The phytochemical epigallocatechin gallate prolongs the lifespan by improving lipid metabolism, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-fed obese rats

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) alleviates inflammation and endothelial dysfunction and improves pregnancy outcomes in preeclampsia (PE)-like rats via eNOS/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural antioxidant, has shown protective effect in many diseases. We explore the effect and potential regulatory mechanisms of EGCG in preeclampsia (PE)-like rats.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

PE was mimicked in pregnant rats. EGCG was orally administered at a dosage of 25(Low, L) or 50 mg/kg (High, H) from gestational day (GD) 6-17. The blood pressure signatures, heart rates were monitored. The 24-h proteinuria and serum were analyzed. On GD 18, rats were sacrificed, and pups and placentas were weighed. Kidneys and placentas were analyzed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E). Placentas were examined using western blot for sFlt1, eNOS, Nrf2, HO-1, SLC7A11. MDA, GSH, GPx and Fe2+ were measured.

RESULTS

EGCG inhibits systolic blood pressure, BUN, CREA, ALT, AST, UA and proteinuria levels in PE-like rats. EGCG enhances the pup weight and crown-rump length and reduces the rate of fetus growth restriction in PE group. Endothelial dysfunction and infiltration of inflammatory cells were found in kidney cortex and placenta tissues in PE group and were inhibited by EGCG treatment. sFlt1 was activated in placentas in PE group and inhibited by EGCG while eNOS/Nrf2/HO-1 were inhibited in PE group and restored by EGCG. MDA and Fe concentrations were elevated in PE group and reduced by EGCG while the GSH level, SLC7A11 and the GPx activity were inhibited in PE group and restored by EGCG.

CONCLUSION

EGCG alleviates inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and placental ferroptosis, improves pregnancy outcomes in PE-like rats via eNOS/Nrf2/HO-1.

Association between flavonoids intake and dental caries in children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES database

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, dental caries is a bacterial biofilm-mediated condition with a high morbidity in children and adolescents. Flavonoids are a class of active natural products with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that they can promote tooth mineralization and reduce inflammation. However, the association of flavonoids intake and dental caries in children and adolescents remain unclear.

AIM

This study was to evaluated the association of flavonoid and its subclass intake and dental caries in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Data of participants aged 2-17 years were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2017-2018). Dental caries was measured via the decayed or filled surfaces in primary teeth or permanent teeth (dfs/DFS) index. The weighted univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to explore the association of flavonoids intake with dental caries in children and adolescents, with odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroups analyses based on age, and overweight/obesity were further assessed the association. Subgroup analysis were further performed to explore whether the association between subclasses of anthocyanidins and catechins with dental caries was robust stratified by age and individual with overweight/obesity.

RESULTS

Among totally 1,818 children and adolescents, 786 (43.2%) had dental caries. High intake of anthocyanidins (OR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.52-0.92) and catechins (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.44-0.92) were associated with lower odds of dental caries. Similar results were discovered in individuals aged ≥6 years (anthocyanidins, OR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.43-0.90; catechins, OR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.40-0.96), and without overweight/obesity (anthocyanidins, OR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.37-0.90; catechins, OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.31-0.84). Further investigation found that high intake of cyanidin, petunidin, malvidin, peonidin, (+)-Catechin, (-)-Epigallocatechin, and (-)-epicatechin were associated with lower odds of dental caries in children and adolescents.

CONCLUSION

High intake of anthocyanidins and catechins were associated with lower odds of dental caries in children and adolescents and are a promising intervention to be further explored in children and adolescents.

Epigallocatechin gallate attenuated high glucose-induced pancreatic beta cell dysfunction by modulating DRP1-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis pathways

Long-term exposure to hyperglycemic conditions leads to β-cell dysfunction, particularly mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, which are considered the primary causes of β-cell death and the hallmarks of diabetes. Plant-active ingredients may play a key role in glycemic control. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a characteristic catechin derived from tea that possesses anti-diabetic properties. Nonetheless, its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, the protective role of EGCG on high glucose (33 mM)-induced pancreatic beta cell dysfunction and its possible molecular mechanisms were investigated. Briefly, MIN6 cells were treated with glucose and EGCG (10 µM, 20 µM, and 40 µM) for 48 h. Our results revealed that EGCG dose-dependently restored mitochondrial membrane potential and concomitantly alleviated cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, the expression level of apoptotic protein BAX and Dynamic related protein 1 (DRP1) was significantly downregulated following EGCG treatment, whereas that of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 was significantly upregulated. Taken together, EGCG alleviated high glucose-induced pancreatic beta cell dysfunction by targeting the DRP1-related mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and thus can serve as a nutritional intervention for the preservation of beta cell dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Edible bird's nest regulates glucose and lipid metabolic disorders via the gut-liver axis in obese mice

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a traditional food known for its nourishing and functional properties and is found to be involved in anti-oxidation, anti-aging, and anti-influenza mechanisms, immune regulation, and improving cardiovascular diseases, among others. However, the potential of EBN to improve glycolipid metabolism disorders in high-fat-diet induced obesity and the underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. We examined the effects of EBN on glycolipid metabolism in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish an obesity model. The obese mice were selected and divided into six groups: two model control groups (normal and high-fat diets) and four intervention groups [Neu5Ac and low-, medium-, and high-dose EBN], with 12 mice in each group. After 10 weeks of continuous gavage intervention, only mice in the high-dose EBN intervention group had lower body weight and total fat content, especially visceral fat. Meanwhile, intervention with three doses of EBN reduced serum FBG, TC, LDL, Ox-LDL, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and increased serum HDL levels and energy expenditure. Using the high dosage as a paradigm, EBN intervention increased the sialic acid content in LDL, decreased TMAO in the liver, and increased GLP-1 levels in sera. EBN increased the colonic abundances of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Desulfovibrio and reduced those of Lysinibacillus and Bacillus. The changes in the microbial community contribute to increasing colonic bile acids, reducing lipopolysaccharide synthesis to protect the intestinal barrier, and lowering inflammation levels. Changes were also observed in colonic transcripts and metabolites and liver gene transcripts and metabolites, which were mainly enriched in pathways of glycolipid metabolism, immune function amelioration, inflammatory signal mitigation, circadian rhythm, bile acid metabolism and insulin resistance. Therefore, EBN may enhance the gut microbiota and intestinal immunity, relieve chronic inflammation levels in serum, improve antioxidant capacity and circadian rhythm in the liver, promote bile acid metabolism, and decrease lipid absorption and lipid synthesis via the gut-liver axis. Consequently, this may reduce blood lipid and fat accumulation as well as improve islet function and reduce blood glucose levels.

A narrative review on the mechanism of natural flavonoids in improving glucolipid metabolism disorders

Glucolipid metabolism disorder (GLMD) is a complex chronic disease characterized by glucose and lipid metabolism disorders with a complex and diverse etiology and rapidly increasing incidence. Many studies have identified the role of flavonoids in ameliorating GLMD, with mechanisms related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, nuclear factor kappa-B, AMP-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2, glucose transporter type 4, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. However, a comprehensive summary of the flavonoid effects on GLMD is lacking. This study reviewed the roles and mechanisms of natural flavonoids with different structures in the treatment of GLMD reported globally in the past 5 years and provides a reference for developing flavonoids as drugs for treating GLMD.

