Germinated brown rice regulates hepatic cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk in hypercholesterolaemic rats

Impact of germination on the techno-functional properties, nutritional composition, and health-promoting compounds of brown rice and its products: A review

Rice is a popular grain and forms part of the daily diet of people throughout the world. However, the consumption of rice and its products is sometimes limited by its high glycemic index due to its high starch content, low protein content and quality, and low bioavailability of minerals due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors. This has partly stimulated research interest in recent times toward the use of bioprocessing techniques such as germination as cheap and natural means to improve the nutritional quality, digestibility, and health properties of cereals, including rice, to partially achieve nutrition and food security in the developing regions of the world. This review highlights the impact of germination on the nutritional quality, health-promoting properties, and techno-functional characteristics of germinated brown rice grains and their products. The review demonstrated that germinated rice grains and their products have improved nutritional quality and digestibility, modified functional properties, and showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, and anti-cardiovascular activities. Germination appears to be a suitable bioprocessing method to improve the nutritional quality and bioactive constituents and modify the techno-functional properties of rice grains for diverse food applications and improved global nutrition and food safety.

Strategies to fortify the nutritional values of polished rice by implanting selective traits from brown rice: A nutrigenomics-based approach

Whole-grain cereals are important components of a healthy diet. It reduces the risk of many deadly diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, etc. Brown rice is an example of whole grain food, which is highly nutritious due to the presence of various bioactive compounds (flavonoids, phenolics, vitamins, phytosterols, oils, etc.) associated with the rice bran layer of brown rice. White rice is devoid of the nutritious rice bran layer and thus lacks the bioactive compounds which are the major attractants of brown rice. Therefore, to confer health benefits to the public at large, the nutrigenomic potential of white rice may be improved by integrating the phytochemicals associated with the rice bran layer of brown rice into it via biofortification processes like conventional breeding, agronomic practices, metabolic engineering, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and RNAi techniques. Thus, this review article focuses on improving the nutritional qualities of white/polished rice through biofortification processes, utilizing new breeding technologies (NBTs).

Nutrigenomic Effects of White Rice and Brown Rice on the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Disorders in a Fruit Fly Model

Consumption of white rice (WR) has been shown to predispose individuals to metabolic disorders. However, brown rice (BR), which is relatively richer in bioactive compounds, possesses anti-glycaemic and antioxidant effects. In this study, fifteen cultivars of paddy rice that are predominantly consumed in North West Nigeria were analysed for their nutritional composition, bioactive contents and effects on metabolic outcomes in a fruit fly model. Gene expression analyses were conducted on the whole fly, targeting dPEPCK, dIRS, and dACC. The protein, carbohydrate, and fibre contents and bioactives of all BR cultivars were significantly different (p < 0.05) from the WR cultivars. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the glucose and trehalose levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05), while glycogen was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the WR groups compared to the BR groups. Similarly, the expression of dACC and dPEPCK was upregulated, while that of dIRS was downregulated in the WR groups compared to the BR groups. Sex differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the WR groups in relation to the nutrigenomic effects. Our findings confirm metabolic perturbations in fruit flies following consumption of WR via distortion of insulin signalling and activation of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. BR prevented these metabolic changes possibly due to its richer nutritional composition.

Recent advances of γ-aminobutyric acid: Physiological and immunity function, enrichment, and metabolic pathway

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid which naturally and widely occurs in animals, plants, and microorganisms. As the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals, it has become a popular dietary supplement and has promising application in food industry. The current article reviews the most recent literature regarding the physiological functions, preparation methods, enrichment methods, metabolic pathways, and applications of GABA. This review sheds light on developing GABA-enriched plant varieties and food products, and provides insights for efficient production of GABA through synthetic biology approaches.

Prebiotic, Antipathogenic Bacteria and Hypocholesterolemia Properties of Fermented Rice Bran Extracts Derived from Black Rice and Germinated Brown Rice

Rice bran is a rich source of health-promoting nutrition and bioactive compounds; nevertheless, the properties of rice brans depend on cultivars, ages, and preparation methods, drawing the potential of raw materials for health benefits. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the health-promoting properties of fermented rice bran extracts from cultivar black rice (H7F) and germinated brown rice (G13F), focusing on their prebiotic, antipathogenic bacteria activity and safety demonstrated in vitro and in vivo study models, respectively. Here, the screening of metabolites' change after rice bran fermentation by ATR-FTIR spectra revealed specific peaks corresponding to the composited components of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid. Then, in the in vitro study, the prebiotic capability of H7F and G13F extracts was demonstrated by a growth-promoting effect on Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis under specific acidic conditions. Furthermore, antipathogenic bacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was presented at 25 mg/mL of MIC values and 50 mg/mL of MBC of both fermented rice bran extracts, eliminating the bacteria by interfering with the biofilm formation. For safety, an acute and chronic toxicity study using Wistar rats was conducted, in which changes in the body and organ weights, histopathology of organs, blood chemistry, and hematological parameters were observed after H7F and G13F treatment. Desirably, they showed no toxicity, with a significant reduction in blood cholesterol levels in the chronic treatment of H7F and G13F. Conclusively, the overall results evidenced the health benefits of H7F and G13F related to their prebiotic and antipathogenic bacteria properties and hypocholesterolemia potential with a high level of safety. Therefore, the fermented rice bran extracts were demonstrated as potential materials for the further development of functional ingredients and health products.

