Anti-inflammatory and intestinal microbiota modulation properties of high hydrostatic pressure treated cyanidin-3-glucoside and blueberry pectin complexes on dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis mice

Recent advances on cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in preventing obesity-related metabolic disorders: A comprehensive review

Anthocyanins, found in various pigmented plants as secondary metabolites, represent a class of dietary polyphenols known for their bioactive properties, demonstrating health-promoting effects against several chronic diseases. Among these, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is one of the most prevalent types of anthocyanins. Upon consumption, C3G undergoes phases I and II metabolism by oral epithelial cells, absorption in the gastric epithelium, and gut transformation (phase II & microbial metabolism), with limited amounts reaching the bloodstream. Obesity, characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, is a global health concern associated with heightened risks of disability, illness, and mortality. This comprehensive review delves into the biodegradation and absorption dynamics of C3G within the gastrointestinal tract. It meticulously examines the latest research findings, drawn from in vitro and in vivo models, presenting evidence underlining C3G's bioactivity. Notably, C3G has demonstrated significant efficacy in combating obesity, by regulating lipid metabolism, specifically decreasing lipid synthesis, increasing fatty acid oxidation, and reducing lipid accumulation. Additionally, C3G enhances energy homeostasis by boosting energy expenditure, promoting the activity of brown adipose tissue, and stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis. Furthermore, C3G shows potential in managing various prevalent obesity-related conditions. These include cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and hypertension through the suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzyme levels, and inhibition of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and by exercising its cardioprotective and vascular effects by decreasing pulmonary artery thickness and systolic pressure which enhances vascular relaxation and angiogenesis. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR) are also managed by reducing gluconeogenesis via AMPK pathway activation, promoting autophagy, protecting pancreatic β-cells from oxidative stress and enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Additionally, C3G improves insulin sensitivity by upregulating GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 expression and regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. C3G exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and shifting macrophage polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. C3G demonstrates antioxidative effects by enhancing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, reducing ROS production, and activating the Nrf2/AMPK signaling pathway. Moreover, these mechanisms also contribute to attenuating inflammatory bowel disease and regulating gut microbiota by decreasing Firmicutes and increasing Bacteroidetes abundance, restoring colon length, and reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines. The therapeutic potential of C3G extends beyond metabolic disorders; it has also been found effective in managing specific cancer types and neurodegenerative disorders. The findings of this research can provide an important reference for future investigations that seek to improve human health through the use of naturally occurring bioactive compounds.

Blueberry extract attenuates DSS-induced inflammatory bowel disease in mice through inhibiting ER stress-mediated colonic apoptosis in mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, debilitating condition with limited therapeutic options. Dietary components like blueberries have emerged as potential modulators of inflammation and tissue repair in gastrointestinal diseases. This study investigated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis mediated protective effects of blueberries in ameliorating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD. Firstly, a total of 86 anthocyanin compounds were identified in blueberry extract by LC-MS spectroscopy, including 35 cyanidin, 9 delphinidin, 14 malvidin, 10 peonidin, and 9 petunidin. Then, the animal study showed that blueberry supplementation notably ameliorated DSS-induced IBD symptoms, as evidenced by improved histopathological scores and a reduced disease activity index (DAI) score. Additionally, blueberries attenuated ER stress by inhibiting the colonic PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway. Furthermore, blueberries inhibited the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein, caspase-3, and decreased colonic apoptosis, as evidenced by TUNEL assay results. However, it did not affect the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, bcl-2 and bcl-xl. Finally, blueberries enhanced the intestinal barrier by upregulating ZO-1, claudin-1, occludin, and E-cadherin. In conclusion, blueberries demonstrate therapeutic potential against DSS-induced IBD-like symptoms in mice, possibly by regulating ER stress-mediated apoptosis pathways. These findings suggest that blueberries might be an effective dietary intervention for IBD management.

