Four Different Structural Dietary Polyphenols, Especially Dihydromyricetin, Possess Superior Protective Effect on Ethanol-Induced ICE-6 and AML-12 Cytotoxicity: The Role of CYP2E1 and Keap1-Nrf2 Pathways

The structural, antioxidant and emulsifying properties of cellulose nanofiber-dihydromyricetin mixtures: Effects of composite ratio

In this work, effects of cellulose nanofiber/dihydromyricetin (CNF/DMY) ratio on the structural, antioxidant and emulsifying properties of the CNF/DMY mixtures were investigated. CNF integrated with DMY via hydrogen bonding and the antioxidant capacity of mixtures increased with decreasing CNF/DMY ratio (k). The oxidative stability of emulsions enhanced as the DMY content increased. Emulsions formed at Φ = 0.5 displayed larger size (about 25 μm), better viscoelasticity and centrifugal stability than those at Φ = 0.3 (about 23 μm). The emulsions at k = 17:3 and Φ = 0.5 exhibited the most excellent viscoelasticity. In conclusion, the DMY content in mixtures and the oil phase fraction exhibited distinct synergistic effects on the formation and characteristics of emulsions, and the emulsions could demonstrate superior oxidative and storage stability. These findings could provide a novel strategy to extend the shelf life of cellulose-based emulsions and related products.

Dihydromyricetin ameliorates experimental ulcerative colitis by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps formation via the HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway

Dihydromyricetin (DHM), which has various biological functions, possesses therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis (UC). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and their components play a crucial role in several pathological processes in UC. However, whether DHM alleviates UC by regulating NETs remains unclear. Mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis were treated with DHM at different concentrations, and the severity of colitis was evaluated by assessing body weight, colon length, histological scores, cytokine production, and epithelial barrier integrity. To quantify and visualize NETs, the expression of cell free-DNA (cf-DNA) in serum and Cit-H3 in colonic tissue was analyzed via western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. HL-60 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDNs) were used to evaluate the effects of DHM on NETs in vitro. NETs were treated with DHM at varying concentrations or DNase I and used to repair the intestinal epithelial barrier in a Caco-2/HIEC-6 cell monolayer model. Furthermore, the genes targeted by DHM through neutrophils for alleviating UC were identified by screening online databases, and the results of network pharmacological analysis were verified via western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. DHM alleviated DSS-induced colitis in mice by reversing weight loss, increased DAI score, colon length shortening, enhanced spleen index, colonic pathological damage, cytokine production, and epithelial barrier loss in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, it inhibited the formation of NETs both in vivo and in vitro. Based on the results of network pharmacological analysis, DHM may target HIF-1α and VEGFA through neutrophils to alleviate UC. Treatment with PMA increased the expression of HIF-1α and VEGFA in D-HL-60 cells and BMDNs, whereas treatment with DHM or DNase I reversed this effect. Treatment with DMOG, an inhibitor of HIF prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH), counteracted the suppressive effects of DHM on NETs formation in D-HL-60 cells and BMDNs. Accordingly, it partially counteracted the protective effects of DHM on the intestinal epithelial barrier in Caco-2 and HIEC-6 cells. These results indicated that DHM alleviated DSS-induced UC by regulating NETs formation via the HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway, suggesting that DHM is a promising therapeutic candidate for UC.

Xanthohumol ameliorates drug-induced hepatic ferroptosis via activating Nrf2/xCT/GPX4 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

As a canonical iron-dependent form of regulated cell death (RCD), ferroptosis plays a crucial role in chemical-induced liver injuries. Previous studies have demonstrated that xanthohumol (Xh), a natural prenylflavonoid isolated from hops, exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-antioxidative and hepatoprotective properties. However, the regulatory effects of Xh on hepatic ferroptosis and the underlying mechanism have not yet been fully elucidated.

PURPOSE

To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Xh against drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and the regulatory effects of Xh on hepatic ferroptosis, as well as to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS/STUDY DESIGN

The hepatoprotective benefits of Xh were investigated in APAP-induced liver injury (AILI) mice and HepaRG cells. Xh was administered intraperitoneally to assess its in vivo effects. Histological and biochemical studies were carried out to evaluate liver damage. A series of ferroptosis-related markers, including intracellular Fe2+ levels, ROS and GSH levels, the levels of MDA, LPO and 4-HNE, as well as the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins and modulators were quantified both in vivo and in vitro. The modified peptides of Keap1 by Xh were characterized utilizing nano LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

Xh remarkably suppresses hepatic ferroptosis and ameliorates AILI both in vitro and in vivo, via suppressing Fe2+ accumulation, ROS formation, MDA generation and GSH depletion, these observations could be considerably mitigated by the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1). Mechanistically, Xh could significantly activate the Nrf2/xCT/GPX4 signaling pathway to counteract AILI-induced hepatocyte ferroptosis. Further investigations showed that Xh could covalently modify three functional cysteine residues (cys151, 273, 288) of Keap1, which in turn, reduced the ubiquitination rates of Nrf2 and prolonged its degradation half-life.