Tolypocladium sinense Mycelium Polysaccharide Alleviates Obesity, Lipid Metabolism Disorder, and Inflammation Caused by High Fat Diet via Improving Intestinal Barrier and Modulating Gut Microbiota

SCOPE

Tolypocladium sinense is a fungus isolated from Cordyceps. Cordyceps has some medicinal value and is also a daily health care product. This study explores the preventive effects of T. sinense mycelium polysaccharide (TSMP) on high-fat diet-induced obesity and chronic inflammation in mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Here, the study establishes an obese mouse model induced by high-fat diet. In this study, the mice are administered TSMP daily basis to evaluate its effect on alleviating obesity. The results show that TSMP can significantly inhibit obesity and alleviate dyslipidemia by regulating the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes such as liver kinase B1 (LKB1), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) in the liver. TSMP can increase the protein expression of zona occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1 in the colon, improve the intestinal barrier dysfunction, and reduce the level of serum LPS, thereby reducing the inflammatory response. 16S rDNA sequencing shows that TSMP alters the intestinal microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, while decreasing the relative abundance of Faecalibaculum.

CONCLUSION

The findings show that TSMP can inhibit obesity and alleviates obesity-related lipid metabolism disorders, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress by modulating the gut microbiota and improving intestinal barrier.

Physical activity diminished adverse associations of obesity with lipid metabolism in the population of rural regions of China

The interactive effects of obesity and physical inactivity on lipid metabolism and prevalent dyslipidemia are scarcely reported in rural regions. 39029 subjects were obtained from the Henan Rural Cohort, and their metabolic equivalents (METs) of physical activity (PA) were computed. Independent associations of the obesity indices and PA with either lipid indices or prevalent dyslipidemia were analyzed by generalized linear models, and additive effects of obesity and PA on prevalent dyslipidemia were further quantified. Each obesity index was positively associated with total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein or prevalent dyslipidemia but negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein, whereas the opposite association of PA with either each lipid index or prevalent dyslipidemia was observed. Joint association of PA and each obesity index with each lipid index and prevalent dyslipidemia was observed. Furthermore, the association of each obesity index in association with each lipid index was attenuated by increased PA levels.

Insights into vaccines for elderly individuals: from the impacts of immunosenescence to delivery strategies

Immunosenescence increases the risk and severity of diseases in elderly individuals and leads to impaired vaccine-induced immunity. With aging of the global population and the emerging risk of epidemics, developing adjuvants and vaccines for elderly individuals to improve their immune protection is pivotal for healthy aging worldwide. Deepening our understanding of the role of immunosenescence in vaccine efficacy could accelerate research focused on optimizing vaccine delivery for elderly individuals. In this review, we analyzed the characteristics of immunosenescence at the cellular and molecular levels. Strategies to improve vaccination potency in elderly individuals are summarized, including increasing the antigen dose, preparing multivalent antigen vaccines, adding appropriate adjuvants, inhibiting chronic inflammation, and inhibiting immunosenescence. We hope that this review can provide a review of new findings with regards to the impacts of immunosenescence on vaccine-mediated protection and inspire the development of individualized vaccines for elderly individuals.

SIRT6 activates PPARα to improve doxorubicin-induced myocardial cell aging and damage

The Sirtuins family, formally known as the Silent Information Regulator Factors, constitutes a highly conserved group of histone deacetylases. Recent studies have illuminated SIRT6's role in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis within myocardial cells. Nevertheless, the extent of SIRT6's impact on DOX-triggered myocardial cell aging and damage remains uncertain, with the associated mechanisms yet to be fully understood. In our research, we examined the influence of SIRT6 on DOX-induced cardiomyocyte senescence using β-galactosidase and γ-H2AX staining. Additionally, we gauged the mRNA expression of senescence-associated genes, namely p16, p21, and p53, through Real-time PCR. Employing ELISA assay kits, MDA, and total SOD activity assay kits, we measured inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, alongside oxidative stress-related indicators. The results unequivocally indicated that SIRT6 overexpression robustly inhibited DOX-induced cardiomyocyte senescence. Furthermore, we established that SIRT6 overexpression suppressed the inflammatory response and oxidative stress induced by DOX in cardiomyocytes. Conversely, silencing SIRT6 exacerbated DOX-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Our investigations further unveiled that SIRT6 upregulated the expression of genes CD36, CPT1, LCAD, MCAD associated with fatty acid oxidation through its interaction with PPARα, thereby exerting anti-aging effects. In vivo, the overexpression of SIRT6 was observed to restore DOX-induced declines in EF and FS to normal levels in mice. Echocardiography and HE staining revealed the restoration of cardiomyocyte alignment, affording protection against DOX-induced myocardial senescence and injury. The findings from this study suggest that SIRT6 holds significant promise as a therapeutic target for mitigating DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.

Paucatalinone A from Paulownia Catalpifolia Gong Tong Elicits mitochondrial-mediated cancer cell death to combat osteosarcoma

As the global cancer burden escalates, the search for alternative therapies becomes increasingly vital. Natural products, particularly plant-derived compounds, have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional cancer treatments due to their diverse bioactivities and favorable biosafety profiles. Here, we investigate Paucatalinone A, a newly discovered geranylated flavanone derived from the fruit of Paulownia Catalpifolia Gong Tong, notable for its significant anti-cancer properties. We revealed the capability of Paucatalinone A to induce apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells and deciphered its underlying mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate that Paucatalinone A substantially augments apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, and demonstrates a pronounced anti-tumor effect in a murine model of osteosarcoma. Mechanistically, Paucatalinone A disrupts calcium homeostasis and exacerbates intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, leading to mitochondrial impairment, cytoskeletal collapse, and caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death. This study underscores the potential of Paucatalinone A in initiating apoptosis in cancer cells and highlights the therapeutic efficacy of plant-derived agents in treating osteosarcoma, offering a viable approach for managing other intractable cancers.

Empowering Strategies for Lifestyle Interventions, Diet Modifications, and Environmental Practices for Uterine Fibroid Prevention; Unveiling the LIFE UP Awareness

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common prevalent benign tumor among women of reproductive age, disproportionately affecting women of color. This paper introduces an innovative management strategy for UFs, emphasizing the curbing of disease prevention and progression. Traditionally, medical intervention is deferred until advanced stages, necessitating invasive surgeries such as hysterectomy or myomectomy, leading to high recurrence rates and increased healthcare costs. The strategy, outlined in this review, emphasizes UF disease management and is named LIFE UP awareness-standing for Lifestyle Interventions, Food Modifications, and Environmental Practices for UF Prevention. These cost-effective, safe, and accessible measures hold the potential to prevent UFs, improve overall reproductive health, reduce the need for invasive procedures, and generate substantial cost savings for both individuals and healthcare systems. This review underscores the importance of a proactive UF management method, paving the way for future research and policy initiatives in this domain.

Clinically Effective Molecules of Natural Origin for Obesity Prevention or Treatment

The prevalence and incidence of obesity and the comorbidities linked to it are increasing worldwide. Current therapies for obesity and associated pathologies have proven to cause a broad number of adverse effects, and often, they are overpriced or not affordable for all patients. Among the alternatives currently available, natural bioactive compounds stand out. These are frequently contained in pharmaceutical presentations, nutraceutical products, supplements, or functional foods. The clinical evidence for these molecules is increasingly solid, among which epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ellagic acid, resveratrol, berberine, anthocyanins, probiotics, carotenoids, curcumin, silymarin, hydroxy citric acid, and α-lipoic acid stand out. The molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of these molecules have been shown to interact with the endocrine, nervous, and gastroenteric systems. They can regulate the expression of multiple genes and proteins involved in starvation-satiety processes, activate the brown adipose tissue, decrease lipogenesis and inflammation, increase lipolysis, and improve insulin sensitivity. This review provides a comprehensive view of nature-based therapeutic options to address the increasing prevalence of obesity. It offers a valuable perspective for future research and subsequent clinical practice, addressing everything from the molecular, genetic, and physiological bases to the clinical study of bioactive compounds.

