Anti-hyperuricemic effects of three theaflavins isolated from black tea in hyperuricemic mice

Elucidating the substance basis and pharmacological mechanism of Fufang Qiling granules in modulating xanthine oxidase for intervention in hyperuricemia

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fufang Qiling granules (FQG), derived from the traditional Qiling Decoction with a longstanding clinical history, is utilized for the treatment of hyperuricemia (HUA). FQG is formulated with a combination of seven Chinese herbs based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories. Clinical evidence indicates that FQG exhibits favorable therapeutic effects in reducing uric acid (UA) levels and attenuating renal damage.

AIM OF THIS STUDY

To elucidate the potential active components and pharmacological mechanism of FQG in the treatment of HUA, and to provide an experimental basis for the development of efficient and low-toxicity TCM for HUA treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A HUA rat model induced by potassium oxonate and adenine was established to initially evaluate the hypouricemic effects of FQG. Chemical analyses were conducted using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Network pharmacology was used to investigate the active components and mechanism of FQG in the treatment of HUA. Potential Xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitors were screened from FQG based on ultrafiltration liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (UF-LC-MS). Molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were applied to validate the interactions between the active components and XOD.

RESULTS

In comparison to the model group, treatment with FQG significantly decreased serum UA, serum creatinine (CREA), serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and liver XOD activity. Additionally, the FQG administration notably ameliorated HUA-induced renal injury in rats. Through the pharmacodynamics of the HUA rat models and network pharmacology, it was found that XOD was a key pathway enzyme in UA metabolism. 18 XOD inhibitors were screened from FQG by UF-LC-MS, and 11 compounds with strong affinity were verified by SPR, molecular docking and CD spectroscopy.

CONCLUSION

In summary, flavonoids, organic acids and saponins may be the active components in FQG that alleviate HUA. The primary mechanism of FQG involves inhibiting XOD enzyme activity in the plasma to reduce UA production, alleviating renal tubular epithelial cell necrosis, tubulointerstitial injury, fibrosis, and urate deposition, ultimately exerting a therapeutic effect on HUA.

Anti-hyperuricemia bioactive peptides: a review on obtaining, activity, and mechanism of action

Hyperuricemia, a disorder of uric acid metabolism, serves as a significant risk factor for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, and various metabolic syndromes. The main contributors to hyperuricemia include overproduction of uric acid in the liver or impaired excretion in the kidneys. Despite traditional clinical drugs being employed for its treatment, significant health concerns persist. Recently, there has been growing interest in utilizing protein peptides sourced from diverse food origins to mitigate hyperuricemia. This article provides a comprehensive review of bioactive peptides with anti-hyperuricemia properties derived from animals, plants, and their products. We specifically outline the methods for preparing these peptides from food proteins and elucidate their efficacy and mechanisms in combating hyperuricemia, supported by in vitro and in vivo evidence. Uric acid-lowering peptides offer promising prospects due to their safer profile, enhanced efficacy, and improved bioavailability. Therefore, this review underscores significant advancements and contributions in identifying peptides capable of metabolizing purine and/or uric acid, thereby alleviating hyperuricemia. Moreover, it offers a theoretical foundation for the development of functional foods incorporating uric acid-lowering peptides.

Chinese Sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill.) Fruits Prevent Hyperuricemia and Uric Acid Nephropathy in Mice Fed a High-Purine Yeast Diet

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a prevalent chronic disease, characterized by excessive blood uric acid levels, that poses a significant health risk. In this study, the preventive effects and potential mechanisms of ethanol extracts from Chinese sumac (Rhus chinensis Mill.) fruits on HUA and uric acid nephropathy were comprehensively investigated. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in uric acid levels in hyperuricemia mice after treatment with Chinese sumac fruit extract, especially in the high-dose group, where the blood uric acid level decreased by 39.56%. Visual diagrams of the kidneys and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections showed the extract's effectiveness in protecting against kidney damage caused by excessive uric acid. Further investigation into its mechanism revealed that the extract prevents and treats hyperuricemia by decreasing uric acid production, enhancing uric acid excretion, and mitigating the oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions induced by excessive uric acid in the kidneys. Specifically, the extract markedly decreased xanthine oxidase (XOD) levels and expression in the liver, elevated the expression of uric acid transporters ABCG2, and lowered the expression of uric acid reabsorption proteins URAT1 and SLC2A9. Simultaneously, it significantly elevated the levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH) while reducing the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, the expression of uric-acid-related proteins NLRP3, ACS, and Caspase-3 and the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly reduced. The experimental results confirm that Chinese sumac fruit extract can improve HUA and uric acid nephropathy in mice fed a high-purine yeast diet. This finding establishes a theoretical foundation for developing Chinese sumac fruit as a functional food or medicine for preventing and treating HUA.