CONCLUSIONS

Xh evidently suppresses hepatic ferroptosis and ameliorates AILI via covalent modifying three key cysteines of Keap1 and activating Nrf2/xCT/GPX4 signaling pathway.

Comprehensive Analysis of Phenolic Constituents, Biological Activities, and Derived Aroma Differences of Penthorum chinense Pursh Leaves after Processing into Green and Black Tea

Penthorum chinense Pursh (Penthoraceae) is a traditional herb used in Miao medical systems that is also processed into foods (e.g., tea products) in China. Different processing methods significantly affect the volatile compounds, phenolic constituents, and biological activities. This study aimed to produce P. chinense green tea leaves (GTL), black tea leaves (BTL), and untreated leaves (UL) to investigate differences in their flavor substances, functional components, antioxidant activity, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. The results showed that 63, 56, and 56 volatile compounds were detected in UL, GTL, and BTL, respectively, of which 43 volatile compounds were identified as differential metabolites among them. The total phenolic content (97.13-179.34 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoid content (40.07-71.93 mg RE/g DW), and proanthocyanidin content (54.13-65.91 mg CE/g DW) exhibited similar trends, decreasing in the order of UL > BTL > GTL. Fourteen phenolic compounds were determined, of which gallic acid, (-)-epicatechin, and pinocembrin 7-O-glucoside showed a sharp decrease in content from UL to BTL, while the content of pinocembrin 7-O-(3″-O-galloy-4″, 6″-hexahydroxydiphenoyl)-glucoside and pinocembrin significantly increased. GTL showed better DPPH/ABTS·+ scavenging ability and ferric-reducing ability than UL. The ADH and ALDH activities decreased in the order of GTL > UL > BTL. Therefore, tea products made with P. chinense leaves contained an abundance of functional compounds and showed satisfactory antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities, which are recommended for daily consumption.

The gut-liver axis perspective: Exploring the protective potential of polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola against alcoholic liver disease

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the potential mechanism behind the protective effect of Cistanche deserticola polysaccharides (CP) against alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Multiple chromography techniques were employed to characterize CP from polysaccharide, the molecular weight distribution of polysaccharides, monosaccharide composition, isomeric hydrogen and isomeric carbon, in order to clarify the material basis of CP. To create the ALD mouse model, we utilized the well-established Lieber-DeCarli alcoholic liquid feed method. Findings from the study revealed that CP administration resulted in significant improvements in intestinal permeability, upregulation of barrier proteins expression, and reduced levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in mouse liver and serum. Additionally, CP treatment reduced the presence of inflammatory cytokines both in serum and liver while enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the liver. Furthermore, CP effectively reduced alcohol-induced oxidative damage by downregulating Keap1 protein levels in the liver, leading to increased expression of Nrf2 protein. The 16S rDNA sequencing results revealed that CP significantly restored the intestinal microbiota composition in ALD mice. These findings establish a strong association between gut microbiota and liver injury indicators, highlighting the potential of CP in preventing and treating ALD by modulating the gut-liver axis.

Microencapsulation of Chilean Papaya Waste Extract and Its Impact on Physicochemical and Bioactive Properties

The microencapsulation of bioactive extracts of Chilean papaya waste, including both seeds and skin, was investigated. Papaya waste extract microcapsules utilizing maltodextrin at 10% (MD10), 20% (MD20), and 30% (MD30) (w/v) as the wall material through the freeze-drying process were obtained, and subsequently their physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. The TPC efficiency and yield values achieved were more than 60% for the microencapsulated seed and skin extracts, respectively. The best results for phenolic and antioxidant compounds were found in the microencapsulated seed extract with MD20, with a value of 44.20 ± 3.32 EAG/g DW for total phenols and an antioxidant capacity of 12.0 ± 0.32 mol ET/g DW for the DPPH and 236.3 ± 4.1 mol ET/g DW for the FRAP assay. In addition, the seed and skin samples reduced ROS generation in H2O2-treated Hek293 cells. In terms of antimicrobial activity, values ranging from 7 to 15 mm of inhibitory halos were found, with the maximum value corresponding to the inhibition of S. aureus, for both microencapsulated extracts. Therefore, the successful microencapsulation of the waste bioactive extracts (seed and skin) with the demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant properties highlight the bioactivity from Chilean papaya waste resources.

Extrusion of casein and whey protein isolate enhances anti-hardening and performance in high-protein nutrition bars

Model high-protein nutrition bars (HPNBs) were formulated by incorporating whey protein isolate (WPI) and casein (CN) at various extrusion temperatures (50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 °C) with a protein content of 45 g per 100 g. The free sulfhydryl groups, amino groups, hardness, and microstructures of HPNBs were analyzed periodically at 37 °C over a storage period of 45 days. Specifically, sulfhydryl group, amino group and surface hydrophobicity of extruded whey protein isolate (WPE) and extruded casein (CE) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) compared to those of unextruded protein. HPNBs formulated with WPE (HWPE) and CE (HWCE) exhibited a slower hardening rate compared to those formulated with unmodified protein. Moreover, the color difference, hardness and sensory score of HPNBs after 45 days of storage were used as indicators, and the results of the TOPSIS multiple index analysis indicated that HPNB formulated with WPI extruded at 150 °C possessed the best quality characteristics.