Modulation of High-Fat Diet-Induced Brain Oxidative Stress by Ferulate-Rich Germinated Brown Rice Ethyl Acetate Extract

The oxidative stress resulting from the production of reactive oxygen species plays a vital role in inflammatory processes and is associated with neurodegenerative changes. In view of the ability of germinated brown rice (GBR) to improve learning and memory, this present study aimed to investigate the mechanistic basis of GBR’s neuroprotection in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced oxidative changes in adult Sprague–Dawley rats. Ferulate-rich GBR ethyl acetate extract (GBR-EA; 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight) was supplemented orally for the last 3 months of 6 months HFD feeding during the study. GBR-EA supplementation was found to improve lipid profile and serum antioxidant status, when compared to the HFD group. Elevated mRNA expressions of SOD1, SOD2, SOD3, Catalase, and GPX were demonstrated in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of GBR-EA treated animals. The pro-inflammatory changes induced by HFD in the hippocampus were attenuated by GBR-EA through the downregulation of CRP and TNF- α and upregulation of PPAR-γ. GBR also reduced the hippocampal mRNA expression and enzyme level of acetylcholinesterase. In conclusion, this study proposed the possible transcriptomic regulation of antioxidant and inflammation in neurodegenerative processes resulting from high cholesterol consumption, with an emphasis on GBR’s potential to ameliorate such changes.

Whole grain rice: Updated understanding of starch digestibility and the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism

Nowadays, resulting from disordered glucose and lipid metabolism, metabolic diseases (e.g., hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes, and obesity) are among the most serious health issues facing humans worldwide. Increasing evidence has confirmed that dietary intervention (with healthy foods) is effective at regulating the metabolic syndrome. Whole grain rice (WGR) rich in dietary fiber and many bioactive compounds (e.g., γ-amino butyric acid, γ-oryzanol, and polyphenols) can not only inhibit starch digestion and prevent rapid increase in the blood glucose level, but also reduce oxidative stress and damage to the liver, thereby regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. The rate of starch digestion is directly related to the blood glucose level in the organism after WGR intake. Therefore, the effects of different factors (e.g., additives, cooking, germination, and physical treatments) on WGR starch digestibility are examined in this review. In addition, the mechanisms from human and animal experiments regarding the correlation between the intake of WGR or its products and the lowered blood glucose and lipid levels and the reduced incidence of diabetes and obesity are discussed. Moreover, information on developing WGR products with the health benefits is provided.

Obesity-associated biochemical markers of inflammation and the role of grain phytochemicals

The incidence of obesity or excessive fat accumulation in the body is increasing worldwide and has become one of the major growing health problems. Obese condition is linked with an increased level of body lipids, oxidative stress, and expression of inflammatory markers. This leads to plasma and hepatic hyperlipidemia, activation of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), and transcriptional factors, which in turn lead to a high risk of cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, diabetes, asthma, rheumatological problem, and liver failure. Grains are the major staple food crops grown for consumption in most of the developing countries. Cereals and millets, such as rice, wheat, maize, barley, finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, kodo millet in the whole form with bran, germ, and endosperm, are found to be rich in phytochemicals, such as phenolics acids, vitamin E, phytosterols, carotenoids, antioxidants, dietary fiber, which have a potential health benefit on various lifestyle disorders. In this article, we summarize the findings and investigations regarding the anti-inflammatory effect of various grain phytochemicals in in vitro and in vivo models and their potential health benefits. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The occurrence of obesity is rising globally and is becoming a major health concern. Obesity will lead to multiple health problems due to oxidative and inflammatory stress in the body. Whole forms of cereals and millets consumptions have shown to reduce the risk of metabolic disorders and several chronic diseases. Potential bioactive components in various grains will act on the inhibition ofbiochemical markers connected with inflammation and adipogenesis.

An untargeted metabolomic insight into the high-pressure stress effect on the germination of wholegrain Oryza sativa L

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) technique is used as a novel abiotic stress factor for efficiently enhancing the biosynthesis of selected bioactive phytochemicals in germinated wholegrain, but the information about HHP stress-induced metabolic changes remains rather limited. Thus, the current work employed an untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomic approach combining with multivariate models to analyze the effect of mild HHP stress (30 MPa/5 min) on the overall metabolome shifts of wholegrain brown rice (WBR) during germination. Simultaneously, major phenolics in germinated WBR (GBR) were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, to explore the potential relationship between HHP stress-induced rice metabolome alternations and the biotransformation of bioactive components. The results demonstrated that the influence of HHP stress on GBR metabolite profiles was defined by germination durations, as revealed by the differentiation of the stressed grains from the naturally germinated grains at different germination points according to principal component analysis. This was further confirmed by the results of orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis, in which the discriminating metabolites between naturally germinated and HHP-stressed grains varied across the germination process. The metabolite signatures differentiating natural and HHP-stressed germination included glycerol-3-phosphate, monosaccharides, gamma-aminobutyric acid, 2,3-butanediol, glyceryl-glycoside, amino acids and myo-inositol. Besides, HHP stress led to the increase in ribose, arabinitol, salicylic acid, azelaic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid, as well as the reduced phenolic acids. These results demonstrated that HHP stress before germination matched with appropriate process parameters could be used as a promising technology to tailor metabolic features of germinated products, thus exerting targeted nutrition and health implications.

