variant. As such, additional factors are likely required to develop ICASO in variant carriers. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder in Japan that has a significant associated risk of developing premature coronary atherosclerosis; however, the relationship between ICASO and FH remains unknown.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine if FH facilitates RNF213 p.R4810K carriers to develop ICASO.

Methods

We enrolled patients with FH who had undergone brain magnetic resonance angiography at our hospital from May 2005 to March 2020. The RNF213 p.R4810K variant, and LDLR and PCSK9 mutations were genotyped. ICASO lesions in the brain magnetic resonance angiogram were analyzed.

Results

Six RNF213 p.R4810K variant carriers were identified among 167 patients with FH (LDLR, n = 104; PCSK9, n = 22). Five of the carriers (83.3%) exhibited ICASO in the anterior circulation; a significant difference in ICASO frequency was observed between the variant carriers and noncarriers (P = 0.025). The median number of stenotic or occluded arteries in the anterior circulation was also significantly larger in the variant carriers (3 vs 1, P = 0.01); however, did not differ between patients with FH with LDLR and PCSK9 mutations.

Conclusions

Patients with FH exhibit increased prevalence and severity of ICASO associated with RNF213 p.R4810K. Gene mutations for FH may confer an increased risk of ICASO in RNF213 p.R4810K carriers.

The Impact of White Mulberry, Green Barley, Chia Seeds, and Spirulina on Physicochemical Characteristics, Texture, and Sensory Quality of Processed Cheeses

Processed cheeses (PC) are products resulting from the mixing and melting of rennet cheese, emulsifying salts, water, and possibly various additional ingredients. They are considered good vehicles for new ingredients, including plant-based ones. In addition to the health-promoting effects of plant-based ingredients, some of them can also affect positively the quality characteristics of PC (e.g., texture, taste, and consistency) and their addition may reduce the amount of emulsifying salts used. The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of the addition of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0% white mulberry (M), chia (Ch), green barley (GB), or spirulina (S) to PC and the effects on selected characteristics of these products (chemical composition, pH, water activity, color parameters, texture, and sensory properties). In all PC variants, a significance decrease in the dry matter content was observed with an increase in the additive level. The use of plant-based additives allowed us to reduce the addition of emulsifying salts by 50% compared to their typical amounts and the share of rennet cheese in the PC recipe by approximately 18%, which had a beneficial effect on the nutritional value of these products. The use of 3% GB, Ch, or M as additives to PC enabled a reduction in its sodium content by 27, 27, and 42%, respectively, compared to the control cheese. Among the tested additives, GB caused the greatest increase in the hardness of PC (even at the amount of 0.5%), indicating that is beneficial and can be used in the production of sliced PC. All the additives either significantly reduced the adhesiveness of PC or had no effect on this parameter. In terms of sensory characteristics, the highest acceptable addition of GB was 0.5%, and that for S and Ch was 1%, while the addition of M, even at 3%, was assessed very positively. The results of this research may be helpful in the development of new recipes for processed cheeses obtained in industrial conditions.

Profiles of Free and Bound Phenolics and Their Antioxidant Capacity in Rice Bean (Vigna umbellata)

Rice bean (Vigna umbellata) is a medicinal and dietary legume rich in polyphenols. In this study, the free and bound phenolics in rice bean were extracted by water, 80% methanol, and acid, base, and composite enzymatic hydrolysis, respectively. The polyphenol profiles of the extracted fractions were analyzed. The outcome demonstrated that base hydrolysis was the most effective way to liberate bound phenolics from rice bean (14.18 mg GAE/g DW), which was 16.68 and 56.72 folds higher than those extracted by acid and enzymatic hydrolysis, respectively. The bound polyphenols released by base hydrolysis contributed to 71.15% of the total phenolic content. A total of 35 individual phenolics was identified, of which isoquercitrin, procyanidin B1, rutin, taxifolin, and catechin were the main monomeric phenolics in the free fraction, while gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, catechin, and phloroglucinol were the main monomeric phenolics in the bound fraction. In comparison to the free phenolics extracted by water and 80% methanol and the bound phenolics extracted using acid and composite enzymatic hydrolysis, the bound phenolics from base hydrolysis had a superior antioxidant capacity. The antioxidant activity of rice bean is primarily attributed to individual phenolics such as catechin, abundant both in free and bound fractions, and also p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, and protocatechuic acid in bound fractions. The bound phenolics of rice bean were first reported and showed large differences with the composition of free phenolics. This work suggests that the bound fraction of rice bean must be taken into account in assessing its potential benefits to health.

