Amino acid HPLC-FLD analysis of spirulina and its protective mechanism against the combination of obesity and colitis in wistar rats

Objective

The cafeteria diet (CD), designed as an experimental diet mimicking the obesogenic diet, may contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This study delves into the influence of spirulina (SP) on obesity associated with colitis in Wistar rats.

Methods

The amino acids composition of SP was analyzed using HPLC-FLD. Animals were equally separated into eight groups, each containing seven animals and treated daily for eight weeks as follows: Control diet (SD), cafeteria diet (CD) group, CD + SP (500 mg/kg) and SD + SP. Ulcerative colitis was provoked by rectal injection of acetic acid (AA) (3 % v/v, 5 ml/kg b.w.) on the last day of treatment in the following groups: SD + AA, SD + AA + SP, CD + AA, and CD + AA + SP.

Results

Findings revealed that UC and/or CD increased the abdominal fat, weights gain, and colons. Moreover, severe colonic alteration, perturbations in the serum metabolic parameters associated with an oxidative stress state in the colonic mucosa, defined by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased levels of plasma scavenging activity (PSA). Additionally, obesity exacerbated the severity of AA-induced UC promoting inflammation marked by the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Significantly, treatment with SP provided notable protection against inflammation severity, reduced histopathological alterations, attenuated lipid peroxidation (MDA), and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and GPX) along with non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH and SH-G).

Conclusions

Thus, the antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory proprieties of SP could be attributed to its richness in amino acids, which could potentially mitigate inflammation severity in obese subjects suffering from ulcerative colitis. These results imply that SP hold promise as a therapeutic agent for managing of UC, particularly in individuals with concomitant obesity. Understanding SP's mechanisms of action may lead novel treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel diseases and hyperlipidemia in medical research.

Peppers and their constituents against obesity

Phytotherapy can be an efficient tool for prevention and treatment of disorders including obesity. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the available knowledge concerning the positive effects of peppers (Capsicum spp.) and their alkaloid capsaicin on human health, in particular on fat and obesity. Search for literature was performed in Medline/Pubmed, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases between the year 2000 and 2023. Words used to search were pepper, Capsicum, capsaicin, review, obesity, fat, weight loss and mechanisms. The available data demonstrate that both pepper extract and capsaicin can positively influence human health and treat several disorders. Moreover, they can reduce fat storage affecting brain centres responsible for the sensation of hunger, nutrient uptake by gastrointestinal tract, state of adipocytes, increase in carbohydrate and fat oxidation, metabolism and thermogenesis and other mechanisms. Therefore, despite some possible limitations, these substances could be useful for treatment of obesity.

The Preventive Mechanisms of Bioactive Food Compounds against Obesity-Induced Inflammation

Dietary patterns are promising strategies for preventing and treating obesity and its coexisting inflammatory processes. Bioactive food compounds have received considerable attention due to their actions against obesity-induced inflammation, with limited harmful side effects. They are perceived as food ingredients or dietary supplements other than those necessary to meet basic human nutritional needs and are responsible for positive changes in the state of health. These include polyphenols, unsaturated fatty acids, and probiotics. Although the exact mechanisms of bioactive food compounds' action are still poorly understood, studies have indicated that they involve the modulation of the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and hormones; regulate gene expression in adipose tissue; and modify the signaling pathways responsible for the inflammatory response. Targeting the consumption and/or supplementation of foods with anti-inflammatory potential may represent a new approach to obesity-induced inflammation treatment. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to evaluate strategies for bioactive food compound intake, especially times and doses. Moreover, worldwide education about the advantages of bioactive food compound consumption is warranted to limit the consequences of unhealthy dietary patterns. This work presents a review and synthesis of recent data on the preventive mechanisms of bioactive food compounds in the context of obesity-induced inflammation.