Influence of germinated brown rice-based flour modified by MAse on type 2 diabetic mice and HepG2 cell cytotoxic capacity

This study aimed to discover whether using maltogenic amylase (MAse) to modify starch in germinated brown rice flour may enhance slow digestion starch and release more bioactive compounds (BCs) content. To achieve this aim, the starch was modified with four levels of MAse (0 U, 133 U, 266 U and 399 U MAse/g flour) for 1 hr at pH 5 and then spray-dried to make modified flour. The biochemical impacts of the products were then accessed in normal and type 2 diabetic mice for 4 weeks. The result showed that when the starch was modified by MAse 266 U/g, a significant reduction of rapidly digested starch to 22.35% from 61.56%, an increase in slowly digested starch to 33.09% while resistant starch as 2.92% corresponding to the increase of γ-amino butyric acid to 528.1 ± 44.1 mg/L and 120.6 ± 10.9 mg/L of ferulic acid. The extract from modified flour showed very strong cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell (>80% inhibition). The result in vivo showed that the type-2 diabetic mice fed with this modified product could better improve the stability of the glycemic index. Also, atherosclerotic plaque assessment further supports these findings. The results indicated that BCs released considerably couple with the changes in starch properties caused by MAse enhanced the effectiveness of this product to diabetes as well as positive effect on cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell.

Optimization of culture conditions for gamma-aminobutyric acid production by newly identified Pediococcus pentosaceus MN12 isolated from 'mam nem', a fermented fish sauce

This study was aimed to identify and optimize the culture conditions for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production by a lactic acid bacterium strain isolated from mam nem, a fermented fish sauce. Among the six isolates obtained from mam nem, the MN12 had the most potent GABA-producing capability. The strain was then identified to be Pedioccocus pentosaceus by employing MALDI-TOF-MS and phenylalanyl-tRNA synthase sequencing methods. The initial cell density of 5.10⁶ CFU/mL, monosodium glutamate concentration of 60 mM, initial pH of 7, temperature of 45°C and cultivation time of 72 h were found to be the optimal culture conditions for highest production of GABA, reaching 27.9 ± 0.42 mM, by this strain. The cultivation conditions for GABA production by P. pentosaceus MN12 have been successfully optimized, providing a foundation for the development of fermented foods enriched with GABA.

Immobilization and enzymatic properties of glutamate decarboxylase from Enterococcus faecium by affinity adsorption on regenerated chitin

Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD, EC 4.1.1.15) is an important enzyme in gamma-aminobutyric acid biosynthesis and DL-glutamic acid resolution. In this study, the Enterococcus faecium-derived GAD was successfully immobilized by regenerated chitin (RC) via specific adsorption of cellulose-binding domain (CBD). The optimal binding buffer was 20 mmol/L phosphate buffer saline (pH 8.0), and the RC binding capacity was 1.77 ± 0.11 mg_cbd-gad/g_rc under this condition. The ratio of wet RC and crude enzyme solution used for immobilization was recommended to 3:50 (g/mL). To evaluate the effect of RC immobilization on GAD, properties of the immobilize GAD (RC-CBD-GAD) were investigated. Results indicated RC-CBD-GAD was relatively stable at pH 4.4-5.6 and temperature - 20-40 °C, and the optimal reaction pH value and temperature were pH 4.8 and 50 °C, respectively. When it was reacted with 5 mmol/L of follow chemical reagents respectively, the activity of RC-CBD-GAD was hardly affected by EDTA, KCl, and NaCl, and significantly inactivated by AgNO₃, MnSO₄, MgSO₄, CuSO₄, ZnSO₄, FeCl₂, FeCl₃, AlCl₃, CaCl_2, and Pb(CH₃COO)₂. The apparent K_m and V_max were 28.35 mmol/L and 147.06 μmol/(g_RC-CBD-GAD·min), respectively. The optimum time for a batch of catalytic reaction without exogenous pH control was 2 h. Under this reaction time, RC-CBD-GAD had a good reusability with a half-life of 23 cycles, indicating that it was very attractive for GABA industry. As a novel, efficient, and green CBD binding carrier, RC provides an alternative way to protein immobilization.

Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase-treated germinated brown rice flour improves the cytotoxic capacity of HepG2 cell and has a positive effect on type-2 diabetic mice

Germinated brown rice (GBR) consists of bioactive compounds (BCs) that are very useful for diabetes treatment. Modified GBR-based flour (MGBRF) was produced by modifying the starch in GBR with 0, 299.19, 598.38, and 897.57 U/ml of cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase) for 1 hr and then spray-dried to examine its antidiabetic and cytotoxic effects. The results showed that the slowly digestible starch and resistant starch by modifying the starch in GBR with 598.38 U/ml of CGTase were 55.8% and 5.92% corresponding to the increase of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) and ferulic acid (FA) with 4.31 ± 0.68 mg/ml and 3.10 ± 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. The extract from MGBRF showed strong cytotoxic capacity against HepG2. Furthermore, the in vivo study revealed the stability of the glycemic index (GI) by consuming MGBRF with significant impacts on diabetes. These results suggest that MGBRF through the action of CGTase plays a major role in antidiabetes and HepG2 cell product value addition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: GBR consists of BCs that are useful for diabetes and cancer treatment. However, when using this or GBR-based products, it is difficult to evaluate the effect of functional properties, especially for diabetes and/or cancer diseases due to high starch content. Therefore, the modification of starch to limit digestible starch, increase SDS and RS as well as to enhance the effect of BCs on diabetes and cytotoxic activity on cancer cell should be studied before producing various based products from GBR. The results in this study indicated that CGTase increased BCs without any glycosides BCs in the extract. The MGBRF changed to higher RS and SDS while increasing the BCs. The extract of MGBRF showed strong cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cell and a positive effect on type 2-diabetic mice. Hence, this study produces new information for effective use of GBR-based food as a functional food.

The protective effects of walnut green husk polysaccharide on liver injury, vascular endothelial dysfunction and disorder of gut microbiota in high fructose-induced mice

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of walnut green husk polysaccharide (WGHP) on liver injury, vascular endothelial dysfunction and disorder of gut microbiota in mice induced by high fructose (HF) diet. The chemical analysis results show that the walnut green husk polysaccharide is a low molecular weight acidic heteropolysaccharide, composed mainly of glucuronic acid, arabinose and galactose. Biochemical analysis showed that WGHP significantly improved glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism and decreased oxidative stress in HF-diet induced obesity mice. Histopathological observation of liver and cardiovascular aorta confirmed the protective effects of WGHP on hepatic steatosis and vascular endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing results demonstrated that WGHP reversed the disorders of gut microbiota caused by HF, decreased the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia and increased the relative abundance of Deferribacteres at the phylum level, decreased the relative abundance of Akkermansia, Lachnoclostridium and norank_f__Muribaculaceae and increased the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Helicobacter, Alloprevotella and Allobaculum at the genus levels. Our results indicate that WGHP may act as a functional polysaccharide for protecting liver and cardiovascular in HF-fed mice.

Improvement of germinated brown rice quality with autoclaving treatment

Germinated brown rice (GBR) is a popular functional food containing considerable amounts of beneficial nutrients and bioactive compounds. Here, autoclaving at 115°C for 20 min was employed to process GBR (AGBR) to evaluate the effect of autoclaving on the nutritional and health function of GBR in microstructure, taste value, aroma, as well as the physiological ingredients. The results showed that autoclaving treatment influenced the starch gelatinization and aroma to improve the taste of cooked AGBR. Autoclaving treatment significantly increased the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and ferulic acid levels of AGBR (p < .05). In addition, consuming AGBR for 1 month significantly decreased the fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 0.5, 1, and 2 hr postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) in metabolic syndrome (MS) patients (p < .05). Therefore, autoclaving treatment, as a promising processing strategy, may both improve the sensory attributes and the nutrition of GBR.

Edible Bird's Nest Attenuates Menopause-Related Bone Degeneration in Rats via Increaing Bone Estrogen-Receptor Expression

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanistic basis for the attenuation of bone degeneration by edible bird's nest (EBN) in ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

Forty-two female Sprage-Dawley rats were randomized into 7 groups (6 in each group). The ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX + 6%, 3%, and 1.5% EBN and OVX +estrogen groups were given standard rat chow alone, standard rat chow +6%, 3%, and 1.5% EBN, or standard rat chow +estrogen therapy (0.2mg/kg per day), respectively. The sham-operation group was surgically opened without removing the ovaries. The control group did not have any surgical intervention. After 12 weeks of intervention, blood samples were taken for serum estrogen, osteocalcin, and osteoprotegerin, as well as the measurement of magnesium, calcium abd zinc concentrations. While femurs were removed from the surrounding muscles to measure bone mass density using the X-ray edge detection technique, then collected for histology and estrogen receptor (ER) immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Ovariectomy altered serum estrogen levels resulting in increased food intake and weight gain, while estrogen and EBN supplementation attenuated these changes. Ovariectomy also reduced bone ER expression and density, and the production of osteopcalcin and osteorotegerin, which are important pro-osteoplastic hormones that promote bone mineraliztion and density. Conversely, estrogen and EBN increased serum estrogen levels leading to increased bone ER expression, pro-osteoplastic hormone production and bone density (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

EBN could be used as a safe alternative to hormone replacement therapys for managing menopausal complications like bone degeneration.

