Total polysaccharides of adlay bran (Coix lachryma-jobi L.) improve TNF-α induced epithelial barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cells via inhibition of the inflammatory response

The effect of Coix lachrymal L. seed extract on the expression of inflammation and fibrogenesis genes in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a vision-threatening condition associated with retinal-detachment (RD), primarily caused by fibrocellular scar membrane formation. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of adlay seed extract fractions in mitigating PVR-associated pathways, focusing on oxidative stress, proliferation, inflammation, and fibrogenesis in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Adlay seed extract fractions (methanolic: MeOH and residual: Res) were obtained through solvent extraction and characterized for carbohydrate, protein, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. RPE cells were cultured, and their viability in response to adlay fractions was assessed using the MTT assay. Gene expression analysis of IL-1β, IL-6, LIF, TGF-β, Snail and α-SMA genes was conducted via real-time PCR after treatment with adlay fractions. The Res fraction exhibited higher levels of protein, carbohydrate, flavonoids, and phenols compared to the MeOH fraction, along with significantly enhanced antioxidant activity. Both fractions showed inhibitory effects on RPE cell viability, with the Res fraction demonstrating a more pronounced impact. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant decrease in IL-6 and TGF-β expression with the MeOH fraction treatment, while the Res fraction led to decreased expression of IL-6, LIF, TGF-β, Snail and α-SMA, indicating a more comprehensive modulation of PVR-associated pathways. This study highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of adlay seed extract fractions in mitigating PVR-associated pathways in RPE cells. The Res fraction, particularly rich in bioactive compounds and exhibiting potent antioxidant activity, shows promise in attenuating oxidative stress, proliferation, inflammation, and fibrogenesis, critical processes in PVR development. These findings underscore the potential of adlay seed extracts as a novel therapeutic strategy for PVR warranting further investigation and clinical validation.

Extraction, Structural Characterization, and Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from Adlay Bran

Adlay bran, often discarded or used as animal feed, holds untapped potential. This study explores the beneficial properties of water-soluble polysaccharides (ABPs), extracted using a hot water method, with the aim of transforming what is commonly regarded as waste into a valuable resource. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to fine-tune the extraction parameters, establishing conditions at 80.0 °C, 2.5 h, and a water-to-material ratio of 31.6 mL/g. Structural studies showed that ABPs consist of different monosaccharides, including rhamnose, arabinose, glucosamine, glucose, galactose, xylose, mannose, and glucuronic acid, with respective molar ratios of 2.12%, 2.40%, 0.52%, 77.12%, 7.94%, 3.51%, 2.55%, and 3.82%. The primary component of these polysaccharides has a molecular weight averaging 12.88 kDa. The polysaccharides feature eight distinct linkage types: →3,4)-Rhap-(1→ at 5.52%, →4)-Glcp-(1→ at 25.64%, Glcp-(1→ at 9.70%, →3,4)-Glcp-(1→ at 19.11%, →4)-Xylp-(1→ at 7.05%, →3)-Glcp-(1→ at 13.23%, →3,4)-Galp-(1→ at 9.26%), and →4,6)-Gclp-(1→ at 12.49%. The semi-crystalline properties of ABPs and their shear-thinning characteristics were validated by X-ray diffraction and rheology tests. In vitro assays highlighted the strong antioxidant activities of ABPs, as evidenced by DPPH and ABTS hydroxyl radical scavenging tests, along with significant metal chelating and reducing powers. Additionally, ABPs showed significant inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, making them attractive as versatile additives or as agents with antioxidant and blood-sugar-lowering properties in both the food and pharmaceutical sectors. These findings support the utilization of adlay bran for higher-value applications, harnessing its bioactive components for health-related benefits.

The Use of Polysaccharide AOP30 from the Rhizome of Alpinia officinarum Hance to Alleviate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction and Inflammation via the TLR4/NfκB Signaling Pathway in Caco-2 Cell Monolayers

Alpinia officinarum Hance is rich in carbohydrates and is flavored by natives. The polysaccharide fraction 30 is purified from the rhizome of A. officinarum Hance (AOP30) and shows excellent immunoregulatory ability when administered to regulate immunity. However, the effect of AOP30 on the intestinal epithelial barrier is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of AOP30 on the intestinal epithelial barrier using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction model and further explore its underlying mechanisms. Cytotoxicity, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, and Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran flux are measured. Simultaneously, the protein and mRNA levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins, including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1, are determined using Western blotting and reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods, respectively. The results indicate that AOP30 restores the LPS-induced decrease in the TEER value and cell viability. Furthermore, it increases the mRNA and protein expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1. Notably, ZO-1 is the primary tight junction protein altered in response to LPS-induced intestinal epithelial dysfunction. Additionally, AOP30 downregulates the production of TNFα via the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway. Collectively, the findings of this study indicate that AOP30 can be developed as a functional food ingredient or natural therapeutic agent for addressing intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. It sheds light on the role of AOP30 in improving intestinal epithelial function.

