Long-term Intake of Pasta Containing Barley (1-3)Beta-D-Glucan Increases Neovascularization-mediated Cardioprotection through Endothelial Upregulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Parkin

Programmed cardiomyocyte death in myocardial infarction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of human mortality worldwide, with patients often at high risk of heart failure (HF) in myocardial infarction (MI), a common form of CVD that results in cardiomyocyte death and myocardial necrosis due to inadequate myocardial perfusion. As terminally differentiated cells, cardiomyocytes possess a severely limited capacity for regeneration, and an excess of dead cardiomyocytes will further stress surviving cells, potentially exacerbating to more extensive heart disease. The article focuses on the relationship between programmed cell death (PCD) of cardiomyocytes, including different forms of apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, and MI, as well as the potential application of these mechanisms in the treatment of MI. By gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of cardiomyocyte death, it aims to provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of MI.

Dietary flaxseed: Cardiometabolic benefits and its role in promoting healthy aging

Flaxseed, a rich source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), lignans, and soluble fiber, has attracted attention for its potential to improve multiple cardiometabolic risk factors. While its benefits are well-recognized, comprehensive evaluations of its direct impact on clinical outcomes, such as the prevention or progression of cardiometabolic diseases, remain limited. Additionally, its potential to support healthy aging and longevity through fundamental biological mechanisms has not been fully elucidated. This review synthesizes existing research on flaxseed supplementation, highlighting its effects on cardiometabolic risk factors and outcomes, the underlying biological mechanisms, and its broader implications for health promotion and aging. Findings demonstrate that flaxseed supplementation significantly improves several cardiometabolic risk factors, including body weight, body mass index, lipid levels, blood pressure, glycemic measures, markers of inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein and interleukin-6), oxidative stress, and liver enzymes. Blood pressure reductions range from approximately 2 to 15 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 1 to 7 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure, with the magnitude influenced by dose, duration, and baseline risk profiles. While direct evidence linking flaxseed to the prevention of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease is limited, its bioactive components-ALA, lignans, and fiber-are strongly associated with reduced risks of these conditions. The benefits of flaxseed are mediated through multiple pathways, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improved lipid levels, improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, modulation of gut microbiota, and enhanced vascular health. Beyond cardiometabolic outcomes, flaxseed may influence key biological processes relevant to aging, underscoring its potential to promote healthy aging and longevity. Optimal cardiometabolic benefits appear to be achieved with ground whole flaxseed at doses of ≥ 30 g/day for at least 12 weeks, particularly among individuals at high cardiometabolic risk. Future research should focus on elucidating flaxseed's mechanisms of action, clarifying its role in disease prevention, and refining dietary recommendations to harness its potential for cardiometabolic health and aging interventions.

Impact of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on stroke risk

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and dietary patterns have emerged as a significant modifiable factor in stroke prevention. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish, has been widely recognized for its cardiovascular benefits. However, its specific impact on stroke risk requires further elucidation. We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 30 studies, including both cohort and case-control designs, to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the risk of stroke. A systematic search was performed across multiple databases, and a random-effects model was used to estimate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, and publication bias was examined through funnel plots and Egger's regression test. Additionally, trial sequential analysis was conducted to determine the adequacy of the sample size. The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in stroke risk among individuals adhering to the Mediterranean diet, with a pooled HR of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84-0.91). Notably, a significant heterogeneity was detected (I2 = 34%). The Z-score plot from trial sequential analysis confirmed that the sample sizes were sufficient to draw definitive conclusions. However, a potential publication bias was identified. The case-control studies confirmed a highly significant effect (HR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.4-0.73). The funnel plots in both settings hinted at the presence of a potential publication bias, supported by a significant Egger's test. Our findings provide robust evidence supporting the protective effect of the Mediterranean diet against stroke. Despite the presence of some heterogeneity and potential publication bias, the cumulative evidence suggests that promoting the Mediterranean diet could serve as an effective public health strategy for stroke prevention. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms and to assess the diet's impact across diverse populations.

Barley a nutritional powerhouse for gut health and chronic disease defense

Background

Digestive issues are recognized as significant contributors to various chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Barley, a traditional grain, offers considerable promise in addressing these health challenges due to unique nutritional and bioactive compounds.

Objective

This review examines the therapeutic potential of various parts of barley, underutilized resource, for chronic disease prevention and management.