Sprouted Grains: A Comprehensive Review

In the last decade, there has been an increase in the use of sprouted grains in human diet and a parallel increase in the scientific literature dealing with their nutritional traits and phytochemical contents. This review examines the physiological and biochemical changes during the germination process, and the effects on final sprout composition in terms of macro- and micro-nutrients and bioactive compounds. The main factors affecting sprout composition are taken into consideration: genotype, environmental conditions experimented by the mother plant, germination conditions. In particular, the review deepens the recent knowledge on the possible elicitation factors useful for increasing the phytochemical contents. Microbiological risks and post-harvest technologies are also evaluated, and a brief summary is given of some important in vivo studies matching with the use of grain sprouts in the diet. All the species belonging to Poaceae (Gramineae) family as well as pseudocereals species are included.

Impact of Cereal Seed Sprouting on Its Nutritional and Technological Properties: A Critical Review

Sprouting induces activation and de novo synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes that make nutrients available for plant growth and development. Consumption of sprouted grains is suggested to be beneficial for human health. Positive consumer perceptions about sprouted cereals have resulted in new food and beverage product launches. However, because there is no generally accepted definition of "sprouting," it is unclear when grains are to be called sprouted. Moreover, guidelines about how much sprouted grain material food products should contain to exert health benefits are currently lacking. Accordingly, there is no regulatory base to develop appropriate food labeling for "sprouted foods." This review describes the nutritional and technological properties of sprouted grains in relation to processing conditions and provides guidelines to optimize sprouting practices in order to maximize nutritive value. Relatively long sprouting times (3 to 5 days) and/or high processing temperatures (25 to 35 °C) are needed to maximize the de novo synthesis and/or release of plant bioactive compounds. Nutrient compositional changes resulting from sprouting are often associated with health benefits. However, supportive data from clinical studies are very scarce, and at present it is impossible to draw any conclusion on health benefits of sprouted cereals. Finally, grains sprouted under the above-mentioned conditions are generally unfit for use in traditional food processing and it is challenging to use sprouted grains as ingredients without compromising their nutrient content. The present review provides a basis for better defining what "sprouting" is, and to help further research and development efforts in this field as well as future food regulations development.

Phytochemical Profile of Brown Rice and Its Nutrigenomic Implications

Whole grain foods have been promoted to be included as one of the important components of a healthy diet because of the relationship between the regular consumption of whole-grain foods and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Rice is a staple food, which has been widely consumed for centuries by many Asian countries. Studies have suggested that brown rice is associated with a wide spectrum of nutrigenomic implications such as anti-diabetic, anti-cholesterol, cardioprotective and antioxidant. This is because of the presence of various phytochemicals that are mainly located in bran layers of brown rice. Therefore, this paper is a review of publications that focuses on the bioactive compounds and nutrigenomic implications of brown rice. Although current evidence supports the fact that the consumption of brown rice is beneficial for health, these studies are heterogeneous in terms of their brown rice samples used and population groups, which cause the evaluation to be difficult. Future clinical studies should focus on the screening of individual bioactive compounds in brown rice with reference to their nutrigenomic implications.

Maternal interventions to improve offspring outcomes in rodent models of diet-induced obesity: a review

Maternal obesity is an adverse factor that affects the intrauterine environment during critical periods of fetal developmental causing adverse lifelong effects on offspring health. Several different interventions have been performed in animal models of obesity to ameliorate maternal conditions and consequently reduce the adverse effects on offspring. Our aim was to critically review studies involving murine models of obesity induced by high fat diet (HFD), assessing maternal outcomes during pregnancy and the related offspring conditions. We carried out a computerized literature search of PubMed and Medline. We identified eight studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and have performed interventions in pregnancy with natural, synthetized compounds, and lifestyle modifications. Metabolic profile and lipid metabolism were improved by inositols, resveratrol, germinated brown rice (GBR), and exercise in the mother. The offspring whose mother received resveratrol, adiponectin, GBR, and exercise, showed an improvement in leptin, triglycerides, adiponectin levels, and a decrease in insulin resistance. These experimental studies demonstrate that several interventions in pregnant rodents improve the metabolic profile of both the mother and the offspring. Clinical research could now explore the efficacy and safety of such interventions, interrupting the vicious circle that an obese mother generates a child prone to develop metabolic (and cardiovascular) disease in adult life.

Nutrients and Oxidative Stress: Friend or Foe?

There are different types of nutritionally mediated oxidative stress sources that trigger inflammation. Much information indicates that high intakes of macronutrients can promote oxidative stress and subsequently contribute to inflammation via nuclear factor-kappa B- (NF-κB-) mediated cell signaling pathways. Dietary carbohydrates, animal-based proteins, and fats are important to highlight here because they may contribute to the long-term consequences of nutritionally mediated inflammation. Oxidative stress is a central player of metabolic ailments associated with high-carbohydrate and animal-based protein diets and excessive fat consumption. Obesity has become an epidemic and represents the major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of nutritionally mediated oxidative stress are complex and poorly understood. Therefore, this review aimed to explore how dietary choices exacerbate or dampen the oxidative stress and inflammation. We also discussed the implications of oxidative stress in the adipocyte and glucose metabolism and obesity-associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Taken together, a better understanding of the role of oxidative stress in obesity and the development of obesity-related NCDs would provide a useful approach. This is because oxidative stress can be mediated by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, hence providing a plausible means for the prevention of metabolic disorders.

