Lutein derived fragments exhibit higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than lutein in lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation in rats

The Associations between Healthy Eating Patterns and Risk of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Although several epidemiological studies have identified an inverse association between healthy dietary patterns and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), little is known about the contribution of the food component to MASLD risk and the association between dietary patterns and severity of MASLD. This study aimed to investigate the association between healthy eating patterns and MASLD risk and severity of MASLD.

METHODS

A case-control study including 228 patients diagnosed with MASLD and 228 controls was conducted. The modified Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and Alternative Mediterranean Diet (AMED) score were evaluated based on information collected via a validated food-frequency questionnaire. MASLD was confirmed if participants presented with ultrasound-diagnosed fatty liver diseases along with at least one of five cardiometabolic risk factors and no other discernible cause. The logistic regression models were applied to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of MASLD for dietary scores.

RESULTS

Compared with participants in the lowest tertile, those in the highest tertile of AHEI had a 60% reduced risk of MASLD (OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.25-0.66). Similar associations were also observed for DASH and AMED, with ORs comparing extreme tertiles of 0.38 (95% CI: 0.22-0.66) and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.28-0.73), respectively. Further Stratified analysis revealed that the inverse associations between AHEI and DASH with MASLD risks were stronger among women than men, and the inverse associations between AMED and MASLD risks were more pronounced among participants with normal weight (OR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.09-0.49). For components within the dietary score, every one-point increase in vegetable score and whole grain score within the AHEI was associated with an 11% (95% CI: 5-16%) and a 6% (95% CI: 0-12%) lower MASLD risk, respectively. Similar inverse associations with those scores were observed for the DASH and AMED.

CONCLUSION

Greater adherence to healthy eating patterns was associated with reduced risk of MASLD, with vegetables and whole grains predominately contributing to these associations. These findings suggested that healthy eating patterns should be recommended for the prevention of MASLD.

Role of diet quality in bone health in children and adolescents: a systematic review

CONTEXT

Poor diet quality and unhealthy dietary patterns have been linked to poor bone health, yet few studies have investigated the role of diet quality in bone health in pediatric populations.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to assess the available evidence on the association between diet quality and bone health markers in children and adolescents.

DATA SOURCES

The PubMed, Scopus, and Virtual Health Library databases were searched electronically from October to November 2022, without any restrictions on date or language. The STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies.

DATA EXTRACTION

Published observational studies in children and adolescents (ages 2 to 19 years) that investigated the association between diet quality and bone health were eligible for inclusion. Two researchers independently analyzed and selected all articles using the Rayyan app. Initially, 965 papers were identified. A total of 12 observational studies qualified, including 8 cross-sectional and 4 longitudinal studies. The sample comprised 7130 individuals aged 3 to 17.9 years, representing both sexes. Bone health was evaluated by measures of bone mineral density and bone mineral content.

DATA ANALYSIS

Seven studies (58.3%) showed significant associations between diet quality and bone health markers, all of which evaluated diet quality by identifying dietary patterns. Diet quality as evaluated by all dietary indexes was not associated with bone health markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to a healthy diet may benefit bone health in children and adolescents. These findings emphasize the importance of developing effective public health policies that encourage healthy eating habits from childhood to preserve bone health. Longitudinal research using a specific tool to assess diet quality in relation to bone health is warranted. Future studies should also measure bone-regulating hormones and markers of bone turnover.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022368610.

Carotenoid metabolites, their tissue and blood concentrations in humans and further bioactivity via retinoid receptor-mediated signalling

Many epidemiological studies have emphasised the relation between carotenoid dietary intake and their circulating concentrations and beneficial health effects, such as lower risk of cardiometabolic diseases and cancer. However, there is dispute as to whether the attributed health benefits are due to native carotenoids or whether they are instead induced by their metabolites. Several categories of metabolites have been reported, most notably involving (a) modifications at the cyclohexenyl ring or the polyene chain, such as epoxides and geometric isomers, (b) excentric cleavage metabolites with alcohol-, aldehyde- or carboxylic acid-functional groups or (c) centric cleaved metabolites with additional hydroxyl, aldehyde or carboxyl functionalities, not counting their potential phase-II glucuronidated / sulphated derivatives. Of special interest are the apo-carotenoids, which originate in the intestine and other tissues from carotenoid cleavage by β-carotene oxygenases 1/2 in a symmetrical / non-symmetrical fashion. These are more water soluble and more electrophilic and, therefore, putative candidates for interactions with transcription factors such as NF-kB and Nrf2, as well as ligands for RAR-RXR nuclear receptor interactions. In this review, we discuss in vivo detected apo-carotenoids, their reported tissue concentrations, and potential associated health effects, focusing exclusively on the human situation and based on quantified / semi-quantified carotenoid metabolites proven to be present in humans.