Extraction, purification, structural characteristics, bioactivity and potential applications of polysaccharides from Semen Coicis: A review

Semen Coicis (S. Coicis) has been regarded as a valuable source of traditional herbal medicine in China for thousands of years. S. Coicis polysaccharides (SCPs) are one of the most important bioactive ingredients of S. Coicis, which have attracted worldwide attention, because of their great marketing potential and development prospects. Hot water extraction is currently the most commonly used method to isolate SCPs. The structural characteristics of SCPs have been extensively investigated through various advanced modern analytical techniques to dissect the structure-activity relationships. SCPs are mainly composed of diverse monosaccharides, from which Rha and Ara are the most prevalent glycosyl groups. In addition, the structures of SCPs are found to be closely related to their multiple biological activities, including antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory function, antitumor activity, hypoglycemic effect, intestinal microbiota regulatory activity, anti-inflammatory activity, among others. In view of this, this review aimed to provide systematic and current information on the isolation, structural characteristics, and bioactivities of SCPs to support their future applications as therapeutic agents and functional foods.

Forsythiaside A alleviates acute lung injury by inhibiting inflammation and epithelial barrier damages in lung and colon through PPAR-γ/RXR-α complex

INTRODUCTION

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a lung disease characterized by inflammation and still requires further drug development. Forsythiaside A as the active compound of Forsythiae Fructus has the therapeutic potential for ALI.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of forsythiaside A in treating ALI through PPAR-γ and its conjugate RXR-α based on gut-lung axis.

METHODS

This study constructed in vitro and in vivo injury models using LPS and TNF-α. Forsythiaside A was used for the drug treatment, and RXR-α inhibitor UVI3003 was used to interfere with PPAR-γ/RXR-α complexes in the cells. HE staining was used for histopathological examination. Serum endotoxin contents were determined using limulus lysate kit. IHC staining and Western blot were conducted to assess the protein expressions. ELISA was applied to examine the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the cell supernatants. The protein interactions were analyzed via CO-IP.

RESULTS

In vivo results showed that forsythiaside A regulated PPAR-γ/RXR-α and inhibited TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB and MLCK/MLC2 signal pathways, thus inhibiting inflammation and epithelial barrier damages of lung and colon in ALI mice induced by intratracheal LPS. PPAR-γ/RXR-α were promoted by forsythiaside A in lungs, whereas inhibited by forsythiaside A in colons. Additionally, in vitro results showed that forsythiaside A suppressed inflammation and epithelial barrier damages in macrophages and lung/colon epithelial cells, by manipulating PPAR-γ/RXR-α to suppress the LPS- and TNF-α-induced activation of TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB and NF-κB/MLCK/MLC2 signal pathways. Moreover, further mechanism study indicated that forsythiaside A showed a cell-specific regulatory effect on PPAR-γ/RXR-α complex. Specifically, the PPAR-γ/RXR-α protein interactions were promoted by forsythiaside A in LPS-induced macrophages RAW264.7 and TNF-α-induced lung epithelial cells A549, but inhibited by forsythiaside A in TNF-α-induced colon epithelial cells SW620.

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of ALI, Forsythiaside A inhibited inflammation and epithelial barrier damages of lung and colon through its regulation on PPAR-γ/RXR-α complex.

The in vitro intestinal cell model: different co-cultured cells create different applications

As a vitro absorption model, the Caco-2 cells originate from a human colon adenocarcinomas and can differentiate into a cell layer with enterocyte-like features. The Caco-2 cell model is popularly applied to explore drug transport mechanisms, to evaluate the permeability of drug and to predict the absorption of drugs or bioactive substances in the gut. However, there are limitations to the application of Caco-2 cell model due to lack of a mucus layer, the long culture period and the inability to accurately simulate the intestinal environment. The most frequent way to expand the Caco-2 cell model and address its limitations is by co-culturing it with other cells or substances. This article reviews the culture methods and applications of 3D and 2D co-culture cell models established around Caco-2 cells. It also concludes with a summary of model strengths and weaknesses.

Transcriptomics Analysis of the Immune Effects of Okadaic Acid on Caco-2 Cells

Okadaic Acid, a type of diarrhetic shellfish poison, is widely distributed and harmful, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and more in humans. Recent studies have demonstrated that OA can lead to various toxicities such as cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, embryotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. In order to investigate the immunotoxicity of OA on intestinal cells, a transcriptome analysis was conducted to compare the differences in the Caco-2 cell transcriptional group before and after administration. The CCK-8 experiment demonstrated that OA had a detrimental effect on the activity of Caco-2 cells, with an IC50 value of 33.98 nM. Transcriptome data revealed changes in immune-related genes between the experimental and control groups, including inflammatory factors, heat shock proteins, and zinc finger proteins. The analysis of the results suggests that OA can induce the production of inflammatory factors and apoptosis in cells, and may also affect cell ferroptosis. These findings indicate that OA has a significant impact on intestinal immunity, providing valuable insights for the study of immune toxicity associated with OA.

