Chinese Sweet Leaf Tea (Rubus suavissimus) Mitigates LPS-Induced Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation and Reduces the Risk of Metabolic Disorders in a C57BL/6J Mouse Model

Okra extract alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation response through the regulation of bile acids, the receptor-mediated pathway, and gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Okra contains flavonoids and vitamin C as antioxidants and it contains polysaccharides as immunomodulators. Flavonoids regulate the inflammatory response in mice and may be related to gut microbiota. This study therefore aimed to investigate the impact of okra extract (OE) on inflammation in mice and to elucidate its underlying mechanism.

METHOD

Forty male Kunming (KM) mice were categorized into four groups: the control (CON) group, the lipopolysaccharide stimulation (LPS) group, the 5 mg mL-1 OE intervention (LPS + OE) group, and the 5 mg mL-1 OE supplementation plus mixed antibiotics (LPS + OE + ABX) group.

RESULTS

The results showed that, compared with the OE group, the expression of inflammatory signaling pathway genes was upregulated and gut barrier genes were inhibited in the OE + ABX group. The Fxr receptor was activated and the abundance of Akkermansia was increased after OE supplementation, whereas the effect was reversed in the OE + ABX group. Meanwhile, Fxr was correlated positively with Akkermansia.

CONCLUSION

The OE supplementation alleviated the inflammatory response in mice under LPS stimulation, accompanied by changes in gut microbiota and bile acid receptors, whereas the addition of antibiotics caused a disturbance to the gut microbiota in the OE group, thus reducing the effect of OE in alleviating the inflammatory response. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative anti-inflammatory effect of extract from novel Korean strawberry cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa) on lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and mouse model

BACKGROUND

Dietary interventions are crucial in modulating inflammation in humans. Strawberries are enjoyed by people of different ages as a result of their attractive phenotype and taste. In addition, the active compounds in strawberries may contribute to the reduction of inflammation. When developing new strawberry cultivars to address agricultural and environmental threats, the bioactivity of strawberries must be improved to maintain their health benefits.

RESULTS

We determined the phytochemical contents of extracts from a new Korean strawberry cultivar, with the CN7 cultivar extract possessing the highest total polyphenol and flavonoid contents compared to the CN5 and Seolhyang cultivar extracts. The new Korean strawberry cultivars reduced the expression of inflammatory-related genes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells via the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect. The CN7 cultivar showed greater bioactivity potential and the highest ellagic acid content; hence, we assessed the effect of the CN7 cultivar in an LPS-stimulated mouse model. The CN7 cultivar treatment demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing inflammation via the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines secretion and gene expression.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study have revealed the observable differences of the newly developed strawberry cultivars with Seolhyang in mitigating inflammation induced by LPS. The enhanced phytochemical content of the CN7 cultivar extract may contribute to its improved anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the nutritive benefits of strawberry during the development of new cultivation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

In vitro inhibitory effect of five natural sweeteners on α-glucosidase and α-amylase

A promising and efficacious approach to manage diabetes is inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity. Therefore, the inhibitory activities of five natural sweeteners (mogrosides (Mog), stevioside (Ste), glycyrrhizinic acid (GA), crude trilobatin (CT), and crude rubusoside (CR)) against α-glucosidase and α-amylase and their interactions were evaluated in vitro using enzyme kinetics, fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, and molecular docking. The inhibitor sequence was CT > GA > Ste, as GA competitively inhibited α-glycosidase activity while CT and Ste exhibited mixed inhibitory effects. Compared to a positive control acarbose, the inhibitory activity of CT was higher. For α-amylase, the mixed inhibitors CT, CR, and Mog and the competitive inhibitor Ste effectively inhibited the enzyme, with the following order: CT > CR > Ste > Mog; nevertheless, the inhibitors were slightly inferior to acarbose. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectra depicted that GA, CT, and CR bound to the hydrophobic cavity of α-glucosidase or α-amylase and changed the polarity of the hydrophobic amino acid-based microenvironment and structure of the polypeptide chain backbone. Infrared spectroscopy revealed that GA, CT, and CR could disrupt the secondary structure of α-glucosidase or α-amylase, which decreased enzyme activity. GA, trilobatin and rubusoside bound to amino acid residues through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, changing the conformation of enzyme molecules to decrease the enzymatic activity. Thus, CT, CR and GA exhibit promising inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase and α-amylase.

