Association between smoking cessation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using NAFLD liver fat score

Background

Smoking is well known to be associated with a higher prevalence and incidence of liver diseases such as advanced fibrosis. However, the impact of smoking on developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease remains controversial, and clinical data on this is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between smoking history and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019-2020 were used for the analysis. NAFLD was diagnosed according to an NAFLD liver fat score of >-0.640. Smoking status was classified as into nonsmokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between smoking history and NAFLD in the South Korean population.

Results

In total, 9,603 participants were enrolled in this study. The odds ratio (OR) for having NAFLD in ex-smokers and current smokers in males was 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90-1.41) and 1.38 (95% CI: 1.08-1.76) compared to that in nonsmokers, respectively. The OR increased in magnitude with smoking status. Ex-smokers who ceased smoking for <10 years (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.00-1.77) were more likely to have a strong correlation with NAFLD. Furthermore, NAFLD had a dose-dependent positive effect on pack-years, which was 10 to 20 (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04-1.86) and over 20 (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.14-2.00).

Conclusion

This study found that smoking may contribute to NAFLD. Our study suggests cessation of smoking may help management of NAFLD.

Ocimum basilicum L. Methanol Extract Enhances Mitochondrial Efficiency and Decreases Adipokine Levels in Maturing Adipocytes Which Regulate Macrophage Systemic Inflammation

Excessive storage of lipids in visceral or ectopic sites stimulates adipokine production, which attracts macrophages. This process determines the pro- and anti-inflammatory response regulation in adipose tissue during obesity-associated systemic inflammation. The present study aimed to identify the composition of Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) seed extract and to determine its bio-efficacy on adipocyte thermogenesis or fatty acid oxidation and inhibition of lipid accumulation and adipokine secretion. Ocimum basilicum L. seed methanol extract (BSME) was utilized to analyze the cytotoxicity vs. control; lipid accumulation assay (oil red O and Nile red staining), adipogenesis and mitochondrial-thermogenesis-related gene expression vs. vehicle control were analyzed by PCR assay. In addition, vehicle control and BSME-treated adipocytes condition media were collected and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage to identify the macrophage polarization. The results shown that the active components present in BSME did not produce significant cytotoxicity in preadipocytes or macrophages in the MTT assay. Furthermore, oil red O and Nile red staining assay confirmed that 80 and 160 μg/dL concentrations of BSME effectively arrested lipid accumulation and inhibited adipocyte maturation, when compared with tea polyphenols. Gene expression level of adipocyte hyperplasia (CEBPα, PPARγ) and lipogenesis (LPL)-related genes have been significantly (p ≤ 0.05) downregulated, and mitochondrial-thermogenesis-associated genes (PPARγc1α, UCP-1, prdm16) have been significantly (p ≤ 0.001) upregulated. The BSME-treated, maturing, adipocyte-secreted proteins were detected with a decreased protein level of leptin, TNF-α, IL-6 and STAT-6, which are associated with insulin resistance and macrophage recruitment. The “LPS-stimulated macrophage” treated with “BSME-treated adipocytes condition media”, shown with significant (p ≤ 0.001) decrease in metabolic-inflammation-related proteins—such as PGE-2, MCP-1, TNF-α and NF-κB—were majorly associated with the development of foam cell formation and progression of atherosclerotic lesion. The present findings concluded that the availability of active principles in basil seed effectively inhibit adipocyte hypertrophy, macrophage polarization, and the inflammation associated with insulin resistance and thrombosis development. Ocimum basilicum L. seed may be useful as a dietary supplement to enhance fatty acid oxidation, which aids in overcoming metabolic complications.

Feprazone Displays Antiadipogenesis and Antiobesity Capacities in in Vitro 3 T3-L1 Cells and in Vivo Mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Excessive lipid accumulation in adipose tissues and deregulation of adipogenesis-induced obesity affect millions of people worldwide. Feprazone, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has a wide clinical use. However, it is unknown whether Feprazone possesses an antiadipogenic ability. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Feprazone possesses an antiadipogenic ability in 3 T3-L1 cells and an antiobesity capacity in mouse models.

METHODS

An MTT assay was used to determine the optimized incubation concentrations of Feprazone in 3 T3-L1 cells. The lipid accumulation was evaluated using Oil Red O staining. The concentrations of triglyceride and glycerol release were detected to check the lipolysis during 3 T3-L1 adipogenesis. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expressions of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1C (SREBP-1C) and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) in treated cells. The expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBP-α), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), and aquaporin-7 (AQP-7) were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. After the high-fat diet (HFD) mice were treated with Feprazone, the pathological state of adipocyte tissues was evaluated using HE staining. The adipocyte size, visceral adipocyte tissue weight, and bodyweights were recorded.