Fermentation enhances the amelioration effect of bee pollen on Caco-2 monolayer epithelial barrier dysfunction based on NF-κB-mediated MLCK-MLC signaling pathway

Intestinal barrier integrity is essential for normal nutrient digestion and absorption and disease resistance. This study aims to investigate how fermentation affects the ameliorative effect of bee pollen on the intestinal barrier dysfunction stimulated by interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor (IFN-γ/TNF-α) cytokines. The results indicated that fermentation enhances the alleviating effect of bee pollen on intestinal barrier dysfunction (including elevated trans epithelial electrical resistance and decreased paracellular permeability). In addition, fermented bee pollen (FBP) significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the secretion levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1β and expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein in intestinal barrier cells. Furthermore, fermentation improved the ability of bee pollen to up-regulate the expression of tight junction proteins including zonula occludens (ZO)-1, occluding, and claudin-1. Notably, FBP showed stronger ability to inhibit the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) mediated myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin light chain (MLC) signaling pathway associated with phosphorylated proteins. Overall, our results indicated that fermentation enhances the protective effect of bee pollen on the intestinal barrier, and FBP has promising potential to be used as a novel functional food to protect the intestinal barrier.

Research on Coix seed as a food and medicinal resource, it's chemical components and their pharmacological activities: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen (Romanet du Caillaud) Stapf is a plant of the genus Coix in the Gramineae family. Coix seed is cultivated in various regions throughout China. In recent years, with the research on the medicinal value of Coix seed, it has received more and more widespread attention from people. Numerous pharmacological effects of Coix seed have been demonstrated through modern pharmacological studies, such as hypoglycemia, improving liver function, anti-tumor, regulating intestinal microbiota, improving spleen function, and anti-inflammatory effects.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

This article is a literature review. In recent years, despite the extensive research on Coix seed, there has yet to be a comprehensive review of its traditional usage, medicinal resources, chemical components, and pharmacological effects is still lacking. To fill this gap, the paper provides an overview of the latest research progress on Coix seed, aiming to offer guidance and references for its further development and comprehensive utilization.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To gather information on the traditional usage, phytochemical ingredients, and pharmacological properties of Coix seed, we conducted a literature search using both Chinese and English languages in five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Springer.

RESULTS

This article is a literature review. The chemical constituents of Coix seed include various fatty acids, esters, polysaccharides, sterols, alkaloids, triterpenes, tocopherols, lactams, lignans, phenols, flavonoids and other constituents. Modern pharmacological research has indeed shown that Coix seed has many pharmacological effects and is a natural anti-tumor drug. In addition to its anti-tumor effect, it also has pharmacological effects such as hypoglycemia, improving liver function, regulating intestinal microbiota, improving spleen function, and anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This article provides a brief overview of the traditional uses, biotechnological applications, chemical components, and pharmacological effects of Coix seed. It highlights the importance of establishing quality standards, discovering new active ingredients, and exploring pharmacological mechanisms in Coix seed research. The article also emphasizes the significance of clinical trials, toxicology studies, pharmacokinetics data, and multidisciplinary collaboration for further advancements in this field. Overall, it aims to enhance understanding of Coix seed and its potential in pharmaceutical development and wellness products.

The effects of Trametes versicolor fermented Rosa roxburghii tratt and coix seed quild on the nutrition, sensory characteristics and physical and chemical parameters of yogurt

Trametes versicolor can produce aromatic flavor in growth and development, widely used in food fermentation. This study used a One-Factor-at-a-Time (OFAT) test and response surface analysis to study the optimum fermentation parameters of Rosa roxburghii tratt and coix seed yogurt by Trametes versicolor. The best fermentation process is as follows: skim milk powder 17 %, sucrose content 4 %, Rosa roxburghii tratt and coix seed liquid 36 %, fermentation temperature 39 °C, inoculum 2 %, strain ratio 2:1:1(LB12: BLH1: Q-1), fermentation time 9.5 h. Under this fermentation process, the sensory score was 82.11, the contents of vitamin C, GABA, and total live bacteria in this yogurt were 13.89, 2.58, and 1.02 times higher than in common yogurt. Correlation analyses showed a significant contribution of the leavening agent to the GABA content of yogurt. This study provides a foundation for producing Rosa roxburghii tratt and coix seed yogurt with high sensory and nutritional value.