A Review of the Chemistry and Biological Activities of Natural Colorants, Dyes, and Pigments: Challenges, and Opportunities for Food, Cosmetics, and Pharmaceutical Application

Natural pigments are important sources for the screening of bioactive lead compounds. This article reviewed the chemistry and therapeutic potentials of over 570 colored molecules from plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, algae, and marine sources. Moreover, related biological activities, advanced extraction, and identification approaches were reviewed. A variety of biological activities, including cytotoxicity against cancer cells, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-microbial, antiviral, and anti-protozoal activities, have been reported for different pigments. Considering their structural backbone, they were classified as naphthoquinones, carotenoids, flavonoids, xanthones, anthocyanins, benzotropolones, alkaloids, terpenoids, isoprenoids, and non-isoprenoids. Alkaloid pigments were mostly isolated from bacteria and marine sources, while flavonoids were mostly found in plants and mushrooms. Colored quinones and xanthones were mostly extracted from plants and fungi, while colored polyketides and terpenoids are often found in marine sources and fungi. Carotenoids are mostly distributed among bacteria, followed by fungi and plants. The pigments isolated from insects have different structures, but among them, carotenoids and quinone/xanthone are the most important. Considering good manufacturing practices, the current permitted natural colorants are: Carotenoids (canthaxanthin, β-carotene, β-apo-8'-carotenal, annatto, astaxanthin) and their sources, lycopene, anthocyanins, betanin, chlorophyllins, spirulina extract, carmine and cochineal extract, henna, riboflavin, pyrogallol, logwood extract, guaiazulene, turmeric, and soy leghemoglobin.

In vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory and in vivo anti-hyperuricemic properties of sodium kaempferol-3'-sulfonate

Xanthine oxidase (XO), a key enzyme in purine catabolism, catalyzes the oxidation of xanthine to uric acid in the body, but overproduction of uric acid may lead to hyperuricemia. This study aims to investigate in vitro XO inhibitory and in vivo anti-hyperuricemic properties of sodium kaempferol-3'-sulfonate (KS). The kinetic analysis indicates that KS is a reversible competitive inhibitor and has significant inhibitory effects on XO activity with an IC50 value of 0.338 μM. Fluorescence spectra suggested that KS could cause fluorescence quenching and conformational changes of XO due to the formation of a KS-XO complex. Molecular docking studies demonstrated that KS interacted with several amino acid residues of XO by the π-π stacking, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions. The inhibitory mechanism of KS on XO activity might be the insertion of KS into the active site of XO to prevent the entrance of the substrate xanthine and induce conformational changes of XO. The results carried out in hyperuricemic mice showed that KS reduced serum XO activity, serum uric acid (UA), creatinine (CRE), and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, as well as alleviating renal histopathological injury. These findings suggest that KS may be a new potent XO inhibitor against hyperuricemia-related diseases.

Research progress on the prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia by medicinal and edible plants and its bioactive components

Hyperuricemia is another common metabolic disease, which is considered to be closely related to the development of many chronic diseases, in addition to the "three highs." Currently, although drugs show positive therapeutic effects, they have been shown to produce side effects that can damage the body. There is growing evidence that medicinal and edible plants and their bioactive components have a significant effect on hyperuricemia. In this paper, we review common medicinal and edible plants with uric acid-lowering effects and summarize the uric acid-lowering mechanisms of different bioactive components. Specifically, the bioactive components are divided into five categories: flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and saponins. These active substances exhibit positive uric acid-lowering effects by inhibiting uric acid production, promoting uric acid excretion, and improving inflammation. Overall, this review examines the potential role of medicinal and edible plants and their bioactive components as a means of combating hyperuricemia, with the hope of providing some reference value for the treatment of hyperuricemia.

