Intake of purple sweet potato beverage affects on serum hepatic biomarker levels of healthy adult men with borderline hepatitis

The Role of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global public health problem that causes liver-related morbidity and mortality. It is also an independent risk factor for non-communicable diseases. In 2020, a proposal was made to refer to it as "metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)", with concise diagnostic criteria. Given its widespread occurrence, its treatment is crucial. Increased levels of oxidative stress cause this disease. This review aims to evaluate various studies on antioxidant therapies for patients with MAFLD. A comprehensive search for relevant research was conducted on the PubMed, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect databases, resulting in the identification of 87 studies that met the inclusion criteria. In total, 31.1% of human studies used natural antioxidants, 53.3% used synthetic antioxidants, and 15.5% used both natural and synthetic antioxidants. In human-based studies, natural antioxidants showed 100% efficacy in the treatment of MAFLD, while synthetic antioxidants showed effective results in only 91% of the investigations. In animal-based research, natural antioxidants were fully effective in the treatment of MAFLD, while synthetic antioxidants demonstrated effectiveness in only 87.8% of the evaluations. In conclusion, antioxidants in their natural form are more helpful for patients with MAFLD, and preserving the correct balance of pro-oxidants and antioxidants is a useful way to monitor antioxidant treatment.

Effects of Foods of Mesoamerican Origin in Adipose Tissue and Liver-Related Metabolism

Adipose tissue and liver metabolism play a key role in maintaining body homeostasis; therefore, their impairment conduces a pathological state. Nowadays, occidental lifestyle is a common etiological issue among a variety of chronic diseases, while diet is a unique strategy to prevent obesity and liver metabolism impairment and is a powerful player in the treatment of metabolic-related diseases. Mesoamerican foods are rich in bioactive molecules that enhance and improve adipose tissue and liver performance and represent a prophylactic and therapeutic alternative for disorders related to the loss of homeostasis in the metabolism of these two important tissues.

The effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant and is necessary for energy production in mitochondria. Clinical data have suggested that coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has some beneficial effects on liver function. However, these results are equivocal. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the serum concentration of liver function enzymes. We searched the online databases using relevant keywords up to April 2022. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of CoQ10, compared with a control group, on serum concentrations of liver enzymes were included. We found a significant reduction following supplementation with CoQ10 on serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) based on 15 effect sizes from 13 RCTs (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -5.33 IU/L; 95% CI: -10.63, -0.03; p = .04), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) based on 15 effect sizes from 13 RCTs (WMD = -4.91 IU/L; 95% CI: -9.35, -0.47; p = .03) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) based on eight effect sizes from six RCTs (WMD = -8.07 IU/L; 95% CI: -12.82, -3.32; p = .001; I 2 = 91.6%). However, we found no significant effects of CoQ10 supplementation on alkaline phosphatase concentration (WMD = 1.10 IU/L; 95% CI: -5.98, 8.18; p = .76). CoQ10 supplementation significantly improves circulating ALT, AST, and GGT levels; therefore, it might positively affect liver function. Further high-quality RCTs with more extended intervention periods and larger sample sizes are recommended to confirm our results.

Unveiling Natural and Semisynthetic Acylated Flavonoids: Chemistry and Biological Actions in the Context of Molecular Docking

Acylated flavonoids are widely distributed natural metabolites in medicinal plants and foods with several health attributes. A large diversity of chemical structures of acylated flavonoids with interesting biological effects was reported from several plant species. Of these, 123 compounds with potential antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, analgesic, and anti-complementary effects were selected from several databases including SCI-Finder, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and others. Some selected reported biologically active flavonoids were docked in the active binding sites of some natural enzymes, namely acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, aldose reductase, and HIV integrase, in an attempt to underline the key interactions that might be responsible for their biological activities.

Sweet Potato Is Not Simply an Abundant Food Crop: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and the Effects of Processing

Nowadays, sweet potato (Ipomoea batata L.; Lam.) is considered a very interesting nutritive food because it is rich in complex carbohydrates, but as a tubercle, contains high amounts of health-promoting secondary metabolites. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recently published information on this root vegetable, focusing on its bioactive phytochemical constituents, potential effects on health, and the impact of processing technologies. Sweet potato is considered an excellent source of dietary carotenoids, and polysaccharides, whose health benefits include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity, cardiovascular protection, anticancer properties and improvement in neurological and memory capacity, metabolic disorders, and intestinal barrier function. Moreover, the purple sweet potato, due to its high anthocyanin content, represents a unique food option for consumers, as well as a potential source of functional ingredients for healthy food products. In this context, the effects of commercial processing and domestic cooking techniques on sweet potato bioactive compounds require further study to understand how to minimize their loss.