Lutein Encapsulated in PLGA–Phospholipid Nano-Carrier Effectively Mitigates Cytokines by Inhibiting Tumor Necrosis Factor TNF-α and Nuclear Factor NF-κB in Mice Retina

Lutein, a photo- and thermo-labile macular pigment, prevents the retina from suffering ocular inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, its biological activity is poor due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, we developed a PLGA NCs (+PL), (poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanocarrier with phospholipid) to improve the biological availability and bioefficacy of lutein in the retina of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lutein-devoid (LD) mice. The effect of lutein-loaded NCs with/without PL was studied in comparison with micellar lutein. The induction of inflammation by LPS significantly increased the production of nitrites in the LPS-induced group, revealing higher levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the serum (760%) and retina (891%) compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the serum (93%) and retina (205%) of the LPS-induced group were higher compared to the control group. LPS induction resulted in increased protein carbonyls in the serum (481%) and retina (487%) of the LPS group compared to the control group. Further, to conclude, lutein-PLGA NCs (+PL) effectively down-regulated inflammatory complications in the retina.

The Relationship between Dietary Pattern and Bone Mass in School-Age Children

Early bone accrual significantly influences adult bone health and osteoporosis incidence. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns (DPs), bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in school-age children in China. Children aged six-nine years (n = 465) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. DPs were identified by principal component factor analysis. Total body (TB) and total body less head (TBLH) BMC and BMD were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Five DPs were identified. After adjustment for covariates, multiple linear regression analysis showed that the "fruit-milk-eggs" dietary pattern was positively associated with TB (β = 10.480; 95% CI: 2.190, 18.770) and TBLH (β = 5.577; 95% CI: 0.214, 10.941) BMC, the "animal organs-refined cereals" pattern was associated with low TB BMC (β = -10.305; 95% CI: -18.433, -2.176), TBLH BMC (β = -6.346; 95% CI: -11.596, -1.096), TB BMD (β = -0.006; 95% CI: -0.011, -0.001) and TBLH BMD (β = -0.004; 95% CI: -0.007, -0.001). In conclusion, our study recommends home or school meals should be rich in fruit, milk, eggs with a moderate amount of vegetables, coarse grains and meat to promote bone development for school-age children.

Antiobesity drug-likeness properties and pancreatic lipase inhibition of a novel low molecular weight lutein oxidized product, LOP6

Elevated expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), a key regulator of adipogenesis, leads to lipid accumulation and obesity. Although orlistat is effective for obesity, flatus with discharge, faecal urgency, oily evacuation and other allied side effects limit its usage. Thus, natural product-based drug intervention is the future of research and development of novel treatment. We synthesized and characterized total lutein oxidized products (LOPs) by exposing lutein to direct sunlight with a solar intensity of 5.89 kW h m^-2 day^-1 and at 31 ± 2 °C for 1-10 days. Total LOPs were analyzed on C₁₈ and structural elucidation was carried on LCMS/MS-TOF. The pancreatic lipase inhibition kinetics was estimated. The binding effects of LOP6 (fragmented peak 6) on PPAR-γ, pancreatic lipase, pharmacokinetic properties and inhibition studies were analysed. Histological evaluation of liver and adipose tissues was performed to confirm the antiobesity effect of total LOPs. The yield of extracted lutein purified from shade-dried marigold flower petals was 6%. Total LOPs were formed on the 10th day upon exposure of lutein to direct sunlight. Total LOPs on the C₁₈ column fragmented into eight oxidized products (LOP1 to LOP8). The total LOPs showed significant inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity with an IC₅₀ of 1.6953 μg ml^-1, and K_m and V_max of 3.05 μg and 1.19 μg s^-1 respectively following mixed type of inhibition. The LOP6 [4-((1E,3E,5E)-3,7-dimethylocta-1,3,5,7-tetraen-1-yl)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-3-enol] with an approximate molecular mass of 274.25 showed a binding energy of -5.40 kcal mol^-1 with a K_i of 109.43 μM for PPAR-γ and a docking score of -5.35 kcal mol^-1 with a K_i of 119.4 μM for pancreatic lipase. The IC₅₀ of LOP6 was 11.8420 μg ml^-1, and K_m and V_max were 2.519 μg and 1.294 μg s^-1. The pharmacokinetic properties such as solubility, permeability, bioavailability, and topological polar surface area when tested with LOP6 were significantly better than those of lutein alone. The histological examination of the liver and adipose tissue revealed that all three doses of total LOPs were effective in alleviating the ballooning and vesicular degeneration of hepatocytes and invasion of inflammatory cells in the adipose tissue. Total LOPs and LOP6 inhibited pancreatic lipase activity in vitro. LOP6 showed a better docking score for PPAR-γ and pancreatic lipase in comparison to orlistat. Histological data showed that the total LOPs exerted antiobesity activity. Thus, LOPs might provide a novel treatment approach for obesity.