Potential interventions and interactions of bioactive polyphenols and functional polysaccharides to alleviate inflammatory bowel disease - A review

Inflammatory bowel disease is a multifaceted condition that is influenced by nutritional, microbial, environmental, genetic, psychological, and immunological factors. Polyphenols and polysaccharides have gained recognition for their therapeutic potential. This review emphasizes the biological effects of polyphenols and polysaccharides, and explores their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome-modulating properties in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, polyphenols encounter challenges, such as low stability and low bioavailability in the colon during IBD treatment. Hence, polysaccharide-based encapsulation is a promising solution to achieve targeted delivery, improved bioavailability, reduced toxicity, and enhanced stability. This review also discusses the significance of covalent and non-covalent interactions, and simple and complex encapsulation between polyphenols and polysaccharides. The administration of these compounds in appropriate quantities has proven beneficial in preventing the development of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, ultimately leading to the management of IBD. The use of polyphenols and polysaccharides has been found to reduce histological scores and colon injury associated with IBD, increase the abundance of beneficial microbes, inhibit the development of colitis-associated cancer, promote the production of microbial end-products, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and improve anti-inflammatory properties. Despite the combined effects of polyphenols and polysaccharides observed in both in vitro and in vivo studies, further human clinical trials are needed to comprehend their effectiveness on inflammatory bowel disease.

Dietary Supplementation of Haskap Berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) Anthocyanins and Probiotics Attenuate Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis: Evidence from an Experimental Animal Model

Haskap berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) is a rich dietary source of anthocyanins with potent anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, isolated haskap berry anthocyanins were encapsulated in maltodextrin and inulin (3:1) by freeze-drying to improve stability and bioavailability. The structural properties of microcapsules, encapsulation yield, efficiency, recovery, and powder retention were evaluated. The microcapsules that exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (60%) and anthocyanin recovery (89%) were used in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in mice. Thirty-five BALB/c male mice of seven weeks old were divided into seven dietary supplementation groups (n = 5) to receive either free anthocyanins, encapsulated anthocyanins (6.2 mg/day), or probiotics (1 × 109 CFU/day) alone or as combinations of anthocyanin and probiotics. As observed by clinical data, free anthocyanin and probiotic supplementation significantly reduced the severity of colitis. The supplementary diets suppressed the DSS-induced elevation of serum inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor) and apoptosis markers (B-cell lymphoma 2 and Bcl-2-associated X protein) in mice colon tissues. The free anthocyanins and probiotics significantly reduced the serum IL-6 levels. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of haskap berry anthocyanins and probiotics protects against DSS-induced colitis possibly by attenuating mucosal inflammation, and this combination has the potential as a health-promoting dietary supplement and nutraceutical.

Unveiling the impact of high-pressure processing on anthocyanin-protein/polysaccharide interactions: A comprehensive review

Anthocyanins, natural plant pigments responsible for the vibrant hues in fruits, vegetables, and flowers, boast antioxidant properties with potential human health benefits. However, their susceptibility to degradation under conditions such as heat, light, and pH fluctuations necessitates strategies to safeguard their stability. Recent investigations have focused on exploring the interactions between anthocyanins and biomacromolecules, specifically proteins and polysaccharides, with the aim of enhancing their resilience. Notably, proteins like soy protein isolate and whey protein, alongside polysaccharides such as pectin, starch, and chitosan, have exhibited promising affinities with anthocyanins, thereby enhancing their stability and functional attributes. High-pressure processing (HPP), emerging as a non-thermal technology, has garnered attention for its potential to modulate these interactions. The application of high pressure can impact the structural features and stability of anthocyanin-protein/polysaccharide complexes, thereby altering their functionalities. However, caution must be exercised, as excessively high pressures may yield adverse effects. Consequently, while HPP holds promise in upholding anthocyanin stability, further exploration is warranted to elucidate its efficacy across diverse anthocyanin variants, macromolecular partners, pressure regimes, and their effects within real food matrices.

