Metabolic faecal fingerprinting of trans-resveratrol and quercetin following a high-fat sucrose dietary model using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry

Exploring the multimodal health-promoting properties of resveratrol: A comprehensive review

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol in various plants, has gained significant attention for its potential health-promoting properties. It has been demonstrated, after reviewing various clinical and in vitro studies, that resveratrol possesses potent antioxidant potential. Resveratrol demonstrates cellular component protection by directly neutralizing free radicals (FRs) and enhancing the expression of natural antioxidant enzymes, thereby mitigating oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Clinical trials have shown promising results, indicating that resveratrol supplementation can enhance antioxidant defenses and reduce oxidative damage markers in various populations. In addition to its antioxidant effects, resveratrol exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties. It can modulate key inflammatory pathways, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), thereby suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Furthermore, resveratrol's multimodal effects extend beyond its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been discovered to exert regulatory effects on various cellular processes, including apoptosis, cell cycle progression, angiogenesis, and immunological responses. The primary aim of this review paper is to provide a thorough overview of the current knowledge on resveratrol, including its chemical composition, bioaccessibility, clinical effectiveness, and utilization in nanotechnology to enhance its bioavailability. From future perspectives, revising the administration methods for certain contexts and understanding the underlying systems responsible for resveratrol's effects will require further inquiry. For the highest potential health results, advanced trial-based research is necessary for combinational nano-delivery of resveratrol.

Are Supra-Physiological Plant-Based Antioxidants Ready for the Clinic? A Scoping Review of Hormetic Influences Driving Positive Clinical Outcomes

Background: A pro-inflammatory metabolic state is key to the chronic disease epidemic. Clinicians' ability to use nutrients to balance inflammation via oxidant homeostasis depends on the quality of antioxidants research. Understanding the intersection of two prominent theories for how antioxidants quell inflammation-nutritional hormesis and oxidant scavenging-will enable therapeutic antioxidant use in clinical practice. Purpose: We sought to survey the literature to answer the question: has the hormetic response of exogenous antioxidants been studied in humans and if so, what is its effect Research Design: This review investigates the less well-established theory, nutritional hormesis. To understand the state of hormetic response research, we conducted a literature review describing the relationship between exogenous antioxidants, hormesis, and chronic disease. We used an adaptive search strategy (PubMed and Scopus), retrieving 343 articles, of which 218 were unique. Most studies reviewed the hormetic response in plant and cell models (73.6%) while only 2.2% were in humans. Results: Given the limited robust evidence, clinicians lack research-based guidance on the appropriate therapeutic dose of exogenous antioxidants or, more concerning, supra-physiological dosing via supplements. A critical hurdle in searching the literature is the lack of standardized nomenclature describing the hormetic effect, challenging the ability of clinicians to make informed decisions. Conclusion: Non-human research shows a biphasic, hormetic relationship with antioxidants but observational studies have yet to translate this into the complexities of human biochemistry and physiology. Therefore, we cannot accurately translate this into clinical care. To remedy this insufficiency, we suggest: (1) Improved data collection quality: controlled diet, standardized antioxidant measurements, bioavailability assessed via biomarkers; (2) Larger, harmonized datasets: research subject transparency, keyword standardization, consensus on a hormesis definition.

Vitamin D mitigates diabetes-associated metabolic and cognitive dysfunction by modulating gut microbiota and colonic cannabinoid receptor 1

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is associated with elevated endocannabinoid tone, gut dysbiosis, and inflammation predisposing to diabetes. The endocannabinoid system mediates the effects of gut microbiota and regulates the gut barrier integrity. We examined the effects of vitamin D (VD) on colonic cannabinoid receptor 1(CB1R), tight junction proteins, gut dysbiosis, metabolic and cognitive dysfunction in a model of type 2 diabetes compared with metformin.

METHODS

Rats received high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HFSD) and either VD (500 IU/kg/day; p.o.), or metformin (200 mg/kg/day; p.o.) for 8 weeks. After 6 weeks, streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg; i.p) was injected. Behavioral, cognitive, and metabolic assessments were carried out. Finally, fecal, blood, and tissue samples were collected to examine Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, colonic CB1R, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4); serum lipopolysaccharides (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-ɑ), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), lipids, and VD; hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

VD ameliorated HFSD/STZ-induced dysbiosis/gut barrier dysfunction as indicated by lower circulating LPS, PGN and TNF-ɑ levels, likely by downregulating colonic CB1R and upregulating ZO-1 and occludin expressions. Additionally, VD suppressed HFSD/STZ-induced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and hippocampal neuroinflammation. These changes culminated in improved glycemic control and cognitive function. VD was more effective than metformin in decreasing serum LPS and TNF-ɑ levels; whereas metformin resulted in better glycemic control.