Physiological Effects of Green-Colored Food-Derived Bioactive Compounds on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide. Epidemiological studies strongly highlight various benefits of consuming colorful fruits and vegetables in everyday life. In this review, we aimed to revisit previous studies conducted in the last few decades regarding green-colored foods and their bioactive compounds in consideration of treating and/or preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This review draws a comprehensive summary and assessment of research on the physiological effects of various bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols, derived from green-colored fruits and vegetables. In particular, their health-beneficial effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardioprotective, and lipid-lowering properties, will be discussed. Furthermore, the bioavailability and significance of action of these bioactive compounds on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases will be discussed in detail.

Egg consumption and health effects: A narrative review

This study was planned and conducted to investigate the effects of egg consumption on metabolic syndrome components and potential mechanisms of action on humans. Egg, an important source of animal protein, is defined as a functional food containing various bioactive compounds that can affect the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. As a matter of fact, the egg can show immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, or antihypertensive effects with its bioactive components. It is claimed that egg consumption may protect individuals against metabolic syndrome by increasing HDL-C levels and reducing inflammation. The increase in egg consumption creates the perception that it may lead to cardiovascular diseases due to its cholesterol content. However, there is insufficient evidence as to whether dietary cholesterol-lowers LDL-C. The possible potential mechanisms of egg impact on human health, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central, www.ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and selected websites including) and databases were examined in this regard. With a view to delving into the rather mysterious relationship between egg cholesterol and blood cholesterol, it is necessary to understand the absorption of cholesterol from the egg and to know the functioning of the intestinal microbiota. Studies conducted to date have generally yielded inconsistent results regarding egg consumption and risks of CVD, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Protective Effects of a Lutein Ester Prodrug, Lutein Diglutaric Acid, against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Oxidative stress-induced cell damage and death of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), a polarized monolayer that maintains retinal health and homeostasis, lead to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Several studies show that the naturally occurring antioxidant Lutein (Lut) can protect RPE cells from oxidative stress. However, the poor solubility and low oral bioavailability limit the potential of Lut as a therapeutic agent. In this study, lutein diglutaric acid (Lut-DG), a prodrug of Lut, was synthesized and its ability to protect human ARPE-19 cells from oxidative stress was tested compared to Lut. Both Lut and Lut-DG significantly decreased H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and protected RPE cells from oxidative stress-induced death. Moreover, the immunoblotting analysis indicated that both drugs exerted their protective effects by modulating phosphorylated MAPKs (p38, ERK1/2 and SAPK/JNK) and downstream molecules Bax, Bcl-2 and Cytochrome c. In addition, the enzymatic antioxidants glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) and non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH) were enhanced in cells treated with Lut and Lut-DG. In all cases, Lut-DG was more effective than its parent drug against oxidative stress-induced damage to RPE cells. These findings highlight Lut-DG as a more potent compound than Lut with the protective effects against oxidative stress in RPE cells through the modulation of key MAPKs, apoptotic and antioxidant molecular pathways.