Harnessing the Power of Purple Sweet Potato Color and Myo-Inositol to Treat Classic Galactosemia

Classic Galactosemia (CG) is a devastating inborn error of the metabolism caused by mutations in the GALT gene encoding the enzyme galactose-1 phosphate uridylyltransferase in galactose metabolism. Severe complications of CG include neurological impairments, growth restriction, cognitive delays, and, for most females, primary ovarian insufficiency. The absence of the GALT enzyme leads to an accumulation of aberrant galactose metabolites, which are assumed to be responsible for the sequelae. There is no treatment besides the restriction of dietary galactose, which does not halt the development of the complications; thus, additional treatments are sorely needed. Supplements have been used in other inborn errors of metabolism but are not part of the therapeutic regimen for CG. The goal of this study was to test two generally recognized as safe supplements (purple sweet potato color (PSPC) and myo-inositol (MI)) that may impact cellular pathways contributing to the complications in CG. Our group uses a GalT gene-trapped mouse model to study the pathophysiology in CG, which phenocopy many of the complications. Here we report the ability of PSPC to ameliorate dysregulation in the ovary, brain, and liver of our mutant mice as well as positive results of MI supplementation in the ovary and brain.

The effect of anthocyanins supplementation on liver enzymes among patients with metabolic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

The present study aims to summarize and quantitatively examine the available evidence on the effectiveness of anthocyanin supplementation on liver enzymes among patients with metabolic disorders, by employing a systematic review and meta-analytic approach. Online databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched up to June 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of anthocyanin supplementation on serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) among patients with metabolic disorders. To estimate the overall effect of anthocyanin supplementation, we employed the random-effects model. In total, 12 RCTs were included in the systematic review. Pooled analysis did not show any significant changes in ALT (WMD: -0.92 U/L, 95% CI: -4.19 to 2.35, p = .58; I²  = 91.3%) and AST (WMD: -1.22 U/L, 95% CI: -3.43 to 0.99, p = .28; I²  = 87.0) concentrations after supplementation with anthocyanin. The dose and duration of supplementation were the potential sources of heterogeneity among most of the trials. However, subgroup analysis showed that the effect is not statistically significant in all subgroups. Overall, in our study, anthocyanin does not have any effect on liver enzyme levels significantly. However, future high-quality studies are still needed to confirm the results.

The effect of (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract on liver function among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

This double-blind randomized clinical trial aimed to investigate impact of Cornus mas L. fruit extract (CMFE) on liver function in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fifty patients were randomly assigned into the CMFE and placebo groups to receive 20 ml of the extract or placebo for 12 weeks, respectively. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) levels, and steatosis and fibrosis scores were examined before and after the intervention. Although, a significant decrease was observed in CK-18 levels among the CMFE group (288.80 ± 85.40 vs. 235.66 ± 60.38; p = .001) after 12 weeks, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Moreover, a significant increase in fibrosis score in the placebo group (8.20 (6.35-9.40) vs. 8.40 (7.70-13.00); p = .03) as well as a significant difference in this marker (CMEF: 7.64 (6.30-8.25); placebo: 8.40 (7.70-13.00); p = .02) and its changes (CMEF: 0.60 (-1.00-1.07); placebo: 0.80 (-0.25-3.95); p = .02) were found between the groups after 12 weeks. No significant effect was noted on other variables. Therefore, consuming CMFE might have some beneficial effects on liver function markers in NAFLD. However, more studies are required in this area.

The effect of anthocyanins supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess effect of consuming anthocyanins (ACNs; pure ACNs or products containing ACNs) on liver enzymes levels including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Although no significant impact was detected on the liver enzymes, a significant reduction was observed on ALT (WMD = -4.932 U/L, 95% CI = -9.848 to -0.015, p = .049) and AST (WMD = -3.464 U/L, 95% CI = -6.034 to -0.894, p = .008) in the studies that examined them as primary outcomes. A significant decrease was found on AST among the healthy subjects (WMD = -4.325 U/L, 95% CI = -8.516 to -0.134, p = .043) and in the studies that used products containing ACNs as intervention (WMD = -2.201 U/L, 95% CI = -4.275 to -0.127, p = .037). Although no significant relation was detected between ACNs dosage and the liver enzymes, significant associations were found between the duration of trial with ALT (ALT: slope: 0.09, 95% CI = 0.040 to 0.139, p = .0003) and AST (slope: 0.076, 95% CI = 0.037 to 0.115, p = .0001). In conclusion, although ACNs had no significant effect on the liver enzymes, a significant decrease was discovered on ALT and AST in the studies that evaluated them as primary outcomes. A significant reduction was observed in AST in the healthy individuals and in the studies used products containing ACNs as intervention. Significant relations were also found between the duration of trial with ALT and AST. Further studies are required to confirm these results.