Method

ology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, and ISI Web of Science, to identify nutritional components and functional ingredients in barley that contribute to gut health and chronic disease mitigation.

Results

The finding suggests that humans digest barley starch more slowly than wheat and rice, which benefits chronic disease management. Barley's high-molecular-weight β-glucan high content acts as a prebiotic, promotes gut health through microbiome modulation and short-chain fatty acid production, potentially preventing colon cancer and boosting immunity. Recent studies on exploring barley grass of high land showed functional ingredients such as flavonoids, saponarin lutonarin, superoxide dismutase, gamma-aminobutyric acid, polyphenols K, Ca, Se, tryptophan chlorophyll, and vitamins, suggesting potential for enhanced antioxidant activity and improved management of chronic conditions like diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, cardiovascular health, liver protection, and even boosted immunity.

Conclusion

This review underscores the therapeutic potential of barley and its components in chronic disease management, highlighting the need for well-designed clinical trials to translate these findings into effective interventions.

Impact of semolina-barley mixture on the volatolomic profile of dough and pasta: characterization by a multivariate chemometric approach

BACKGROUND

Barley flour, known to be rich in various phytochemicals, has been demonstrated to improve the technological and nutritional properties of pasta; however, its volatile profile, on which its aromatic properties depend, also plays an important role in the acceptance of barley-enriched pasta. In the present work, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of semolina doughs enriched with different percentages of barley and of the related pasta were characterized by solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and evaluated using a multivariate statistical approach, including principal component analysis (PCA), cluster heatmaps, Pearson's and Spearman's correlations, and partial least squares correlation (PLSC).

RESULTS

The effects of single raw materials, and their interactions, were studied to establish their importance in the volatile profile of the samples, and the correlation between the dough VOCs and the processed product VOCs was assessed. The presence of barley flour markedly affected the volatile profile in comparison with the dough obtained with only durum wheat. For alcohols, esters, terpenes, and some aldehydes there was a clear correlation with the percentage of barley. For some of the VOCs, on the other hand, a strong dependence on the ingredients interaction effect due to the mixing stage has been demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

The heatmaps allowed a good graphical visualization of the relationship between molecules and barley percentage, offering the possibility to select the best one according to the desired volatolomic footprint. Pasta with 40% of barley was demonstrated to give pasta with the most complex volatile profile. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative study: how dry heating treatment and annealing influence the multi-structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of black highland barley starch

In this study, comparative investigation on the effect of dry heating treatment (DHT) and annealing (ANN) on multi-structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of black highland barley (BHB) starch was done. Results revealed that both DHT and ANN did not affect the "A"-type crystalline pattern and FT-IR spectroscopy of BHB starch, but changed the morphology, raised water absorption capacity and lowered viscosities. Compared to native starch, DHT- and ANN-modified samples had totally opposite alteration trends in amylose content, color characteristics, oil absorption capacity, gelatinization parameters and pasting temperature. These changes were positively related to treatment temperature and time for DHT-modified starches, while which were dependant on treatment duration for ANN-modified starches. Total in vitro hydrolysis rate and rapidly digestive starch content in starch markedly raised after DHT, whereas slowly digestive starch and RS levels decreased. Nevertheless, ANN significantly improved the hydrolyzation stability with treatment time prolonging, especially increased RS content and lowered RDS level. Therefore, this study identified both DHT and ANN were effective methods to alter the properties of BHB starch, and more importantly, they had distinguishing influence by different mechanisms, which would remind user to select appropriate means for physical starch modification based on different application purposes.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its protective effects against colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis of 26 studies with 2,217,404 participants

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern and represents a significant public health challenge in Hungary, where it exhibits some of the highest morbidity and mortality rates in the European Union. The Mediterranean diet has been suggested to reduce the incidence of CRC, but comprehensive evidence from diverse study designs is needed to substantiate this effect. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, CENTRAL, and the Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials and human clinical trials from 2008 to 2024 to identify relevant studies. Statistical analysis was performed using the https://metaanalysisonline.com web application using a random effects model to estimate the pooled hazard rates (HRs). Forest plots, funnel plots, and Z-score plots were utilized to visualize results. We identified 15 clinical trials and 9 case-control studies, encompassing a total of 2,217,404 subjects. The pooled analysis indicated that adherence to the Mediterranean diet significantly reduced the prevalence of CRC (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.78-0.91, p < 0.01). This protective effect was consistent across sexes, with HRs of 0.85 (95% CI = 0.75-0.97, p = 0.01) for males and 0.88 (95% CI = 0.79-0.99, p = 0.03) for females. Case-control studies specifically showed a substantial effect (HR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.38-0.68, p < 0.01). Notable heterogeneity was observed across studies, yet the a priori information size was substantially below the cumulative sample size, ensuring sufficient data for reliable conclusions. The findings from this meta-analysis reinforce the protective role of the Mediterranean diet against CRC. The results of this meta-analysis will inform dietary interventions designed to mitigate CRC risk, which are conducted within the framework of the Semmelweis Study, an ongoing comprehensive cohort study at Semmelweis University, designed to explore the multifaceted causes of unhealthy aging in Hungary. These interventions aim to explore the practical application of Mediterranean dietary patterns in reducing CRC incidence among the Hungarian population.