CONCLUSION

Targeting gut microbiota by VD could be a successful strategy in the treatment of diabetes and associated cognitive deficit. The crosstalk between VD axis and the endocannabinoid system needs further exploration.

Quercetin improves gut dysbiosis in antibiotic-treated mice

The diversity and activity of the gut microbiota residing in humans and animals are significantly influenced by the diet. Quercetin, one of the representative polyphenols in human diets, possesses a wide range of biological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the prebiotic effects of quercetin in antibiotic-treated mice. Gut dysbiosis was successfully induced in mice by treatment with an antibiotic cocktail. Gas chromatography and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing techniques were used to investigate short-chain fatty acid content and gut microbial diversity and composition. The results showed that quercetin supplementation significantly improved the diversity of the gut bacterial community in antibiotic-treated mice (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, intestinal barrier function was also recovered remarkably as indicated by a decrease in the content of serum d-lactic acid and the activity of serum diamine oxidase (P < 0.05). The length of intestinal villi and mucosal thickness were also significantly increased in response to quercetin treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the production of butyrate in faeces was enhanced significantly in quercetin-treated mice (P < 0.05). In conclusion, quercetin is effective in recovering gut microbiota in mice after antibiotic treatment and may act as a prebiotic in combatting gut dysbiosis.

Effects of Maresin 1 (MaR1) on Colonic Inflammation and Gut Dysbiosis in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of Maresin 1 (MaR1), a DHA-derived pro-resolving lipid mediator, on obesity-related colonic inflammation and gut dysbiosis in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. In colonic mucosa of DIO mice, the MaR1 treatment decreased the expression of inflammatory genes, such as Tnf-α and Il-1β. As expected, the DIO mice exhibited significant changes in gut microbiota composition at the phylum, genus, and species levels, with a trend to a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Deferribacteres and Synergistetes also increased in the DIO animals. In contrast, these animals exhibited a significant decrease in the content of Cyanobacteria and Actinobacteria. Treatment with MaR1 was not able to reverse the dysbiosis caused by obesity on the most abundant phyla. However, the MaR1 treatment increased the content of P. xylanivorans, which have been considered to be a promising probiotic with healthy effects on gut inflammation. Finally, a positive association was found between the Deferribacteres and Il-1β expression, suggesting that the increase in Deferribacteres observed in obesity could contribute to the overexpression of inflammatory cytokines in the colonic mucosa. In conclusion, MaR1 administration ameliorates the inflammatory state in the colonic mucosa and partially compensates changes on gut microbiota caused by obesity.

Resveratrol affects in vitro rumen fermentation, methane production and prokaryotic community composition in a time- and diet-specific manner

This study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol on methane production, rumen fermentation and microbial composition under high-concentrate (HC) and high-forage (HF) diets using the in vitro fermentation system. A total of 25 mg of resveratrol was supplemented into 300 mg of either HC or HF diet. Methane production, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, molar proportion of VFA, metabolites of resveratrol and prokaryotic community composition were measured after 12 and 24 h of in vitro fermentation. Resveratrol reduced methane production (ml per mg of dry matter degraded) by 41% and 60% under both HC and HF diets (P < 0.001), respectively, and this result could be associated with the lower abundance of Methanobrevibacter (P < 0.001) in response to resveratrol. The molar proportion of propionate was significantly higher in the resveratrol group only under the HC diet (P = 0.045). The relative abundance of 10 bacterial genera was affected by the three-way interaction of treatment, diet and time (P < 0.05). Resveratrol was partly converted to dihydroresveratrol after 24 h of fermentation, and its degradation could be associated with microbes belonging to the order Coriobacteriales. Our results suggest that multiple factors (e.g. diet and time) should be considered in animal experiments to test the effect of polyphenol or other plant extracts on rumen fermentation, methane emission and microbial composition.