Mechanisms of theaflavins against gout and strategies for improving the bioavailability

BACKGROUND

Gout is a crystal related arthropathy caused by monosodium urate deposition. At present, the identification of appropriate treatments and new drugs to reduce serum uric acid levels and gout risk is a major research area.

PURPOSE

Theaflavins are naturally occurring compounds characterized by a benzodiazepine skeleton. The significant benefits of theaflavins have been well documented. A large number of studies have been carried out and excellent anti-gout results have been achieved in recent years.

STUDY DESIGN

A comprehensive analysis of the mechanism of the anti-gout effect of theaflavins is presented through a literature review and network pharmacology prediction, and strategies for increasing the bioavailability of theaflavins are summarized.

METHODS

In this review, the active components and pharmacological mechanisms of theaflavins in the treatment of gout were summarized, and the relationship between theaflavins and gout, the relevant components, and the potential mechanisms of anti-gout action were clarified by reviewing the literature on the anti-gout effects of theaflavins and network pharmacology.

RESULTS

Theaflavins exert anti-gout effects by down regulating the gene and protein expression of glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) and uric acid transporter 1 (URAT1), while upregulating the mRNA expression levels of organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), organic cation transporter N1 (OCTN1), organic cation transporters 1/2 (Oct1/2), and organic anion transporter 2 (OAT2). Network pharmacology prediction indicate that theaflavins can regulate the AGE-RAGE and cancer signaling pathways through ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), recombinant mitogen activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), telomerase reverse tranase (TERT), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), and matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) targets for anti-gout effects.

CONCLUSION

This review presents the mechanisms of anti-gout action of theaflavins and strategies for improving the bioavailability of theaflavins, as well as providing research strategies for anti-gout treatment measures and the development of novel anti-gout drugs.

Anti-inflammatory potential of stevia residue extract against uric acid-associated renal injury in mice

Abnormal uric acid level result in the development of hyperuricemia and hallmark of various diseases, including renal injury, gout, cardiovascular disorders, and non-alcoholic fatty liver. This study was designed to explore the anti-inflammatory potential of stevia residue extract (STR) against hyperuricemia-associated renal injury in mice. The results revealed that STR at dosages of 150 and 300 mg/kg bw and allopurinol markedly modulated serum uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine in hyperuricemic mice. Serum and renal cytokine levels (IL-18, IL-6, IL-1Β, and TNF-α) were also restored by STR treatments. Furthermore, mRNA and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis revealed that STR ameliorates UA (uric acid)-associated renal inflammation, fibrosis, and EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) via MMPS (matrix metalloproteinases), inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 activation by the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway and modulating the JAK2-STAT3 and Nrf2 signaling pathways. In summary, the present study provided experimental evidence that STR is an ideal candidate for the treatment of hyperuricemia-mediated renal inflammation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The higher uric acid results in hyperuricemia and gout. The available options for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout are the use of allopurinol, and colchicine drugs, etc. These drugs possess several undesirable side effect. The polyphenolic compounds are abundantly present in plants, for example, stevia residue extract (STR) exert a positive effect on human health. From this study results, we can recommend that polyphenolic compounds enrich STR could be applied to develop treatment options for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout.

Beneficial Effects of Theaflavins on Metabolic Syndrome: From Molecular Evidence to Gut Microbiome

In recent years, many natural foods and herbs rich in phytochemicals have been proposed as health supplements for patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Theaflavins (TFs) are a polyphenol hydroxyl substance with the structure of diphenol ketone, and they have the potential to prevent and treat a wide range of MetS. However, the stability and bioavailability of TFs are poor. TFs have the marvelous ability to alleviate MetS through antiobesity and lipid-lowering (AMPK-FoxO3A-MnSOD, PPAR, AMPK, PI3K/Akt), hypoglycemic (IRS-1/Akt/GLUT4, Ca2+/CaMKK2-AMPK, SGLT1), and uric-acid-lowering (XO, GLUT9, OAT) effects, and the modulation of the gut microbiota (increasing beneficial gut microbiota such as Akkermansia and Prevotella). This paper summarizes and updates the bioavailability of TFs, and the available signaling pathways and molecular evidence on the functionalities of TFs against metabolic abnormalities in vitro and in vivo, representing a promising opportunity to prevent MetS in the future with the utilization of TFs.