Dietary anthocyanins as potential natural modulators for the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A comprehensive review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a metabolic syndrome linked with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. It is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides in the hepatocytes in the absence of alcohol consumption. The prevalence of NAFLD has abruptly increased worldwide, with no effective treatment yet available. Anthocyanins (ACNs) belong to the flavonoid subclass of polyphenols, are commonly present in various edible plants, and possess a broad array of health-promoting properties. ACNs have been shown to have strong potential to combat NAFLD. We critically assessed the literature regarding the pharmacological mechanisms and biopharmaceutical features of the action of ACNs on NAFLD in humans and animal models. We found that ACNs ameliorate NAFLD by improving lipid and glucose metabolism, increasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis. In conclusion, ACNs have potential to attenuate NAFLD. However, further mechanistic studies are required to confirm these beneficial impacts of ACNs on NAFLD.

Anthocyanins: From the Field to the Antioxidants in the Body

Anthocyanins are biologically active water-soluble plant pigments that are responsible for blue, purple, and red colors in various plant parts-especially in fruits and blooms. Anthocyanins have attracted attention as natural food colorants to be used in yogurts, juices, marmalades, and bakery products. Numerous studies have also indicated the beneficial health effects of anthocyanins and their metabolites on human or animal organisms, including free-radical scavenging and antioxidant activity. Thus, our aim was to review the current knowledge about anthocyanin occurrence in plants, their stability during processing, and also the bioavailability and protective effects related to the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins in human and animal brains, hearts, livers, and kidneys.

Grown to be Blue-Antioxidant Properties and Health Effects of Colored Vegetables. Part I: Root Vegetables

During the last few decades, the food and beverage industry faced increasing demand for the design of new functional food products free of synthetic compounds and artificial additives. Anthocyanins are widely used as natural colorants in various food products to replenish blue color losses during processing and to add blue color to colorless products, while other compounds such as carotenoids and betalains are considered as good sources of other shades. Root vegetables are well known for their broad palette of colors, and some species, such as black carrot and beet root, are already widely used as sources of natural colorants in the food and drug industry. Ongoing research aims at identifying alternative vegetable sources with diverse functional and structural features imparting beneficial effects onto human health. The current review provides a systematic description of colored root vegetables based on their belowground edible parts, and it highlights species and/or cultivars that present atypical colors, especially those containing pigment compounds responsible for hues of blue color. Finally, the main health effects and antioxidant properties associated with the presence of coloring compounds are presented, as well as the effects that processing treatments may have on chemical composition and coloring compounds in particular.

The Fluid Aspect of the Mediterranean Diet in the Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes: The Role of Polyphenol Content in Moderate Consumption of Wine and Olive Oil

A growing interest has emerged in the beneficial effects of plant-based diets for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. The Mediterranean diet, one of the most widely evaluated dietary patterns in scientific literature, includes in its nutrients two fluid foods: olive oil, as the main source of fats, and a low-to-moderate consumption of wine, mainly red, particularly during meals. Current mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet include a reduction in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, improvement in lipid profile, insulin sensitivity and endothelial function, as well as antithrombotic properties. Most of these effects are attributable to bioactive ingredients including polyphenols, mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Polyphenols are a heterogeneous group of phytochemicals containing phenol rings. The principal classes of red wine polyphenols include flavonols (quercetin and myricetin), flavanols (catechin and epicatechin), anthocyanin and stilbenes (resveratrol). Olive oil has at least 30 phenolic compounds. Among them, the main are simple phenols (tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol), secoroids and lignans. The present narrative review focuses on phenols, part of red wine and virgin olive oil, discussing the evidence of their effects on lipids, blood pressure, atheromatous plaque and glucose metabolism.

Research Advances of Purple Sweet Potato Anthocyanins: Extraction, Identification, Stability, Bioactivity, Application, and Biotransformation

Purple sweet potato anthocyanins are kinds of natural anthocyanin red pigments extracted from the root or stem of purple sweet potato. They are stable and have the functions of anti-oxidation, anti-mutation, anti-tumor, liver protection, hypoglycemia, and anti-inflammation, which confer them a good application prospect. Nevertheless, there is not a comprehensive review of purple sweet potato anthocyanins so far. The extraction, structural characterization, stability, functional activity, application in the food, cosmetics, medicine, and other industries of anthocyanins from purple sweet potato, together with their biotransformation in vitro or by gut microorganism are reviewed in this paper, which provides a reference for further development and utilization of anthocyanins.