Biotransformation of dietary phytoestrogens by gut microbes: A review on bidirectional interaction between phytoestrogen metabolism and gut microbiota

Phytoestrogens are a class of plant produced polyphenolic compounds with diphenolic structure, which is similar to 17β-estradiol. These phytoestrogens preferentially bind to estrogen receptors, however, with weak affinity. Recently, many studies have found that these phytoestrogens can be transformed by gut microbiota through novel enzymatic reactions into metabolites with altered bioactivity. Recent studies have also implied that these metabolites could possibly modulate the host gut ecosystem, gene expression, metabolism and the immune system. Thus, isolating gut microbes capable of biotransforming phytoestrogens and characterizing the novel enzymatic reactions involved are principal to understand the mechanisms of beneficial effects brought by gut microbiota and their metabolism on phytoestrogens, and to provide the theoretical knowledge for the development of functional probiotics. In the present review, we summarized works on gut microbial biotransformation of phytoestrogens, including daidzin (isoflavone), phenylnaringenin (prenylflavonoid), lignans, resveratrol (stilbene) and ellagitannins. We mainly focus on gut bacterial isolation, metabolic pathway characterization, and the bidirectional interaction of phytoestrogens with gut microbes to illustrate the novel metabolic capability of gut microbiota and the methods used in these studies.

Protective effect of quercetin on streptozotocin-induced diabetic peripheral neuropathy rats through modulating gut microbiota and reactive oxygen species level

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent complication of diabetes with no effective drug currently. As a powerful antioxidant, the flavonoid quercetin has been demonstrated to have potential neuroprotective and prebiotic capacity. But the mechanism of its neuroprotective function and the link to the gut microbiota remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

The neuroprotective effect of quercetin was evaluated on streptozotocin(STZ)-induced DPN rats through electrophysiology, behavioristic, and pathomorphology studies. Serum and urine reactive oxygen species (ROS) production levels and fecal gut microbiota compositions were detected, and the relationship between them was analyzed by Spearman's correlation.

RESULTS

Quercetin not only reversed the decreased mechanical withdraw thresholds and intraepidermal nerve fiber densities in DPN rats, but also improved neurological morphology of sciatic nerves, accompanied with up-regulated percentage of paranodes at paranodal junctions, and down-regulated amyloid precursor protein and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 in DPN rats. More importantly, quercetin rescued gut dysbiosis in DPN rats by decreasing four potential pathogenic species and enriching two prebiotic species associated with DPN phenotypes and ROS production levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Quercetin exerts neuroprotective effect and modulates gut microbiota associated with DPN phenotypes and ROS production levels in STZ-induced DPN rats, suggesting the therapeutic application of quercetin for DPN prevention and treatment.

Current explorations of nutrition and the gut microbiome: a comprehensive evaluation of the review literature

Context

The ability to measure the gut microbiome led to a surge in understanding and knowledge of its role in health and disease. The diet is a source of fuel for and influencer of composition of the microbiome.

Objective

To assess the understanding of the interactions between nutrition and the gut microbiome in healthy adults.

Data Sources

PubMed and Google Scholar searches were conducted in March and August 2018 and were limited to the following: English, 2010–2018, healthy adults, and reviews.

Data Extraction

A total of 86 articles were independently screened for duplicates and relevance, based on preidentified inclusion criteria.

Data Analysis

Research has focused on dietary fiber – microbiota fuel. The benefits of fiber center on short-chain fatty acids, which are required by colonocytes, improve absorption, and reduce intestinal transit time. Contrastingly, protein promotes microbial protein metabolism and potentially harmful by-products that can stagnate in the gut. The microbiota utilize and produce micronutrients; the bidirectional relationship between micronutrition and the gut microbiome is emerging.

Conclusions

Nutrition has profound effects on microbial composition, in turn affecting wide-ranging metabolic, hormonal, and neurological processes. There is no consensus on what defines a “healthy” gut microbiome. Future research must consider individual responses to diet.

Diet, Gut Microbiota, and Obesity: Links with Host Genetics and Epigenetics and Potential Applications

Diverse evidence suggests that the gut microbiota is involved in the development of obesity and associated comorbidities. It has been reported that the composition of the gut microbiota differs in obese and lean subjects, suggesting that microbiota dysbiosis can contribute to changes in body weight. However, the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota participates in energy homeostasis are unclear. Gut microbiota can be modulated positively or negatively by different lifestyle and dietary factors. Interestingly, complex interactions between genetic background, gut microbiota, and diet have also been reported concerning the risk of developing obesity and metabolic syndrome features. Moreover, microbial metabolites can induce epigenetic modifications (i.e., changes in DNA methylation and micro-RNA expression), with potential implications for health status and susceptibility to obesity. Also, microbial products, such as short-chain fatty acids or membrane proteins, may affect host metabolism by regulating appetite, lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, inflammation, and other functions. Metabolomic approaches are being used to identify new postbiotics with biological activity in the host, allowing discovery of new targets and tools for incorporation into personalized therapies. This review summarizes the current understanding of the relations between the human gut microbiota and the onset and development of obesity. These scientific insights are paving the way to understanding the complex relation between obesity and microbiota. Among novel approaches, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiome transplantation could be useful to restore gut dysbiosis.

