The Impact of Dietary Polyphenols on COX-2 Expression in Colorectal Cancer

A novel degradable PEG superparamagnetic iron oxide capsule coupled with a polyphenolic nano-enzymatic conjugate (PSPM-NE), to treat ROS-driven cardiovascular-diseases, tested in atherosclerosis as a model disease, and hypothesizing autoimmunity as an atheroma's trigger

Cardiovascular diseases account for a significant portion of the worldwide mortality rate. This aroused interest among the specialised scientific community, seeking for solutions based on non-clinical and clinical investigations, to shed light onto the physio-pathology of cardiovascular impairment. It is proven challenging managing chronic cardiovascular illnesses like atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, and diverse cardiomyopathies. In certain cases, there is no approved treatment. In other cases, the need for combining therapeutic components, when dealing with co-morbidities, may increase the risk of toxicity-driven cardiovascular impairment. In this case, because the risk of cardiac events correlates with the QT prolongation rates, the QT or QTc interval prolongation has become an important biomarker to access drug-related cardio-toxicity. Several approaches have been found in the current literature, aiming at improving physiological acceptance, i.e., to reduce toxicity. Nanotechnology has increasingly appeared as a promising ally to modulate active substances, preserving cardiovascular function and optimising drug effectiveness, i.e., acting as a cardio-protective mechanism, leveraging the effects of drug-driven cardio-toxicity. In this manuscript, the author combines plant active compounds and nanotechnological strategies, e.g., nano-encapsulation, nano-enzymes, magnetically driven nano-delivery systems, applied in regenerative medicine, and assesses their effects on the cardiovascular system, e.g., as cardio-protective factors, reducing cardio-toxicity. The aim is to propose a new strategy to tackle atherosclerosis initiation and progression, in a drug design that targets ROS-removal and reduces inflammation, using auto-immunity biomarkers to select key atheroma-related signalling cascades. To analyse physiological phenomena related to atherosclerosis initiation and progression, the author proposes both experimental observations and a new haemorheological computational model of arterial constriction. The results of such analysis are used as motivators in the design of the here presented strategy to tackle atheroma. This novel design is based on degradable polyethylene glycol (PEG) superparamagnetic iron oxide capsule coupled with a polyphenolic nano-enzymatic conjugate (PSPM-NE).

Cell culture models for assessing the effects of bioactive compounds in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum): a systematic review

Common buckwheat (CBW) is grown and consumed worldwide. In addition to its already established reputation as an excellent source of nutrients, CBW is gaining popularity as a possible component of functional foods. Whereas human studies remain the gold standard for evaluating the relationship between nutrition and health, the development of reliable in vitro or ex vivo models has made it possible to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of CBW effects on human health. Herein is a systematic review of studies on the biological effect of CBW supplementation, as assessed on various types of cellular models. Although the studies reported here have been conducted in very different experimental conditions, the overall effects of CBW supplementation were found to involve a decrease in cytokine secretion and oxidation products, related mainly to CBW polyphenols and protein or peptide fractions. These chemical species also appeared to be involved in the modulation of cell signaling and hormone secretion. Although further studies are undoubtedly necessary, as is their extension to in vivo systems, these reports suggest that CBW-based foods could be relevant to maintaining and/or improving human health and the quality of life.

Antioxidant Metabolism Pathways in Vitamins, Polyphenols, and Selenium: Parallels and Divergences

Free radicals (FRs) are unstable molecules that cause reactive stress (RS), an imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the body and its ability to neutralize them. These species are generated by both internal and external factors and can damage cellular lipids, proteins, and DNA. Antioxidants prevent or slow down the oxidation process by interrupting the transfer of electrons between substances and reactive agents. This is particularly important at the cellular level because oxidation reactions lead to the formation of FR and contribute to various diseases. As we age, RS accumulates and leads to organ dysfunction and age-related disorders. Polyphenols; vitamins A, C, and E; and selenoproteins possess antioxidant properties and may have a role in preventing and treating certain human diseases associated with RS. In this review, we explore the current evidence on the potential benefits of dietary supplementation and investigate the intricate connection between SIRT1, a crucial regulator of aging and longevity; the transcription factor NRF2; and polyphenols, vitamins, and selenium. Finally, we discuss the positive effects of antioxidant molecules, such as reducing RS, and their potential in slowing down several diseases.