The effect of total anthocyanin-base standardized (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract on liver function, tumor necrosis factor α, malondealdehyde, and adiponectin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver: a study protocol for a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide. Evidence showed that anthocyanins might have effects on NAFLD. Protective effects of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) extract, as an anthocyanins-rich source, on liver were reported in animal studies. However, very few clinical trials were conducted in this regard. Thus, the aim of this research will be to evaluate the effect of supplementation with total anthocyanin-base standardized cornelian cherry fruit extract on liver function (Serum levels of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cytokeratin-18 fragment M30 (CK-18 M30), as well as steatosis and fibrosis of liver), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), malondealdehyde (MDA), and adiponectin in patients with NAFLD.

Methods

In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 80 NAFLD patients will be studied. The patients will be randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group will receive the cornelian cherry extract, containing 320 mg.d^− 1 anthocyanins, per day for 12 weeks. The control group will also take the placebo daily for 12 weeks. Liver function (Serum levels of AST, ALT and CK-18 M30; steatosis and fibrosis of liver), serum levels of TNF-α, MDA, and adiponectin will be measured at the baseline and the end of trial for both groups and their results will be compared.

Discussion

Considering evidences about the useful impacts of anthocyanins on NAFLD, the effects of supplementation with cornelian cherry extract will be investigated on the important variables related to NAFLD.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180419039359N1).

Acid Inhibition on Polyphenol Oxidase and Peroxidase in Processing of Anthocyanin-Rich Juice and Co-product Recovery from Purple-Fleshed Sweetpotatoes

With high phytochemical and starch contents, purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes (PFSP) have been processed into various functional ingredients and food products including juices and natural colorants. For juice processing, PFSP are usually subjected to heat treatment for inactivation of pigment-degrading enzymes. However, heating of sweetpotatoes gelatinizes starch and produces thick slurry with cooked flavor, which are the drawbacks. Development of alternative processes to overcome the stated problems will be beneficial to sweetpotato processors. This study demonstrated that acidified water (≥3% w/v citric acid) was effective in inhibiting polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase in raw PFSP resulting in an attractive reddish juice. About 93% total phenolics (TP) and 83% total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) in PFSP were extracted by two repeated extractions. The combined PFSP juice (3.2 L/kg PFSP) had high levels of TP (1,850 mg/L) and TMA (475 mg/L). With the developed process, 167 g dried starch, and 140 g dried high-fiber pomace were obtained for each kg raw PFSP, besides the highly pigmented juice. Pasteurization of the PFSP juice samples (pH 3.2) at 80 °C for 12 s resulted in 15% loss in TMA and had no effect on TP. The results indicated an efficient process to produce sweetpotato juice with high bioactive compounds and recovery of starch and high dietary fiber pomace as co-products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes (PFSP) are rich in polyphenolics and antioxidant activities. In PFSP juice extraction, heat treatment to inactivate the pigment-degrading enzymes results in starch gelatinization and cooked flavor. A nonthermal process using acidified water was developed for producing anthocyanin-rich juice from PFSP and concurrently recovering native starch and dried pomace, which would increase the economic feasibility of the developed process. The results demonstrate an efficient process for the sweetpotato industry in producing PFSP pigmented juice and co-products for various food applications.

Effect of domestic cooking methods on the anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of deeply purple-fleshed sweetpotato GZ9

Purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes (PFSPs) are considered to be a healthy food and there are many methods to process in family. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various domestic cooking on the anthocyanin variation and antioxidant activity of a newly bred purple-fleshed cultivar Guangzishu 9 (GZ9) with anthocyanin content up to 1,500 mg/100g dry weight. As a result, total 15 individual anthocyanins were separated and identified by using UPLC-QTOF-MS. Top three anthocyanins were cyanidin 3-dicaffeoyl sophoroside-5-glucoside, cyanidin 3-caffeoyl- p-coumaryl sophoroside-5-glucoside and peonidin 3-caffeoyl-p-hydroxybenzoyl sophoroside-5-glucoside, which accounting for 57.27% of the total anthocyanin content. Acylated anthocyanins were the major constituents in GZ9, and the type of anthocyanins was dominated by cyanidin. Boiling, steaming and mircrowaving had no significant effect on the total anthocyanin content. But baking, frying, air-frying and stir-frying reduced 11–45% of total anthocyanin content. Through ABTS⁺ radical scavenging capacity and reducing power, antioxidant variations were also observed during different family cooking, and the variation had a strong correlation with total anthocyanin content.