Flavonoid-rich extract of Polygonum capitatum attenuates high-fat diet–induced atherosclerosis development and inflammatory and oxidative stress in hyperlipidemia rats

This research was carried out to investigate the effects of flavonoids ingredient from Polygonum capitatum (FPC) on blood lipid levels, vascular inflammation, and oxidative stress in high-fat diet (HFD) rats, as well as their mechanism of action. Rats fed with HFD for 6 weeks obviously displayed hyperlipidemia ( P < 0.01). Treatment with FPC at 90 and 180 mg/kg body weight significantly increased serum apolipoprotein A (ApoA) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and decreased serum apolipoprotein B (ApoB), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of hyperlipidemia rats. FPC also improved the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Meanwhile, the result of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) manifested that FPC upregulated the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α (PPARα) and downregulated the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1C) in the hepatic. These results demonstrated that FPC exerted anti-atherosclerosis effect in hyperlipidemia rats by regulating blood lipid metabolism, improving antioxidant ability, and modulating a proinflammatory profile and the expression levels of genes referred to lipogenesis and lipid oxidation, which might be attributed to flavonoid ingredients such as luteolin-7-O-glucoside, rutin, and quercitrin.

Beneficial effects of apple peel polyphenols on vascular endothelial dysfunction and liver injury in high choline-fed mice

This study was designed to investigate the preventive effects of Red Fuji apple peel polyphenolic extract (APP) on vascular endothelial dysfunction and liver injury in mice fed a high choline diet. The mice were fed 3% dietary choline in drinking water for 8 weeks and displayed vascular dysfunction and liver damage (p < 0.01). The administration of APP at 600 and 900 mg per kg bw significantly elevated serum NO, HDL and 6-Keto-PGF1a levels and lowered serum TC, TG, LDL, ET-1 and TXB2 levels in the HC-fed mice. Besides, APP also caused the reduction of AST, ALT activities and MDA, CRP, TNF-α levels, and increased the hepatic GSH-Px and SOD activities of the HC-fed mice. Furthermore, the histopathology of the liver by conventional H&E and oil red O staining confirmed the liver steatosis induced by a choline diet and the hepatoprotective effect of APP. The experiment results indicated that the polyphenolic extract from apple peel might be regarded as a preventive and therapeutic product for the amelioration of HC diet-induced vascular dysfunction and hepatic injury.

Baccaurea angulata fruit juice ameliorates altered hematological and biochemical biomarkers in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor linked to the alteration of blood hematology and clinical chemistry associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Previous studies have demonstrated the safety and potential health benefits of Baccaurea angulata (BA) fruit. We hypothesized that the oral administration of BA fruit juice could ameliorate the alteration in the hematological and biochemical biomarkers of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different doses of BA juice on the hematological and biochemical biomarkers in normo- and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Thirty-five healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to seven different groups for 90days of diet intervention. Four atherogenic groups were fed a 1% cholesterol diet and 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5mL of BA juice per kg of rabbit daily. The other three normal groups were fed a commercial rabbit pellet diet and 0, 0.5, and 1.0mL of BA juice per kg of rabbit daily. Baseline and final blood samples after 90days of repeated administration BA juice were analyzed for hematological parameters while serum, aortic and hepatic lysates were analyzed for lipid profiles and other biochemical biomarkers. The alteration of the hemopoietic system, physiological changes in serum and tissues lipid profiles and other biochemicals resulting from the consumption of a high-cholesterol diet were significantly (P<.05) ameliorated by the administration of BA juice. Improvements of the biomarkers in rabbits were dose-dependent, markedly enhanced at the highest dose of juice (1.5mL/kg/day). The results suggest potential health benefits of the antioxidant-rich BA fruit juice against hypercholesterolemia-associated hematological and biochemical alterations in the rabbit.

Chemical characteristics of an Ilex Kuding tea polysaccharide and its protective effects against high fructose-induced liver injury and vascular endothelial dysfunction in mice

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Ilex Kuding tea polysaccharides (IKTP) on high fructose (HF)-induced liver injury and vascular endothelial dysfunction in mice.

Protective effects of tartary buckwheat flavonoids on high TMAO diet-induced vascular dysfunction and liver injury in mice

This study was performed to investigate the liver and vascular changes in high trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) diet-fed mice, and the possible vasoprotective and hepatoprotective effects of purified tartary buckwheat flavonoid fraction (TBF). HPLC analysis revealed that the content of rutin and quercetin presented in TBF was 53.6% and 37.2%, respectively, accounting for 90.8% of TBF. Mice fed 1.5% TMAO in drinking water for 8 weeks significantly displayed vascular dysfunction and liver damage (p < 0.01). The administration of TBF at 400 and 800 mg per kg bw significantly elevated plasma NO and eNOS concentrations, and serum HDL-C and PGI2 levels, and lowered serum TC, TG, LDL-C, ET-1 and TX-A2 levels of TMAO-fed mice. TBF also reduced serum AST and ALT activities, and hepatic NEFA and MDA levels, and increased the hepatic GSH-Px and SOD activities in TMAO-fed mice, which were consistent with the observations of the histological alterations of the liver. This report firstly showed that dietary TMAO might cause liver damage and TBF prevented TMAO-induced vascular dysfunction and hepatic injury.