RESULTS

According to the proliferation result, 30 and 60 μM Feprazone were used as the optimized concentrations of Feprazone. In the in vitro study, lipid accumulation, elevated production of triglycerides, the release of glycerol, upregulated SREBP-1C, FABP4, PPAR-γ, and C/EBP-α and downregulated ATGL and AQP-7 in the 3 T3-L1 adipocytes induced by the adipocyte differentiation cocktail medium were significantly reversed by treatment with Feprazone. In the in vivo experiment, we found that the increased adipocyte size, visceral adipocyte tissue weight, and body weights induced by HFD feeding in mice were significantly suppressed by the administration of Feprazone.

CONCLUSION

Feprazone might display anti-adipogenic and antiobesity capacities in in vitro 3 T3-L1 cells and in vivo mice.

The Absence of Adiponectin Alters Niacin's Effects on Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Mice

Obesity is an immunometabolic disease associated with chronic inflammation and the dysregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. One hallmark of obesity is reduced concentrations of the anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin. Pharmacologic doses of niacin produce multiple metabolic benefits, including attenuating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced adipose tissue inflammation and increasing adiponectin concentrations. To determine if adiponectin mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of niacin, male C57BL/6J (WT) and adiponectin null (Adipoq^-/-) mice were maintained on a low-fat diet (LFD) or HFD for 6 weeks, before being administered either vehicle or niacin (360 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. HFD-fed mice had increased expression of genes associated with macrophage recruitment (Ccl2) and number (Cd68), and increased crown-like structure (CLS) number in adipose tissue. While niacin attenuated Ccl2 expression, there were no effects on Cd68 or CLS number. The absence of adiponectin did not hinder the ability of niacin to reduce Ccl2 expression. HFD feeding increased gene expression of inflammatory markers in the adipose tissue of WT and Adipoq^-/- mice. While niacin tended to decrease the expression of inflammatory markers in WT mice, niacin increased their expression in HFD-fed Adipoq^-/- mice. Therefore, our results indicate that the absence of adiponectin alters the effects of niacin on markers of adipose tissue inflammation in HFD-fed mice, suggesting that the effects of niacin on tissue cytokines may involve adiponectin.

In Vitro and In Vivo Study on Humans of Natural Compound Synergy as a Multifunctional Approach to Cellulite-Derived Skin Imperfections

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of a nutraceutical ingredient, SelectSIEVE® Rainbow, based on botanical extracts, in ameliorating cellulite-derived skin imperfections and microcirculation. The nutritional supplement contained a mixture of Oryza sativa (L.), Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Ananas comosus (L.) Merr, and Actinidia chinensis Planch; all ingredients were botanicals that can be used in food supplements. Results: In vitro studies showed the high capacity of the supplement to have an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic effect, accompanied by an interesting proteolytic activity. The randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, carried out on 60 women during an 8-week treatment period, confirmed the in vitro study results. SelectSIEVE® Rainbow showed a whole-body shaping activity, with a reduction of the waist, hip, and tight circumference of 0.8, 0.65 and 0.72 cm, respectively. It also showed a reduction of subcutaneous fat mass of 1.24 mm and body weight, with an average of 0.7 kg and positive peaks of −2.9 kg. Skin health and appearance were also improved: +5.4% skin elasticity, +5.5% skin tonicity and +5.7% skin draining. Finally, the dermatological evaluation of the cellulite score and microcirculation showed an improvement in 57% and 60% of the subjects enrolled in the studies. Conclusions: This first study provides interesting inputs on the effectiveness of the nutraceutical complex standardized in polyphenols, anthocyanins and proteolytic enzymes to counteract cellulite blemishes and improve local microcirculation. The positive response encourages deeper studies and further investigation.

PDO Rotonda’s Red Eggplant Extract: In vitro Determination of Biological Properties and Minerals Bioaccessibility

Background:

The Rotonda’s Red Eggplant belongs to the family of Solanum aethiopicum and it is cultivated in a specific area of Potenza (Basilicata, South of Italy) including villages of Rotonda, Viggianello, Castelluccio Superiore and Castelluccio Inferiore. The Red Eggplant cultivated in this area has gained the PDO, “Protected Designation of Origin”.