Berberine ameliorates chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced cardiac remodelling by preserving mitochondrial function, role of SIRT6 signalling

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Previously, we have shown that berberine (BBR) is a potential cardioprotective agent. However, its effect and mechanism on CIH-induced cardiomyopathy remain uncovered. This study was designed to determine the effects of BBR against CIH-induced cardiac damage and to explore the molecular mechanisms. Mice were exposed to 5 weeks of CIH with or without the treatment of BBR and adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9) carrying SIRT6 or SIRT6-specific short hairpin RNA. The effect of BBR was evaluated by echocardiography, histological analysis and western blot analysis. CIH caused the inactivation of myocardial SIRT6 and AMPK-FOXO3a signalling. BBR dose-dependently ameliorated cardiac injury in CIH-induced mice, as evidenced by increased cardiac function and decreased fibrosis. Notably, SIRT6 overexpression mimicked these beneficial effects, whereas infection with recombinant AAV9 carrying SIRT6-specific short hairpin RNA abrogated them. Mechanistically, BBR reduced oxidative stress damage and preserved mitochondrial function via activating SIRT6-AMPK-FOXO3a signalling, enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis as well as PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Taken together, these data demonstrate that SIRT6 activation protects against the pathogenesis of CIH-induced cardiac dysfunction. BBR attenuates CIH-induced myocardial injury by improving mitochondrial biogenesis and PINK1-Parkin-dependent mitophagy via the SIRT6-AMPK-FOXO3a signalling pathway.

The hydroxamic acid derivative YPX-C-05 alleviates hypertension and vascular dysfunction through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular disease characterized by elevated blood pressure and increased vascular resistance. HDAC inhibitors have emerged as potential therapeutic agents due to their ability to modulate gene expression and cellular processes. YPX-C-05, a novel hydroxamic acid-based HDAC inhibitor, shows promise in its vasodilatory effects and potential targets for hypertension treatment. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying YPX-C-05's vasodilatory effects and explore its therapeutic potential in hypertension.

METHODS

To determine the ex vivo vasodilatory effects of YPX-C-05, isolated aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine were used. We assessed YPX-C-05's inhibitory effects on HDACs and its impact on histone H4 deacetylation levels in endothelial cells. Network pharmacology analysis was employed to predict putative targets of YPX-C-05 for hypertension treatment. To investigate the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway, we employed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and to assess the levels of NO, ET-1, BH2, and BH4 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. And we also analyzed the mRNA expression of eNOS and ET-1. Furthermore, Western blotting was conducted to quantify the phosphorylated and total Akt and eNOS levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cell lysates following treatment with YPX-C-05. In order to elucidate the vasodilatory mechanism of YPX-C-05, we employed pharmacological inhibitors for evaluation purposes. Furthermore, we evaluated the chronic antihypertensive effects of YPX-C-05 on N-omega-nitro-L-arginine-induced hypertensive mice in an in vivo model. Vascular remodeling was assessed through histological analysis.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrated that YPX-C-05 exerts significant vasodilatory effects in isolated aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine. Furthermore, YPX-C-05 exhibited inhibitory effects on HDACs and increased histone H4 acetylation in endothelial cells. Network pharmacology analysis predicted YPX-C-05 might activate endothelial eNOS via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway attenuated the vasodilatory effects of YPX-C-05, as evidenced by reduced levels of phosphorylated Akt and eNOS in human umbilical vein endothelial cell lysates. The chronic administration of YPX-C-05 in N-omega-nitro-L-arginine-induced hypertensive mice resulted in significant antihypertensive effects. Histological analysis demonstrated a reduction in vascular remodeling, further supporting the therapeutic potential of YPX-C-05 in hypertension.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates for the first time that the novel hydroxamic acid-based HDAC inhibitor YPX-C-05 produces significant antihypertensive and vasodilatory effects through the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. Our findings support the developing prospect of YPX-C-05 as a novel antihypertensive drug.