Partial Replacement of Diet with Dehulled Adlay Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Gut Dysbiosis in Rats with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing worldwide, and the average age at NAFLD diagnosis has been decreasing. Although some components of adlay can ameliorate lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota, few studies have explored the effects of the dietary intake of intact dehulled adlay on liver diseases. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of the dietary intake of dehulled adlay on NAFLD progression and explored the potential underlying mechanisms. Rats were randomized into a control group; a high-fat, high-sucrose diet (60% total energy derived from fat and 9.4% from sucrose)-induced NAFLD group (N); or a high-fat, high-sucrose diet with dehulled adlay group (received the same amounts of dietary fiber and total energy as did the N group). The experimental duration was 16 weeks. The diet containing dehulled adlay mitigated hepatic fat accumulation, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and oxidative stress by regulating the AMPK-Nrf2-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and ferroptosis. Additionally, the dietary intake of dehulled adlay modulated the composition of the gut microbiota. In conclusion, a diet containing dehulled adlay may decelerate the progression of NAFLD by ameliorating hepatic steatosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut dysbiosis.

Effect of adlay seed extract on inflammation and fibrogenesis in human corneal activated keratocytes at transcriptional level

Corneal activated keratocytes (CAKs) -representing the injured phenotype of corneal stromal cells- are associated with several corneal diseases. Inflammatory cytokines are the key drivers of CAK formation subsequently leading to fibrogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adlay seed extract on the expression of genes involved in inflammation (IL-6, IL-1b, LIF) and fibrogenesis (TGF-β) in CAK cells. CAKs (106 cells/10 cm2) were exposed to methanolic (MeOH) and residual (Res) extract of adlay seed (1 mg/ml, 24 h). The control group received the vehicle solution without extract at the same time and condition. Then, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and real-time PCR were performed to quantify the relative expression of IL-6, IL-1b, LIF, and TGF-β in the treated vs. control cells. This study showed that the MeOH extract of adlay seed could significantly downregulate the expression of IL-6 and IL-1b in the CAKs, while the Res extract led to a significant decrease in TGF-β gene expression. We showed that CAK treatment with adlay seed extract could decrease the expression of genes related to inflammation and fibrogenesis. However, the genes to be targeted depended on the method of extraction. This proof-of-concept study could provide groundwork for the treatment of corneal stromal diseases and ocular regenerative medicine in the future.

Effect of polysaccharide derived from dehulled adlay on regulating gut microbiota and inhibiting Clostridioides difficile in an in vitro colonic fermentation model

Human body can digest only a few sugars with a low degree of polymerization. The rest of the carbohydrates become food for gastrointestinal symbiotic bacteria, affecting gut microbiota composition and human health. Adlay is a medicinal and food homologous crop. The study aims to determine whether dehulled adlay-derived polysaccharide regulates gut microbiota and barrier function to against Clostridioides difficile infection. Major molecular weight of adlay polysaccharide is 27 kDa. The growth of next-generation probiotics were promoted by adlay polysaccharides. In colonic fermentation model, the ratio of C. difficile was decreased when adding the condition medium of adlay polysaccharides-treated fecal microbiota. In addition, adlay polysaccharide promoted the expression of tight junction proteins and mucin in intestinal cells. This study shows that adlay polysaccharide can be used as prebiotics to regulate microbiota and maintain barrier function, which has the potential to be developed as novel functional food ingredients to protect intestinal health.

Arabinogalactan ameliorates benzo[a]pyrene-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction via AhR/MAPK signaling pathway

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a kind of pollutant, can disrupt the gut microbiota, but its effects on the function of intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) is still unclear. Arabinogalactan (AG), a natural polysaccharide, can protect intestinal tract. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of B[a]P on IEB function and the mitigation effect of AG on the IEB dysfunction induced by B[a]P using a Caco-2 cell monolayer model. We found B[a]P could damage the IEB integrity by inducing cell cytotoxicity, increasing lactate dehydrogenase leakage, decreasing the transepithelial electrical resistance, and increasing fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran flux. The mechanism of B[a]P-induced IEB damage may through induction of oxidative stress, including increasing reactive oxygen species levels, decreasing glutathione levels, reducing the activity of superoxide dismutase, and increasing malonaldehyde levels. Moreover, it can be due to increasing secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α), down-regulated expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (claudin-1, zonula occludens [ZO]-1, and occludin), and induced activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Remarkably, AG ameliorated B[a]P-induced IEB dysfunction through inhibited oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory factor secretion. Our study demonstrated B[a]P could damage the IEB and AG could alleviate this damage.

Food, gut barrier dysfunction, and related diseases: A new target for future individualized disease prevention and management

Dysfunction of gut barrier is known as "leaky gut" or increased intestinal permeability. Numerous recent scientific evidences showed the association between gut dysfunction and multiple gastrointestinal tract (GI) and non-GI diseases. Research also demonstrated that food plays a crucial role to cause or remedy gut dysfunction related to diseases. We reviewed recent articles from electronic databases, mainly PubMed. The data were based on animal models, cell models, and human research in vivo and in vitro models. In this comprehensive review, our aim focused on the relationship between dietary factors, intestinal permeability dysfunction, and related diseases. This review synthesizes currently available literature and is discussed in three parts: (a) the mechanism of gut barrier and function, (b) food and dietary supplements that may promote gut health, and food or medication that may alter gut function, and (c) a table that organizes the synthesized information by general mechanisms for diseases related to leaky gut/intestinal permeability and associated dietary influences. With future research, dietary intervention could be a new target for individualized disease prevention and management.