Functional and Nutritional Characteristics of Natural or Modified Wheat Bran Non-Starch Polysaccharides: A Literature Review

Wheat bran (WB) consists mainly of different histological cell layers (pericarp, testa, hyaline layer and aleurone). WB contains large quantities of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), including arabinoxylans (AX) and β-glucans. These dietary fibres have long been studied for their health effects on management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and cancer. NSP benefits depend on their dose and molecular characteristics, including concentration, viscosity, molecular weight, and linked-polyphenols bioavailability. Given the positive health effects of WB, its incorporation in different food products is steadily increasing. However, the rheological, organoleptic and other problems associated with WB integration are numerous. Biological, physical, chemical and combined methods have been developed to optimise and modify NSP molecular characteristics. Most of these techniques aimed to potentially improve food processing, nutritional and health benefits. In this review, the physicochemical, molecular and functional properties of modified and unmodified WB are highlighted and explored. Up-to-date research findings from the clinical trials on mechanisms that WB have and their effects on health markers are critically reviewed. The review points out the lack of research using WB or purified WB fibre components in randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Nutrition interventions for adults with dyslipidemia: A Clinical Perspective from the National Lipid Association

Lifestyle habits can have a profound impact on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. The National Lipid Association previously published recommendations for lifestyle therapies to manage dyslipidemia. This Clinical Perspective provides an update with a focus on nutrition interventions for the three most common dyslipidemias in adults: 1) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) elevation; 2) triglyceride (TG) elevation, including severe hypertriglyceridemia with chylomicronemia; and 3) combined dyslipidemia, with elevations in both LDL-C and TG levels. Lowering LDL-C and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are the primary objectives for reducing ASCVD risk. With severe TG elevation (≥500 mg/dL), the primary objective is to prevent pancreatitis and ASCVD risk reduction is secondary. Nutrition interventions that lower LDL-C levels include reducing cholesterol-raising fatty acids and dietary cholesterol, as well as increasing intakes of unsaturated fatty acids, plant proteins, viscous fibers, and reducing adiposity for patients with overweight or obesity. Selected dietary supplements may be employed as dietary adjuncts. Nutrition interventions for all patients with elevated TG levels include restricting intakes of alcohol, added sugars, and refined starches. Additional lifestyle factors that reduce TG levels are participating in daily physical activity and reducing adiposity in patients with overweight or obesity. For patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, an individualized approach is essential. Nutrition interventions for addressing concurrent elevations in LDL-C and TG include a combination of the strategies described for lowering LDL-C and TG. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to facilitate success in making and sustaining dietary changes and the assistance of a registered dietitian nutritionist is highly recommended.

Development of magnetic dispersive micro-solid phase extraction of four phenolic compounds from food samples based on magnetic chitosan nanoparticles and a deep eutectic supramolecular solvent

A magnetic dispersive micro-solid phase extraction technique (CS@Fe₃O₄-MD-μSPE-DESP) based on magnetic chitosan nanoparticles and a deep eutectic supramolecular solvent was developed and applied to determinations of four phenolic compounds in food samples. To prevent environmental pollution and the introduction of toxic substances, deep eutectic supramolecular solvents (DESPs), which exhibited greater desorption capacities than conventional organic solvents and deep eutectic solvents, were used as novel green eluents for the first time. Some important parameters were screened by the Plackett-Burman method and then further optimized with response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimal conditions, the proposed method showed excellent methodological indices with linearity over the range 0.1-200.0 µg·mL^-1, R² > 0.9988, extraction recoveries above 94.8 %, and precision (RSD%) below 2.9 %. The established method finishes the process of adsorption and desorption in approximately 3 min and enhances the efficiency for determination of phenolic compounds.

