An Improved and Simplified Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation Protocol for Solanum nigrum with a Shorter Growth Time

Solanum nigrum (Solanaceae family) is widely consumed as a fruit or local leafy vegetable after boiling; it also serves as a medicinal plant. Although Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation has been established in S. nigrum, the transformation period is long. Specifically, induction of roots takes approximately five weeks for tetraploid and hexaploid S. nigrum, and 7 weeks for diploid Solanum americanum. In this study, we developed an improved rooting-induced method that requires only about 1 week and avoids the use of tissue culture. After generating the transgenic shoots, they were directly transplanted into the soil to facilitate root formation. Remarkably, 100% of the transgenic shoots developed roots within 6 days. Our improved method is time-saving (saving more than 1 month) and simpler to operate. The improved rooting-induced step can be applied to induce roots in various plants using tissue culture, exemplified by the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Furthermore, we applied the improved method to generate S. americanum plants expressing AcMYB110 from kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis spp.). This method will contribute to speeding up gene functional analysis and trait improvement in S. nigrum and might have potential in fast plant molecular breeding processes in crops and rapid rooting induction in tissue culture.

Therapeutic Potential of Solanum Alkaloids with Special Emphasis on Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Cancer has emerged as a formidable global health challenge, with treatment methods like chemotherapy and radiation often exacerbating the situation due to their associated side effects. Opting for natural sources like plants as a safer and environmentally friendly alternative seems promising. Historically, plants have served as valuable sources for treating diverse health conditions, attributable to their rich composition of therapeutic phytochemicals. Within this array of phytochemicals, alkaloids, especially those found in the Solanaceae plant family, are notably prominent. Alkaloids from Solanaceae plant family called Solanum alkaloids demonstrate noteworthy anti-tumour characteristics and exert a potent inhibitory influence on cancer cell proliferation. They trigger programmed cell death in cancerous cells through various molecular pathways, whether administered alone or combined with other medications. Solanum alkaloids act upon cancer cells via multiple mechanisms, including apoptosis induction, suppression of cell growth and migration, as well as inhibition of angiogenesis. This review provides insights into the anti-cancer attributes of Solanum alkaloids found in various Solanum plant species, along with a brief overview of their other medicinal properties.

Dietary phenolic compounds as promising therapeutic agents for diabetes and its complications: A comprehensive review

In the middle of an ever-changing landscape of diabetes care, precision medicine, and lifestyle therapies are becoming increasingly important. Dietary polyphenols are like hidden allies found in our everyday meals. These biomolecules, found commonly in fruits, vegetables, and various plant-based sources, hold revolutionary potential within their molecular structure in the way we approach diabetes and its intimidating consequences. There are currently numerous types of diabetes medications, but they are not appropriate for all patients due to limitations in dosages, side effects, drug resistance, a lack of efficacy, and ethnicity. Currently, there has been increased interest in practicing herbal remedies to manage diabetes and its related complications. This article aims to summarize the potential of dietary polyphenols as a foundation in the treatment of diabetes and its associated consequences. We found that most polyphenols inhibit enzymes linked to diabetes. This review outlines the potential benefits of selected molecules, including kaempferol, catechins, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, in managing diabetes mellitus as these compounds have exhibited promising results in in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and some preclinical trials study. This encompassing exploration reveals the multifaceted impact of polyphenols not only in mitigating diabetes but also in addressing associated conditions like inflammation, obesity, and even cancer. Their mechanisms involve antioxidant functions, immune modulation, and proinflammatory enzyme regulation. Furthermore, these molecules exhibit anti-tumor activities, influence cellular pathways, and activate AMPK pathways, offering a less toxic, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to addressing diabetes and its complications.

Ameliorating the impairment of glucose utilization in a high-fat diet-induced obesity model through the consumption of Tucum-do-Cerrado (Bactris Setosa Mart.)

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the effect of Tucum-do-Cerrado on glucose metabolism homeostasis and its relationship with redox-inflammatory responses in a high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity model.

RESULTS

The HF diet increased energy intake, feed efficiency, body weight, muscle and hepatic glycogen, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR) and beta (β)-cell function, and gut catalase (CAT) activity, and decreased food intake, hepatic glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (Pck1), and intestinal solute carrier family 5 member 1 (Slc5a1) mRNA levels compared with the control diet. However, the HF diet with Tucum-do-Cerrado decreased hepatic glycogen, and increased hepatic GR activity, hepatic Slc2a2 mRNA levels and serum Tnfa compared with the HF diet. Tucum-do-Cerrado decreased muscle glycogen, intestinal CAT and GPX activities, muscle PFK-1 and HK activities, and increased hepatic protein (CARB) and intestinal lipid (MDA) oxidation, hepatic GST activity, serum antioxidant potential, hepatic phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) activity, intestinal solute carrier family 2 member 2 (Slc2a2), tumor necrosis factor (Tnf), interleukin-1 beta (Il1b), muscle protein kinase AMP-activated alpha 1 (Prkaa1), solute carrier family 2 member 2 (Slc2a2) mRNA levels, and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, regardless of diet type.