Dry heating affects the multi-structures, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of blue highland barley starch

As a physical method for starch modification, dry heating treatment (DHT) at high temperatures (150 and 180°C, respectively) was applied to blue highland barley (BH) starch with different durations (2 and 4 h). The effects on its multi-structures, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility were investigated. The results showed that DHT had changed the morphology of BH starch, and the diffraction pattern remained an "A"-type crystalline structure. However, with an extension of DHT temperature and time, the amylose content, gelatinization temperature, enthalpy value, swelling power, and pasting viscosity of modified starches decreased, while the light transmittance, solubility, and water and oil absorption capacities increased. Additionally, compared with native starch, the content of rapidly digestible starch in modified samples increased after DHT, whereas those of slowly digestible starch and RS decreased. Based on these results, the conclusion could be drawn that DHT is an effective and green way to transform multi-structures, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of BH starch. This fundamental information might be meaningful to enrich the theoretical basis of physical modification on BH starch and extend the applications of BH in the food industry.

Influence of Drought and Salt Stress on Durum Wheat Grain Quality and Composition: A Review

Durum wheat is a staple crop for the Mediterranean diet because of its adaptability to environmental pressure and for its large use in cereal-based food products, such as pasta and bread, as a source of calories and proteins. Durum wheat whole grains are also highly valued for their peculiar amount of dietary fiber and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds of particular interest for their putative health-beneficial properties, including polyphenols, carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and phytosterols. In Mediterranean environments, durum wheat is mostly grown under rainfed conditions, where the crop often experiences environmental stresses, especially water deficit and soil salinity that may induce a hyperosmotic stress. In particular, changes in C and N accumulation due to these abiotic conditions, during grain filling, can influence starch and storage protein amount and composition in durum wheat caryopsis, thus influencing yield and quality traits. Recent advancements regarding the influence of water deficit and salinity stress on durum wheat are critically discussed. In particular, a focus on stress-induced changes in (a) grain protein content and composition in relation to technological and health quality; (b) starch and dietary fiber accumulation and composition; (c) phytochemical composition; (d) health-related grain micronutrient accumulation, such as Fe and Zn.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protect Against DOX-Induced Heart Failure Through the miR-100-5p/NOX4 Pathway

The end result of a variety of cardiovascular diseases is heart failure. Heart failure patients’ morbidity and mortality rates are increasing year after year. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HucMSC-EVs) have recently been discovered to be an alternative treatment for heart failure, according to recent research. In this study, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms in which HucMSC-EVs inhibited doxorubicin (DOX)-induced heart failure in AC16 cells. An miR-100-5p inhibitor and an miR-100-5p mimic were used to transfect HucMSCs using Lipofectamine 2000. HucMSC-EVs were isolated and purified using the ultracentrifugation method. AC16 cells were treated with DOX combined with HucMSC-EVs or an EV miR-100-5-p inhibitor or EV miR-100-5-p mimic. ROS levels were measured by a flow cytometer. The levels of LDH, SOD, and MDA were measured by biochemical methods. Apoptotic cells were assessed by a flow cytometer. Cleaved-caspase-3 and NOX4 protein expression were determined by Western blot. The experiment results showed that HucMSC-EVs inhibited DOX-induced increased levels of ROS, LDH, and MDA, and decreased levels of SOD which were reversed by an EV miR-100-5-p inhibitor, while EV miR-100-5-p mimic had a similar effect to HucMSC-EVs. At the same time, HucMSC-EV-inhibited DOX induced the increases of apoptotic cells as well as NOX4 and cleaved-caspase-3 protein expression, which were reversed by an EV miR-100-5-p inhibitor. Furthermore, the NOX4 expression was negatively regulated by miR-100-5p. Overexpression of NOX4 abolished the effects in which HucMSC-EVs inhibited DOX-induced ROS, oxidative stress, and apoptosis increases. In conclusion, these results indicate that HucMSC-EVs inhibit DOX-induced heart failure through the miR-100-5p/NOX4 pathway.