Current progress in the hypoglycemic mechanisms of natural polysaccharides

Unhealthy dietary pattern-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus poses a great threat to human health all over the world. Accumulating evidence has revealed that the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus is closely associated with the dysregulation of glucose metabolism and energy metabolism, serious oxidative stress, prolonged endoplasmic reticulum stress, metabolic inflammation and intestinal microbial dysbiosis. Most important of all, insulin resistance and insulin deficiency are two key factors inducing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nowadays, natural polysaccharides have gained increasing attention owing to their numerous health-promoting functions, such as hypoglycemic, energy-regulating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and prebiotic activities. Therefore, natural polysaccharides have been used to alleviate diet-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus. Specifically, this review comprehensively summarizes the underlying hypoglycemic mechanisms of natural polysaccharides and provides a theoretical basis for the development of functional foods. For the first time, this review elucidates hypoglycemic mechanisms of natural polysaccharides from the perspectives of their regulatory effects on glucose metabolism, insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Probiotic Yogurt Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Lipid Accumulation and Insulin Resistance in Mice via the Adiponectin Pathway

A high-fat diet (HFD) easily contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance. Obesity and insulin resistance have been clinical and public health challenges all over the world. Probiotic-fermented yogurt is one type of popular and functional beverage in people's daily lives. This study mainly explored the lipid- and glucose-lowering effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus NX2-6-fermented yogurt (LA-Y) in HFD-fed mice. The results showed that LA-Y administration improved the lipid profile in the serum and liver, reduced fasting blood glucose levels, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Protein analysis showed that LA-Y treatment promoted fatty acid oxidation and suppressed de novo lipogenesis in the adipose tissue and liver. LA-Y effectively alleviated glucose metabolism disorders by activating the insulin signaling pathway, suppressing gluconeogenesis in the liver and muscle, reducing the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum, and promoting glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in the small intestine. LA-Y supplementation also promoted fat browning via the adiponectin/AMPKα/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in the liver and muscle by activating the adiponectin/AdipoR1/APPL1/AMPKα/PGC-1α pathway, leading to increased energy expenditure. Therefore, LA-Y may be a functional dairy food for preventing and alleviating diet-induced metabolic disorders.

Isolation and Identification of Anti-Inflammatory Peptide from Goose Blood Hydrolysate to Ameliorate LPS-Mediated Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in RAW264.7 Macrophages

This study was designed to isolate an anti-inflammatory activity oligopeptide from goose blood (GBP) for ameliorating LPS-mediated inflammation response and oxidative stress in RAW264.7 macrophages. In this study, GBP was isolated by tangential flow ultrafiltration system (TFUS) combined with size exclusion chromatography (SEC), ion exchange chromatography (IEC), and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC), and then identified by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The experiment results indicated that the amino acid sequence of oligopeptide with the best anti-inflammatory activity was IIe-Val-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Thr-Gln-Arg (IVYPWTQR), which had a molecular weight of 1062.5720 Da, and was derived from haemoglobin subunit beta OS in goose blood. In addition, IVYPWTQR was confirmed to have satisfactory stability and maintained high anti-inflammatory activity in a simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The mechanism by which the IVYPWTQR protected against LPS-mediated inflammation response was attributed to downregulating the TLR4/NF-kB/iNOS pathway. Moreover, IVYPWTQR ameliorated oxidative stress damage in inflammatory state was attributed to activating antioxidant defence system, which was regulated by Keap-1/NRF2/HO-1 signalling pathway for decreasing the accumulation of reactive oxide species (ROS). In summary, these results indicated GBP could serve as a potential functional factor for prevention and improvement of inflammation mediated by LPS and provided an affordable dietary intervention strategy to prevent inflammation.

Obesity-associated biochemical markers of inflammation and the role of grain phytochemicals

The incidence of obesity or excessive fat accumulation in the body is increasing worldwide and has become one of the major growing health problems. Obese condition is linked with an increased level of body lipids, oxidative stress, and expression of inflammatory markers. This leads to plasma and hepatic hyperlipidemia, activation of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), and transcriptional factors, which in turn lead to a high risk of cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, diabetes, asthma, rheumatological problem, and liver failure. Grains are the major staple food crops grown for consumption in most of the developing countries. Cereals and millets, such as rice, wheat, maize, barley, finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, kodo millet in the whole form with bran, germ, and endosperm, are found to be rich in phytochemicals, such as phenolics acids, vitamin E, phytosterols, carotenoids, antioxidants, dietary fiber, which have a potential health benefit on various lifestyle disorders. In this article, we summarize the findings and investigations regarding the anti-inflammatory effect of various grain phytochemicals in in vitro and in vivo models and their potential health benefits. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The occurrence of obesity is rising globally and is becoming a major health concern. Obesity will lead to multiple health problems due to oxidative and inflammatory stress in the body. Whole forms of cereals and millets consumptions have shown to reduce the risk of metabolic disorders and several chronic diseases. Potential bioactive components in various grains will act on the inhibition ofbiochemical markers connected with inflammation and adipogenesis.