Rubusoside mitigates neuroinflammation and cellular apoptosis in Parkinson's disease, and alters gut microbiota and metabolite composition

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons within the substantia nigra. Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PD, involving the activation of microglia cells, heightened production of proinflammatory cytokines, and perturbations in the composition of the gut microbiota. Rubusoside (Ru), the principal steviol bisglucoside present in Rubus chingii var. suavissimus (S.K.Lee) L.T.Lu (Rosaceae), has been documented for its anti-inflammatory properties in diverse disease models. Nonetheless, there is an imperative need to comprehensively assess and elucidate the protective and anti-inflammatory attributes of Ru concerning PD, as well as to uncover the underlying mechanism involved.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of Ru on PD and investigate its potential mechanisms associated with microbes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We pre-treated mice and cell lines with Ru in order to simulate the progression of PD and the neuroinflammatory state. The mouse model was induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), SN4741 cells were induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (mpp+), and BV-2 cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We assessed the impact of Ru on motor function, neuroinflammation, neuron apoptosis, the composition of gut microbes, and their metabolites.

RESULTS

Ru treatment reduces the release of pro-inflammatory mediators by inhibiting microglia activation. It also prevents neuronal apoptosis, thereby safeguarding dopaminergic neurons and ameliorating motor dysfunction. Furthermore, it induces alterations in the fecal microbiota composition and metabolites profile in PD mice. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that Ru inhibits neuronal apoptosis in SN4741 cells induced by mpp+, suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, and activates the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Ru exhibits inhibitory effects on the MPTP-induced PD model by mitigating neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis while also inducing changes in the gut microbiota and metabolite composition.

Effect of tea polyphenols supplement on growth performance, antioxidation, and gut microbiota in squabs

Early life nutritional supplementation can significantly improve pigeon health. Both the nutritional crops of parental pigeons and the intestinal development of squabs play key roles in the growth rate of squabs. Tea polyphenols (TPs), as natural plant extracts, exhibit potential biological activities. However, the impact of TPs on the intestinal function of squabs is not known. This study evaluated the effects of TPs on growth performance, immunity, antioxidation, and intestinal function in squabs. A total of 432 young pigeons (1 day old) were divided into four groups: a control group (fed a basic diet) and three treatment groups (low, medium, and high dose groups; 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg TPs, respectively). On the 28th day, samples of serum, mucosal tissue, and digests from the ileum of squabs were collected for analysis. The results revealed that TP supplementation significantly reduced the feed-to-meat ratio and improved the feed utilization rate and serum biochemical indices in squabs. Additionally, it enhanced the intestinal barrier function of birds by promoting intestinal development and integrity of tight junctions and regulating digestive enzyme activities and intestinal flora. Mechanistically, TPs activated the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, which may be associated with improved antioxidant and immune responses, correlating with an increased abundance of Candida arthritis and Corynebacterium in the ileum.

An Integrated Extraction-Purification Process for Raspberry Leaf Polyphenols and Their In Vitro Activities

To improve the utilization value of raspberry leaves, the extraction and purification conditions of phenolic compounds from raspberry leaves were optimized, and the contents of phenolic compounds and the biological activities of extracts were studied. After steam explosion pretreatment at 115 °C for 15 min, raspberry leaf extract with a total phenolic content (TPC) of 136.30~140.51 mg GAE/g was obtained via homogenization and ultrasound-assisted extraction. In addition, the adsorption relationship between raspberry leaf polyphenols and middle polar XDA-6 macroporous resin was best described by the Langmuir model, and tended to be monolayer adsorption. Its adsorption kinetics best resembled the pseudo second-order kinetic model, and it was speculated that this was influenced by multiple factors. According to the optimal integrated extraction-purification process, the TPC of the extracts increased to 738.98 mg GAE/g after one application of purification and 905.27 mg GAE/g after two applications of purification. Moreover, the latter case showed the highest antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition activity, and the content of the most typical compound, quercetin-3-glucuronide, reached 199.69 mg/g. SE has a double-edged effect, and is more conducive to the release of active substances as a pre-treatment method. This study provides a theoretical basis for the efficient use of raspberry leaves, further improving their medicinal and economic value.