The chemistry, processing, and preclinical anti-hyperuricemia potential of tea: a comprehensive review

Hyperuricemia is an abnormal purine metabolic disease that occurs when there is an excess of uric acid in the blood, associated with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, gout, and renal disease. Dietary intervention is one of the most promising strategies for preventing hyperuricemia and controlling uric acid concentrations. Tea (Camellia sinensis) is known as one of the most common beverages and the source of dietary polyphenols. However, the effect of tea on hyperuricemia is unclear. Recent evidence shows that a lower risk of hyperuricemia is associated with tea intake. To better understand the anti-hyperuricemia effect of tea, this review first briefly describes the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia and the processing techniques of different types of tea. Next, the epidemiological and experimental studies of tea and its bioactive compounds on hyperuricemia in recent years were reviewed. Particular attention was paid to the anti-hyperuricemia mechanisms targeting the hepatic uric acid synthase, renal uric acid transporters, and intestinal microbiota. Additionally, the desirable intake of tea for preventing hyperuricemia is provided. Understanding the anti-hyperuricemia effect and mechanisms of tea can better utilize it as a preventive dietary strategy.HighlightsHigh purine diet, excessive alcohol/fructose consumption, and less exercise/sleep are the induction factors of hyperuricemia.Tea and tea compounds showed alleviated effects for hyperuricemia, especially polyphenols.Tea (containing caffeine or not) is not associated with a higher risk of hyperuricemia.Xanthine oxidase inhibition (reduce uric acid production), Nrf2 activation, and urate transporters regulation (increase uric acid excretion) are the potential molecular targets of anti-hyperuricemic effect of tea.About 5 g tea intake per day may be beneficial for hyperuricemia prevention.

In vitro and in vivo ameliorative effects of polyphenols from purple potato leaves on renal injury and associated inflammation induced by hyperuricemia

In the present study, the ameliorative effects of polyphenols from purple potato leaves (PSPLP) on hyperuricemia were investigated. HPLC-MS analysis showed that PSPLP was mainly composed of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (84%). PSPLP inhibited the levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in monosodium urate-induced RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, PSPLP significantly inhibited the level of uric acid in hyperuricemia mice from 209.6 to 166.6 μM, and significantly interfered with the activities of xanthine oxidase (XOD) and adenosine deaminase in liver, the activity of XOD decreased from 13.5 to 11.6 U/gprot. PSPLP can decrease serum creatinine level from 105 to 59 μM, and urea nitrogen level from 21.9 to 14.1 mM, which can effectively protect kidney. These results provide a reference for future research and application of PSPLP as a functional food to intervene hyperuricemia and associated inflammation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study evaluated the effect of polyphenols from purple potato leaves (PSPLP) on hyperuricemia. The results suggested that PSPLP has an important role in the intervention of hyperuricemia and hyperuricemic-related inflammation or renal injury, and can be used in the application of functional foods. These results provided a basis for further study on the biological activities of polyphenols from purple sweet potato leaves.

Effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate combined with ascorbic acid and glycerol on the stability and uric acid-lowering activity of epigallocatechin-3-gallate

CONTEXT

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is unstable and easily oxidized, which limits its applications. Ascorbic acid (Vc) is a natural antioxidant.

OBJECTIVE

The effects of EGCG combined with Vc and glycerol on stability and uric acid-lowering activity of EGCG were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EGCG (aqueous solution), EGCG + Vc (aqueous solution), EGCG (glycerol solution) and EGCG + Vc (glycerol solution) were prepared and incubated under different conditions in vitro. The recovery rate of EGCG was calculated by HPLC. Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, allopurinol (5 mg/kg), EGCG (10 mg/kg), EGCG + Vc (both 10 mg/kg), EGCG (10 mg/kg) + glycerol (60%), and EGCG (10 mg/kg) + Vc (10 mg/kg) + glycerol (60%) (n = 6). Allopurinol was injected intraperitoneally to mice, others were administered intragastrically to (2 cases) mice. All mice were continuously administrated for 7 days, once a day.