Exploring the effects of epigallocatechin gallate on lipid metabolism in the rat steatotic liver during normothermic machine perfusion: Insights from lipidomics and RNA sequencing

BACKGROUND

Hepatic steatosis is the leading cause of discarded liver grafts. Defatting steatotic liver grafts using drug combinations during ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) has been reported. However, the effectiveness of NMP in reducing fat content using epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as a single defatting agent and its effect on lipid metabolism are poorly investigated.

METHODS

In this study, an NMP system was set up to perfuse a steatotic liver from a rat model with 10 mM EGCG. Livers without EGCG served as NMP controls, whereas static cold-preserved livers in the University of Wisconsin medium were used as static cold storage controls. Liver enzyme, reactive oxygen species (ROS), histology, and lipid content assessments were conducted post-perfusion, complemented by lipidomics, RNA sequencing, and western blotting to determine the lipid metabolism changes.

RESULTS

EGCG during NMP reduced hepatocellular injury markers and defatted steatotic liver grafts. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in triglyceride (TG) content in the perfusate post-NMP in the NMP + EGCG group, suggesting TG output from the liver. Furthermore, lipidomics analysis revealed that EGCG primarily affected metabolites involved in glycerophospholipid (GP) and glycerolipid (GL) metabolism. Further, the RNA sequencing indicated the modulation of these metabolic pathways via ECGC, which was associated with the downregulated Lpin1 and Gpat3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

EGCG defats steatotic livers as a single defatting agent during NMP by promoting GL and GP metabolism via decreasing Lpin1 and Agpat9 levels.

Untargeted Metabolomic Analyses and Antilipidemic Effects of Citrus Physiological Premature Fruit Drop

Increasingly globally prevalent obesity and related metabolic disorders have underscored the demand for safe and natural therapeutic approaches, given the limitations of weight loss drugs and surgeries. This study compared the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of five different varieties of citrus physiological premature fruit drop (CPFD). Untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify variations in metabolites among different CPFDs, and their antilipidemic effects in vitro were assessed. The results showed that Citrus aurantium L. 'Daidai' physiological premature fruit drop (DDPD) and Citrus aurantium 'Changshan-huyou' physiological premature fruit drop (HYPD) exhibited higher levels of phytochemicals and stronger antioxidant activity. There were 97 differential metabolites identified in DDPD and HYPD, including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, terpenes, and lipids. Additionally, DDPD and HYPD demonstrated potential antilipidemic effects against oleic acid (OA)-induced steatosis in HepG2 hepatocytes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In conclusion, our findings reveal the outstanding antioxidant activity and antilipidemic effects of CPFD, indicating its potential use as a natural antioxidant and health supplement and promoting the high-value utilization of this resource.

Epigenetics in obesity: Mechanisms and advances in therapies based on natural products

Obesity is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality because it has a close relationship to metabolic illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer. With no drugs available, the mainstay of obesity management remains lifestyle changes with exercise and dietary modifications. In light of the tremendous disease burden and unmet therapeutics, fresh perspectives on pathophysiology and drug discovery are needed. The development of epigenetics provides a compelling justification for how environmental, lifestyle, and other risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity. Furthermore, epigenetic dysregulations can be restored, and it has been reported that certain natural products obtained from plants, such as tea polyphenols, ellagic acid, urolithins, curcumin, genistein, isothiocyanates, and citrus isoflavonoids, were shown to inhibit weight gain. These substances have great antioxidant potential and are of great interest because they can also modify epigenetic mechanisms. Therefore, understanding epigenetic modifications to target the primary cause of obesity and the epigenetic mechanisms of anti-obesity effects with certain phytochemicals can prove rational strategies to prevent the disease and develop novel therapeutic interventions. Thus, the current review aimed to summarize the epigenetic mechanisms and advances in therapies for obesity based on natural products to provide evidence for the development of several potential anti-obesity drug targets.

Metabolome analysis to investigate the effect of heavy metal exposure and chemoprevention agents on toxic injury caused by a multi-heavy metal mixture in rats

Heavy metal pollution is a significant threat to both the environment and living organisms. This is especially vital considering the persistent and cumulative nature of heavy metal exposure, which can lead to severe and chronic health consequences for individuals. Therefore, implementing effective treatments is critical to addressing the serious public health issues posed by heavy metal pollution. In this study, nontargeted metabolomics was carried out to investigate the metabolic changes associated with long-term low-dose intake of mixed heavy metal pollutants (MHMPs) in liver, kidney, and plasma samples of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with and without treatment to reveal the underlying toxic effects of MHMPs and the effects of chemoprevention agents, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), trisodium citrate dihydrate (TCD), and glutathione (GSH). In the liver, kidney, and plasma, we observed a total of 21, 69, and 16 metabolites, respectively, exhibiting significant differences (P < 0.05, fold change >1.2 or <0.83, and VIP ≥ 1) between the control group and the mixture group. The findings demonstrated that exposure to MHMPs leads to the dysregulation of numerous metabolic pathways, with a particular emphasis on purine metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis with upregulated renal purine metabolites and downregulated hepatic purine metabolites as well as renal aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis-related metabolites. However, the application of chemical protectants was shown to partially restore the metabolic alterations induced by MHMPs, particularly purine metabolism-related metabolites, including hepatic adenine and renal adenine, guanine, guanosine, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and hypoxanthine. In addition, liver adenosine, kidney inosine and L-phenylalanine were considered the main regulated sites based on their significant correlations with multiple heavy metals. Our study provides crucial insights into the toxicological mechanisms of heavy metal pollution and has the potential to guide the development of effective preventive strategies.

Flavonoids: Their putative neurologic roles, epigenetic changes, and gut microbiota alterations in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by the degeneration of progressive dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra region of the human midbrain. Although just what causes PD remains a mystery, it is known that oxidative stress (OS) as well as mitochondrial dysfunction, neuro-inflammation, and insufficient neurotrophic support play a role in the disease's pathophysiology. Phytochemicals are a diverse small molecule group derived from plants that can be classified into numerous classes on the basis of their biological activities and chemical structure. Of these groups of phytochemicals, the most abundant, which has well-established anti-Parkinson's effects, are polyphenols. Flavonoids, including naringin and naringenin, genistein, kaempferol, anthocyanins, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and baicalein are plant-based biologically active polyphenols, which have been shown to exhibit therapeutic potential when used as treatment for a variety of pathological illnesses, such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and PD. Recently, it was reported that flavonoids have beneficial effects on PD, such as the protection of DA neurons, improvement of motor and cognitive abilities, regulation of signaling pathways, and modulation of OS and neuro-inflammation. In addition, by changing the composition of bacteria in gut microbiota, flavonoids reduce pathogenic strains and promote the growth of beneficial strains. In this context, the current paper will provide a literature review on the neurological roles that flavonoids play, as one of the most abundant phytochemical families, in PD.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Reduces Perfluorodecanoic Acid-Exacerbated Adiposity and Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in High-Fat Diet-Fed Male C57BL/6J Mice

Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), an enduring and harmful organic pollutant, is widely employed in diverse food-related sectors. Our previous studies have provided evidence that PFDA has the potential to facilitate obesity and hepatic fat accumulation induced by high-fat diet (HFD) intake. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol found in green tea, has been suggested to possess potential preventive effects against metabolic abnormalities and fatty liver. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of EGCG on PFDA-exacerbated adiposity and hepatic lipid accumulation in HFD-fed mice. The results showed that EGCG reduced body weight gain; tissue and organ weights; blood glucose, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, and lipid parameters; serum inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α); and hepatic lipid accumulation in PFDA-exposed mice fed an HFD. Further work showed that EGCG improved liver function and glucose homeostasis in mice fed an HFD and co-exposed to PFDA. The elevated hepatic mRNA levels of SREBP-1 and associated lipogenic genes, NLRP3, and caspase-1 in PFDA-exposed mice fed an HFD were significantly decreased by EGCG. Our work provides evidence for the potential anti-obesity effect of EGCG on co-exposure to HFD and PFDA and may call for further research on the bioactivity of EGCG to attenuate the endocrine disruption effects of long-term exposure to pollutants.