A polyphenol-rich green Mediterranean diet enhances epigenetic regulatory potential: the DIRECT PLUS randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The capacity of a polyphenol-enriched diet to modulate the epigenome in vivo is partly unknown. Given the beneficial metabolic effects of a Mediterranean (MED) diet enriched in polyphenols and reduced in red/processed meat (green-MED), as previously been proven by the 18-month DIRECT PLUS randomized controlled trial, we analyzed the effects of the green-MED diet on methylome and transcriptome levels to highlight molecular mechanisms underlying the observed metabolic improvements.

METHODS

Our study included 260 participants (baseline BMI = 31.2 kg/m², age = 5 years) of the DIRECT PLUS trial, initially randomized to one of the intervention arms: A. healthy dietary guidelines (HDG), B. MED (440 mg polyphenols additionally provided by walnuts), C. green-MED (1240 mg polyphenols additionally provided by walnuts, green tea, and Mankai: green duckweed shake). Blood methylome and transcriptome of all study subjects were analyzed at baseline and after completing the 18-month intervention using Illumina EPIC and RNA sequencing technologies.

RESULTS

A total of 1573 differentially methylated regions (DMRs; false discovery rate (FDR) < 5 %) were found in the green-MED compared to the MED (177) and HDG (377) diet participants. This corresponded to 1753 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; FDR < 5 %) in the green-MED intervention compared to MED (7) and HDG (738). Consistently, the highest number (6 %) of epigenetic modulating genes was transcriptionally changed in subjects participating in the green-MED intervention. Weighted cluster network analysis relating transcriptional and phenotype changes among participants subjected to the green-MED intervention identified candidate genes associated with serum-folic acid change (all P < 1 × 10^-3) and highlighted one module including the KIR3DS1 locus, being negatively associated with the polyphenol changes (e.g. P < 1 × 10^-4), but positively associated with the MRI-assessed superficial subcutaneous adipose area-, weight- and waist circumference- 18-month change (all P < 0.05). Among others, this module included the DMR gene Cystathionine Beta-Synthase, playing a major role in homocysteine reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

The green-MED high polyphenol diet, rich in green tea and Mankai, renders a high capacity to regulate an individual's epigenome. Our findings suggest epigenetic key drivers such as folate and green diet marker to mediate this capacity and indicate a direct effect of dietary polyphenols on the one‑carbon metabolism.

Distinct Effects of Seed Coat and Flower Colors on Metabolite Contents and Antioxidant Activities in Safflower Seeds

Safflower is an important oilseed crop cultivated primarily for its seeds, which have pharmaceutical properties. Color is an important agronomical trait that appears to be a prior parameter for evaluating the internal quality of plant seeds. This study employs 197 safflower accessions seeds to analyze how their seed coat and flower colors affect their total oil content, fatty acid composition, total phenolic content (TPC), N-(p-coumaroyl)serotonin (CS) and N-feruloylserotonin (FS) contents, and [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)] radical scavenging activities. Significant variations were observed in the targeted metabolite contents and antioxidant properties among genotypes. Notably, the linoleic acid content, total unsaturated fatty acid content, the ratio of total unsaturated fatty acid to total saturated fatty acid, CS, FS, ABTS, and DPPH scavenging capacities varied significantly based on seed coat color, with white-seeded genotypes having the highest average values of these parameters. Moreover, the linoleic acid content differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the genotypes with varying flower colors, with white-flowered accessions having the highest average content. Furthermore, genotypes K185105 (No. 75) and K175278 (No. 146) were identified as promising genetic resources with health benefits. Overall, these findings reveal that seed coat and flower colors distinctly affect metabolite contents and antioxidant properties in safflower seeds.