Identification of Paracentrone in Fucoxanthin-Fed Mice and Anti-Inflammatory Effect against Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages and Adipocytes

SCOPE

Fucoxanthin is converted to fucoxanthinol and amarouciaxanthin A in the mouse body. However, further metabolism such as cleavage products (i.e., apocarotenoids) remains unclear. The fucoxanthin-derived apocarotenoid in vivo is investigated and the anti-inflammatory effect of apocarotenoids with fucoxanthin partial structure such as allenic bond and epoxide residue against activated macrophages and adipocytes in vitro is evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

LC-MS analysis indicates the presence of paracentrone, a C₃₁ -allenic-apocarotenoid, in white adipose tissue of diabetic/obese KK-A^y and normal C57BL/6J mice fed 0.2% fucoxanthin diet for 1 week. In lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 macrophages, paracentrone as well as C₂₆ - and C₂₈ -allenic-apocarotenoids suppresses the overexpression of inflammatory factors. Further, apo-10'-fucoxanthinal, a fucoxanthin-derived apocarotenoid which retained epoxide residue, exhibits a most potent anti-inflammatory activity through regulating mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor-κB inflammatory signal pathways. In contrast, β-apo-8'-carotenal without allenic bond and epoxide residue lacks suppressed inflammation. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, paracentrone, and apo-10'-fucoxanthinal downregulate the mRNA expression of proinflammatory mediators and chemokines induced by co-culture with RAW264.7 cells.

CONCLUSION

Dietary fucoxanthin accumulates as paracentrone as well as fucoxanthinol and amarouciaxanthin A in the mouse body. Allenic bond and epoxide residue of fucoxanthin-derived apocarotenoids have pivotal roles for anti-inflammatory action against activated macrophages and adipocytes.

The protective role of lutein on isoproterenol-induced cardiac failure rat model through improving cardiac morphology, antioxidant status via positively regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway

Context: Lutein (LU) is a major carotenoid with various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptosis. Objective: The cardioprotective efficacy of LU was determined by evaluating the biochemical and histopathological changes in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) rat model. Materials and methods: Healthy male albino rats (n = 40) were segregated into 4 equal groups. Group I (control) rats were administered with olive oil, Group II (LU) rats were orally pre-treated with only 40 mg of LU for 28 days, Group III (MI induced) rats were injected (subcutaneously; s.c) with 85 mg/kg of ISO for 2 consecutive days, whereas Group IV (LU + ISO) rats were pre-treated with 40 mg of LU for 28 days before ISO induction. Results: ISO-induced group showed increased infarct size and cardiac/inflammatory/apoptotic markers. However, pre-treatment with LU (28 days) considerably reduced (p < 0.01) the infarct size (14%), lipid peroxidation product (MDA;42%), cardiac markers [(lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin T (cTn T)], inflammatory markers [IL-1β, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit (NF-κB p65)] and apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and -9). Also, LU significantly improved (p < 0.01) the antioxidants [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] as well as markedly upregulated (p < 0.01) the protein expression of HO-1 and Nrf2. Moreover, LU considerably reversed all the histopathological changes and thus exhibits its cardioprotective activity. Conclusion: LU exhibits potent cardioprotective activity against ISO-induced cardiotoxicity and might be recommended with standard cardioprotective agents for treating various MI-related complications.

Development and Validation of Novel Dietary and Lifestyle Inflammation Scores

BACKGROUND

Chronically higher inflammation, which may partly result from diet and lifestyle, is implicated in risk for multiple chronic diseases. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) and empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP), developed to characterize dietary contributions to systemic inflammation, have several limitations. There are no scores to characterize contributions of lifestyle to inflammation.

OBJECTIVES

To reflect dietary/lifestyle contributions to inflammation, we developed novel, inflammation biomarker panel-weighted, dietary (DIS) and lifestyle (LIS) inflammation scores in a subset (n = 639) of the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study (REGARDS) cohort.

METHODS

We selected a priori 19 food groups and 4 lifestyle characteristics to comprise the DIS and LIS, respectively. We calculated the components' weights based on their strengths of association with an inflammation biomarker score [comprising high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10] using multivariable linear regression. The sums of the weighted components constitute the scores, such that higher scores reflect, on balance, more proinflammatory exposures. We calculated the DIS, LIS, DII, and EDIP with cross-sectional data from the remaining REGARDS cohort (  n = 14,210 with hsCRP measurements) and 2 other study populations with hsCRP and/or an 8-component inflammation biomarker panel, and investigated their associations with circulating inflammation biomarker concentrations using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In REGARDS, those in the highest relative to the lowest DIS, LIS, DII, and EDIP quintiles had statistically significant 1.66-, 4.29-, 1.56-, and 1.32-fold higher odds of a high hsCRP concentration (>3 mg/dL), respectively (all P-trend < 0.001). Those in the highest relative to the lowest joint DIS/LIS quintile had a statistically significant 7.26-fold higher odds of a high hsCRP concentration. Similar findings were noted in the other 2 validation populations.