Profiling and quantification of aminophospholipids based on chemical derivatization coupled with HPLC-MS

In this study, a novel strategy based on acetone stable-isotope derivatization coupled with HPLC-MS for profiling and accurate quantification of aminophospholipids (phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine) in biological samples was developed. Acetone derivatization leads to alkylation of the primary amino groups of aminophospholipids with an isopropyl moiety; the use of deuterium-labeled acetone (d6-acetone) introduced a 6 Da mass shift that was ideally suited for profiling and quantification analysis with high selectivity and accuracy. After derivatization, significantly increased column efficiency for chromatographic separation and detection sensitivity for MS analysis of aminophospholipids was observed. Furthermore, an accuracy quantification method was developed. Aminophospholipids in biological samples were derivatized with d0-acetone; while more than two aminophospholipid standards were selected for each class of aminophospholipid and derivatized with d6-acetone, which were then used as the internal standards to typically construct a calibration curve for each class to normalize the nonuniformity response caused by the differential fragmentation kinetics resulting from the distinct chemical constitution of individual aminophospholipid species in the biological samples. The excellent applicability of the developed method was validated by profiling and quantification of aminophospholipids presented in liver samples from rats fed with different diets.

Untargeted metabolomic on urine samples after α-lipoic acid and/or eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation in healthy overweight/obese women

Background

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and α-lipoic acid (α-LA) have been investigated for their beneficial effects on obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. In the current research, the goal was to evaluate metabolomic changes following the dietary supplementation of these two lipids, alone or combined in healthy overweight/obese sedentary women following an energy-restricted diet. For this purpose, an untargeted metabolomics approach was conducted on urine samples using liquid chromatography coupled with time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF-MS).

Methods

This is a short-term double blind placebo-controlled study with a parallel nutritional design that lasted 10 weeks. Participants were assigned to one of the 4 experimental groups [Control, EPA (1.3 g/d), α-LA (0.3 g/d) and EPA+α-LA (1.3 g/d + 0.3 g/d)]. All intervention groups followed an energy-restricted diet of 30% less than total energy expenditure. Clinically relevant biochemical measurements were analyzed. Urine samples (24 h) were collected at baseline and after 10 weeks. Untargeted metabolomic analysis on urine samples was carried out, and principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were performed for the pattern recognition and characteristic metabolites identification.

Results

Urine samples were scattered in the PCA scores plots in response to the supplementation with α-LA. Totally, 28 putative discriminant metabolites in positive ionization, and 6 in negative ionization were identified among groups clearly differentiated according to the α-LA administration. Remarkably is the presence of an ascorbate intermediate metabolite (one of the isomers of trihydroxy-dioxohexanoate, or dihydroxy–oxohexanedionate) in the groups supplemented with α-LA. This fact might be associated with antioxidant properties of both α-LA and ascorbic acid. Correlations between phenotypical parameters and putative metabolites of provided additional information on whether there is a direct or inverse relationship between them. Especially interesting are the negative correlation between ascorbate intermediate metabolite and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and the positive one between superoxide dismutase (SOD) and α-LA supplementation.

Conclusions

This metabolomic approach supports that the beneficial effects of α-LA administration on body weight reduction may be partly explained by the antioxidant properties of this organosulfur carboxylic acid mediated by isomers of trihydroxy-dioxohexanoate, or dihydroxy–oxohexanedionate.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01138774.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12944-018-0750-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Balancing Herbal Medicine and Functional Food for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiometabolic Diseases through Modulating Gut Microbiota