Blueberry extract alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation responses in mice through activating the FXR/TGR5 signaling pathway and regulating gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Blueberry extract (BE) is rich in phenols, especially anthocyanins. Anthocyanins regulate the inflammatory response in mice and may be related to gut microbiota and bile acid receptors. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of BE on the inflammatory response by regulating gut microbiota and bile acid receptors in mice administered Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

METHOD

Thirty male KM mice were randomly divided into three groups: CON (control diet) group; LPS (LPS stimulation) group; and LPS + BE (LPS stimulation, 5% BE intervention) group.

RESULTS

our results showed that, compared with the LPS group, the addition of BE decreased the level of inflammatory factors in serum and tissues, inhibited the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway, protected the intestinal barrier and activated FXR/TGR5, which was related to gut microbiota (especially Akkermansia). The active component (e.g., cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, C3G) in BE may be an important factor in regulating gut microbiota.

CONCLUSION

BE alleviated the inflammatory response mainly by activating bile acid receptor expression and regulating the gut microbiota; this effect may be related to the composition of bioactive substances in BE. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Experimental animal models of chronic inflammation

Inflammation is a general term for a wide variety of both physiological and pathophysiological processes in the body which primarily prevents the body from diseases and helps to remove dead tissues. It has a crucial part in the body immune system. Tissue damage can recruit inflammatory cells and cytokines and induce inflammation. Inflammation can be classified as acute, sub-acute, and chronic. If it remained unresolved and lasted for prolonged periods, it would be considered as chronic inflammation (CI), which consequently exacerbates tissue damage in different organs. CI is the main pathophysiological cause of many disorders such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis, myocardial infarction, and cancer. Thus, it is critical to investigate different mechanisms involved in CI to understand its processes and to find proper anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches for it. Animal models are one of the most useful tools for study about different diseases and mechanisms in the body, and are important in pharmacological studies to find proper treatments. In this study, we discussed the various experimental animal models that have been used to recreate CI which can help us to enhance the understanding of CI mechanisms in human and contribute to the development of potent new therapies.

Water Extract of Chrysanthemum indicum L. Flower Inhibits Capsaicin-Induced Systemic Low-Grade Inflammation by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acids

Systemic low-grade inflammation induced by unhealthy diet has become a common health concern as it contributes to immune imbalance and induces chronic diseases, yet effective preventions and interventions are currently unavailable. The Chrysanthemum indicum L. flower (CIF) is a common herb with a strong anti-inflammatory effect in drug-induced models, based on the theory of "medicine and food homology". However, its effects and mechanisms in reducing food-induced systemic low-grade inflammation (FSLI) remain unclear. This study showed that CIF can reduce FSLI and represents a new strategy to intervene in chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we administered capsaicin to mice by gavage to establish a FSLI model. Then, three doses of CIF (7, 14, 28 g·kg^-1·day^-1) were tested as the intervention. Capsaicin was found to increase serum TNF-α levels, demonstrating a successful model induction. After a high dose of CIF intervention, serum levels of TNF-α and LPS were reduced by 62.8% and 77.44%. In addition, CIF increased the α diversity and number of OTUs in the gut microbiota, restored the abundance of Lactobacillus and increased the total content of SCFAs in the feces. In summary, CIF inhibits FSLI by modulating the gut microbiota, increasing SCFAs levels and inhibiting excessive LPS translocation into the blood. Our findings provided a theoretical support for using CIF in FSLI intervention.

Weizmannia coagulans BC2000 Plus Ellagic Acid Inhibits High-Fat-Induced Insulin Resistance by Remodeling the Gut Microbiota and Activating the Hepatic Autophagy Pathway in Mice