β-Glucans as a panacea for a healthy heart? Their roles in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Factors increasing the risks for CVD development are related to obesity, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and lifestyle. CVD risk factors may be treated with appropriate drugs, but prolonged can use cause undesirable side-effects. Among the natural products used in complementary and alternative medicines, are the β-ᴅ-glucans; biopolymers found in foods (cereals, mushrooms), and can easily be produced by microbial fermentation. Independent of source, β-glucans of the mixed-linked types [(1 → 3)(1 → 6)-β-ᴅ-glucans - fungal, and (1 → 3)(1 → 4)-β-ᴅ-glucans - cereal] have widely been studied because of their biological activities, and have demonstrated cardiovascular protective effects. In this review, we discuss the roles of β-ᴅ-glucans in various pathophysiological conditions that lead to CVDs including obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, hypertension, atherosclerosis and stroke. The β-glucans from all of the sources cited demonstrated potential hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and anti-obesogenicity activities, reduced hypertension and ameliorated the atherosclerosis condition. More recently, β-glucans are recognized as possessing prebiotic properties that modulate the gut microbiome and impact on the health benefits including cardiovascular. Overall, all the studies investigated unequivocally demonstrated the dietary benefits of consuming β-glucans regardless of source, thus constituting a promising panaceutical approach to reduce CVD risk factors.

The impact of sex and gender on heart-brain axis dysfunction: current concepts and novel perspectives

The heart-brain axis (HBA) recapitulates all the circuits that regulate bidirectional flow of communication between heart and brain. Several mechanisms may underlie the interdependent relationship involving heterogeneous tissues at rest and during specific target organ injury such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, mood disorders, or dementia. In-depth translational studies of the HBA dysfunction under single-organ injury should include both male and female animals to develop sex- and gender-oriented prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Indeed, sex and gender are determining factors as females and males exhibit significant differences in terms of susceptibility to risk factors, age of onset, severity of symptoms, and outcome. Despite most studies having focused on the male population, we have conducted a careful appraisal of the literature investigating HBA in females. In particular, we have (i) analyzed sex-related heart and brain illnesses, (ii) recapitulated the most significant studies simultaneously conducted on cardio- and cerebro-vascular systems in female populations, and (iii) hypothesized future perspectives for the development of a gender-based approach to HBA dysfunction. Although sex- and gender-oriented research is at its infancy, the impact of sex on HBA dysfunction is opening unexpected new avenues for managing the health of female subjects exposed to risk of lifestyle multi-organ disease.

Echinacoside reverses myocardial remodeling and improves heart function via regulating SIRT1/FOXO3a/MnSOD axis in HF rats induced by isoproterenol

Myocardial remodelling is important pathological basis of HF, mitochondrial oxidative stress is a promoter to myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and apoptosis. ECH is the major active component of a traditional Chinese medicine Cistanches Herba, plenty of studies indicate it possesses a strong antioxidant capacity in nerve cells and tumour, it inhibits mitochondrial oxidative stress, protects mitochondrial function, but the specific mechanism is unclear. SIRT1/FOXO3a/MnSOD is an important antioxidant axis, study finds that ECH binds covalently to SIRT1 as a ligand and up-regulates the expression of SIRT1 in brain cells. We hypothesizes that ECH may reverse myocardial remodelling and improve heart function of HF via regulating SIRT1/FOXO3a/MnSOD signalling axis and inhibit mitochondrial oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Here, we firstly induce cellular model of oxidative stress by ISO with AC-16 cells and pre-treat with ECH, the level of mitochondrial ROS, mtDNA oxidative injury, MMP, carbonylated protein, lipid peroxidation, intracellular ROS and apoptosis are detected, confirm the effect of ECH in mitochondrial oxidative stress and function in vitro. Then, we establish a HF rat model induced by ISO and pre-treat with ECH. Indexes of heart function, myocardial remodelling, mitochondrial oxidative stress and function, expression of SIRT1/FOXO3a/MnSOD signalling axis are measured, the data indicate that ECH improves heart function, inhibits myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and apoptosis, increases the expression of SIRT1/FOXO3a/MnSOD signalling axis, reduces the mitochondrial oxidative damages, protects mitochondrial function. We conclude that ECH reverses myocardial remodelling and improves cardiac function via up-regulating SIRT1/FOXO3a/MnSOD axis and inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative stress in HF rats.