CONCLUSION

Our results support that dietary and lifestyle exposures collectively contribute substantially to systemic inflammation, and support the use of our novel DIS and LIS.

Effect of lutein on methotrexate-induced oxidative lung damage in rats: a biochemical and histopathological assessment

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lutein on methotrexate (MTX)-induced pulmonary toxicity in rats biochemically and histopathologically.

METHODS

The rats in the MTX + lutein (MTXL, n = 6) group were given 1 mg/kg of lutein orally. A 0.9% NaCl solution was administered orally to the MTX (n = 6) group and the healthy group (HG, n = 6). One hour later, a single 20 mg/kg dose of MTX was injected intraperitoneally in the MTXL and MTX. Lutein or 0.9% NaCl solution was administered once a day for 5 days. At the end of this period, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total glutathione (tGSH), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured in the lung tissues from the animals euthanized with 50 mg/kg thiopental sodium anesthesia. Subsequently, histopathological examinations were performed.

RESULTS

The levels of MDA, MPO, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the lung tissue of the MTX were significantly higher than those of the MTXL and HG groups (p < 0.0001), and the amount of tGSH was lower. The histopathological findings in the MTX group, in which the oxidants and cytokines were higher, were more severe.

CONCLUSION

Lutein prevented the MTX-induced oxidative lung damage biochemically and histopathologically. This result indicates that lutein may be useful in the treatment of MTX-induced lung damage.

Mechanistic insights into the effect of lutein on atherosclerosis, vascular dysfunction, and related risk factors: A systematic review of in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro studies

Lutein is an essential carotenoid commonly consumed in the diet; however, its dietary intake does not usually reach the minimum recommended intake to decrease the incidence of chronic diseases. Experimental and epidemiological evidence suggests an anti-atherosclerotic effect for lutein-rich foods or lutein supplementation. This systematic review aimed to assess the mechanistic pathways of lutein in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Electronic databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, ProQuest, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched to May 2019. Original studies published in English-language journals that investigated the effects of lutein on atherosclerosis and related risk factors, including lipid profile, hemodynamic, glycemic and inflammatory measurements, and endothelial function indices, were considered. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study characteristics, methods and outcomes. The review protocol has been registered at PROSPERO database of Systematic Reviews (registration number: CRD42019121381). A total of 5818 articles were found in the first phase of the search; from these, 19 met the inclusion criteria: 3 in vitro, 1 ex vivo, 11 animal, and 4 human studies. Nine of ten studies showed positive effects of lutein on endothelial function by reducing blood pressure, arterial thickness, monocyte migration, and vascular smooth muscle cell migration. Twelve studies examined the anti-inflammatory properties of lutein and found a significant decrease in proinflammatory cytokines. Although few studies investigated the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of lutein, three animal studies and one clinical trial found a beneficial effect of lutein on lipid profile. Evidence supports positive effects of lutein on atherosclerosis development and some common risk factors of atherosclerosis, including inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Further studies focused on the effects of lutein on hyperglycemia, lipid profile, blood pressure and coagulation are required.

Enhanced phosphorylation of AMPK by lutein and oxidised lutein that lead to mitochondrial biogenesis in hyperglycemic HepG2 cells

The stimulation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a prime target to decrease the hyperglycemic condition, hence it is a lutein (L) and oxidised lutein (OXL) is a target molecule for the treatment of type II diabetes. In the current study, a plausible interaction of L and OXL with AMPK was investigated by molecular docking. In addition, the effect of L and OXL for the activation of AMPK that triggers the downstream regulator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), TFAM expression, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), mitochondrial biogenesis and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in high glucose treated HepG2 cells were investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Molecular docking reveals higher binding affinity of L (ΔG = -6.3 kcal/mol) and OXL (ΔG = -15.5 kcal/mol) with AMPK, compared with metformin (ΔG = -5.0 kcal/mol). The phosphorylation of AMPK increased by 1.3- and 1.5-fold with L and OXL treatment, respectively, in high glucose induced HepG2 cells. The activation of PGC-1α is significant (P < 0.05) in OXL group than L. Similarly, TFAM expression is increased with L and OXL compared with the high glucose group. Further increase in SOD2 and mtDNA, confirms the efficacy of L and OXL in restoring the mitochondrial biogenesis in high glucose induced cells through AMPK, PGC-1α, and TFAM.