Dietary flavonoids-microbiota crosstalk in intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third leading cancer and commonly develops from chronic intestinal inflammation. A strong association was found between gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation and carcinogenic risk. Flavonoids, which are abundant in vegetables and fruits, can inhibit inflammation, regulate gut microbiota, protect gut barrier integrity, and modulate immune cell function, thereby attenuating colitis and preventing carcinogenesis. Upon digestion, about 90% of flavonoids are transported to the colon without being absorbed in the small intestine. This phenomenon increases the abundance of beneficial bacteria and enhances the production of short-chain fatty acids. The gut microbe further metabolizes these flavonoids. Interestingly, some metabolites of flavonoids play crucial roles in anti-inflammation and anti-tumor effects. This review summarizes the modulatory effect of flavonoids on gut microbiota and their metabolism by intestinal microbe under disease conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, colitis-associated cancer (CAC), and CRC. We focus on dietary flavonoids and microbial interactions in intestinal mucosal barriers as well as intestinal immune cells. Results provide novel insights to better understand the crosstalk between dietary flavonoids and gut microbiota and support the standpoint that dietary flavonoids prevent intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis.

Effects of polyphenolic maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) extract on the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of mast cells in a mouse model of Crohn's disease-like colitis

Introduction

Crohn's disease (CD) involves activation of mast cells (MC) and NF-кB in parallel with the PPAR-α/NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β pathway in the inflamed colon. Whether polyphenols from maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) represent a natural alternative treatment for CD is unclear. Therefore, we used an animal model of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced CD-like colitis to investigate protective effects of maqui extract through monitoring NLRP3 inflammasome and MC activation in colon tissue.

Methods

Maqui extract was administered via orogastric route to mice after (post-Treatment group) or prior (pre-Treatment group) to TNBS-induction. Colon pathology was characterized by histoarchitectural imaging, disease activity index (DAI), and assessing NF-кB, p-NF-кB, PPAR-α/NLRP3 expression and IL-1β levels.

Results

Compared to mice treated with TNBS alone administration of anthocyanin-rich maqui extract improved the DAI, colon histoarchitecture and reduced both colon wet-weight and transmural inflammation. Induction with TNBS significantly increased colonic NLPR3 inflammasome activation, while co-treatment with maqui extract (either post- or pre-Treatment) significantly downregulated NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 levels, which manifested as reduced colonic IL-1β levels. Supplemented maqui extract marginally diminished NF-кB activity in epithelial cells but reached statistical significance in immune cells (as judged by decreased NF-кB phosphorylation). PPAR-α signaling was largely unaffected by Maqui whereas MC infiltration into the colon mucosa and submucosa decreased and their level of degranulation was suppressed.

Conclusion

These outcomes show the post- and pre- Treatment effect of a polyphenolic extract rich in anthocyanins from maqui the acute phase of TNBS- induced CD-like colitis is linked to suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduced MC responses. These data indicate that maqui extract represents a potential nutraceutical for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Non-Digestible Carbohydrates: Green Extraction from Food By-Products and Assessment of Their Effect on Microbiota Modulation

The nature and composition of the waste produced by food industrial processing make its abundance and accumulation an environmental problem. Since these by-products may present a high potential for revalorization and may be used to obtain added-value compounds, the main goals of the technological advancements have been targeted at reducing the environmental impact and benefiting from the retrieval of active compounds with technological and health properties. Among the added-value substances, nondigestible carbohydrates have demonstrated promise. In addition to their well-known technological properties, they have been discovered to modify the gut microbiota and enhance immune function, including the stimulation of immune cells and the control of inflammatory reactions. Furthermore, the combination of these compounds with other substances such us phenols could improve their biological effect on different noncommunicable diseases through microbiota modulation. In order to gain insight into the implementation of this combined strategy, a broader focus concerning different aspects is needed. This review is focused on the optimized green and advanced extraction system applied to obtain added-value nondigestible carbohydrates, the combined administration with phenols and their beneficial effects on microbiota modulation intended for health and/or illness prevention, with particular emphasis on noncommunicable diseases. The isolation of nondigestible carbohydrates from by-products as well as in combination with other bioactive substances could provide an affordable and sustainable source of immunomodulatory chemicals.