Four cucurbitane glycosides taimordisins A–D with novel furopyranone skeletons isolated from the fruits of Momordica charantia

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Four new cucurbitane-type triterpenoids glycosides were isolated from the fresh fruit of Momordica charantia and determined by NMR, HRESIMS, and biosynthesis.

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Taimordisins A and B possess rare bicyclic-fused and trifuso-centro-fused ring systems at side chain of the cucurbitane-type triterpenoids at the first time.

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Taimordisins A-D showed the inhibition of NO production by LPS-stimulated in RAW264.7 macrophage cells.

Four novel triterpene glycosides, taimordisins A–D (1–4), were discovered from fresh fruits of Taiwanese Momordica charantia. The chemical framework and relative stereochemistry of these four natural products were isolated, purified, and determined by using various separation and spectroscopy techniques. Each of them features a unique bicyclic-fused or trifuso-centro-fused ring system. Notably, 1 and 2 are cucurbitane-based compounds possessing a new C-24 and C-2″ carbon–carbon linkage with 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-4H-pyran-4-one and 6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-4H-pyran-3,4,4-triol units, respectively, and represented an unprecedented molecular skeleton. In terms of biosynthesis, they all originate from a common precursor 3-hydroxycucurbita-5,24-dien-19-al-7,23-di-O-β-glucopyranoside. Of two sugar moieties, the one at 23-O-β-glucopyranoside grants each individual congener uniqueness likely through microbial symbiont-mediated intramolecular transformation into two major types of furo[2,3-b]pyranone and furo[3,2-c]pyranone derivatives. These new products possess desirable anti-inflammatory biological activities in addition to being generally regarded as safe.

Identification of bio-active food compounds as potential SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors-modulators via negative image-based screening and computational simulations

Despite significant studies on the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists around the world are still battling to find a definitive therapy against the ongoing severe global health crisis. In this study, advanced computational approaches have been employed to identify bioactive food constituents as potential SARS-CoV-2 PLpro inhibitors-modulators. As a validated antiviral drug target, PLpro has gained tremendous attention for therapeutics developments. Therefore, targeting the multifunctional SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein, ∼1039 bioactive dietary compounds have been screened extensively through novel techniques like negative image-based (NIB) screening and molecular docking approaches. In particular, the three different models of NIB screening have been generated and used to re-score the dietary compounds based on the negative image which is created by reversing the shape and electrostatics features of PLpro protein's ligand-binding cavity. Further, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation has been performed and MM-GBSA based binding free energies have been estimated for the final proposed four dietary compounds (PC000550, PC000361, PC000558, and PC000573) as potential inhibitors/modulators of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein. Employed computational study outcome also has been compared with respect to the earlier experimentally investigated compound GRL0617 against SARS-CoV-2 PLpro protein, which suggests much greater interaction potential in terms of binding affinity and other energetic contributions for the proposed dietary compounds. Hence, the present study suggests that proposed dietary compounds can be suitable chemical entities for modulating the activity of PLpro protein or can be further utilized for optimizing or screening of novel chemical surrogates, however also needs experimental evaluation for entry in clinical studies for better assessment.

Phase angle as an easy diagnostic tool for the nutritionist in the evaluation of inflammatory changes during the active stage of a very low-calorie ketogenic diet

Background and aims

Very low-calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKDs) have recently gained increasing interest for their anti-inflammatory effects. Phase angle (PhA), a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-derived measure used as a screening tool to assess inflammatory status in various clinical conditions has recently been suggested as a novel predictor of inflammatory status in correlation with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. PhA’s usefulness in monitoring inflammatory status changes in patients with obesity during active phase VLCKD has not yet been explored. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the role of PhA as a biomarker detecting early inflammatory status changes in women with overweight and obesity 1 month into the active stage of a VLCKD.