Effect of Walnut Supplementation on Dietary Polyphenol Intake and Urinary Polyphenol Excretion in the Walnuts and Healthy Aging Study

Among all tree nuts, walnuts contain the highest total polyphenols by weight. This secondary data analysis examined the effect of daily walnut supplementation on the total dietary polyphenols and subclasses and the urinary excretion of total polyphenols in a free-living elderly population. In this 2-year prospective, randomized intervention trial (ID NCT01634841), the dietary polyphenol intake of participants who added walnuts daily to their diets at 15% of daily energy were compared to those in the control group that consumed a walnut-free diet. Dietary polyphenols and subclasses were estimated from 24 h dietary recalls. Phenolic estimates were derived from Phenol-Explorer database version 3.6. Participants in the walnut group compared to the control group had a higher intake of total polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, and phenolic acids in mg/d (IQR): 2480 (1955, 3145) vs. 1897 (1369, 2496); 56 (42,84) vs. 29 (15, 54); 174 (90, 298) vs. 140 (61, 277); and 368 (246, 569) vs. 242 (89, 398), respectively. There was a significant inverse association between dietary flavonoid intake and urine polyphenol excretion; less urinary excretion may imply that some of the polyphenols were eliminated via the gut. Nuts had a significant contribution to the total polyphenols in the diet, suggesting that a single food like walnuts added to habitual diet can increase the polyphenol intake in a Western population.

TNF-α and IL-1β in Diabetes-Induced Liver Damage: The Relationship between Trachyspermum ammi Seeds Methanol Extract and Inflammatory Cytokine Inhibition

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) on the liver of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. This study began by identifying the methanolic composition of T. ammi. The presence of three compounds was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with Thymol (60.705%), ϒ-Terpinene (22.216%), and P-cymene (17.078%) being the most prevalent. Afterwards, diabetic rats were treated with T. ammi (200–500 mg/kg) or losartan (20 mg/kg) daily for 60 days. In the diabetic rats treated with T. ammi, levels of hepatic indicators, lipid peroxidation markers, and proinflammatory mediators decreased significantly. In the liver of T. ammi-treated diabetic rats, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) increased significantly. Despite the fact that proinflammatory cytokine levels were significantly increased, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels decreased in the groups administered the extract. From these results, it can be concluded that T. ammi significantly restored the liver’s antioxidant balance and inflammation caused by hyperglycemia.

Lipotoxicity, glucotoxicity and some strategies to protect vascular smooth muscle cell against proliferative phenotype in metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerosis through a mechanism that involves vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, lipotoxicity and glucotoxicity. Several molecules found to be increased in MetS, including free fatty acids, fatty acid binding protein 4, leptin, resistin, oxidized lipoprotein particles, and advanced glycation end products, influence VSMC proliferation. Most of these molecules act through their receptors on VSMCs by activating several signaling pathways associated with ROS generation in various cellular compartments. ROS from NADPH-oxidase and mitochondria have been found to promote VSMC proliferation and cell cycle progression. In addition, most of the natural or synthetic substances described in this review, including pharmaceuticals with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties, attenuate VSMC proliferation by their simultaneous modulation of cell signaling and their scavenging property due to the presence of a phenolic ring in their structure. This review discusses recent data in the literature on the role that several MetS-related molecules and ROS play in the change from contractile to proliferative phenotype of VSMCs. Hence the importance of proposing an appropriate strategy to prevent uncontrolled VSMC proliferation using antioxidants, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agents.