Sinapic Acid Inhibits Cardiac Hypertrophy via Activation of Mitochondrial Sirt3/SOD2 Signaling in Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes

Sinapic acid (SA) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound with antioxidant properties. It also has a wide range of pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and hepatoprotective properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential pharmacological effects of SA against hypertrophic responses in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. In order to evaluate the preventive effect of SA on cardiac hypertrophy, phenylephrine (PE)-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes were treated with subcytotoxic concentrations of SA. SA effectively suppressed hypertrophic responses, such as cell size enlargement, sarcomeric rearrangement, and fetal gene re-expression. In addition, SA significantly inhibited the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins as pro-hypertrophic factors and protected the mitochondrial functions from hypertrophic stimuli. Notably, SA activated Sirt3, a mitochondrial deacetylase, and SOD2, a mitochondrial antioxidant, in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. SA also inhibited oxidative stress in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. However, the protective effect of SA was significantly reduced in Sirt3-silenced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes, indicating that SA exerts its beneficial effect through Sirt3/SOD signaling. In summary, this is the first study to reveal the potential pharmacological action and inhibitory mechanism of SA as an antioxidant against cardiac hypertrophy, suggesting that SA could be utilized for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.

Importance of functional food compounds in cardioprotection through action on the epigenome

Food constituents can either promote cardiovascular health or serve in its demise. In view of the lack of more effective pharmacological interventions in cardiovascular disease (CVDs), attention has focused on the potential protective effects of diet. Food components and their metabolites are emerging as major regulators of the human epigenome, which is being linked to CVDs. In this review, we summarize data from studies that suggest an important role for bioactive food compounds in cardioprotection and the potential for harnessing the epigenome as a nutrient sensor target in CVDs. While clinical data strongly support a role for effective diet intervention in CVDs protection, studies linking changes to human epigenome are now warranted for mechanistic insight and development of personalized care.

Molecular Mechanism of Functional Ingredients in Barley to Combat Human Chronic Diseases

Barley plays an important role in health and civilization of human migration from Africa to Asia, later to Eurasia. We demonstrated the systematic mechanism of functional ingredients in barley to combat chronic diseases, based on PubMed, CNKI, and ISI Web of Science databases from 2004 to 2020. Barley and its extracts are rich in 30 ingredients to combat more than 20 chronic diseases, which include the 14 similar and 9 different chronic diseases between grains and grass, due to the major molecular mechanism of six functional ingredients of barley grass (GABA, flavonoids, SOD, K-Ca, vitamins, and tryptophan) and grains (β-glucans, polyphenols, arabinoxylan, phytosterols, tocols, and resistant starch). The antioxidant activity of barley grass and grain has the same and different functional components. These results support findings that barley grain and its grass are the best functional food, promoting ancient Babylonian and Egyptian civilizations, and further show the depending functional ingredients for diet from Pliocene hominids in Africa and Neanderthals in Europe to modern humans in the world. This review paper not only reveals the formation and action mechanism of barley diet overcoming human chronic diseases, but also provides scientific basis for the development of health products and drugs for the prevention and treatment of human chronic diseases.

Perioperative Heart-Brain Axis Protection in Obese Surgical Patients: The Nutrigenomic Approach

The number of obese patients undergoing cardiac and noncardiac surgery is rapidly increasing because they are more prone to concomitant diseases, such as diabetes, thrombosis, sleep-disordered breathing, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. Even if guidelines are already available to manage anesthesia and surgery of obese patients, the assessment of the perioperative morbidity and mortality from heart and brain disorders in morbidly obese surgical patients will be challenging in the next years. The present review will recapitulate the new mechanisms underlying the Heart-brain Axis (HBA) vulnerability during the perioperative period in healthy and morbidly obese patients. Finally, we will describe the nutrigenomics approach, an emerging noninvasive dietary tool, to maintain a healthy body weight and to minimize the HBA propensity to injury in obese individuals undergoing all types of surgery by personalized intake of plant compounds that may regulate the switch from health to disease in an epigenetic manner. Our review provides current insights into the mechanisms underlying HBA response in obese surgical patients and how they are modulated by epigenetically active food constituents.

Tuscany Sangiovese grape juice imparts cardioprotection by regulating gene expression of cardioprotective C-type natriuretic peptide

PURPOSE

A regular intake of red grape juice has cardioprotective properties, but its role on the modulation of natriuretic peptides (NPs), in particular of C-type NP (CNP), has not yet been proven. The aims were to evaluate: (1) in vivo the effects of long-term intake of Tuscany Sangiovese grape juice (SGJ) on the NPs system in a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI); (2) in vitro the response to SGJ small RNAs of murine MCEC-1 under physiological and ischemic condition; (3) the activation of CNP/NPR-B/NPR-C in healthy human subjects after 7 days' SGJ regular intake.

