Diets containing pomegranate polyphenol and soy isoflavone attenuate contact hypersensitivity in mice

Abnormal metabolism in hepatic stellate cells: Pandora's box of MAFLD related hepatocellular carcinoma

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as key mediators in liver injury response, are believed to play a crucial role in the repair process of liver injury. However, in MAFLD patients, the normal metabolic and immunoregulatory mechanisms of HSCs become disrupted, leading to disturbances in the local microenvironment. Abnormally activated HSCs are heavily involved in the initiation and progression of HCC. The metabolic disorders and abnormal activation of HSCs not only initiate liver fibrosis but also contribute to carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research progress on the relationship between the abnormal metabolism of HSCs and the local immune system in the liver, elucidating the mechanisms of immune imbalance caused by abnormally activated HSCs in MAFLD patients. Based on this understanding, we discuss the potential and challenges of metabolic-based and immunology-based mechanisms in the treatment of MAFLD-related HCC, with a specific focus on the role of HSCs in HCC progression and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapy. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of the importance of HSCs in maintaining normal liver function and highlights the significance of HSCs in the progression of MAFLD-related HCC.

Red Grape Polyphenol Oral Administration Improves Immune Response in Women Affected by Nickel-Mediated Allergic Contact Dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Our previous findings demonstrated that in vitro supplementation of polyphenols, extracted from seeds of red grape (Nero di Troia cultivar), to peripheral lymphomonocytes from patients affected by allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to nickel (Ni) could reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), while increasing the levels of interleukin (IL)-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether an intervention with oral administration of polyphenols leads to a reduction of peripheral biomarkers in ACD patients.

METHODS

At T0, 25 patients affected by ACD to Ni were orally administered with 300 mg polyphenols prodie extracted from seeds of red grape (Nero di Troia cultivar) (NATUR-OX®) for 3 months (T1). The other 25 patients affected by ACD to Ni received placebo only for the same period of time. Serum biomarkers were analyzed at T0 and T1. In both groups, seven dropouts were recorded.

RESULTS

At T1 in comparison to T0, in treated patients, values of interferon-γ, IL-4, IL-17, pentraxin 3 and NO decreased, while IL-10 levels increased when compared with T0 values. Conversely, in placebo- treated patients, no modifications of biomarkers were evaluated at T1.

CONCLUSION

Present laboratory data rely on the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties of polyphenols.