Phytochemical Constituents and Derivatives of Cannabis sativa; Bridging the Gap in Melanoma Treatment

Melanoma is deadly, physically impairing, and has ongoing treatment deficiencies. Current treatment regimens include surgery, targeted kinase inhibitors, immunotherapy, and combined approaches. Each of these treatments face pitfalls, with diminutive five-year survival in patients with advanced metastatic invasion of lymph and secondary organ tissues. Polyphenolic compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids; both natural and synthetic, have emerging evidence of nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmacological potential, including specific anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and palliative utility. Cannabis sativa is a wellspring of medicinal compounds whose direct and adjunctive application may offer considerable relief for melanoma suffers worldwide. This review aims to address the diverse applications of C. sativa's biocompounds in the scope of melanoma and suggest it as a strong candidate for ongoing pharmacological evaluation.

Effect of ultraviolet light-emitting diode processing on fruit and vegetable-based liquid foods: A review

Ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) technology has emerged as a non-thermal and non-chemical treatment for preserving liquid fruit and vegetable foods. This technology uses ultraviolet light to interact with the food at different wavelengths, solving problems related to product stability, quality, and safety during storage. UV-LED treatment has been shown to affect microbe and enzyme inactivation, and it increases and improves retention of bioactive compounds. Moreover, computational simulations are a powerful and relevant tool that can be used optimize and improve the UV-LED process. Currently, there are a limited studies of this technology in liquid fruit and vegetable-based foods. This review gathers information on these food type and shows that it is a promising technology for the development of new products, is environmentally friendly, and does not require the addition of chemicals nor heat. This is relevant from an industrial perspective because maintaining the nutritional and organoleptic properties ensures better quality. However, due to the scarce information available on this type of food, further studies are needed.

Neuroprotective Panel of Olive Polyphenols: Mechanisms of Action, Anti-Demyelination, and Anti-Stroke Properties

Neurological diseases such as stroke and multiple sclerosis are associated with high morbidity and mortality, long-term disability, and social and economic burden. Therefore, they represent a major challenge for medical treatment. Numerous evidences support the beneficial effects of polyphenols from olive trees, which can alleviate or even prevent demyelination, neurodegeneration, cerebrovascular diseases, and stroke. Polyphenols from olive oils, especially extra virgin olive oil, olive leaves, olive leaf extract, and from other olive tree derivatives, alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress, two major factors in demyelination. In addition, they reduce the risk of stroke due to their multiple anti-stroke effects, such as anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, and anti-thrombotic effects. In addition, olive polyphenols have beneficial effects on the plasma lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity in obese individuals. This review provides an updated version of the beneficial properties and mechanisms of action of olive polyphenols against demyelination in the prevention/mitigation of multiple sclerosis, the most common non-traumatic neurological cause of impairment in younger adults, and against cerebral insult with increasing incidence, that has already reached epidemic proportions.

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).

Grape Pomace Polyphenols as a Source of Compounds for Management of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation—A Possible Alternative for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs?

Flavonoids, stilbenes, lignans, and phenolic acids, classes of polyphenols found in grape pomace (GP), were investigated as an important alternative source for active substances that could be used in the management of oxidative stress and inflammation. The benefic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of GP are presented in the literature, but they are derived from a large variety of experimental in vitro and in vivo settings. In these in vitro works, the decrease in reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels and the increase in glutathione levels show the antioxidant effects. The inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B and prostaglandin E2 inflammatory pathways and the decrease of some inflammatory markers such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) demonstrate the anti-inflammatory actions of GP polyphenols. The in vivo studies further confirmed the antioxidant (increase in catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels and a stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase -eNOS gene expression) and anti-inflammatory (inhibition of IL-1𝛼, IL-1β, IL-6, interferon-𝛾, TNF-α and C-reactive protein release) activities. Grape pomace as a whole extract, but also different individual polyphenols that are contained in GP can modulate the endogenous pathway responsible in reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. The present review analyzed the effects of GP in oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting that it could become a valuable therapeutic candidate capable to reduce the aforementioned pathological processes. Grape pomace extract could become an adjuvant treatment in the attempt to reduce the side effects of the classical anti-inflammatory medication like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