Evidence-Based Approach for Secondary Prevention of Uterine Fibroids (The ESCAPE Approach)

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are common tumors in women of reproductive age. It is imperative to comprehend UFs' associated risk factors to facilitate early detection and prevention. Simple relying on surgical/pharmacological treatment of advanced disease is not only highly expensive, but it also deprives patients of good quality of life (QOL). Unfortunately, even if the disease is discovered early, no medical intervention is traditionally initiated until the disease burden becomes high, and only then is surgical intervention performed. Furthermore, after myomectomy, the recurrence rate of UFs is extremely high with the need for additional surgeries and other interventions. This confused approach is invasive and extremely costly with an overall negative impact on women's health. Secondary prevention is the management of early disease to slow down its progression or even halt it completely. The current approach of watchful observation for early disease is considered a major missed opportunity in the literature. The aim of this article is to present an approach named the ESCAPE (Evidence-Based Approach for Secondary Prevention) of UF management. It comprises simple, inexpensive, and safe steps that can arrest the development of UFs, promote overall reproductive health, decrease the number of unnecessary surgeries, and save billions of health care systems' dollars worldwide.

Targeting abnormal lipid metabolism of T cells for systemic lupus erythematosus treatment

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. However, the causes of SLE remain unknown. Dyslipidemia is a common symptom observed in SLE patients and animal models and is closely correlated to disease activity. Lipid metabolic reprogramming has been considered as a hallmark of the dysfunction of T cells in patients with SLE, therefore, manipulating lipid metabolism provides a potential therapeutic target for treating SLE. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms for the metabolic events of immune cells under pathological conditions is crucial for tuning immunometabolism to manage autoimmune diseases such as SLE. In this review, we aim to summarize the cross-link between lipid metabolism and the function of T cells as well as the underlying mechanisms, and provide light on the novel therapeutic strategies of active compounds from herbals for the treatment of SLE by targeting lipid metabolism in immune cells.

Gut Microbiota Participates in Polystyrene Microplastics-Induced Hepatic Injuries by Modulating the Gut-Liver Axis

Dietary pollution by polystyrene microplastics (MPs) can cause hepatic injuries and microbial dysbiosis. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, exerts beneficial effects on the liver by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the role of microbiota in MPs-induced hepatic injuries and the protective effect of EGCG have not been clarified. Here, 5 μm MPs were orally administered to mice to induce hepatic injuries. Subsequently, antibiotic cocktail (ABX) and fecal microbial transplant (FMT) experiments were performed to investigate the underlying microbial mechanisms. Additionally, EGCG was orally administered to mice to explore its protection against MPs-induced hepatic injuries. Our results showed that MPs activated systemic and hepatic inflammation, promoted fibrosis, and altered the liver metabolome; meanwhile, MPs damaged the gut homeostasis by disturbing the gut microbiome, promoting colonic inflammation, and impairing the intestinal barrier. Notably, MPs reduced the abundance of the probiotics Akkermansia, Mucispirillum, and Faecalibaculum while increasing the pathogenic Tuzzerella. Interestingly, the elimination of gut microbiota mitigated MPs-induced colonic inflammation and intestinal barrier impairment. Moreover, ABX ameliorated MPs-induced systemic and hepatic inflammation but not fibrosis. Correspondingly, microbiota from MPs-administered mice induced colonic, systemic, and hepatic inflammation, while their profibrosis effect on the liver was not observed. Finally, EGCG elevated the abundance of probiotics and effectively repressed MPs-induced colonic inflammation. MPs-induced systemic and hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and remodeling of the liver metabolome were also attenuated by EGCG. These findings illustrated that gut microbiota contributed to MPs-induced colonic and hepatic injuries, while EGCG could serve as a potential prevention strategy for these adverse consequences.

Dietary antioxidants and lifespan: Relevance of environmental conditions, diet, and genotype of experimental models

The rise of life expectancy in current societies is not accompanied, to date, by a similar increase in healthspan, which represents a great socio-economic problem. It has been suggested that aging can be manipulated and then, the onset of all age-associated chronic disorders can be delayed because these pathologies share age as primary underlying risk factor. One of the most extended ideas is that aging is consequence of the accumulation of molecular damage. According to the oxidative damage theory, antioxidants should slow down aging, extending lifespan and healthspan. The present review analyzes studies evaluating the effect of dietary antioxidants on lifespan of different aging models and discusses the evidence on favor of their antioxidant activity as anti-aging mechanisms. Moreover, possible causes for differences between the reported results are evaluated.

Antiaging effects of dietary supplements and natural products

Aging is an inevitable process influenced by genetics, lifestyles, and environments. With the rapid social and economic development in recent decades, the proportion of the elderly has increased rapidly worldwide, and many aging-related diseases have shown an upward trend, including nervous system diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and cancer. The rising burden of aging-related diseases has become an urgent global health challenge and requires immediate attention and solutions. Natural products have been used for a long time to treat various human diseases. The primary cellular pathways that mediate the longevity-extending effects of natural products involve nutrient-sensing pathways. Among them, the sirtuin, AMP-activated protein kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, p53, and insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling pathways are most widely studied. Several studies have reviewed the effects of individual natural compounds on aging and aging-related diseases along with the underlying mechanisms. Natural products from food sources, such as polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides, are classified as antiaging compounds that promote health and prolong life via various mechanisms. In this article, we have reviewed several recently identified natural products with potential antiaging properties and have highlighted their cellular and molecular mechanisms. The discovery and use of dietary supplements and natural products that can prevent and treat multiple aging-related diseases in humans will be beneficial. Thus, this review provides theoretical background for existing dietary supplements and natural products as potential antiaging agents.

Epigallocatechin gallate alleviates mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate-induced male germ cell pyroptosis by inhibiting the ROS/mTOR/NLRP3 pathway

Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) exposure is known to induce severe testicular injury via reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, few effective treatments are available for the precise treatment of MEHP-induced germ cell damage. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one of the major polyphenols in green tea, has potential antioxidant activity and can alleviate many diseases induced by oxidative stress. This study explored whether EGCG protects germ cells from MEHP-induced oxidative stress damage. Cells were treated with 400 μM MEHP and 60 μM EGCG for 24 h. EGCG reduced MEHP-induced ROS overgeneration in the spermatogonial cell line GC-1 and spermatocyte cell line GC-2. Western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that the MEHP+EGCG group exhibited lower nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase (decycling) 1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression than the MEHP group. Moreover, activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was decreased. The expression of key factors of pyroptosis was downregulated, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression was reduced. Additionally, apoptosis was inhibited by EGCG. The findings indicate that EGCG protects against MEHP-induced germ cell pyroptosis by scavenging ROS, suppressing the mTOR pathway, and inhibiting pyroptosis. EGCG may thus be a potential treatment for MEHP-related spermatogenic dysfunction.