RESULTS

EGCG recovery rates of EGCG group and EGCG + Vc + glycerol group respectively reached to 32.34 ± 1.86% and 98.90 ± 0.64% when they were incubated for 4 h at 80 °C. EGCG recovery rates reached to 91.82 ± 5.13% (incubated for 6 h at pH 8) and 88.85 ± 2.63% (incubated for 4 h in simulated intestinal fluid) when EGCG incubated with Vc and glycerol. Compared with the model group, UA values of EGCG + Vc + glycerol group reduced by 43.49% while EGCG group reduced by 25.63%. The activities of xanthine oxidase (XOD, 31.41 U/gprot) and adenosine deaminase (ADA, 10.05 U/mgprot), and the mRNA expression levels of glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9, 1.03) and urate transporter 1 (URAT1, 0.44) in EGCG + Vc + glycerol group were notably lower than those of EGCG group (38.12 U/gprot, 13.16 U/mgprot, 1.54, and 0.55). The mRNA expression levels of ATP-binding cassette superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2, 1.39) and organic anion transport 1/2 (OAT1/2, 2.34, 2.53) in EGCG + Vc + glycerol group were notably higher than those of EGCG group (0.57, 1.13, and 1.16).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that when EGCG used in combination with Vc and glycerol could effectively increase its biology activities and can be generalized to the broader pharmacological studies. This sheds light on the development and application of EGCG in the fields of food and medicine.

Hypouricemic, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective roles of oligopeptides derived from Auxis thazard protein in hyperuricemic mice

The oligopeptides derived from Auxis thazard protein (ATO) are a class of small peptides with molecular weight <1 kDa and good bioactivity. This paper aimed to explore the hypouricemic, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects of ATO and its potential mechanisms in hyperuricemia in mice induced by potassium oxonate. The results showed that ATO significantly reduced serum UA, serum creatinine levels, inhibited XOD and ADA activities in the liver (p < 0.05), and accelerated UA excretion by downregulating the gene expression of renal mURAT1 and mGLUT9 and upregulating the gene expression of mABCG2 and mOAT1. ATO could also reduce the levels of liver MDA, increase the activities of SOD and CAT, and reduce the levels of IL-1β, MCP-1 and TNF-α. Histological analysis also showed that ATO possessed hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities in hyperuricemic mice. Thus, ATO could reduce the serum UA level in hyperuricemic mice by decreasing UA production and promoting UA excretion from the kidney, suggesting that ATO could be developed as a dietary supplement for hyperuricemia treatment.

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals Four Novel N-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-Substituted Theaflavins as Storage-Related Marker Compounds in Black Tea

Tea market is currently oversupplied, and unsold tea often needs to be properly stored for a period of time. However, the chemical changes occurring in black tea during storage are limitedly understood. In this study, a comprehensive nontargeted and targeted metabolomics approach was used to investigate the dynamic changes in compounds in time-series (0-19 months)-stored black teas. The contents of flavanols, theaflavins (TFs), theasinensins, procyanidins, most phenolic acids, amino acids, quercetin-O-glycosides, and myricetin-O-glycosides decreased during storage, while the contents of N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted flavanols, flavone-C-glycosides, and most kaempferol-O-glycosides increased. More importantly, four novel compounds strongly positively correlated with storage duration (r = 0.922-0.969) were structurally assigned as N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted TFs and validated with synthetic reactions of TFs and theanine standards. The content of N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted TFs was 51.54 μg/g in black tea stored for 19 months. To the best of our knowledge, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinone-substituted TFs were discovered in tea for the first time.