Methods—Results

This uncontrolled, single-center, open-label pilot clinical study investigated 260 consecutively enrolled Caucasian women aged 18–69 years (BMI 25.0–50.9 kg/m²) after 31 days of an active stage VLCKD. Anthropometric measurements and PhA were assessed. hs-CRP levels were determined by nephelometric assay. Dietary compliance, physical activity recommendations, and ketosis status were tested weekly by telephone recall. At Day 31, BMI, WC, and hs-CRP levels were observed to have decreased (∆−7.3 ± 2.9%, ∆−6.3 ± 5.0%, and ∆−38.9 ± 45.6%; respectively), while PhA had increased (∆+8.6 ± 12.5%). Changes in ∆ hs-CRP were significantly correlated with changes in BMI, WC, and PhA (p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, the correlation between changes in ∆ PhA and ∆ hs-CRP remained statistically significant, albeit attenuated (p = 0.024).

Conclusion

This is the first study reporting how, along with the expected rapid effect on body weight, PhA changes during active stage VLKCD occurred very early on and independently of weight loss, and were negatively associated with hs-CRP levels. These findings further support the VLCKD as a first-line dietary intervention to obtain a rapid effect on the obesity-related inflammatory status. They also suggest the possible role of PhA as an easy diagnostic tool to detect inflammation, thereby avoiding blood sampling and expensive biochemical assays. It is also posited that changes in PhA could help nutritionists correctly plan the different stages of the VLCKD protocol.

Fissisternoids A and B, two 2′,5′-quinodihydrochalcone-based meroterpenoid enantiomers with unusual carbon skeletons from Fissistigma bracteolatum

Compound 1 represents an unprecedented meroterpenoid featuring a unique tricyclo [3,3,1,01′,5′] decane central framework and 2 possesses a rare 6/6/5/4 tetracyclic carbon skeleton were isolated from Fissistigma bracteolatum.

Emerging cellular senescence-centric understanding of immunological aging and its potential modulation through dietary bioactive components

Immunological aging is strongly associated with the observable deleterious effects of human aging. Our understanding of the causes, effects, and therapeutics of aging immune cells has long been considered within the sole purview of immunosenescence. However, it is being progressively realized that immunosenescence may not be the only determinant of immunological aging. The cellular senescence-centric theory of aging proposes a more fundamental and specific role of immune cells in regulating senescent cell (SC) burden in aging tissues that has augmented the notion of senescence immunotherapy. Now, in addition, several emerging studies are suggesting that cellular senescence itself may be prevalent in aging immune cells, and that senescent immune cells exhibiting characteristic markers of cellular senescence, similar to non-leucocyte cells, could be among the key drivers of various facets of physiological aging. The present review integrates the current knowledge related to immunosenescence and cellular senescence in immune cells per se, and aims at providing a cohesive overview of these two phenomena and their significance in immunity and aging. We present evidence and rationalize that understanding the extent and impact of cellular senescence in immune cells vis-à-vis immunosenescence is necessary for truly comprehending the notion of an 'aged immune cell'. In addition, we also discuss the emerging significance of dietary factors such as phytochemicals, probiotic bacteria, fatty acids, and micronutrients as possible modulators of immunosenescence and cellular senescence. Evidence and opportunities related to nutritional bioactive components and immunological aging have been deliberated to augment potential nutrition-oriented immunotherapy during aging.

Protective and ameliorating effects of probiotics against diet-induced obesity: A review

Diet-induced obesity is one of the major public health concerns all over the world, and obesity also contributes to the development of other chronic diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty acid liver disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Evidence shows that the pathogenesis of obesity and obesity-associated chronic diseases are closely related to dysregulation of lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism and cholesterol metabolism, and oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, abnormal gut microbiome and chronic low-grade inflammation. Recently, in view of potential effects on lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, cholesterol metabolism and intestinal microbiome, as well as anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, natural probiotics, including live and dead probiotics, and probiotic components and metabolites, have attracted increasing attention and are considered as novel strategies for preventing and ameliorating obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. Specifically, this review is presented on the anti-obesity effects of probiotics and underlying molecular mechanisms, which will provide a theoretical basis of anti-obesity probiotics for the development of functional foods.