CONCLUSION

Tucum-do-Cerrado consumption may ameliorate impaired glucose utilization in a HF diet-induced obesity model by increasing liver and muscle glucose uptake and oxidation. These data suggest that Tucum-do-Cerrado consumption improves muscle glucose oxidation in non-obese and obese rats. This response may be related to the improvement in the total antioxidant capacity of rats.

A Comprehensive Review of Phytonutrients as a Dietary Therapy for Obesity

Obesity is a complex medical condition mainly caused by eating habits, genetics, lifestyle, and medicine. The present study deals with traditional diets like the Mediterranean diet, Nordic diet, African Heritage diet, Asian diet, and DASH, as these are considered to be sustainable diets for curing obesity. However, the bioavailability of phytonutrients consumed in the diet may vary, depending on several factors such as digestion and absorption of phytonutrients, interaction with other substances, cooking processes, and individual differences. Hence, several phytochemicals, like polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, etc., have been investigated to assess their efficiencies and safety in the prevention and treatment of obesity. These phytochemicals have anti-obesity effects, mediated via modulation of many pathways, such as decreased lipogenesis, lipid absorption, accelerated lipolysis, energy intake, expenditure, and preadipocyte differentiation and proliferation. Owing to these anti-obesity effects, new food formulations incorporating these phytonutrients were introduced that can be beneficial in reducing the prevalence of obesity and promoting public health.

Glucosinolates Extracts from Brassica juncea Ameliorate HFD-Induced Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is mainly characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. It spans a spectrum of diseases from hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Brassica juncea is rich in glucosinolates and has been proven to possess many potential pharmacological properties, including hypoglycemic, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities. This study aims to investigate whether whole-plant Brassica juncea (WBJ) and its glucosinolates extracts (BGE) have hepatoprotective effects against a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD and further explore the mechanism underlying this process in vivo and in vitro. WBJ treatment significantly reduced body fat, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, liver injury, and inflammation; WBJ treatment also reversed the antioxidant enzyme activity to attenuate oxidative stress in HFD-fed rat liver. Moreover, WBJ and BGE enhanced the activation of AMPK to reduce SREBPs, fatty acid synthase, and HMG-CoA reductase but increased the expression of CPT-I and PPARα to improve hepatic steatosis. In addition, WBJ and BGE could ameliorate NAFLD by inhibiting TNF-α and NF-κB. Based on the above results, this study demonstrates that WBJ and BGE ameliorate HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and liver injury. Therefore, these treatments could represent an unprecedented hope toward improved strategies for NAFLD.

Inhibition of lipid droplet accumulation by Solanum nigrum by suppressing adipogenesis and inducing lipolysis, thermogenesis and autophagy in 3T3‑L1 cells

It has been reported that Solanum nigrum exhibits anti-obesity effects in animal models induced by a high-fat diet. However, research on how Solanum nigrum exerts its anti-obesity effects is currently limited. Thus, the present study focused on identifying the mechanism of action associated with the anti-obesity activity of Solanum nigrum aerial part (SNAP), which significantly inhibited the accumulation of lipid droplets in differentiating 3T3-L1 cells. Intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells was analyzed by Oil-Red O staining and glycerol content was analyzed using an ELISA kit. In addition, changes in protein expression within 3T3-L1 cells were analyzed using western blot analysis. It decreased the expression level of adipogenic proteins such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, fatty acid binding protein 4, and adiponectin. In addition, SNAP increased the expression levels of lipolytic proteins, such as adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase, while decreasing perilipin-1. The treatment of fully differentiated 3T3-L1 cells increased the free glycerol levels. SNAP treatment resulted in increased AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and the expression levels of thermogenic proteins (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α, PR domain containing 16 and uncoupling protein 1) and an autophagic protein (LC3-II). Overall, these results suggested that SNAP inhibited lipid droplet accumulation by suppressing adipogenesis and promoting lipolysis, thermogenesis and autophagy.

Solanum nigrum Linn.: An Insight into Current Research on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

Solanum nigrum Linn., is a common edible medicinal herb of the Solanaceae family which is native to Southeast Asia and is now widely distributed in temperate to tropical regions of Europe, Asia, and America. Traditionally, it has been used to treat various cancers, acute nephritis, urethritis, leucorrhea, sore throat, toothache, dermatitis, eczema, carbuncles, and furuncles. Up to now, 188 chemical constituents have been identified from S. nigrum. Among them, steroidal saponins, alkaloids, phenols, and polysaccharides are the major bioactive constituents. Investigations of pharmacological activities of S. nigrum revealed that this edible medicinal herb exhibits a wide range of therapeutic potential, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and neuroprotective activities both in vivo and in vitro. This article presents a comprehensive and systematic overview of the botanical, traditional uses, phytochemical compositions, pharmacological properties, clinical trials, and toxicity of S. nigrum to provide the latest information for further exploitation and applications of S. nigrum in functional foods and medicines.