Objective:

The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of PDO Rotonda’s Red Eggplant extract as a possible nutraceutical supplement. The antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties were in vitro evaluated.

Methods:

The antioxidant activity was investigated by evaluating the scavenging properties against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals and by performing the Ammonium Molybdate and Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The hypoglycemic and antihypertensive activity was studied by evaluating the α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, respectively, inhibiting activity. In order to evaluate the hypolipidemic activity, the pancreatic lipase inhibiting property was determined and Oil Red O staining assay was performed. Finally, to evaluate the possible use of this extract as a minerals supplement, Selenium, Potassium and Chrome bioaccessibility was studied.

Results:

The obtained results underline the good antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive and hypolipidemic in vitro properties of the PDO Rotonda’s Red Eggplant extract. Moreover, the obtained data show a higher minerals bioaccessibility and this higher value could be ascribable to the natural phytocomplex of PDO Rotonda’s Red Eggplant, which increases the minerals bioaccessibility if compare it with a control sample.

Conclusion:

The obtained results show that PDO Rotonda’s Red Eggplant extract, might be used as a possible nutraceutical supplement, along with traditional therapies, both for its biological properties and for its minerals bioaccessibility value.

Anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity activities of purpurin in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells and in mice fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUND

The body responds to overnutrition by converting stem cells to adipocytes. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown polyphenols and other natural compounds to be anti-adipogenic, presumably due in part to their antioxidant properties. Purpurin is a highly antioxidative anthraquinone and previous studies on anthraquinones have reported numerous biological activities in cells and animals. Anthraquinones have also been used to stimulate osteoblast differentiation, an inversely-related process to that of adipocyte differentiation. We propose that due to its high antioxidative properties, purpurin administration might attenuate adipogenesis in cells and in mice.

METHODS

Our study will test the effect purpurin has on adipogenesis using both in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro model consists of tracking with various biomarkers, the differentiation of pre-adipocyte to adipocytes in cell culture. The compound will then be tested in mice fed a high-fat diet. Murine 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells were stimulated to differentiate in the presence or absence of purpurin. The following cellular parameters were measured: intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane potential of the mitochondria, ATP production, activation of AMPK (adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase), insulin-induced lipid accumulation, triglyceride accumulation, and expression of PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ) and C/EBPα (CCAAT enhancer binding protein α). In vivo, mice were fed high fat diets supplemented with various levels of purpurin. Data collected from the animals included anthropometric data, glucose tolerance test results, and postmortem plasma glucose, lipid levels, and organ examinations.

RESULTS

The administration of purpurin at 50 and 100 μM in 3T3-L1 cells, and at 40 and 80 mg/kg in mice proved to be a sensitive range: the lower concentrations affected several measured parameters, whereas at the higher doses purpurin consistently mitigated biomarkers associated with adipogenesis, and weight gain in mice. Purpurin appears to be an effective antiadipogenic compound.

CONCLUSION

The anthraquinone purpurin has potent in vitro anti-adipogenic effects in cells and in vivo anti-obesity effects in mice consuming a high-fat diet. Differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells was dose-dependently inhibited by purpurin, apparently by AMPK activation. Mice on a high-fat diet experienced a dose-dependent reduction in induced weight gain of up to 55%.

Acrylamide Content of Experimental Flatbreads Prepared from Potato, Quinoa, and Wheat Flours with Added Fruit and Vegetable Peels and Mushroom Powders

Flatbreads are a major food consumed worldwide. To mitigate an undesirable safety aspect of flatbreads that might be associated with the potentially-toxic compound acrylamide, we recently developed recipes using a variety of grains that resulted in the production of low-acrylamide flatbreads. To further enhance the functionality of flatbreads, we have developed, in this work, new experimental flatbreads using potato, quinoa, and wheat flours supplemented with peel powders prepared from commercial nonorganic and organic fruits and vegetables (apples, cherry tomatoes, melons, oranges, pepino melons, sweet potato yams), potato peels, and mushroom powders (Lion’s Mane, Hericium erinaceus; Reishi, Ganoderma lucidum; and Turkey Tail, Trametes versicolor). These additives have all been reported to contain beneficial compositional and health properties. The results of fortification of the baked flatbreads showed either no effect or increases in acrylamide content by unknown mechanisms. Since the additives did not increase the acrylamide content of the quinoa flour flatbreads for the most part, such supplemented quinoa flatbreads have the potential to serve as a nutritional, gluten-free, low-acrylamide, health-promoting functional food. Mushroom powder-fortified wheat flatbreads with relatively low acrylamide content may also have health benefits.