The anti-obesity and health-promoting effects of tea and coffee

This paper reviews provenance, chemical composition and properties of tea (Camelia sinensis L.) and coffee (Coffee arabica, L. and Coffeacaniphora, L.), their general health effects, as well as the currently available knowledge concerning their action on fat storage, physiological mechanisms of their effects, as well as their safety and recommended dosage for treatment of obesity. Both tea and coffee possess the ability to promote health and to prevent, to mitigate and to treat numerous disorders. This ability can be partially due to presence of caffeine in both plants. Further physiological and medicinal effects could be explained by other molecules (theaflavins, catechins, their metabolites and polyphenols in tea and polyphenol chlorogenic acid in coffee). These plants and plant molecules can be efficient for prevention and treatment of numerous metabolic disorders including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Both plants and their constituents can reduce fat storage through suppression of adipocyte functions, and support of gut microbiota. In addition, tea can prevent obesity via reduction of appetite, food consumption and food absorption in gastrointestinal system and through the changes in fat metabolism.

Potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of Tricholoma matsutake singer peptides against LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of a < 3 kDa Tricholoma matsutake Singer peptide (TMWP) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages. The results showed that TMWP significantly upregulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis indicated that TMWP inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathways, thereby reducing the secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 and the expression of TNF-α, COX-2, and iNOS. Additionally, TMWP improved mitochondrial respiration in LPS-stressed macrophages, counteracting the harmful effects of LPS treatment on mitochondrial function. Three peptides (SDIKHFPF, SDLKHFPF, and WFNNAGP) with the highest predicted scores for potential anti-inflammatory activity were identified using nano-HPLC-MS/MS. These data indicated that T. matsutake peptides could be an attractive natural ingredient for developing novel functional foods.

Saponin-Rich Extracts and Their Acid Hydrolysates Differentially Target Colorectal Cancer Metabolism in the Frame of Precision Nutrition

Saponins or their aglycone form, sapogenin, have recently gained interest as bioactive agents due to their biological activities, their antitumoral effects being among them. Metabolic reprogramming has been recognized as a hallmark of cancer and, together with the increased aerobic glycolysis and glutaminolysis, the altered lipid metabolism is considered crucial to support cancer initiation and progression. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the inhibitory effects on colorectal cancer cell lines of saponin-rich extracts from fenugreek and quinoa (FE and QE, respectively) and their hydrolyzed extracts as sapogenin-rich extracts (HFE and HQE, respectively). By mean of the latest technology in the analysis of cell bioenergetics, we demonstrate that FE and HFE diminished mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and aerobic glycolysis; meanwhile, quinoa extracts did not show relevant activities. Distinct molecular mechanisms were identified for fenugreek: FE inhibited the expression of TYMS1 and TK1, synergizing with the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); meanwhile, HFE inhibited lipid metabolism targets, leading to diminished intracellular lipid content. The relevance of considering the coexisting compounds of the extracts or their hydrolysis transformation as innovative strategies to augment the therapeutic potential of the extracts, and the specific subgroup of patients where each extract would be more beneficial, are discussed in the frame of precision nutrition.

Insights into the potential benefits of black soybean (Glycine max L.) polyphenols in lifestyle diseases

Black soybean (Glycine max L.), a cultivar containing abundant polyphenols in its seed coat such as anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols, has been reported to possess various health benefits toward lifestyle diseases. In this review article, the safety evaluation of polyphenol-rich black soybean seed coat extract (BE) and absorption of BE polyphenols are summarized. Additionally, we describe the antioxidant activity of BE polyphenols and their ability to induce antioxidant enzymes. The health benefits of BE and its polyphenols, such as anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycemic activities through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and translocation of glucose transporter 4, respectively, are also discussed. Furthermore, we found that black soybean polyphenols were involved in the improvement of vascular function. These emerging data require further investigation in scientific studies and human trials to evaluate the prevention of lifestyle diseases using black soybean polyphenols.