FTO gene expression in diet-induced obesity is downregulated by Solanum fruit supplementation

The Fat Mass and Obesity-associated (FTO) gene has been shown to play an important role in developing obesity, manifesting in traits such as increased body mass index, increased waist-to-hip ratio, and the distribution of adipose tissues, which increases the susceptibility to various metabolic syndromes. In this study, we evaluated the impact of fruit-based diets of Solanum melongena (SMF) and Solanum aethiopicum fruits (SAF) on the FTO gene expression levels in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese animals. Our results showed that the mRNA level of the FTO gene was downregulated in the hypothalamus, and white and brown adipose tissue following three and six weeks of treatment with SMF- and SAF-based diets in the HFD-induced obese animals. Additionally, the Solanum fruit supplementation exhibited a curative effect on obesity-associated abrasions on the white adipose tissue (WAT), hypothalamus, and liver. Our findings collectively suggest the anti-obesity potential of SMF and SAF via the downregulation of the FTO gene.

Amelioration of lipid accumulations and metabolism disorders in differentiation and development of 3T3-L1 adipocytes through mulberry leaf water extract

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a worldwide problem that resulted from the excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissue, leading to the impairment of individual health. Mulberry leaf is an important traditional Chinese medicine and has been used to alleviate obesity for a long term. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated yet.

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibition effects of mulberry leaf water extract (MLWE) on lipid accumulation during the process of differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and development of mature adipocytes through the combination of molecular biology assays and metabolomic analysis.

METHODS

The quality consistency and main chemical ingredients of MLWE were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively. Oil red O staining was used to mirror lipid accumulation. Lipogenesis-, lipolysis- and inflammation-related genes were evaluated by real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Untargeted metabolomics were performed by LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

Prepared method and quality of MLWE were stable and reliable. A total of 34 compounds were identified and 14 of them were undoubtedly confirmed. MLWE supplementation could dose-dependently inhibit the aggregation of lipid droplets, and the expressions of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, and increase the expressions of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and IL-10 in the differentiation of preadipocytes. Furthermore, MLWE treatment could dose-dependently decrease the level of triglycerides and the expressions of ACC, FAS, TNF-α, and IL-6, and up-regulate the level of glycerol and the expressions of PPARα, adiponectin (ADPN), adiponectin receptor (AdipoR) 1, AdipoR2, AMPK, HSL, and IL-10 in the development of mature adipocytes. Untargeted metabolomics showed that a total of 5 and 18 differential metabolites were reversed by MLWE intervention in the differentiation of preadipocytes and the development of mature adipocytes, respectively, which involved in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipids metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, this study firstly verified that MLWE could effectively alleviate lipid accumulation and inflammation by regulating ADPN/AMPK-mediated signaling pathways and relevant metabolic disturbances including biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipids metabolism.

The anti-obesity and gut microbiota modulating effects of taxifolin in C57BL/6J mice fed with a high-fat diet

BACKGROUND

Taxifolin is a natural dihydroflavonol found in many plants and health products. In the present study, its anti-obesity and gut microbiota modulating effects were studied. C57BL/6J mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with taxifolin (0, 0.5 and 1 mg mL^-1 , respectively) in drinking water for 15 weeks.

RESULTS

Taxifolin supplementation showed no influence on food and water intake. However, it decreased body weight gain, inhibited fat accumulation, and decreased total cholesterol and triacylglycerol level in mice liver. Taxifolin enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in mice liver, which in turn protected the liver from lipid peroxidation damage. It also improved insulin resistance in obese mice. Metagenomic analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA demonstrated that HFD decreased gut microbiota diversity and caused dysbiosis. However, taxifolin improved the gut microbiota diversity and decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. In particular, it inhibited Proteobacteria from blooming, this being a signature of dysbiosis in gut microbiota.