(1) Background: Ellagic acid (EA) acts as a product of gut microbiota transformation to prevent insulin resistance, which is limited by high-fat diet (HFD)-induced dysbiosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effects and mechanisms of supplementation with the probiotic Weizmannia coagulans (W. coagulans) on the prevention of insulin resistance by EA; (2) Methods: C57BL/6J mice were divided into five groups (n = 10/group): low-fat-diet group, high-fat-diet group, EA intervention group, EA + W. coagulans BC77 group, and EA + W. coagulans BC2000 group; (3) Result: W. coagulans BC2000 showed a synergistic effect on EA's lowering insulin resistance index and inhibiting high-fat diet-induced endotoxemia. The combined effect of BC2000 and EA activated the autophagy pathway in the mouse liver, a urolithin-like effect. This was associated with altered β-diversity of gut microbiota and increased Eggerthellaceae, a potential EA-converting family. Ellagic acid treatment alone and the combined use of ellagic acid and W. coagulans BC77 failed to activate the hepatic autophagy pathway; (4) Conclusions: W. coagulans BC2000 can assist EA in its role of preventing insulin resistance. This study provides a basis for the development of EA-rich functional food supplemented with W. coagulans BC2000.

Trilobatin alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in high-fat diet plus streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a factor with great risk in the course of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to its high glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity. Trilobatin, a glycosylated dihydrochalcone derived from the leaves of the Chinese sweet tea Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd, is reported to possess various pharmacological activities. Nevertheless, it is still unclear regarding if trilobatin can alleviate liver injury in diabetic mice with NAFLD and its mechanism. Our aim was to investigative the protective effects of trilobatin against DM with NAFLD and its mechanism of action. A DM mice model was established by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding with streptozocin (STZ) injections, and treated with trilobatin for 10 weeks. The biochemical results showed that trilobatin restored glucose metabolic disorder and liver function in diabetic mice. The histopathological evaluation revealed that trilobatin improved liver injury by alleviating lipid accumulation and liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, trilobatin decreased expression of NLRP3, p65 NF-κB, cleaved-Caspase-1 and N-GSDMD, as well as the release of IL-18 and IL-1β, leading to a alleviation of inflammation and pyroptosis. Taken together, we determined for the first time found that trilobatin could prevent liver injury in diabetic mice with NAFLD by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation to reduce inflammation and pyroptosis.

Antioxidant Capacities and Polyphenol Contents of Kombucha Beverages Based on Vine Tea and Sweet Tea

Kombucha beverage is commonly prepared by black tea infusion fermentation without tea residues, and possesses various health benefits. In this paper, kombucha beverages of two non-Camellia sinensis teas, including vine tea (Ampelopsisgrossedentata) and sweet tea (Rubus suavissimus), were studied for the first time. The antioxidant activities and polyphenol contents of kombucha beverages were evaluated by ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay, and Folin-Ciocalteu method, respectively. In addition, effects of tea residues on antioxidant capacities of kombucha beverages were evaluated. The results showed that kombucha beverages from vine tea and sweet tea possessed strong antioxidant activities (especially vine tea kombucha), and fermentation with tea residues could significantly increase antioxidant capacities (maximum increase of 38%) and total phenolic content (maximum increase of 55%) of two kombucha beverages compared with those without tea residues. Moreover, the sensory evaluations showed that the sensory evaluation scores of kombucha with tea residues could be improved compared with those without tea residues. Furthermore, the concentrations of several bioactive components in the kombucha beverages were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. These kombucha beverages could be used for prevention of several diseases with related of oxidative stress.

Dihydroartemisinin alleviates deoxynivalenol induced liver apoptosis and inflammation in piglets

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the mycotoxins that contaminate cereals and feed, thereby endangering human and animal health. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions in addition to anti-malaria and anti-cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA on alleviating liver apoptosis and inflammation induced by DON in piglets. The experimental design followed a 2 (normal diet and DON-contaminated diet) × 2 (with and without supplementation of DHA) factorial arrangement. 36 weaned piglets were subjected to a 21-day experiment. Results showed that DON increased ALT activity, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2, and reduced the levels of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) in the serum. However, DHA decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2, and increased the levels of TP and ALB. Also, DON decreased glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity, and increased methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) content. But GSH content was increased by DHA. In addition, DHA decreased DON-induced increase in apoptosis rate of hepatocytes. Furthermore, DON activated death receptor pathway to promote apoptosis by up-regulating the protein expression of FasL and caspase-3, and the mRNA expression of FasL, TNFR1, caspase-8, Bid, Bax, CYC and caspase-3. However, DHA reduced caspase-3 protein expression, as well as the mRNA expression of FADD, Bid, Bax, CYC and caspase-3. Besides, DON also activated TNF/NF-κB pathway to induce an inflammatory response by up-regulating TNF-α protein expression, and the mRNA expression of TNFR1, RIP1, IKKβ, IκBα, IL-1β and IL-8. Nevertheless, DHA reduced the mRNA expression of RIP1, IκBα, NF-κB, IL-1β and IL-6, and the protein expression of TNF-α and NF-κB. In conclusion, DHA improved DON-induced negative effects on serum biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokine levels, hepatic antioxidant capacity, hepatic apoptosis and inflammation.