Dietary inflammatory index and incidence of and death from primary liver cancer: A prospective study of 103,902 American adults

Chronic inflammation plays an important role in primary liver cancer (PLC) etiology and can be influenced by dietary habits. No prospective study has investigated the association of dietary inflammatory index (DII) with PLC incidence and mortality. Therefore, we used prospective data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial to fill this gap. The DII was calculated from a validated 137-item food frequency questionnaire in a cohort of 103,902 individuals. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for PLC incidence, and competing risk regression was used to estimate subdistribution HRs (SHRs) for PLC mortality. Restricted cubic spline regression was employed to identify the potential dose-response pattern. A total of 120 PLC cases and 102 PLC deaths were observed during follow-up. Higher DII scores from food and supplement were found to be associated with higher risks of developing PLC (HR_{Tertile 3 vs. 1} 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-3.41) and death from this disease (SHR_{Tertile 3 vs. 1} 1.97; 95% CI 1.13-3.41). Similar results were obtained for DII score from food only. A nonlinear dose-response pattern was identified for the aforementioned associations (all p_nonlinearity  < 0.05). Overall, a more pro-inflammatory diet, as suggested by higher DII scores, is associated with higher risks of PLC incidence and mortality. These findings indicate that encouraging intake of more anti-inflammatory dietary components and reducing intake of pro-inflammatory components represent an attractive strategy to reduce PLC incidence and mortality.

Caloric restriction attenuates C57BL/6 J mouse lung injury and extra-pulmonary toxicity induced by real ambient particulate matter exposure

Background

Caloric restriction (CR) is known to improve health and extend lifespan in human beings. The effects of CR on adverse health outcomes in response to particulate matter (PM) exposure and the underlying mechanisms have yet to be defined.

Results

Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed with a CR diet or ad libitum (AL) and exposed to PM for 4 weeks in a real-ambient PM exposure system located at Shijiazhuang, China, with a daily mean concentration (95.77 μg/m³) of PM_2.5. Compared to AL-fed mice, CR-fed mice showed attenuated PM-induced pulmonary injury and extra-pulmonary toxicity characterized by reduction in oxidative stress, DNA damage and inflammation. RNA sequence analysis revealed that several pulmonary pathways that were involved in production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokine production, and inflammatory cell activation were inactivated, while those mediating antioxidant generation and DNA repair were activated in CR-fed mice upon PM exposure. In addition, transcriptome analysis of murine livers revealed that CR led to induction of xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification pathways, corroborated by increased levels of urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and decreased cytotoxicity measured in an ex vivo assay.

Conclusion

These novel results demonstrate, for the first time, that CR in mice confers resistance against pulmonary injuries and extra-pulmonary toxicity induced by PM exposure. CR led to activation of xenobiotic metabolism and enhanced detoxification of PM-bound chemicals. These findings provide evidence that dietary intervention may afford therapeutic means to reduce the health risk associated with PM exposure.

BMI differences among in-hospital management and outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: findings from the Care for Cardiovascular Disease project in China

BACKGROUND

Underweight or obese status influences the prognosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the association between stratification of body mass index (BMI) and in-hospital outcomes in patients with AF, remains lacking in China.

METHODS

Using data from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-AF project, which was launched in February 2015 and recruited 150 hospitals in China, we compared characteristics, in-hospital treatments and clinical outcomes among the stratifications of BMI for Asians.

RESULTS

A total of 15,867 AF patients with AF were enrolled, including 830 (5.23%) underweight, 4965 (31.29%) with normal weight, 3716 (23.42%) overweight, 5263 (33.17%) obese class I and 1093 (6.89%) obese class II participants. Compared with normal weight patients, underweight, overweight, and obese patients showed increased percentages of CHADS₂ scores (3-6) and CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores (5-9). During hospitalization, overweight or obese patients showed greater use of rhythm control medications, anticoagulant drugs, and intervention therapies than underweight-normal weight patients. In adjusted logistic models, BMI was a strong predictor of in-hospital mortality. Especially, underweight BMI was associated with higher incidence of in-hospital mortality, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.56-4.46; p = 0.04) than overweight and obese BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Asian patients with AF and high BMI received more medical treatments and presented less adverse in-hospital outcomes compared with those with underweight-normal weight. Although low BMI may be associated with other comorbidities and advanced age, underweight BMI retained a negative correlation with all-cause mortality in the patients with AF during hospitalization.

Influence of benzene exposure, fat content, and their interactions on erythroid-related hematologic parameters in petrochemical workers: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Ubiquitously distributed benzene is a known hematotoxin. Increasing evidence has suggested that erythroid-related hematologic parameters may be sensitive to benzene exposure. Fat content, which is also closely associated with erythroid-related hematologic parameters, may affect the distribution and/or metabolism of benzene, and eventually benzene-induced toxicity.