Encapsulation of Polyphenolic Compounds Based on Hemicelluloses to Enhance Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Colorectal Cancer

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are difficult to cure, and available treatment is associated with troubling side effects. In addition, current therapies have limited efficacy and are characterized by high costs, and a large segment of the IBD and CRC patients are refractive to the treatment. Moreover, presently used anti-IBD therapies in the clinics are primarily aimed on the symptomatic control. That is why new agents with therapeutic potential against IBD and CRC are required. Currently, polyphenols have received great attention in the pharmaceutical industry and in medicine due to their health-promoting properties. They may exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-cancer activity, via inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes or factors associated with carcinogenesis (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases, vascular endothelial growth factor), suggesting they may have therapeutic potential against IBD and CRC. However, their use is limited under both processing conditions or gastrointestinal interactions, reducing their stability and hence their bioaccessibility and bioavailability. Therefore, there is a need for more effective carriers that could be used for encapsulation of polyphenolic compounds. In recent years, natural polysaccharides have been proposed for creating carriers used in the synthesis of polyphenol encapsulates. Among these, hemicelluloses are particularly noteworthy, being characterized by good biocompatibility, biodegradation, low immunogenicity, and pro-health activity. They may also demonstrate synergy with the polyphenol payload. This review discusses the utility and potential of hemicellulose-based encapsulations of polyphenols as support for treatment of IBD and CRC.

Polyphenols: a route from bioavailability to bioactivity addressing potential health benefits to tackle human chronic diseases

Chronic pathologies or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) include cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, neurological diseases, respiratory disorders and cancer. They are the leading global cause of human mortality and morbidity. Given their chronic nature, NCDs represent a growing social and economic burden, hence urging the need for ameliorating the existing preventive strategies, and for finding novel tackling therapies. NCDs are highly correlated with unhealthy lifestyle habits (such as high-fat and high-glucose diet, or sedentary life). In general, lifestyle approaches that might improve these habits, including dietary consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits and fibers, may contrast NCD symptoms and prolong life expectancy of affected people. Polyphenols (PPLs) are plant-derived molecules with demonstrated biological activities in humans, which include: radical scavenging and anti-oxidant activities, capability to modulate inflammation, as well as human enzymes, and even to bind nuclear receptors. For these reasons, PPLs are currently tested, both preclinically and clinically, as dietary adjuvants for the prevention and treatment of NCDs. In this review, we describe the human metabolism and bioactivity of PPLs. Also, we report what is currently known about PPLs interaction with gastro-intestinal enzymes and gut microbiota, which allows their biotransformation in many different metabolites with several biological functions. The systemic bioactivity of PPLs and the newly available PPL-delivery nanosystems are also described in detail. Finally, the up-to-date clinical studies assessing both safety and efficacy of dietary PPLs in individuals with different NCDs are hereby reported. Overall, the clinical results support the notion that PPLs from fruits, vegetables, but also from leaves or seeds extracts, are safe and show significant positive results in ameliorating symptoms and improving the whole quality of life of people with NCDs.

Polyphenols: Chemoprevention and therapeutic potentials in hematological malignancies

Polyphenols are one of the largest plant-derived natural product and they play an important role in plants' defense as well as in human health and disease. A number of them are pleiotropic molecules and have been shown to regulate signaling pathways, immune response and cell growth and proliferation which all play a role in cancer development. Hematological malignancies on the other hand, are cancers of the blood. While current therapies are efficacious, they are usually expensive and with unwanted side effects. Thus, the search for newer less toxic agents. Polyphenols have been reported to possess antineoplastic properties which include cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis via multiple mechanisms. They also have immunomodulatory activities where they enhance T cell activation and suppress regulatory T cells. They carry out these actions through such pathways as PI3K/Akt/mTOR and the kynurenine. They can also reverse cancer resistance to chemotherapy agents. In this review, i look at some of the molecular mechanism of action of polyphenols and their potential roles as therapeutic agents in hematological malignancies. Here i discuss their anti-proliferative and anti-neoplastic activities especially their abilities modulate signaling pathways as well as immune response in hematological malignancies. I also looked at clinical studies done mainly in the last 10-15 years on various polyphenol combination and how they enhance synergism. I recommend that further preclinical and clinical studies be carried out to ensure safety and efficacy before polyphenol therapies be officially moved to the clinics.