Sweet tea (Rubus Suavissmus S. Lee) polysaccharides promote the longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans through autophagy-dependent insulin and mitochondrial pathways

The fine structure of sweet tea polysaccharide (STP-60a) has been characterized. However, the biological activity of STP-60a has not been extensively explored. This study aims to evaluate the anti-aging activity of STP-60a using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. 400 μg/mL of STP-60a increased the mean lifespan of C. elegans by 22.88%, reduced the lipofuscin content by 33.01%, and improved the survival rate under heat stress and oxidative stress by 32.33% and 27.63%, respectively. Further research in lifespan-related mutants revealed that STP-60a exerted anti-aging effects mainly through insulin and mitochondrial signaling pathways. Through qRT-PCR and microscopic imaging of transgenic nematodes, we found that 400 μg/mL of STP-60a increased the expression of daf-16, skn-1, and hsf-1 downstream of the insulin pathway by 1.68-fold, 1.88-fold, and 1.03-fold, respectively, and promoted the accumulation of daf-16 and skn-1 in the nucleus. STP-60a also significantly regulated the function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and unfolded protein recovery system. Furthermore, STP-60a activated the autophagy level in C. elegans, and the mutation of daf-2 or clk-1 inhibited the upregulation of autophagy genes by STP-60a, suggesting that autophagy acted as an effector of the insulin and mitochondrial pathways during STP-60a antiaging.

Comparison of Three Species of Rhubarb in Inhibiting Vascular Endothelial Injury via Regulation of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Background/Aim

Rhubarb, a traditional Chinese medicine derived from three species, is commonly used in the prescriptions for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis based on its traditional effects of removing blood stasis and dredging the meridians. It has been reported that rhubarb can protect blood vessels by reducing inflammation and inhibiting vascular endothelial injury (VEI), but the effective components and mechanism of rhubarb inhibiting VEI are still unclear. This study aimed to compare the differences in chemical compositions of the three species of rhubarb and their inhibitory effect on VEI, so as to explain the material basis and select the dominant species to inhibit VEI, and to elucidate the mechanism of rhubarb's inhibitory effect on VEI.

Methods

Plant metabolomics was used to compare the chemical components of three species of rhubarb. The efficacy of three species of rhubarb in inhibiting VEI was compared through cell experiments in vitro. At the same time, combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking, the effective components and pathways of rhubarb involved in inhibiting VEI were screened. The mechanism of rhubarb inhibiting VEI was verified by molecular biology.

Results

There were significant differences in the distribution of chemical components among the three species of rhubarb. We identified 36 different chemical components in the positive ion mode and 38 different chemical components in the negative ion mode. Subsequently, the results showed significant differences in inhibiting VEI among the three species of rhubarb based on the contents of inflammatory factors (such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), ROS, and NO and confirmed that R. tanguticum had the best inhibitory effect on VEI in the light of the comprehensive efficacy, compared with R. palmatum and R. officinale. Three species of rhubarb alleviated the inflammatory response in LPS-induced EA.hy926 cells by reducing the contents of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α and decreasing expressions of PI3K, AKT, NF-κB p65, and STAT3 protein in the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway and the inhibition of proteins phosphorylation. In addition, three species of rhubarb could lessen the contents of ROS and NO in EA.hy926 cells induced by LPS. All results indicated that the process of inflammation-induced cellular oxidative stress, which resulted in VEI, was obviously improved by three species of rhubarb.

Conclusion

R. tanguticum was more effective among three species of rhubarb, and it had been proved that gallic acid, gallic-acid-O-galloyl-glucoside, procyanidin B-2,3,3′-di-O-gallatein, and other potential components could reduce the contents of inflammatory factors (such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), ROS, and NO by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway and protected the vascular endothelium and the blood vessels by improving the inflammation and oxidative stress reaction.