Influence of non-pathological factors on ALT measurements

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is still the most sensitive marker for evaluating the damage of liver cells. ALT measurements may be affected by common non-pathological factors such as gender, age, pregnancy, different physiological conditions, circadian rhythm, diet, drinking, smoking, strenuous exercise, metabolic factors, drugs, blood collection methods, and specimen collection, transmission, and preservation. It is important to emphasize the definition of limits of normal ALT and the influence of the above-mentioned non-pathological factors on its test results.

Isocaloric Dietary Changes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in High Cardiometabolic Risk Individuals

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) incorporates an extensive spectrum of histologic liver abnormalities, varying from simple triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and it is the most frequent chronic liver disease in the industrialized world. Beyond liver related complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, NAFLD is also an emerging risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Currently, lifestyle intervention including strategies to reduce body weight and to increase regular physical activity represents the mainstay of NAFLD management. Total caloric intake plays a very important role in both the development and the treatment of NAFLD; however, apart from the caloric restriction alone, modifying the quality of the diet and modulating either the macro- or micronutrient composition can also markedly affect the clinical evolution of NAFLD, offering a more realistic and feasible treatment alternative. The aim of the present review is to summarize currently available evidence from randomized controlled trials on the effects of different nutrients including carbohydrates, lipids, protein and other dietary components, in isocaloric conditions, on NAFLD in people at high cardiometabolic risk. We also describe the plausible mechanisms by which different dietary components could modulate liver fat content.

Prebiotics: A Novel Approach to Treat Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the fatal malignancies and is considered as the third leading cause of death. Mutations, genetic modifications, dietary aflatoxins, or impairments in the regulation of oncogenic pathways may bring about liver cancer. An effective barrier against hepatotoxins is offered by gut-liver axis as a change in gut permeability and expanded translocation of lipopolysaccharides triggers the activation of Toll-like receptors which stimulate the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. Prebiotics, nondigestible oligosaccharides, have a pivotal role to play when it comes to inducing an antitumor effect. A healthy gut flora balance is imperative to downregulation of inflammatory cytokines and reducing lipopolysaccharides induced endotoxemia, thus inducing the antitumor effect.

Functional components in sweetpotato and their genetic improvement

In addition to the nutritionally important components such as starches, vitamins and minerals, storage roots and leaves of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) contains several components with health-promoting functions. Of these, the functionalities of carotenoids, anthocyanins and caffeoylquinic acids have been well established by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Several sweetpotato cultivars containing high levels of these components have been developed in Japan; e.g., 'Ayamurasaki', which has high amounts of anthocyanin in its storage roots. To further improve the content and also to change the composition of these functional components, the identification of the genes involved in their biosynthesis and genetic modification of the biosynthetic pathway has been attempted. In this review, we summarize the present status of the research and breeding for these functional components, and we discuss the future prospects for improving sweetpotato functionality.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of anthocyanin-rich purple sweet potato beverage on serum hepatic biomarker levels in healthy Caucasians with borderline hepatitis

The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of anthocyanin-rich purple-fleshed sweet potato (PSP) beverage on the serum levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in healthy Caucasians with borderline hepatitis. Forty healthy Caucasians (41-69 years) consumed three bottles of the PSP beverage (177 mg anthocyanins per 125-ml bottle) or placebo (1.3 mg) per day for 8 weeks. Thirty-nine subjects completed the study and two subjects were excluded from statistical analysis. GGT levels in the PSP group on days 15 and 43 were lower (P=0.077 and 0.038, respectively), AST levels in the PSP group on days 29 and 43 were lower (P=0.010 and 0.045, respectively) and ALT level in the PSP group on day 43 was lower (P=0.037) than in the placebo group. The PSP beverage did not induce clinically relevant changes in other blood and clinical chemistry parameters.