The effect of malting on phenolic compounds and radical scavenging activity in grains and breakfast cereals

Breakfast cereals are popular grain foods and sources of polyphenols. Malting alters polyphenol content and activity; however, effects are varied. The total polyphenol content (TPC), radical scavenging activity (RSA), and polyphenol profile were analyzed in unmalted and malted grains (wheat, barley, and sorghum) and breakfast cereals (wheat, barley) by Folin Ciocalteu Reagent (FCR), % inhibition of the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, and high performance liquid chromatography. Higher TPC was observed in all malted grains and breakfast cereals compared with unmalted samples (p < 0.05). Higher RSA was also observed in all malted samples compared to unmalted samples (p < 0.05) except for wheat grain to malted wheat grain. In this study, malting induced additional polyphenols and antioxidant activity in grains and cereal products. Malted grain breakfast cereals may be practical sources of polyphenol antioxidants. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study utilized malting in a unique way to investigate potential health benefits of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in grains (wheat, barley, and sorghum) and ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (wheat and barley). This study found that grains and breakfast cereals are important sources of antioxidant polyphenols, and these were significantly increased in malted varieties. Understanding this is important as grains and breakfast cereals are widely consumed staple foods. Consuming healthier grain products may be a practical strategy in reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases such as colorectal cancer and type-2 diabetes, where wholegrain consumption may be important in prevention.

Natural Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors Synergize With Butyrate to Augment Chicken Host Defense Peptide Gene Expression

Enhancing the synthesis of microbicidal and immunomodulatory host defense peptides (HDP) is a promising host-directed antimicrobial strategy to combat a growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Here we investigated the effect of several natural cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors on chicken HDP gene regulation. Our results indicated that phenolic COX-2 inhibitors such as quercetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, anacardic acid, and garcinol enhanced HDP gene expression in chicken HTC macrophage cell line and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Moreover, these natural COX-2 inhibitors showed a strong synergy with butyrate in augmenting the expressions of multiple HDP genes in HTC cells and PBMCs. Additionally, quercetin and butyrate synergistically promoted the expressions of mucin-2 and claudin-1, two major genes involved in barrier function, while suppressing lipopolysaccharide-triggered interleukin-1β expression in HTC macrophages. Mechanistically, we revealed that NF-κB, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathways were all involved in the avian β-defensin 9 gene induction, but histone H4 was not hyperacetylated in response to a combination of butyrate and quercetin. Because of their HDP-inducing, barrier-protective, and antiinflammatory activities, these natural COX-2 inhibitors, when combined with butyrate, may be developed as novel host-directed antimicrobial therapeutics.

Dietary Supplementation of Olive Mill Waste Water Polyphenols in Rabbits: Evaluation of the Potential Effects on Hepatic Apoptosis, Inflammation and Metabolism through RT-qPCR Approach

Agro-industrial processing for the production of food or non-food products generates a wide range of by-products and residues rich in bioactive compounds including polyphenols. The concentration of these by-products is sometimes higher than in the original raw material as in the case of olive mill waste water (OMWW), one of the main by-products of olive oil extraction. Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites that regulate the expression of specific inflammatory genes, transcriptional factors and pro/anti-apoptotic molecules, thus modulating the signaling pathways essential for cell health and homeostasis. The liver plays a key role in regulating homeostasis by responding to dietary changes in order to maintain nutritional and physiological states. In this study a nutrigenomic approach was adopted, which focuses on the effects of diet-health-gene interactions and the modulation of cellular processes, in order to evaluate the expression of the genes (AGER, BAX, COX2, IL1B, PPARA, PPARG, SIRT1, TNFA) involved in these interactions in the livers of rabbits fed with a diet supplemented with OMWW (POL) or without supplements (control, CTR). The RT-qPCR analysis showed the down-regulation of SIRT1, TNFA, AGER, BAX and PPARA transcripts in the POL group compared to the CTR group. These results show that OMWW dietary supplementation prevents cell death and tissue deterioration in rabbits.

Unravelling the Phytochemical Composition and the Pharmacological Properties of an Optimized Extract from the Fruit from Prunus mahaleb L.: From Traditional Liqueur Market to the Pharmacy Shelf

Prunus mahaleb L. fruit has long been used in the production of traditional liqueurs. The fruit also displayed scavenging and reducing activity, in vitro. The present study focused on unravelling peripheral and central protective effects, antimicrobial but also anti-COVID-19 properties exerted by the water extract of P. mahaleb. Anti-inflammatory effects were studied in isolated mouse colons exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Neuroprotection, measured as a blunting effect on hydrogen-peroxide-induced dopamine turnover, was investigated in hypothalamic HypoE22 cells. Antimicrobial effects were tested against different Gram+ and Gram- bacterial strains. Whereas anti-COVID-19 activity was studied in lung adenocarcinoma H1299 cells, where the gene expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was measured after extract treatment. The bacteriostatic effects induced on Gram+ and Gram- strains, together with the inhibition of COX-2, TNFα, HIF1α, and VEGFA in the colon, suggest the potential of P. mahaleb water extract in contrasting the clinical symptoms related to ulcerative colitis. The inhibition of the hydrogen peroxide-induced DOPAC/DA ratio indicates promising neuroprotective effects. Finally, the downregulation of the gene expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in H1299 cells, suggests the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus entry in the human host. Overall, the results support the valorization of the local cultivation of P. mahaleb.

Effects of Dietary Polyphenols from Olive Mill Waste Waters on Inflammatory and Apoptotic Effectors in Rabbit Ovary

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary polyphenols on the expression of the effectors involved in inflammation and apoptosis in rabbit ovary. New Zealand White female rabbits were fed a basal control diet (CTR), or the same diet supplemented with a polyphenolic concentrate (POL, 282.4 mg/kg) obtained from olive mill waste waters. The follicle counts and the relative mRNA (RT-qPCR) and protein (immunohistochemistry) expression of the effectors involved in inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2; interleukin-1beta; tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNFA) and apoptosis (BCL2-associated X protein, BAX), detected in the ovaries of both groups, were examined. The POL diet increased the primary and total follicles number. Cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression was higher (p < 0.05) in the POL group than in the CTR group, whereas BAX was lower (p < 0.05) in POL than CTR. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of all the proteins examined, with weaker (p < 0.05) COX2 and BAX signals in POL. No differences between the CTR and POL groups were observed for IL1B and TNFA gene and protein expression. These preliminary findings show that dietary polyphenols modulate inflammatory and apoptotic activities in rabbit ovary, regulating cyclooxygenase-2 and BAX expression, thus suggesting a functional involvement of these dietary compounds in mammalian reproduction.

Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Venanzio Grown in Tuscany: Chemical Composition and In Vitro Investigation of Potential Effects on Colorectal Cancer

Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) is a leguminous species that is an important dietary component due to its high content of proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, dietary fibers and vitamins. Due to the high content of polyphenols, several biological activities have been described for bean extracts, making it possible to include P. vulgaris among food with beneficial effects for human health. Moreover, more than 40,000 varieties of beans have been recognised with different nutraceutical properties, pointing out the importance of food biodiversity. In this work, we describe for the first time the chemical composition and biological activity of a newly recognized Italian variety of P. vulgaris grown in a restricted area of the Tuscany region and named “Fagiola di Venanzio”. Fagiola di Venanzio water extract is rich in proteins, sugars and polyphenols and displays antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities in in vitro assays on colon cancer cellular models. Our data indicate that this variety of P. vulgaris appears to be a promising source of bioactive compounds and encourage more in-depth studies to better elucidate the implications of its consumption for public health.

Fresh Saengshik Showed a Positive Effect on Mitigating Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Experimental Colitis in Mice

This study was to compare the anticolitis activity of fresh Saengshik (FSS) with heated Saengshik (HSS) with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis mouse model. Both FSS- and HSS-fed colitis mice exhibited the effects of the increase in the body weight, the alleviation in the colon shortening, and the reduction of the ratio of colon weight to length. However, FSS-fed colitis mice showed a much more significant decrease in DSS-induced tissue damage by mucosal edema and crypt deficiency than did HSS-fed ones. Besides, FSS contributed to decreasing the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta) and inhibiting the colonic mRNA expressions of these cytokines in colitis tissue of the mice. FSS also resulted in the lower colonic mRNA expression level of inflammation-related inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in colitis mice than did HSS. Overall results confirmed Saengshik, especially FSS, inhibits more effectively against DSS-induced inflammation reaction in colitis mice than HSS.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis effect of bee pollen methanolic extract using air pouch model of inflammation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Research on new drugs with a natural source and low side effects is a priority in pharmacology studies. The present study was conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis effects of bee pollen extract in the air pouch model of inflammation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

To achieve this goal, male rats were moderately anesthetized and then 20 and 10 mL of sterile air were subcutaneously injected into the intrascapular area of the back of the rat on first and third days, respectively. On day 6, inflammation was induced by intrapouch injection of carrageenan. Normal saline in the control group and bee pollen methanolic extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/pouch) were administered at day 6, simultaneously with carrageenan, and then for 2 consecutive days only normal saline and the extracts were injected. Following sacrificing the rats the pouch was opened and the exudate volume, leukocyte accumulation, granulation tissue weight, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin 1beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations were determined 3 days after induction of inflammation. In order to investigate the angiogenesis, the granulation tissue was removed, homogenized in the Drabkin's reagent, and then centrifuged. The supernatant was filtered and the hemoglobin concentration was determined using a spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

Bee pollen extract significantly decreased the exudate volume, leukocyte accumulation, granulation tissue weight, angiogenesis, VEGF, and TNF-α concentration.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The findings of the current study revealed that bee pollen methanolic extract has an anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis effect, which could be attributed to the inhibition of VEGF and TNF-α production in the inflammatory exudates.