Anti-Inflammation Effect of Small Molecule Oligopeptides Prepared from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer in Rats

The present study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of ginseng oligopeptides (GOPs). For the anti-inflammatory activity, dextran-induced paw edema and granuloma models were used in Sprague-Dawley rats (180–200 g, 12 weeks old, n = 10). Rats were treated orally with GOPs (0, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) for prophylaxis. In the granuloma model, the levels of NO, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin IL-β, and interleukin IL-10 in serum were evaluated. In addition, in the edema model, the level of TNF-α, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Leukotriene D4 (LTD4), and the platelet activating factor (RAF) in paw tissue were detected. PCR assessed the effect of GOPs on the expression of MAPK and NF-κB. The results showed that oral administration of GOPs inhibited inflammation caused by cotton pellet and dextran. GOPs significantly inhibited the edema formation via MAPK and NF-κB. These findings suggested that GOPs have a beneficial effect on acute and chronic inflammation, and the mechanism possibly mediated by inhibiting gene expression involved in inflammation and downregulating inflammatory mediators.

Green tea polyphenols prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory liver injury in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Inflammatory liver diseases present a significant public health problem.

Burn-Induced Multiple Organ Injury and Protective Effect of Lutein in Rats

Thermal injury may lead to multiple organ dysfunction through release of proinflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen radicals. This study investigated the effects of thermal injury on remote organs of rats and the possible protective effect of lutein. Thermal trauma was induced in the back of rats by exposing them to 90 °C bath for 10 s. Rats were sacrificed 48 h after burn, and blood samples were collected to monitor liver and kidney functions. Tissue samples from liver, kidneys, and lungs were taken for studying oxidative stress parameters, gene expressions of TNF-α and Casp-3, besides histopathological examination. Skin scald injury caused significant elevations of liver and kidney function biomarkers in the serum. In tissue samples, increments of MDA, GPx, and 8-OHdG were recorded while GSH level and the activities of CAT and SOD were suppressed. The expressions of TNF-α and caspase-3 mRNA were increased, and histopathological results revealed remote organ injury. Oral administration of lutein (250 mg/kg) resulted in amelioration of the biochemical and molecular changes induced by burn as well as the histopathological alterations. According to the findings of the present study, lutein possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects that protect against burn-induced damage in remote organs.

Comparative Analysis of Culture Conditions for the Optimization of Carotenoid Production in Several Strains of the Picoeukaryote Ostreococcus

Microalgae are promising sources for the sustainable production of compounds of interest for biotechnologies. Compared to higher plants, microalgae have a faster growth rate and can be grown in industrial photobioreactors. The microalgae biomass contains specific metabolites of high added value for biotechnology such as lipids, polysaccharides or carotenoid pigments. Studying carotenogenesis is important for deciphering the mechanisms of adaptation to stress tolerance as well as for biotechnological production. In recent years, the picoeukaryote Ostreococcustauri has emerged as a model organism thanks to the development of powerful genetic tools. Several strains of Ostreococcus isolated from different environments have been characterized with respect to light response or iron requirement. We have compared the carotenoid contents and growth rates of strains of Ostreococcus (OTTH595, RCC802 and RCC809) under a wide range of light, salinity and temperature conditions. Carotenoid profiles and productivities varied in a strain-specific and stress-dependent manner. Our results also illustrate that phylogenetically related microalgal strains originating from different ecological niches present specific interests for the production of specific molecules under controlled culture conditions.