Structure characterization and lipid-lowering activity of a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide from sweet tea (Rubus Suavissmus S. Lee)

Sweet tea (Rubus Suavissmus S. Lee) is consumed as herbal tea in southwestern China, which has multiple functions such as relieving cough, alleviating allergic responses, and clearing away heat. Here we report the structure and lipid-lowering activity of a sweet tea polysaccharide (STP-60a). STP-60a is a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide with a molecular weight of 9.16 × 10⁴ Da, and composed of rhamnose, arabinose, glucose, galactose and glucuronic acid. The main backbone of STP-60a consists of β-L-Rhap-(1→, →3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Glcp-UA-(1→, →3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →3)-4-OAc-β-L-Arap-(1→, →3)-α-L-Araf-(1→ and the side chain are α-L-Araf-(1→ and →3)-α-D-Glcp-(1→. Using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in a high-sugar diet as a model, we found that STP-60a significantly reduced the fat accumulation in the intestine of C. elegans, and extensively affected lipolysis, fatty acid synthesis and β-oxidation processes. In addition, sbp-1 and nhr-49 were essential for STP-60a to exert a lipid-lowering effect.

Gut Microbiota: Novel Therapeutic Target of Ginsenosides for the Treatment of Obesity and Its Complications

Obesity, generally characterized by excessive lipid accumulation, is a metabolic threat worldwide due to its rapid growth in global prevalence. Ginsenosides are crucial components derived from natural plants that can confer metabolic benefits for obese patients. Considering the low bioavailability and degradable properties of ginsenosides in vivo, it should be admitted that the mechanism of ginsenosides on anti-obesity contribution is still obscure. Recently, studies have indicated that ginsenoside intervention has beneficial metabolic effects on obesity and its complications because it allows for the correction of gut microbiota dysbiosis and regulates the secretion of related endogenous metabolites. In this review, we summarize the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenetic process of obesity, and explore the mechanism of ginsenosides for ameliorating obesity, which can modulate the composition of gut microbiota by improving the metabolism of intestinal endogenous substances and alleviating the level of inflammation. Ginsenosides are expected to become a promising anti-obesity medical intervention in the foreseeable clinical settings.

Dietary Sodium Nitrate Activates Antioxidant and Mitochondrial Dynamics Genes after Moderate Intensity Acute Exercise in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Exercise can induce a pro-inflammatory response in aged subjects with metabolic disorders and nitrate supplementation has shown anti-inflammatory effects. We evaluated the influence of dietary nitrate on the response of the antioxidant and mitochondrial dynamics genes to acute exercise in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as well as the antioxidant and the inflammatory response of PBMCs against immune stimulation. Metabolic syndrome patients participated in a crossover study in which they consumed a beverage containing 16 mM sodium nitrate or a placebo with the same composition without nitrate before performing a submaximal test at 60–70% of their maximal heart rate for 30 min. The intake of nitrate increased the nitrate plus nitrite plasma levels about 8-fold and induced the upregulation of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, mitofusin 2 and PGC1α in PBMCs after exercise. The gene expression of catalase and TNFα was enhanced by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) only in the placebo group, while the glutathione peroxidase expression was enhanced by PMA only after nitrate intake. The intake of nitrate by metabolic syndrome patients induces an antioxidant and mitochondrial response to exercise at the same time that it attenuates the pro-inflammatory response to immune stimulation.

Protective effect and mechanism of Monascus-fermented red yeast rice against colitis caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium ATCC 14028

Red yeast rice (RYR), a traditional Chinese fermented food, has the effect of lowering blood lipid and cholesterol, but little information is available about whether RYR can inhibit pathogenic bacterial infection in vivo. The present study explored the effect of RYR on Salmonella enterica-induced intestinal inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice as well as the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism. Results showed that RYR can alleviate S. enterica infection in vivo and Monascus pigments are the main functional components. The analysis of microbiota, gene expression profile and serological immunology revealed that RYR can regulate the intestinal flora and increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. Meanwhile, RYR is also found to regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and tight junction-related genes to inhibit the NO and NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response and maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This study provides a new dietary intervention strategy for the prevention of pathogenic bacterial infection.