Effect of consuming a purple-fleshed sweet potato beverage on health-related biomarkers and safety parameters in Caucasian subjects with elevated levels of blood pressure and liver function biomarkers: a 4-week, open-label, non-comparative trial

An open-label study with one treatment arm was conducted to investigate changes in health-related biomarkers (blood pressure and liver enzyme activity) and the safety of 4 weeks of consuming a purple-fleshed sweet potato beverage in Caucasian subjects. Twenty healthy adults, 18-70 years of age, with a body mass index >25 kg/m(2), elevated blood pressure and elevated levels of liver function biomarkers consumed two cartons of purple-fleshed sweet potato beverage (125 ml, including 117 mg anthocyanin per carton) daily for 4 weeks. Hematology, serum clinical profile, dipstick urinalysis and blood pressure were determined before consumption, at 2 and 4 weeks of consumption and after a 2-week washout period. A trend was found toward lowering systolic blood pressure during the treatment period (p=0.0590). No significant changes were found in diastolic blood pressure throughout the study period. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower after 4 weeks of consumption compared with before consumption (p=0.0125) and was significantly higher after the 2-week washout period compared with after consumption (p=0.0496). The serum alanine aminotransferase level significantly increased over time, but aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase levels stayed within the normal range of reference values. Safety parameters of the blood and urine showed no clinically relevant changes. The consumption of a purple-fleshed sweet potato beverage for 4 weeks resulted in no clinically relevant changes in safety parameters of the blood and urine and showed a trend toward lowering systolic blood pressure.

The role of nutraceuticals for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common chronic liver disease. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of hepatic changes, which may progress to liver fibrosis and to cirrhosis. NAFLD is considered as the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome but mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of NAFLD are still under investigation. The traditional 'two hit hypothesis' has been developed within a more complex 'multiple parallel hit hypothesis' which comprises a wide spectrum of parallel hits. Many therapeutic approaches have been proposed so far and several types of nutraceuticals have been suggested for the treatment of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the most promising of which are those with antioxidant effects. In particular, vitamin E appears to be effective for the treatment of nondiabetic subjects with more advanced NASH, although the high suggested daily dosages are a matter of concern. Moreover, polyphenols reduce liver fat accumulation, mainly by inhibiting lipogenesis. At present, there are insufficient data to support the use of vitamin C supplements in patients with NAFLD. Data on polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation are heterogeneous, and no well-designed randomized controlled studies (RCTs) of adequate size, with histological assessment of steatosis, have been conducted. Based on the available data, silymarin supplementation for the treatment of NAFLD seems to have a favourable effect. The results with anti-inflammatory agents, such as vitamin D and carnitine are uncertain. In conclusion, there are insufficient data either to support or refute the use of nutraceuticals for subjects with NAFLD. Further RTCs, with histological changes as an outcome measure, are needed.

Natural antioxidants for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: molecular targets and clinical perspectives

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is emerging as a main health problem in industrialized countries. Lifestyle modifications are effective in the treatment of NAFLD; however, the long-term compliance is low. Therefore, several pharmacological treatments have been proposed but none has shown significant efficacy or long-term safety. Natural polyphenols are a heterogeneous class of polyphenolic compounds contained in vegetables, which are being proposed for the treatment of different metabolic disorders. Although the beneficial effect of these compounds has traditionally related to their antioxidant properties, they also exert several beneficial effects on hepatic and extra-hepatic glucose and lipid homeostasis. Furthermore, natural polyphenols exert antifibrogenic and antitumoural effects in animal models, which appear relevant from a clinical point of view because of the association of NASH with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several polyphenols, such anthocyanins, curcumin and resveratrol and those present in coffee, tea, soy are available in the diet and their consumption can be proposed as part of a healthy diet for the treatment of NAFLD. Other phenolic compounds, such as silymarin, are commonly consumed worldwide as nutraceuticals or food supplements. Natural antioxidants are reported to have beneficial effects in preclinical models of NAFLD and in pilot clinical trials, and thus need clinical evaluation. In this review, we summarize the existing evidence regarding the potential role of natural antioxidants in the treatment of NAFLD and examine possible future clinical applications.

Shinzami Korean purple-fleshed sweet potato extract prevents ischaemia-reperfusion-induced liver damage in rats

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of an extract from Shinzami, a variety of purple sweet potato, in rats injured by hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R).

RESULTS

Pretreatment with Shinzami extract decreased the aspirate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase serum levels in our hepatic I/R rat model. The glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity level were significantly higher in the rats pretreated with the Shinzami extract compared with the hepatic I/R rats, and the glutathione peroxidase activity level was higher in pretreated rats. The total anthocyanins extracted from Shinzami, however, only increased the superoxide dismutase activity level in the hepatic I/R rats. Rats pretreated with the Shinzami extract or anthocyanins demonstrated attenuated hepatic pathological changes, such as hepatic distortion, haemorrhage, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the hepatic I/R control rats.

CONCLUSION

Shinzami extract and anthocyanins have a hepatoprotective effect on the liver damage induced by hepatic I/R by improving antioxidant status. Furthermore, the Shinzami extract may have a more potent effect on the antioxidant status compared with the Shinzami anthocyanins alone.