Oil body extraction from high-fat and high-protein soybeans by laccase cross-linked beet pectin: physicochemical and oxidation properties

BACKGROUND

Soybean oil bodies (SOB) are droplets of natural emulsified oil. Soybean oil emulsifies well but it is easily oxidized during storage. Beet pectin is a complex anionic polysaccharide, which can be adsorbed on the surface of liposomes to improve their resistance to flocculation. Laccase can covalently cross-link ferulic acid in beet pectin, and its structure is irreversible, which can improve the stability of polysaccharides.

RESULTS

At pH 2.5, laccase cross-linked beet pectin high-oil soybean oil body (HOSOB) and high-protein soybean oil body (HPSOB) emulsions showed obvious aggregation and severe stratification, and the oxidation of the emulsions was also high. The flocculation of emulsions decreased with an increase in the pH. The effect of pH on the flocculation of emulsion was confirmed by confocal laser electron microscopy. The ζ potential, emulsification, and rheological shear force increased with increasing pH whereas the particle size and surface hydrophobicity decreased with increasing pH.

CONCLUSION

This experiment indicates that the physicochemical stability of the two composite emulsions was strongly affected under acidic conditions but stable under neutral and weakly alkaline conditions. Under the same acid-base conditions, the degree of oxidation of HPSOB composite emulsion changes substantially. The results of this study can provide a basis for the design of very stable emulsions to meet the demand for natural products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protective Effect of Sargassum fusiforme Fucoidan against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Damage in In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Our previous studies have evaluated the bioactivities of a fucoidan isolated from Sargassum fusiforme (SF-F). To further investigate the health benefit of SF-F, in the present study, the protective effect of SF-F against ethanol (EtOH)-induced oxidative damage has been evaluated in in vitro and in vivo models. SF-F effectively improved the viability of EtOH-treated Chang liver cells by suppressing apoptosis. In addition, the in vivo test results indicate that SF-F significantly and dose-dependently increased the survival rate of zebrafish treated with EtOH. Further research results show that this action works through decreasing cell death via reduced lipid peroxidation by scavenging intracellular reactive oxygen species in EtOH-stimulated zebrafish. These results indicate that SF-F effectively protected Chang liver cells and zebrafish against EtOH-induced oxidative damage and suggest the potential of SF-F to be used as an ingredient in the functional food industry.

Protective Effect of Polyphenols, Protein, Peptides, and Polysaccharides on Alcoholic Liver Disease: A Review of Research Status and Molecular Mechanisms

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has emerged as an important public health problem in the world. The polyphenols, protein, peptides, and polysaccharides have attracted attention for prevention or treatment of ALD. Therefore, this paper reviews the pathogenesis of ALD, the relationship between polyphenols, peptides, polysaccharides, and ALD, and expounds the mechanism of gut microbiota on protecting ALD. It is mainly found that the hydroxyl group of polyphenols endows it with antioxidation to protect ALD. The ALD protection of bioactive peptides is related to amino acid composition. The ALD protection of polysaccharides is related to the primary structure. Meanwhile, polyphenols, protein, peptides, and polysaccharides prevent or treat ALD by antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptosis, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota regulation. This contribution provides updated information on polyphenols, protein, peptides, and polysaccharides in response to ALD, which will not only facilitate the development of novel bioactive components but also the future application of functional food raw materials will be promoted.

Alleviating Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 1.0320 Combined with Dihydromyricetin on Acute Alcohol Exposure-Induced Hepatic Impairment: Based on Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Adenosine 5'-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase-Mediated Lipid Metabolism Signaling Pathway

Excessive drinking has been listed by the World Health Organization as the fifth major risk factor; especially the liver, as the core organ of alcohol metabolism, is prone to organic lesions. Probiotics have received attention due to their bioactivity for liver protection. The beneficial effects of probiotics on hosts are related to their physiological functions. Therefore, based on the concept of second-generation synbiotes, this study explored the protective effects of four dietary polyphenols on the stress tolerance, hydrophobicity, adhesion, and digestive characteristics of L. rhamnosus 1.0320. L. rhamnosus 1.0320 had the best synergistic effect with dihydromyricetin (DMY). Therefore, this combination was selected as a synbiotic supplement to explore the protective effect on acute alcohol exposure-induced hepatic impairment. The results showed that L. rhamnosus 1.0320 combined with DMY restored the intestinal barrier by upregulating short-chain fatty acid levels and activated the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase-mediated lipid metabolism pathway to inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid accumulation in the liver. Furthermore, 10⁹ CFU/mouse/d L. rhamnosus 1.0320 and 50 mg/kg/d DMY by gavage were identified as the optimal doses for protection against acute alcohol expose-induced hepatic impairment. This study provides new insights into alleviating acute alcoholic hepatic impairment by targeting intestinal metabolites through the gut-liver axis.