METHODS

To explore the influence of benzene exposure, fat content, and their interactions on erythroid-related hematologic parameters, we recruited 1669 petrochemical workers and measured their urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) concentration and erythroid-related hematological parameters. Indices for fat content included body fat percentage (BF%), plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), and occurrence of fatty liver.

RESULTS

The dose-response curve revealed U-shaped nonlinear relationships of SPMA with hematocrit (HCT) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P-overall < 0.001, and P-nonlinear < 0.015), as well as positive linear associations and r-shaped nonlinear relationships of continuous fat content indices with erythroid-related hematological parameters (P-overall ≤0.005). We also observed modification effects of fat content on the associations between benzene exposure and erythroid-related hematological parameters, with workers of lower or higher BF% and TG more sensitive to benzene-induced elevation of MCHC (P_interaction = 0.021) and benzene-induced decrease of HCT (P_interaction = 0.050), respectively. We also found that some erythroid-related hematologic parameters differed between subgroups of workers with different SPMA levels and fat content combination.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that benzene exposure, fat content, and their interactions may affect erythroid-related hematological parameters in petrochemical workers in a complex manner that are worthy of further investigation.

A dose-response evaluation of purified anthocyanins on inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers and metabolic risk factors in healthy young adults: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Anthocyanins derived from different plant sources have been found to possess a variety of health-promoting effects, including antiinflammatory properties and protection from oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the dose-response relationship between anthocyanins and metabolic risk factors as well as inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in healthy adult volunteers.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which included an increasing dosing schedule of 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 mg of purified anthocyanins or placebo. Participants (n = 111) were administered either agent for 14 consecutive days.

RESULTS

No significant differences in either baseline characteristics or daily intake of dietary nutrients were detected between the experimental and control groups. After anthocyanin supplementation, there was a significant difference in adjusted fasting plasma glucose levels. The group receiving 80 mg/d of anthocyanin had the lowest baseline-adjusted fasting plasma glucose when compared with placebo (F = 3.556, P = 0.007). Logarithmically adjusted plasma interleukin-10 levels were negatively correlated with increasing anthocyanin dose (F = 2.738, P = 0.025). Similarly, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α levels decreased with increasing anthocyanins dose (F = 3.513, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results suggest that anthocyanin supplementation at a dose greater than 80 mg/d is an effective antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent in healthy young adults.

Diet as a counteracting agent of the effect of some well-known risk factors for small for gestational age

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess whether diet variables can neutralize the risk produced by three well-known risk factors for being small for gestational age: smoking, body mass index (BMI) ˂20 kg/m², and having a previous preterm/low birth weight (LBW) newborn.

METHODS

A matched case control study was conducted (518 cases and 518 controls of pregnant women) in Spain. We collected data on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, toxic habits, and diet. Dietary intake during pregnancy was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, categorized into quintiles. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by conditional regression logistic models.

RESULTS

Women who smoked during pregnancy had a 78% increased risk for having an SGA newborn (aOR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.28-2.74). Lean women (BMI ˂ 20 kg/m² before pregnancy) augmented the risk 139% (aOR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.68-3.40), and those with a previous SGA-LBW an increase of 160% (aOR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.53-4.37). Smoking in women with a fruit intake of ≥421 g/d was not associated with a higher risk for SGA versus non-smoking women with the same fruit intake (aOR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.41-2.33). A BMI <20 kg/m² with an intake of ≥33 g/d of legumes did not increase the risk for SGA versus women with a BMI ≥20 kg/m² with the same legume intake (aOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.54-3.37). Diet did not modify the risk by having a previous SGA-LBW newborn.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking and leanness increased the SGA risk; nevertheless foods such as fruit, fish, and legumes, as well as intake of vitamins D and B₃ and ω-3 marine fatty acids, may "at" least partially counteract this increase.

Exercise does not ameliorate cardiac dysfunction in obese mice exposed to fine particulate matter

BACKGROUND

Studies have demonstrated that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is exacerbated in patients with pre-existing conditions such as obesity. In the present study, we examined cardiac function of obese mice exposed to PM_2.5 and determined if mild exercise affected cardiac function.