Enhancing Contents of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Other Micronutrients in Dehulled Rice during Germination under Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions

Biofortification of staple grains with high contents of essential micronutrients is an important strategy to overcome micronutrient malnutrition. However, few attempts have targeted at γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a functional nutrient for aging populations. In this study, two rice cultivars, Heinuo and Xianhui 207, were used to investigate changes in GABA and other nutritional compounds of dehulled rice after germination under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Forty-one metabolites were identified in both cultivars treated by normoxic germination, whereas the germinated dehulled rice of Heinuo and Xianhui 207 under hypoxic treatment had 43 and 41 metabolites identified, respectively. GABA increased in dehulled rice after germination, especially under hypoxia. Meanwhile, a number of other health-beneficial and/or flavor-related compounds such as lysine and d-mannose increased after the hypoxic treatment. The accumulation of GABA exhibited genotype-specific modes in both normoxic and hypoxic treatments. With regard to GABA production, Xianhui 207 was more responsive to the germination process than Heinuo, whereas Heinuo was more responsive to hypoxia than Xianhui 207. This study provides a promising approach to biofortify dehulled rice with increased GABA and other nutrients through metabolomic-based regulation.

Perinatal exposure to germinated brown rice and its gamma amino-butyric acid-rich extract prevents high fat diet-induced insulin resistance in first generation rat offspring

Background

Evidence suggests perinatal environments influence the risk of developing insulin resistance.

Objective

The present study was aimed at determining the effects of intrauterine exposure to germinated brown rice (GBR) and GBR-derived gamma (γ) aminobutyric acid (GABA) extract on epigenetically mediated high fat diet–induced insulin resistance.

Design

Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed high-fat diet (HFD), HFD+GBR, or HFD+GABA throughout pregnancy until 4 weeks postdelivery. The pups were weighed weekly and maintained on normal pellet until 8 weeks postdelivery. After sacrifice, biochemical markers of obesity and insulin resistance including oral glucose tolerance test, adiponectin, leptin, and retinol binding protein-4 (RBP4) were measured. Hepatic gene expression changes and the global methylation and histone acetylation levels were also evaluated.

Results

Detailed analyses revealed that mothers given GBR and GABA extract, and their offspring had increased adiponectin levels and reduced insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, leptin, oxidative stress, and RBP4 levels, while their hepatic mRNA levels of GLUT2 and IPF1 were increased. Furthermore, GBR and GABA extract lowered global DNA methylation levels and modulated H3 and H4 acetylation levels.

Conclusions

These results showed that intrauterine exposure to GBR-influenced metabolic outcomes in offspring of rats with underlying epigenetic changes and transcriptional implications that led to improved glucose homeostasis.

Conventional steaming retains tocols and γ-oryzanol better than boiling and frying in the jasmine rice variety Khao dok mali 105

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of various cooking methods on the white rice (WR), brown rice (BR) and parboiled geminated brown rice (PGBR) of the same variety, focusing on γ-oryzanol and tocols. The methods used for analysis of γ-oryzanol and tocols included solvent extraction and HPLC. The results indicated that PGBR had a higher content of γ-oryzanol and tocols compared to BR and WR, when different cooking methods (raw, steamed, boiled and fried) were used. Steaming method retained the higher γ-oryzanol content (53.6-62.2mg/100g) in both PGBR and BR, in comparison with boiling (53.0-60.6mg/100g) and frying (23.4-31.5mg/100g) methods. Frying reduced the γ-oryzanol content significantly regardless of the rice type. Regarding tocols, a similar trend was noticed in all the methods studied. Tocotrienol was the most abundant tocol found in PGBR and BR. Therefore, steaming is the best cooking method to preserved most of the bioactive compounds; however, a slight increase in total tocols was observed after frying.

Phenolic Rich Extract from Clinacanthus nutans Attenuates Hyperlipidemia-Associated Oxidative Stress in Rats

Clinacanthus nutans is used as traditional medicine in Asia but there are limited scientific studies to support its use. In this study, the stem and leaf of C. nutans were extracted using solvents of differing polarities, and their antioxidant capacities were determined using multiple antioxidant assays. The water and aqueous methanolic leaf extracts were further fractionated and their antioxidant capacities and phenolic compositions were tested. Furthermore, the efficacies of the water and aqueous methanolic leaf extracts were tested against hyperlipidemia-induced oxidative stress in rats. Serum and hepatic antioxidant and oxidative stress markers were tested after feeding the rats with high fat diet together with the extracts or simvastatin for 7 weeks. The results indicated that both leaf extracts attenuated oxidative stress through increasing serum antioxidant enzymes activity and upregulating the expression of hepatic antioxidant genes. Multiple phenolic compounds were detected in the extracts and fractions of C. nutans, although protocatechuic acid was one of the most abundant and may have contributed significantly towards the bioactivities of the extracts. However, synergistic effects of different phenolics may have contributed to the overall bioactivities. C. nutans can be a good source of functional ingredients for the management of oxidative stress-related diseases.