CONCLUSION

Taxifolin ameliorated the symptoms of obesity, hepatic steatosis, lipid peroxidation, insulin resistance, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in HFD fed C57BL/6J mice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of polyphenols isolated from purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Ayamurasaki) on the microbiota and the biomarker of colonic fermentation in rats fed with cellulose or inulin

A polyphenol-rich diet has been associated with various health benefits. This study assessed the effects of polyphenol/anthocyanin isolated from a purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Ayamurasaki) on colonic fermentation in cellulose- or inulin-fed rats. Male Fischer-344 rats were assigned to one of these experimental diets: 5% cellulose (CEL), 5% CEL + 1% purple sweet potato polyphenol extract (CELP), 5% inulin (INU), and 5% INU + 1% purple sweet potato polyphenol extract (INUP) in each diet. The purple sweet potato polyphenol extract (PSPP) increased the relative abundance of Dorea and reduced the relative abundances of Oscillospira and Bacteroides in cellulose- or inulin-fed rats, respectively. Besides, PSPP reduced the caecal iso-butyrate and pH in the cellulose-fed rats. Further, PSPP triggered an increase in the caecal mucin level when combined with cellulose and increased the caecal IgA level while reducing the indole production in both the cellulose- or inulin-fed rats. Finally, PSPP may have different effects on the intestinal fermentation properties depending on the fermentability of dietary fiber associated with it. Therefore, this study demonstrated that dietary inclusion of polyphenol/anthocyanin from purple sweet potato might confer positive health attributes to the host gut.

Effect of selenium-enriched kiwifruit on body fat reduction and liver protection in hyperlipidaemic mice

This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of selenium-enriched kiwifruit (Se-Kiwi) on lipid-lowering and liver protection in hyperlipidaemic mice induced by consuming a long-term high-fat diet. Selenium-enriched cultivation can significantly improve the contents of vitamins and functional elements in kiwifruits, especially vitamin C, selenium, and manganese, thus enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in Se-Kiwi. Se-Kiwi can significantly improve the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the liver of hyperlipidaemic mice, restore the liver morphology of mice close to normal, reduce the fat content in the liver, and inhibit the accumulation of abdominal fat cells. Meanwhile, the expression levels of inflammation-related factors (TNF-α and NF-κB) and lipid synthesis related genes (SREBP-1c and FAS) are inhibited at the gene transcription and protein expression levels, and the expression levels of energy expenditure related genes (PPAR-α and CPT1) are increased, resulting in lipid reductions and liver protection. In conclusion, our results indicate that the protective mechanism of Se-Kiwi on high-fat diet mice is associated with enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, reducing the degree of the inflammatory reaction, inhibiting the fat synthesis, and accelerating body energy consumption.

Pterostilbene influences glycemia and lipidemia and enhances antioxidant status in the liver of rats that consumed sucrose solution

AIMS

The present study investigated the potential effects of pterostilbene (PT) on glycemic and lipid profiles, fat storage, cardiovascular indices, and hepatic parameters of rats fed with sucrose solution.

MAIN METHODS

24 male Wistar rats received either drinking water or a 40% sucrose solution over a period of 140 days. After this period, animals were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 6): Control (C), C + Pterostilbene (PT), Sucrose (S), and S + PT. Pterostilbene (40 mg/kg) was given orally for 45 consecutive days.

KEY FINDINGS

Pterostilbene did not influence morphometric and nutritional parameters. The insulin sensitivity index TyG was elevated in the C + PT group (p < 0.01) and reduced in S + PT group (p < 0.05). Basal glucose levels were lower in the S + PT group (p < 0.05), and the glycemic response was improved with PT treatment in glucose provocative tests. Conversely, rats from the C + PT group showed impaired glucose disposal during those tests. Lipid profile was partially improved by PT treatment. Hepatic oxidative stress in the S group was improved after PT treatment. In the C group, PT reduced SOD activity, glutathione levels, and increased catalase activity. Collagen content was reduced by PT treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

PT effects depends on the type of diet the animals were submitted. In rats fed with sucrose-solution, PT confirmed its positive effects, improving glucose and lipid profile, and acting as a potent antioxidant. The effects of PT on rats that consumed a normal diet were very discrete or even undesirable. We suggest caution with indiscriminate consume of natural compounds by healthy subjects.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) shell extract alleviates hypertension in association with the regulation of gut microbiota

Dysbiosis of gut microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension. A definite relationship between gut microbiota and hypertension remains intriguing. Here, we show that the Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) shell extract (SISE) intervention significantly reduced systolic blood pressures in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR), attenuated the oxidative damage and modulated plasma calcium homeostasis and left ventricular hypertrophy in both SHR and high-salt diet Wistar-Kyoto rats. SISE reshaped the gut microbiome and metabolome, particularly by improving the prevalence of Roseburia and dihydrofolic acid levels in the gut. Transcriptome analyses showed that the protective effects of SISE were accompanied by the modulation of renal molecular pathways, beneficial for cardiovascular functions such as the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (LTCC), a key regulator of calcium signaling. Overall, the results have shown that dietary SISE can alleviate hypertension regulating the gut microbiota, and Ca2+ signaling might be a potential target for spontaneous hypertension.