METHODS

Obese mice (ob/ob) (leptin deficient, C57BL/6J background) were exposed to either filtered air (FA) or PM_2.5 at an average concentration of 32 μg/m³ for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 9 months. Following exposure, mice were divided into four groups: (1) FA sedentary, (2) FA treadmill exercise, (3) PM_2.5 sedentary, and (4) PM_2.5 treadmill exercise and all mice were analyzed after 8 weeks of exercise training.

RESULTS

Echocardiography showed increased left ventricular end systolic (LVESd) and diastolic (LVEDd) diameters in PM_2.5 sedentary mice compared to FA sedentary mice. There was increased expression of ICAM1, VCAM and CRP markers in sedentary PM_2.5 mice compared to FA mice. Both FA and PM_2.5 exercised mice showed decreased posterior wall thickness in systole compared to FA sedentary mice, coupled with altered expression of inflammatory markers following exercise.

CONCLUSION

Obese mice exposed to PM_2.5 for 9 months showed cardiac dysfunction, which was not improved following mild exercise training.

Multifunctionality of lunasin and peptides released during its simulated gastrointestinal digestion

Oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertension are recognized risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Because of the preventable character of these factors, the searching of dietary compounds with counteracting effects against them would provide a new framework for the development of novel multifunctional foods or nutraceuticals. Lunasin is a naturally occurring soybean peptide with chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory properties. Upon oral intake, lunasin is susceptible to the action of digestive enzymes during its transit through gastrointestinal tract. In spite of its cleavage into smaller peptides, these fragments have been suggested to contribute on the health beneficial effects attributed to lunasin. To confirm this hypothesis, the multifunctionality of lunasin derived-fragments was investigated. In vitro, peptides corresponding to the N-terminal and central regions of lunasin were demonstrated to inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme and to scavenge peroxyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radicals. Moreover, lunasin and fragments released during its gastrointestinal digestion exerted potent protective effects on cell viability and oxidative status in macrophages RAW264.7 challenged with chemicals tert-butylhydroperoxide and hydrogen peroxide. These peptides were also able to reduce the nitric oxide production in pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages. These results confirm the promising role of lunasin and its derived-fragments as protective agents against oxidative damage and inflammation-associated diseases.

Bioactivity-Guided Isolation and Identification of Antiadipogenic Compounds in Shiya Tea (Leaves of Adinandra nitida)

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic contributing to a higher risk of developing maladies such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Shiya tea (leaves of Adinandra nitida), a traditional Chinese tea, is widely consumed due to its palatable flavor and various curative effects, such as reducing blood pressure and blood lipids, as well as anti-inflammation, etc. However, no relevant research on the antiobesity effects of Shiya tea has been reported. In particular, no health-benefiting compounds, other than flavonoids, in Shiya tea have been reported. Thus, 3T3-L1 preadipocytes have been used as a bioactivity-guided identification model to verify the inhibitory effects of Shiya tea on adipogenesis, as well as to identify antiadipogenic compounds. Four triterpenoid saponins (1-4), including one new compound (2α,3α-dihydroxyursolic acid 28- O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester, compound 1), and a flavonoid (5) have been identified using NMR (1D and 2D NMR) and liquid chromatography (LC)-MS techniques. Compound 1, the major antiadipogenic constituent with an IC₅₀ value of 27.6 μg/mL, has been identified for the first time in Shiya tea. To understand the structure-activity relationship, three hydrolytic compounds (1s, 2s, and 5s) were obtained to provide an inhibitory effect on lipid accumulation during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. The inhibitory effect of the triterpenoid (1s) possessing no sugar group decreased significantly, while the flavonoid (5s) also without a sugar group showed increased activity. In addition, the hydroxyl group position may also play a role in inhibitory efficacy.

Extensive review of popular functional foods and nutraceuticals against obesity and its related complications with a special focus on randomized clinical trials

Weight management (anti-obesity) by popular functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Gut microbiota might be a crucial factor in deciphering the metabolic benefits of perinatal genistein consumption in dams and adult female offspring

Perinatal genistein intake mitigated the harmful effects of high-fat diet on metabolism in both dams and female offspring, and the protective effects were associated with the alterations in gut microbiota.