Health benefits of anthocyanin-containing foods, beverages, and supplements have unpredictable relation to gastrointestinal microbiota: A systematic review and meta-analysis of random clinical trials

Anthocyanins are a type of natural pigment that has numerous health benefits. In recent years, the interaction of anthocyanins with gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota has been presented as a viable paradigm for explaining anthocyanin activities. The current study performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the potential modulation of GI microbiota by anthocyanins in human health improvement. Clinical trials were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Knowledge, China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and ClinicalTrials.gov with no language restrictions. Eight clinical trials (252 participants) were selected from the 1121 identified studies and the relative phylum abundance extracted from the trials was analyzed using a random-effects model. Based on the analysis, anthocyanins had no effect on the relative abundance of Firmicutes (standard mean difference [SMD]: -0.46 [-1.25 to 0.34], P = .26), Proteobacteria (SMD, -0.32 [-0.73 to 0.09], P = .13), nor Actinobacteria (SMD, -0.19 [-0.50 to 0.12], P = 0.24), but influenced the abundance of Bacteroidetes (SMD, 0.84 [0.17 to 1.52], P = .01) when compared with placebo/control. No significant influence on the relative abundance was detected when the data were analyzed following the "posttreatment vs. pretreatment" strategy. Our preliminary analysis revealed that the effects of anthocyanins on human GI microbiota vary between studies and individuals, and at the current stage, the clinical trials regarding the effects of anthocyanin interventions on human GI microbiota are lacking. More trials with larger sample sizes are needed to promote the clinical application of anthocyanins.

Dietary Supplementation of Ancientino Ameliorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis by Improving Intestinal Barrier Function and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Ancientino, a complex dietary fiber supplement mimicking the ancient diet, has improved chronic heart failure, kidney function, and constipation. However, its effect on ulcerative colitis is unknown. This study explores the impact of Ancientino on colitis caused by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and its mechanisms. Data analyses showed that Ancientino alleviated bodyweight loss, colon shortening and injury, and disease activity index (DAI) score, regulated levels of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), reduced intestinal permeability (d-lactate and endotoxin), fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dextran), and diamine oxidase (DAO), repaired colonic function (ZO-1 and occludin), and suppressed oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA)) in vivo and in vitro. In short, this study demonstrated that Ancientino alleviates colitis and exerts an anticolitis effect by reducing inflammatory response, suppressing oxidative stress, and repairing intestinal barrier function. Thus, Ancientino may be an effective therapeutic dietary resource for ulcerative colitis.

Exploring the Impact of Cyanidin-3-Glucoside on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Investigating New Mechanisms for Emerging Interventions

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), the most widely distributed anthocyanin (ACN) in edible fruits, has been proposed for several bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-thrombotic and epigenetic actions. However, habitual intake of ACNs and C3G may vary widely among populations, regions, and seasons, among individuals with different education and financial status. The main point of C3G absorption occurs in the small and large bowel. Therefore, it has been supposed that the treating properties of C3G might affect inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). IBDs develop through complex inflammatory pathways and sometimes may be resistant to conventional treatment strategies. C3G presents antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and antimicrobial effects useful for IBD management. In particular, different studies have demonstrated that C3G inhibits NF-κB pathway activation. In addition, C3G activates the Nrf2 pathway. On the other hand, it modulates the expression of antioxidant enzymes and cytoprotective proteins, such as NAD(P)H, superoxide dismutase, heme-oxygenase (HO-1), thioredoxin, quinone reductase-oxide 1 (NQO1), catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase. Interferon I and II pathways are downregulated by C3G inhibiting interferon-mediating inflammatory cascades. Moreover, C3G reduces reactive species and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as C reactive protein, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-5, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p70, and IL-17A in UC and CD patients. Finally, C3G modulates gut microbiota by inducing an increase in beneficial gut bacteria and increasing microbial abundances, thus mitigating dysbiosis. Thus, C3G presents activities that may have potential therapeutic and protective actions against IBD. Still, in the future, clinical trials should be designed to investigate the bioavailability of C3G in IBD patients and the proper therapeutic doses through different sources, aiming to the standardization of the exact clinical outcome and efficacy of C3G.