Bifico relieves irritable bowel syndrome by regulating gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammatory cytokines

PURPOSE

Gut microbiota dysbiosis, a core pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is closely related to immunological and metabolic functions. Gut microbiota-based therapeutics have been recently explored in several studies. Bifico is a probiotic cocktail widely used in gastrointestinal disorders which relate to the imbalance of gut microbiota. However, the efficacy and potential mechanisms of Bifico treatment in IBS remains incompletely understood.

METHODS

Adopting a wrap restraint stress (WRS) -induced IBS mice model. Protective effect of Bifico in IBS mice was examined through abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores. 16S rDNA, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) and western blot assays were performed to analyze alterations of gut microbiota, microbiome metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, respectively.

RESULTS

Bifico could decrease intestinal visceral hypersensitivity. Although gut microbiota diversity did not increase, composition of gut microbiota was changed after treatment of Bifico, which were characterized by an increase of Proteobacteria phylum and Actinobacteria phylum, Muribaculum genus, Bifidobacterium genus and a decrease of Parabacteroides genus, Sutterella genus and Lactobacillus genus. Moreover, Bifico elevated the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and reduced protein levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). From further Spearman's correlation analysis, Bifidobacterium genus were positively correlated with SCFAs including propionate, butyrate, valerate and negatively correlated with IL-6 and TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

Bifico could alleviate symptoms of IBS mice through regulation of the gut microbiota, elevating production of SCFAs and reducing the colonic inflammatory response.

Adlay, an ancient functional plant with nutritional quality, improves human health

Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi L.), a crop closed related to maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), originated in tropical/subtropical regions of Asia and Africa; southwest China primary center of this plant's origin, evolution and migration. Adlay is a traditional high-value minor crop used for both medicinal and dietary purposes. Adlay has anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, blood sugar-lowering, and blood lipid-lowering effects. To clarify the main bioactive components and phytochemical compounds and to fully explore their utility, this review summarizes the research done on the main functional ingredients of adlay, including amino acids and proteins, oils, vitamins and minerals, polysaccharides, and polyphenols. This study also highlighted the application of genome sequencing to tailor nutrient-rich adlay cultivars and nutraceutical product development. Additionally, the acquisition of high-density genomic data combined with next-generation phenotypic analysis will undoubtedly improve our understanding of the potential genetic regulation of adlay nutraceutical traits. This review provides new insights and ideas for the research of adlay in comparison and evolutionary genomics, and a useful reference for molecular breeding and genetic improvement of this important minor crop.

Ethanol Extracts of Rice Bran and Whole Grain Adlay Seeds Mitigate Colonic Inflammation and Damage in Mice with Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with frequent relapsing inflammation in the colon. Whole grains have been promoted as healthy and sustainable foods; however, the use of whole gains in UC is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ethanol extracts of rice bran (RBE) and whole-grain adlay seeds (ADE) on inflammation, oxidative stress, and colonic damage in UC. Male C57BL/6JNarl mice were intra-rectal injected twice with 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid to induce (day 0) and reactivate (day 21) UC. Control mice were fed AIN-93M diet (R group) and injected with a vehicle. UC mice were fed AIN-93M diet (UC group) supplemented with RBE (RBE group) or ADE (ADE group) for 21 days. The results showed that the UC group had an increased disease activity index, plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and glutathione levels, microscopic injury scores, and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels in the colon and decreased colonic claudin-4 compared to the R group. RBE and ADE supplementation significantly reduced UC-elevated plasma IL-6 and colonic glutathione and pro-inflammatory cytokines and a chemokine. In addition, RBE and ADE supplementation significantly decreased T-helper-cell-associated cytokines in the plasma and colon. Moreover, RBE supplementation increased colonic IL-10 and tight junction protein claudin-4 levels, and ADE supplementation alleviated diarrhea in UC mice. In conclusion, these results suggest that RBE and ADE may mitigate colonic inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage in UC relapse.

Protective effect of surface-layer proteins from four Lactobacillus strains on tumor necrosis factor-α-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction

BACKGROUND

The intestinal epithelium is considered the first defense protection against exogenous harmful substances, playing an indispensable role in regulating intestinal health. The protection offered by surface-layer proteins (Slps) from different Lactobacillus strains on an impaired intestinal barrier was investigated in this study.

RESULTS

Four Slps pre-incubated for 6 h significantly prevented the reduced transepithelial electrical resistance value and increased paracellular permeability in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced Caco-2 monolayers. TNF-α induced lower protein expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1, and abnormal distributions of occludin and zonula occludens-1 were ameliorated by four Slps as well. Additionally, four Slps weakened TNF-α-evoked interleukin-8 secretion and nuclear factor-κB activation.