Hypoglycemic and lipid lowering effects of theaflavins in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

Theaflavins (TFs) are the characteristic components of black tea and have been widely acknowledged for their health benefits. The current study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of TFs, TF1, TF2a and TF3 on glycolipid metabolism in obese mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 8 per group) as follows: low-fat diet (LFD), HFD, HFD + metformin (Met, 100 mg kg^-1 d^-1), HFD + TFs (TFs, 200 mg kg^-1 d^-1), HFD + TF1 (TF1, 100 mg kg^-1 d^-1), HFD + TF2a (TF2a, 100 mg kg^-1 d^-1), and HFD + TF3 (TF3, 100 mg kg^-1 d^-1). All groups were studied for 9 weeks continuously. The levels of serum glucose, insulin, TC, TG, LDL and HLD in the plasma, lipid accumulation in the liver, and injury of the liver were investigated. In addition, the effects of TFs and their monomers on the SIRT6/AMPK/SREBP-1/FASN pathway were also evaluated. The results showed that oral administration of TFs, TF1, TF2a and TF3 not only dramatically suppressed weight gain, reduced blood glucose level, and ameliorated insulin resistance but also obviously lowered the levels of serum TC, TG and LDL, suppressed the activities of ALT and AST, and ameliorated hepatic damage in mice fed a HFD when compared to the HFD group. Western blot analysis showed that TFs, TF1, TF2a and TF3 treatments increased the expression of SIRT6 and suppressed the expression levels of SREBP-1 and FASN significantly in mice fed a HFD as compared to the HFD group. The phosphorylation of AMPK in mice fed a HFD was obviously elevated by TF2a and TF3 when compared to the HFD group. These results proved for the first time that TF1, TF2a and TF3 improved the glucolipid metabolism of mice fed a HFD, and activated the SIRT6/AMPK/SREBP-1/FASN signaling pathway to inhibit the synthesis and accumulation of lipids in the liver to ameliorate obesity in mice fed a HFD. These findings indicate that TFs, TF1, TF2a and TF3 as the main functional components of black tea might potentially be used as a food additive for improving glycolipid metabolism and ameliorating obesity, and TF3 may be the best choice.

Theaflavin alleviates oxidative injury and atherosclerosis progress via activating microRNA-24-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 signal

Theaflavin (TF) in black tea has been shown to have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity; however, the effects and the underlying mechanism of TF on atherosclerosis (AS) remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects and the potential mechanism of TF on AS progression in vivo and in vitro. ApoE^-/- mice were administrated with high fat diet (HFD) or HFD + TF (5 or 10 mg, i.g.) for 12 weeks. The results indicated that TF administration effectively decreases the serum lipid levels and the production of MDA in HFD-fed mice. Meanwhile, TF promotes the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) and inhibits the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and the process of histological alterations in the aorta. In vitro, TF pretreatment could protect against cholesterol-induced oxidative injuries in HUVEC cells, decreasing the level of ROS and MDA, maintaining the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Further study revealed that TF upregulates Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in vascular endothelial cells. Moreover, TF increases the level of microRNA-24 (miR-24), and miR-24 inhibition markedly compromises TF-induced Nrf2 activation and protective effects. In conclusion, the present study indicated that theaflavins may achieve the anti-atherosclerotic effect via activating miR-24-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Bioactive Compounds from Plant-Based Functional Foods: A Promising Choice for the Prevention and Management of Hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia is a common metabolic disease that is caused by high serum uric acid levels. It is considered to be closely associated with the development of many chronic diseases, such as obesity, hypertension, hyperlipemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. While pharmaceutical drugs have been shown to exhibit serious side effects, and bioactive compounds from plant-based functional foods have been demonstrated to be active in the treatment of hyperuricemia with only minimal side effects. Indeed, previous reports have revealed the significant impact of bioactive compounds from plant-based functional foods on hyperuricemia. This review focuses on plant-based functional foods that exhibit a hypouricemic function and discusses the different bioactive compounds and their pharmacological effects. More specifically, the bioactive compounds of plant-based functional foods are divided into six categories, namely flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, saponins, polysaccharides, and others. In addition, the mechanism by which these bioactive compounds exhibit a hypouricemic effect is summarized into three classes, namely the inhibition of uric acid production, improved renal uric acid elimination, and improved intestinal uric acid secretion. Overall, this current and comprehensive review examines the use of bioactive compounds from plant-based functional foods as natural remedies for the management of hyperuricemia.