Metabolic Effects of Inflammation on Vitamin A and Carotenoids in Humans and Animal Models

The association between inflammation and vitamin A (VA) metabolism and status assessment has been documented in multiple studies with animals and humans. The relation between inflammation and carotenoid status is less clear. Nonetheless, it is well known that carotenoids are associated with certain health benefits. Understanding these relations is key to improving health outcomes and mortality risk in infants and young children. Hyporetinolemia, i.e., low serum retinol concentrations, occurs during inflammation, and this can lead to the misdiagnosis of VA deficiency. On the other hand, inflammation causes impaired VA absorption and urinary losses that can precipitate VA deficiency in at-risk groups of children. Many epidemiologic studies have suggested that high dietary carotenoid intake and elevated plasma concentrations are correlated with a decreased risk of several chronic diseases; however, large-scale carotenoid supplementation trials have been unable to confirm the health benefits and in some cases resulted in controversial results. However, it has been documented that dietary carotenoids and retinoids play important roles in innate and acquired immunity and in the body's response to inflammation. Although animal models have been useful in investigating retinoid effects on developmental immunity, it is more challenging to tease out the effects of carotenoids because of differences in the absorption, kinetics, and metabolism between humans and animal models. The current understanding of the relations between inflammation and retinoid and carotenoid metabolism and status are the topics of this review.

Physicochemical properties and in vitro bioaccessibility of lutein loaded emulsions stabilized by corn fiber gums

Corn fiber gum is a promising natural emulsifier, which has potential to fabricate emulsions for delivering lutein.

Chemical cleavage of fucoxanthin from Undaria pinnatifida and formation of apo-fucoxanthinones and apo-fucoxanthinals identified using LC-DAD-APCI-MS/MS

As the most abundant carotenoid in nature, fucoxanthin is susceptible to oxidation under some conditions, forming cleavage products that possibly exhibit both positive and negative health effects in vitro and in vivo. Thus, to produce relatively high amounts of cleavage products, chemical oxidation of fucoxanthin was performed. Kinetic models for oxidation were probed and reaction products were identified. The results indicated that both potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and hypochlorous acid/hypochlorite (HClO/ClO(-)) treatment fitted a first-order kinetic model, while oxidation promoted by hydroxyl radical (OH) followed second-order kinetics. With the help of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, a total of 14 apo-fucoxanthins were detected as predominant cleavage products, with structural and geometric isomers identified among them. Three apo-fucoxanthinones and eleven apo-fucoxanthinals, of which five were cis-apo-fucoxanthinals, were detected upon oxidation by the three oxidizing agents (KMnO4, HClO/ClO(-), and OH).

Lutein attenuates oxidative stress markers and ameliorates glucose homeostasis through polyol pathway in heart and kidney of STZ-induced hyperglycemic rat model

PURPOSE

Lutein's role on chronic hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and associated glucose homeostasis in heart and kidney is limited. Purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of lutein on cardiac and renal polyol pathway enzymes and oxidative stress markers under hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress condition using streptozotocin (STZ)-injected rat model.

METHODS

STZ-induced hyperglycemic (fasting blood glucose ≥11 mM) male Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n = 11/group). Group 1 received micellar lutein (39 nmol/day/rat) and group 2 (negative control) received micelle without lutein for 8 weeks. A separate group (no STZ injected) served as a positive control (n = 11/group). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), biweekly urine glucose and activities of aldose reductase (AR) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) enzymes were assessed. Activities of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant level were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Lutein-administered hyperglycemic rats showed better glucose tolerance as evidenced with OGTT and biweekly urine glucose when compared to negative control. Activities of AR and SDH were decreased in heart and kidney of lutein-fed hyperglycemic rats. Also, they had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased malondialdehyde levels (66, 34, and 33 %) and increased reduced glutathione level (81, 18 and 92 %) in serum, heart and kidney, respectively. Altered antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione transferase were also affected in serum, heart and kidney of lutein-fed diabetic group.

CONCLUSION

Lutein prevented cardiac and renal injury in STZ-induced hyperglycemic rats due to potential amelioration of altered activities in polyol pathway and oxidative stress markers.

Lutein protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat skeletal muscle by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation

BACKGROUND

Lutein is an antioxidant compound with potential biological effects. The present study investigated the protective role of Lutein against I/R injury in skeletal muscle.