Mulberry Fruit Extract Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) through Inhibition of Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Rats

Mulberry is known to have pharmacological effects against cholesterol, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Many studies have revealed that mulberry leaf possesses hepatoprotective properties against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, mulberry fruit is less studied in this context. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of mulberry fruit against high fat diet- (HFD-) induced NAFLD. To evaluate the effects of mulberry fruit on NAFLD, two doses of mulberry fruit ethanol extracts [MB, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW (body weight)] were given to HFD-fed rats for 10 weeks. MB dramatically prevented liver damage as shown by biochemical analysis of the liver injury markers, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase. MB treatment significantly inhibited the increased levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol but restored the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in HFD-fed rats. Notably, histological analysis of liver tissues demonstrated that MB substantially ameliorated lipid accumulation. Expression of cholesterol-regulating genes was also suppressed by MB treatment. For its underlying mechanisms, MB suppressed hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and mitochondrial oxidative stress in HFD-fed rats. MB potentially protects liver tissue against NAFLD by inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative stress, suggesting its possible use as a therapeutic agent for treatment of NAFLD.

Dietary Supplementation of Potato Peel Powders Prepared from Conventional and Organic Russet and Non-organic Gold and Red Potatoes Reduces Weight Gain in Mice on a High-Fat Diet

The present study investigated the potential of potato peel powders, high in bioactive phenolic compounds and glycoalkaloids, to reduce weight gain in mice consuming a high-fat diet. Potato peel powders were prepared from the following fresh commercial potato varieties by hand-peeling and then freeze-drying and grinding the peels into powder: non-organic (conventionally grown) gold, red, and Russet and organically grown Russet. Mice diets (25% fat by weight) were supplemented with either 10 or 20% potato peel powders for 3 weeks. In comparison to the control diet, the isocaloric and isonitrogenous peel-containing diets induced a reduction in weight gain that ranged from 17-45% (10% peel diets) to 46-73% (20% peel diets), suggesting that differences in weight gain are associated with the potato peel source and peel concentration of the diet. Weight reductions were accompanied by reduced epididymal white adipose tissue ranging from 22 to 80% as well as changes in the microbiota analyzed using next-generation sequencing and in obesity-associated genetic biomarkers determined by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Safety aspects and possible mechanisms of the antiobesity effects are discussed in terms of the composition of the bioactive potato peel compounds, which were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results suggest that potato peels, a major peeling byproduct of potato processing used to prepare fries, chips, and potato flour, that showed exceptionally high antiobesity properties in fat mice, have the potential to serve as an antiobesity functional food.

Mechanism of Antibacterial Activities of a Rice Hull Smoke Extract (RHSE) Against Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Typhimurium In Vitro and in Mice

The present study tested antibacterial activity of a rice hull smoke extract (RHSE) against a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium and examined its mode of suppressive action in vitro and in mice. In vitro studies showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of RHSE was 1.29% (v/v). The inactivation was confirmed by complete loss of cell viability in the range of 10⁴ to 10⁷ colony forming units of the resistant Salmonella Typhimurium strain. Agarose and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoreses were used to evaluate the integrities of bacterial genomic DNA and total cellular protein profiles. The antibacterial action of RHSE results from a leakage of intracellular macromolecules following rupture of bacterial cells. Scanning electron microscopy of the cells shows that RHSE also induced deleterious morphological changes in the bacterial cell membrane of the pathogens. In vivo antibacterial activity of RHSE at a 1 × MIC concentration was examined in a bacterial gastroenteritis model using Balb/c mice orally infected with the Salmonella Typhimurium. The results show greatly decreased excretion of the bacteria into the feces and suppressed translocation of the bacteria to internal organs (cecum, mesenteric lymph node, spleen, and liver) compared with the infected mice not subjected to the RHSE treatment. Collectively, the present findings indicate that the mechanism of the antibacterial activities both in vitro and in the gastroenteritis environment of the animal model is the result of the direct disruption of cell structure, leading to cell death. RHSE has the potential to serve as a multifunctional food additive that might protect consumers against infections by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The rice hull derived liquid smoke has the potential to complement widely used wood-derived smoke as an antimicrobial flavor and health-promoting formulation for application in foods and feeds.