CONCLUSION

Four Slps from different strains prevent the intestinal barrier from TNF-α-induced dysfunction through blocking the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Actional Mechanisms of Active Ingredients in Functional Food Adlay for Human Health

Medicinal and food homologous adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf) plays an important role in natural products promoting human health. We demonstrated the systematic actional mechanism of functional ingredients in adlay to promote human health, based on the PubMed, CNKI, Google, and ISI Web of Science databases from 1988 to 2022. Adlay and its extracts are rich in 30 ingredients with more than 20 health effects based on human and animal or cell cultures: they are anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-obesity, liver protective, anti-virus, gastroprotective, cardiovascular protective, anti-hypertension, heart disease preventive, melanogenesis inhibiting, anti-allergy, endocrine regulating, anti-diabetes, anti-cachexia, osteoporosis preventive, analgesic, neuroprotecting, suitable for the treatment of gout arthritis, life extending, anti-fungi, and detoxifying effects. Function components with anti-oxidants are rich in adlay. These results support the notion that adlay seeds may be one of the best functional foods and further reveal the action mechanism of six major functional ingredients (oils, polysaccharides, phenols, phytosterols, coixol, and resistant starch) for combating diseases. This review paper not only reveals the action mechanisms of adding adlay to the diet to overcome 17 human diseases, but also provides a scientific basis for the development of functional foods and drugs for the treatment of human diseases.

Consumption of Dehulled Adlay Improved Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation in Overweight and Obese Individuals after a 6-Week Single-Arm Pilot Study

Obesity is a major public health concern worldwide with a rising prevalence. Diets containing whole grains have been demonstrated to benefit body composition and inflammatory conditions in individuals at a high risk of metabolic disorders. This study investigated the effects of dehulled adlay on blood lipids and inflammation in overweight and obese adults. We recruited 21 individuals with abdominal obesity to participate in a 6-week experiment, providing them 60 g of dehulled adlay powder per day as a substitute for their daily staple. Before and after the 6-week intervention, we performed anthropometric analyses and measured blood lipid profiles, adipokines, and markers of inflammation. At the end of the study, the percentage of body fat mass, blood total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly decreased compared with the baseline. Plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, leptin, and malondialdehyde levels were also reduced. In addition, participants with higher basal blood lipid levels exhibited enhanced lipid lowering effects after the dehulled adlay intervention. These results suggest that a dietary pattern containing 60 g of dehulled adlay per day may have a beneficial effect on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in individuals that are overweight and obese.

The Development of the Davis Food Glycopedia-A Glycan Encyclopedia of Food

The molecular complexity of the carbohydrates consumed by humans has been deceptively oversimplified due to a lack of analytical methods that possess the throughput, sensitivity, and resolution required to provide quantitative structural information. However, such information is becoming an integral part of understanding how specific glycan structures impact health through their interaction with the gut microbiome and host physiology. This work presents a detailed catalogue of the glycans present in complementary foods commonly consumed by toddlers during weaning and foods commonly consumed by American adults. The monosaccharide compositions of over 800 foods from diverse food groups including Fruits, Vegetables, Grain Products, Beans, Peas, Other Legumes, Nuts, Seeds; Sugars, Sweets and Beverages; Animal Products, and more were obtained and used to construct the “Davis Food Glycopedia” (DFG), an open-access database that provides quantitative structural information on the carbohydrates in food. While many foods within the same group possessed similar compositions, hierarchical clustering analysis revealed similarities between different groups as well. Such a Glycopedia can be used to formulate diets rich in specific monosaccharide residues to provide a more targeted modulation of the gut microbiome, thereby opening the door for a new class of prophylactic or therapeutic diets.

Effects of CB2 Receptor Modulation on Macrophage Polarization in Pediatric Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease (CD) represents an autoimmune disorder triggered by the exposure to gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Recent studies suggest the involvement of macrophages in CD pathogenesis. Macrophages are immune cells, present as pro-inflammatory classically activated macrophages (M1) or as anti-inflammatory alternatively activated macrophages (M2). The Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2) has important anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. We previously demonstrated that a common CB2 functional variant, Q63R, causing CB2 reduced function, is associated with several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases The first aim of this study was to investigate the phenotype of macrophages isolated from peripheral blood of CD patients and CB2 expression. The second aim was to evaluate the effects of CB2 pharmacological modulation on CD macrophage polarization. Moreover, by an in vitro model of “immunocompetent gut” we investigated the role of CD macrophages in inducing intestinal barrier damage and the possibility to restore its functionality modulating their polarization. We found an increased expression of M1 macrophages and a CB2 reduced expression. We also demonstrated CD M1 macrophages in inducing the typical mucosal barrier damage of CD. CB2 stimulation switches macrophage polarization towards the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype thus reducing inflammation but also limiting the epithelial dysfunction. Therefore, we suggest CB2 receptor as a possible novel therapeutic target for CD by regulating macrophages polarization and by preventing mucosal barrier damage.