Dietary phytochemical index is favorably associated with oxidative stress status and cardiovascular risk factors in adults with obesity

Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plant-based foods. Consumption of phytochemical-rich foods has been associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases prevention in various populations. To quantify the phytochemical content of the diet, dietary phytochemical index (DPI) was established which is defined as the proportion of daily energy intake derived from foods rich in phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the DPI and oxidative stress markers and cardiovascular risk factors in obese adults. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 140 adults aged 20-60 years and body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m² were included. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect information on dietary intakes. The DPI was calculated based on the following formula: DPI = [daily energy obtained from foods rich in phytochemicals (kcal)/total daily energy intake (kcal) × 100]. There was an inverse association between DPI and serum concentrations of Malondialdehyde (MDA) (P = 0.004), triglyceride (TG) (P-trend = 0.003), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P = 0.017), and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (P = 0.024). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was positively associated with DPI score (P = 0.045). No significant relationship was found between the DPI score and fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and anthropometric parameters as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The current study found that there was a significant inverse association between DPI and oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertriglyceridemia as cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in obese population. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Anti-aging effects of polysaccharides from ginseng extract residues in Caenorhabditis elegans

Aging is a process of progressive deterioration of multiple physiological functions within an organism. This study investigated the anti-aging effects of polysaccharides extracted from ginsenoside residues (GRP) in Caenorhabditis elegans using physiological, microbiomic, and transcriptomic approaches. GRP treatment prolonged the mean lifespan of C. elegans by 58.60 % (19.64 days) and did not affect locomotive behaviors. It reduced levels of lipofuscin and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased superoxide dismutase activity, which prevented oxidative damage caused by aging. Microbiomic data indicated that GRP administration significantly altered the composition of gut flora and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Transcriptomic analyses identified 201 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GRP treatment may enhance fatty acid degradation and induce preferential synthesis of beneficial fatty acids. It may also activate the metabolism of certain amino acids. The transcriptomic data were reliably reproduced using seven vital DEGs, which were confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. These findings show that GRP has positive effects that prolong lifespan and alleviate aging in C. elegans. GRP should be explored as an effective dietary supplement for the development of functional foods. We propose a potentially novel mechanism that more fully describes the anti-aging mechanisms induced by GRP.

Epigallocatechin gallate alleviates high-fat diet-induced hepatic lipotoxicity by targeting mitochondrial ROS-mediated ferroptosis

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic advanced liver disease that is highly related to metabolic disorders and induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Recently, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been regarded as a protective bioactive polyphenol in green tea that has the ability to protect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but the molecular mechanism remains poorly deciphered. Ferroptosis plays a vital role in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but experimental evidence of ferroptosis inhibition by epigallocatechin gallate is limited. Hence, our study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanisms of epigallocatechin gallate on hepatic ferroptosis to mitigate hepatic injury in high-fat diet-fed mice. Methods: Fifty male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a standard chow diet (SCD), a high-fat diet, or a high-fat diet and administered epigallocatechin gallate or ferrostatin-1 (a ferroptosis-specific inhibitor) for 12 weeks. Liver injury, lipid accumulation, hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, iron overload, and ferroptosis marker proteins were examined. In vitro, steatotic L-02 cells were used to explore the underlying mechanism. Results: In our research, we found that epigallocatechin gallate notably alleviated liver injury and lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, hepatic steatosis, decreased iron overload and inhibited ferroptosis in a high-fat diet-induced murine model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In vitro experiments, using ferrostatin-1 and a mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (MtROS) scavenger (Mito-TEMPO), we found that epigallocatechin gallate remarkably alleviated oxidative stress and inhibited ferroptosis by reducing the level of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in steatotic L-02 cells. Conclusion: Taken together, our results revealed that epigallocatechin gallate may exert protective effects on hepatic lipotoxicity by inhibiting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species-mediated hepatic ferroptosis. Findings from our study provide new insight into prevention and treatment strategies for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathological processes.

EGCG promotes the sensory function recovery in rats after dorsal root crush injury by upregulating KAT6A and inhibiting pyroptosis

Dorsal root injury usually leads to irreversible sensory function loss and lacks effective treatments. (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is reported to exert neuroprotective roles in the nervous systems. However, the function of EGCG in treating dorsal root injury remains unclear. Hence, we built the dorsal root crush injury (DRCI) rat model to be treated with EGCG, followed by the western blot, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and sensory behavior tests. We observed that EGCG can upregulate the Lysine acetyltransferase 6A (KAT6A) level and inhibit the pyroptosis, indicated by downregulated gasdermin-D, caspase-1, and interleukin 18 protein levels, and alleviate the neuropathic pain, indicated by the decreased paw withdraw threshold in Plantar test and decreased paw withdraw latency in von Frey test, and downregulated calcitonin gene-related peptide, nerve growth factor, and c-Fos protein levels. But EGCG cannot alleviate the neuropathic pain when the KAT6A was inhibited by CTX-0124143 and pyroptosis was activated by Miltirone. These combined results indicated that EGCG can promote the sensory function recovery in rats after DRCI via upregulating KAT6A and inhibiting pyroptosis, laying the foundation for EGCG to be a novel candidate for the treatment of dorsal root injury.

Ageing, Metabolic Dysfunction, and the Therapeutic Role of Antioxidants

The gradual ageing of the world population has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity and metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes. The adipose tissue dysfunction associated with ageing and obesity shares many common physiological features, including increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity may help elucidate the processes that contribute to the metabolic disturbances that occur with ageing. This, in turn, may help identify therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity and age-related metabolic disorders. Because oxidative stress plays a critical role in these pathological processes, antioxidant dietary interventions could be of therapeutic value for the prevention and/or treatment of age-related diseases and obesity and their complications. In this chapter, we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which obesity predisposes individuals to accelerated ageing. Additionally, we critically review the potential of antioxidant dietary interventions to counteract obesity and ageing.

Mitochondrial Aging and Senolytic Natural Products with Protective Potential

Living organisms do not disregard the laws of thermodynamics and must therefore consume energy for their survival. In this way, cellular energy exchanges, which aim above all at the production of ATP, a fundamental molecule used by the cell for its metabolisms, favor the formation of waste products that, if not properly disposed of, can contribute to cellular aging and damage. Numerous genes have been linked to aging, with some favoring it (gerontogenes) and others blocking it (longevity pathways). Animal model studies have shown that calorie restriction (CR) may promote longevity pathways, but given the difficult application of CR in humans, research is investigating the use of CR-mimetic substances capable of producing the same effect. These include some phytonutrients such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, epigallo-catechin-gallate, fisetin, quercetin, and curcumin and minerals such as magnesium and selenium. Some of them also have senolytic effects, which promote the apoptosis of defective cells that accumulate over the years (senescent cells) and disrupt normal metabolism. In this article, we review the properties of these natural elements that can promote a longer and healthier life.