A review of recent progress in improving the bioavailability of nutraceutical-loaded emulsions after oral intake

Increasing awareness of the health benefits of specific constituents in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and other whole foods has sparked a broader interest in the potential health benefits of nutraceuticals. Many nutraceuticals are hydrophobic substances, which means they must be encapsulated in colloidal delivery systems. Oil-in-water emulsions are one of the most widely used delivery systems for improving the bioavailability and bioactivity of these nutraceuticals. The composition and structure of emulsions can be designed to improve the water dispersibility, physicochemical stability, and bioavailability of the encapsulated nutraceuticals. The nature of the emulsion used influences the interfacial area and properties of the nutraceutical-loaded oil droplets in the gastrointestinal tract, which influences their digestion, as well as the bioaccessibility, metabolism, and absorption of the nutraceuticals. In this article, we review recent in vitro and in vivo studies on the utilization of emulsions to improve the bioavailability of nutraceuticals. The findings from this review should facilitate the design of more efficacious nutraceutical-loaded emulsions with increased bioactivity.

Polyphenols and atherosclerosis: A critical review of clinical effects on LDL oxidation

Atherosclerosis is a major etiology of cardiovascular disease that causes considerable mortality. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is a fundamental attributor to atherosclerosis. Therefore, there seems to be an essential place for antioxidant therapy besides the current treatment protocols for coronary heart disease. Polyphenols are a class of compounds with substantial antioxidant properties that have shown the ability to reduce LDL oxidation in preclinical studies. However, clinical evidence has not been as conclusive although offering many promising signs. This review aims to examine the trials that have evaluated how dietary intake of polyphenols in different forms might influence the oxidation of LDL. Lowering the circulating cholesterol, incorporation into LDL particles, and enhancing systemic antioxidant activity are among the main mechanisms of action for polyphenols for lowering oxLDL. On the other hand, the population under study significantly affects the impact on oxLDL, as the type of the supplement and phenolic content. To conclude, although the polyphenols might decrease inflammation and enhance endothelial function via lowering oxLDL, there are still many gaps in our knowledge that need to be filled with further high-quality studies.

The Effect of Polyphenols on Kidney Disease: Targeting Mitochondria

Mitochondrial function, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondria dynamics, are essential for the maintenance of renal health. Through modulation of mitochondrial function, the kidneys are able to sustain or recover acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), nephrotoxicity, nephropathy, and ischemia perfusion. Therapeutic improvement in mitochondrial function in the kidneys is related to the regulation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, free radicals scavenging, decline in apoptosis, and inflammation. Dietary antioxidants, notably polyphenols present in fruits, vegetables, and plants, have attracted attention as effective dietary and pharmacological interventions. Considerable evidence shows that polyphenols protect against mitochondrial damage in different experimental models of kidney disease. Mechanistically, polyphenols regulate the mitochondrial redox status, apoptosis, and multiple intercellular signaling pathways. Therefore, this review attempts to focus on the role of polyphenols in the prevention or treatment of kidney disease and explore the molecular mechanisms associated with their pharmacological activity.

Evaluation of Agricultural Traits, Phytochemical Contents, and Antioxidant Activities in the Leaves of Amaranth Accessions of Nine Species

Amaranthus species are widely cultivated as dietary crops and are promising sources of phytochemical compounds with antioxidant properties. To explore Amaranthus as a potential medical resource, 289 accessions (nine species) were cultivated, and their agricultural characteristics, total phenolic content (TPC), rutin contents, and antioxidant activities [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)] were studied. Wide variations in agricultural traits, phytochemical contents, and antioxidant activities were observed between the accessions and across species. The effects of agricultural traits were evaluated, and the results indicated that yellow-flowered amaranth genotypes could be important because of their high values of TPC, rutin contents, DPPH, and ABTS. In addition, leaf length, days until 50% flowering, days until 50% heading and days until maturity, showed positive correlations with TPC, rutin contents, DPPH, and ABTS. The whole dataset was subjected to principal component analysis, and distinctive aggregation was observed across the Amaranthus species. In total, 289 accessions were clustered into three groups, and seven genotypes were determined as being good medical resources due to their high phytochemical content and antioxidant activities. Our findings provide important information for the development of new varieties with high phytochemical contents and high levels of antioxidant activity.