METHODS

(1) C57BL/6J male and female mice (n = 33) were randomly subdivided into: SHAM (n = 7), MI (n = 15) and MI fed for 4 weeks with a normal chow supplemented with Tuscany SGJ (25% vol/vol, 200 µl/per day) (MI + SGJ, n = 11). Echocardiography and histological analyses were performed. Myocardial NPs transcriptional profile was investigated by Real-Time PCR. (2) MCEC-1 were treated for 24 h with a pool of SGJ small RNAs and cell viability under 24 h exposure to H₂O₂ was evaluated by MTT assay. (3) Human blood samples were collected from seven subjects before and after the 7 days' intake of Tuscany SGJ. NPs and miRNA transcriptional profile were investigated by Real-Time PCR in MCEC-1 and human blood.

RESULTS

Our experimental data, obtained in a multimodal pipeline, suggest that the long-term intake of SGJ promotes an adaptive response of the myocardium to the ischemic microenvironment through the modulation of the cardiac CNP/NPR-B/NPR-C system.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results open new avenue in the development of functional foods aimed at enhancing cardioprotection of infarcted hearts through action on the myocardial epigenome.

ADAMTS13 Deficiency Shortens the Life Span of Mice With Experimental Diabetes

In patients with diabetes, impaired activity of ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13), the plasma metalloprotease that cleaves highly thrombogenic von Willebrand factor multimers, is a major risk factor of cardiovascular events. Here, using Adamts13^-/- mice made diabetic by streptozotocin, we investigated the impact of the lack of ADAMTS13 on the development of diabetes-associated end-organ complications. Adamts13^-/- mice experienced a shorter life span than their diabetic wild-type littermates. It was surprising that animal death was not related to the occurrence of detectable thrombotic events. The lack of ADAMTS13 drastically increased the propensity for ventricular arrhythmias during dobutamine-induced stress in diabetic mice. Cardiomyocytes of diabetic Adamts13^-/- mice exhibited an aberrant distribution of the ventricular gap junction connexin 43 and increased phosphorylation of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), and with the consequent CaMKII-induced disturbance in Ca²⁺ handling, which underlie propensity for arrhythmia. In vitro, thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) promoted, in a paracrine manner, CaMKII phosphorylation in murine HL-1 cardiomyocytes, and ADAMTS13 acted to inhibit TSP1-induced CaMKII activation. In conclusion, the deficiency of ADAMTS13 may underlie the onset of lethal arrhythmias in diabetes through increased CaMKII phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes. Our findings disclose a novel function for ADAMTS13 beyond its antithrombotic activity.

Correlations of Molecular Weights of β-Glucans from Qingke (Tibetan Hulless Barley) to Their Multiple Bioactivities

β-glucans have been considered the major bioactive components in Qingke (Tibetan hulless barley). However, the structure–function relationships of β-glucans from Qingke have seldom been investigated. Whether the bioactivities of Qingke β-glucans are closely correlated to their molecular weights remains unknown. Therefore, in order to explore Qingke β-glucans as functional/healthy food ingredients for industrial applications, and to better understand their structure–function relationships, correlations of molecular weights of Qingke β-glucans to their in vitro binding properties, inhibitory activities on digestive enzymes (α-amylase and pancreatic lipase), anti-inflammatory activities, and anticancer activities were systematically investigated. Results showed that the in vitro binding properties and the inhibitory activities on α-amylase and pancreatic lipase of Qingke β-glucans were positively correlated to their molecular weights. However, the anti-inflammatory activities of Qingke β-glucans increased as their molecular weights decreased. Furthermore, Qingke β-glucans exhibited selectively anti-cancer activities in vitro. Positive and negative correlations of molecular weights to inhibitory effects against A549 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells were observed, respectively. However, the inhibitory effects of Qingke β-glucans against HCT116 cells were not associated with their molecular weights. Results suggested that the molecular weights of Qingke β-glucans significantly affected their bioactivities, which was beneficial for a better understanding of their structure–function relationships. Moreover, results showed that Qingke β-glucans could be further explored as functional/healthy food ingredients for industrial applications due to their multiple health benefits.