Edible Bird's Nest attenuates high fat diet-induced oxidative stress and inflammation via regulation of hepatic antioxidant and inflammatory genes

BACKGROUND

Edible Bird's nest (EBN) is an antioxidant-rich supplement that is popular in many parts of Asia. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been reported using in vitro system. This paper aimed to determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of EBN in in high fat diet induced rats model.

METHODS

We evaluate if those properties can be translated in rats. High fat diet (HFD) was fed to rats for 12 weeks to determine its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation, and compared with HFD + Simvastatin and HFD + EBN (2.5 or 20 %). Weights were measured weekly, while serum and hepatic markers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant status and TBARS) and inflammation (interleukin 6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP] and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) were determined at the end of the intervention. In addition, transcriptional changes in hepatic antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase) and inflammation (C-reactive protein, chemokine [C-C] motif 2, nuclear factor kappa beta 1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) genes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The results showed increases in oxidative stress (raised TBARS and lowered total antioxidant status) and inflammatory markers (raised CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α) in HFD induced rats with corresponding attenuation of antioxidant gene expression and potentiation of inflammatory gene expression. EBN on the other hand attenuated the HFD-induced inflammation and oxidative stress and produced overall better outcomes in comparison with simvastatin.

CONCLUSIONS

In aggregate, the results support the evidence-based utilization of EBN as a supplement for preventing obesity-related inflammation and oxidative stress in rats. These promising results can open up opportunities for translating the benefits of EBN to humans.

Gene Transcriptional and Metabolic Profile Changes in Mimetic Aging Mice Induced by D-Galactose

D-galactose injection has been shown to induce many changes in mice that represent accelerated aging. This mouse model has been widely used for pharmacological studies of anti-aging agents. The underlying mechanism of D-galactose induced aging remains unclear, however, it appears to relate to glucose and 1ipid metabolic disorders. Currently, there has yet to be a study that focuses on investigating gene expression changes in D-galactose aging mice. In this study, integrated analysis of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabonomics and gene expression profiles was used to investigate the changes in transcriptional and metabolic profiles in mimetic aging mice injected with D-galactose. Our findings demonstrated that 48 mRNAs were differentially expressed between control and D-galactose mice, and 51 potential biomarkers were identified at the metabolic level. The effects of D-galactose on aging could be attributed to glucose and 1ipid metabolic disorders, oxidative damage, accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), reduction in abnormal substance elimination, cell apoptosis, and insulin resistance.

Myricetin derived from Hovenia dulcis Thunb. ameliorates vascular endothelial dysfunction and liver injury in high choline-fed mice

The present study was conducted to explore the protective effects of myricetin (MYR) purified from Hovenia dulcis Thunb. against vascular endothelial dysfunction and liver injury in mice fed with 3% dietary choline water.

Edible Bird's Nest Prevents High Fat Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rats

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is used traditionally in many parts of Asia to improve wellbeing, but there are limited studies on its efficacy. We explored the potential use of EBN for prevention of high fat diet- (HFD-) induced insulin resistance in rats. HFD was given to rats with or without simvastatin or EBN for 12 weeks. During the intervention period, weight measurements were recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected at the end of the intervention and oral glucose tolerance test conducted, after which the rats were sacrificed and their liver and adipose tissues collected for further studies. Serum adiponectin, leptin, F2-isoprostane, insulin, and lipid profile were estimated, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance computed. Effects of the different interventions on transcriptional regulation of insulin signaling genes were also evaluated. The results showed that HFD worsened metabolic indices and induced insulin resistance partly through transcriptional regulation of the insulin signaling genes. Additionally, simvastatin was able to prevent hypercholesterolemia but promoted insulin resistance similar to HFD. EBN, on the other hand, prevented the worsening of metabolic indices and transcriptional changes in insulin signaling genes due to HFD. The results suggest that EBN may be used as functional food to prevent insulin resistance.

Increased risk of insulin resistance in rat offsprings exposed prenatally to white rice

White rice (WR) is a major staple food for people in developing countries and it may be responsible for the growing incidence of type 2 diabetes. Nonpregnant Female Sprague Dawley rats fed with WR or brown rice (BR) for 8 weeks were mated with age-matched male rats maintained on normal pellet over the same period. Offsprings were fed normal pellet after weaning until 8 weeks postdelivery. Rats fed with WR and their offsprings showed worsened oral glucose tolerance test, lower serum adiponectin levels, and higher weights, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, serum retinol binding protein-4 levels, and leptin levels, compared with the normal and BR groups, suggesting an increased risk of insulin resistance. Furthermore, transcriptional levels of genes involved in insulin signaling showed different expression patterns in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissues of mothers and offsprings in both WR and BR groups. The results propose that the cycle of WR-induced insulin resistance in offsprings due to prenatal exposure, followed by their consumption of WR later in life may contribute to diabetes incidents. These findings are worth studying further.