Polyphenols in twenty cultivars of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.): Profiling, antioxidant capacity, and α-amylase inhibitory activity

The polyphenols extracted from 20 blue honeysuckle cultivars were comprehensively characterized and quantified by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS² analyses and evaluated for antioxidant capacity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP) and α-amylase inhibitory activity. The 17 anthocyanins and 59 non-anthocyanin phenolics were characterized. Among them, cyanidin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-galactoside, myricetin-3-galactoside, and 3-caffeoylquinic acid were the major polyphenols. These polyphenols not only contributed to the antioxidant capacity, but were also good α-amylase inhibitors. 'Lanjingling' showed the strongest antioxidant capacity evaluated by FRAP, while 'CBS-2' and '14-13-1' showed the strongest antioxidant capacity evaluated by ABTS and DPPH. All the twenty cultivars showed α-amylase inhibitory activity, and the IC₅₀ values ranged from 0.12 ± 0.01 to 0.69 ± 0.02 mg/mL. 'Lanjingling' showed the most potent α-amylase inhibitory activity. Additionally, principal component analysis indicated that Lonicera. caerulea subsp. emkuyedao bred in Japan differed markedly in phenolics and bioactivity compared to the other four subspecies bred in China and Russia.

Cellular uptake, transport mechanism and anti-inflammatory effect of cyanidin-3-glucoside nanoliposomes in Caco-2/RAW 264.7 co-culture model

Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), which is the widest and richest anthocyanin (ACN) found in the edible fruit and vegetables, has been illustrated to perform a wide range of bioactivities. Nanoliposomes can inhibit C3G degradation and enhance the absorption rate of C3G as tools for conveying materials to particular locations. This experiment aims to study the absorption, transport and anti-inflammatory effects of C3G nanoliposomes in Caco-2/RAW 264.7 co-culture model, which symbolizes an intestinal inflammation system. The results indicated that the uptake and transport of C3G nanoliposomes by Caco-2/RAW 264.7 co-culture model were concentration-dependent as well as affected by temperature (37 and 4°C) and endocytic inhibitors, which revealed C3G nanoliposomes penetrate cells via endocytosis. Moreover, compared with C3G, C3G nanoliposomes significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8), suggesting a stronger anti-inflammatory potential. Conclusively, the uptake of C3G nanoliposomes by Caco-2/RAW 264.7 co-culture model is mainly involved in macropinocytosis and endocytosis mediated by carrier protein (clathrin). C3G nanoliposomes may play a better role in the treatment of LPS-induced intestinal inflammation diseases.

Pharmacological Effects of Polyphenol Phytochemicals on the Intestinal Inflammation via Targeting TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

TLR4/NF-κB is a key inflammatory signaling transduction pathway, closely involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory response. Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), the first mammalian TLR to be characterized, is the innate immune receptor that plays a key role in inflammatory signal transductions. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), the TLR4 downstream, is the key to accounting for the expression of multiple genes involved in inflammatory responses, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans is a chronic inflammatory disease with high incidence and prevalence worldwide. Targeting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway might be an effective strategy to alleviate intestinal inflammation. Polyphenol phytochemicals have shown noticeable alleviative effects by acting on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in intestinal inflammation. This review summarizes the pharmacological effects of more than 20 kinds of polyphenols on intestinal inflammation via targeting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. We expected that polyphenol phytochemicals targeting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway might be an effective approach to treat IBD in future clinical research applications.