Suppressed Sex Hormone Biosynthesis by Alkylresorcinols: A Possible Link to Chemoprevention

Lipase-catalyzed interesterification of Sunite sheep tail fat and flaxseed oil provides a fat having a unique fatty acid content and favorable physicochemical and nutritional properties

The aim of this study is to combine flaxseed oil (FO), rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA), with Sunite sheep tail fat (STF) through a lipase-catalyzed transesterification reaction, in order to produce an edible oil with a fatty acid ratio suitable for human needs. Initially, the optimal conditions for esterification were determined using the Box-Behnken design, with the measurement criterion being the content of ALA at the sn-2 position. The results indicated that the highest content of sn-2 ALA was obtained under the conditions of using 6.8 wt% Lipozyme®RMIM as the catalyst, a reaction temperature of 57°C, a reaction time of 3.3 h, and a substrate mass ratio of 5.6:4.4 for STF and FO. This led to the rapid breaking and recombining of molecular bonds, resulting in the interesterified fat (IF) with the highest content of ALA at the sn-2 position. Comparing STF and FO, IF exhibited excellent fatty acid composition and content. Furthermore, IF had a lower melting point and crystallization temperature compared to STF, and its solid fat content decreased with increasing temperature, completely melting at temperatures above 30°C. Thus, IF is a synthesized fat with excellent properties from both animal and vegetable sources.

Whole grain metabolite 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid is a beneficial nutritional molecule with the feature of a double-edged sword in human health: a critical review and dietary considerations

Nonprocessed foodstuffs of plant origin, especially whole-grain cereals, are considered to be health-promoting components of the human diet. While most of their well-studied effects derive from their high fiber content and low glycemic index, the presence of underrated phenolic phytonutrients has recently been brought to the attention of nutritionists. In this review, we report and discuss findings on the sources and bioactivities of 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5-DHBA), which is both a direct dietary component (found, e.g., in apples) and, more importantly, a crucial metabolite of whole-grain cereal-derived alkylresorcinols (ARs). 3,5-DHBA is a recently described exogenous agonist of the HCAR1/GPR81 receptor. We concentrate on the HCAR1-mediated effects of 3,5-DHBA in the nervous system, on the maintenance of cell stemness, regulation of carcinogenesis, and response to anticancer therapy. Unexpectedly, malignant tumors take advantage of HCAR1 expression to sense 3,5-DHBA to support their growth. Thus, there is an urgent need to fully identify the role of whole-grain-derived 3,5-DHBA during anticancer therapy and its contribution in the regulation of vital organs of the body via its specific HCAR1 receptor. We discuss here in detail the possible consequences of the modulatory capabilities of 3,5-DHBA in physiological and pathological conditions in humans.

Alkyl aromatic derivatives from the endophytic fungus Cytospora rhizophorae

Two new alkylresorcinols named herein 5'-methoxy-integracins A-B (1-2), two new monomeric alkyl aromatic derivatives 3-(7-hydroxyheptyl)-5-methoxyphenol (5) and 7-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl) heptyl acetate (6), along with four known compounds including integracins A-B (3-4), 2,4-dihydroxy-6-(8-hydroxyoctyl) benzene (7), and cytosporone B (8) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Cytospora rhizophorae A761. The structures of the four new compounds were elucidated by NMR, HRESIMS data, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, whereas the compounds 1 and 2 were disclosed as a class of the natural rare-occurring dimeric alkylresorcinol derivatives. Moreover, the bioassays of the new compounds clarified that compound 1 was a potent inhibitor for the α-glucosidase, and compound 2 showed relatively good activity against the tumor cell lines. It is worth mentioning that the known compound integracin B (4) was first reported to display significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with MIC values of 6.25 μg ml^-1.