METHODS

Animals were divided into three groups. Group I - sham operated; Group II- IR injury- Hind limb ischemia was induced by clamping the common femoral artery and vein. After 4 h of ischemia, the clamp was removed and the animals underwent 2 h of reperfusion. Group III-Lutein + IR injury- Rats with Lutein treatment received intraperitoneal injection 1 h before reperfusion. The skeletal tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress parameters (reactive oxygen species, protein carbonylation and sulfhydryls, lipid peroxidation). Antioxidant status was determined by evaluating Nrf-2 levels and antioxidant enzyme activities. The inflammatory mechanism was determined through NF-κB and COX-2 expressions. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

The results showed that Lutein treatment significantly decreased the oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species, protein carbonylation and sulphydryls, lipid peroxidation. Further, the levels of Nrf-2 and antioxidant status was significantly declined during IR injury compared to sham operated rats. Lutein treatment reduced the oxidative stress by enhancing Nrf-2 levels and antioxidant status. Skeletal IR injury enhanced the inflammatory signaling by up regulating NF-κB, COX-2 and various pro-inflammatory cytokines. NF-κB, COX-2 expressions were down regulated by Lutein treatment.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that Lutein protects against skeletal IR injury by down regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms.

Bioactive Compounds Isolated from Microalgae in Chronic Inflammation and Cancer

The risk of onset of cancer is influenced by poorly controlled chronic inflammatory processes. Inflammatory diseases related to cancer development include inflammatory bowel disease, which can lead to colon cancer, or actinic keratosis, associated with chronic exposure to ultraviolet light, which can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Chronic inflammatory states expose these patients to a number of signals with tumorigenic effects, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) activation, pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins release and ROS production. In addition, the participation of inflammasomes, autophagy and sirtuins has been demonstrated in pathological processes such as inflammation and cancer. Chemoprevention consists in the use of drugs, vitamins, or nutritional supplements to reduce the risk of developing or having a recurrence of cancer. Numerous in vitro and animal studies have established the potential colon and skin cancer chemopreventive properties of substances from marine environment, including microalgae species and their products (carotenoids, fatty acids, glycolipids, polysaccharides and proteins). This review summarizes the main mechanisms of actions of these compounds in the chemoprevention of these cancers. These actions include suppression of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, stimulation of antimetastatic and antiangiogenic responses and increased antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Bioactive Egg Components and Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal acute response of the immune system to pathogens and tissue injury. However, chronic inflammation is known to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of numerous chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Thus, the impact of dietary factors on inflammation may provide key insight into mitigating chronic disease risk. Eggs are recognized as a functional food that contain a variety of bioactive compounds that can influence pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways. Interestingly, the effects of egg consumption on inflammation varies across different populations, including those that are classified as healthy, overweight, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetic. The following review will discuss the pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of egg components, with a focus on egg phospholipids, cholesterol, the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, and bioactive proteins. The effects of egg consumption of inflammation across human populations will additionally be presented. Together, these findings have implications for population-specific dietary recommendations and chronic disease risk.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Algae-Derived Lipid Extracts on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Stimulated Human THP-1 Macrophages

Algae contain a number of anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and chlorophyll a, hence as dietary ingredients, their extracts may be effective in chronic inflammation-linked metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. In this study, anti-inflammatory potential of lipid extracts from three red seaweeds (Porphyra dioica, Palmaria palmata and Chondrus crispus) and one microalga (Pavlova lutheri) were assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human THP-1 macrophages. Extracts contained 34%–42% total fatty acids as n-3 PUFA and 5%–7% crude extract as pigments, including chlorophyll a, β-carotene and fucoxanthin. Pretreatment of the THP-1 cells with lipid extract from P. palmata inhibited production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 (p < 0.05) and IL-8 (p < 0.05) while that of P. lutheri inhibited IL-6 (p < 0.01) production. Quantitative gene expression analysis of a panel of 92 genes linked to inflammatory signaling pathway revealed down-regulation of the expression of 14 pro-inflammatory genes (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR8, TRAF5, TRAF6, TNFSF18, IL6R, IL23, CCR1, CCR4, CCL17, STAT3, MAP3K1) by the lipid extracts. The lipid extracts effectively inhibited the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory signaling pathways mediated via toll-like receptors, chemokines and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling molecules. These results suggest that lipid extracts from P. lutheri, P. palmata, P. dioica and C. crispus can inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory pathways in human macrophages. Therefore, algal lipid extracts should be further explored as anti-inflammatory ingredients for chronic inflammation-linked metabolic diseases.