Protective Effects of Natural Polysaccharides on Intestinal Barrier Injury: A Review

Owing to their minimal side effects and effective protection from oxidative stress, inflammation, and malignant growth, natural polysaccharides (NPs) are a potential adjuvant therapy for several diseases caused by intestinal barrier injury (IBI). More studies are accumulating on the protective effects of NPs with respect to IBI, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Thus, this review aims to represent current studies that investigate the protective effects of NPs on IBI by directly maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier integrity (inhibiting oxidative stress, regulating inflammatory cytokine expression, and increasing tight junction protein expression) and indirectly regulating intestinal immunity and microbiota. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying IBI development are briefly introduced, and the structure-activity relationships of polysaccharides with intestinal barrier protection effects are discussed. Potential developments and challenges associated with NPs exhibiting protective effects against IBI have also been highlighted to guide the application of NPs in the treatment of intestinal diseases caused by IBI.

Effects of Two Polysaccharides from Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on Intestinal Immunity and Inflammation in vitro

In our previous studies, two polysaccharides (MC-1 and MC-2) were identified in the roots of maca (Lepidium meyenii). In this study, the effects of these two polysaccharides on intestinal immunity...

Dehulled Adlay Consumption Modulates Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Overweight and Obese Young Adults

High blood pressure is a crucial risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases, and a diet rich in whole-grain foods may modulate blood pressure. This study investigated the effects of dehulled adlay consumption on blood pressure in vivo. We initially fed spontaneous hypertensive rats diets without (SHR group) or with 12 or 24% dehulled adlay (SHR + LA and SHR + HA groups), and discovered that it could limit blood pressure increases over a 12-week experimental period. Although we found no significant changes in plasma, heart, and kidney angiotensin-converting enzyme activities, both adlay-consuming groups had lower endothelin-1 and creatinine concentrations than the SHR group; the SHR + HA group also had lower aspartate aminotransferase and uric acid levels than the SHR group did. We later recruited 23 participants with overweight and obesity, and they consumed 60 g of dehulled adlay daily for a six-week experimental period. At the end of the study, we observed a significant decrease in the group's systolic blood pressure (SBP), and the change in SBP was even more evident in participants with high baseline SBP. In conclusion, our results suggested that daily intake of dehulled adlay had beneficial effects in blood-pressure management. Future studies may further clarify the possible underlying mechanisms for the consuming of dehulled adlay as a beneficial dietary approach for people at risk of hypertension.

Galli gigeriae endothelium corneum: its intestinal barrier protective activity in vitro and chemical composition

Background

Galli gigeriae endothelium corneum (GGEC) has been effectively used for centuries for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) in clinical practice in Asian countries. However, its potential mechanism and chemical composition remains undertermined.

Methods

In this study, the chemical profile of GGEC ethyl acetate extract (EAE) was evaluated by HPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS. The effects of EAE on intestinal barrier function and inflammation were investigated in IEC-6 cells and RAW264.7 cells.

Results

The results showed that 33 compounds were tentatively identified, including 12 soy isoflavones, 7 bile acids for the first time in EAE. EAE significantly reinforced intestinal barrier function via increasing the tight junction protein levels of ZO-1 and Occludin, reducing the mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-challenged IEC-6 cells. The scratch wound assay showed that EAE accelerated wound healing of IEC-6 cells. EAE evidently reduced the level of NO in a dose-dependent manner with an IC₅₀ value of 18.12 μg/mL, and the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusion

This study revealed the intestinal barrier protective effects and chemical profile of GGEC, and the results indicated that GGEC strengthened the intestinal barrier by up-regulating protein expression of tight junctions and limiting inflammatory responses.

Determination of Differentiating Markers in Coicis Semen From Multi-Sources Based on Structural Similarity Classification Coupled With UPCC-Xevo G2-XS QTOF

Coicis semen, a medicinal food, is derived from the dried and mature seeds of Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen (Rom.Caill.) Stapf, a member of the Gramineae family. Lipids are its main constituents. Previous literature reported that coicis semen contains twenty triglycerides and twelve diglycerides. However, we identified thirty-five triglycerides, sixteen diglycerides, four monoglycerides, and two sterols under the preoptimized conditions of UPCC-Xevo G2-XS QTOF combined with a personalized TCM database. Furthermore, we successfully determined glycerol trioleate content to evaluate quality differences. Finally, we identified the fatty acid compositions of seven out of nine differential markers via Progenesis QI using principal component analysis, orthogonal projection to latent structures–discriminant analysis, and the LipidMaps database. In addition, we applied a software-based classification, a method that was previously developed by our team, to verify and predict structurally similar compounds. Our findings confirmed that UPCC-Xevo G2-XS QTOF combined with software-based group classification could be used as an efficient method for exploring the potential lipid markers of seed medicine.