Analysis of the multi-physiological and functional mechanism of wheat alkylresorcinols based on reverse molecular docking and network pharmacology

Alkylresorcinols (ARs) are phenolic lipids present in the bran part of whole grain wheat and rye, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. The physiological activities of ARs have been proven to be diverse; however, the specific molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, reverse virtual screening and network pharmacology were used to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of the physiological function of ARs and their endogenous metabolites. The Metascape database was used for GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. Furthermore, molecular docking was used to investigate the interactions between active compounds and potential targets. The results showed that the bioavailability of most ARs and their endogenous metabolites was 0.55 and 0.56, while the bioavailability of certain endogenous metabolites was only 0.11. Multiplex analysis was used to screen 73 important targets and 4 core targets (namely, HSP90AA1, EP300, HSP90AB1 and ERBB2) out of the 163 initial targets. The important targets involved in the key KEGG pathway were pathways in cancer (hsa05200), lipid and atherosclerosis (hsa05417), Th17 cell differentiation (hsa04659), chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation (hsa05207), and prostate cancer (hsa05215). The compounds involved in the core targets were AR-C21, AR-C19, AR-C17, 3,5-DHPHTA-S, 3,5-DHPHTA-G, 3,5-DHPPTA, 3,5-DHPPTA-S, 3,5-DHPPTA-G, 3,5-DHPPTA-Gly and 3,5-DHPPA-G. The interaction force between them was mainly related to hydrogen bonds and van der Waals. Overall, the physiological activities of ARs are not only related to their multiple targets, but may also be related to the synergistic effect of their endogenous metabolites.

General Health Benefits and Pharmacological Activities of Triticum aestivum L

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum), one of the world's most consumed cereal grains, is known for its uses in baking and cooking in addition to its medicinal uses. As this plant's medical benefits are enormous and scattered, this narrative review was aimed at describing the pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, and the nutritional values of Triticum aestivum. It is a good source of dietary fiber, resistant starch, phenolic acids, alkylresorcinols, lignans, and diverse antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, tocopherols and tocotrienols. These constituents provide Triticum aestivum with a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hypolipemic, antioxidant, laxative, and moisturizing effects. This review summarized the established benefits of wheat in human health, the mode of action, and different clinical, in vitro and in vivo studies for different varieties and cultivars. This review also gives an insight for future research into the better use of this plant as a functional food. More clinical trials, in vivo and in vitro studies are warranted to broaden the knowledge about the effect of Triticum aestivum on nutrition-related diseases prevention, and physical and mental well-being sustenance.

Dietary polyphenols and the risk of colorectal cancer in the prospective Southern Community Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Polyphenols are antioxidants with promising anticancer properties, but few studies have examined the associations of specific dietary polyphenols with colorectal cancer (CRC) risks or among Black individuals in the United States.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the associations between dietary polyphenols and CRC and assessed differences in these associations or polyphenol intakes by subgroups, including race (Black and White), that may contribute to cancer disparities.

METHODS

The Southern Community Cohort Study prospectively enrolled individuals from the southeastern United States during 2002-2009, most of whom had a low income or are Black. Validated FFQ data and polyphenol databases were used to estimate polyphenol intakes. Cox proportional hazards models were used to obtain HRs and 95% CIs for the highest compared to the lowest intake quintiles (Qs) of specific polyphenols. Median intakes of quintiles were used to obtain linear trends, and restricted cubic splines were used to obtain nonlinear trends. Subgroup analyses were conducted by cancer site, sex, race, household income, and BMI-defined obesity status.

RESULTS

Among 71,599 participants, the median polyphenol intake was lower for Black individuals (452 mg/day; IQR, 277-672 mg/day) than White individuals (958 mg/day; IQR, 587-1597 mg/day). A significant, inverse, nonlinear association was observed for total polyphenol intake with the CRC risk (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.38-0.86; P = 0.008 comparing 650 mg/day of intake to 0 mg/day). In addition, inverse linear associations were observed for tyrosols and the CRC risk (HRQ5vsQ1, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50-0.91; P = 0.0014) and for hydroxybenzoic acids and the rectal cancer risk (HRQ5vsQ1, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29-0.82; P = 0.0007). Associations were consistent by sex, race, income, and BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing intakes of total polyphenols, tyrosols, and hydroxybenzoic acids were associated with decreased CRC or rectal cancer risks, and associations were consistent across subgroups. Differences in polyphenol intakes may contribute to the increased CRC incidence among Black US individuals.