Targeting mTOR Signaling by Dietary Polyphenols in Obesity Prevention

Dietary polyphenols can be utilized to treat obesity and chronic disorders linked to it. Dietary polyphenols can inhibit pre-adipocyte proliferation, adipocyte differentiation, and triglyceride accumulation; meanwhile, polyphenols can also stimulate lipolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation, but the molecular mechanisms of anti-obesity are still unclear. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that regulates cell growth, survival, metabolism, and immunity. mTOR signaling is also thought to play a key role in the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity. Recent studies showed that dietary polyphenols could target mTOR to reduce obesity. In this review, we systematically summarized the research progress of polyphenols in preventing obesity through the mTOR signaling pathway. Mechanistically, polyphenols can target multiple signaling pathways and gut microbiota to regulate the mTOR signaling pathway to exert anti-obesity effects. The main mechanisms include: modulating lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, inflammation, etc. Dietary polyphenols exerting an anti-obesity effect by targeting mTOR signaling will broaden our understanding of the anti-obesity mechanisms of polyphenols and provide valuable insights for researchers in this novel field.

Bioactive compounds modulating Toll-like 4 receptor (TLR4)-mediated inflammation: pathways involved and future perspectives

Chronic inflammation is associated with the development and progression of several noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Evidence suggests that pattern recognition receptors that identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns and danger-associated molecular patterns are crucial in chronic inflammation. Among the pattern recognition receptors, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) stimulates several inflammatory pathway agonists, such as nuclear factor-κB, interferon regulator factor 3, and nod-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 pathways, which consequently trigger the expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, increasing the risk of noncommunicable disease development and progression. Studies have focused on the antagonistic potential of bioactive compounds, following the concept of food as a medicine, in which nutritional strategies may mitigate inflammation via TLR4 modulation. Thus, this review discusses preclinical evidence concerning bioactive compounds from fruit, vegetable, spice, and herb extracts (curcumin, resveratrol, catechin, cinnamaldehyde, emodin, ginsenosides, quercetin, allicin, and caffeine) that may regulate the TLR4 pathway and reduce the inflammatory response. Bioactive compounds can inhibit TLR4-mediated inflammation through gut microbiota modulation, improvement of intestinal permeability, inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-TLR4 binding, and decreasing TLR4 expression by modulation of microRNAs and antioxidant pathways. The responses directly mitigated inflammation, especially nuclear factor-κB activation and inflammatory cytokines release. These findings should be considered for further clinical studies on inflammation-mediated diseases.

Prevention and Treatment of Obesity-Related Inflammatory Diseases by Edible and Medicinal Plants and Their Active Compounds

Obesity, defined by excessive fat mass and its associated low-grade chronic inflammation, leads to insulin resistance, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunctions. The immunomodulatory properties of natural agents have gained much interest in recent decades. Some of the plant-derived agents are known to be immunomodulators that can affect both innate and adaptive immunity, e.g., thymoquinone, curcumin, punicalagin, resveratrol, quercetin, and genistein. Natural immunomodulators may contribute to the treatment of a number of inflammatory diseases, as they have significant efficacy and safety profiles. The immunomodulatory effects of traditional Greco-Arab and Islamic diets and medicinal plants are well acknowledged in abundant in vitro studies as well as in animal studies and clinical trials. This review highlights the role of Greco-Arab and Islamic diets and medicinal plants in the management of inflammation associated with obesity. Although previously published review articles address the effects of medicinal plants and phytochemicals on obesity-related inflammation, there is no systematic review that emphasizes clinical trials of the clinical significance of these plants and phytochemicals. Given this limitation, the objective of this comprehensive review is to critically evaluate the potential of the most used herbs in the management of obesity-related inflammation based on clinical trials.

The Antiaging Activities of Phytochemicals in Dark-Colored Plant Foods: Involvement of the Autophagy- and Apoptosis-Associated Pathways

In the last two decades, human life expectancy has increased by about 10 years, but this has not been accompanied by a corresponding increase in healthy lifespan. Aging is associated with a wide range of human disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Delaying the aging of organs or tissues and improving the physiological functions of the elderly can reduce the risk of aging-related diseases. Autophagy and apoptosis are crucial mechanisms for cell survival and tissue homeostasis, and may also be primary aging-regulatory pathways. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that eating more colorful plant foods could increase life expectancy. Several representative phytochemicals in dark-colored plant foods such as quercetin, catechin, curcumin, anthocyanins, and lycopene have apparent antiaging potential. Nevertheless, the antiaging signaling pathways of the phytochemicals from dark-colored plant foods remain elusive. In the present review, we summarized autophagy- and apoptosis-associated targeting pathways of those phytochemicals and discussed the core targets involved in the antiaging effects. Further clinical evaluation and exploitation of phytochemicals as antiaging agents are needed to develop novel antiaging therapeutics for preventing age-related diseases and improving a healthy lifespan.

Tea Polyphenols as Prospective Natural Attenuators of Brain Aging

No organism can avoid the process of aging, which is often accompanied by chronic disease. The process of biological aging is driven by a series of interrelated mechanisms through different signal pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammatory states, autophagy and others. In addition, the intestinal microbiota play a key role in regulating oxidative stress of microglia, maintaining homeostasis of microglia and alleviating age-related diseases. Tea polyphenols can effectively regulate the composition of the intestinal microbiota. In recent years, the potential anti-aging benefits of tea polyphenols have attracted increasing attention because they can inhibit neuroinflammation and prevent degenerative effects in the brain. The interaction between human neurological function and the gut microbiota suggests that intervention with tea polyphenols is a possible way to alleviate brain-aging. Studies have been undertaken into the possible mechanisms underpinning the preventative effect of tea polyphenols on brain-aging mediated by the intestinal microbiota. Tea polyphenols may be regarded as potential neuroprotective substances which can act with high efficiency and low toxicity.

Quinoa Reduces High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice via Potential Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Liver Interaction Mechanisms

The gut microbiota is important in the occurrence and development of obesity. It can not only via its metabolites, but also through microbiota-gut-brain-liver interactions, directly or indirectly, influence obesity. Quinoa, known as one kind of pseudocereals and weight loss food supplements, has been high-profile for its high nutritional value and broad applications. In this context, we produced high-fat diet-induced (HFD) obese mouse models and assessed the efficacy of quinoa with saponin and quinoa without saponin on obesity. We explored the potential therapeutic mechanisms of quinoa using methods such as 16S rRNA, Western blotting, Immunohistochemical (IHC). Our results indicated that quinoa can improve the obese symptoms significantly on HFD mice, as well as aberrant glucose and lipid metabolism. Further analyses suggest that quinoa can regulate microbiota in the colon and have predominantly regulation on Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Desulfovibrio, meanwhile can decrease the F/B ratio and the abundance of Blautia. Contemporaneously, quinoa can upregulate the expression of TGR5 in the colon and brain, as well as GLP-1 in the colon, liver and brain. while downregulate the expression of TLR4 in the colon and liver, as well as markers of ER stress and oxidative stress in livers and serums. Beyond this, tight junctional proteins in colons and brains are also increased in response to quinoa. Therefore, quinoa can effectively reduce obesity and may possibly exert through microbiota-gut-brain-liver interaction mechanisms. IMPORTANCE Gut microbiota has been investigated extensively, as a driver of obesity as well as a therapeutic target. Studies of its mechanisms are predominantly microbiota-gut-brain axis or microbiota-gut-liver axis. Recent studies have shown that there is an important correlation between the gut-brain-liver axis and the energy balance of the body. Our research focus on microbiota-gut-brain-liver axis, as well as influences of quinoa in intestinal microbiota. We extend this study to the interaction between microbiota and brains, and the result shows obvious differences in the composition of the microbiome between the HFD group and others. These observations infer that besides the neurotransmitter and related receptors, microbiota itself may be a mediator for regulating bidirectional communication, along the gut-brain-liver axis. Taken together, these results also provide strong evidence for widening the domain of applicability of quinoa.