Relevant Aspects of Nutritional and Dietary Interventions in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main cause of liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is linked to circumstances such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Since the obesity figures and related comorbidities are increasing, NAFLD has turned into a liver problem that has become progressively more common. Currently, there is no effective drug therapy for NAFLD; therefore, interventions in lifestyles remain the first line of treatment. Bearing in mind that adherence rates to this type of treatment are poor, great efforts are currently focused on finding novel therapeutic agents for the prevention in the development of hepatic steatosis and its progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. This review presents a compilation of the scientific evidence found in the last years showing the results of interventions in lifestyle, diet, and behavioral therapies and research results in human, animal and cell models. Possible therapeutic agents ranging from supplementation with vitamins, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols to interventions with medicinal plants are analyzed.

The influences of purple sweet potato anthocyanin on the growth characteristics of human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Background

Anthocyanins have been proven to be beneficial to the eyes. However, information is scarce about the effects of purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas, L.) anthocyanin (PSPA), a class of anthocyanins derived from purple sweet potato roots, on visual health.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether PSPA could have influences on the growth characteristics (cellular morphology, survival, and proliferation) of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which perform essential functions for the visual process.

Methods

The RPE cell line D407 was used in the present study. The cytotoxicity of PSPA was assessed by MTT assay. Then, cellular morphology, viability, cell cycle, Ki67expression, and PI3K/MAPK activation of RPE cells treated with PSPA were determined.

Results

PSPA exhibited dose-dependent promotion of RPE cell proliferation at concentrations ranging from 10 to 1,000 µg/ml. RPE cells treated with PSPA demonstrated a predominantly polygonal morphology in a mosaic arrangement, and colony-like cells displayed numerous short apical microvilli and typical ultrastructure. PSPA treatment also resulted in a better platform growing status, statistically higher viability, an increase in the S-phase, and more Ki67+ cells. However, neither pAkt nor pERK were detected in either group.

Conclusions

We found that PSPA maintained high cell viability, boosted DNA synthesis, and preserved a high percentage of continuously cycling cells to promote cell survival and division without changing cell morphology. This paper lays the foundation for further research about the damage-protective activities of PSPA on RPE cells or human vision.

A CONSORT-compliant, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of purified anthocyanin in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. Anthocyanin, a member of the flavonoid family, has been shown to ameliorate NAFLD-associated pathologies in rodents.The aim of this CONSORT-compliant pilot study is to evaluate the effects of anthocyanin supplementation on insulin resistance and liver injury biomarkers in patients with NAFLD.A total of 74 subjects with NAFLD were divided into 2 groups in this double-blind, randomized study. Patients received either purified anthocyanin (320 mg/d) derived from bilberry and black currant or placebo for 12 weeks. Diet, physical activity, anthropometric parameters, glucose tolerance, and a set of biomarkers related to NAFLD were evaluated before and after intervention.No significant differences were observed in nutrient intake, physical activity, anthropometric parameters, or plasma lipid profile between patients receiving anthocyanin or placebo. Compared to controls, the anthocyanin group exhibited significant decreases (P < 0.05, all comparisons) in plasma alanine aminotransferase (-19.1% vs 3.1%), cytokeratin-18 M30 fragment (-8.8% vs 5.6%) and myeloperoxidase (-75.0% vs -44.8%). Significant decreases from baseline in fasting blood glucose and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance were observed in the anthocyanin group; however, these differences were not significant relative to placebo controls. In addition, the oral glucose tolerance test indicated that anthocyanin supplementation significantly decreased the 2-hour loading glucose level compared to control (-18.7% vs -3.8%, P = 0.02).A 12-week supplement of purified anthocyanin improved insulin resistance, indicators of liver injury, and clinical evolution in NAFLD patients. Further studies are warranted to determine the clinical applications of anthocyanin in NAFLD.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01940263.

Recent advances in dietary supplementation, in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently known as the most common liver problem, characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, which may progress to other liver diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatic tissue fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and failure or hepatocellular carcinoma. Since NAFLD is positively associated with the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and ultimately type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is often regarded as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. No pharmacologic treatment has yet been proven for this disease. For most patients with presumed or confirmed NAFLD, the only proven strategy is to offer lifestyle advice that can lead to sustained weight loss. Since insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and necro-apoptosis are involved in NAFLD pathogenesis, it seems that every potential therapeutic agent should target one or some of these pathologic events. There are many well known anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, and insulin sensitizer dietary supplements which have shown beneficial effects on NAFLD improvement in animal and human studies. The purpose of this review is to explore the existing evidences on dietary supplements considered to have hepatoprotective properties, and to present some proposed mechanisms by which they may protect against NAFLD.