It has become apparent that gut microbiota is closely associated with cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), and alteration in microbiome compositions is also linked to the host environment. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has facilitated in-depth studies on the effects of herbal medicine and functional food on gut microbiota. Both herbal medicine and functional food contain fiber, polyphenols and polysaccharides, exerting prebiotics-like activities in the prevention and treatment of CMDs. The administrations of herbal medicine and functional food lead to increased the abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes, and genus Akkermansia, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides and Prevotella, while reducing phylum Firmicutes and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in gut. Both herbal medicine and functional food interact with gut microbiome and alter the microbial metabolites including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which are now correlated with metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In addition, trimethylamine (TMA)-N-oxide (TMAO) is recently linked to atherosclerosis (AS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Moreover, gut-organs axes may serve as the potential strategy for treating CMDs with the intervention of herbal medicine and functional food. In summary, a balance between herbal medicine and functional food rich in fiber, polyphenols and polysaccharides plays a vital role in modulating gut microbiota (phylum Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and genus Akkermansia, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides and Prevotella) through SCFAs, BAs, LPS and TMAO signaling regarding CMDs. Targeting gut-organs axes may serve as a new therapeutic strategy for CMDs by herbal medicine and functional food in the future. This review aims to summarize the balance between herbal medicine and functional food utilized for the prevention and treatment of CMDs through modulating gut microbiota.

Food additives, contaminants and other minor components: effects on human gut microbiota-a review

Gut bacteria play an important role in several metabolic processes and human diseases, such as obesity and accompanying co-morbidities, such as fatty liver disease, insulin resistance/diabetes, and cardiovascular events. Among other factors, dietary patterns, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics, and non-dietary factors, such as stress, age, exercise, and climatic conditions, can dramatically impact the human gut microbiota equilibrium and diversity. However, the effect of minor food constituents, including food additives and trace contaminants, on human gut microbiota has received less attention. Consequently, the present review aimed to provide an objective perspective of the current knowledge regarding the impacts of minor food constituents on human gut microbiota and consequently, on human health.

The urinary metabolomic profile following the intake of meals supplemented with a cocoa extract in middle-aged obese subjects

Metabolomics is used to assess the compliance and bioavailability of food components, as well as to evaluate the metabolic changes associated with food consumption. This study aimed to analyze the effect of consuming ready-to-eat meals containing a cocoa extract, within an energy restricted diet on urinary metabolomic changes. Fifty middle-aged volunteers [30.6 (2.3) kg m(-2)] participated in a 4-week randomised, parallel and double-blind study. Half consumed meals supplemented with 1.4 g of cocoa extract (645 mg polyphenols) while the remaining subjects received meals without cocoa supplementation. Ready-to-eat meals were included within a 15% energy restricted diet. Urine samples (24 h) were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks and were analyzed by high-performance-liquid chromatography-time-of-flight-mass-spectrometry (HPLC-TOF-MS) in negative and positive ionization modes followed by multivariate analysis. The relationship between urinary metabolites was evaluated by the Spearman correlation test. Interestingly, the principal component analysis discriminated among the baseline group, control group at the endpoint and cocoa group at the endpoint (p < 0.01), although in the positive ionization mode the baseline and control groups were not well distinguished. Metabolites were related to theobromine metabolism (3-methylxanthine and 3-methyluric acid), food processing (L-beta-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine), flavonoids (2,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavanone-5-O-glucoside and 7,4'-dimethoxy-6-C-methylflavanone), catecholamine (3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol-sulphate) and endogenous metabolism (uridine monophosphate). These metabolites were present in higher (p < 0.001) amounts in the cocoa group. 3-Methylxanthine and l-beta-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine were confirmed with standards. Interestingly, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol-sulphate was positively correlated with 3-methylxanthine (rho = 0.552; p < 0.001) and 7,4'-dimethoxy-6-C-methylflavanone (rho = 447; p = 0.002). In conclusion, the metabolomic approach supported the compliance of the volunteers with the intervention and suggested the bioavailability of cocoa compounds within the meals.

Resveratrol and the mitochondria: From triggering the intrinsic apoptotic pathway to inducing mitochondrial biogenesis, a mechanistic view

BACKGROUND

Mitochondria, the power plants of the cell, are known as a cross-road of different cellular signaling pathways. These cytoplasmic double-membraned organelles play a pivotal role in energy metabolism and regulate calcium flux in the cells. It is well known that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with different diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer. A growing body of literature has shown that polyphenolic compounds exert direct effects on mitochondrial ultra-structure and function. Resveratrol is known as one of the most common bioactive constituents of red wine, which improves mitochondrial functions under in vitro and in vivo conditions.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This paper aims to review the molecular pathways underlying the beneficial effects of resveratrol on mitochondrial structure and functions. In addition, we discuss the chemistry and main sources of resveratrol.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Resveratrol represents the promising effects on mitochondria in different experimental models. However, there are several reports on the detrimental effects elicited by resveratrol on mitochondria.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

An understanding of the chemistry and source of resveratrol, its bioavailability and the promising effects on mitochondria brings a new hope to therapy of mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases.