Polyphenols and obesity prevention: critical insights on molecular regulation, bioavailability and dose in preclinical and clinical settings

Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods: A Comprehensive Review of Their Role in Bone Health

Bone health is the result of a tightly regulated balance between bone modeling and bone remodeling, and alterations of these processes have been observed in several diseases both in adult and pediatric populations. The imbalance in bone remodeling can ultimately lead to osteoporosis, which is most often associated with aging, but contributing factors can already act during the developmental age, when over a third of bone mass is accumulated. The maintenance of an adequate bone mass is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as physical activity and diet, and particularly by an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. In addition, it has been claimed that the integration of specific nutraceuticals such as resveratrol, anthocyanins, isoflavones, lycopene, curcumin, lutein, and β-carotene and the intake of bioactive compounds from the diet such as honey, tea, dried plums, blueberry, and olive oil can be efficient strategies for bone loss prevention. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are largely used to provide medical or health benefits, but there is an urge to determine which products have adequate clinical evidence and a strong safety profile. The aim of this review is to explore the scientific and clinical evidence of the positive role of nutraceuticals and functional food in bone health, focusing both on molecular mechanisms and on real-world studies.

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.

The Chelating Ability of Plant Polyphenols Can Affect Iron Homeostasis and Gut Microbiota

In the past decades, many studies have widely examined the effects of dietary polyphenols on human health. Polyphenols are well known for their antioxidant properties and for their chelating abilities, by which they can be potentially employed in cases of pathological conditions, such as iron overload. In this review, we have highlighted the chelating abilities of polyphenols, which are due to their structural specific sites, and the differences for each class of polyphenols. We have also explored how the dietary polyphenols and their iron-binding abilities can be important in inflammatory/immunomodulatory responses, with a special focus on the involvement of macrophages and dendritic cells, and how they might contribute to reshape the gut microbiota into a healthy profile. This review also provides evidence that the axes “polyphenol–iron metabolism–inflammatory responses” and “polyphenol–iron availability–gut microbiota” have not been very well explored so far, and the need for further investigation to exploit such a potential to prevent or counteract pathological conditions.

A critical analysis on the concentrations of phenolic compounds tested using in vitro and in vivo Parkinson's disease models

Phenolic compounds (PCs) have neuroprotective effects with potential to prevent or slower the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, whether the PCs neuroprotective effects can be observed under their dietary concentrations remains unclear. Therefore, we searched for the most cited articles in density on PCs and PD in the Web of Science Core Collection and All-Database (WoS-CC/AD) and selected the articles based on our eligibility criteria. From these 81 articles selected, we extracted information on experimental design, compounds tested, concentration and/or dose administered, route of administration, and main results obtained. We compared the concentrations of PCs evaluated in vitro with the concentrations bioavailable in the human bloodstream. Further, after extrapolation to humans, we compared the doses administered to animals in vivo with the daily consumed amounts of PCs. Concentrations evaluated in 21 in vitro laboratory studies were higher than those bioavailable in the bloodstream. In the case of in vivo laboratory studies, only one study administered doses of PCs in normal daily amount. The results of the comparisons demonstrate that the neuroprotective effects of the selected articles are mainly associated with concentrations, amounts and routes of administration that do not correspond to the consumption of phenolic compounds through the diet.

Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of polyphenols in adipose tissue: role of gut microbiota, intestinal barrier integrity and zinc homeostasis

Obesity is associated with an imbalance of micro-and macro-nutrients, gut dysbiosis, and a "leaky" gut phenomenon. Polyphenols, such as curcumin, resveratrol, and anthocyanins may alleviate the systemic effects of obesity, potentially by improving gut microbiota, intestinal barrier integrity (IBI), and zinc homeostasis. The essential micronutrient zinc plays a crucial role in the regulation of enzymatic processes, including inflammation, maintenance of the microbial ecology, and intestinal barrier integrity. In this review, we focus on IBI- which prevents intestinal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leakage - as a critical player in polyphenol-mediated protective effects against obesity-associated white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation. This occurs through mechanisms that block the movement of the bacterial endotoxin LPS across the gut barrier. Available research suggests that polyphenols reduce WAT and systemic inflammation via crosstalk with inflammatory NF-κB, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and zinc homeostasis.

Herbal Tea Essences (HTE) Ameliorate HFD-Induced Obesity

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. The health-promoting effects of tea and its individual constituents, including antiobesity and antihyperlipidaemia effects, have been well accepted. In this study, we evaluated the effects of herbal tea essence (HTE), a commercial product extracted from black tea, on HFD-induced obesity in mice. HTE effectively reduces the gain in body weight and improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity after HFD treatment. HTE inhibits lipid accumulation in the body and reduces serum lipid contents. Furthermore, HTE negatively regulates the expression levels of genes that control lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis and upregulates the expression of genes for lipid β oxidation. The regulatory effects of HTE on these genes may occur through activation of the AKT, IRS-1, and AMPK signalling pathways. Our observations suggest that HTE could be a promising option for nutritional intervention in the treatment of obesity.

Change in membrane fluidity induced by polyphenols is highly dependent on the position and number of galloyl groups

The cell membrane fluidity was very important in adipogenesis and galloyl groups on polyphenolic structures could enhance their antiadipogenic activity. However, the effect of polyphenols on membrane fluidity and the role of galloyl groups in fluidity changes remain unclear. Therefore, the present study chose structurally different polyphenols to compare their effects on the membrane morphology and fluidity of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, and then the reasons behind the changes of membrane fluidity induced by galloylated polyphenols were explored from structural and molecular insights using liposome model and molecular dynamic simulation technology. Our results indicated that galloylated polyphenols could significantly change 3T3-L1 cell membrane morphology and decrease membrane fluidity, while non-galloylated ones could not. The membrane interference effect of polyphenols was enhanced as the number of galloyl groups increased. Morever, the decrease in membrane fluidity induced by galloylated polyphenols was due to the disturbance of polyphenols on lipid alkyl chains in the cell membrane. Galloylated polyphenols could not only locate in the polar head, but also insert into hydrophobic center of lipid bilayer to interfere with the lipid alkyl chains arrangement, thus decreasing the membrane fluidity and showing strong affinity for the membrane. In addition, differences in position of galloyl groups in polyphenols induced distinct effect on cell membranes interactions, thus affecting the binding manner and bioactivity. The results expanded the understanding on the strong antiadipogenic activity of galloylated polyphenols through the aspect of their effects on cell membrane by both experimental and theoretically simulated ways.

Extra virgin olive oil extract rich in secoiridoids induces an anti-inflammatory profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from obese children

Obesity represents an important public health challenge of the twenty first century reaching epidemic proportions worldwide; this is especially true for the pediatric population. In this context, bioactive compounds from foods are crucial to counteract chronic inflammation as a typical feature of obesity. In particular, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the most important functional foods exerting, among others, an anti-inflammatory activity not only due to its major (monounsaturated fatty acids) but also to its minor (phenolics) components, as reported in the last years. However, only a limited number of studies were performed on pediatric population, and even fewer are those focusing on EVOO phenolics that investigate the correlation of the chemical characterization with the biological function. Thus, starting from our in vitro data identifying an EVOO chemical profile characterized by a high content of secoiridoids correlating with an anti-inflammatory effect, we studied the ability of an EVOO extract with the same chemical profile to retain this function ex vivo. Specifically, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from obese children were treated with EVOO and olive oil extracts, characterized by a low polyphenol content, to study the ability of secoiridoids to dampen the inflammatory response. A reduction of pro-inflammatory CD14⁺CD16⁺ monocytes was detected by cytofluorimetric analysis when PBMCs were treated with EVOO as compared to olive oil extracts. According to this, a down modulation of CCL2 and CCL4 chemokines involved in the recruitment of inflammatory cells, was reported in the supernatants of EVOO relative to olive oil extracts treated PBMCs. Moreover, a high-throughput gene expression analysis revealed that PBMCs molecular profile from obese children is greatly modulated after the treatment with EVOO extract in terms of metabolic and inflammatory pathways. Importantly, some of the significantly modulated genes were involved in the pathways promoting the development of severe obesity. Overall, our ex vivo data demonstrated the ability of EVOO to reduce the inflammatory milieu of PBMCs from obese children both at protein and molecular levels. Of note, a good correlation between the EVOO chemical profile and the biological modulations in terms of anti-inflammatory activity was reported.

Gene expression signatures and cardiometabolic outcomes following 8-week mango consumption in individuals with overweight/obesity

Background

Little is known about the impact of mango consumption on metabolic pathways assessed by changes in gene expression.

Methods

In this single-arm clinical trial, cardiometabolic outcomes and gene expression levels in whole blood samples from 26 men and women were examined at baseline and after 8 weeks of mango consumption and differential gene expression changes were determined. Based on changes in gene expression profiles, partial least squares discriminant analysis followed by hierarchical clustering were used to classify participants into subgroups of response and differences in gene expression changes and in cardiometabolic clinical outcomes following the intervention were tested.

Results

Two subgroups of participants were separated based on the resemblance of gene expression profiles in response to the intervention and as responders (n = 8) and non-responders (n = 18). A total of 280 transcripts were significantly up-regulated and 603 transcripts down-regulated following the intervention in responders, as compared to non-responders. Several metabolic pathways, mainly related to oxygen and carbon dioxide transport as well as oxidative stress, were found to be significantly enriched with differentially expressed genes. In addition, significantly beneficial changes in hip and waist circumference, c-reactive protein, HOMA-IR and QUICKI indices were observed in responders vs. non-responders, following the intervention.

Conclusion

The impact of mango consumption on cardiometabolic health appears to largely rely on interindividual variability. The novel transcriptomic-based clustering analysis used herein can provide insights for future research focused on unveiling the origins of heterogeneous responses to dietary interventions.

Clinical Trial Registration

[clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT03825276].

The clinical impact of an extra virgin olive oil enriched mediterranean diet on metabolic syndrome: Lights and shadows of a nutraceutical approach

For years it has been established that the only truly effective treatment of metabolic syndrome (MS) is lifestyle modification to prevent its cardiovascular (e.g., coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis), metabolic (e.g., diabetes mellitus), and hepatic (e.g., steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) complications. The focal points of this approach are to increase physical activity and intake of a diet characterized by high quantities of fruits, vegetables, grains, fish, and low-fat dairy products, the so called mediterranean diet (MD); however, the added value of MD is the presence of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a healthy food with a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, and variable concentrations (range 50–800 mg/kg) of phenols (oleuropein, ligstroside, and oleocanthal, and their derivatives, phenolic alcohols, such as hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol). Phenolic compounds not only determine EVOO’s main organoleptic qualities (oxidative stability, specific flavor, and taste features) but, theoretically, make it a source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insulin-sensitizing, cardioprotective, antiatherogenic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activity. Although many studies have been carried out on EVOO’s clinical effects and attention toward this dietary approach (healthy and palatable food with strong nutraceutical activity) has become increasingly pressing, there are still many dark sides to be clarified, both in terms of actual clinical efficacy and biochemical and molecular activity. Thus, we reviewed the international literature, trying to show the state of the art about EVOO’s clinical properties to treat MS (along with correlated complications) and the future prospective of its nutraceutical use.

Positive association of unhealthy plant-based diets with the incidence of abdominal obesity in Korea: a comparison of baseline, most recent, and cumulative average diets

OBJECTIVES

Different approaches for analyzing repeated dietary measurements may yield differences in the magnitude and interpretation of findings. We aimed to compare 3 dietary measurements (baseline, most recent, and cumulative average) in terms of the association between plant-based diet indices (PDIs) and incident abdominal obesity in Korean adults aged 40-69 years.

METHODS

This study included 6,054 participants (54% women) free of abdominal obesity (defined as waist circumference ≥90 cm for men and ≥85 cm for women) at baseline. As exposures, baseline, most recent, and cumulative average measurements for PDI, healthy-PDI (hPDI), and unhealthy-PDI (uPDI) were created. A Cox proportional-hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for abdominal obesity.

RESULTS

During 45,818 person-years of follow-up (median, 9 years), we identified 1,778 incident cases of abdominal obesity. In the multivariable-adjusted analysis, a higher uPDI was associated with a higher risk of abdominal obesity in both total and stratified analyses. The findings were consistent across all approaches (Q5 vs. Q1: HRbaseline=1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46 to 1.98; HRmost recent=1.52; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.78; HRcumulative average=1.76; 95% CI, 1.51 to 2.06 in the total set). PDI showed no meaningful association with abdominal obesity risk in any analyses. hPDIaverage had a suggestive inverse association with abdominal obesity risk in men, and hPDIbaseline had a positive association with abdominal obesity risk in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater adherence to unhealthy plant-based diets may increase the risk of developing abdominal obesity in Korean adults. The findings were generally consistent across all approaches.

The Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Continuum from Prenatal Life to Adulthood: A Literature Review

The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) arises from the interaction of prenatal factors; epigenetic regulation; neonatal factors; and factors that affect childhood and adolescence, such as early adiposity rebound (AR) and social and environmental influences. Thus, CVD risk varies between the group of low-risk metabolically healthy normal-weight subjects (MHNW); the intermediate-risk group, which includes metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy normal-weight subjects (MUHNW); and the high-risk group of metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO) subjects. In this continuum, several risk factors come into play and contribute to endothelial damage, vascular and myocardial remodeling, and atherosclerotic processes. These pathologies can occur both in prenatal life and in early childhood and contribute to significantly increasing CVD risk in young adults over time. Early intervention in the pediatric MUHO population to reduce the CVD risk during adulthood remains a challenge. In this review, we focus on CVD risk factors arising at different stages of life by performing a search of the recent literature. It is urgent to focus on preventive or early therapeutic strategies to stop this disturbing negative metabolic trend, which manifests as a continuum from prenatal life to adulthood.

Neurotoxicity and Structure-Activity Relationships of Resveratrol and its two Natural Analogs, 4,4′-Dihydroxystilbene and Pinosylvin

Resveratrol (RES) and its two natural analogues, 4,4′-dihydroxystilbene (DHS) and pinosylvin (PIN), are very important polyphenols and have attracted considerable pharmaceutical interest because of their diverse biological activities. However, their adverse effects on motor nerves and glioma cells have not been properly assessed. Herein, we surveyed the toxicity and analyzed the structure-activity relationship of these three polyphenols using transgenic zebrafish ( Danio rerio) and U87. Results indicated that, in zebrafish embryos, both DHS (1 and 10 μg/mL) with hydroxyl groups at the 4 and 4′ positions, and PIN (1 and 10 μg/mL) with hydroxyl groups at the 3 and 5 positions inhibited motor neuron growth more effectively than RES (1 and 10 μg/mL) with hydroxyl groups at the 3, 4′, and 5 positions, although their appearance is normal. Both the DHS- (10 μg/mL) and PIN (10 μg/mL) -treated groups significantly reduced the swimming distance of zebrafish compared with the RES (10 μg/mL) -treated group. In addition, DHS with the hydroxyl groups at the 4 and 4′ positions (0.002, 0.02, 0.2, 2, and 20 μM) inhibited U87 cell aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner; PIN with the hydroxyl groups at the 3 and 5 positions (0.002, 0.02, 0.2, 2, and 20 μM) promoted U87 cell aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner, while RES with three hydroxyl groups promoted U87 cell aggregation at concentrations from 0.2 to 2 μM. Taken together, DHS and PIN are more neurotoxic than RES. The position and number of hydroxyl groups significantly affected the ability of the polyphenols to aggregate into tumors in the U87 cell.

Determination of Commercial Animal and Vegetable Milks' Lipid Profile and Its Correlation with Cell Viability and Antioxidant Activity on Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells

Lipids from milk are important nutritional components, although their health effects, especially for animal milks, are still questioned. Four types of commercial milks, two semi-skimmed animal milks (bovine and goat) and two vegetable ones (soy and rice), along with their total and free lipid fractions recovered by sequential centrifugation or by ethyl acetate extraction, respectively, have been analyzed. A higher antioxidant ability, reported as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, was found for all raw milks compared to that of rice. This trend was confirmed, except for soy milk, as ROS reduction in Caco-2 cells. The free lipid fraction was shown to have the highest antioxidant potential in both chemical and biological tests. Moreover, goat and soy raw milks positively regulated Caco-2 cell viability after an inflammatory stimulus. This effect was lost when their total lipid fraction was tested. Finally, only the free lipid fraction from rice milk preserved the Caco-2 viability after LPS stimulation. Our data demonstrated that the lipid profile of each milk, characterized by GC-MS analysis, could contribute to dictate its biological effects, and, although additional in vitro and in vivo studies are needed, they could support the literature re-evaluating the health effects of animal-based versus plant-based milks in the intestinal cellular model.

Mechanisms of altered bone remodeling in children with type 1 diabetes

Bone loss associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) begins at the onset of the disease, already in childhood, determining a lower bone mass peak and hence a greater risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life. The mechanisms underlying diabetic bone fragility are not yet completely understood. Hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency can affect the bone cells functions, as well as the bone marrow fat, thus impairing the bone strength, geometry, and microarchitecture. Several factors, like insulin and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1, can control bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell commitment, and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin and Wnt-b catenin pathways can impair bone turnover. Some myokines may have a key role in regulating metabolic control and improving bone mass in T1DM subjects. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying altered bone remodeling in children affected by T1DM.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extracts Modulate the Inflammatory Ability of Murine Dendritic Cells Based on Their Polyphenols Pattern: Correlation between Chemical Composition and Biological Function

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) represents one of the most important health-promoting foods whose antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are mainly associated to its polyphenols content. To date, studies exploring the effect of EVOO polyphenols on dendritic cells (DCs), acting as a crosstalk between the innate and the adaptive immune response, are scanty. Therefore, we studied the ability of three EVOO extracts (cv. Coratina, Cima di Mola/Coratina, and Casaliva), characterized by different polyphenols amount, to regulate DCs maturation in resting conditions or after an inflammatory stimulus. Cima di Mola/Coratina and Casaliva extracts were demonstrated to be the most effective in modulating DCs toward an anti-inflammatory profile by reduction of TNF and IL-6 secretion and CD86 expression, along with a down-modulation of Il-1β and iNOS expression. From factorial analysis results, 9 polyphenols were tentatively established to play a synergistic role in modulating DCs inflammatory ability, thus reducing the risk of chronic inflammation.

Polyphenol Enriched Diet Administration During Pregnancy and Lactation Prevents Dysbiosis in Ulcerative Colitis Predisposed Littermates

Neonatal colonization of the gastrointestinal tract depends on mother microbiome, thus mother microbiota dysbiosis is transmitted to the offspring during the delivery and shaped by breastmilk characteristics. Here we used a murine model of UC predisposition (Winnie^-/-) to evaluate the effects of maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation. Using heterozygous breeders, we obtained both Winnie^-/- and C57BL/6 littermates from the same mother and compared their microbiota at weaning and adult age, using a diet enriched with 1% tomato fruit of a line – named Bronze – highly enriched in bioactive polyphenols, or Control tomato. Females received enriched diets two weeks before the beginning of the breeding and never stopped for the following six months. No significant effect was observed in regard to the percentage of Winnie^-/- offspring, as with both diets the percentage was about 25% as expected. Winnie littermates from breeders fed with the Bronze-enriched diet showed reduced dysbiosis at 4 weeks of age if compared with Winnie under the Control tomato diet. This effect was then reduced when mice reached adult age. Conversely, the microbiota of C57BL/6 does not change significantly, indicating that fortified mothers-diet significantly contribute to preventing dysbiosis in genetically predisposed offspring, but has mild effects on healthy littermates and adult mice. An overall tendency towards reduced inflammation was underlined by the colon weight and the percentage of Foxp3⁺ cells reduction in Winnie mice fed with Bronze diet. Control diet did not show similar tendency.

Anti-obesity properties and mechanism of action of flavonoids: A review

Obesity is a major public health problem, and there is increasing scientific interest in its mechanisms, as well as a search for new compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can minimize the metabolic complications associated with its pathology. One potential source of these compounds is natural products; Among these, flavonoids are a promising group of natural substances. Flavonoids are active constituents with diverse biological activities and are widely found in plants kingdom. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids can effectively inhibit obesity and related metabolic disorders. The review synthesizes recent evidence in respect of progress in the understanding of the anti-obesity effects of flavonoids. Such effects which occurs through the modulation of proteins, genes and transcriptional factors involved in decreasing lipogenesis, increasing lipolysis, expenditure energy, stimulating fatty acids B-oxidation, digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates. In addition to mitigating inflammatory responses and suppress oxidative stress. A better understanding of the modulating effects and mechanisms of flavonoids in relation to obesity will allow us to better use these compounds to treat or even prevent obesity and its associated comorbidities.

Natural Extracts to Augment Energy Expenditure as a Complementary Approach to Tackle Obesity and Associated Metabolic Alterations

Obesity is the epidemic of the 21st century. In developing countries, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, and obesity is occurring at younger ages. Obesity and associated metabolic stress disrupt the whole-body physiology. Adipocytes are critical components of the systemic metabolic control, functioning as an endocrine organ. The enlarged adipocytes during obesity recruit macrophages promoting chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Together with the genetic susceptibility (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNP) and metabolic alterations at the molecular level, it has been highlighted that key modifiable risk factors, such as those related to lifestyle, contribute to the development of obesity. In this scenario, urgent therapeutic options are needed, including not only pharmacotherapy but also nutrients, bioactive compounds, and natural extracts to reverse the metabolic alterations associated with obesity. Herein, we first summarize the main targetable processes to tackle obesity, including activation of thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and in white adipose tissue (WAT-browning), and the promotion of energy expenditure and/or fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in muscles. Then, we perform a screening of 20 natural extracts (EFSA approved) to determine their potential in the activation of FAO and/or thermogenesis, as well as the increase in respiratory capacity. By means of innovative technologies, such as the study of their effects on cell bioenergetics (Seahorse bioanalyzer), we end up with the selection of four extracts with potential application to ameliorate the deleterious effects of obesity and the chronic associated inflammation.

Iron-Enriched Nutritional Supplements for the 2030 Pharmacy Shelves

Iron deficiency (ID) affects people of all ages in many countries. Due to intestinal blood loss and reduced iron absorption, ID is a threat to IBD patients, women, and children the most. Current therapies can efficiently recover normal serum transferrin saturation and hemoglobin concentration but may cause several side effects, including intestinal inflammation. ID patients may benefit from innovative nutritional supplements that may satisfy iron needs without side effects. There is a growing interest in new iron-rich superfoods, like algae and mushrooms, which combine antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with iron richness.

Dysbiosis Triggers ACF Development in Genetically Predisposed Subjects

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, characterized by a multifactorial etiology including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors including microbiota composition. To address the role of microbial modulation in CRC, we used our recently established mouse model (the Winnie-APC^Min/+) combining inflammation and genetics.

METHODS

Gut microbiota profiling was performed on 8-week-old Winnie-APC^Min/+ mice and their littermates by 16S rDNA gene amplicon sequencing. Moreover, to study the impact of dysbiosis induced by the mother's genetics in ACF development, the large intestines of APC^Min/+ mice born from wild type mice were investigated by histological analysis at 8 weeks.

RESULTS

ACF development in 8-week-old Winnie-APC^Min/+ mice was triggered by dysbiosis. Specifically, the onset of ACF in genetically predisposed mice may result from dysbiotic signatures in the gastrointestinal tract of the breeders. Additionally, fecal transplant from Winnie donors to APC^Min/+ hosts leads to an increased rate of ACF development.

CONCLUSIONS

The characterization of microbiota profiling supporting CRC development in genetically predisposed mice could help to design therapeutic strategies to prevent dysbiosis. The application of these strategies in mothers during pregnancy and lactation could also reduce the CRC risk in the offspring.