Dietary Supplements and Natural Products: An Update on Their Clinical Effectiveness and Molecular Mechanisms of Action During Accelerated Biological Aging

Accelerated biological aging, which involves the gradual decline of organ or tissue functions and the distortion of physiological processes, underlies several human diseases. Away from the earlier free radical concept, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, proteostasis loss, mitochondrial dysfunction, stem cell exhaustion, and epigenetic and genomic alterations have emerged as biological hallmarks of aging. Moreover, nutrient-sensing metabolic pathways are critical to an organism’s ability to sense and respond to nutrient levels. Pharmaceutical, genetic, and nutritional interventions reverting physiological declines by targeting nutrient-sensing metabolic pathways can promote healthy aging and increase lifespan. On this basis, biological aging hallmarks and nutrient-sensing dependent and independent pathways represent evolving drug targets for many age-linked diseases. Here, we discuss and update the scientific community on contemporary advances in how dietary supplements and natural products beneficially revert accelerated biological aging processes to retrograde human aging and age-dependent human diseases, both from the clinical and preclinical studies point-of-view. Overall, our review suggests that dietary/natural products increase healthspan—rather than lifespan—effectively minimizing the period of frailty at the end of life. However, real-world setting clinical trials and basic studies on dietary supplements and natural products are further required to decisively demonstrate whether dietary/natural products could promote human lifespan.

Salubrious Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol green tea catechin with potential health benefits and therapeutic effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common liver disorder that adversely affects liver function and lipid metabolism. This systematic review surveyed the effects of EGCG or green tea extract (GTE) on NAFLD reported in studies involving rodent models or humans with a focus on clinicopathologic outcomes, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and inflammatory, oxidative stress, and liver injury markers. Articles involving clinical efficacy of EGCG/GTE on human subjects and rodent models were gathered by searching the PUBMED database and by referencing additional articles identified from other literature reviews. EGCG or GTE supplementation reduced body weight, adipose tissue deposits, and food intake. Mechanistically, the majority of these studies confirmed that EGCG or GTE supplementation plays a significant role in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism and expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis. Importantly, EGCG and GTE supplementation were shown to have beneficial effects on oxidative stress-related pathways that activate pro-inflammatory responses, leading to liver damage. In conclusion, green tea catechins are a potentially useful treatment option for NAFLD. More research is required to determine the ideal dosage, treatment duration, and most effective delivery method of EGCG or GTE, and to provide more definitive conclusions by performing large, randomized clinical trials.

Mechanistic Basis for the Role of Phytochemicals in Inflammation-Associated Chronic Diseases

Chronic inflammatory diseases occur in a large portion of the population and are associated with a poor diet. Key natural products found in fruits and vegetables may assist in lowering inflammation associated with chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review seeks to examine the roles of several natural products, resveratrol (RES), quercetin (QUE), curcumin (CUR), piperine (PIP), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and gingerol (GIN), in their ability to attenuate inflammatory markers in specific diseases states. Additionally, we will discuss findings in past and ongoing clinical trials, detail possible phytochemical–drug interactions, and provide a brief resource for researchers and healthcare professionals on natural product and supplement regulation as well as names of databases with information on efficacy, indications, and natural product–drug interactions. As diet and over-the-counter supplement use are modifiable factors and patients are interested in using complementary and alternative therapies, understanding the mechanisms by which natural products have demonstrated efficacy and the types of drugs they interact with and knowing where to find information on herbs and supplements is important for practicing healthcare providers and researchers interested in this field.

Recent techniques for the authentication of the geographical origin of tea leaves from camellia sinensis: A review

Tea is one of the most important beverages worldwide, is produced in several distinct geographical regions, and is traded on the global market. The ability to determine the geographical origin of tea products helps to ensure authenticity and traceability. This paper reviews the recent research on authentication of tea using a combination of instrumental and chemometric methods. To determine the production region of a tea sample, instrumental methods based on analyzing isotope and mineral element contents are suitable because they are less affected by tea variety and processing methods. Chemometric analysis has proven to be a valuable method to identify tea. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) are the most preferred methods for processing large amounts of data obtained through instrumental component analysis.

Ketogenic Diet as a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury in mice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a brain dysfunction without present treatment. Previous studies have shown that animals fed ketogenic diet (KD) perform better in learning tasks than those fed standard diet (SD) following brain injury. The goal of this study was to examine whether KD is a neuroprotective in TBI mouse model. We utilized a closed head injury model to induce TBI in mice, followed by up to 30 days of KD/SD. Elevated levels of ketone bodies were confirmed in the blood following KD. Cognitive and behavioral performance was assessed post injury and molecular and cellular changes were assessed within the temporal cortex and hippocampus. Y-maze and Novel Object Recognition tasks indicated that mTBI mice maintained on KD displayed better cognitive abilities than mTBI mice maintained on SD. Mice maintained on SD post-injury demonstrated SIRT1 reduction when compared with uninjured and KD groups. In addition, KD management attenuated mTBI-induced astrocyte reactivity in the dentate gyrus and decreased degeneration of neurons in the dentate gyrus and in the cortex. These results support accumulating evidence that KD may be an effective approach to increase the brain’s resistance to damage and suggest a potential new therapeutic strategy for treating TBI.

Potential Nutrients from Natural and Synthetic Sources Targeting Inflammaging-A Review of Literature, Clinical Data and Patents

Inflammaging, the steady development of the inflammatory state over age is an attributable characteristic of aging that potentiates the initiation of pathogenesis in many age-related disorders (ARDs) including neurodegenerative diseases, arthritis, cancer, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Inflammaging is characterized by subclinical chronic, low grade, steady inflammatory states and is considered a crucial underlying cause behind the high mortality and morbidity rate associated with ARDs. Although a coherent set of studies detailed the underlying pathomechanisms of inflammaging, the potential benefits from non-toxic nutrients from natural and synthetic sources in modulating or delaying inflammaging processes was not discussed. In this review, the available literature and recent updates of natural and synthetic nutrients that help in controlling inflammaging process was explored. Also, we discussed the clinical trial reports and patent claims on potential nutrients demonstrating therapeutic benefits in controlling inflammaging and inflammation-associated ARDs.

Prospective Selective Mechanism of Emerging Senolytic Agents Derived from Flavonoids

Senescent cells (SCs) are associated with the onset and development of multiple chronic diseases. Selective clearance of SCs by senolytic drugs is a potential therapeutic option for a number of age-related diseases. Among senolytic candidates, only dasatinib with quercetin and fisetin meet the rigorous criteria for senolytic drugs, according to a modified version of Koch's postulates. It is astonishing that two of the three agents, i.e., quercetin and fisetin, are flavonoids, although the mechanism by which they preferentially eliminate SCs is unclear. Herein, we propose a possible selective mechanism; prooxidant activities of quercetin or fisetin are inevitably involved in killing apoptosis-resistant SCs. Among the dietary flavonoids, quercetin is a potent redox-active flavonoid with strong prooxidant activities, and transition metals, such as copper and iron, hugely amplify its prooxidant activities. Fisetin, which has higher senolytic activities than quercetin, has higher prooxidant effects than quercetin in the absence or presence of copper. It appears that the prooxidant activity of flavonoids is an important consideration for screening senolytics. SCs accumulate high levels of copper and iron, and the selective mechanism of quercetin or fisetin is probably associated with copper/iron-promoted oxidative damage in SCs. Copper and iron dramatically enhanced the prooxidant effects of the flavonoid, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, having shown a depletion effect on SCs in rats and high therapeutic efficacy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, largely caused by SCs. Further investigation to evaluate whether epigallocatechin-3-gallate is a senolytic drug, according to Koch's postulates, is warranted.