Oxidative Stress in Ageing and Chronic Degenerative Pathologies: Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Counteracting Oxidative Stress and Chronic Inflammation

Ageing and chronic degenerative pathologies demonstrate the shared characteristics of high bioavailability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, chronic/persistent inflammation, glycation, and mitochondrial abnormalities. Excessive ROS production results in nucleic acid and protein destruction, thereby altering the cellular structure and functional outcome. To stabilise increased ROS production and modulate oxidative stress, the human body produces antioxidants, “free radical scavengers”, that inhibit or delay cell damage. Reinforcing the antioxidant defence system and/or counteracting the deleterious repercussions of immoderate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is critical and may curb the progression of ageing and chronic degenerative syndromes. Various therapeutic methods for ROS and oxidative stress reduction have been developed. However, scientific investigations are required to assess their efficacy. In this review, we summarise the interconnected mechanism of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation that contributes to ageing and chronic degenerative pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), cardiovascular diseases CVD, diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We also highlight potential counteractive measures to combat ageing and chronic degenerative diseases.

Health benefits of polyphenols: A concise review

Plants produce polyphenols, which are considered highly essential functional foods in our diet. They are classified into several groups according to their diverse chemical structures. Flavanoids, lignans, stilbenes, and phenolic acids are the four main families of polyphenols. Several in vivo and in vitro research have been conducted so far to evaluate their health consequences. Polyphenols serve a vital function in the protection of the organism from external stimuli and in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are instigators of several illnesses. Polyphenols are present in tea, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables with the potential to positively influence human health. For instance, cocoa flavan-3-ols have been associated with a decreased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and diabetes. Polyphenols in the diet also help to improve lipid profiles, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation. Quercetin, a flavonoid, and resveratrol, a stilbene, have been linked to improved cardiovascular health. Dietary polyphenols potential to elicit therapeutic effects might be attributed, at least in part, to a bidirectional association with the gut microbiome. This is because polyphenols are known to affect the gut microbiome composition in ways that lead to better human health. Specifically, the gut microbiome converts polyphenols into bioactive compounds that have therapeutic effects. In this review, the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic actions of polyphenols are described based on findings from in vivo and in vitro experimental trials. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burden has been increasing worldwide due to the sedentary lifestyle and several other factors such as smoking, junk food, etc. Scientific literature evidence supports the use of plant-based food polyphenols as therapeutic agents that could help to alleviate NCD's burden. Thus, consuming polyphenolic compounds from natural sources could be an effective solution to mitigate NCDs concerns. It is also discussed how natural antioxidants from medicinal plants might help prevent or repair damage caused by free radicals, such as oxidative stress.

Natural Antioxidant Evaluation: A Review of Detection Methods

Antioxidants have drawn the attention of the scientific community due to being related to the prevention of various degenerative diseases. The antioxidant capacity has been extensively studied in vitro, and different methods have been used to assess its activity. However, the main issues related to studying natural antioxidants are evaluating whether these antioxidants demonstrate a key role in the biological system and assessing their bioavailability in the organism. The majority of outcomes in the literature are controversial due to a lack of method standardization and their proper application. Therefore, this study aims to compile the main issues concerning the natural antioxidant field of study, comparing the most common in vitro methods to evaluate the antioxidant activity of natural compounds, demonstrating the antioxidant activity in biological systems and the role of the main antioxidant enzymes of redox cellular signaling and explaining how the bioavailability of bioactive compounds is evaluated in animal models and human clinical trials.