Genetic dissection of black grain rice by the development of a near isogenic line

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) can produce black grains as well as white. In black rice, the pericarp of the grain accumulates anthocyanin, which has antioxidant activity and is beneficial to human health. We developed a black rice introgression line in the genetic background of Oryza sativa L. 'Koshihikari', which is a leading variety in Japan. We used Oryza sativa L. 'Hong Xie Nuo' as the donor parent and backcrossed with 'Koshihikari' four times, resulting in a near isogenic line (NIL) for black grains. A whole genome survey of the introgression line using DNA markers suggested that three regions, on chromosomes 1, 3 and 4 are associated with black pigmentation. The locus on chromosome 3 has not been identified previously. A mapping analysis with 546 F2 plants derived from a cross between the black rice NIL and 'Koshihikari' was evaluated. The results indicated that all three loci are essential for black pigmentation. We named these loci Kala1, Kala3 and Kala4. The black rice NIL was evaluated for eating quality and general agronomic traits. The eating quality was greatly superior to that of 'Okunomurasaki', an existing black rice variety. The isogenicity of the black rice NIL to 'Koshihikari' was very high.

Consumption of purple sweet potato affects post-translational modification of plasma proteins in hamsters

A high level of intake of vegetables is strongly associated with the prevention of chronic diseases. Because post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been shown to be the important biomarkers of the change in physiological functions, this study aimed to explore the changes in PTMs of plasma proteins when purple sweet potato (PSP), a root vegetable, was incorporated into the daily diet. Male Syrian hamsters were maintained on a rice diet (50% rice) or PSP diet (25% rice and 25% PSP) for 12 weeks. Plasma proteins were fractionated by electrophoresis, digested by trypsin, and then separated by nano-liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. The TurboSequest algorithm was used to identify peptide sequence against the hamster database in Universal Proteins Resource Knowledgebase, and in-house PTM finder programs were used for identification and quantification of PTMs. The results indicated that 95 plasma proteins were identified and 28 PTM sites on 26 of these 95 proteins were affected by consumption of PSP (p < 0.05). Methylation accounted for the largest percentage of affected modifications (35.71%). This study also showed that incorporation of purple sweet potato into the diet significantly lowered blood and liver lipids (p < 0.05). The results of this study provide a basis for prospective studies evaluating the effects of dietary intervention on modifications of proteins.

Dietary anthocyanins as nutritional therapy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), defined by excessive lipid accumulation in the liver, is the hepatic manifestation of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Due to the epidemics of obesity, NAFLD is rapidly becoming the leading cause of altered liver enzymes in Western countries. NAFLD encompasses a wide spectrum of liver disease ranging from simple uncomplicated steatosis, to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Diet may affect the development of NAFLD either by increasing risk or by providing protective factors. Therefore, it is important to investigate the role of foods and/or food bioactives on the metabolic processes involved in steatohepatitis for preventive strategies. It has been reported that anthocyanins (ACNs) decrease hepatic lipid accumulation and may counteract oxidative stress and hepatic inflammation, but their impact on NAFLD has yet to be fully determined. ACNs are water-soluble bioactive compounds of the polyphenol class present in many vegetable products. Here, we summarize the evidence evaluating the mechanisms of action of ACNs on hepatic lipid metabolism in different experimental setting: in vitro, in vivo, and in human trials. Finally, a working model depicting the possible mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of ACNs in NAFLD is proposed, based on the available literature.

Anti-obesity and antioxidative effects of purple sweet potato extract in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro

The purpose of the current study was to determine the anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects of an extract of purple sweet potatoes (PSPs) on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. For this purpose, differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with a PSP extract at concentrations of 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 μg/mL for 24 hours. Then, we measured the changes in the sizes of the adipocytes, the secretion of leptin, and the mRNA/protein expression of lipogenic, inflammatory, and lipolytic factors after the treatment with the PSP extract. The PSP extract diminished leptin secretion, indicating that growth of fat droplets was suppressed. The extract also suppressed the expression of mRNAs of lipogenic and inflammatory factors and promoted lipolytic action. The antioxidative activity of the PSP extract was also measured using three different in vitro methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing ability potential assay, and chelating activity of transition metal ions. Taken together, our study shows that PSP extract has antilipogenic, anti-inflammatory, and lipolytic effects on adipocytes and has radical scavenging and reducing activity.