An Overview of Alkylresorcinols Biological Properties and Effects

The investigation of alkylresorcinols has drawn an increasing interest recently. Alkylresorcinols (ARs) are natural chemical compounds synthesized by bacteria, fungi, sponges, and higher plants, possessing a lipophilic polyphenol structures and a myriad of biological properties. Human takes ARs as a component of a whole grain diet (from whole grain rye, wheat, and barley products), and thus, alkylresorcinols are frequently used as whole grain intake markers. Besides, ARs are considered as promising bioregulators of metabolic and immune processes, as well as adjuvant therapeutic agents for antimicrobial and anticancer treatment. In this review, we attempted to systematize the accumulated information concerning ARs origin, metabolism, biological properties, and their effect on human health.

Solid state fermentation by Fomitopsis pinicola improves physicochemical and functional properties of wheat bran and the bran-containing products

Wheat bran was solid state fermented by Fomitopsis pinicola. The results showed that the processing properties were increased by fermentation and the content of total phenol and alkylresorcinols was 5.91 and 1.55 times of the unfermented bran respectively by the 6th day. The total antioxidant capacity was 5.73 times of the unfermented sample by the 4th day. Electronic nose analysis showed that the fermented wheat bran had a special flavor. GC-MS analysis found that 4-ethyl-2-methoxy-phenol was the main flavor substance, which was sharply increased during the fermentation. Furthermore, the textural properties of the dough and bread containing fermented bran were significantly improved. The content of phytic acid in the bread was significantly decreased, while the protein, total phenol and alkylresorcinols contents were significantly increased. Results suggest that solid state fermentation by Fomitopsis pinicola is a promising way to improve wheat bran to a nutritious and flavorful cereal food ingredient.

Human cytochrome P450 enzymes 5-51 as targets of drugs and natural and environmental compounds: mechanisms, induction, and inhibition - toxic effects and benefits

Cytochrome P450 (P450, CYP) enzymes have long been of interest due to their roles in the metabolism of drugs, pesticides, pro-carcinogens, and other xenobiotic chemicals. They have also been of interest due to their very critical roles in the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroids, vitamins, and certain eicosanoids. This review covers the 22 (of the total of 57) human P450s in Families 5-51 and their substrate selectivity. Furthermore, included is information and references regarding inducibility, inhibition, and (in some cases) stimulation by chemicals. We update and discuss important aspects of each of these 22 P450s and questions that remain open.

Long-Term Whole Grain Wheat and Rye Intake Reflected by Adipose Tissue Alkylresorcinols and Breast Cancer: A Case-Cohort Study

Whole grain rye (WGR) and whole grain wheat (WGW) have been suggested to protect against the development of breast cancer. In this study, we estimated long-term intake of WGR and WGW, using both a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and alkylresorcinol concentrations in adipose tissue biopsies, in relation to the risk of developing invasive breast cancer in a case-cohort study (n = 414 in the case group, n = 933 in the subcohort group) on the Danish “Diet, Cancer and Health” cohort. The median follow-up time of the subcohort was 5.3 years. Total WGR and WGW intake estimated with FFQ or reflected by total alkylresorcinol concentration in adipose tissue was not significantly associated with risk of breast cancer. However, after adjustment for total WGR and WGW intake, women in the highest quartile of relative WGR intake, reflected by the alkylresorcinol C17:0/C21:0 ratio, had a higher risk of overall breast cancer and estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer than women in the lowest quartile of relative WGR intake, while the risk of estrogen-receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer incidence was unaffected. Similar results were obtained with the FFQ data. Based on these data, further investigation of the role of specific grain types in reducing or increasing breast cancer risk, and their overall impact on health, is warranted.