Comparative study on the bioactive components and in vitro biological activities of three green seedlings

To explore functional food ingredients from green seedlings, the bioactive components (phenolic compounds and γ-aminobutyric acid) and antioxidant activities (DPPH radical scavenging ability, ABTS radical scavenging ability and reducing power) of three green seedlings, including coix seed seedling (CSS), highland barely seedling (HBS) and naked oats seedling (NOS) cultivars were respectively measured and deeply compared. Results indicated that CSS showed the highest contents of the total polyphenol (183.35 mg/100 g), total flavonoid (348.68 mg/100 g), and γ-aminobutyric acid (54.17 mg/100 g). As expected, CSS also exerted the highest level of antioxidant activity, followed by HBS and NOS. Moreover, CSS possessed the potential of stimulating immune responses, including promoting proliferation and strengthening phagocytosis function of RAW264.7 cells. Taken together, all results suggested that the three green seedlings, especially CSS could be used as natural ingredients for functional food.

Polysaccharide from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. alleviates nonylphenol induced intestinal barrier injury by regulating tight junctions in human Caco-2 cell line

The intestinal epithelium is known as an important barrier to protect the body from harmful pathogens or toxic substance that may induce intestinal barrier injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of polysaccharide from the seeds of Plantago asiatica L. (PLP) on nonylphenol (NP) induced intestinal barrier injury in vitro. Caco-2 cells were pretreated with PLP, or co-cultured with PLP and NP simultaneously, and cytotoxicity, LDH leakage, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), FITC-dextran flux and tight junction (TJ) proteins were conducted to evaluate the intestinal barrier function. The results suggested that PLP pretreatment or co-culture with NP could significantly attenuated NP induced Caco-2 cytotoxicity, suppressed LDH release, restored the TEER value and paracellular permeability of Caco-2 monolayers, which were attributed to enhancing the TJ protein expressions. In addition, PLP co-cultured with NP possessed better protective effects against NP induced cytotoxicity. This study indicated that PLP assuaged NP induced intestinal barrier injury by increasing TJ, and threw light on the development of a dietary supplementation for preventing exogenous toxic substances induced intestinal barrier injury or improving intestinal TJ barrier function.

Dietary supplementation with polysaccharides from Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Pozao intervenes in immune response via regulating peripheral immunity and intestinal barrier function in cyclophosphamide-induced mice

Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Pozao has been consumed as a traditional fruit with regional characteristics in China for a long time; however, fewer studies on polysaccharides from Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Pozao (JP) have been documented. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of JP on cyclophosphamide-induced ICR mice for 28 days. The results showed that oral administration of JP could significantly improve the lymphocyte proliferation in the spleen and decrease the proportion of CD3+ and CD4+ and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in cyclophosphamide-induced mice in a dose-dependent manner. JP treatment also increased the levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in serum and the intestine, and the improvement effects were proportional to the dose of JP. Similarly, JP significantly increased the levels of IgA and SIgA, as well as the expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin in the intestine. Particularly, the expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin were the best in the M-JP group. Furthermore, JP positively regulated the gut microbiota as indicated by the enriched microbiota diversity. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly decreased by JP, while that of Bacteroidetes was increased by JP treatment. More importantly, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes was significantly increased. And a high dose of JP is the most effective. At the genus level, the abundances of the Bacteroidales-S24-7-group, Lachnospiraceae, Alloprevotella, Alistipes and Bacteroides were increased by JP treatment. These results provided evidence for the regulating effect of JP on the peripheral immunity and intestinal barrier function in cyclophosphamide-induced hypoimmune mice.

Total Flavonoid Extract from Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) Improves Inflammatory Cytokines-Evoked Epithelial Barrier Deficit

Background

Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction is involved in the development and pathogenesis of intestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and celiac disease. This study was performed to evaluate the ability of total flavonoid extract from hawthorn (TFH) to improve TNF-α-evoked intestinal epithelial barrier deficit.

Material/Methods

Caco-2 cells monolayers were exposed to TNF-α in different concentrations of TFH. Intestinal epithelial barrier function was evaluated using epithelial permeability and transepithelial electrical resistance (TER).

Results

Our findings showed that TFH alleviated the increase of paracellular permeability and the decline of transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) evoked by TNF-α. Additionally, 24-h pre-incubation with TFH inhibited TNF-α-evoked secretion of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and IL-1β). Furthermore, TFH inhibited TNF-α-evoked overexpression of pMLC and MLCK and alleviated breakdown of TJs protein (ZO-1 and occludin). The activations of Elk-1 and NFκBp65 were inhibited by TFH pre-incubation.

Conclusions

TFH can alleviate TNF-α-evoked intestinal epithelial barrier deficit via the NFκBp65-mediated MLCK-MLC signaling pathway.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides ameliorate intestinal barrier dysfunction and inflammation through the MLCK-MLC signaling pathway in Caco-2 cells

Impairment of the intestinal barrier often occurs in inflammatory bowel diseases, and pro-inflammatory factors play a vital role in the pathogenesis of intestinal diseases.