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Promotes the Immune Function of Ileum in High Fat Diet Fed Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiome Profiling and Immunoglobulin Production

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on the composition of the gut microbiome, the transcriptomic profiling of ileum, and their interplay in high fat diet (HFD) induced obese mice. Intragastric administration of EGCG to C57BL/6J mice for 14 consecutive weeks remarkably decreased HFD induced excessive fat deposition (p < 0.001), and the increment of serum TG, TC, HDL-C (p < 0.05), as well as improved glucose tolerance (p < 0.001). EGCG shifted the gut microbiota mainly by elevating the relative abundance of Parasutterrlla, Bacteroides, and Akkermansia (p < 0.01), decreasing that of norank_f_Erysipelotrichaceae, unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, Anaerotruncus, Roseburia, norank_Lachnospiraceae, and Lachnospiraceae_UCG_006 (p < 0.01) at the genus level. In addition, EGCG affected the transcriptomic profiling of ileum, and the differentially expressed (DE) genes after HFD or/and EGCG treatment were mostly enriched in the immune reaction of ileum, such as the GO term of “immune effector process” and “phagocytosis, recognition.” Furthermore, the KEGG category of “immune diseases,” “immune system,” and “infection diseases: bacterial” were commonly enriched by the DE genes of the two treatments. Among those DE genes, 16 immunoglobulins heavy chain variable region encoded genes (Ighvs) and other immunity-related genes, such as complement component 2 (C2), interferon-induced transmembrane protein 1 (Iftm1), polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pigR), and alanyl aminopeptidase (Anpep), were highly correlated with the shifted microbes in the gut (p < 0.05, absolute r > 0.5). Overall, the results suggested that EGCG ameliorated the HFD induced metabolic disorder mainly by regulating gut microbiome profiling and the immunoglobulin production of ileum, while the genes expressed in the ileum, especially Ighvs, C2, Iftm1, pigR, and Anpep, might play important roles in coordinating the immunity of mice regarding the gut microbes and the host interactions.

The Potential Role of Polyphenols in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Gut Microbiota in Alzheimer's Disease

Gut microbiota (GM) play a role in the metabolic health, gut eubiosis, nutrition, and physiology of humans. They are also involved in the regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, immune responses, central and peripheral neurotransmission. Aging and unhealthy dietary patterns, along with oxidative and inflammatory responses due to gut dysbiosis, can lead to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although the exact mechanism between AD and GM dysbiosis is still unknown, recent studies claim that secretions from the gut can enhance hallmarks of AD by disturbing the intestinal permeability and blood-brain barrier via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Dietary polyphenols are the secondary metabolites of plants that possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and can ameliorate gut dysbiosis by enhancing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Thus, modulation of gut by polyphenols can prevent and treat AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and GM in AD. Further, it provides an overview on the ability of polyphenols to modulate gut dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation against AD.

Physiological Dose of EGCG Attenuates the Health Defects of High Dose by Regulating MEMO-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans

EGCG, as a dietary-derived antioxidant, has been extensively studied for its beneficial health effects. Nevertheless, it induces the transient increase in ROS and leads to the hormetic extension of lifespan. How exactly biology-benefiting effects with the minimum severe adverse are realized remains unclear. Here, we showed that physiological dose of EGCG could help moderate remission in health side effects exposed to high doses, including shortened lifespan, reduced body size, decreased pharyngeal pumping rate, and dysfunctional body movement in C. elegans. Furthermore, we found this result was caused by the physiological dose of EGCG to block the continued ROS accumulation and triggered acclimation responses after stressor removal. Also, in this process, we observed that EGCG downregulated the key redox protein MEMO-1 to activate the feedback loop of NADPH oxidase-mediated redox signaling. Our data indicates that the feedback signal induced by NADPH oxidase may contribute to the health-protective mechanism of dietary polyphenols in vivo.

Phytochemicals as Regulators of Genes Involved in Synucleinopathies

Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates in neurons, nerve fibers or glial cells. Three main types of diseases belong to the synucleinopathies: Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. All of them develop as a result of an interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in the development of synucleinopathies. Since there is no disease-modifying treatment for these disorders at this time, interest is growing in plant-derived chemicals as a potential treatment option. Phytochemicals are substances of plant origin that possess biological activity, which might have effects on human health. Phytochemicals with neuroprotective activity target different elements in pathogenic pathways due to their antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties, and ability to reduce cellular stress. Multiple recent studies demonstrate that the beneficial effects of phytochemicals may be explained by their ability to modulate the expression of genes implicated in synucleinopathies and other diseases. These substances may regulate transcription directly via transcription factors (TFs) or play the role of epigenetic regulators through their effect on histone modification, DNA methylation, and RNA-based mechanisms. Here, we summarize new data about the impact of phytochemicals on the pathogenesis of synucleinopathies through regulation of gene expression.

The Beneficial Effects of Principal Polyphenols from Green Tea, Coffee, Wine, and Curry on Obesity

Several epidemiological studies and clinical trials have reported the beneficial effects of green tea, coffee, wine, and curry on human health, with its anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective properties. These effects, which have been supported using cell-based and animal studies, are mainly attributed to epigallocatechin gallate found in green tea, chlorogenic acid in coffee, resveratrol in wine, and curcumin in curry. Polyphenols are proposed to function via various mechanisms, the most important of which is related to reactive oxygen species (ROS). These polyphenols exert conflicting dual actions as anti- and pro-oxidants. Their anti-oxidative actions help scavenge ROS and downregulate nuclear factor-κB to produce favorable anti-inflammatory effects. Meanwhile, pro-oxidant actions appear to promote ROS generation leading to the activation of 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase, which modulates different enzymes and factors with health beneficial roles. Currently, it remains unclear how these polyphenols exert either pro- or anti-oxidant effects. Similarly, several human studies showed no beneficial effects of these foods, and, by extension polyphenols, on obesity. These inconsistencies may be attributed to different confounding study factors. Thus, this review provides a state-of-the-art update on these foods and their principal polyphenol components, with an assumption that it prevents obesity.

The phytochemical epigallocatechin gallate prolongs the lifespan by improving lipid metabolism, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-fed obese rats

We have recently reported that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) could extend lifespan in healthy rats. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of a high dose of EGCG in extending the lifespan of obese rats. Ninety adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control (NC), high-fat (HF) and EGCG groups. Serum glucose and lipids, inflammation and oxidative stress were dynamically determined from adulthood to death, and the transcriptome and proteome of the liver were also examined. The median lifespans of the NC, HF and EGCG groups were 693, 599 and 683 days, respectively, and EGCG delayed death by 84 days in obese rats. EGCG improved serum glucose and lipids and reduced inflammation and oxidative stress associated with aging in obese rats induced by a high-fat diet. EGCG also significantly decreased the levels of total free fatty acids (FFAs), SFAs and the n-6/n-3 ratio but significantly increased the n-3 FFAs related to longevity. The joint study of the transcriptome and proteome in liver found that EGCG exerted its effects mainly by regulating the suppression of hydrogen peroxide and oxygen species metabolism, suppression of oxidative stress, activation of fatty acid transport and oxidation and cholesterol metabolism. EGCG significantly increased the protein expression of FOXO1, Sirt1, CAT, FABP1, GSTA2, ACSL1 and CPT2 but significantly decreased NF-κB, ACC1 and FAS protein levels in the livers of rats. All the results indicate that EGCG extends lifespan by improving FFA metabolism and reducing the levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress in obese rats.