The effects of co-administration of probiotics and prebiotics on chronic inflammation, and depression symptoms in patients with coronary artery diseases: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that dysbiosis might have a role in developing of chronic inflammation and depression. In this study, we are interested in exploring of anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant effects of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus G (LGG), a probiotic strain, alone or in combination with a prebiotic, Inulin, in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind clinical trial was held on 96 patients with CAD. Patients were randomly allocated into four different groups: LGG [a capsule/day, contained 1.9 × 10⁹ colony-forming unit of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus G], inulin (15 g/day), co-supplemented (LGG and inulin), and placebo. Participants consumed the supplements for two months. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), MacNew questionnaire and Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI-Y) were used to assess depression, quality of life and anxiety, respectively. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and Interleukin (IL)-10 were also measured.

RESULTS

Probiotic-Inulin Co-supplementation significantly decreased BDI (-11.52 ± 0+3.20 vs. +2.97 ± 0.39, P = 0.001), STAI-state (-17.63 ± 3.22 vs. -0.60 ± 0.33, P = 0.021), and STAI-trait (-24.31 ± 7.41 vs. -1.45 ± 0.66, P = 0.020) scores, hs-CRP (-1.69 ± 0+66 vs. +0.82 ± 0.39 mg/dL, P = 0.020), LPS (-22.02 ± 5.40 vs. +0.31 ± 0.18 (EU/L), P = 0.047), and TNF-α (-25.05 ± 7.41 vs. +0.79 ± 0.71 (ng/L), P = 0.032) in comparison to placebo.

CONCLUSION

Co-supplementation of probiotics and inulin in CAD subjects for eight weeks had beneficial effects on depression, anxiety, and inflammatory biomarkers. Adding inulin to probiotic supplements improved psychological outcomes and inflammatory biomarkers more effectively than two supplements separately.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT20180712040438N4..

Effect of Duyun Compound Green Tea on Gut Microbiota Diversity in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Mice Revealed by Illumina High-Throughput Sequencing

Intake of a high-fat diet (HFD) is closely related to disorders of the intestinal microbiota, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of obesity. Duyun compound green tea, an ancient Chinese drink, is widely consumed to reduce weight, although the mechanism is not clear. In this study, 50 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group (CK), HFD model control group (NK), positive control group with medicine (YK), low-dose compound tea group (DL), and high-dose compound tea group (DH). After 4 weeks of intervention, the feces of mice were taken under sterile conditions and evaluated using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that the diversity of intestinal microbiota was the highest in the CK group, the lowest in the NK group, and relatively increased in the compound tea treatment group. Second, there were differences in intestinal microbiota in each group, among which the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract of the CK group were higher than those in the other groups, while the beneficial bacteria in each compound tea treatment group were more abundant than those in the NK group, in which harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract were found to be the highest. These results suggest that compounds in tea may be able to attenuate imbalances of intestinal microbiota induced by poor diet, acting as a therapeutic agent in obesity or other diseases associated with gut dysbiosis.

Development of a Multifunction Set Yogurt Using Rubus suavissimus S. Lee (Chinese Sweet Tea) Extract

Rubus suavissimus S. Lee leaves, also known as Chinese sweet tea or Tiancha, are used in folk medicine in southern China. This study evaluated the impact of the addition of Chinese sweet tea extract (0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) on the chemical composition, organoleptic properties, yogurt culture viability, and biological activities (i.e., antioxidant, anticancer, and antihypertensive activities) of yogurt. Seven phenolic compounds were reported in Chinese sweet tea for the first time. The numbers of the yogurt culture were similar across all yogurt treatments. The yogurt supernatant with 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% Chinese sweet tea extract had a total phenolic content that was 3.6-, 6.1-, and 11.2-fold higher, respectively, than that of the control yogurt. The biological activities were significantly increased by the addition of Chinese sweet tea extract: Yogurt with the addition of 1% Chinese sweet tea extract had the highest biological activities in terms of the antioxidant activity (92.43%), antihypertensive activity (82.03%), and inhibition of the Caco-2 cell line (67.46%). Yogurt with the addition of 0.5% Chinese sweet tea extract received the highest aroma and overall acceptability scores. Overall, Chinese sweet tea extract is a promising food ingredient for producing functional yogurt products that may substantially contribute to reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.